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superdave

Does this sound like an impossible scenario?

I am heading up a community theatre in a small town. And for the musical, I am thinking about doing Godspell Jr. and casting HS students, and Jr High students to do this youth musical adaption. I looked into it, and it looks like it would be perfect for what I want to accomplish. However, I am such a prude. Unless I find an older guy, 17-18 that can deliever Jesus excellently-- I am not going to let anyone do it, but myself. Because I know I can deliever Jesus the way I want to do it. WOULD it be an impossible situation for me to direct the Jr. Adaption while playing the lead? I dont think it would be so much, because its going to a small cast... but, its just something I am weighing out. The Jr. adaption--Jesus's notes are slightly higher---but being a Tenor 1-- a high tenor, I dont see how it would be an issue.

IF this an impossible situation, what would be a great musical to do for HS and Jr. students that wouldnt require much orcherstrations, choreography, and effort?
DramaRobin2002

Really, I wouldn't recommend it. I don't really stand behind a director ever being in their own production unless absolutely necessary, but I'd really discourage against it in this case. I'm not familiar with Godspell, Jr but in the original script, I'd say Jesus' lines make up at least 50% of the script if not more. I don't think it would be fair to you or your cast to have to divide your time between helping them with their performances and working on your own. Also, no matter how great your performance, people will look down at the fact that you cast yourself as the show's lead and it may affect the attendence you have at future auditions. But really, if your Jesus doesn't do it EXACTLY the way you want, is it all that bad? Maybe he will have different or even better ideas. You can even give him an idea of how you see Jesus as being played.
The Tink

Directors direct. Actors act. The two jobs should never cross in a production unless it's a true emergency. And you being stuck-up about how the part should be played isn't an emergency. If you want to be Jesus, don't direct the show and audition for it. If you choose that route, however, you run the risk of not being cast. If you simply have to direct, get over yourself and let someone else play the role of Jesus.

A good rule for every actor to remember- You are never as good as you think you are, and no matter how good you may be, there is always someone better.
SuperKabob

I agree with what's been said above, and anyways... Jesus's lines are a good 60-75% of the dialogue. SO it would be a pretty hard job to direct and be a lead. And that shouldn't ever be done in the first place.

And you can always get a girl to play Jesus. It works very well, especially if you are drawing from High/Middle school students.
what_the_heck013

Why not do the full version? I just directed it with the same age group... and then my Jeffrey quit right before tech week so I had to go in for his part. It would work fine.
superdave

I didnt quite explain the situation.... It will be a church production. So it wont look that badly. You also have to understand--THERE is no one in the town that can do all of this. Its a town of 3,000. But, I am just weighing it out, right now. I am not even sure I want to do it.

Anywho...

Thats all.
OnceUponATime

Even in a small town, you will most definately be able to find 10 talanted singers, especially if you fish in the high school choir pool.

I agree about doing regular Godspell vs the junior version. SO much better.

...and don't act if you are directing. If you want to be Jesus so badly, find someone else to direct.
DramaRobin2002

superdave wrote:
I didnt quite explain the situation.... It will be a church production. So it wont look that badly. You also have to understand--THERE is no one in the town that can do all of this. Its a town of 3,000. But, I am just weighing it out, right now. I am not even sure I want to do it.

Anywho...

Thats all.


My old highschool had a population of less than one thousand and was able to cast all the male roles (from their even more limited male talent pool). There is quite possibly someone who you haven't discovered yet. But really, if it is that much of a problem, just do a different show.
superdave

There is NO HS choir, I have been there... I know... People. I know it sounds crazy, but its true. They have an ensemble, but there are only 5 decent singers-- and one of them is my sister.

I am starting the Towns Community Theatre from the ground up. There is no gaurantee that there will even BE a musical. I am looking for Plays right now, Straight plays to do- And I am finding it very difficult to find things that will work with the people that I think I will have. And in a perfect scenario, there will be a huge buzz around town--and tons of people will turn out and it will kick off the ground. But being in a very ranching Central Texas Town-- I seriously doubt, that it will attract more than 100 people at least at performances, and even less showing up for auditions. But I was just thinking about IF, there is no one to do this part-- And I want to really to do this show, How could I do it? And the only scenario I had thought of-- Is me being the lead. I am not being selfish, I am not being a hog-- I would LOVE to have someone to do the part--and me pour my creative energy in producing a damn good Godspell. I would love to do the full version, but the way I look at it-- I would have to find musicians--since there would be NO Accompinent Tape (Which WOULD BE PRETTY difficult.), I would have to find more actors, and more resource (money) in doing it. I would love there to be enough actors, singers, directors, and everything-- BUT it isnt there, right now. There may be, when I get to that point... but I dont know.

