Knowing I was going to have to take a script writing class, I didn't really know what to expect. I'd never written a script before. In fact, I'd never really had a desire to write a script before. I knew I liked watching television and movies, but I never thought I would be able to write the amount of dialog the use in those productions.
After having taken this class, I can safely say that I have no desire to become a script writer. That being said, I did, however, really enjoy writing the different scripts for this class. I was amazed at how easily ideas came to me once I sat myself down to work. I guess watching all that TV really paid off!
One thing that became increasingly clear throughout this class, was the difficulty in coming up with a fresh idea. We've all heard it said that every story has already been told, but I didn't realize how true that was until I started trying to figure out a unique topic to write about. I, therefore, have great respect for the men and women who write scripts for television and film. Now, not everyone in Hollywood is a great writer, but I've seen a lot of movies about, pretty much, the same topic, and I've enjoyed watching the majority of them. I guess that means the writers did a good job of retelling a story in an innovative way.
I am glad I took this class and can now put yet another writing style under my belt. While script writing may not be the passion of my life, this class has offered me a great respect for those who choose to dedicate their lives to telling stories. They are the ones who keep me entertained, and I am very grateful to them.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
I Have a Dream
Can I tell you about my dream?
Not my dream as in "last night I had the craziest dream about unicorns, pizza, and Ben Franklin," but my dream of what I want to do with my life if there were no limitations.
Would that be okay?
Well, let me start off by saying that if anything were possible and the word no or can't weren't in the dictionary, I'd be a star on Broadway (like you didn't already know that). That is my one, crazy dream. Now, this dream will probably never see the light of day, since I can't really sing and don't ever see myself even coming close to auditioning. But, that doesn't mean I can't, every now and then, close my eyes and imagine what it would be like to perform my heart out for a packed house on a daily basis.
But I digress. My somewhat realistic dream is quite a bit different. It involves my two greatest loves in life: theater and children. Now, I was never involved with a community theater group growing up or even school plays for that matter. In fact, the only acting I ever did prior to coming to UGA was the Christmas musicals at my home church. But even on that amateur stage, in front of maybe 150 people, I knew I had discovered something important, something that could be life changing.
You see, acting isn't just about entertaining. Acting is about confidence. It's about knowing who you are and who you are nott and being able to become, for a brief moment, that which you are not. Acting strips you of your mask and makes you vulnerable; yet, at the same time it offers so much freedom. It's not you who is acting like a freak, a looser, a tyrant, or a lover, but the character you are playing. In short, so many life lessons can be learned while performing on stage.
Okay, now stay with me.
What I really want to do with my life is provide those life lessons to children who need to experience them the most. My dream is to open up an organization for inner-city kids. But this isn't your average Boys and Girls Club. Sure, it'll be a safe place for kids to come to after school to work on homework and play with friends. But it won't be just a tutoring facility, because the bulk of the organization will be a theater company. After the homework is done, the children will practice whatever their latest production is. They'll go over lines, work on dance numbers, practice their solos, monologues, and stage combat. Then, at different times throughout the year, we'll put our shows on for the community and allow the kids an opportunity to showcase their talents for friends and family.
So, what will I be teaching these kids through this process? First, that they can do anything they want if they put their mind to it and stick with it. They'll have to follow the process from choosing the play, to practicing it, to performing it and getting feedback from their community. They'll experience the satisfaction of a job well done. Confidence will be built as the children grow in who they are and discover that success comes from hard work and determination. These kids will become great public speakers. They'll learn how to engage an audience with their projection, tone, and facial features. They'll become comfortable with who they are and develop an ability to work with all types of people. Imagination and creativity will be fostered in this organization; as they grow up they'll be allowed more responsibility within the planning and directing of the shows. They'll develop a passion and a love for something, be it acting, singing, dancing, directing, painting, drawing, producing, marketing, lighting, sound, you name it. And perhaps one of the most important lessons they'll learn is how great it feels to give back. As they grow within the program they'll begin to help the younger kids figure out the process. They'll be there to help with homework, memorizing lines, painting sets, etc. Relationships will develop and a community will be cultivated. Life lessons will be shared and bonds will form.
