Packed with ideas, insider tips, and a touch of Broadway gossip! - this practical guide shows you, step by step, how to transform simple script readings into breathtaking, memorable, theatrical experiences...and how to do it on a shoestring.
Written for anyone who wants to produce a successful reading, including professional and community theatres, actors, directors, producers, fundraisers, and educators, "Staged Reading Magic" is that rare resource you'll return to again and again. Distilling lessons learned from over 100 productions by one of New England's most distinguished/premier theatre programs, this idea-packed handbook is a theatre production classic.
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$16.95 ~ 87 pgs. ~ Paperback
Pub. Date: November 2017
ISBN 978-1-57525-912-3
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An excerpt from Chapter 1 of
"Staged Reading Magic"
When choosing plays for staged readings, here are some additional factors to consider:
• Relatable situations
• Recognizable characters
• Good writing
• Dialogue has a “ring of truth”
• Has some surprises
• Not too abstract or difficult to follow
• Can cast with actors I’m crazy about
• Am proud to bring this play to my audience
And in some cases,
• It’s funny
Follow your instincts. Try not to let someone talk you into doing a play you don’t like. Every time I’ve ignored my gut feelings, I’ve been sorry. If you choose plays that resonate with you, that speak to you, you’re going to have a better chance of doing a good job because you’ve got a head start… you understand the play!
Choosing plays for staged readings
In theory, you can do a staged reading of just about any kind of play. In reality, you have to pick plays the audience will be able to follow. If they can’t understand it, they’ll get restless and bored. Some choices are easy: Radio plays, for example, are wonderful for staged readings because they were written to be listened to, not elaborately staged. Some are more difficult. If you want to do a farce, for instance, you’re going to have to come up with ways to replace, or imply, somehow, the running around and the slamming doors.
Here are some guidelines to consider:
After reading a play, I informally ask myself these questions, to try and clarify my thinking.
• What is this play about?
• Is the central idea developed in an interesting, unique way?
• Did it grab me, move me, make me laugh?
• Do I feel an affinity to what’s at the heart of this play?
• Is this a play I know how to do? If not, does it pose an interesting challenge?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 9
1 - Choosing Plays for Staged Readings 11
2 - Finding Plays And Getting To Know Them 15
3 - Casting, Comedy And Secret Weapons 23
4 - Rehearsal: Act Like A Pro 31
5 - Rehearsal: Make It Count 33
6 - To Stage Or Not To Stage 39
7 - Creating The World Of The Play 49
8 - A Few Words About Performance 57
9 - Acting - The Process Of Two Pros 63
10 - Growing Your Own Relationships - And The Occasional Prop 67
11 - Staged Readings For Fun And For Profit 71
Tips For Directing Staged Readings - A Summary 81
Where To Find, Read, And License Plays Discussed In This Book 83
Contents