So stop being theatre snobs--sorry It just gets on my nerves when people act like I am retarded and dont know all the logistics and what it takes to put on a show- I have been involved in Theatre since I was 12 (I am almost 24) , and I know very well how much it takes and how much it will take to make a show good. I know how much pressure it takes to be a director, and do all of those things. I dont know it just gets on my nerves.

--Dave.
DramaRobin2002

superdave wrote:
So stop being theatre snobs--sorry It just gets on my nerves when people act like I am retarded and dont know all the logistics and what it takes to put on a show- I have been involved in Theatre since I was 12 (I am almost 24) , and I know very well how much it takes and how much it will take to make a show good. I know how much pressure it takes to be a director, and do all of those things. I dont know it just gets on my nerves.

--Dave.


Well, then why did you even ask us? I didn't see much snobbery in most of the comments made so far. Obviously none of us believe it is a good idea. Maybe, instead of mounting a full production when you don't know what your pool really is, do something smaller. I'm in a theater group that was also raised from the ground up. Their first production was a talent show and the women in charge found most of their contestants by spreading the word across the net (which, in the late 90's, meant that they searched words like musical theater, singing, acting and dancing through AOL's member directory and e-mailed people in our area). Many of those members did the next thing, a revue benefit for 9/11. The original contestants also spread the word to people they knew. Then those spread the word to even more people (including me) when our group mounted it's first full show (which was Godspell) and we've been growing ever since through word of mouth and newspaper ads. Unfortunately, it takes time. Our group did it's talent show in 1999. Godspell was finally produced in 2002. But really, no matter what we say it is still up to you.
superdave

The Tink wrote:
Directors direct. Actors act. The two jobs should never cross in a production unless it's a true emergency. And you being stuck-up about how the part should be played isn't an emergency. If you want to be Jesus, don't direct the show and audition for it. If you choose that route, however, you run the risk of not being cast. If you simply have to direct, get over yourself and let someone else play the role of Jesus.

A good rule for every actor to remember- You are never as good as you think you are, and no matter how good you may be, there is always someone better.


This sounded like snobbery to me. But, I respect everyones opinion. This was the post in question. I am sorry, I just found it to be very off-putting to judge my situation. When there was no back story to base the judgement.

I have one script lined up for the first show, most likely-- it is going to be a very small show, with 3 actors and from there--we'll see what happens.
SuperKabob

I agree with doing the junior as the first musical, mostly because of the backing tracks. The Jr version is really not that great, but there's a lot of "wiggle room" where you can add stuff in or do it a bit differently. Godspell Jr. was the first musical at my school after 10+ years of no dramam department. Went amazingly.

And if you're still worried about the talent pool. You should definately wait until auditions are over before you consider casting yourself. And to get a bunch of people to auditions, just advertise like hell. Try local newspapers or stores, and definately a LOT around where you'll be performing. Location can make a big difference for high school actors. If, after all of this, there is absolutely NOBODY who could even attempt the lead, them you could consider casting yourself, but I'd recommend talking to the rest of the cast as to why you had to do it, and to get an assistant director to direct while you're on stage... which will be the entire show. It most likely would be better to wait until after auditions until you think about casting yourself, and who knows? maybe somebody will show up from out-of-town, or somebody nearby will pop up.

I apoligize if I sounded like a snob earlier, but I, and I'm sure everyone else, were just voiceing their opinions and giving their advice.
superdave

No problem.
I get exactly what you are saying... and that's exactly what I am getting at.
The Tink

I don't apologize to you, if you truly believe I sounded like a snob.

I stand by what I said. If you don't have the people available without you being the lead and the director, choose another show. Just because the community you are in is small is no excuse to make foolish choices.
MsDivaKate

I think someone posted earlier about if you are unsure of the talent, perhaps begin with a revue of some sort.

