Play Production Essay

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What goes into putting on a play or musical? The production will need a script, the written text for the play, actors to perform the script, a stage or place to perform, costumes, sets, lights, and maybe most importantly an audience to present the play to. Who handles all these important aspects of the play? The director, “a person who supervises the actors and other staff for a movie, play, television program, or similar production” (Director). He or she has a vision that ties all elements of the play together, to present one cohesive story. The director will decide what the message of the story is, work with the playwright if possible, along with technicians (who work with things like lights and sound) and designers (who work with costumes, …show more content…

Casting is when the director picks the actors to play each character. When casting, the director thinks about what he or she imagines the characters look like and takes that into account when choosing the actor. The director will also take into account the actor’s training and background, voice and movements, how well they fit the character, how well they would fit with the rest of the ensemble, their overall stage presence (their ability to grab the audience’s attention), and if the director would enjoy working with him or her for four to ten weeks. Actors should know how to project their voices so everyone in the theater will be able to hear them, and know to “cheat” to the audience, meaning facing the audience instead of the person they are talking to …show more content…

Mrs. Dudley directs children's theater at the Champaign Park District. She directs around five children’s musicals a year. She started performing in 4th grade at a speech contest and has been busy singing, acting, directing and performing ever since. I asked her about the differences between putting on a show with adult actors and putting on a children's production. She said there wasn’t much difference with her expectations, but some skill levels were different just because of the kid’s abilities. She still has a high standard for singing, dancing, and acting even with the youngests

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