I’m writing a scene in a play where a character has a flashback to her childhood in 1972. The scene takes places at a diner where she’s celebrating her birthday with her family. I’m particularly interested in the visual look of the space and the description of the other characters who would be in the diner in that time period. Please give me eight examples of how I can concisely set the scene.

Of course! Here are eight concise ways to vividly set the scene for your play:

• Retro Aesthetic: The diner oozes 1972 charm, with its checkered linoleum floor, vinyl-upholstered booths in shades of burnt orange and avocado green, and a gleaming chrome counter. Tinted windows filter in the warm afternoon sunlight.
• Period-Perfect Attire: Your protagonist’s family members are dressed in quintessential ’70s fashion. Dad sports polyester slacks and a wide-collared shirt, Mom wears a flowing floral dress with bell sleeves, and your young protagonist has on flared jeans and a peace sign T-shirt.
• Nostalgic Decor: Framed posters of iconic ’70s movies like “The Godfather” and “Star Wars” decorate the walls. Lava lamps on the counter emit a mesmerizing, psychedelic glow, and a “Saturday Night Fever” movie poster hangs prominently.
• Soundtrack of the Era: The jukebox in the corner plays a medley of hits from 1972, including songs by artists like Elton John, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, and Led Zeppelin. The mellifluous melodies transport patrons back to the heart of the ’70s.
• Hairstyles of the Time: Diner patrons showcase a variety of ’70s hairstyles, from long, straight hair with center parts to afros and shaggy layers. Waitresses sport headbands and side ponytails, capturing the essence of the era.
• News and Conversations: Overhead, a vintage television broadcasts news of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War. Patrons discuss political events, the release of Atari’s “Pong” game, and the debut of the pocket calculator with animated gestures and earnest enthusiasm.
• Whiffs of Comfort Food: The air is filled with the mouthwatering scent of diner classics—hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes being prepared in the open kitchen. Ashtrays on the tables emit the occasional puff of cigarette smoke, indicative of the era’s smoking culture.
• Generational Mix: The diner is a crossroads of generations. A group of teenagers huddles in a corner booth, swapping stories about the latest roller disco craze, while older patrons discuss the gas crisis and the oil embargo, highlighting the era’s economic challenges.

These descriptions will help transport your audience to the heart of 1972 and immerse them in the visual and cultural elements of the time.

I’m directing a production of the musical Cabaret and wish to set it in the context of the Vietnam War rather than World War II. How should I go about aligning the story and its message with the new Vietnam War setting? Please give me specific ideas for how to do so.

Setting “Cabaret” in the context of the Vietnam War era rather than World War II can be a bold and impactful choice. To align the story and its message with this new setting, you can consider the following specific ideas:

• Character Backgrounds and Motivations: Alter the backgrounds and motivations of the central characters to fit the Vietnam War era. For example:
  • Cliff Bradshaw: Make him a war correspondent or a draft dodger who fled to Berlin to avoid the Vietnam War draft.
  • Sally Bowles: Reimagine her as a free-spirited performer who is disillusioned by the war and finds solace in the Kit Kat Klub.
  • Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz: Explore their characters in the context of the civil unrest and anti-war sentiment of the era.
• Kit Kat Klub Setting: Transform the Kit Kat Klub into a venue frequented by soldiers on leave from Vietnam. This can lead to dynamic interactions between the performers and soldiers, highlighting the escapism the club offers.
• Songs and Performances: Choose songs that reflect the era, including protest songs, folk music, and iconic tunes from the 1960s. You can incorporate songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan or “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke into the performances.
• Political Themes: Integrate political themes from the Vietnam War era into the narrative. Explore topics such as anti-war protests, the draft, the counterculture movement, and the impact of the war on individuals and society.
• Costumes and Set Design: Dress the characters in attire that suits the 1960s, including military uniforms, hippie fashion, and mod clothing. Modify the set design to reflect the era’s aesthetics, using iconic symbols like peace signs and protest posters.
• Dialogue and Monologues: Rewrite or adapt dialogue and monologues to include references to the Vietnam War, civil rights, and social issues of the time. This will help immerse the audience in the new setting.
• Relationships and Conflicts: Develop conflicts and relationships that are relevant to the Vietnam War context. For instance, explore the tension between characters who support the war and those who are vehemently against it.
• Ending and Message: Reinterpret the ending to resonate with the Vietnam War setting. The conclusion can reflect the disillusionment and uncertainty of the era, making it more politically charged.
• Choreography and Dance: Choreograph dance numbers that incorporate elements of protest or rebellion, reflecting the spirit of the era’s youth culture and activism.
• Audience Engagement: Engage the audience by providing historical context through program notes, lobby displays, or post-show discussions. Help them understand the significance of the Vietnam War in the production’s context.
• Symbolism and Imagery: Use symbols and imagery associated with the Vietnam War, such as the peace sign, the draft card, or photos from protests, as part of the production’s visual storytelling.
• Diversity and Inclusivity: Highlight the diversity and inclusivity of the 1960s era by incorporating characters from various backgrounds and perspectives, including those involved in the civil rights movement.

