So, auditions are complete and rehearsals are beginning. All that trepidation, all those questions that pile up at every rehearsal, “what’s my character?” “what will the set be like?” “when will we be learning this number/blocking that scene?” “who’s looking after this?!?!” It never ends and it never ceases to amaze.
By a few weeks in to rehearsals, hopefully, you are hitting your stride. As a cast or crew member, you’ve found your place in the production, there’s a vibe going through the rehearsals and things are humming along. It really is one of the best parts, isn’t it? The process – the creation… hopefully one of the main reasons you’ve taken on the project. Otherwise why not go make something else, right?
We are still in the beginning of our theatre year – the “Dark Monday” of our theatrical run and a pile of great shows are just, or almost about to, burst onto the London scene. It’s impossible to fit them all in to your schedule, (even though some with Beat Magazing and the Brickendens give it a good go!), but it sure is exciting to be part of the whole creative potpourri.
So last week, I gave my students a new, quick, research assignment to find out about voice actors. It was simple and I hoped, fun. It turned out really great – and the best part was, we all enjoyed it and everyone learned something new, including me.
They were to work in pairs to find some basic information about performers who are famous for their voices. The list of names included, (but was not limited to) Nancy Cartwright (The Simpsons), Billy West (Futurama), Mel Blanc (Looney Tunes), John DiMaggio (Futurama), Dan Castellena (The Simpsons) and of course several Muppeteers, such as Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Kevin Clash, Caroll Spinney and Jerry Nelson.
Their presentations were simple and to the point and consisted of Name, Birth/Death (if applicable), where they live, career highlights, and major characters. Then they were asked to find two contrasting YouTube clips to share with the class. In some cases, I helped. In others, they had a myriad of examples. In all cases, the students were impressed with the variety and skill of these performers and their vocal abilities. It was a great week.
This week, we moved on to creating simple props. The Grade 9s were to create something with a basic shape – rectangle, square, round, cylinder – but to represent something realistic. Essentially a brick, stone or stepping stone. They went to town. I’ve now got on display some headstones, a paving stone, several versions of bricks, an oversized hunk of chocolate with a bite removed and a swiss roll. All made from cardboard, florist foam or styrofoam. Incredible.
Simple Bricks and other Props on display.
The Grade 10s get their pick of props to make. It just has to be something that a character could use on stage in some manner. I’ve now got several weapons, including a couple of animation inspired swords, an overly large hammer – it’s hard to describe, it’s SO huge, Thor’s hammer, (complete with leather wrapped handle), Pooh’s Hunny Jar – complete with BumbleBees on it, a diary, a Marauder’s Map, a sorcerer’s collection of goodies, pumpkins made from dryer tubing and an amazing Mad Hatter’s Hat – so incredible and large that it won’t fit in the display case. Most of these creations were made with less than $5 and some with $0! That’s what I call creative prop making! These kids had a blast and were coming to class early to get to work on their creations. It was amazing to watch them work and collaborate and encourage one another. So thrilling.
Creativity isn’t easy. It’s hard work and anyone who creates theatre, dance, music, or any form of art will tell you that good creative work takes time. It also takes money. Effort, time and money – that’s what good art needs. So what happens when one of these is missing?
When I decide to commit to a play, especially a big one, like say The Three Musketeers, or something of that scope, I know it’s going to take all three of these elements in order for the final product to be good – you know, something I’m willing to put my name on and share with the world. So, first of all, I know it’s going to take time and lots of it. For 3M, I started work a year in advance of the production. Now the beginning work was not as intense as the end, but still, in order to really be on top of everything, I knew I needed to start the thinking and planning. This amount of time, for me at least, really pays off. I like to know the subject area as well as I possibly can – even before the cast and some of the crew join the project, otherwise, how can I project the vision of the play to lead them to a product THEY will be proud of in the end? So, as much time as possible is what I like to have with a project.
The Three Musketeers Cast and Crew
Then I know I need a lot of support. Now support comes in many forms – in the shape of talented people who help to bring the project to life, but also in the form of dollars – and generally, more is better. But you don’t always have more. So you plan and you get creative. But as we all know, money can really help a production turn from a decent amateur show to something that looks worthy of much more than a $25 admission. Spending funds wisely, raising some extra, or finding those donations to help a project can make all the difference.
Stephen Sondheim’s FOLLIES
And then there’s that effort and skill. If you’ve got the expertise, then you can think creatively and save a few pennies or dollars, or precious minutes or hours in the process. If you’ve got the best people on your team and you trust them and empower them, you can save tons of funds and time. You may also get an even greater product because you gave them the chance to explore your initial idea and take it further. But if you are just starting out, and you are still learning the tools of the trade, you’d better have reserves of time and some extra pocket change.
Treasure Island: Act 1 Finale
So, what’s the point of this examination, you ask? Well, simply this – you don’t always get all three – Skill/Expertise, Time and Money. So, sometimes you have to choose because here’s what it boils down to… If you want your product to be good, then you need lots of time to get it there, OR you need lots and lots of money to buy a good product. Cause without the whole equation, your end product will likely suffer in one way or another. It’s a compromise. So on any project, you have to ask yourself, “Where am I willing to make that compromise? Is it with my time? Or is it with my money?”
