Twelfth Night: The 30-Minute Shakespeare by Newlin Nick;Shakespeare William;

Author:Newlin, Nick;Shakespeare, William;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Nicolo Whimsey Press
Published: 2010-07-27T00:00:00+00:00

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

THE STEPS

After a few sessions of theater games to warm up the group, it’s time to begin the process of casting the play. Each play cutting in The 30-Minute Shakespeare series includes a cast list and a sample program, demonstrating which parts have been divided. Cast size is generally between twelve and thirty students, with major roles frequently assigned to more than one performer. In other words, one student may play Juliet in the first scene, another in the second scene, and yet another in the third. This will distribute the parts evenly so that there is no “star of the show.” Furthermore, this prevents actors from being burdened with too many lines. If I have an actor who is particularly talented or enthusiastic, I will give her a bigger role. It is important to go with the grain—one cast member’s enthusiasm can be contagious.

I provide the performer of each shared role with a similar headpiece and/or cape, so that the audience can keep track of the characters. When there are sets of twins, I try to use blue shirts and red shirts, so that the audience has at least a fighting chance of figuring it out! Other than these costume consistencies, I rely on the text and the audience’s observance to sort out the doubling of characters. Generally, the audience can follow because we are telling the story.

Some participants are shy and do not wish to speak at all on stage. To these students I assign non-speaking parts and technical roles such as sound operator and stage manager. However, I always get everybody on stage at some point, even if it is just for the final group speech, because I want every group member to experience what it is like to be on a stage as part of an ensemble.

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