Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: When is it too late?

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eveharrington
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Topic: When is it too late?
Posted: 12/27/06 at 7:22pm

At what point is it too late for a board to start worrying about the language in a play? The assumption seems to be that of course I would be illegally censoring the script. I'm not even sure they believe me that there's a rule about it.

"If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights."

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B-M-D
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Posted: 12/27/06 at 8:43pm

If language is an issue with your ct then it should be dealt with from the moment a play is read and under consideration. If selection is based upon the director selected then the language of the potential script should be at the top of your list.

Certainly don't wait until you're sitting in on a rehearsal and hear the F bomb dropped every other line. Realize that you can't change dialog without permission but I'm sure you know that from prior discussion threads.

What you can not do is fall into the trap of "I like this play except for some of the language." Language is the play and I personally don't believe that we are in a better position than the playwright to decide what language will or will not be used. And that belief is also backed up by the various copyright laws and statutes.

I guess the more relevant question here is how far into the process or production are you at this point?

"Dying is easy, comedy is hard."

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Theatrestation
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Posted: 12/27/06 at 9:50pm

One of the things you can do a lot of times at a late point though is to downplay, or under play the launguage.

If it is truly there for dramatic reasons then it needs to be said however, sometime an actor (not the good actors mind you) will almost announce the "bad word" or "bad phrase" and draw attention to it.

My suggestion would be to have the actor try to use it as part of his or her character, perhaps almost saying it under their breath, or with teeth clinched. Many in the audience will wonder what was said and then brush it off and enjoy the rest of the show.

We stay away from the heavy bad language shows because of our audience. No David Mamet for us.

Good Luck!

Susan

http://www.castbuilding.com
http://www.theatrestation.com

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eveharrington
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Posted: 12/28/06 at 3:56am

I totally agree with you B-M-D, it's not my place to change it. I don't intend to unless forced. Also, if you can believe this, they didn't read the play before approving it, they rarely do. It's nice to be trusted and all but I would have happily picked something else rather than change dialogue.

"If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights."

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eveharrington
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Posted: 12/28/06 at 3:57am

I guess I'm just venting but it was such a "what are you kidding me" kind of moment.

"If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights."

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B-M-D
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Posted: 12/28/06 at 9:07am

Originally posted by eveharrington

Also, if you can believe this, they didn't read the play before approving it, they rarely do. It's nice to be trusted and all but I would have happily picked something else rather than change dialogue.

The board of directors of a ct not knowing anything about the play they're producing??!! I would think that if language and content were an important factor to their audience base that they would go out of their way to select shows that are appropriate. Or at the very very least ask the question about it.

Let us know how this plays out. I think there's an object lesson in the making for all of us.

"Dying is easy, comedy is hard."

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Gaafa
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Posted: 12/28/06 at 9:14pm

Just request the board to read the Performance licence Agreement.
If they can’t comprehend the contract, get them to do the exercise of seeking permission to make changes to the black bits.
Unless they are as thick as two short planks, realisation should seep in understanding the financial burden of defending their actions in court.

Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

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suzecue1
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Posted: 12/30/06 at 9:11am

Originally posted by Theatrestation

My suggestion would be to have the actor try to use it as part of his or her character, perhaps almost saying it under their breath, or with teeth clinched. Many in the audience will wonder what was said and then brush it off and enjoy the rest of the show.

This is brilliant! I don't know why no one ever suggested it before. You don't cut the word, you just say it with a different form of expression! I think this suggestion will help many of us that want to follow the rules - but don't like the needless bad lanquage in an otherwise great show!

Thanks Susan!

Sue
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So many hats.....so few heads!

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eveharrington
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Posted: 12/31/06 at 2:13pm

We are going to try to use early cutoffs and perhaps some strategic restaurant noise instead of cutting. It's only one word in particular that's a problem so this should work really well and also be a nice inside joke for those audience members for whom this is not the the first trip out of the house. Lets hear it for good asst. directors!

"If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights."

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Directing
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Directing

Topic: When is it too late?( Topic Closed)