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Has Covid Ended the Broadway Theater?

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Has Covid Ended the Broadway Theater?

Recently, my husband and I caught a wonderful performance on BroadwayHD of “Slava’s Snow Show.”  It is quinessential circus theater and we nearly wept with joy while watching it..  Even though it was a filmed performance, it was the closest thing we’d gotten to live theater in nearly a year.

These are unprecendented times, yes?  Everyone in the world is in the same boat.

Will Broadway Theater Re-open?

Broadway, Font, Letters, Sign, Lights, Red, Yellow

It is hard to believe, but Broadway is coming back sooner than we think!

A time line has been drafted for the potential reopening of Broadway theaters and live entertainment venues.

As reported in Broadway News, New York state can reopen venues through a combination of quick Covid tests and socially distanced seating. Although audience numbers would be significantly lower than pre-lockdown levels, it’s the first step to Broadway being back open again.

Speaking about the framework, Governor Cuomo said: “The overall effort is headed towards reopening with testing. And we’re going to be smart, but also aggressive about it.” He also said that Broadway theatres could realistically open if everyone was proven to be Covid negative. As long as all safety protocols were signed off, “You can open a Broadway stage with a set percentage of occupants, where people have tested prior to walking into that Broadway theater.”

During the seven-month Pop Up Festival announced recently, small crowd sizes will be introduced for live performances. This will be the next step since the outdoor Bills Stadium reopened its doors, with up to 7,000 fans attending games.

Here’s the deal, though.  On February 23, venues with a seating capacity of over 10,000 will be allowed to reopen. Of course, this doesn’t include Broadway theater which are much smaller, but hey that’s a start!

Outdoor, Street, Road, City, View, Night, Evening, Time

Not everyone is excited about this plan. From the newyorktheatreguide.com, ” … Broadway leaders previously stated theatres can’t open until Coronavirus levels are low enough to sustain full houses in auditorium.”

Theater is expensive! My personal experiences with administrating theater companies taught me it is not cost effective without a full house. According to nytix.com, “Some may say that any attendance is better than no attendance, but operating costs for Broadway plays are often so steep that they need to sell at least 80% of tickets (or more!) just to break even.

Spending the producers’ money to put on Broadway shows for just 10-25% capacity, could very well create even more losses than having no shows at all. It seems like a real world skit of the famous Nathan Lane show The Producers, but with real consequences for art and people. Broadway Theatres could increase ticket prices but they would have to be 2-3 times the normal cost and they would soon run out of patrons with pockets that deep to buy them.”

At present, Broadway theaters are closed until May 30.

Broadway and West 34th St.

Which Shows Will Re-open?

If you think about it–we are talking about over 97,000 people returning to their jobs and/or be cast.  Unfortunately, they can’t just iron the costumes, turn on the lights and open the grand curtain.  It will take several months for a production to open again.

I looked around to see if I could discern which shows would re-open first. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack. According to Broadwayworld.com  productions are slated to open sometime in the fall.

Productions included are:

  • The Music Man by December 20, 21l.
  • Caroline or Change
  • David Byrne’s America Utopia
  • MJ the Musical

Many productions (Dear Evan Hansen, Aladdin, Book of Mormon, Aint Too Proud, etc.) haven’t made an announcement yet.  I’ll update this list as news becomes available.

Who will open first?

Who will open first?  According to the newyorktheatreguide.com website, there are rumors that Hamilton will be the first Broadway show to re-open, with potential performances from Jul. 4, 2021. Yippee!

Speaking to Variety, Lin-Manuel Miranda said: “I think when theater comes back it’s going to be in conversation with technology in an entirely different way. I don’t think we go back to a world where a show premieres on Broadway, and then no one can see it unless they have two hundred bucks. I think producers are going to have to start thinking about how they’re going to capture [their work] because in capturing it they can actually capture a much larger audience for their live show.”

I’m intrigued by this comment.  Does Lin-Manuel mean covid precautions? Or recorded music?

Is Theater Dead? 

As a theater lover, director, producer, actress and teacher I worry about theater even without the pandemic.

It’s easily misunderstood and not everyone understands the power of the performing arts.  I didn’t know it at the time, but this post has come to pass: How Fulfilling is Life Without Theatre? 

I’m always reminded of this quote by John Steinbeck, “The theater is the only institution in the world which has been dying for four thousand years and has never succumbed.  It requires tough and devoted people to keep it alive.”

It does require grit from us in theater arts.  All around you right now there are people working to bring back theater for all of us. Feel comforted by that thought–theater people are a harty bunch!