Imagine, for just a moment, a child who begins to program at the age of nine. Perhaps he does a few small shows the first couple of years but soon decides that he's more comfortable backstage. As the years pass by he begins to take on more responsibility and learns how to manage the backstage area, work the sound and light board, and even market a show. He finds a mentor in an older cast member and meets with him once a week to talk about life. He's been so greatly effected by his mentor that he begins to mentor a younger kid who, much like him, takes solace behind the curtain. As he comes to the end of his high school days, he's been a part of numerous productions and decides to try his hand at directing. He may not be the best actor, but he knows a good show when he sees one. By the time he enters college, he's had the opportunity to develop skills in lighting, sound, and management (with both time and people). He knows how to meet deadlines and work as a team. By directing and producing a show as well as mentoring his younger friend he's developed his leadership and communication skills. I could go on and on and on, but you get the picture.
Sure, this is an optimistic view, but it's my dream so why not make it so? I believe that if kids have someone who believes in them, they'll go a long way in life. It's my dream that this place, or something like it, will offer kids a family to love and support them and will show them how to believe in themselves.
So there you go. Thanks for letting me share my dream with you.
Not my dream as in "last night I had the craziest dream about unicorns, pizza, and Ben Franklin," but my dream of what I want to do with my life if there were no limitations.
Would that be okay?
Well, let me start off by saying that if anything were possible and the word no or can't weren't in the dictionary, I'd be a star on Broadway (like you didn't already know that). That is my one, crazy dream. Now, this dream will probably never see the light of day, since I can't really sing and don't ever see myself even coming close to auditioning. But, that doesn't mean I can't, every now and then, close my eyes and imagine what it would be like to perform my heart out for a packed house on a daily basis.
But I digress. My somewhat realistic dream is quite a bit different. It involves my two greatest loves in life: theater and children. Now, I was never involved with a community theater group growing up or even school plays for that matter. In fact, the only acting I ever did prior to coming to UGA was the Christmas musicals at my home church. But even on that amateur stage, in front of maybe 150 people, I knew I had discovered something important, something that could be life changing.
You see, acting isn't just about entertaining. Acting is about confidence. It's about knowing who you are and who you are nott and being able to become, for a brief moment, that which you are not. Acting strips you of your mask and makes you vulnerable; yet, at the same time it offers so much freedom. It's not you who is acting like a freak, a looser, a tyrant, or a lover, but the character you are playing. In short, so many life lessons can be learned while performing on stage.
Okay, now stay with me.
What I really want to do with my life is provide those life lessons to children who need to experience them the most. My dream is to open up an organization for inner-city kids. But this isn't your average Boys and Girls Club. Sure, it'll be a safe place for kids to come to after school to work on homework and play with friends. But it won't be just a tutoring facility, because the bulk of the organization will be a theater company. After the homework is done, the children will practice whatever their latest production is. They'll go over lines, work on dance numbers, practice their solos, monologues, and stage combat. Then, at different times throughout the year, we'll put our shows on for the community and allow the kids an opportunity to showcase their talents for friends and family.
So, what will I be teaching these kids through this process? First, that they can do anything they want if they put their mind to it and stick with it. They'll have to follow the process from choosing the play, to practicing it, to performing it and getting feedback from their community. They'll experience the satisfaction of a job well done. Confidence will be built as the children grow in who they are and discover that success comes from hard work and determination. These kids will become great public speakers. They'll learn how to engage an audience with their projection, tone, and facial features. They'll become comfortable with who they are and develop an ability to work with all types of people. Imagination and creativity will be fostered in this organization; as they grow up they'll be allowed more responsibility within the planning and directing of the shows. They'll develop a passion and a love for something, be it acting, singing, dancing, directing, painting, drawing, producing, marketing, lighting, sound, you name it. And perhaps one of the most important lessons they'll learn is how great it feels to give back. As they grow within the program they'll begin to help the younger kids figure out the process. They'll be there to help with homework, memorizing lines, painting sets, etc. Relationships will develop and a community will be cultivated. Life lessons will be shared and bonds will form.