By implementing these specific ideas, you can effectively align the story and message of “Cabaret” with the Vietnam War setting, creating a production that offers a unique and thought-provoking experience for the audience while staying true to the historical and cultural context of the era.

I’m rehearsing for the role of the tiger in Rajiv Joseph’s ‘Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,’ which features elements of magical realism and dark comedy. How can I prepare effectively to capture the surreal and thought-provoking atmosphere of the play in my performance? Please give specific examples.

Preparing for the role of the Tiger in “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” requires a deep understanding of the play’s themes, the Tiger’s character, and the unique elements of magical realism and dark comedy. Here are some specific steps and examples to help you prepare effectively:

• Study the Script and Themes:
  • Read and re-read the script to fully grasp the themes of the play, such as the consequences of war, the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
  • Analyze the Tiger’s monologues and interactions with other characters to understand his perspective on these themes.
• Research Tigers and Zoos:
  • Learn about tigers, their behavior, and their natural habitats. Understand their symbolism in various cultures.
  • Study the conditions in zoos, especially during wartime, to empathize with the Tiger’s captivity.
• Embrace Magical Realism:
  • Embody the Tiger’s unique ability to speak and interact with the human characters as a natural part of the world. This is a key element of magical realism.
  • Practice delivering monologues and lines with a mix of surrealism and matter-of-factness, creating an otherworldly presence. For instance, when narrating his afterlife experiences, speak of them as if they are as real as any other event.
• Explore Dark Comedy:
  • Understand the play’s dark comedic elements, which often stem from absurd or uncomfortable situations.
  • Experiment with timing and delivery to find the humor in moments of tension. For example, when recounting the chaos in Baghdad, consider how the Tiger might find dark humor in the absurdity of human behavior during wartime.
• Develop Physicality:
  • Tigers are known for their physical grace and power. Work on physicality to convey the Tiger’s presence convincingly.
  • Consider movements that are both cat-like and imbued with a surreal quality. Your physicality should be both captivating and unsettling.
• Rehearse with Other Characters:
  • Interact with your fellow actors to establish a dynamic with each character you encounter. The Tiger’s interactions with humans should reflect his complex emotions, from curiosity to anger.
• Work on Vocal Expressions:
  • Experiment with vocal variations to capture the Tiger’s emotions. From moments of rage to introspection, your voice should convey the character’s depth.
• Seek Feedback:
  • Collaborate closely with your director and fellow cast members to refine your performance. Encourage open discussions about the surreal and thought-provoking aspects of your character.

By immersing yourself in the script’s themes, embracing magical realism, and balancing dark comedy, you can effectively prepare for the unique role of the Tiger and capture the surreal and thought-provoking atmosphere of the play. Remember that this role offers a rich opportunity for creativity and exploration.

I am putting on a book musical for community theater on a limited budget. What creative techniques and strategies can I employ to create an immersive and captivating experience that keeps the audience fully engaged from the opening act to the final curtain call?

Certainly, putting on a book musical for community theater on a limited budget requires ingenuity. Here are creative techniques and strategies to create an immersive experience:

• Minimalist Set Design: Embrace minimalism by using versatile, simple sets that suggest locations rather than fully recreating them. Focus on key props and backdrops that can be repurposed.
• Creative Costumes: Design costumes that not only represent the characters but also add visual interest. For example, consider costume changes on stage for a visually captivating transformation.
• Adaptive Choreography: Design choreography that works with the space available. Think creatively about how the limited stage area can be used effectively.
• Actor-Driven Scene Changes: Involve actors in scene transitions. Having them rearrange props and set pieces on stage can be integrated into the performance.
• Unexpected Entrances/Exits: Surprise the audience with actors entering from unexpected places, like the aisles or behind the audience.
• Themed Lobby, Refreshments, and Entertainment: Decorate the lobby in line with the musical’s theme. Serve themed refreshments or cocktails to create a cohesive experience. Offer pre-show entertainment like a mini-musical number, or local artists performing songs related to the show.
• Character Interaction: Have actors stay in character during intermission, interacting with the audience in the lobby, making it feel like an extension of the performance.
• Audience Interaction: Involve the audience in a friendly way, like having actors hand out “newspapers” or “invitations” before the show for engagement with the storyline.
• Subtle References: Include subtle references or Easter eggs from other well-known musicals for enthusiasts to discover.
• Crowdsourcing and Donations: Ask for donations or sponsorships from local businesses to fund specific aspects of the production, like costumes or set pieces.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local schools, colleges, or theater groups for shared resources or talent.
• Recycle and Reuse: Save and reuse set pieces, props, and costumes for future productions to maximize your budget.
• Audience Engagement: Make the audience feel involved by inviting them to participate in moments like a sing-along or a collective shout during the performance.
• Adapt the Script: When possible, consider minor script adjustments to accommodate your budget while preserving the essence of the story.

