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We would like to thank Dr. Len
Radin for his work. You may need to adapt some of the sections to fit
your program. Dr. Radin give permission to do so. See his letter below. Please drop him a line to let him know how you used his work.
Advanced Production Ideas
A Theater Lesson Plan
Table of Contents
Read this First
Contract with Students
Job Descriptions:
Costumer
Property Master
Set Crew
Program Biographies
Makeup
Publicity - Poster Distribution
Stage Maintenance
Event Planner
Stage Manager
Program Advertisement
Technical Crew Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
Ticket Sales
Treasurer
Sound Technician
Assistant Stage Manager
Second Assistant Stage Manager
Assistant to the Director
Sergeant at Arms
Publicity - Poster Design
Student Evaluation Form
Read This First
To the teacher,
Greetings!
What follows is a collection of directions that I give all of my
students whenever we do a full-length play. Each student is assigned a
"tech job." This may include make up, music director, etc. Each student
is graded on both their dramatic role and their tech job.
I
do not claim that my material is all original. I got it from many
sources and organized and added to it to fit my program. The last play
we did was Alice in Wonderland. It had about 200 people associated with
it in some way. Without a clear delineation of the student's tech jobs,
the production would have been much more difficult.
I
require that all students present a report of their progress to the
Assistant Director (another tech job) at two dates during the rehearsal
process.
Feel free to
use this material for all non-commercial use. If you do use it, please
email me and let me know how everything went with your production.
Dramatically,
Dr. Len Radin
ETA State Director of Massachusetts
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Contract
Drama Team
plays are a team effort. The Drama Team has attained a national
reputation for excellence only because every member of the Team did his
or her best. Remember that everyone on the Team is counting on you to
carry out your technical job with creativity and enthusiasm. Your job
will be done only if you do it.
A contract:
I
promise to seek out ways to do my tech job as completely and creatively
as I possibly can. I understand that a passing grade is necessary to
maintain my membership in the Team. I also understand that a grade of
at least a "B" is necessary to earn Thespian points and the privilege
of going to Thespian regional and international festivals. I understand
that to earn a passing grade on my technical job I must to the
following:
Attempt to solve all problems as maturely as possible and reformat from excessive complaining or negative attitudes.
Understand that I am working on a Team and will help my teammates to the best of my ability. Ask others how I may help.
Give written reports on progress of my tech job to the Assistant Director on dates stipulated in my tech job directions.
Raise a minimum of $50 by selling VIP tickets and/or ads.
Complete my tech job by the deadline.
Take care of my own costume and props. After each performance, place props and costume in their proper place.
Come to all assigned rehearsals on time.
Do
not wait until there is only a few weeks left to solve problems. By
then it may be too late and people may be too busy at the last minute
to help.
Signed_____________________________
Date_______________________________
Job Description - Costumer
Your technical job is to costume the show and return the costumes where they came from.
Talk
to me in September about what type of costumes are needed. You will
need a list of the cast. Do not do this during class. We will need a
lot of time.
Measure the cast. Only you and the costume mistress
should do this. Get a measurement list from me. Learn the correct
method of measuring. This is very important. If different people
measure in different ways, we will have a lot of problems when the
costumes arrive. By September 15 everyone should be measured. The
dancers should not be measured .
Discuss with me where the costumes
will come from. Some will be made, some will be bought, some will be
rented and some will be borrowed. We will borrow some from NASC and
perhaps Williams College or BCC.
On October 1, give a list of the
following to the Assistant Director: names of character, who is playing
the character, sizes of character, and where we are getting the costume.
By
October 15, the order should go out to the costume rental place. Be
sure to approve the final list with me. A copy of the order should me
made and given to me.
On November 3, give a report to the Assistant
Director. By this date, you should know where each costume is coming
from. The only costumes that you will not have by this time are
costumes that we will rent. You should have all other costumes.
Very
Important! It is your job to take care of costumes. If they are lost
you are responsible for them! Be sure that costumes are locked up in
the home ec. Department. It is up to you to make sure that costumes are
locked up after each rehearsal. You are financially responsible for
lost items. This job gets difficult during a show and after each
performance. It is very important to keep track of all costumes.
