Just finished THE CANTERVILLE GHOST with 23 young performers ages 12-14. We had our share of invisible props, broken props, missing props and shattered props. I learned some rules:
1. Once you replace a rehearsal prop with the show prop and show it to your young performer - who will dutifully nod their head as if they are listening - they will later come onstage during tech week with an "invisible" prop.
During notes after the show, you may ask your young performer why they did not bring on the prop and chose instead to work with an invisible prop - they will tell you they could not find their prop anywhere. When you mention that the rehearsal prop was put away because you had the actual show prop for them - they will be astonished and mention that nobody told them. When you gently say that ... well, gee ... you not only told them but showed them the prop and then put it on the prop table - where it belongs - they will be flabbergasted. They will have no memory of that conversation. And no idea there is a prop table.
2. The next day they will bring on the proper show prop. They will use it incorrectly and fiddle with it and it will not work right.
During notes on the show, you will explain that the prop works exactly as the rehearsal prop worked and they will be surprised but will vow to practice with the prop and get it right the next day.
3. On the third day, you will have success. They will bring on the right prop, use it correctly and leave it somewhere. Preferably on the floor center stage. Where everyone goes. And everyone notices it and no one picks it up.
4. On the 4th day, the prop will have become an integral part of the show and with any luck will come and go as stated in the script.
Unless it is a crystal ball which is left on the floor. And someone kicks it. And it shatters. During an actual show. During intermission, people will emerge from the woodwork to clean it up. Except for the cast, who will remain huddled somewhere discussing the crystal ball and "Do you think anyone noticed?"
Just as helium balloons proved to have a mind of their own, I am vowed to never again put a crystal ball into a play. If someone must gaze into the future, I'd just as soon use tarot cards. Which don't shatter.... they will just get lost and disappear one by one.
Upon further thought, maybe an invisible crystal ball would have been a better idea. Invisible props in a spooky show about a ghost. Somehow, it all seems appropriate.
By the way, excerpts from THE CANTERVILLE GHOST can be found at: http://theatreink.tripod.com/
1. Once you replace a rehearsal prop with the show prop and show it to your young performer - who will dutifully nod their head as if they are listening - they will later come onstage during tech week with an "invisible" prop.
During notes after the show, you may ask your young performer why they did not bring on the prop and chose instead to work with an invisible prop - they will tell you they could not find their prop anywhere. When you mention that the rehearsal prop was put away because you had the actual show prop for them - they will be astonished and mention that nobody told them. When you gently say that ... well, gee ... you not only told them but showed them the prop and then put it on the prop table - where it belongs - they will be flabbergasted. They will have no memory of that conversation. And no idea there is a prop table.
2. The next day they will bring on the proper show prop. They will use it incorrectly and fiddle with it and it will not work right.
During notes on the show, you will explain that the prop works exactly as the rehearsal prop worked and they will be surprised but will vow to practice with the prop and get it right the next day.
3. On the third day, you will have success. They will bring on the right prop, use it correctly and leave it somewhere. Preferably on the floor center stage. Where everyone goes. And everyone notices it and no one picks it up.
4. On the 4th day, the prop will have become an integral part of the show and with any luck will come and go as stated in the script.
Unless it is a crystal ball which is left on the floor. And someone kicks it. And it shatters. During an actual show. During intermission, people will emerge from the woodwork to clean it up. Except for the cast, who will remain huddled somewhere discussing the crystal ball and "Do you think anyone noticed?"
Just as helium balloons proved to have a mind of their own, I am vowed to never again put a crystal ball into a play. If someone must gaze into the future, I'd just as soon use tarot cards. Which don't shatter.... they will just get lost and disappear one by one.
Upon further thought, maybe an invisible crystal ball would have been a better idea. Invisible props in a spooky show about a ghost. Somehow, it all seems appropriate.
By the way, excerpts from THE CANTERVILLE GHOST can be found at: http://theatreink.tripod.com/
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