Ever wondered why the productions look so good and run so smoothly?


Last edited by Jazz on 05 Jan 2006 16:43; edited 1 time in total

<img src="images/roles/Setdesign.jpg" width="160" height="243" align="left">The Director will usually have some idea of how the set should look, and what the scenery should be.It is up to the Set Designer and Scenery Painter to put that into a real set. As with all our Production Teams, ELAPs have been very lucky in having people talented enough to be able to do that.
            
The set really comes into its own during the Panto, when new and innovative ways of using the stage will be asked for in order to improve on each production.
            
This is exceptionally challenging for ELAPs as the stage in the village hall is very restrictive.We have been able to build an extension which gives a little more room, but we have to use it as best we can.
            
Are you a budding artist or designer?Get those brushes out and get designing!


Last edited by Jazz on 13 Jan 2006 00:33; edited 1 time in total

<img src="images/roles/Backstage.jpg" width="132" height="149" align="right">It's the night of the dress rehearsal.Once the production is at this stage, everything behind the curtain becomes the charge of the Stage Manager. HE IS GOD!
            
The Stage Manager's role is to ensure that everything is in place before the curtain goes up: lights, sound, props and actors etc. are ready.
            
All smooth running of the play itself will come down to the Stage Manager's decision making (no pressure!).
            
The Stage Manager should be involved from the first production meeting and attend regular rehearsals so he can gauge exactly what is required.
            
The Backstage Crew will help the Stage Manager get the scenery and furniture ready. It is important to have a Production Rehearsal where all backstage people are involved and they can see where they need to their work without the actors getting in the way.
            
It's not that scary really, and you can shout at the cast when they get in the way of putting the next scene in place.


Last edited by Jazz on 13 Jan 2006 00:34; edited 1 time in total

<img src="images/roles/Prompt.jpg" width="200" height="206" align="left">Unlike the auto-cue above, we in amateur theatre world have make do with memory.
            
No-one likes to take a prompt, and this is certainly one of those thankless
tasks. "I don't know why they prompted me, it was a dramatic pause. I was acting!" Yeah right! You just forgot your line. It happens to the best of us, even professionals.
            
The Prompt should come to rehearsals as early as possible. This will enable them to see actors react when they forget lines, or when they really are pausing. This can only be beneficial on the actual production nights.                

The Prompt should be seated where they can see and hear the actors. They should speak clearly, even if it means the audience hearing them. Having to repeat prompts can be embarrassing for everyone.
                
Having said that, it's a way of seeing the play and actors develop. So give it a go. Pretending you can't read won't help you I'm afraid!