Everyone will have their own box to keep all the costumes together.
After
the show, it is up to you to send back all the rented costumes in their
original plastic covering and boxers with the original paper slips
identifying each costume. It is also up to you to return all borrowed
costumes and thank the people that lent them to up by writing a letter.
Give the Assistant Director a copy of all the letters you write or at
least show the letter to the A.D.
Job Description - Property Master
It is your job to collect and take care of all the props.
Make
a list of all the props that we will need. This takes a careful reading
of the script. After you make you own list, talk to me and ask what I
want to add to the list. Pay attention to all rehearsals to find out
what props you will need.
On October 1, give a list of props to the
Assistant Director including what props you have collected and what
props you have yet to find.
Collect all props. Some will be very
difficult to find or collect. Be creative and resourceful. Don't
hesitate to ask others to help, but it is your responsibility.
On
November 3 give a list of all props to the AD. By this date you are
required to have all props ready. Do not wait to the last few days of
October to find everything you need.
You are financially responsible
for the props. If an actor looses a prop, you have to buy another one.
Be sure that all props are locked away after each rehearsal in the same
place. Jealously guard all props. Do not let the actors loose anything.
Before each rehearsal and each performance be sure that the props are in their proper place.
You
are responsible for props during the performances. If a prop is not
available because someone lost it, it is your responsibility. If
possible, get extra props to prepare for any lost items.
After the play, return all props to their proper owner and write letters of thanks. Show the letters to the AD.
Do not let the actors lose any props. This may be the most difficult part of your job.
Job Description - Set Crew
Your job is to help make sure that the set is completed by November 3.
Talk
to me. I will plan the construction of the stage. Also talk to Joel
Rudnick, our artist in residence. He is designing the stage. All major
construction of platforms should be completed by September 15.
On October 1, give a report to the Assistant Director explaining in detail exactly what you did and what is left to do.
Do not wait to be told what to do! Be creative and resourceful in building the set.
You
are financially responsible for the tools. Do not allow the tools to be
left out after rehearsals. If a tool is lost, you are financially
responsible for it. Lock all tools away after each use.
After the
play, you are in charge of striking the set. Be sure that nothing is
left on the stage after the stage has been cleared.
We will set up a "build the set day" when parents will help build the main supports.
After each rehearsal, check the stage and house to make sure all tools and building supplies are put away and locked.
After the play is over, write thank you notes to all the people that helped
you,
particularly Joel Rudnick and the parents that helped build the set.
Show these letters to the Assistant Director before sending them.
Job Description - Program Biographies
Your tech job is to write biographies on all Drama Team members for the program.
The
biographies should be interesting. They should be from one sentence to
one paragraph in length. Be sure to write a biography for every Drama
Team member plus all adults that have a part in the play. Do not
include any "in jokes" that our audience will not understand. Some of
the items you may mention include past plays, how the individual feels
being part of the Team, what Thespian Festivals they attended and
interesting personal facts. Make each biography different. In past
programs, the biographer said that every senior will be "sorely missed
next year." This was true but makes for monotonous reading.
On
October 2, show a copy of the biographies to the Assistant Director.
Give a copy to the person in charge of the program. On October 15, the
rest of the biographies are due. Be sure to approve these biographies
with me before giving them to the program person.
Don't
try to write all the biographies at one time. When you get a good idea
about someone, just write it down. Good ideas are usually spontaneous.
You do not have to write all of the biographies yourself. You are just responsible for getting the job done.
Job Description - Makeup
You are responsible for makeup.
Your
task is to have a makeup area ready with sufficient tables at least two
and a half hours before each performance, to have plenty of tissues,
baby oil, chairs, and paper towels available and to keep the makeup
material clean, neat, and in order. You are responsible for putting
away the make up and for keeping the make up and make up area clean and
neat.
Take out the
make up materials before the show and place them on the table. You are
to keep the makeup area neat during the show. After each show clean,
straighten out the materials, and put them away.
