(HOME)
From Issue #13, Summer
2006
A
Matter of Opinion
READERS
THEATRE IS TOO EASY! Part Two
by
Dean Roberts
Last issue (see
archives) we began a discussion based on the propositon that if
Readers Theatre has a downside, it may be that it's just too easy. This
can result in throw-away performances of poor scripts by under-rehearsed
actors and ill-prepared directors. Now let's examine the corollary propositon
that if RT was more difficult the overall quality of performance would
improve.
Following is a list
of things that can make RT a bit more difficult and, possibly, a whole
lot better.
Take the time to
do it well- It may be true that "anybody can do it", but
even those who should be able to do it well, often don't. The temptation
to shrug off RT as not really worth a serious effort leads to a careless
throw-away performance and a bad image for RT. The worst offenders in
this category can often be actors with solid experience in 'regular'
community theatre who, when it comes to RT, just don't get it.
Learn the difference between good and
poor RT Scripts - Don't attempt to script a text for Readers Theatre
without doing the homework necessary to be able to do it well.
At rehearsals drill, drill, drill -
While actors with extensive experience in ensemble RT can mount
a top-notch performance with a 5-1* rehearsal schedule, the rest of
us rarely hit our stride in less than a 15-1 schedule. Too often, by
the fourth or fifth public performance, we've just about reached the
level of polish that we sould have reached by dress rehearsal.
In addition to all of the above, directors
should learn the special skills required for directing RT- Experienced
RT ensembles often do well in self-directing but for most serious RT,
self-directing is not a wise choice. For a fully realized RT production,
an effective director must be on good speaking terms with oral interpretation,
voice acting, mime and stage gesture. Without the support of scenery,
costumes, stage business and make-up, every nuance of voice, gesture
and visage must be brought to bear on the text. Furthermore the director
must be able to convince the cast to respect these special demands and
to motivate them to hone their skills at RT performance.
Lack of resources is no longer a reason
to settle for less than the best. RT practitoners who are commited to
good theatre can mine the wealth of informaton avaiable on the Internet.
The RTDigest archives
offers over sixty articles about methods, resources and RT 'philosophy'.
A simple Google search on "readers theatre" (incude quotes)
will open the the door to a flood of useful information sources. A search
of Amazon or other on line book sellers will produce a long list of
printed materials. Check with the theatre departments of nearby universities
for RT activities and auditable courses. The annual two-week Readers
Theatre Institute Internatonal
Workshop is a major resource for professional level training in
all RT method and styles.
dr
droberts@readerstheatredigest.com
* rehearsal/performance time ratio
(TOP)
(HOME)