Standing in the Spotlight – Tip for Success
“Directing is 90% casting”
Casting is not based solely on talent or ability. Some considerations are:
1. The director’s vision includes casting an ensemble - relationships and dynamics between all of the characters combined, not just one or two ‘lead’ roles.
2. Certain characters require a particular type: age, special skill or physical trait.
3. The relationships and dynamics between the actors during rehearsal.
4. An actor’s level of experience.
5. The ease or difficulty of working with the actor, both on and off stage.
6. The actor’s reputation for preparedness, hard work and ability to focus.
“there are no small parts, only small actors”.
Minor characters; do not play a major role in a work of literature. However, every character serves a purpose. Simply because a character does not have a lot of lines or appear on stage in many scenes does not mean the character isn’t a major part of the overall story.
Every character for a reason and serves a purpose. Each actor has an opportunity to create a memorable character, leave a lasting impression and significantly impact the overall success of the play. It is important to remember the importance of working together as an ensemble - to see the production as a whole – not as individual parts.
Counting the number of lines or time onstage never makes one role more important than another – it is what each actor makes of the opportunity to shine when they are on stage. KVPAC Directors watch each other’s plays and make plans for future casting – they are on the look out for developing talent.
Use of Scripts
Scripts are returned to KVPAC unless specifically instructed otherwise. Scripts are usually “rented” from the publishing company and must be returned to them. When you receive your script and/or music, each director will give instructions on the acceptable method for writing notes or highlighting lines for that show. Blocking notes should ALWAYS be made in pencil.
Rehearsal Expectations
Regardless of production, there are basic expectations:
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Be on time. Every minute is precious because rehearsal time is limited.
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Be prepared. Bring your script, a pencil, and proper attire and footwear to every rehearsal.
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Memorize. Each director will give you an “off book” date, MEET IT. Real acting work and creativity begins when the scripts are not in hand and this includes lyrics and music.
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Be quiet and focused in rehearsal. Every second staff spends asking for quiet is wasted time for the entire cast. When not in the scene, quietly review lines or watch others work. One can learn a lot by witnessing the entire process.
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Be a team player. Each person is equally important from the stage hand to the lead character. Supporting each other on and off stage will greatly enhance the process and the end result.
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There is one director. If you have an idea or observation, share it privately with the director, not with your fellow actor.
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Be respectful. Gossip & ridicule damage everyone, don’t indulge in it.
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Be flexible. With large casts and tight schedules, the intended focus for a rehearsal may shift – go cheerfully with it.
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Be aware. How you behave offstage is as important as what you create onstage and impact future casting.
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Communicate. Let the director know of any scheduling conflicts in advance. Tell the director about any difficulties you are having during the process – personal or creative.
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No eating or drinking while in costume or on stage.
Rehearsal Terms & Tips
READ-THRU:
Usually at the first rehearsal, the entire cast receives their scripts and reads the play aloud for the first time.BLOCKING:
The actions and stage movements given by the director for each character CHOREOGRAPHY: The dance steps designed to enhance musical numbers.TECHNICAL REHEARSAL:
The director adds the technical elements to the production, which may include sound, lights, props, scene changes and special effects. Tech rehearsals tend to be long and sometimes tedious, but are where the important details of the show are ironed out.DRESS REHEARSAL:
Costumes and costume changes are added.STRIKE:
After the closing performance, the cast and crew take down the sets and return props and costumes to storage or original owner. The director or scenic designer will assign tasks to cast members to help with strike. This can take 1-2 hours after the final bows and is required of every Company member unless specifically released by the director.MEMORIZING:
The author’s use of specific language often enhances the intention of the line or the character, particularly with comedic timing or dramatic emotion. Paraphrasing should be avoided. Remember lyrics to songs are just as important to memorize as your lines. Usually, children memorize lines, songs and dances easily. If you are struggling, here are some ideas:- Have another person read the other character’s lines in the scene and prompt you.
- Review songs, dances and scenes outside of rehearsal and in front of a supportive group.
- To memorize scene work, break down the point of the scene: What is it about? What’s the most important information presented or action taking place in that scene? Answering these questions will help you understand the scene and be able to improvise if something goes awry during performance.
- Read over lines and/or scenes before going to sleep and first thing in the morning.
- Practice dialogue, songs and dances out loud and in front of a mirror rather than in your head. This enlists muscle memory as well as visual and aural memory to help learn the part.
OFF-BOOK:
Being memorized and able to rehearse on stage without your script. At the beginning of the rehearsal process, the director assigns a date to be off-book, usually at least 4-6 weeks prior to Opening night. In the rehearsal process, character development cannot be achieved with the script in hand. The real creativity begins when the actors get off-book.
COSTUMES:
KVPAC has limited back stage space - costume changes and privacy are challenging. Every actor should wear appropriate, modest underclothing (leotards, shorts/tank tops) underneath their costumes.KVPAC also has a limited Wardrobe department and relies heavily on the creativity of the cast members for costuming. Anytime you have an item that is appropriate for any show please label it carefully and send it to rehearsal with your child. It will be returned to you at show close or before if it isn’t used. (KVPAC accepts permanent donations as well).
Directors will send out a notice regarding footwear and base costume pieces required. Usually, foot wear should have a soft or rubber sole to minimize sound on stage.
Sometimes a costume my be uncomfortable or is not what the actor hoped for, but it is important to remember that the costume is a vital part of the overall design of the show. Supporting the costume designer is important. Do not eat or drink while in costume.
FAQ
What if I am cast in more than one production per semester? Occasionally, an actor is asked to join more than one production per semester. The tuition for the second production will be a $50 materials fee.
Why do major and minor roles require the same tuition? Please refer to the Casting 101 discussion of small parts. Production expenses are the same regardless of the size of the part.
Why is there not a tuition break for multiple family members? Production expenses are fixed and covered by tuition revenue.
What is Academy?
Academy is a weekly class designed to build step-by-step theatrical knowledge and skill development. The focus is on fine-tuning techniques to build a personal repertoire covering all aspects of theatre training.
Academy vs. Company
While they are notably different in scope, Academy and Company are inherently intertwined in developing a young actor’s talent. Academy classes offer instruction in foundational acting principals and theory to provide the opportunity to confidence which will enhance every performance. Company provides the opportunity to experience the production process from read-thru to performance, however with time and space limitations, the ability to focus solely on individual acting is inhibited. Being involved in both groups is highly recommended for any serious actor.
(Note: Company Members enrolled in Theatre Academy classes save $50 on annual Company Membership Dues.)