Be
sure during the show that make up is maintained on the actors. Powder
shiny faces and correct smudges. Some actors will do part or their
entire make up.
Know
the makeup requirements of this show and be sure that the appropriate
makeup is available well in advance of the play. It takes two weeks to
ship some make up. Be sure we are well stocked.
View
the makeup videos that I bought. Plan everyone's makeup and talk to me
at least a month before the play. Draw a plan for any involved makeup.
Alice in Wonderland is very makeup intensive.
Only you and I will be allowed to use the make up unless you or I give permission for someone else to use it.
Give a report of all the additional makeup we need to get by October 2 to the Assistant Director.
On November 3, give the drawings you made of make up plans for any involved makeup to the Assistant Director.
Job Description - Publicity - Poster Distribution
Your job is to be sure we get the posters in time and to hang the posters up.
On October 1, give a written report to the Assistant Director listing sixty places you will hang the posters.
The
due date for giving the Assistant Director the list of where you placed
the posters is November 3. Every poster should be hung by that date.
Please do not waste any.
These
posters are very expensive and took a great deal of effort to make.
Leon Peters of North Adams State College made them for us. They
definitely add to the professional flavor of the play. It is our
responsibility to see that they are hung up and do not get thrown out
or kept by cast members until the play is over. Please guard them
jealously!
Ten
posters may be hung in Drury. There should be at least one poster in
every school in the Northern Berkshires with tow in Conte. Hang at
least eight on Main Street, one in each supermarket, at least tow on
Spring Street in Williamstown, a few in Adams, Florida and Stamford.
Please do not just give the posters to store owners. They may just
throw them out. Offer to hang them up. Bring plenty of scotch tape and
tacks with you. Bring a friend. All posters must be hung up. Don't
hesitate to get help, but only if you are absolutely sure that the
people you give posters to, hang them up. In the past, many expensive
posters ended up in the trunks of cars of well-meaning people that
forgot to hag the posters.
Be
sure to write thank-you note sot everyone that helped. Be sure to send
a big thank-you to Leon Peters at NASC. He does it every year at no
charge!
Job Description - Stage Maintenance
Your job is to keep the stage spotless and safe.
This
is an extremely important job. In the past there have been some
injuries that have resulted from articles being left on the floor of
the stage. A clean stage is particularly important for dancers.
It
is your job to insure that you come to class and rehearsals early and
clear the stage not only of large objects that do not belong, but sweep
the stage clean of any smaller particles as well. The stage has to be
swept for each rehearsal.
In
addition, you are to get a special substance that I will buy for you
that coats the stage so it will not be slippery for the dancers.
It
is your job not only to clear the stage, but to clear off stage as
well. If materials build up off stage right and left, then it will not
be safe for the actors in the dark. Where to put the large pieces of
wood and metal? That's a very good question and something that Mr.
Jenkins and I have been trying to answer for many years. Please be
creative in answering the question yourself. In any case, it has to be
clear off stage so no one can hurt himself or herself off stage.
You
know that you have done a good job if you can walk on and off stage
right and left in the dark and not bump into anything except the wall.
Give a tech report to the Assistant Director on October 1 explaining in detail what you did to make it safe.
Also
very important. Check the state daily to make sure that our stage and
set is no being abused on days that we do not have class. You are my
representative on stage when I am not in the building. Protect the
stage!
On November 3 give the Asst. Director your second report
Job Description - Event Planner
Your job is to plan a fun and meaningful party.
Present
a written report to the Assistant Director on your project by October
1. The party itself will be held after closing on the Sunday
performance. Present a very complete description of the party on
November 3.
There can
be no alcoholic drinks or smoking. Be absolutely sure that you invite
everyone involved in the play individually and that you get a count of
the number of people coming. Invite all the involved adults as well.
There
are no funds budgeted for this party. You should collect money for the
party at lest two weeks in advance. That is entirely your job. Note
that you are financially responsible. Make sure you collect enough from
everyone so you do not end up having a bill. I will not reimburse any
losses. Be creative. Don't just tell everyone to go to a certain
restaurant. Make it an event that is memorable and appropriate.
