It's every actor and crew member's nightmare: something going wrong onstage. Someone forgets a line, an actor misses an entrance, a light blows out, a mic stops working...there's all kinds of opportunities for accidents in live theater.
Yes, these mistakes are horrifying when they happen. But when you look back on them, honestly?...they make for the best stories. You can always laugh about it later. And most of the time, the audience doesn't even notice!
We here at Improv Playhouse have had our fair share of theater-gone-wrong stories. Just so you know that it isn't the end of the world, here are some of our favorites:
-"I worked on a show for preschool kids where, before entering the theater, the kids went through several hallways that engaged the senses. One was the hamster disco. The hamster disco had stars all over the walls, a rotating disco ball, and a video of hamsters playing projected on the wall. One day, after our pre-show meeting in the theater, we went into the hall and it smelled of SMOKE. We ran around trying to fix it and discovered that our cheap disco ball was the culprit! We immediately turned it off and opened all of the doors we could. The kids were waiting outside with their chaperones (who were very suspicious of our frantic door-opening), but they were having a blast just being outside. Once the smell died down and we assured everyone of their safety, we brought the kids through and skipped the disco. They certainly didn't notice! They and their chaperones loved the show. And for the rest of the run, we just turned the disco ball on without letting it rotate and all was well."
-"In high school, I was an ensemble member in Into the Woods. Our one and only dance number came at the end of the opening song as the main characters head into the woods. On opening night, I waited until exactly the right moment to take my first creeping step onstage with everyone else--and the buckle of my shoe caught on the hem of my dress! I yanked it free, but the buckle ripped off! It was too late to do anything about it, so I had to wobble onstage and dance anyway. Luckily, I didn't twist my ankle, and also luckily, our wonderful costume lady was there during the performance. I ran my poor little shoe over to her and she was able to fix it before I needed it next!"
-"I was asleep in my bed the night before my production of Godspell opened--and in my sleep, I pulled my calf. Bad. I had to hobble around in crutches the next day and the whole cast had to arrive early to go over what needed to be changed! I was so embarrassed. But everything worked out well--there was even one song where everyone danced with canes, so I just used my crutch instead. There was also a part where everyone was yelling at each other, and just as we were cut off, my friend turned to me and yelled "SHUT UP, GIMP!" The audience burst out laughing and it took every ounce of self-control for me to hold it together! (And don't worry--I was recovered for the rest of our run!)"
-"During a run of The Imaginary Invalid, one of the actors (who was onstage the entire second act) had a hairpiece wrapped around his ponytail to make it look like he had long hair. His character talked to his brother (who was also on the entire second act). The brother wore a headpiece shaped like a turban with two curls of hair attached to make it look like his long hair was escaping it. Towards the beginning of the act, the first actor's hairpiece fell right off--just a quick little plop on to the stage. He turned and stared at it while the audience laughed. He turned back to his brother and improvised, "It's a piece." The audience roared with laughter and his brother said, "It's okay! Me too!" and lifted up his turban to show that the hair was attached. The audience could tell this wasn't scripted, but it was handled so well on stage that they didn't care. The brother just picked up the fallen hairpiece, yelled the name of the show's maid, and threw it offstage. Worked like a charm!"
We want to know--what are YOUR favorite stories of theater gone wrong? Tell us below!
Showing posts with label production tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label production tips. Show all posts
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Improv Scene Basics: Creating a Character
Creating a character is a ton of fun. You get to completely define who you're going to be and what you're capable of! You can give yourself superpowers, be a talking animal, or become the richest human being alive. Unless you're Superman, Flounder, or Bill Gates, your character probably isn't exactly the same as you. But it's very easy to fall into the trap of forgetting your character over the course of the scene (especially if it hasn't been assigned to you). By the end of the scene, it's YOU finding your way out of the forest, breaking out of jail, or taking a tour of the floor factory. While this can definitely work, it's not quite as fun or advanced. If you're comfortable taking your improv to the next level, here are some handy questions to keep in mind for creating your character.
-What's your character's name? What does that name say about you?
-Where is your character from? Another town? Another country? Another planet?
-How was your character raised? Were you teased? Are you insecure about anything?
-How does your character stand? Are their shoulders hunched? Do they stand tall and proud?
-What's your character's personality? Are you a know-it-all? Are you sneaky? Are you eager?
