March 22, 2007
by: Luigi
Anonymous Guest Writer
And Now . . .
The play is chosen, the auditions are over, parts have been offered to cast members and now it’s time for the true pre-production work to begin. This next step calls for all those math and geometry skills you thought were useless as well as a great deal of time, energy and imagination. It’s time to go into pre-production. I’ll speculate about some of what pre-production for Noises Off might entail as an example.
The director will identify the time and place for the action. This is often changed from the original setting for a variety of reasons including obscure references, difficult problems of set, costume and props or simply for the presumed audiences’ taste. Once those things are defined, then there is the task of designing the set. As you will see in Noises Off, there is more than one view of the set. This may present no problems in large theatres with revolving stages but, in the case of GPTF, more ingenuity is needed.
Yes, it’s time to call out to the designers:
SET: “Get out those t-squares, measuring tools, etc. this set has to fit and adapt to our stage dimensions but must also fit all the scene changes required.”
LIGHTS: “Here are the limitations of the set and of our equipment, make it brilliant.”
COSTUMES: “We are in (place) in (year) – make it work for each character – (one size does NOT fit all).”
PROPS: “I need three collapsible (item 1) and at least two identical (item 2). Dress (decorate) the set for (see ‘place’ above) and (see ‘time’ above). All items must be operable, breakable, replaceable and safe to use.”
Getting the picture? A play isn’t just casting and rehearsal – behind the scenes activities are ongoing, often difficult and very necessary. WOW. Can’t wait to see Noises Off.
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