In the meantime, while we wait to see live theater I can help a little. Here are some lessons which might be of interest to you.

They are quite popular with other teachers. I’ll tell you a secret. (Most of my lessons come with a teacher’s script so a teacher doesn’t have to think what to say to begin the lesson.  I’ve provided it for them.) I have lessons for grades two to twelve. If you don’t know about me, I am a retired drama teacher now selling drama resources. You can find them at Dramamommaspeaks Store

 

Hamilton
Boom Cards
Costume Design
Wicked
Come From Away
Costume Design
Storytelling
High School
Radio Theater
Readers Theater
Drama Vocabulary
Theater will live through this time.  I’m certain it will take several months before we see packed theaters. How exciting will it be to see happy people roaming around Times Square before a performance. I plan to be there, don’t you?

If you could pick which musical and play you’d like to open first, which would you select?  I’d love to hear from you.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail. com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Deborah Baldwin of DramaMommaSpeaks

How to Audition Children for a Play or Musical

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How to Audition Children for a Play or Musical

This is a subject near and dear to my heart.

I became a youth theater director by accident.  My college friends would say they thought that’s what I would end up doing with my theater degree.

I had no idea, really. But it stuck with me.  I really did enjoy it!

How to Audition Children for a Play or Musical

In thirty-eight years of teaching and directing, I directed over 250 plays and musicals with adults and children alike.

During that time, I started the careers of several child actors who have gone on to be Broadway performers or work in the industry.  That’s a really cool thing.

In addition, there are probably several hundred who are still involved in theater in their communities.  I love that even more!

If you think of all the people which I’ve auditioned– just crazy!

As a result of these experiences I’ve learned a thing or two about auditioning and directing children.

Of course, It depends upon the age of the child and the production, but here are some questions to ask yourself prior to auditions if you plan to direct them.

How to Audition Children for a Play or Musical

How to Audition Children for a Play or Musical

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

(I’m assuming you are working in a community theater or semi-professional.)

  • How young can a student be to audition for the production?
  • Is there anything in the production that would be too adult for a young child to comprehend?
  • Could an older student portray the role?
  • What is more important to me–to cast someone who is the essence of the character or someone who is the true age of the character?
  • How essential is it to me that the child’s parents are cooperative?
  • Are the parents allowed to sit in auditions?
  • Can parents sit in on rehearsals?
  • How many late evening rehearsals are planned?
  • Will I send the child home early?  Why or Why not?
  • How many conflicts will I accept from the child (school functions, sports games, etc.)
  • Some children don’t do well at cold readings.  Will I allow children to see the script beforehand?
  • Should the child bring in their own monologue for their audition?
  • If the show is a musical, do I expect them to sing a song from the show for their audition?
  • Will I hold callbacks for the child role?
  • How will I handle their callbacks?  Will I run them through a series of improvisations?
  • Should I cast two students in the role with one an understudy?
  • Would it be better to double cast the child role?
  • Do I expect the child to say any swear words written in the play or will I substitute something for them?

Tony Award-Winning Child Actors

How many child actors go on to make a career of it?  When I was researching this topic, I found several biographies on Wikipedia.com.  I remember seeing these four perform.

They were absolutely stellar.

Daisy Eagan started her early theatre training at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre’s Junior School where she had classes in acting, singing, and dancing in the early 1990s. She then went on to star on Broadway in “The Secret Garden” with Mandy Patinkin and Rebecca Luker. She became the youngest recipient to receive the TONY award for featured actress in a musical.

 

How to Audition Children for a Play or Musical

The Billy Elliott Boy Dancers

David Alvarez is one of the three boys originally cast to play Billy in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot the Musical, along with Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish. He needed to study tap, acrobatics, voice and acting for the role and spent July 2007 through March 2008 preparing. Billy Elliot the Musical began previews in New York on October 1 and officially opened on November 13, 2008. His first preview performance was on October 2, 2008. He played his final performance on January 3, 2010. Alvarez’s portrayal of Billy Elliot was highly praised by the critics.

Alvarez, jointly with Kiril Kulish and Trent Kowalik won Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical 

How to Audition Children for a Play or Musical

Kiril Kulish was born in San Diego, California on February 16, 1994. His parents, Raisa Kulish and Phil Axelrod, are Jewish immigrants from Ukraine. His older brother, Victor, is a singer/songwriter and recording engineer, and his older sister Beata is a TV/film producer. He grew up speaking Russian, Ukrainian, and English. He started studying ballet at age five and ballroom dancing at age 8. He studied at the San Diego Academy of Ballet and was the youngest male to be admitted to their junior company.

