Casting and Comment Replies

Exciting things are brewing behind the scenes, but it's not yet time to reveal all the details! For today, just a couple of replies to comments.

One reader asked if upperclassmen at the high school will be cast in the lead roles. The short answer is "possibly."

In the thirty-some shows I have been involved in at APHS we have never cast a person based on their grade in school. Factors that figure into the casting equation are talent, physical ability, responsibility, experience, ability to work in a group, and how well the person fits the role. Of course a musical complicates the mix by adding singing and dancing to the list. A freshman who has the skills is every bit as likely to be cast as a senior. An upperclassman might have an advantage are in some areas since they have had more time to practice, but that depends on the person.

One thing that everyone needs to keep in mind (and I think this probably applies in many areas of life) is that there are only so many parts in a show. No matter how many of you out there have dreamed of being Dorothy, we can only cast one. This can lead to bad feelings and sour grapes if you are one of the runners-up. Folks who are successful in the long run always give it their best shot at auditions, but also pick themselves up and try again if casting doesn't go the way they hoped.

Another important factor is to stay involved! If you don't get a part you want, join in and help in another way. A person who shows their flexibility by working behind the scenes when they're not cast in a stage role has a leg up in the areas of responsibility, experience, ability to work in a group when the next show comes along. Contrast that with a person who doesn't get a lead and refuses to play a small part or participate in another way. Can you say "Diva?" The person who turns into a great performer works hard and learns about all aspects of theatre life; dealing with disappointment is a big one.

Another reader asked how the production will affect the Algonquin musical.

From the time we first decided on WOz, we conceived it as a district-wide production. We hope as many folks as possible will get involved. Algonquin will still be doing its own show next season as is the tradition. We are currently thinking about ways to integrate middle schoolers into the mix, so if you have a good idea, we would love to hear it!

That's all for today! Keep those comments coming!

Munchkinland

One of our goals is to involve as many district students as we can. That said, we can only fit so many bodies on our stage. The teachers involved have met and discussed the issue and came up with the following plan: while we are going to find ways that everyone can have a hand in the production we have limited on-stage munchkins to the third graders of each elementary school.

In addition, munchkins and their families will need to sign a performance contract (available at the beginning of the upcoming school year) that they will attend all required rehearsals, many of which will be after school. Music teachers at each of the elementaries will work with them on the munchkin medley, and dance captains from the high school will help with the choreography. This is going to take considerable commitment from parents.

I'm sure there will be families of students in other elementary grades who will wish their students could be on stage during the show. Please understand we are limited by the space available, and we will do our best to provide other set, costume and design opportunities for their students.

How Far Out Should We Go?

WOz is a classic, and when folks come to see it they expect to experience a live version of the MGM film. No matter that film and theatre are different creatures; if Dorothy isn't wearing the blue gingham dress, there may be a riot. Here's a question for anyone out there reading: how far away from MGM dare we go? As a director, I don't want to reproduce someone else's work. I'd rather try to help folks to see a classic through a new set of lenses. On the other hand, most folks are pretty conservative when it comes to their childhood favorites. Certainly sets and costumes are places to play around a bit. I'm also interested in creative use of our space. One of the students noted that our stage is about 1/3 the size of a few other schools in the area. How might we push out beyond the apron and into the house without overwhelming the band, the audience, or the budget?

Follow the Yellow Brick Road!

The coundown begins today! March 10-12 and 17-19 2011 The APHS Off Broadway Players will present The Wizard of Oz on the APHS stage. Today's intial entry celebrates the first production meeting. We hope to use this blog to share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and keep everyone up to date on the production's progress. Check back frequently, and share your comments.

Our hope is to involve as many students and families in the district as we can. If you would like to help out, let us know!