Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Wizard of Oz ...... we're off!!!

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Karin
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Joined: 12/27/06
Location: United States
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Posts: 47

Topic: Wizard of Oz ...... we're off!!!
Posted: 11/04/09 at 9:02pm

No doubt many of you have directed the Wizard of Oz. Would you care to share something you did .... scenery, props, costume, etc... that helped make your production a success? I would appreciate hearing about your ideas!

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MartyW
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Joined: 2/02/04
Location: United States
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Posts: 555

Posted: 11/05/09 at 8:47am

Do a search here.. there are many, many older posts about Oz and how to. Also, there are several good websites with ideas, for instance "were off to stage the wizard" and others.. A little research will bring big ideas...

Marty W

"Till next we trod the boards.."

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Mr. Lowell
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Joined: 1/30/07
Location: United States
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Posts: 269

Posted: 11/05/09 at 10:07am

Just a general thought: The 1939 movie is such an iconic piece of American culture that a typical theatre could never really match it, (or afford to match it), when it comes to production values in design, color and scope. So my advice is to not kill yourself trying! Try drawing from the original book for fresh inspiration. If your production has a unique twist, then it may turn out to be more memorable than just another homage to the film.

Have fun, Dana

Mr. Lowell,
Lighting/Set Designer & Tech Director,
for the Linda Sloan Theatre,
in the Davison Center for the Arts,
at Greensboro Day School

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MartyW
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Location: United States
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Posted: 11/05/09 at 10:20am

Where I agree, you will never achieve the movie, I do think that when one takes on an icon more known on the screen than the stage, the audience comes with expectations. Expectations that we should do our best to meet. (My opinion) One post in particular I would direct you to was about my last production. We got a HUGE boost in our ability to "recreate" what the folks expected by using a high lume projector to do the tornado sequences and to provide pretty stunning back drops to things like munchkin land, the Kansas plains, the farm, the scare crows corn field etc. Not to mention a little movie with the wizards made up face to played with lots of flashing lights and smoke.. Small concept and price, huge rewards..

Indeed, our production of Oz (and this is more a tribute to the film, its anniversary, and un-dieing appeal) was our highest box office ever..

Good luck with your production..

Marty W

"Till next we trod the boards.."

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peacock
Star
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Joined: 3/03/09
Location: Bangladesh
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 58

Posted: 11/06/09 at 4:44am

We are doing Wizard of Oz this year. It is a great year to do it, with the 70th anniversary bringing out all kinds of goodies. Make sure to get a copy of the remastered DVD, just out. It is pricey, but you will see the movie like you never saw it before. It is spectacular, and made my kids so much more excited.

We are really limited as to special effects with an old theater without fly or wing spaces and small budget. Remember that it is the story that people love, and focus on the quality of your acting, not the special effects if possible.

Have fun, see you in over the rainbow.

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Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup

Author	Message
Karin Lead Joined: 12/27/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 47	Topic: Wizard of Oz ...... we're off!!! Posted: 11/04/09 at 9:02pm
	No doubt many of you have directed the Wizard of Oz. Would you care to share something you did .... scenery, props, costume, etc... that helped make your production a success? I would appreciate hearing about your ideas!

	IP Logged

MartyW Celebrity Joined: 2/02/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 555	Posted: 11/05/09 at 8:47am
	Do a search here.. there are many, many older posts about Oz and how to. Also, there are several good websites with ideas, for instance "were off to stage the wizard" and others.. A little research will bring big ideas...
	Marty W "Till next we trod the boards.."
	IP Logged

Mr. Lowell Celebrity Joined: 1/30/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 269	Posted: 11/05/09 at 10:07am
	Just a general thought: The 1939 movie is such an iconic piece of American culture that a typical theatre could never really match it, (or afford to match it), when it comes to production values in design, color and scope. So my advice is to not kill yourself trying! Try drawing from the original book for fresh inspiration. If your production has a unique twist, then it may turn out to be more memorable than just another homage to the film. Have fun, Dana
	Mr. Lowell, Lighting/Set Designer & Tech Director, for the Linda Sloan Theatre, in the Davison Center for the Arts, at Greensboro Day School
	IP Logged

MartyW Celebrity Joined: 2/02/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 555	Posted: 11/05/09 at 10:20am
	Where I agree, you will never achieve the movie, I do think that when one takes on an icon more known on the screen than the stage, the audience comes with expectations. Expectations that we should do our best to meet. (My opinion) One post in particular I would direct you to was about my last production. We got a HUGE boost in our ability to "recreate" what the folks expected by using a high lume projector to do the tornado sequences and to provide pretty stunning back drops to things like munchkin land, the Kansas plains, the farm, the scare crows corn field etc. Not to mention a little movie with the wizards made up face to played with lots of flashing lights and smoke.. Small concept and price, huge rewards.. Indeed, our production of Oz (and this is more a tribute to the film, its anniversary, and un-dieing appeal) was our highest box office ever.. Good luck with your production..
	Marty W "Till next we trod the boards.."
	IP Logged

peacock Star Joined: 3/03/09 Location: Bangladesh Online Status: Offline Posts: 58	Posted: 11/06/09 at 4:44am
	We are doing Wizard of Oz this year. It is a great year to do it, with the 70th anniversary bringing out all kinds of goodies. Make sure to get a copy of the remastered DVD, just out. It is pricey, but you will see the movie like you never saw it before. It is spectacular, and made my kids so much more excited. We are really limited as to special effects with an old theater without fly or wing spaces and small budget. Remember that it is the story that people love, and focus on the quality of your acting, not the special effects if possible. Have fun, see you in over the rainbow.
	IP Logged

Topic: Wizard of Oz ...... we're off!!!( Topic Closed)