Kiril was the winner of the Junior division Grand Prix at the Youth America Grand Prix in 2006, 2007, and 2008  and won the Hope Award in the Pre-Competitive division in 2006. Kiril Kulish won first place in Latin Ballroom at the USA National Dance Championships in 2006 and 2007. In 2012 and 2013 Kiril Kulish became the Youth USA Champion in Latin DanceSport and will represent the USA in Beijing and Paris.

Trent Kowalik was born in Wantagh, New York, the son of Lauretta (née Splescia), an organist and pianist at St. Raphael’s Roman Catholic Church in East Meadow, New York, and Michael Kowalik, a surveyor. He has three older sisters. He started dance lessons at the age of three at Dorothy’s School of Dance in Bellmore, New York. At age four, he began instruction in Irish dancing. At age six, he was competing at the highest level, Open Championship. He danced with the Inish free School of Irish Dance.

In April 2006, at age 11, Kowalik won the youngest male age group of the World Irish Dancing Championship (Irish: Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne) in Belfast. He is a five-time undefeated North American Champion and a World Champion. He holds multiple national titles in Scotland, England, and Ireland, and continues to study ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical dance.  He graduated from The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School–Pre-Professional Division American Ballet Theatre in 2013. He graduated from Princeton University in June 2018. He was a member of student dance groups Princeton University Ballet and BodyHype Dance Company.

Note:  Most child actors grow up to lead lives away from the stage.

However, if you have the chance to get them started take heed of my questions.  They will help you immensely.

If you’d like a lesson concerning Billy Elliott, check out Billy Elliott The Broadway Musical Lesson

How to Audition Children for a Play or Musical

For more information about working with children, check out these posts:

Double Casting a Show? Here’s Advice

How to Make Your Drama Class More Successful–Lessons Learned from 38 Years of Teaching Drama-Elementary

How to Make Your Drama Class More Successful –Lessons Learned from 38 Years of Teaching-Middle School

What child actors have you started?  I’d love to hear about them.  Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

 

Play Reading and Analysis–An Important Skill for Our Students

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Play Reading and Analysis–an Important Skill for Our Students

Deborah Baldwin teaching

I am a drama teacher.  Consequently, I eat, sleep and breath theater even now that I’m newly retired.

I listen to the Sirius Broadway station all day which keeps me abreast to upcoming productions and tours.

Because of my love for theater, I spend a lot of time on Pinterest.com pinning anything that pertains to theater–plays, musicals, set design, costume design, stage properties do it yourself creations, stage makeup, videos, lighting plots, show posters, etc.

I have A LOT of boards…………….:)

I see theater teachers in Facebook groups looking for play titles to read with their students, especially middle school.  If you are looking for a good one to study,  try Tim Kelly’s dramatization of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.  Here is a study guide and set design unit for it:  Study Guide and Set Design Units Tom Sawyer

BUNDLE TOM SAWYER STUDY GUIDE AND SET DESIGN

Sorry, I digressed.

Strengthening Literacy through Play Reading

Back to literacy.

I looked for research concerning the reasons our students should read a play script and of course, ran on to balanced literacy.

“When students have a voice in the reading process, they’re learning to contribute to their own knowledge.  Because they can select the books (in my case, plays) they wish to read, they have greater control over what they want to learn. Students are much more likely to view reading as a priority when they have some ownership in the reading process.

However, this doesn’t mean students can make their independent reading choices willy-nilly.  There does have to be some structure involved. First of all, the independent reading selection must be at their reading level.  No “easy” books during independent reading. “At their reading level” means students should be able to read their selections with 95%-100% accuracy.”

I agree with everything mentioned above.

Reading a play can be an amazing, satisfying experience.  Once my students become accustom to reading a script aloud (which takes about one class period), they are invested.

woman reading book

Here are some of the reasons for our students to read a play:

  1.  The dialogue is terrific.  You can’t help but be engaged.  The playwright hones his script to be the most compelling experience he can create.  He certainly doesn’t want an audience member leaving the production.  When an audience members leaves, it’s not the same as turning off the television–EVERYONE sees the bored person leave.  Yikes! Also, if you are teaching students how to write dialogue, reading a script will help them immensely.
  2. There is no narration or superfluous information.  There might be someone who narrates, but again, the narration is short, concise and entices the audience.
  3. For many moments in the plot, stage directions are included.  If the play reader becomes lost, it is easy to find one’s place in the script merely by reading the directions.  The stage directions help a reader to visualize the action. They were either added to the script by the playwright or placed there in honor of the first company who produced it.
  4. Characters are well developed.  A well crafted play can be read without looking at each character’s printed name within the play.  A reader should be able to read down the middle of the script and know who is speaking and why.
  5. Each scene and act follows the traditional plot structure–a beginning (the conflict is unveiled), rising action and some sort of resolution.  Generally, an act is ended like a cliff hanger in a movie or book.  Or, it makes a thought provoking statement which enhances the theme and encourages the audience member to return after intermission.
  6. Generally, the plot concerns a short amount of time in the main character’s life.  If the script becomes too epic, the audience is lost and again they’ll quit listening.
  7. Everything that is published in the script is vitally important to its success on the stage. That means anything mentioned or used has been carefully chosen.
  8. I can’t think of a script I haven’t enjoyed reading.  Sure, I’d rather see the script in a live production but reading the script works for me almost as well.

Strengthening Literacy through Play Reading

So how do you find the scripts your students will enjoy?  I surveyed a group of drama teachers from all over the world and they helped me come up with a list of plays they think students should read.

For High School

  • Harvey
  • Arsenic and Old Lace
  • Still Life With Iris
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Oslo
  • Inherit the Wind
  • Diary of Anne Frank
  • The Giver
  • The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds
  • Anne of Green Gables
  • Fences
  • Vanities
  • Yellow Boat
  • The Giver
  • Dark Road
  • Children’s Hour
  • Our Town
  • The Crucible
  • Raisin in the Sun
  • Antigone
  • The Doll’s House
  • Glass Menagerie
  • Dancing at Lughnasa
  • Death of a Salesman
  • Doubt
  • Proof
  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
  • The Heidi Chronicles
  • Last Night at Ballyhoo
  • The Miracle Worker

Strengthening Literacy through Play Reading

Most of these scripts can be purchased through one of the various script publishers.  If you don’t know where to start, try searching the nae of the script, such as “The Giver, the play version.”

If that gets you nowhere, you can try findaplay.com  This site used to be my favorite, but I’ve noticed not every script is listed there anymore.

Your students may find on-line versions to read, especially of the classics (our Town, The Crucible, Raisin in the Sun, The Doll’s House, etc.)  or check out your school or public library.

Sometimes you’ll find them in anthologies, especially if they were Tony Award Winners.  I believe this list includes only Tony Award winners.

I have a unit (two actually) which can help you teach about play analysis.  It is:  Play Reading and Analysis (PDF) 

and Play Reading and Analysis Google Classroom

Packed with questions and a rubric it contains:

  • Letter to Teacher
  • Project Assignment–What is Expected in the Assignment
  • Play Analysis Questions–as a Producer, Director and Designer
  • Play Titles–Vetted and Compiled from Drama Teachers Around the World
  • Rubric (FULLY EDITABLE)
  • Exit Slip prompts for 5 days–Questions are Provided for Each Day
  • Source Page

I hope you’ll check it out and use it.  It’s very different.

 

Or, if you’d like to get a heck of a deal, look into this bundle:  Drama Units and Lessons for High School Students

Until next time.

Deborah Baldwin, author

Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

What is Quora Digest? How Did It Inspire Me as a Drama Teacher

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My Favorite Broadway Musicals

Come From Away

What is Quora Digest? How did it Inspire Me as a Drama Teacher

How does it relate to musical theater? (In my world, everything relates to theatre somehow.)

According to their website, “Quora Digest is the method, Where Quora sends a daily email containing a set of questions with one answer that is deemed the best answer given a certain ranking requirements. In simple words, In Quora, the answer which is the best gets registered in Quora Digest.”

Pretty cool, huh?

Thanks to Quora, I have a new product line of lessons, Page to Stage.

I created the Page to Stage lessons about Broadway musicals, but they’re more than just the plot!

I sort of fell into Quora a few years ago.

I’m a Quora expert. Aren’t you impressed? Ha!

What is Quora?

All that means is I answer questions which people send to me through Quora which pertain to theatre. Questions range anywhere from “What is the best Broadway musical?” to “I want to be on Broadway.  How can I make that happen?”

It’s interesting answering the questions because the answers seem so obvious to me. I think there are people in the world who require a more personal touch rather than searching on the internet for the answer. 

When I read the questions, they feel a little like we are sitting at a coffee shop and we just met.