-What are your goals? If the world worked your way, what would it be like?
-How old are you? Did you see the fall of Rome? Are you in preschool?
-What are your hobbies? What do you like to do? Homework? Rock collecting? Archery?
-What clothes are you wearing? What do those clothes say about you? How do they feel?
-Is there a gesture or facial expression you're known for? Why do you make it?
-How does your character walk? What speed? Is there a limp?
These are just a few of the ways you can bring your character to life. Obviously, you don't always have time to think all of these through in the few seconds between the audience's suggestions and the beginning of your scene. But if you can define even a few of these, you've created something engrossing for the audience to enjoy. You'll also notice the scene become a lot easier. There are more places you can go as a character than just as yourself! You get new ideas and discover ways to solve the conflict--plus the audience will just eat it up.
In fact, Chris Farley, who was a very famous actor, got his start because of his renowned character improv. He joined Second City and rose quickly through the ranks until he was on the Mainstage--and it was because he could create those well-rounded characters. In fact, there was one improv scene he did as a waiter to a couple on a date when he first started on the Mainstage . The couple was fairly normal, but he was an incredibly depressed waiter. Everything he did was with an air of hopelessness and the audience couldn't get enough. They hadn't given him this quirk, he just came up with it on his own. Don't be afraid to go for it onstage like he did! (Fun fact: did you know Chris Farley's famous SNL sketch "Livin' in a VAN down by the RIVER" was born on the Second City stage?)
Best of luck shaping your characters! Perhaps your character can come with you to school or work tomorrow...
-Allie
-What's your character's name? What does that name say about you?
-Where is your character from? Another town? Another country? Another planet?
-How was your character raised? Were you teased? Are you insecure about anything?
-How does your character stand? Are their shoulders hunched? Do they stand tall and proud?
-What's your character's personality? Are you a know-it-all? Are you sneaky? Are you eager?
-What are your goals? If the world worked your way, what would it be like?
-How old are you? Did you see the fall of Rome? Are you in preschool?
-What are your hobbies? What do you like to do? Homework? Rock collecting? Archery?
-What clothes are you wearing? What do those clothes say about you? How do they feel?
-Is there a gesture or facial expression you're known for? Why do you make it?
-How does your character walk? What speed? Is there a limp?
These are just a few of the ways you can bring your character to life. Obviously, you don't always have time to think all of these through in the few seconds between the audience's suggestions and the beginning of your scene. But if you can define even a few of these, you've created something engrossing for the audience to enjoy. You'll also notice the scene become a lot easier. There are more places you can go as a character than just as yourself! You get new ideas and discover ways to solve the conflict--plus the audience will just eat it up.
In fact, Chris Farley, who was a very famous actor, got his start because of his renowned character improv. He joined Second City and rose quickly through the ranks until he was on the Mainstage--and it was because he could create those well-rounded characters. In fact, there was one improv scene he did as a waiter to a couple on a date when he first started on the Mainstage . The couple was fairly normal, but he was an incredibly depressed waiter. Everything he did was with an air of hopelessness and the audience couldn't get enough. They hadn't given him this quirk, he just came up with it on his own. Don't be afraid to go for it onstage like he did! (Fun fact: did you know Chris Farley's famous SNL sketch "Livin' in a VAN down by the RIVER" was born on the Second City stage?)
Best of luck shaping your characters! Perhaps your character can come with you to school or work tomorrow...
-Allie
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Balancing Acts: Managing School and Theater
It's almost fall, and everyone knows what that means: back to school! We can almost hear you groaning out there. Improv Playhouse is offering fall classes and productions to make the transition smoother! For our Libertyville schedule, click here and for our Highland Park schedule, click here.
Whether you perform with us, with your school, or another group, it isn't always easy to balance theater and school. Check out these tips on how to manage both from those of us who have lived through it too.
-Before you audition, make sure you know as many dates as possible when the show will require your presence. This includes rehearsals, tech, and the performance! (Generally, rehearsal schedules aren't completely finished by audition time, so just knowing the range of dates is the best you can do.) The better you understand the commitment, the better you understand what will be expected of you. Prepare wisely. And sometimes preparing wisely may mean you need to let something go!
-If you're in school and theater at the same time, that probably means you would prefer to spend every waking moment living, breathing, and eating theater. But don't forget that school is a priority! Make sure you're getting your homework done.