By creatively addressing the challenges of a limited budget, you can enhance the immersive and captivating qualities of your community theater book musical while keeping the audience fully engaged from start to finish.

I am interested in working with the Playwrights’ Center in an acting capacity. Here is the audition notice[1]. What creatively should I do to best position myself to be chosen? What process steps should I follow?

SEEKING Equity actors for roles in Playwrights’ Center 2023-24 Season Minneapolis/St. Paul area actors are encouraged to audition. Note that we are not casting for specific roles or projects at this time. After we have seen your audition, we will keep your information on file and be in touch if a role opens up that we think you are a fit for.

PREPARATION You will be asked to read one of the sides that we provide. You can find the sides on our website. You may choose any side, regardless of character description. 

Dates vary throughout the year and casting happens on a rolling basis. OTHER Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition. Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

SEEKING: Actors for new play development workshops at Playwrights’ Center. We encourage actors who have previously worked at PWC to audition this year, as we have a new casting and producing team.

Playwrights’ Center develops 60-75 new plays each year and seeks actors throughout the year to cast in individual development workshops. After general auditions, we will update our database of actors to be considered as roles come up. Most workshops are between 10-25 hour contracts, and almost all workshops are held on weekdays during the day.

[1] Playbill, retrieved from https://www.playbill.com/job/playwrights-center-minneapolis-mn-epa-10-20-23/51efe509-4b87-4ac6-9ac1-ca7a3df10a0c on October 4, 2023

Certainly, let’s get creative with your approach to stand out in the audition process for the Playwrights’ Center:

• Conceptual Audition: Transform your audition into a mini-performance that tells a story. Instead of just reciting lines, consider using movement, props, or even visual aids to create a memorable audition. For instance, if the scene involves a meal, bring in a plate of actual food to interact with.
• Unique Character Choices: Opt for a character that contrasts with your typical casting. Challenge yourself to showcase versatility, like going from a stern character to a whimsical one. Show the breadth of your acting abilities.
• Adaptation Challenge: Take a familiar character from a classic play or literature and adapt them to the scene. This twist demonstrates your creativity and the ability to think outside the box.
• Multi-Medium Audition: Combine different art forms. If the scene allows, integrate music, painting, or dance into your performance. This interdisciplinary approach can make your audition unforgettable.
• Set the Scene: Transform your audition space to reflect the scene’s setting. Even via video, use background props, lighting, or even green screens to immerse the casting team in the scene’s world.
• Character Playlist: Create a playlist of songs that represent your character’s emotions or background. Share this playlist with the casting team as part of your audition package to give them a deeper insight into your character choices.
• Creative Resumes: Redesign your resume to be visually engaging. Use imagery, colors, or icons that represent your acting journey. Make it visually memorable while maintaining professionalism.
• Post-Audition Follow-Up: After your audition, send a follow-up in the form of a short video message, thanking them and reiterating your enthusiasm for their projects. This personal touch can leave a lasting impression.
• In-character Engagement: Respond to any feedback or questions from the casting team in character. This extends your audition’s impact beyond the initial performance.
• Symbolic Props: Incorporate symbolic props that represent your character’s journey or the scene’s themes. These props can add depth and intrigue to your performance.
• Multi-Camera Angle Self-Tape: If you’re submitting a self-tape, use multiple camera angles creatively to capture your performance. This can provide a more dynamic viewing experience.
• Audience Engagement: Make your audition interactive. Encourage the casting team to ask questions or provide prompts during or after your performance. This interaction can showcase your adaptability as an actor.
• Site-Specific Audition: If possible, choose a location that matches the scene. For instance, if the scene is set in a park, audition in an actual park to infuse authenticity into your performance.
• Propose a Collaboration: Conclude your audition by proposing a unique collaboration idea with the Playwrights’ Center. This shows your eagerness to contribute creatively to their projects.

By thinking creatively and pushing artistic boundaries in your audition, you’ll not only showcase your acting skills but also your ability to bring innovation and fresh perspectives to the theater—an asset highly valued by organizations like the Playwrights’ Center

Good luck!