Recently, a fellow asked me if I thought getting a theatre degree in college would make him employable.  He enjoys working in lighting design in high school.

My answer was a resounding Yes!

Some of the most secure jobs in the theatre world are in the technical aspects.  I advise students that if they truly want to be involved in theatre any way they can, once they graduate from college, look into technical theatre.

These are:

  • set design
  • costume design
  • lighting design
  • sound design
  • stage properties
  • stage management

Had I known then what I know now, I might have pursued stage management because it’s an all encompassing job, involving all areas of the production.

I have a bundle of units about technical theater for high school students.  Check them out at:  Bundle High School Units

Plus, once the show is up the SM takes over after the director moves on and keeps the show ticking away until it closes.

As a theatre goer, teacher, director and so on, I know the many occupations which come from having a theatre degree. But our students don’t know there is more than performing.

That’s where I come in.

What is Quora?

What is Quora Digest?

I have answered the most questions about musicals.  So, I got to thinking……

Introducing:  Page to Stage Lessons

Page to Stage is a new Dramamommaspeaks product line of lessons concerning Broadway musicals and plays! They are available through my Teacherspayteachers store:  Dramamommaspeaks

This one or two-day lesson can stand alone or be combined with one of my Famous Artist biographies. They are here:  Bundle Famous Artists

Need a quick emergency lesson plan? Or one for a substitute? Everything is provided for the busy teacher.

This Product includes:

  • Letter to Teacher
  • Warm Up–MY Version of a Popular Physical Warm-Up
  • Teacher’s Script–what I say and how I say it!
  • Photos from the Broadway Production
  • Plot of the Musical
  • History about the Origination of the Production
  • Information concerning the composer, lyricist and playwright
  • Tony Awards it Received
  • What are the Tony Awards
  • New York City Map with Competing Theatres Labeled
  • Student Note Page
  • Teacher Note Page Key
  • Trivia
  • Quotes from the Musical–Good for Discussions and Assignments
  • Extension Activities–Terrific Suggestions of Ways to Secure the Learning and Enrich the Experience
  • Sources & Links to Film Clips from the Show
  • And More!

I have six lessons as of this writing.

Hadestown

The Prom

What is Quora?

Dear Evan Hansen

SQUARE COVER

SpongeBob SquarePants

The Reasons these Shows are my Favorite Broadway Musicals

Wicked

Wicked, the Musical

It is my hope I can shed light on the creative process theatre artists go through when they are developing a new musical.

I want to answer questions such as:

  • Who wrote the music?
  • Where did the script come from?
  • How long did it take to create the show?
  • Did the person who wrote the music also write the lyrics?

In time, I will offer plays, too!  

What is really exciting and fun about these lessons is how timely they can be.  Whatever musical is most popular at the time will be turned into a lesson for students.  No waiting for someone to create a newspaper article or video about it!  I can take care of it for you.

If you aren’t following me, please do so then you can be first to use the newest lesson with your students.

Do you ask questions through Quora?  What is your favorite Broadway musical?

I’d love to hear from you.

Contact me at dhcbalwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Deborah Baldwin

 

 

 

How to Make Things to Sell on Teacherspayteachers

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How to Make Things to Sell on Teacherspayteachers

There are so many products you can sell on Teacherspayteachers.com. If you have an idea, look into what other products are out there. Teachers need all kinds of materials. You’d be surprised by what you see there.

But here’s the thing— this is a lot of work. I’ll explain.

I finished another Tpt product which I’ll probably upload in the next day or so.

Deborah Baldwin teaching
This is one of my favorite photos of myself teaching.

People ask me the reason for having my Teacherspayteachers Store.  Simple–I stayed home with our daughters when they were young and that put me behind financially. When I retired from my career, I was out half of my pension had I taught the entire time instead.

My goal is to make up that money.

Some folks also ask if it is difficult creating the product. They are curious as to how much time it takes to create one.  

Since I taught for gobs of years creating the lesson or unit for the product is easy for me.

  • I taught drama classes for thirty-eight years, both public and private.  Girl, that gives you LOTS of experience and LOTS of materials.
  • My bachelors degree is in theater and my masters is in education with an emphasis on creative arts learning–arts integration.
  • Plus, I directed over 250 plays and musicals with adults and children alike.

You put all of those ingredients together and you get a brain full of lessons, units, methods, resources and materials which float around up there until you need them.

Generally, I work about six or seven hours each day.  The entire time isn’t spent creating a product, but a great portion of each day is spent bent over my laptop doing so.  How many hours do I put in each day? I say, “When my back starts hurting and I can’t ignore it anymore, I stop.”  Yup, that’s about it.