Imagine, for just a moment, a child who begins to program at the age of nine. Perhaps he does a few small shows the first couple of years but soon decides that he's more comfortable backstage. As the years pass by he begins to take on more responsibility and learns how to manage the backstage area, work the sound and light board, and even market a show. He finds a mentor in an older cast member and meets with him once a week to talk about life. He's been so greatly effected by his mentor that he begins to mentor a younger kid who, much like him, takes solace behind the curtain. As he comes to the end of his high school days, he's been a part of numerous productions and decides to try his hand at directing. He may not be the best actor, but he knows a good show when he sees one. By the time he enters college, he's had the opportunity to develop skills in lighting, sound, and management (with both time and people). He knows how to meet deadlines and work as a team. By directing and producing a show as well as mentoring his younger friend he's developed his leadership and communication skills. I could go on and on and on, but you get the picture.
Sure, this is an optimistic view, but it's my dream so why not make it so? I believe that if kids have someone who believes in them, they'll go a long way in life. It's my dream that this place, or something like it, will offer kids a family to love and support them and will show them how to believe in themselves.
So there you go. Thanks for letting me share my dream with you.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sweet Smell of Success
The practices are over, the chairs empty. The lights are off, and the curtain is closed. Scripts have been returned, costumes cleaned, and sets taken down. In short, Dinner Theater 2010 has officially ended.
So, how'd we do?
Well, let's just say God showed up in a big way for us this year. After having been told in July that we would only have one weekend to raise as much money as previous shows had in two, the musical director and I decided to choose one of the most expensive shows to perform. We then decided to double the cast number from last year and rent our costumes instead of using what little we had in storage. Basically, we spent a lot of money. In order to make up for all our spending, we pretty much needed to sell out every show.
Then, about two weeks before opening night we get the good news. There's a waiting list. That's right, all of the pre-sold shows filled up; so much so that we had to create a waiting list in case parties didn't show up. Out of our six scheduled performances, four had already sold out. There was a small celebratory dance held that Saturday practice. Four down, two to go, and these were going to be our hardest shows to sell out: the student shows. Now, we all know that college students can be fickle when it comes to evening plans. We had one show on Thursday and one on the following Wednesday, and I prayed so hard that they would sell out as well.
Well, to make a long story short we sold more seats than we originally had and had to bring in extra seating. It was magical! The cast did such a wonderful job, and it truly was an experience of a lifetime. Sadly, it is now over, and I have to go back to life before song and dance daily filled my head. There's no more planning for me to do, rehearsals to schedule, or props to make. I have so much free time now that I find myself sitting in front of the computer searching Hulu for something to watch.
Do I miss Dinner Theater? Yes, of course I do. Do I wish we had continued the show? No. It was the perfect time to end it, and although I'm sad it's gone, I can take pride in knowing that it was one darn good show!
So, how'd we do?
Well, let's just say God showed up in a big way for us this year. After having been told in July that we would only have one weekend to raise as much money as previous shows had in two, the musical director and I decided to choose one of the most expensive shows to perform. We then decided to double the cast number from last year and rent our costumes instead of using what little we had in storage. Basically, we spent a lot of money. In order to make up for all our spending, we pretty much needed to sell out every show.
Then, about two weeks before opening night we get the good news. There's a waiting list. That's right, all of the pre-sold shows filled up; so much so that we had to create a waiting list in case parties didn't show up. Out of our six scheduled performances, four had already sold out. There was a small celebratory dance held that Saturday practice. Four down, two to go, and these were going to be our hardest shows to sell out: the student shows. Now, we all know that college students can be fickle when it comes to evening plans. We had one show on Thursday and one on the following Wednesday, and I prayed so hard that they would sell out as well.
Well, to make a long story short we sold more seats than we originally had and had to bring in extra seating. It was magical! The cast did such a wonderful job, and it truly was an experience of a lifetime. Sadly, it is now over, and I have to go back to life before song and dance daily filled my head. There's no more planning for me to do, rehearsals to schedule, or props to make. I have so much free time now that I find myself sitting in front of the computer searching Hulu for something to watch.
