Collaborating: A few words from Adam Syron

Scott Palmer, our Artistic Director, has a standard process for directing shows. The first few weeks are spent in “blocking” the movement of each scene. “I try to make sure that we are using the stage in visual interesting ways; creating stage pictures that are varied and engaging and making use of the different shapes and sizes of the acting troupe to create funny, interesting or surprising images.

I tend to think of these first few weeks of rehearsal as a predominately visual process, thinking about the show from an almost filmic perspective. How can we make great stage pictures, how can I create tension or interest via movement and placement of the actors. Once that general framework is accomplished, I turn it over to the actors to fill in the missing pieces with characterization, motivation and comedy timing.”

Adam Syron is returning to the Venetian stage in his second B&B show as the hilarious Doctor Caius, a French physician who is wooing Miss Anne Page. Adam is a great example of the kind of collaborative, creative actor that B&B works with; Adam studied at Western Washington University and graduated with his BA in Acting in 2011. An actor since the age of 16, Adam also has a background in stand-up and sketch comedy; skills that are hugely helpful to him in the process of preparing Doctor Caius for Bag&Baggage.


Here are a few words from Adam on his experience of rehearsing for the first few weeks on the show:

Adam Syron as Curley in “Of Mice and Men”

“Two weeks down in rehearsal for The Merry Wives of Windsor; or The Amorous Adventures of the Comical Knight Sir John Falstaff, and so far we’ve loved every minute of it.

It’s funny because when I made my debut with the company in the summer production of “Of Mice and Men,” I was very nervous in rehearsals (it was my first show with the company after all, and only my second production since leaving college).  Well I’m back!  And I couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve been doing so far.

I play the fabulous French physician Dr. Caius, whose lusty, Pepe LePew-like love for the mistress Anne Page couples with an absurd French accent to create a character that a kooky Monty Python nerd like me just can’t wait to perform.  Nor, indeed, can I wait to rehearse, because so far it’s been a joy working with so many hilarious people.  The hilarious accent, which provides lots of opportunity for funny mispronunciations and misunderstandings, has been fun but challenging.

I’d have to say that playing with the 1950’s sitcom style has been my favorite part of rehearsals so far.  When I was a kid, my mom loved the “I Love Lucy Show;” so while all my friends were watching “Ren and Stimpy,” I was watching Lucy and Ethel hoodwink Ricky and Fred. I like to say that those were my formative comedic years.

We’re having a blast working on this show; I hope you will all come to see it.

See you at the Venetian!”