-Sometimes, if it's a full cast rehearsal, you won't be needed onstage the whole time. Fun as it is to talk with friends, instead you should bring your homework and get it done then! It's way better than staying up late--especially when you have school again the next day.
-The best way to focus both in school and in theater is to make sure you're getting enough sleep! It's hard to get theater kids to go to bed early, but it's one of the smartest things you can do to stay focused, energized, and healthy. Plan your schedule wisely to make sure you can be in bed at a reasonable hour.
-When you're busy, do you know what's just as important as giving your best to all your commitments? Relaxing! Make sure you give yourself time to watch TV, read a book, play a video game, or hang out with friends. You're no use to any of your commitments if you run yourself ragged.
We hope you'll be able to master this balancing act. Being a theater addict isn't always an easy life, but it's definitely a rewarding one. Take it from us--if you can pull it off, it will be worth it!
-Allie
Whether you perform with us, with your school, or another group, it isn't always easy to balance theater and school. Check out these tips on how to manage both from those of us who have lived through it too.
-Before you audition, make sure you know as many dates as possible when the show will require your presence. This includes rehearsals, tech, and the performance! (Generally, rehearsal schedules aren't completely finished by audition time, so just knowing the range of dates is the best you can do.) The better you understand the commitment, the better you understand what will be expected of you. Prepare wisely. And sometimes preparing wisely may mean you need to let something go!
-If you're in school and theater at the same time, that probably means you would prefer to spend every waking moment living, breathing, and eating theater. But don't forget that school is a priority! Make sure you're getting your homework done.
-Sometimes, if it's a full cast rehearsal, you won't be needed onstage the whole time. Fun as it is to talk with friends, instead you should bring your homework and get it done then! It's way better than staying up late--especially when you have school again the next day.
-The best way to focus both in school and in theater is to make sure you're getting enough sleep! It's hard to get theater kids to go to bed early, but it's one of the smartest things you can do to stay focused, energized, and healthy. Plan your schedule wisely to make sure you can be in bed at a reasonable hour.
-When you're busy, do you know what's just as important as giving your best to all your commitments? Relaxing! Make sure you give yourself time to watch TV, read a book, play a video game, or hang out with friends. You're no use to any of your commitments if you run yourself ragged.
We hope you'll be able to master this balancing act. Being a theater addict isn't always an easy life, but it's definitely a rewarding one. Take it from us--if you can pull it off, it will be worth it!
-Allie
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Ah-CHOO...oh no! Fighting sickness during a show
Everyone in theater has had that sinking feeling upon discovering a tickle in the back of the throat right before opening night. While it most noticeably affects actors, it's still no fun to need to blow your nose when pulling the curtain, to hold back a cough over the stage manager's headset, or to try not to sneeze while aiming the spotlight. And since an exhausting tech always comes before a show opens, it seems almost inevitable that the cast and crew can come down with the sniffles.
Here are some tips that come mom-approved to help you stay healthy for opening night!
-The most widely known way to fend off a cold is Vitamin C. Make sure you're getting a good amount by eating oranges, drinking orange juice, and, if you feel the cold starting, you can even take a Vitamin C supplement. Check here (http://www.webmd.com/
-Gargling with Listerine not only gives you good breath and a healthy mouth--it also kills cold germs! Swishing it around your mouth is the best way to get good breath, but make sure you spend some time gargling to get those germs in the back of your throat.-This one sounds the strangest of all, but pay attention: heat up a mug of water and pour about 1/4 teaspoon of salt into it. Stir it up and dip a Q-tip in. Rub the dipped Q-tip on the inside of one nostril. Use the other end of the Q-tip for the other nostril and repeat. (Make sure you get each nostril twice, each time with a new Q-tip end!) Then blow your nose (for bonus points, use the Kleenex antibacterial tissues)!
-If you have a scratchy throat (especially when you wake up in the morning), one of the best ways to calm it down is to drink tea with honey mixed in. Choose a flavor of tea that won't mix badly with honey (I recommend English Breakfast) and stir continuously while you drink. You don't want all that delicious honey to pool at the bottom!
