Acting: Slapstick plays

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Slapstick plays

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Acting
Forum Discription: Q&A about auditions, character development and other aspects of the craft
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4052
Printed Date: 5/19/24 at 3:50pm
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Topic: Slapstick plays

Posted By: Heather
Subject: Slapstick plays
Date Posted: 5/31/09 at 12:17pm

I am preparing a role in an adaptation of the play 'Comic Potential' where my character, Carla receives a pie in the face and will be in our version be soaked by a bucket of water.

I've never done anything like this before and I'm researching other slapstick productions where characters have been messed up in the name of humor!

Could anyone tell me the titles of slapstick or other plays featuring pies to the face or wet scenes for me to research. Keen to see character reactions.

Thanks Heather

Replies:

Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 6/01/09 at 10:46am

I played reuben in Escanaba in Da Moonlight. In this play, my character was put under a trance and his father and brother both try to bring him out by wet methods. A milkshake purported to contain the dried and powdered testicle of a full grown moose (milk, chocolate syrup, sprinkles and mini marshmellows) was poured in my mouth and a jar of "porkypine piss" (apple juice) was tossed in my face. I had to show no reaction to either. Their next plan (which works) was to plant my face between the buttocks of a sleeping compainion and allow him to break wind. Try doing that with a straight face.

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Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

Posted By: KEB54
Date Posted: 6/01/09 at 11:40am

In "Cocktails with Mimi" clam bisque is dumped on two characters' heads.

Make sure your costumer is on board and understands what happens. He/she may have input on how, and of what, the concoction is made.

Another consideration. Are the actors mic'ed? You don't want to short out a $800 mic.

Remember, too, the blocking/action that takes place after the messy part. You may not want actors to travel through the mess.

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KEB

Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 7/04/09 at 9:43pm

Originally posted by pdavis69

I played reuben in Escanaba in Da Moonlight. In this play, my character was put under a trance and his father and brother both try to bring him out by wet methods. A milkshake purported to contain the dried and powdered testicle of a full grown moose (milk, chocolate syrup, sprinkles and mini marshmellows) was poured in my mouth and a jar of "porkypine piss" (apple juice) was tossed in my face. I had to show no reaction to either. Their next plan (which works) was to plant my face between the buttocks of a sleeping compainion and allow him to break wind. Try doing that with a straight face.

I know this is a popular play, but, now I am forever grateful I've never been involved with this show - and know know to avoid watching it as if it were the plague.

Am I really the last person on earth who DOESN'T find that kind of garbage funny?!

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http://tristanrobin.blogspot.com

Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 7/06/09 at 10:56am

Yes, you are the last, but we promise not to think any the less of you. It's all a matter of taste (or lack there of).

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Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

Posted By: DWolfman
Date Posted: 7/07/09 at 12:26pm

Originally posted by pdavis69

It's all a matter of taste (or lack there of).

Couldn't agree more.

There's good taste, poor taste, and, sometimes, no taste at all.

Don't feel lonesome, Tristan, I have the same reservations.

However, as you mentioned, the play does seem to have

a big following. But then, isn't its playwright Jeff Daniels

(who I greatly admired in the film GETTYSBURG)

also involved in the film "Dumb and Dumber"?

Seems the trajectory has continued.

To those who appreciate that humor, no offense meant.

But, yes, there are those who don't.

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Even a man who is pure of heart...

Posted By: DWolfman
Date Posted: 7/07/09 at 2:18pm

And, feeling the need to answer Heather's original question

(even though she's probably worked it out by now):

I've researched youtube and google and cannot find

what I feel are examples that would help you

(got a lot of history and hokey amateur video).

My suggestion would be to trust your acting instincts,

character traits you've developed, and especially

the playwright himself.

In the script, Ayckbourn notes:

Carla stands stunned for a moment

then

Carla tries to remove the grunge

(in your case, water) from her eyes (clothes? hair?)...

Shakes (Trudi) off and stalks out.

Hope you enjoy what is a great part.

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Even a man who is pure of heart...