KEEP IT SIMPLE FOR SUCCESS
Producing a play at camp can be a daunting experience. Out of camp trips, inter-camp sports and specialty programming can provide unforeseen conflicts when plotting an already tight rehearsal schedule. That’s why it is so important to keep your staging simple and expectations clear. Follow these key fundamentals to ensure a steady foundation for a great play:
Face the audience, project and articulate
An actor must be seen and heard onstage! Practice facing out, keep
blocking simple, start rehearsals with tongue twisters, and have campers project by sitting in the back of the performance space during rehearsals.
Put the story first
Ask someone unfamiliar with the show to observe rehearsal and see if they understand the plot. Consider including a narrator to fill in any confusing pieces. Introduce the play before curtain by providing a brief overview of the story. A camp attention span is about 40 minutes. Cut your play down!
Develop a character
Campers should develop a unique voice, body, and personality onstage. They should move differently, have different voices, and have different opinions and views from how they behave offstage. Encourage bold choices and conduct character interviews. There are no wrong choices in theater!
Stay in character and ignore the audience
It can be easy for campers to forget
the fourth wall and look out at their bunkmates during the show. Planning for what breaks concentration is the difference between an amateur and professional production. Run warm ups where kids are challenged to stay in character and announce to the audience before the show that they should be respectful.
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MISSED OUT ON OUR THEATER IN A BOX?
We are proud to introduce our Apprentice Kit ideal for camps that already have a Drama Specialist for this summer. Hurry! Only two kits remain for Summer 2012.
Click here to see what's in the kit!