The
party is the appropriate time to thank everyone who contributed to the
great effort of staging the play. Buy gifts for the people that helped
us that usually do not get enough recognition. This includes but is not
limited to the Assistant Director, choreographer, stage manager, set
artist, and all the adults that helped. Put some thought into the
presents that you buy. A lot of adults have put much work into this
production. Make sure that the money you collect form everyone will
cover the amount of pay for gifts. Raise money for the party anyway you
think is appropriate. Collecting money from the cast is fine.
Plan the party ahead. Do not wait for the last minute. Make the party a part of the experience of the play.
It is your job to keep the house clean and safe.
The
house is the part of the theater where the seats are located. We have
to leave the house clean after each rehearsal. If you are not going to
be present after a certain rehearsal, be sure someone else will clean
up for you.
You are
not a janitor. It is not necessary to sweep away every last piece of
dirt. It is necessary to remove all objects such as cans, pizza boxes,
books and particularly building supplies and tools. Make sure that all
tools, props and Drama Team materials are locked away properly after
each rehearsal.
You
should not have to be told what to do after each rehearsal. There
should be nothing in the house that does not belong there. In the past,
actors hurt themselves in the dark house when they tripped over
building materials that were not put away.
On
October 1 and November 3, give a tech report to the Assistant Director
that explains in detail what you have done and what you intend to do.
Job Description - Stage Manager
Your job is to insure that the play runs like it is supposed to.
During
the actual performances, the Stage manager becomes the Director. It is
up to the stage manager to be sure everything is in place before the
show. Make lists of everything that should be ready for each
performance. This includes but is not limited to costumes, props,
makeup, etc., During the shows, the stage manager tells the technical
director when to start the show, makes sure that the actors are quiet
back stage and that they are in position for their entrances for each
scene, This last aspect of your job is quite important for a huge play
like Alice. The little kids are going to have to be directed by you as
to when they go on and where they go when they are off stage. Before
the show, the stage manager "manages" the rehearsals. This means
keeping track of where the cast members are, Making sure that cast
members know when they are to show up, and keeping people that are not
rehearsing quiet or out of the auditorium. Follow the upcoming
rehearsals. Do not assume that actors have read the schedule.
If
for any reason, an actor is not available for rehearsal, let me know in
advance. I do not want to come into school and find everyone is giving
blood or on some school field trip. It wastes a lot of my time if I
come into school and can not rehearse because someone is not there.
Placing
large sheets of paper backstage with the acts and scenes listed in
large writing with the actors in those scenes will help keep the show
running smoothly.
During the show, check, double check, and triple check all cast, crew, and material to make cure that nothing can go wrong.
Another
task of the stage manager is to attempt to deal with problems between
team members. The stage manager is a diplomat that tries to prevent
personal problem form affecting the show. Be sure that people are
thanked for helping out. Do not hesitate to send a thank you note or
buy a present. People like to be acknowledged.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask me far in advance. Do not wait for the last minute to solve a problem.
You
are in charge of the stage crew. Be sure that they are mentioned in the
program. Get their names early and give the names to me so that I can
enter them in the program.
Your
busiest time is usually during the intermission and before the play.
During these times, you should be checking your lists to be sure all
people, props, and tech jobs are ready to perform.
This job has an awesome responsibility. I know you can do it!
Job Description - Program Advertisement
You are the person in charge of program ads
Last
year we sold a total of 13.5 pages of ads for the program. This is a
total of $1830.00. This is a significant part of our budget. We could
not exist without this income. As you know, we receive no money from
the school or city for our program. Our goal for this year should be
$1800.00 of ad sales.
You
should encourage as many people as possible to help you sell ads. The
parents may want to help. Contact the person in charge of the parents
(this year it is Steve McConnell – Matt’s dad) and ask for help in
selling ads. Parents may want to include ads of their own to wish their
children success in the play. We are not placing listing for "patron
and sponsors." That is too much work for a small amount of money. They
can, however place an ad. Be sure you come to some dance rehearsals at
the Studio in Adams in order to pass out materials for ads. Each Team
member must sell at least $50 in ads or VIP tickets. In addition, 80%
of funds over $100 for each student will be credited to his or her
Nebraska fees. Non-Drama Team cast members are not required to sell $50
worth of ads and VIPs.
