Every Christmas Story Ever Told... and then some
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5566
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Topic: Every Christmas Story Ever Told... and then some
Posted By: Ogreking4
Subject: Every Christmas Story Ever Told... and then some
Date Posted: 8/26/14 at 9:51am
Every Christmas Story Ever Told... and then some
Has anyone done this show? I'm planning on directing this in December and with so many props and quick costume changes, I wondered if anyone can give me some first-hand knowledge of how to make it run smoothly...
Thanks!
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Replies:
Posted By: edh915
Date Posted: 8/26/14 at 1:14pm
I'm directing it for the second time this year. First time was four or five years ago.
Costumes: Keep the costumes simple. My actors wore black slacks and each had a different color shirt, one white, one red, one green (Christmas colors). The "costumes" then were more in the way of accessories; wigs, vests, hats, etc. (Frosty, for example, wore just a baggy white sweatshirt with three fuzzy "lumps of coal" sewed onto the front as "buttons". The Grinch just wore a bright green knit cap. Yukon Cornelius a red plaid shirt and an obviously fake beard.) Actually, the cheesier the better, because it's all part of the joke, and the audience is with you all the way.
Props: Initially I tried to map out where all of the props needed to be; what to put stage left, what went stage right, etc. But then I just gave up and let the actors pick what was best for them. Whatever you do, start using props as immediately as possible. They are as important as lines and blocking. And, as with the costumes, keep them simple, too.
The real key to the success of the show is the actors. I don't know if I'm going to explain this very well, but I'll try. First of all, the "characters" in the show are actors. They are very good actors. This is very important because your actors have to be good enough to play good actors. Whenever they're playing the different roles assigned to them, they play the roles seriously well. Let the silly material carry the show. The actors must take it seriously, or it won't work. --- Secondly, the key to making most of the material work lies in giving your actors - that is to say, the three actor "characters" that your actual actors are playing - distinct personality types. Going by the script: the character of JIM is the SERIOUS TYPE, dedicated to his craft, maybe a touch of a ham, but a seriously good actor; the character of MICHAEL is the AFFABLE TYPE, friendly, easy-going, a good actor, always the hero's friend, never the hero, but happy with that; and the character of JOHN is the SENSITIVE TYPE, the man-child, possibly gay, enthusiastic like a puppy-dog, you can almost see his tail wagging - not a polished actor, but a well of potential.
My recommendation, too, is to keep the set simple. I've seen extremely elaborate sets and have always felt they detracted from the show rather than added to it.
I have a few photos I can send you. Even a DVD if you want to check it out. Also a CD of sound effects and music that I put together for the show. If you're interested in checking out anything I've got, send me an email: easyshakespeare@gmail.com
I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have.
Break a leg!
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Posted By: Ogreking4
Date Posted: 8/29/14 at 1:58pm
That helps immensely! Thanks so much! I'll contact you!
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