Do I miss Dinner Theater? Yes, of course I do. Do I wish we had continued the show? No. It was the perfect time to end it, and although I'm sad it's gone, I can take pride in knowing that it was one darn good show!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Loveless Thoughts
When we began to watch the film, I thought it was a documentary (since that's what we are talking about in class). However, I soon figured out that was not the case. At first, I was not at all into it. I didn't understand the point of the film (in fact, I still don't; but that might have something to do with the fact that we didn't finish watching it). But, what I did really like about the film was that the dialog was so real. I really felt as if the characters on screen were having those conversations. Nothing sounded forced or cliche; based solely on the dialog, I would have continued to think it was a documentary. I have a lot of respect for actors who can turn words on a piece of paper into something that sounds like their own thoughts (it takes a lot of talent).
As the story progressed, I found myself getting more and more involved with the story (even though I didn't really understand what was going on). I know the main character used to date the woman who I really think played the sister in Dirty Dancing and is friends with the rich, creepy man. The protagonist wants to produce a movie he's written; however I'm not too sure he's actually written any script. It seems as though he uses that line to get attractive, young ladies to sleep with him.
Then you have the girl who's whole family worships their father as if he's some kind of God. Now, I know she's very attractive, but I don't understand why the protagonist continues to see the girl even after he thinks she's crazy. Unless the only reason is to sleep with her which, if that is the case, causes me to dislike the character even more. However, despite my best effort, I can not fully write him off. While I find this to be a bit annoying, it is a sign of good acting; to be able to pull out two totally different emotions from the audience is a talent few posses.
All in all, I can not make up my mind about Loveless until I finish watching it. Perhaps, as the credit roll I'll be able to fully understand my feelings about the film.
As the story progressed, I found myself getting more and more involved with the story (even though I didn't really understand what was going on). I know the main character used to date the woman who I really think played the sister in Dirty Dancing and is friends with the rich, creepy man. The protagonist wants to produce a movie he's written; however I'm not too sure he's actually written any script. It seems as though he uses that line to get attractive, young ladies to sleep with him.
Then you have the girl who's whole family worships their father as if he's some kind of God. Now, I know she's very attractive, but I don't understand why the protagonist continues to see the girl even after he thinks she's crazy. Unless the only reason is to sleep with her which, if that is the case, causes me to dislike the character even more. However, despite my best effort, I can not fully write him off. While I find this to be a bit annoying, it is a sign of good acting; to be able to pull out two totally different emotions from the audience is a talent few posses.
All in all, I can not make up my mind about Loveless until I finish watching it. Perhaps, as the credit roll I'll be able to fully understand my feelings about the film.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Oh How I Love to Mesh!
It's getting down to the wire! Five more practices and counting. I can't believe the time is almost upon us. The cast has worked extremely hard all semester and it's starting to show off. This past weekend, we did two full run throughs in costume and I was blown away. While we are no where near perfect, their are some really spectacular points in the show.
One of my favorite scenes occurs in Act II. The villagers, with the egotistical Gaston in the lead, have just heard that Belle is residing in the Beast's enchanted castle. Gaston, bent on marrying Belle at any cost, stirs the crowd of villagers into an angry mob and they begin their march to the castle.
Now, having been in band for four years of high school, when I discovered that I would be choreographing this number and had a total of twenty-six people I would have to move around on stage, I went straight to marching formations. For this song, we close off half the stage so the castle ensemble can get set up. I've got about a tiny stage and a large cast, and I had to make it look as though there were hundreds of villagers marching towards the castle. The formation I chose: meshing.
Meshing is where you have lines of people marching in opposite directions (thus passing each other). To give you an example, lets say we have 4 lines of people (line a, b, c, d).
One of my favorite scenes occurs in Act II. The villagers, with the egotistical Gaston in the lead, have just heard that Belle is residing in the Beast's enchanted castle. Gaston, bent on marrying Belle at any cost, stirs the crowd of villagers into an angry mob and they begin their march to the castle.
Now, having been in band for four years of high school, when I discovered that I would be choreographing this number and had a total of twenty-six people I would have to move around on stage, I went straight to marching formations. For this song, we close off half the stage so the castle ensemble can get set up. I've got about a tiny stage and a large cast, and I had to make it look as though there were hundreds of villagers marching towards the castle. The formation I chose: meshing.