On October 1, give the Assistant Director a list of the ads that you have sold.
Your
due date is October 15. After that date no ads can be sold. At that
date, give me a complete list of ads, and who sold what ads.
A
s you collect money for ads, put the copy of the ad in an envelope
clearly marked with the person that sold the ad, the money, and the
name and address of the person that bought the ad so I can thank them.
Give the sealed envelope to me. Do not leave the money in your locker.
You are responsible for this money. In the past, money was lost or
stolen.
This is a critical job. Good luck. I know you will do a great job
Job Description - Property Master
Your job is to keep the Drama Room clean and neat.
Your
first job is to get rid of the model of the Glove Theater that is
taking up a lot of space. I do not know what you can do with it, just
get it out of the Drama Room. We simply do not have enough room for it.
Here are a few other things to keep in mind for your job.
Throw out any dried up cans of paint. I have a feeling many of them are no good.
Throw
out any costumes that we can easily get in a Goodwill store. People
tend to give us their old clothes for some reason thinking incorrectly
that we have room for it. Please let me know what you are throwing out
before you do. Some items may have sentimental value.
Keep the posters in good shape. Protect them against other objects. Be sure that nothing is leaning against them.
Be
sure that the door is always locked except during rehearsals. The door
may be left open during rehearsals so people will not have to
constantly ask you for your key. Bythe way, make a copy of my key for
you to use.
Touch up the eyes of the blue logo on the wall. Make it look neat.
Be absolutely sure that before you leave each rehearsal that the Drama Room is locked.
Job Description - Technical Crew Coordinator
Your job is to make my job simpler.
Alice in Wonderland is a huge undertaking and I could not do it alone. I desperately need your help. Here is what you can do:
Study
the tech job directions for everyone on the Team. Follow up on people
periodically. Make sure that everyone is doing what he or she is
supposed to be doing.
Before October 1 and November 3, remind people
that the tech jobs are due. Read the reports. Make sure that everyone
hands in reports. Note who is late with reports. Keep a list.
Very
important – Meet with me to discuss the tech job reports. This must be
done when we have more than just a few minutes available. We should
carefully go over the tech reports and anticipate any developing
problems. It is up to you to follow up anything we decide to do about
these problems.
You are a people problem solver. Seek out any
developing problems. In a play of this size, there are bound to be
personal problems developing. As a senior and the Assistant Director,
you may be in position to smooth out the problems before they develop.
If the problem needs my input, do not hesitate to discuss it with me.
You
are my representative when I am not in the building. Keep in close
contact with me. Let me know about what is happening. This may include
problems with cast members, problems with the performance space,
opportunity for promoting our plays, events that may interfere with
rehearsals etc. You are my extra eyes and ears that are constantly
looking for developing problems and ways to make my job easier
Job Description - Administrative Assistant
Your job is to write letters. Here are some of the letters that you should be writing:
Thank-you
letters to all adults that help us with the play. This includes
parents, teachers, and other volunteers. You should write these letters
even if other students on the Team have written to these same people.
We depend on volunteers. A thank-you letter may be important to the
person receiving it. You do not have to wait for me, take it on
yourself to decide to thank people.
A letter of apology when inevitable problems occur.
Letters to companies if we have to order something.
I may ask you to write additional letters.
Print up stationery for yourself. I will give you a blank with your name on it and you can get the school to copy it.
On
October 1 and November 3, give the Assistant Director a list of letters
that you have sent out. This is an important job. I have a lot of
confidence in your ability and I'm sure you will do fine.
Your job is to get articles in the newspapers and to publicize in any other ways you can think of.
It
is up to you to get an audience! If you have questions about your job,
ask well in advance of your deadline. In the past, the public relation
director tried to start her job two weeks before the play with
disastrous results.
Set
up appointments with local news reporters to interview us and to take
photos. Be polite, you are representing the school and the Drama Team.
