Nauvoo Pageant (rehearsals), day 1

Today began our Nauvoo pageant participation, though logistics and meetings consumed most of it. After registering early in the morning, we attended a get-to-know-you social event, where we didn't really get to know anyone. (I find that these things don't really work; it's doing whatever it is you're supposed to do together that really acquaints you.) We were introduced to some of the logistics of the pageant pre-show, had lunch, and then listened to some devotional material presented by the mission president and our artistic director. We then met our district leaders. Each district is headed by a main character in the pageant; ours is led by the people portraying Heber C. Kimball and Vilate Kimball (weird name, I know). They are very nice people, genuinely caring and excited to be there. We actually got somewhat acquainted with them and the other few people in our district (our family composed the bulk of it) and then had dinner and FHE. We came back for our very first actual rehearsal at 7. What followed was two hours of blocking and choreography. Thankfully, it was already mostly determined and things went very smoothly. At the beginning of the pageant, I get to run in from upstage, jump over a trunk, grab a girl standing atop said trunk and lift her down, then run to go watch an arm-wrestling competition, all in about 20 seconds. We went further, learning the entire opening dance, and then we learned a line dance for some other part of the show. At the end, I was informed that I was to be a "ruffian" when called upon, who would prey upon the Prophet Joseph. This was just after a bunch of others were informed that they were to portray apostles. And now I'm home.