Meshing is where you have lines of people marching in opposite directions (thus passing each other). To give you an example, lets say we have 4 lines of people (line a, b, c, d).
a: l l l l l
b: l l l l l
c: l l l l l
d: l l l l l
Lines a and c would march towards the right as lines b and d march towards the left.
a: l l l l l -->
b: <--l l l l l
c: l l l l l -->
d: <--l l l l l
What you get is a quick pass through which appears to double your numbers on stage. It's quite amazing to watch from the audience.
So, I've got my cast, already in character (thanks to their work with characterization) marching across the stage, singing a strong song, and looking as if there's twice as many of them on stage. But I'm not through yet. I like for the audience to feel as if they are a part of the show; so, I take a couple of the cast members off stage and have them do a mesh of their own out in the audience. My hope is that it will make the scene really come alive for the audience members.
Needless to say, it's a pretty spectacular number and the cast has a lot of fun with it. Every time they perform that song I get chill bumps on my arms and a huge smile on my face. That's when I know we've got something good...and trust me, we do!
b: l l l l l
c: l l l l l
d: l l l l l
Lines a and c would march towards the right as lines b and d march towards the left.
a: l l l l l -->
b: <--l l l l l
c: l l l l l -->
d: <--l l l l l
What you get is a quick pass through which appears to double your numbers on stage. It's quite amazing to watch from the audience.
So, I've got my cast, already in character (thanks to their work with characterization) marching across the stage, singing a strong song, and looking as if there's twice as many of them on stage. But I'm not through yet. I like for the audience to feel as if they are a part of the show; so, I take a couple of the cast members off stage and have them do a mesh of their own out in the audience. My hope is that it will make the scene really come alive for the audience members.
Needless to say, it's a pretty spectacular number and the cast has a lot of fun with it. Every time they perform that song I get chill bumps on my arms and a huge smile on my face. That's when I know we've got something good...and trust me, we do!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
What is Dinner Theater?
So, I realized that I haven't really told you what Dinner Theater is, so that's what this post will be dedicated to.
Dinner Theater is a summer missions fundraiser that the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries) does each year. It is a student run program which begins with auditions in mid-November and goes until the performances (usually around the last of February to the first of March). The student director(s) choose the musical and anyone and everyone is invited to come audition for the parts.
Anyways, each weekend we rehearse for 13 hours (9 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday), working on music, blocking, props, sets, and everything in between. Our goal is simply to raise as much money as possible. You see, all the money we raise goes to support Georgia college students who are sent out during their summers to serve on mission fields in the USA and abroad. The money we raise allows students to travel to their service projects free of charge, thereby giving anyone who wants to serve the chance. Since UGA has one of the largest BCM programs in the state, it's up to us to raise the most money, and Dinner Theater is a big provider of those funds. We raise money through selling tickets, program ads, and donations. It's quite a fun and unique fundraiser, and the Athens community really enjoys coming out to see the students in each production.
Our show this year is Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and we have a cast of over 40 people. There are 12 principle parts, 12 ladies in the castle ensemble and 23 guys and girls in the village ensemble. Some go to BCM, some other campus ministry, and some are not affiliated with any Christian organization. I would say the majority are Freshmen or underclassmen, and most didn't know anyone else in the cast at the first practice. But, here's the really cool thing about Dinner Theater, because we spend so much time together, friendships form really quickly. By the second weekend of practice, a person who just walked in from off the streets would have thought the entire cast knew each other for years. In just a few short weeks the people in my cast have gone from strangers to life-long friends, and it's been an honor to watch it take place. There are no strangers within the cast, everyone is part of the group. It really is an amazing environment to be in.
Now, the cast isn't the only group within Dinner Theater; we also have student servers to bring our guests their home-cooked meals. I believe each show has about 20-30 servers helping out in the kitchen, taking orders, refilling glasses, and making sure each guest is having a marvelous time.