At the same time, donut take no for an answer. Place notices I the
school such as daily notices and articles in the school paper. Send
news releases to all three papers and radio stations at various points
during the rehearsal process. Do not wait to the end and just send in
one notice announcing the play. A press release could include who was
accepted for the parts. Another release could include information on
how this is our tenth anniversary. The Transcript may be interested in
writing an article just on that.
Your
first written report on October 1 should contain a list of exactly what
you did and what you plan to do with public relations. By October 1
everyone I the school should know what we are doing as a result of our
creative efforts. By November 3 give a written report to the to the
Assistant Director specifying what you have done to encourage reporters
to place articles in local newspapers. The report should include what
else you have done with the play in terms of PR.
By
the opening of the play, there should be articles with photos of the
play in at least tow newspapers. There should also be creative ways
that you have publicized the play in the school and other school in the
school system. Try to schedule an interview for me with a reporter from
the Transcript. Talk to me about this. They usually go along with this.
A long article is very effective in generating a lot of interest in the
play.
Before the
opening of the play, write thank you notes to everyone that helped you,
particularly the reporters that placed articles and photos in the
newspapers. Show these letters to me before sending them to get credit
for them.
Job Description - Ticket Sales
Your job is to encourage the sale of VIP tickets. Last year we sold 52. If we sell 50 this year, I will be very satisfied.
Don't worry about printing the tickets. I did that myself.
VIP
tickets have been very successful in the past in terms of raising money
for the Drury Drama Team. Each ticket has a fee of $25. This entitles
the person whose name is on the ticket, admission to all performances
of all productions of the Drama Team. If we do a musical, it is good
for the musical as well. Only one person must use each ticket. New this
year – The only people that can reserve certain seats in the theater,
are VIP ticket holders.
You
should write a letter to all parents explaining what the VIP tickets
are, how much they cost, and that only VIP ticket holders may reserve
seats in the theater. Non-VIP ticket holders may not "save" seats in
the theater. You are in charge of encouraging fellow students to sell
tickets. Each person must sell at lest $50 of tickets or ads. 80% of
money raised by students over $100 will be credited to their account
for the Lincoln, Nebraska trip. Keep a record of who sold how many
tickets. Collect the money, write down clearly who sold the tickets,
who's name goes on the ticket, and the correct of the person that is to
receive the ticket in the mail. Put all this in an envelope and give it
to me. Do not keep the money in your locker. In the past the money was
taken. You are responsible for the money. If it is lost, you pay for
it. Do not give me the money until you have the proper address and name
of the buyer and have sealed the money in an envelope.
Job Description - Treasurer
Your job is to collect money for the Yankee and International Thespian Festivals.
As
you know, we worked very hard to get those amazing seats in Nebraska.
In the past , we had the last row and I vowed never to have those seats
again. As a result, the ETA staff promised me good seats if we send our
money in early. This year I sent our money in the same day that we
received the application.
I want all the money and health forms
collected by December 15. Start collecting money at the beginning of
the year and periodically remind people of the deadline. This deadline
is for both Lincoln and for the Yankee. Note the following:
Yankee: fee = $40 (20 for fee and 20 for room)
International:
fee= $ 370 This is an approx. amount for the fee. This is how much is
needed by December 15. I do not know how much the transportation will
be. The airfare will be due in April. Also required by December 15 is
the medical form from everyone.
Keep accurate records of who paid
what for the Yankee and the International and who has returned the
medical form. Please do not wait until it is too late. Start very
early. Keep announcing the deadline in class and remind people
individually.
When you get money from anyone, put it in an envelope,
clearly mark the name of the person on the envelope. Keep accurate
records. Give the money to me in the envelope. Do not put the money in
your locker. You are responsible for the money. In the past, some money
was stolen.
Please do not hesitate to call me if you ever have any concerns or questions.
Job Description - Sound Technician
Your job is to protect our sound equipment. You are personally and financially responsible for it.
Please
contact Mr. Jenkins and tell him that you promise to personally take
the equipment out when needed and lock it up after it is used.
Talk to Matt McConnell and ask him when the equipment is needed.
