Chapter 8 – stage & School Producing the Play Chapter 8 – stage & School

NC - Essential standards Communication Aesthetics culture b.c.2.1 - Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization in a variety of theatre exercises. B.AE.1.1 - Understand the major technical elements, such as sound, lights, set, and costumes, and their interrelationships. b.cu.2.2 - Illustrate appropriate theatre etiquette as a member of an audience, as a performer, and as a technician.

Vocabulary Resume A short account of a person’s career and qualifications prepared by the applicant for a position. Actor’s should include an 8”x10” headshot photo. Rhythm The overall blending of all elements of the production with particular stress on tempo, action, and dialogue. Bridging When memorizing troublesome lines some actors add words either before or after the difficult one. Warn cue A warning cue or standby allows crew members to get ready for the upcoming set, light, or sound change. Critiques Positive or negative evaluation promptbook the "book" kept by the stage manager throughout rehearsals that serves to give cues during the run of a production curtain calls the time when the actors take their bows at the end of a play

The Artistic Staff Producer – In professional theater the producer finds investors willing to provide money to fund the show. The producer hires the director and the production staff, establishes a budget, and pays the bills. Director – the person in charge of the artistic aspects of a production. The director inspires the actors to have confidence in their abilities and to use intelligence in building their characters. Assistant Director (A.D.)– the person who helps the director. The a.d. - takes attendance The A.d. - sets up the rehearsal room The A.d. - Leads rehearsals when the director is unable. The a.d. – reads lines for absent actors The a.d. - writes down blocking or an actor’s movement The A.D. - gathers information for the program

Artistic Staff continued …… Prompter – the person who feeds the actors lines, if necessary. During the rehearsal period the prompter writes down the director notes. Takes down any lighting or sound cues in the promptbook. Scenic designer – The set, costumes, makeup, and lighting fall under the responsibilities of the scenic designer (although the scenic designer may delegate others to design costumes, makeup, and lighting. The Scenic design is ultimately responsible for the outcome.) The person who draws and creates the set. The design works best when it gives the play visual dimensions that are in harmony with what the director wants. Technical Director – The T.D. executes the designs of the scenic designer. With the help of the crew the T.D. builds the sets, paints backdrops, creates costumes, and hangs lights.

Behind-the-scenes staff Stage Manager – the person who hold the book during rehearsals and is in charge during the run of a production Grips – (running crew) a person who moves equipment or a piece of the set Properties Chief – Person in charge of finding or making all furniture & props for the show. The designs must fit the scenic designers vision. They also stores the props during rehearsal, prepare the prop tables, and pass out hand props to the actors before their entrances. Properties Assistants – Assistants to the properties chief or prop Master. They help find and prepare props for the production.

Behind-the-scenes staff continued…. Business Manager – the person in charge of the box office for a play. The Responsibilities of the Business Manager include: Handling the funds and paying bills Handling the printing of the programs and tickets Issuing tickets to sales people Monitoring sales of tickets Supervise the ticket booth Supervising Ads sales Publicity Manager – the person in charge of advertising the production

Behind-the-scenes staff continued…. House Manager - the person in charge of the ushers and the auditorium.

Pre-rehearsal Activities Step One – Selecting the play Things to consider when choosing a play Does it fulfill its designated purpose? Does it appeal to a particular audience? Has your audience recently seen it? Does it provide variety in your annual productions? Is it adaptable to your annual abilities? Is it adaptable to the size and equipment of your stage? Does it fit your budget? Step Two – Establishing a budget The expected size of the audience, set & props needs should be considered when preparing a budget.

Pre-rehearsal Activities continued…. Step Three - create a Master Production Schedule. Items found on the MP checklist Establish Budget Costume Measurements taken Polishing rehearsals Play Selected Costumes rented, purchased, or made Major Press Releases Written Staff Selected & organized Light Hang Production Meeting with Staff Light plot prepared Technical Rehearsals held Play Royalties & Righted Obtained Blocking rehearsals begins Final set touches completed Play Research Begins Tickets Ordered Costume Parade held Scripts Ordered Start building set Dress rehearsals held Promptbook Prepared Program prepared & printed Performances Given Designs created for set, lighting, costumes Working rehearsals begin First & second costume fitting Auditions Held Props secured Cast Selected Tickets go on sell Technical Crew Hired Set completed Publicity Committee Selected Technical paperwork finished Once the master production checklist has been created it should be followed exactly.

Casting the play Audition – a tryout for a production Callbacks – after the first auditions, the director makes a list of actors considered for the available parts. Those actors come back for a second more in- depth audition.

Preparing for the Audition If possible, be familiar with the play you are auditioning for. Be familiar with the characters you could play. Select a monologue that suite that character or play for which you are auditioning Prepare 10 to 12 short monologues rather than a long one. Be certain that each selected piece shows your full acting abilities Keep you audition within a 5 minute period, don’t try to extend the audition If you have a vocal or singing audition use the pianist provided or bring your own. Do not try the play the piano and sing. Sing music appropriate for the play you are auditioning for

Example of a Resume & Headshot

During the Audition Play to the director Neither avert your eyes nor stare at the people evaluating you Always show confidence during the audition (even if you are nervous) Pause for a moment when finished with your audition piece Smile, even if you are cut off or interrupted Don’t appear hurt or flustered Always show your positive side.

Rehearsals Rehearsal Schedule – A schedule or calendar should be made that outlines all rehearsals during the rehearsal period. This will help actors understand how much time should be dedicated to the show. Reading Rehearsal – the first rehearsal where the actors meet and read through the entire play Blocking Rehearsal – a rehearsal used to set the movement for a play Working Rehearsal –a rehearsal where actors and the director work in detail certain parts of the play Polishing Rehearsals – a rehearsal where the actors run through large parts of the play without stopping, taking notes from the director at the end Technical Rehearsal – a rehearsal to run through the various technical aspects of the play, like getting the sound and light cues down Dress Rehearsals - a rehearsal where the actors go through the play as if it were the actual performance

Example of a Rehearsal Schedule

Bringing it Together The Director: Moves through the auditorium to check sight line & acoustics. Takes notes for the cast to review after rehearsal. The Stage manager: Makes a stage plot for each scene. Numbers all furniture & assigns grips to place, move, or store set pieces backstage Tech Crew: Rehearse all changes for quickest times possible. Always handles assigned jobs ever time. Lighting: Rehearse all changes. Use lighting instruments with the quickest timing Make sure no circuits are overloaded Props: Arrange pictures, props, & furniture to present a “lived In” look. Curtains should fit in with décor and drape well

Questions to answer copy questions and turn in Who are the key members of a production staff and what are their responsibilities? What are the different types of rehearsal? Explain each. What information should be included in a budget? Why is the promptbook the “backbone of the production”? Why is it important to rehearse a curtain call? What is the purpose of a master production schedule? What are the different types of auditions? Explain each. What information should be included in a resume?