Let's Put on a Play! (ages 7-14)

Have you ever wanted to be in a play? Here's your chance to try it out in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Together, we will put on a short comedic play (approximately 10-15 minutes in length, non-musical) using a script written for student performers.

In this course, you will...

• be given a script and asked to memorize all your lines within the first four weeks of rehearsal (weeks 5 and 6, students should be "off book"). Any time students are not on stage, they will be expected to "run lines" with fellow actors.

• be cast in a role without an audition (students will be asked for input regarding their preference of role size: non-speaking, small speaking, or medium-large speaking role )

• learn & rehearse staging/blocking, receive acting direction/coaching, and general theater performing skills

• be asked to attend one "after school" painting session to create some simple cardboard props/scenic pieces

• be expected to create/provide their own costume. Costumes may be as simple or complex as you wish. A "suggestion" of a character (e.g. glasses or a hat) is sufficient. Homemade/pieced-together costumes are welcomed!

Tech: Please note, this will be a "low-tech" production without formal lighting or microphones for each student. Students will practice projecting their voices!

Script: The script chosen is a funny play entitled "Eat Your Vegetables!" in which the veggies are so fed up with being disliked by children, they revolt against the farmer and end up trying to re-vamp their image! Note: This play can accommodate a flexible number of actors; however, if actual enrollment doesn't meet or exceeds the number of roles, an alternate but equally fun script may be selected.

Show date & time: Our 6 weeks of rehearsal will culminate in a performance at the HCA quarterly showcase on Friday, May 8th at 1:30 pm, where actors will present their (free) play for an audience of invited family and friends.

Instructor: Betsy Dusenske  https://oneharmonycenter.wixsite.com/website/instructors

Your instructor, Betsy Dusenske, has a BFA in Musical Theater Performance, professional stage experience, and 15+ years' experience choreographing/directing shows for kids.

A note about attendance:

It is very difficult to prepare a play when actors are frequently absent. Life happens, but please understand that students who miss more than two rehearsals may need to be replaced in their roles. Also, performance in the Showcase is required for this course. If you would not regularly be in attendance at 1:30 pm on Friday, May 8, please plan accordingly.