Directing: directing a chorus

directing a chorus

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Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Directing
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Topic: directing a chorus

Posted By: sodak79
Subject: directing a chorus
Date Posted: 3/25/08 at 8:25pm

I coach drama at a small high school--a position I fell into rather accidentally. Each year we compete in a one-act play festival. I'm looking at some scripts for next year and would like to do one that incorporates a chorus so that I can include a large number of students. However, this will be a change for me. Some of the scripts I'm looking at do not provide many specific stage directions. I imagine the creative possibilities are limitless, but would appreciate some basic guidelines for dealing with a chorus of actors on an open stage. Can anyone offer their own ideas about how to direct a chorus or suggest some good books or articles?

Here are some specifics...

Sometimes the actors speak as a chorus, sometimes they play specific roles. The stage is open with benches, chairs, boxes, etc. used to indicate various locations. All props, set pieces and costumes are on stage the whole time and arranged/moved/changed by the actors during the course of the show.

1) The script suggests that all actors remain on stage at all times.

--Where do they stand/sit when they are not specifically part of the action?

--Should they observe the action?

2) Actors play mulitple characters, with very simple costume changes, such as a hat or an apron, etc.

--Where should these items be kept since the actors are always on stage?

I would really appreciate some guidance. Thanks!

Replies:

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 3/26/08 at 8:15pm

what's the play? this may help us a ee bit!

Generaly as an excersize get the chorus to write a back piece on thier character or roles. Either as individuals &/or in groupings, in line with the genre.

This will give them a chance to use thier imaginations, in line with play.

ensuring that don't detract or pull the punters focus on what the are doing, rather than with what is going on with the dialogue pieces, unless the script calls for interaction.

Gather the whole mob on stage & run the back action, in silence. Only with you &/or the SM adding the dialogue, untill they learn & practice being part of the mise en scene. Then introduce the character roles.

if you have a large load of tin lids, orginise them into unit groupings, with thier own leadership or ASM to look after them.

One of the tricks used when I was a young 'Gangster' in the 'Gang show'. Is to get ythem to all fold thier arms, when they are being instructed, this stops them playing with thier hair, picking thier nose or messing about with each other or you will find yourself reverting to a big stick & going bonkers.

With the props & odds 'n sods an old wicker costume basket can well well or even a props table, set off on Op or PS.

I don't think having them on mass, standing/lounging like stale bottles of milk, will enhance any action taking place.

A wee bit more info about the show, could help us.

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[western] Gondawandaland
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