A Week in the Life of a Teacherspayteachers Product

Day One:

Usually, I make a power point (8.5 by 11) of about 15 slides on my laptop.  I have a template for this as each product requires certain things–table of contents, dear teacher page, copyright, page number and probably a border or two. Each product requires a terms of use and a feedback/sources page, too.  Don’t be too impressed by this excellent form or organization.  It is very common for me to forget I have these templates and re-build them every time.  It’s my right brainedness. Duh.

First, I figure out how many days this particular product will encompass.  Mine are usually for one to three days, but several are for much longer.  For instance,  my radio theater unit is three weeks long and the set design unit is ten days in length and so forth.

I throw titles on each slide just to give me an outline of sorts which is just another way to organize my thoughts, really.

I rough in certain slides just to get a feel for what else I need. Usually, I begin with the Dear Teacher note because it helps me find a thesis statement.  Or, I think about what I want the teachers to know about the product before they start.

How to Make Things to Sell on Teacherspayteachers

At this point, I am really tired (and the hurting back thing…) so I stop and do some mundane task like the laundry, or make dinner or just veg’ out and rest my brain. Switching gears and walking away from the creative problem solving gives me a fresh outlook when I hit it again.

I work in the morning from 7:00 to 12:00 and usually  in the afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 or 4:00 to 6:00ish. In the evening, I am checking my website, blog and some Pinterest collaborations, looking at my Instagram page and Tailwind community of which I am a member.

Day Two:

I begin to create each slide.  Quite frankly, typing up the lessons is a synch for me, because of my resume and you know, I’m ancient.

But the killer is the layout!

I think about colors, different borders, photos, video clips, music clips, etc.  If I have adapted a folk tale into a class play, I talk with my husband about what I am needing.  He is my composer, having done so for many years when he was an instrumental music teacher.  (This is a bonus I didn’t realize when I married him 38 years ago…..a delightful surprise!) Tim begins thinking about the music we need for the play.

Tim and I

Day Three, Four, Five, Six and Probably Seven:

A product of around fifteen pages will take me several days.  Obviously, the larger the product, the more days I spend on it.  Radio theater units take several weeks (they are about 70 pages in length). Ironically, the Denzel Washington biography took me at least sixty hours to complete (because he has such a huge resume) and it’s only ten pages in length.  Honestly, I never know how long it will take until I’m finished–ha!

As I continue creating slides I ask myself certain questions:

  • Do I need to script this part for the teacher?
  • Will directions for the game or warm up suffice?
  • Would a diagram help to explain something better than words?
  • Should I add a sound byte to explain something further?
  • Do I need non-royalty clipart or photos to complement the lesson? I peruse several free photo sites I can depend upon (wikicommons, pixabay, unsplash, creative commons, etc.) I’m subscribed to Depositphotos.com and highly recommend them.  This includes derivations of the subject I’m seeking–dance steps (I don’t like the ones I find) which leads me to dancers (too specific) to dance shoes, for instance. Many times I trash the clipart ideas and just let them sit in my brain for several days until I tackle it again. I have to watch this part because I can get sucked in the rabbit hole very quickly and spend all afternoon looking for clipart.
  • How many slides is this exercise going to require?
  • Is this lesson too big?
  • Should I break it up into several lessons?
  • Is it too complicated for the age group?
  • Is it too simple for the age group I’m targeting?
  • Should I offer it in different formats, like the Famous Artist Series?

Lin Manuel Miranda cover

When I put together a radio theater script, I discovered if I add a blank slide between the pages of script it helps with run over.  THIS IS A BEAR TO CREATE. Radio theater scripts are numbered, each cue on each page and the numbered cues don’t continue on to the next page. The next page begins with number one again.  So, if you make any changes (which of course, I do several times) that blank page in between the typed pages gives me leeway to tweak the script and also keeps me sane.  Otherwise, I whine to my husband and he fixes the pages for me.

A Week in the Life of a Teacherspayteachers Product

How to Make Things to Sell on Teacherspayteachers

From my set design unit.

Sometimes, I must create the product so they can be photographed.  That’s pretty easy and fun for lessons on costume design, for instance.  However, the set design unit took me several days of creating the entire product so I could photograph the various stages of completion.  After that, I must send the photos to myself, download them into the power point and fix the image (using several photoshop resources–cropping, brightening the whites, etc).

Whenever I run out of steam, I work on the covers.  I LOVE creating the covers, because they are fresh ideas and enjoyable to develop.

Recently I settled on a look I want for the covers–each has a border reminiscent of a theater marquee, a large rectangle for the product’s title and a smaller one for its subtitle. It includes the grade level and my Dramamommaspeaks logo.  (Recently, I hired someone to make that a new logo for me–this is not in my wheelhouse.)

            DramaM

 

 

 

I use the same font on all the print on the cover, so they have a uniform look.  However, I’m known to change the font to something which gives a particular feeling for the title of the Broadway musicals or plays, for example.   Hopefully, if people see all the products together they will recognize them as mine.  Or at least that’s the hope. This is what I mean—

 

     

Nearing the end of the product’s creation I must wrangle font size.  Gad, it is the bane of my life! I am always in a quandary whether to have each page the same size font size or vary it depending upon what the page will be used for.  Would a teacher appreciate larger font when they are lecturing from the pages or will they be used as slides to be projected on a white board?  Should I add photos to those pages or will they be distracting to the students?  Maybe clipart will help them remember the information?

This process can last up to two weeks depending upon whether I need to create different lessons for the unit, my husband is composing music for one of the fifteen minute plays or a variety of other things.  I’m a Rockstar grandma, too so that keeps me busy seeing our granddaughters and being available to our daughters if they need our help.  Sometimes I choose to be grandma and put the lesson to the side.  You gotta do what you gotta do, you know? 🙂

The goal is to create 2.5 lessons each week.  I’m sitting at 60 as of today, but the goal is around 200.  I never thought I could create 60, so to have done so is nothing short of incredible to me.  However, the longer I create, the more the lessons comes flooding back into my memory.

If you are looking for a sampling of my work, check out this bundle: Drama Curriculum Units and Lessons

How to Make Things to Sell on Teacherspayteachers

This product can last a semester, quarter or month depending upon how many times you meet with the students. and…it’s a growing bundle which means I’ll add more products to it as I create them.

If you’d like more information about selling Teacherspayteachers, check out Teacherspayteachers.com Sales Expectation Versus Reality

Do you have an idea for a product?  I’d love to hear about it.

So, if you are thinking of creating lessons to sell on Teacherspayteachers.com, I hope this information helps you.

Do contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or through DeborahBaldwin.net if I can help you.

If you’d like to know about other products of mine, check out: There’s a Place for Everyone in Theater

or maybe you are looking for a free lesson  Ice Breaker Storytelling Using Jig Saw Puzzle Pieces 

Deb

The Meaning Behind “There Are No Small Acting Parts Only Small Actors”

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The Meaning Behind “There Are No Small Acting Parts Only Small Actors”

The Hidden Meaning Behind "There Are No Small Acting Parts Only Small Actors"

Let’s consider the meaning of  “There are no small acting parts, only small actors.” Constantin Stanislavski, considered the father of acting,  is credited with saying this quote. Here is a my director’s advice to actors seeking acting parts. Having taught/directed productions for over 38 years, I’ve experienced every kind of actor’s personality that’s possible.

However, first I want to consider my directing philosophy.  Although I am certainly not the father of modern acting, I do have an extensive teaching and directing career from which I can draw my opinions of the quote’s meaning.  Here’s my take on it. 

(Did you know I have the secret to boosting student engagement?  My new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” explains my journey to implementing this unique tool in the classroom. Check it out here)

The Meaning Behind "There Are No Small Acting Parts Only Small Actors"

There Are No Small Acting Parts Only Small Actors

The Tony Awards are the Oscar Awards for Broadway–except they are more genuine in my humble opinion. Theatre is different.

One reason–it is special because it is live.

The Hidden Meaning Behind "There Are No Small Acting Parts Only Small Actors"

I was thinking about the performers who portray smaller roles in the nominated productions.  If you ever see them on television in a short quip on syndicated news or talk show, you’ll observe those supporting characters and chorus members are just as invested in the production as the leading actors.

That’s impressive.  Generally, the nominated actors and actresses began as chorus members and understudies many years ago.  They put in their time portraying small acting parts and earned their stripes to finally receive the spotlight. However, this is not always the case.  If you’d like to learn about Broadway actors and actresses, check out: Bright Lights: Broadway’s Rising Stars

There Are No Small Acting Parts Only Small Actors

The Hidden Meaning Behind "There Are No Small Parts Only Small Actors"

Just because you are cast in a small acting role does not mean you are not important to the show. If you think so, you have missed the point entirely.