I too am working on starting a theatre company,but luckily I come from an area with a bit more of a population to draw from. We too are most likely beginning with an original musical revue, just to bring in some money, instead of having to dish out the initial money required to obtain show rights and such.

As for being in the show, as well as directing, its a challenge, I've seen it done before, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It can be very difficult to get a good handle on what is going on with your actors from the perspective of what the audience will be seeing, when you are onstage with them 100% of the time, as is the case with Jesus in Godspell. In other shows it can be done, as the lead is not necessarily in every scene, but to me, it seems like it would be a particularly hard show to really get a grasp and pull together your actors when you yourself is in the midst of everything that is going on onstage, being that Jesus is the central character.

I'm not trying to be snobby or elitist at all, just offering an opinion as I too would LOVE to do Godspell with my theatre company once it is established, but know that I won't be able to music direct AND appear onstage as well if I really want the show to come together and be able to properly see/hear everything that is going on onstage in order to fix problem spots.
DramaRobin2002

superdave wrote:
The Tink wrote:
Directors direct. Actors act. The two jobs should never cross in a production unless it's a true emergency. And you being stuck-up about how the part should be played isn't an emergency. If you want to be Jesus, don't direct the show and audition for it. If you choose that route, however, you run the risk of not being cast. If you simply have to direct, get over yourself and let someone else play the role of Jesus.

A good rule for every actor to remember- You are never as good as you think you are, and no matter how good you may be, there is always someone better.


This sounded like snobbery to me. But, I respect everyones opinion. This was the post in question. I am sorry, I just found it to be very off-putting to judge my situation. When there was no back story to base the judgement.

I have one script lined up for the first show, most likely-- it is going to be a very small show, with 3 actors and from there--we'll see what happens.


I understand that and I kinda figured that it was the post in question. I kinda agree with Tink though. If you are sure you don't have the cast, do a different show. It sounds good that you are starting with something small. Not only will it show what talent pool you have, but it'll probably help by giving you an idea of what your turn out will be for the performance before you shell out the money for the rights to Godspell.
superdave

Yeah one step at a time, I was just weighing out scenarios...

I thought about doing a Schwartz Revue... Like several songs from "Godspell", "Pippin" and "Wicked" I am not even completely sure if there is anything like that out there. I know it would be against the law, to do songs from those shows and charge an admission-- I believe it would be...I might be wrong.

But thats one idea I had.
MsDivaKate

I'm not sure its against the law to do a revue such as that and charge admission...

My friend Max has a theatre company and his first show was a musical revue he calls Tony! which is a series of songs from various shows that have won Tony Awards throughout the years. He's done the show twice and used different songs each time and he's charged an admission for it ($15 tickets I think) both times. I'd have to ask him if he had to go about getting any specific performance rights to do it.

I believe its only against the law if you are actually basically recreating the shows. I think its ok to perform single songs or a series of songs out of context-there are plenty of talent shows and such out there where singers do just that.
superdave

I guess you are right.
The Tink

MsDivaKate wrote:
I'm not sure its against the law to do a revue such as that and charge admission...

My friend Max has a theatre company and his first show was a musical revue he calls Tony! which is a series of songs from various shows that have won Tony Awards throughout the years. He's done the show twice and used different songs each time and he's charged an admission for it ($15 tickets I think) both times. I'd have to ask him if he had to go about getting any specific performance rights to do it.

I believe its only against the law if you are actually basically recreating the shows. I think its ok to perform single songs or a series of songs out of context-there are plenty of talent shows and such out there where singers do just that.


In theory, you need to get permission from the owners of the music, but for a variety-show.revue type situation, it's usually not tough or expensive.
DramaRobin2002

I'm 90% positive that it isn't illegal to use the songs in a revue show as long as you do not use more than three from any one show and as long as the song is not done in context (no costuming resembling the show's, no performing the scenes before and after the song).
Tom

Re: Does this sound like an impossible scenario?

superdave wrote:
I am heading up a community theatre in a small town. And for the musical, I am thinking about doing Godspell Jr. and casting HS students, and Jr High students to do this youth musical adaption. I looked into it, and it looks like it would be perfect for what I want to accomplish. However, I am such a prude. Unless I find an older guy, 17-18 that can deliever Jesus excellently-- I am not going to let anyone do it, but myself. Because I know I can deliever Jesus the way I want to do it. WOULD it be an impossible situation for me to direct the Jr. Adaption while playing the lead? I dont think it would be so much, because its going to a small cast... but, its just something I am weighing out. The Jr. adaption--Jesus's notes are slightly higher---but being a Tenor 1-- a high tenor, I dont see how it would be an issue.

