Save the Drama for November 20th
Autumn Busbee
October 27, 2009
Filed under A & E
Unless you’re involved in theater, you probably overlook the details that go into a single production. Although actors spend hours perfecting lines, emotion, and blocking (where they stand on stage,) there are behind the curtain measures being taken to ensue a hit production.
The stage crew constructs sets, designs costumes, adjust lighting, and even applies actors’ make up. The director and assistant director, who are only seen when introducing the play, carefully choose actors, plan blocking sequences, and perfect every scene.
At North Augusta, hundreds of hours of rehearsal in combination with props, lighting, and costumes result in two performances. Director Jen Harlan, stage manager Chelsea Tuberville, and actor Chase Pardue enlighten us on the levels of contribution that construct a successful production.
Director Jen Harlan, Senior
Why was The Hunchback of Notre Dame chosen as the winter play?
We chose to do the Hunchback of Notre Dame because we wanted to pick not only a feature length play, but also a more humorous play. We also wanted to use a storyline that the student body would be familiar with and be more interested in coming to see, in contrast with a classic such as our fall play last year Lady Windermere.
Is it similar to Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, or more theatrical than the aforementioned?
The play is only similar to the Disney version in the fact that there is a hunchback and gypsies. There is no singing in the play; also the storyline is a bit different from the Disney version. However, it really is a hilarious play, and I think that anyone and everyone will enjoy it! It definitely isn’t only geared toward younger audiences, it’s more toward people our age and older.
Describe the cast:
I could not have asked for a better cast for the Hunchback. The people in the play are the most dedicated people I know; not only that, they all exhibit amazing acting abilities. The cast is rather large, however everyone is slowly but surely getting down their blocking, lines, and getting into character. The process is a little frustrating for them, but the end result will be simply superb.
Stage Manage Chelsea Tuberville, Senior
What type of props are being considered?
For The Hunchback, many of our props will be purchased. We will use what we already have for many scenes, but buy what’s necessary. This year, we will probably be ordering cloth backdrops to help our scenes look as realistic as possible.
What costumes will the characters be wearing?
Costumes for all the actors will come from the renaissance era and mainly have brown and gray tones. Gypsies, of course, will be the most eccentric in jewelry and colors. To make the characters appear as legitimate as possible, I am trying to avoid costumes made from scratch. But with this being said, Quasimodo’s costume will probably have to be homemade.
Speaking of Quasimodo, how will his signature “hunchback” be achieved?
As of now, the best idea for Quasimodo’s deformity is a fluffy pillow.
Actor Chase Pardue, Junior
How long have you been acting?
Well, I have only been acting for about a year; my first play was the spring play of my sophomore year. April Adams got me into acting, we had economics together 10th grade, and she always asked me to audition for the play. I auditioned then got a part.
How is The Hunchback of Notre Dame different from other plays you’ve been in?
The Hunchback is a lot different from the other plays I have done because the levels of acting I have to perform on stage; I have almost 90 lines, a love scene, and a dyeing scene. Its very difficult for me to do a lot of the things required with my role, you will have to see how I do in the play November 20th and 21st.
What type of play is The Hunchback?
The Hunchback is both a tragedy and a comedy, this play is not exactly the most correct Hunchback script, it is supposed to be funny and allow us actor to interact with our audience.
To see the superb dedication of Drama Club to theater, be sure to attend The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Opening night will be November 20, followed by the final showing on November 21. The price of admission will be $5 and there will be an intermission. Save the date!
And now, just for LOLs:
