need theater help please (ot)

[SylverFlame]

As a note to all here:

Since Danial Knight brought up the topic of scripts, there is A LOT of bull-ca-ca you have to go through. If you do this as a "for profit" (you, or the school, keep the proceeds) you have to get the play rights from whichever company owns them. I don't know the rules for "for charity" plays.

On top of this, many companies require you buy x-number of scripts from them (or rent the scripts). You can get in real doo-doo if you don't follow the company rules. Also, you should note that even though photocopying scripts is EXTREMELY cheap, you can get in trouble with copyright laws by doing this.

Just words of warning. Also, good luck again. You're an inspiration to us all ol'bean.

 

[Shadowdancer]

Someone mentioned "The Hobbit" -- our local high school did that recently and took it to the middle schools and elementary schools. The kids all loved it, both the performers and the audiences.

A suggestion for a Shakespeare play -- "Othello." And with your demographics, reverse the racial casting. All black except a white Othello. This has been done at some other mostly black schools and professional theater groups with some success.

Also look at "A Raisin in the Sun." One of the first black-oriented plays to find mainstream success, the issues are still appropriate without being offensive.

For musicals, look at "The Wiz," which requires a large cast, is appropriate for your demographic and is not offensive.

As for comedies, let me suggest a play called "The Nerd" -- this is one of the funniest things I have ever read or seen done on stage. Although some of the humor is adult oriented.

 

[Pigeon]

Since Danial Knight brought up the topic of scripts, there is A LOT of bull-ca-ca you have to go through. If you do this as a "for profit" (you, or the school, keep the proceeds) you have to get the play rights from whichever company owns them. I don't know the rules for "for charity" plays.

That's the beauty of shakespeare, no copyright

 

[Enkhidu]

My suggestion, if you want to involve everyone, is to try at least one set of one act plays - fewer lines for every, and all the kids will get a chance to shine. You've said that you have 4 opportunites to do this over the year, so don't be afriad to do this one twice. The links you've been given above will do for that one.

As for a large cast production that the kids will like - think about Voices From the High School. It has scenes that the kids might really connect with, though I warn you that you will definitely have to edit this play (leaving out at least one scene, maybe more) to make the parents happy. Drop me a line if you need more info about it, I think I still have the script around here somewhere.

Good lu... er, break a leg!

 

[Barendd Nobeard]

Gotta run to work, so this will be short. More details later.

There is a whole series of "Broadway Jr." plays--versions of famous plays altered for younger kids. Try one of those. I'd go with "Guys and Dolls" - great story, lots of parts for both genders, fun to watch.

"Little Shop of Horrors" is fun, but there are some language/theme issues (Orin beating Audrey, the S+M references, etc.).

More later.

 

[alsih2o]

you folks are tyhe best, over and over again

 

[Henry]

A couple of suggestions:


Up the Down Staircase (Kind of a forerunner to 'Dangerous Minds')

Guys and Dolls

A Christmas Carol (if you're doing one around December)

All's well that ends Wrong (uses Shakespeare, but it's not a Shakespearean play)

Our Town (an ensemble piece if you EVER saw one)

The important thing is that if you've got about 40 students, they all need to be involved, and larger ensemble pieces assist in that. UTDS, ACC, and OT above were all plays I participated in in high school, and UTDS and OT were very good for getting large numbers of people on stage. Good Luck!

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

I'm scratching my head trying to think of some more shows...

If they're willing to do musicals, it makes it a little easier. I can heartily recommend The Hot Mikado, which is Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado reworked with Jazz music. If they can sing, and play instruments, then this one's a winner. Plus it's screamingly funny in places.

I also second the notion of writing your own play, but let them build it out of stories. Something we did once at Uni was for everyone to simply bring in a story that they know, either real or fictional. It brought up some great results, really fascinating stories. And it'll give you a chance to see who the natural performers are!