Please donut just take the equipment out and ignore it. It is your job to protect it even during a rehearsal.
Recruit two other people to help you.
Give
the Assistant Director a report on October 1 listing in great detail
exactly what you are going to do before the play, during the play, and
after the play concerning the sound equipment.
Another report is due on November 3.
After
the play is over, you are responsible for making sure that Mr. Jenkins
is satisfied that all equipment is safe. Write him a thank you note and
show it to the Assistant Director
Job Description - Assistant Stage Manager
Your job is to keep this play from harming or messing up the school in any way.
You
are not responsible for anything inside the theater. That job belongs
to someone else. You are only responsible for the area outside the
theater (auditorium.) The following would come under your job
description:
During after school rehearsals, nobody associated with
the play (including parents) should do anything that would make the
janitors jobs harder such as throwing food on the floor or leaving
pizza boxes in the main office.
When the "little kids" and dancers
are a part of the rehearsal, it is your job to check that they are not
"trashing" the corridors or other parts of the school.
There is no reason for cast or crew members or parents to be in parts of the schools other than the main corridor.
During
the play and dress rehearsals, your job becomes even more important
since about 175 cast members plus their parents will be in various
parts of the school. Protect the interests of the school. Be sure that
we leave the school in the same condition that we found it in.
You
are not a janitor. You do, however, have to be sure that before you
leave the building after every rehearsal and performance, that nothing
is out of place such as cans on the floor and materials that we use.
On
October 1, you should give a tech job report to the Assistant Director.
This should include everything you have done up to that date and what
you expect to be doing during the difficult November period.
Another, more complete report is due on November 3.
During
rehearsals, you are responsible for making sure that all Drama Team
members are in the Theater and not in other parts of the school unless
they have permission from me.
Job Description - Second Assistant Stage Manager
Your
job is to take attendance for each class, each rehearsal that you are
in, and each performance. It is up to you to note who is not present.
This
includes the dancers and "little kids" as well. In one sense, you have
the most important job of all. If people are not at the rehearsal, we
can not do the play. It is up to you to make sure everyone is there. If
it is absolutely impossible for someone to be in class or rehearsal, I
have to know about it before the rehearsal or class. Since I am rarely
in the building, it is up to you to let me know.
Make
a neat chart with everyone's name and take attendance at about 3:15
each Monday. Do not take attendance at the beginning of class. Also get
a list of the entire cast. There will be at least 150 people in the
cast. It is your job to check off cast members as they show up for the
performance. If anyone is not present at least one hour before the
play, it is extremely important for Sue Hakes, the Stage Manager, and
me to know that.
This is also true of dress rehearsals as well. If
someone is not present, it is up to you to call him or her before you
tell us that they are not there. Be sure you always have a list of
phone numbers with you.
On
October 1, give the Assistant Director a list of the attendance up to
that point. If anyone is absent to any rehearsal, I need to know about
that on the same day as the rehearsal.
On November 3, give the
Assistant Director a list of attendance up to that point plus a copy of
the cast list that you will use for dress rehearsals and the
performances.
Very
important: It is your job to know who is responsible for what rehearsal
and make sure they are available. We have to know in advance if it
would be impossible to do a certain rehearsal or hold a certain class.
For instance, if many students plan on no going to class because of a
field trip or other reason, I must know about it.
Job Description - Assistant to the Director
You are my personal secretary and assistant.
A
project such as Alice in Wonderland is simply mind-boggling in its
complexity. I have worked very hard this summer to organize the
production as much as possible. Even with this work, the job will bury
me without a lot of help. Your job was created to help me be as
organized as possible. It is important to stay near me or at least be
in sight as much as possible so I can give you notes.
Here are some things you can do to make my job easier:
Always be the first student in the theater for class and rehearsals. Turn the stage lights on if they are not on.
For class, have everyone get on the stage on the floor in a circle.
Always have a pen a paper for you to write notes and extra for me. I am constantly loosing pens and paper.
Always know where you can get a flashlight. Hide at least three of them in places where you can easily get to them.