-The number one way to fight a cold is to get enough sleep! I know it's useless to tell this to theater kids--sleep is hard to come by during rehearsals and tech week--but do everything you can to get at least 8 hours a night!But do you know the absolute best way to keep yourself healthy to start with? WASH YOUR HANDS!!! Tempting though it may be to reach into a common bag of chips during tech, remember that's how the germs latch on! (On a similar note, if you're the one who has a cold, please be courteous and wash your hands/use hand sanitizer as often as you can, especially after you blow your nose.)
Good luck getting better. It's awful to get a cold, but being in a show at the same time adds another level of horror that only theater kids understand!
-Allie
Here are some tips that come mom-approved to help you stay healthy for opening night!
-The most widely known way to fend off a cold is Vitamin C. Make sure you're getting a good amount by eating oranges, drinking orange juice, and, if you feel the cold starting, you can even take a Vitamin C supplement. Check here (http://www.webmd.com/
-Gargling with Listerine not only gives you good breath and a healthy mouth--it also kills cold germs! Swishing it around your mouth is the best way to get good breath, but make sure you spend some time gargling to get those germs in the back of your throat.
-If you have a scratchy throat (especially when you wake up in the morning), one of the best ways to calm it down is to drink tea with honey mixed in. Choose a flavor of tea that won't mix badly with honey (I recommend English Breakfast) and stir continuously while you drink. You don't want all that delicious honey to pool at the bottom!
-The number one way to fight a cold is to get enough sleep! I know it's useless to tell this to theater kids--sleep is hard to come by during rehearsals and tech week--but do everything you can to get at least 8 hours a night!
Good luck getting better. It's awful to get a cold, but being in a show at the same time adds another level of horror that only theater kids understand!
-Allie
Monday, July 25, 2011
Audition Secrets from the People Who Cast You...SHHH!
Auditions are scary, whether you’re a student actor, a theatre major, or a professional actor! An actor must learn a monologue, perform with a complete stranger, pick up a dance on the fly, or even sing a song, depending on what kind of show he or she is auditioning for. As an actor, I’ve always dreaded auditions, but as a teacher, I enjoy them. I love seeing what young performers have to bring to a production. To help keep nerves a bay, here are a few things to keep in mind when you audition, pulled from my own experience casting and being cast:
1) Attitude is everything. Directors want to work with actors who are cheerful, enthusiastic,
and helpful. Show the directors that you can be a team player by treating both them and
your fellow performers with the respect and compassion they deserve.
2) Be loud! Just because it’s not a performance doesn’t mean that you can be lazy with your
projection. If we can’t hear you, we won’t want you to cast you in a leading role.
3) Don’t apologize if you fumble a line or mess up a dance move. We know that you’re a
nervous and everyone makes mistakes. We would rather see you keeping trying—“The
show must go on!”
4) Be prepared. You will probably not be expected to have lines memorized for your audition,
but if you’ve been asked to prepared a monologue or a song, you should know that
monologue and/or song like the back of your hand. I also recommend knowing something
about the show going in, so that if you cold-read a scene, you have some idea of what it’s
about. If you continue acting at a college of professional level, they will most likely expect
you to have read the entire play beforehand!
5) Don’t be a gossip. This piece of advice ties very closely into number one. When another
performer is auditioning, you should be a quiet and respectful audience member. If you get
caught whispering with a friend or rolling your eyes during another actor’s audition, not
only does it have the potential to hurt that performer’s feelings, we directors will most likely
notice it, and it will negatively affect your chances.
6) Take care of yourself. Get a good night’s sleep the night before you audition, and make
sure you’ve had plenty to eat. Always bring a water to drink so that you are hydrated. Wear
comfortable clothes (especially if you have to dance) and shoes that won’t trip you up.
7) Most importantly, remember that the people casting you are most likely performers as
well, who understand how nerve-wracking auditions can be. We aren’t looking to pick your
performance apart; we want to see you succeed! In addition, we always hope that you will
enjoy the role we cast you in. A good director will never put you in a part to spite you or
hurt your feelings, and just because we don’t cast you in the lead doesn’t mean we don’t
like you or we didn’t enjoy your performance.
Break a leg!
Guest blogger Shannon Campe is imProv Playhouse’s Resident Dramaturge. She has worked as both a teacher and an actress during her ten years at iP, where credits include The Glass Menagerie (Amanda), Blithe Spirit (Elvira), and Alice in Wonderland (Alice.) She is currently studying Theatre and Creative Writing at Butler University in Indianapolis.
