Theatrefolk - The Drama Teacher Resource Company
Typecast

Production Tips for
Typecast

by Amanda Murray Cutalo

The auditions for an upcoming production of Cinder White are underway and Ms. Thespis, the drama teacher, is greeted by a small group of students, each with a particular “look” and personality – the “diva,” the “quiet girl,” the “nice girl,” to name a few. To Ms. Thespis, casting this show seems like a no-brainer. However, when she comes down with a case of appendicitis, Ms. Ball, the gym teacher, needs to step in and direct the show, mostly because she feels guilty for balding Ms. Thespis’ pet ferret.

The other snag is that the students have all mysteriously been cast in the “wrong roles”- the “nice girl” is now the villain, the diva only has 2 minutes onstage, and the quiet, almost inaudible, “ensemble” girl is now playing a leading role with actual lines! As these characters awkwardly venture into unknown territory, they are forced to see themselves as more than their “type” and learn to, in the words of Ms. Ball, “play the roles they’re all totally wrong for.”

Comedy Backstage Comedy

Average Producer Rating:

Tips from past Producers

During scene 9, the play within a play, we had fast music playing throughout and just lowered the music when the kids were going to talk. We also had some basic sets (very simple wood door frame for the house, 2 gold star balloons for the ball, 4 little stuffed animals for the forest.. etc) and Juliet would come out and put these out or take them off throughout this scene, and it was hilarious.
Created Cinder White's "dirty" costume so that it could be removed as she twirled revealing her ball gown underneath.
Scene 9 leaves so much room for the imagination-- let students really explore and create big comedic moments.
Keep the set and costumes simple to allow for the comedy to take center stage.

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