Make
lists. Make lists. Make lists. This includes things that I remember we
have to get done. It also includes organizing the play in any way you
can think of. You should always have a class list with phone numbers
with you.
You are my eyes and ears when I am not in the building. If
anything happens that would be good for me to know about, call me
either at home or at the office. This might include developing problems
that I can correct before it gets serious. It also may include letting
me know what is happening in school. In the past, a day was called off
and no one told me.
Check on the theater when I ‘m not in the building. Make sure that no one is harming any of our materials.
Check
on my mailbox in the head office at least every other day and my
mailbox in the teacher's room at least once per week. Do not open any
of my mail, but if there is a note that I have to know about, call me.
In the past, I did not know grades were due and there were some times
that important messages were not read in time because they were not in
my mailbox.
In general, think of ways that will make my life at Drury easier.
Job Description - Sergeant at Arms
Your job is to keep everyone quiet when they are supposed to be quiet.
In
drama, we encourage people to express themselves. However, with such an
enormous class size it is important for everyone that is not supposed
to be talking, to keep quiet and pay attention. This is absolutely
critical during a rehearsal or when I am trying to talk in class. Be
polite about it, but be firm. If someone consistently interrupts the
rehearsal or class by talking or whispering, they may be placed on
probation. Continuing disruptions will result in being dropped from the
Team.
I can not be
bothered with telling people to be quiet. It disrupts the rehearsal and
breaks my train of thought. Your job is very important. I'm counting on
you.
Do not wait for me to ask you to quiet down the class. If you see a problem, take care of it.
You
are not in charge of discipline. The Drama Team members are all very
nice students. They just have to be reminded not to make any noise
during inappropriate times.
Present
a written report to the Assistant Director on October 1 and November 3
with a list of the class members and who you had to tell to be quiet.
Job Description - Publicity - Poster Design
Remember the sign that announced the band trip to Florida?
Your tech job is to get a similar Alice in Wonderland sign made and to have it installed by October 15.
Under
no circumstances do I want to hear "I can't do it." After being your
teacher for one year, I have come to the conclusion that you are a
bright and creative. I think you can do just about anything you start
out to do. You can learn a lot from doing this project. In the past,
you had a tendency in Theater Class to give up at the slightest
provocation. This year I have given you a more difficult job than you
had last year. Prove to yourself that you can do it!
Here are some rules:
You
have to plan your method of attacking this job. Do not try to give your
job to parents, friends, or others. Others may make the sign and put it
up, but I want you to be fully in charge of this project.
The
quality of the drawing on the sign must match the quality of the play
itself. I will not allow an amateur-looking sign to degrade the feeling
of the play.
The sign must be in place by October 15. This is an
absolute deadline. Failure to do this will result in failure of your
tech job and withdrawal from the play.
You must get permission to place the sign and it must not obscure the Drury sign or cause a safety problem.
You may use up to $50 of Drama Team funds for this project. I have to approve any money before you spend it.
Student Evaluation Form
Production:
Character:
Tech Job:
Evaluator: Dr. Len Radin
EMOTIONAL PREPARATION
Clarity of intentions
Level of emotional intensity
Projection of emotional intensity
CHARACTER PORTRAYAL
Appearance – This refers to how appropriateness of appearance for your particular character.
Tension within own character
Tension with other characters
Reactions to scene development
Polish
Richness of character
MOVEMENT
Validity
Clarity
Creativity
Uses proper basics in blocking
Facial expression
VOCAL CONTROL
Projection
Articulation
Emotional quality (mood)
Appropriateness
Use of entire vocal range
RULES
Staying in character
Stay out of view of audience when not on stage
Not distracting actors
Treating others with respect
TECH JOB
Completed by due date
Creativity
Resourcefulness
Completeness
Followed directions
Did student raise at least $50?
Ability to get along with teammates
Attitude
Conduct
Seriousness of intent
Is prompt to rehearsals
Memorization
Your acting grade is : It is worth % of your overall grade. Your technical grade is: It is worth % of your overall grade.
Your overall grade for this production is:
This grade counts as 80% of your marking period grade. Please show this evaluation to your parents.
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