1) Attitude is everything. Directors want to work with actors who are cheerful, enthusiastic,
and helpful. Show the directors that you can be a team player by treating both them and
your fellow performers with the respect and compassion they deserve.
2) Be loud! Just because it’s not a performance doesn’t mean that you can be lazy with your
projection. If we can’t hear you, we won’t want you to cast you in a leading role.
3) Don’t apologize if you fumble a line or mess up a dance move. We know that you’re a
nervous and everyone makes mistakes. We would rather see you keeping trying—“The
show must go on!”
4) Be prepared. You will probably not be expected to have lines memorized for your audition,
but if you’ve been asked to prepared a monologue or a song, you should know that
monologue and/or song like the back of your hand. I also recommend knowing something
about the show going in, so that if you cold-read a scene, you have some idea of what it’s
about. If you continue acting at a college of professional level, they will most likely expect
you to have read the entire play beforehand!
5) Don’t be a gossip. This piece of advice ties very closely into number one. When another
performer is auditioning, you should be a quiet and respectful audience member. If you get
caught whispering with a friend or rolling your eyes during another actor’s audition, not
only does it have the potential to hurt that performer’s feelings, we directors will most likely
notice it, and it will negatively affect your chances.
6) Take care of yourself. Get a good night’s sleep the night before you audition, and make
sure you’ve had plenty to eat. Always bring a water to drink so that you are hydrated. Wear
comfortable clothes (especially if you have to dance) and shoes that won’t trip you up.
7) Most importantly, remember that the people casting you are most likely performers as
well, who understand how nerve-wracking auditions can be. We aren’t looking to pick your
performance apart; we want to see you succeed! In addition, we always hope that you will
enjoy the role we cast you in. A good director will never put you in a part to spite you or
hurt your feelings, and just because we don’t cast you in the lead doesn’t mean we don’t
like you or we didn’t enjoy your performance.
Break a leg!
Guest blogger Shannon Campe is imProv Playhouse’s Resident Dramaturge. She has worked as both a teacher and an actress during her ten years at iP, where credits include The Glass Menagerie (Amanda), Blithe Spirit (Elvira), and Alice in Wonderland (Alice.) She is currently studying Theatre and Creative Writing at Butler University in Indianapolis.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Production Tips: Costuming Magic
Most Improv Playhouse shows don’t employ a costume designer, which means that directors, student actors, and parents have to work together to make costumes for the shows. The results can only be described as incredible! Below you will find a list of some of my favorite shows, both from the show I’ve had the honor of costuming (Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast, Grease, and High School Musical) and the ones I’ve seen and participated in. Read on, and you may just find the inspiration for you next Halloween costume!
- Alice in Wonderland: The Caterpillar. The actress playing the caterpillar wore a giant green sleeping bag! The effect was remarkable.
- Into the Woods: Chippy. The little girl playing the mouse wore an oversized sweatshirt with the hood up. I attached giant mouse ears and long tail to the hoodie…she looked too cute!
- The Dwarves Beards: The Dwarves. iP teacher extraordinaire Lindsay Fussell created bears with faux fur elastic and Velcro that could be “cut” and “regrown” onstage. They made telling the hilarious story possible!
- Rumplestiltskin: The King. Have you ever seen a king in footie pajamas? I have, thanks to a young actor’s great idea for a hilarious surprise entrance.
- Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Objects. With just some cardboard, fabric, and paint, my co-workers Alex Buda, Lindsay Fussell, and I created costumes for Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and Madame de la Grande Bouche. Our fantastic young actors even managed to dance in the enormous cardboard creations…now that’s talent!
- Beauty and the Beast: Gaston. We created muscles for our young Gaston by stuffing old pantyhose with cotton batting and putting them up his sleeves. He looked very manly!
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Violet Beauregard. A giant, blue, blow-up suit was procured. Need I say more?
Guest blogger Shannon Campe is imProv Playhouse’s Resident Dramaturge. She has worked as both a teacher and an actress during her ten years at iP, where credits include The Glass Menagerie (Amanda), Blithe Spirit (Elvira), and Alice in Wonderland (Alice.) She is currently studying Theatre and Creative Writing at Butler University in Indianapolis.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)