All in all, Dinner Theater is one of the biggest undertakings the BCM does, and each year it is a success; why? Because there are so many talented and dedicated people involved, the community absolutely loves coming to see the shows, but most importantly, it is bathed in prayer. Everyone in the BCM is praying for the cast of Beauty and the Beast, the rehearsals, the relationships that are forming, the performances that are coming, the people that will be watching the show, and the people who will be cooking and serving the food. Everything is wrapped in prayer. And when that is your foundation, it's always going to be a success.
Dinner Theater is a summer missions fundraiser that the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries) does each year. It is a student run program which begins with auditions in mid-November and goes until the performances (usually around the last of February to the first of March). The student director(s) choose the musical and anyone and everyone is invited to come audition for the parts.
On a side note, can I just say that the UGA campus is full of really talented individuals. The people who come out for the auditions are rarely theater/music majors, yet they are astoundingly talented. I sat through more than 60 auditions this year, and each and every individual brought something unique to their audition. I was thoroughly impressed with the talent that showed up.
Anyways, each weekend we rehearse for 13 hours (9 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday), working on music, blocking, props, sets, and everything in between. Our goal is simply to raise as much money as possible. You see, all the money we raise goes to support Georgia college students who are sent out during their summers to serve on mission fields in the USA and abroad. The money we raise allows students to travel to their service projects free of charge, thereby giving anyone who wants to serve the chance. Since UGA has one of the largest BCM programs in the state, it's up to us to raise the most money, and Dinner Theater is a big provider of those funds. We raise money through selling tickets, program ads, and donations. It's quite a fun and unique fundraiser, and the Athens community really enjoys coming out to see the students in each production.
Our show this year is Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and we have a cast of over 40 people. There are 12 principle parts, 12 ladies in the castle ensemble and 23 guys and girls in the village ensemble. Some go to BCM, some other campus ministry, and some are not affiliated with any Christian organization. I would say the majority are Freshmen or underclassmen, and most didn't know anyone else in the cast at the first practice. But, here's the really cool thing about Dinner Theater, because we spend so much time together, friendships form really quickly. By the second weekend of practice, a person who just walked in from off the streets would have thought the entire cast knew each other for years. In just a few short weeks the people in my cast have gone from strangers to life-long friends, and it's been an honor to watch it take place. There are no strangers within the cast, everyone is part of the group. It really is an amazing environment to be in.
Now, the cast isn't the only group within Dinner Theater; we also have student servers to bring our guests their home-cooked meals. I believe each show has about 20-30 servers helping out in the kitchen, taking orders, refilling glasses, and making sure each guest is having a marvelous time.
All in all, Dinner Theater is one of the biggest undertakings the BCM does, and each year it is a success; why? Because there are so many talented and dedicated people involved, the community absolutely loves coming to see the shows, but most importantly, it is bathed in prayer. Everyone in the BCM is praying for the cast of Beauty and the Beast, the rehearsals, the relationships that are forming, the performances that are coming, the people that will be watching the show, and the people who will be cooking and serving the food. Everything is wrapped in prayer. And when that is your foundation, it's always going to be a success.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Creating Characters
Do you know how important characterization is for a theatrical production?
Imagine for a moment that you had to communicate with someone who you were without ever uttering a single word. How would they know that your favorite color is yellow, love songs make you cry, and when you were nine years old all you wanted for Christmas was a Power Ranger's action doll? Would they even need to know those things to really know you?
At Saturday's practice, we had a theater major come in and work with the cast on characterization. She was responsible for helping each plate, fork, napkin and villager discover their true character. Out of 46 people, 32 of them are part of the ensemble. This means that they have no lines to help them figure out what sort of a character they are; it's up to them to decide how to walk, smile, bow, and laugh. Every person up on the stage must figure out exactly who they are if they hope to convince the audience that they are the character they're playing.
Let me give you an example of just how important characterization is:
In the very first scene, all the towns people come on stage as Belle begins to sing about her quaint village. Now, the focus may be on Belle, but I've got 23 other people on stage having to interact with one another. Which would be more interesting? If the baker came over to speak to Belle while the Sausage Girl and the Shepherd Boy silently mimed talking in the background? Or if, as Belle and the Baker were talking, the Shepherd Boy decides that the Sausage Girl is cheating on him with the Fish Man and therefore tries to make her jealous by flirting with the Milkmaid, who can't stand the Shepherd Boy ever since he knocked over her last pail of milk. So the Milkmaid scoffs at the Shepherd Boy who, seeing the Sausage Girl laughing maniacally at him, slowly turns and makes his way off stage, ego in check. Well, I don't know about you, but I'd much rather see scenes from a soap opera than the cliché, two people pretending to talk in the background.