You are still important to the show.  Believe me. 

If you find yourself unable to move beyond the belief that you should have been cast in a particular role, perhaps it’s time to redirect your focus elsewhere in your life. Coping with disappointment is an inevitable aspect of life, whether positive or negative. While nobody relishes the feeling of letdown, it’s essential to acknowledge its presence and explore alternative avenues for personal fulfillment.

 Get over yourself, you know? Do you agree with me?

The Hidden Meaning Behind "There Are No Small Acting Parts Only Small Actors"

I was Blanche in “Brighton Beach Memoirs” 1989

Some advice from me–if you aren’t cast in the acting part you wanted, it is not an important enough reason to drop out of the show.  Maybe you are to learn something or gain knowledge from the experience? Life is a journey, you know.

Director’s Procedure for Casting 

For several days after I cast a production, I deal with hurt egos of cast members or those who audition for me and didn’t receive the role they desired.

I’ve previously mentioned this–casting a production has a lot to do with who a director envisions in a role. Sometimes I have no idea who I want to play an acting part.  Other times, the right person walks in and is perfect. They are the essence of the character already. If you’d like more information about my experiences and advice, check out Eighteen Ways To Make Your Directing Experience Less Stressful, Part One Eighteen Ways to Make Your Directing Experience Less Stressful, Part Two

 Some people can mold themselves into what I am looking for in a character.  Those people are special because they are versatile.

Casting Questions I Consider

There are other factors in the decision to cast someone, however. For instance, do I know their work?  Are they responsible?  Also, have I known them to be difficult to direct and/or not a team member?

The Hidden Meaning Behind "There Are No Small Parts Only Small Actors"

I was Dot in “Cricket on the Hearth” 2000

Let’s discuss acting parts.  First, there are people who only portray straight roles.  Straight roles are those parts most closely related to your personality.  

Have you ever seen someone in a movie who plays the same sort of roles in each movie?  The role the actor portrays is much like his/her personality off-screen. Aha. Personally, I think Meg Ryan is a good example of someone who can only portray a straight role.

Additionally, there are character roles.  Character roles are those parts that are unlike you–because of your age, stature or personality. Paul Giamatti portrayed character roles with such genius. He’s up for an Oscar award for his work in The Holdovers. Also, Tracey Ullman is a super example. You may remember her from the voice of the mother on The Simpsons.  Another phenomenal actor is  Jared Leto. You won’t even recognize him in House of Gucci. 

Versatile Performer: Embracing Both Character and Straight Roles

Character roles:

  • Ugly Step Sister
  • Wicked Witch
  • Cowardly Lion
  • Shrek

Straight roles:

  • Cinderella
  • Rapunzel
  • Dorothy
  • Fiona

Luckily, I can play both straight and character roles. That makes me more valuable to a director.   To be honest, I enjoy performing character roles the most, because usually they are interesting and unique.

This is my opinion (but I bet a lot of directors would agreed with me)–It isn’t about playing the lead.  It is about who you are best suited to portray. 

This is such a great discussion question.  If you want additional class conversation questions, check out: Conversation Starters

The Meaning Behind "There Are No Small Acting Parts Only Small Actors"

About Me

Guess what?  I have not been cast in a production before.  No joke!  So, chin up! If you don’t receive the role you craved for, your time will come in the future.

If you are interested in my acting  journey, check this out: https://wordpress.com/post/dramamommaspeaks.com/389 

The next time the Tony Awards are televised, look for the chorus members or those supporting characters, folks portraying small acting parts.  See if you notice them.  You’ll only observe them filling out the stage–sort of like shadows in a painting.

There will be several actors who perform that evening that I know personally.  As always, I am very excited for them. Shout a “Bravo!” to your television. I will, too.

Perhaps they will magically hear us…

The Hidden Meaning Behind "There Are No Small Parts Only Small Actors"

I was Miss Prism in “The Importance of Being Earnest” 1976

From My Classroom to Yours: Drama Made Easy

Now, I’m a retired drama teacher who created drama education resources for teachers all over the world.  If you are looking for cohesive, engaging, fun drama lessons and units, check out my store at: Dramamommaspeaks Store

Teaching High School Set Design? 

Or are you looking for a bunch of FREE resources? Check out this category. Maybe you’d like to teach your students about a famous actor’s life?  Check out:  James Earl Jones or Julie Andrews

Have you ever not being cast in a production?  I’d love to hear about your experience.  Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com. 

 

The Hidden Meaning Behind "There Are No Small Parts Only Small Actors"