IF this an impossible situation, what would be a great musical to do for HS and Jr. students that wouldnt require much orcherstrations, choreography, and effort?


Actually, in the JR version Jesus sings in a lower key! He sings Save the People in F and the Finale in A minor. Both keys are one step lower than the original. All for the Best is the same key and Turn Back, O Man and Alas for You are cut from the Jr version.

Also, high school kids (older than 9th grade) and adults are not allowed to perform a JR show unless an outrageous royalty is paid. It is cheaper to do the original version with mixed ages than it is to do the Jr version.,

An actor who directs himself in a play usually winds up with a fool for a director!
drakesmainer

Okay I don't know if anyone's said this because the debate started to get pretty heated and so I didnt feel like reading all of the entries. But I worry about the age difference in the cast. A boy in his mid/late teens crucifying a 20 something Jesus...is it believable?

It is possible to act and direct-just hard when you aren't able to get an objective look at your own show.

I have been in a few cast who produced this show as a community with no real director and that worked out..

good luck in whatever you choose-I hope it goes well
DramaRobin2002

drakesmainer wrote:
Okay I don't know if anyone's said this because the debate started to get pretty heated and so I didnt feel like reading all of the entries. But I worry about the age difference in the cast. A boy in his mid/late teens crucifying a 20 something Jesus...is it believable?


It's actually not as out there as you'd think. The production I was in a few years ago had a cast of mostly sixteen and seventeen years olds, including Judas. Our Jesus was twenty-six. I'm kinda biased to how it turned out, but no one seemed to have any belivabilty problem with it. But, as this seems to be a junior high and high school aged cast, I think it would look odd to have a Jesus in his twenties and Judas in junior high.
superdave

Godspell wont be a reality for me for a while. I highly doubt, I will ever get to do the show ever. Being that the school I am transfering to, does not do musicals very often--and the community theatres around the area have done it already, And the fact that I dont feel I have the people to do it in the community theatre area for a while, I dont think I will ever perform it... I may direct it one day, but that's what's going to happen. I guess you cant be in everything you wished you could be in.
Oh well, still holding out for JCS.
MusicWOman93

I agree with almost all the other posts here. It would be WAAAY to much to direct AND play Jesus at the same time. In the Jr. version, Jesus practically speaks every other line. Sure its shorter, but still it would be a challenge.

Vocal wise, I don't think the songs would be too challenging. I'm a girl, but my vocal range isn't very high, and can sing all of Jesus' parts in the correct key. The only male part I can't sing is Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord, but thats done by John the Baptist anyway...

I wouldn't recommend it, unless everybody cast knew the show like the back of their hand.
TheRave

Personally, I agree with most people, that a director should not take a principle role in the performance he is directing. A director is responsible for the artistic interpretation of the whole performance and he can't do that unless he looks at it from the outside.

There have been a number of times where I have had directors perform in the show they have directed. The only times it worked are when the director plays a very minor speaking role or a cameo role. This means the director can still have an outside view.

If you still want to have some direction and be in the show then there is still an option:

For one production I was in we had collaborative direction. Every member of the cast was an Assisstant Director and then one person, on the outside, was the Director, responsible for final decisions. Then every member of the cast contributed artistically to the show. The Director, in the end, didn't actually make any final decisions but more steared the discussion on how each part was to be played and acted as more of a Chairman figure calling for votes on how to do things.

With a cast of 10 for Godspell it should be easily possible to have collaborative direction, so you can all contribute, just have someone independent who can act as a chairman figure.

Hope this helps.
Brother Marvin Hinten, S.

If this is community theatre, I highly recommend hearing how it should go from this guy. He knows what he's talking about.
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