Characterization, when done right, also takes a lot of pressure off me, as the director. All I have to do is place them in a certain spot and then tell them to go. They figure out the action that is to take place between them, based on who their characters are. Without characterization, I would have to go to each individual and tell them how to interact with the people around them. Doing that for almost 50 people each time they come in contact with a different person on stage would be ridiculous.
So, that's what I learned this week at practice. Characterization is key to putting on an entertaining show. I also learned that my cast is full of creative and imaginative people who can take a would-be boring background interaction and turn it into almost a mini-show within the main production. Oh, how my God has blessed this show!!!
Imagine for a moment that you had to communicate with someone who you were without ever uttering a single word. How would they know that your favorite color is yellow, love songs make you cry, and when you were nine years old all you wanted for Christmas was a Power Ranger's action doll? Would they even need to know those things to really know you?
At Saturday's practice, we had a theater major come in and work with the cast on characterization. She was responsible for helping each plate, fork, napkin and villager discover their true character. Out of 46 people, 32 of them are part of the ensemble. This means that they have no lines to help them figure out what sort of a character they are; it's up to them to decide how to walk, smile, bow, and laugh. Every person up on the stage must figure out exactly who they are if they hope to convince the audience that they are the character they're playing.
Let me give you an example of just how important characterization is:
In the very first scene, all the towns people come on stage as Belle begins to sing about her quaint village. Now, the focus may be on Belle, but I've got 23 other people on stage having to interact with one another. Which would be more interesting? If the baker came over to speak to Belle while the Sausage Girl and the Shepherd Boy silently mimed talking in the background? Or if, as Belle and the Baker were talking, the Shepherd Boy decides that the Sausage Girl is cheating on him with the Fish Man and therefore tries to make her jealous by flirting with the Milkmaid, who can't stand the Shepherd Boy ever since he knocked over her last pail of milk. So the Milkmaid scoffs at the Shepherd Boy who, seeing the Sausage Girl laughing maniacally at him, slowly turns and makes his way off stage, ego in check. Well, I don't know about you, but I'd much rather see scenes from a soap opera than the cliché, two people pretending to talk in the background.
Characterization, when done right, also takes a lot of pressure off me, as the director. All I have to do is place them in a certain spot and then tell them to go. They figure out the action that is to take place between them, based on who their characters are. Without characterization, I would have to go to each individual and tell them how to interact with the people around them. Doing that for almost 50 people each time they come in contact with a different person on stage would be ridiculous.
So, that's what I learned this week at practice. Characterization is key to putting on an entertaining show. I also learned that my cast is full of creative and imaginative people who can take a would-be boring background interaction and turn it into almost a mini-show within the main production. Oh, how my God has blessed this show!!!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Blog Post Number 1
Greetings and welcome to my very first blog.
It took me quite a while to decide what exactly to write a blog about, I mean there are so many topics to choose from. But a wise person once said, "Write about what you know," and what I know is musicals. Not so much the directors or choreographers, but the musicals themselves; the stories behind them, that's what I love.
I have the amazing opportunity of directing the University of Georgia's Baptist Collegiate Ministries' Dinner Theater this semester and decided that since my life will revolve around this for the next two months, why not write a blog about it.
Thus my blog, If Life Were a Musical, was born.
It took me quite a while to decide what exactly to write a blog about, I mean there are so many topics to choose from. But a wise person once said, "Write about what you know," and what I know is musicals. Not so much the directors or choreographers, but the musicals themselves; the stories behind them, that's what I love.
I have the amazing opportunity of directing the University of Georgia's Baptist Collegiate Ministries' Dinner Theater this semester and decided that since my life will revolve around this for the next two months, why not write a blog about it.
Thus my blog, If Life Were a Musical, was born.
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