Open Forum

 View Only

  • 1.  Challenging Ensemble Scenes

    Posted 01-12-2015 18:05

    Hello Everyone, 

     

      I am looking for some ideas for challenging material for my junior year Acting 3 class. We are about to move into ensemble scenes. Do you have any suggestions? 
    ------------------------------
    Brian Edgecomb
    Palm Springs FL
    ------------------------------



  • 2.  RE: Open Forum : Challenging Ensemble Scenes

    Posted 01-12-2015 21:48
    I don't know if you want musical or play, comedic or dramatic, etc., but the one that comes to mind is Made in America from Bonnie and Clyde the Musical. One person sings the first part alone, then the ensemble joins in. It takes place during the Depression and it's from the perspective of the struggling middle class. It isn't incredibly challenging musically, but acting and staging is key. There is a video of it somewhere as a reference. Hope this helps! 

    ------------------------------
    [Michaela] [Strausbaugh]
    [Student]
    [Dublin] [Ohio]
    ------------------------------


    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Open Forum : Challenging Ensemble Scenes

    Posted 01-13-2015 06:14
    Mary Zimmerman's plays with Lookingglass Theatre are ensemble based. There are excellent, challenging scenes in all of her work. Check out "Argonautika" , "The Arabian Nights", or "Journey to the West". ------------------------------ Michael Bergman Teacher/Director Alexandria VA ------------------------------
    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Open Forum : Challenging Ensemble Scenes

    Posted 01-13-2015 08:22
    I have always loved "Small World" by Tracy Scott Wilson (6 people-3m, 3f), and of course, there is always Act One of Noises Off

    ------------------------------
    Charles Miller
    West Creek NJ
    ------------------------------


    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Open Forum : Challenging Ensemble Scenes

    Posted 01-13-2015 09:38

    I echo the Arabian Nights by Zimmerman and would add Shipwrecked by Donald Marguiles. It is a lesser know script, but it contains some great ensemble work and improvisation style ensemble acting. It is a straight play.
    ------------------------------
    Susan Cortesi
    Director of Theatre
    District 87
    Bloomington IL
    ------------------------------


    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Open Forum : Open Forum : Challenging Ensemble Scenes

    Posted 01-13-2015 12:01

    Such Stuff as Dreams are Made On: A Shakespeare Collage has some really nice scenes
    ------------------------------
    Shira Schwartz
    Chandler Unified School District
    Chandler AZ
    ------------------------------


    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Open Forum : Challenging Ensemble Scenes

    Posted 01-13-2015 15:40

    The music is a little tough, but "It's a Hit" from Merrily We Roll Along is a great scene. There are also several scenes from Into the Woods that could work as well.

     For less-challenging music, you could try something from Rent or something R&H.

     Alternately, you could look at the Oresteia or the Antigone, both of which have large group scenes that could also lend themselves to provocative philosophical discussions.

     Best of luck!

    ------------------------------
    Adrianna Boris
    Membership Services Specialist
    Educational Theatre Association
    Fairfield OH
    ------------------------------


    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Open Forum : Challenging Ensemble Scenes

    Posted 01-14-2015 08:40

     Tina Howe's play Approaching Zanzibar has a great ensemble scene for five performers. I've done it in Theatre 3 before.

    ------------------------------
    Danielle Roy-Dilks
    Orlando FL
    ------------------------------


    Original Message