Children's theatre tech run and family and friends performance 21/11/16

Technical Run

Today we began by finishing off the set and props - such as the puppets and fruit to go in the interactive bags. We covered tables with cardboard to look like big boxes and covered smaller boxes in wrapping paper to fill the space, they also went around the age to create a frame for the space. We then got into groups to discuss lighting (colours and cues), sound effects and staging. Each group took a turn working in the space, going through lighting and sound. We decided on having a green and purple was throughout, however the lights strobe and magic sound effects play when the dragon begins to transform. After each group went through tech, we done a full run through, connecting each story together and seeing how they flow together. During the run through, only Kim and Rachel watched telling us what we needed to do to improve. After going through the whole thing we sat and gave self reviews and were given feedback. Kim and Rachel gave us alot of feedback to work on during the family performance;

• give clearer less generic instructions - so instead of saying 'sit over there,' we have to be enthusiastic 'taking them there to sit.' 
• When not performing, you must watch the children and minimise the hazards and risks (such as, climbing, jumping, touching the hot lights, etc.)
• We must introduce every character when they first appear.
• Don't rush what we're saying and take our time to project and speak clearly.
• If something goes wrong - e.g. music not playing, missing cues - don't panic!
• Preset during the introductions between stories, not before other stories.
• We must be really enthusiastic and help other peoples stories by being in the audience.
• We have to stay in character from the moment the children arrive.

We then spent an hour going over our stories, making sure everything was set up, ready and everyone knew what they were doing.

Family & Friends Performance

Tonight we had our family and friends come in to let us run through with an audience. Lois and Naomi greeted the audience and brought them in to sit down. They then introduced the first story. During the production, we joined the crowd to keep them hyped and enthusiastic. I was in charge of doing the curtains,opening and closing them when the 'portal,' connecting the stories opened and closed. The performance went well and everyone kept in character (for example, Harry was the wizard in the first story, and put on a voice. He kept this voice throughout, even when helping the other groups). However, because the audience was mainly adults it was harder to engage them and get them involved. This should be easier tomorrow when we have the year 1's  and year 2's as they will be keen and eager to join in so it will hopefully be easier to keep them engaged and focused.