Open Forum

Hi everyone!

I am taking over a high school program and would love any advice you could provide.

First, my auditorium is being renovated so I will only have a short amount of time between the end of the renovations and our opening night.  Therefore, I am looking for a play that has minimal set requirements

Next, I have very little interest from boys, so I would need a play that has fewer than 5 male roles.

Finally, the actors are largely inexperienced, so I'm looking for a play that has high interest but also isn't crazy difficult to produce.

They did Almost, Maine recently, so that's off the table.

Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks!

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Paul Weinstein
Director/Producer
David Brearley High School
Kenilworth, NJ
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HI Paul, if a holiday musical might be of interest, may I suggest "A Night Before Christmas: Christmas Cabaret Concert", a classic tale modernized for the ways of today, with 17 original seasonal songs in the array.

It's easy and economical to stage, a Christmas tree with lights and star that light up independently, chairs/couches/floor pillows for seating are are the main things. Most roles are gender neutral, 2-3 male roles minimum would work fine. All music is digital and songs can be learned prior to rehearsal. up to14 lead/solo roles, 1 spoken, 13 songs (duets & solos). Nothing too or overly technical, and besides my songs are written with 4 things in mind, enunciation, punctuation, delivery and flow. If you have actors that can act as singers then they can fill the role. There is also room for ensemble with solo lines. 

Choreography is as simple or extravagant as wanted. First 4 songs are the bulk of it, with some of the other songs with minor choreography or choir formation. For the solo's allow the soloist to feel choreography from the music. They are singing to the audience at the front of the stage under a spotlight. For a large ensemble break group songs in to various groups for easier rehearsal time and practice areas.

I have included a copy of the full script and a Soundcloud link to listen to all of the songs. It is soon to be released thru Stage-Write Plays. I'd be happy to discuss this further with you.

Thanks Steve  

https://soundcloud.com/user-215519716/sets/a-christmas-cabaret-concert-presented-by-asjustonelifecom?si=94b90a77fc6148e1852dcc6b4f452acd&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

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Steve Pinkerman
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I know you asked for a play, but I have a great small cast, limited (to almost 0) set. The Lightning Thief: The Musical. It is super high interest for the community and students. There are possibilities for a very small cast, but can be bumped out to the number needed. When we did it I had to do it in the cafeteria due to COVID regulations, and some of the "male roles" were played by girls. It says in the script this is okay to do, and it worked really well. I know it's not a play, but I hope it helps. 

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Emily Bray
Todd Beamer High School
WA
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My recommendation is Kate Hamill's terrific adaptation of Jane Austen's EMMA.  It's charming and fun, a period play with a modern feel.  https://www.theatricalrights.com/show/emma/

Emma Woodhouse is clever, educated, and energetic… and in imminent danger of going mad with idleness. In a time when respectable ladies are expected to sit quietly at home, she desperately needs projects-and prides herself on matchmaking, much to the chagrin of her friend Mr. Knightley. But where Emma's considerable energies focus, screwball comedy follows… A fresh feminist take on a treasured classic, this Emma breaks down convention, expectation, and even the fourth wall with vibrant comic flair-leading audiences "forward, onward, and upward!"

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Craig Pospisil
Vice President - TRW
TRW - Theatrical Rights Worldwide
New York NY
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Paul,

Take a look at A Night Under the Stars by Tracy Wells.  A Night Under the Stars.

 8-31 cast with flexible genders.  It is a series of independent scenes that all take place outdoors at a park.  The shorter scenes are good for inexperienced actors.  The scenes range from fun to serious. Our set included a homemade star backdrop, a campfire, some stumps, camping chairs, and a tent.  It is very doable for your situation.

Carl

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Carl Rankin
Tech Director
Bedford HS - Bedford, IA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2024 09:58
From: Craig Pospisil
Subject: Choosing a play with (too many) restrictions

My recommendation is Kate Hamill's terrific adaptation of Jane Austen's EMMA.  It's charming and fun, a period play with a modern feel.  https://www.theatricalrights.com/show/emma/

Emma Woodhouse is clever, educated, and energetic… and in imminent danger of going mad with idleness. In a time when respectable ladies are expected to sit quietly at home, she desperately needs projects-and prides herself on matchmaking, much to the chagrin of her friend Mr. Knightley. But where Emma's considerable energies focus, screwball comedy follows… A fresh feminist take on a treasured classic, this Emma breaks down convention, expectation, and even the fourth wall with vibrant comic flair-leading audiences "forward, onward, and upward!"

CAST:

EMMA - Late 20s-30s. Almost unbelievably charming; a natural comedienne. Bouncily flirty; possesses more power of manipulation than even she understands; has a certain sunny, charming self-regard - it's what allows her to get away with so much.
HARRIET SMITH - 20s. A deeply likable girl from the lower classes, who's been given a basic education. A sweet, naturally affectionate human being, but not the brightest flame in the stove.
MRS. WESTON - Mid 30s-late 40s. Emma's former governess. A very smart woman with a good sense of humor; very perceptive and grounded. 
MISS BATES - 40s+. Headmistress of a struggling school for girls. An incredibly good-natured, if motor-mouthed and daft, woman.
ANNE FAIRFAX - 20s-30s. You know that girl who always seems to do everything right? Jane is that girl. An overachiever. Very composed. Very smart.
MRS. ELTON - 20-30s. Not bright. What's more, she has a laugh that's the auditory equivalent of nails being torn out of your fingers. Is delighted by everything. 

MR. KNIGHTLEY - 30s-40s. A handsome man; a super charming man; an upright fellow. He's also a bit of a rule-follower; maybe sometimes a bit of a stick in the mud.
MR. WOODHOUSE - 60s+. An over-anxious, melancholy hypochondriac, but people humor him, as he's a nice man under it all. Obsessed with the healing powers of gruel.
MR. ELTON - Any age. A clergyman who sometimes gets the wrong idea. ADORES poetry. A born social climber. Fancies himself a great romantic.
FRANK CHURCHILL - 20s-30s. An incredibly charming, handsome, mischievous flirt of a man-the kind of man who gets away with almost everything, because he's so irresistible. Not a bad guy, really; just a bit too likable for his own good.

SETTING: Highbury, England, the early 19th century-but also here, in your theater, right now, today, this year.

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Craig Pospisil
Vice President - TRW
TRW - Theatrical Rights Worldwide
New York NY
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Hi Paul!

Finding a play to fits all of the restrictions of the department is a wicked puzzle, isn't it?

I love Stage Partners--they have lots of stuff that works within the constraints and unpredictability of my situation. We did James Sie's adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time recently, and that worked out pretty well (though the role of Meg is quite large). They also have one-act and two-act versions of several plays, including A Night Under the Stars.

Another play that worked super well for me was Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. 

We're doing Natalya Baldyga's recent adaptation of King Stag this fall.

I hope some of those suggestions help! 

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Betsy S. Goldman, she/any
Theatre & Research Teacher
Meridian Academy
Jamaica Plain, MA
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