Alice Orozco

A Troll's Tale

Upon entering Play Production as a class, I was aware that the technical processes of the play were very important, not to mention interesting. I really didn't think that I would have to do anything else but act since that's the reason I auditioned. As the weeks progressed, I realized that I would have to do much more. I learned dances that I would have never learned previously. I also learned a very little about sound and microphone checks and their importance to the success of a show. Before Play Production, I didn't know anything about the design and construction of a set. I pretty much had the idea that Cancel Christmas was going to be a simple production. I didn't fully understand the amount of technical work that was necessary for a fully successful show.

The set of the production was an amazing part that added every child's imagination to the stage and characters. Without the set, the entire story and flow of things would have been completely gone. While the set was beginning to be constructed, I had no idea what anyone was doing. I was lost. As stairs and doors were added, I could put myself in the story and see how everything unfolded perfectly to fit my imagination. That is a sign of a successful set. I think that it could have been a bit bigger than the final product because it would have added even more to the story. Since the construction of the set was a couple weeks behind I started growing this anxiety that it wouldn't be finished in time for the show. After the ice cave was completed and added, that anxiety was beginning to diminish and confidence started taking over. To me, it was unbelievably amazing how stage crew, with the help of some actors, put in so much effort to create a wonderful set. What really added to it was the fact that professionals came in to paint it. The first glimpse of a completed set was what really boosted my confidence and made me feel like a little kid again. The set resembled a giant doll house; one that I had always wanted since I was about five. It was simply perfect and perfectly simple for a five year old who would see the show.

While working on Cancel Christmas, I learned that advertising is a key factor to the success of any show. The "posterising" of the Eagle Rock community truly helped the audience size each show night. The design and construction for the set is the backbone to the success and production itself. The lighting and sound were also a key element in the play. They set a mood and emphasize the emotions that are in every scene. They also place the child directly in the story. Costuming and make up are linked in making the characters real. Every troll was not just a student in a costume, rather a troll in an ice cave. By paying attention to how a production is put together and worked, I am able to reuse it in the future. As a group, the technical expertise that was achieved in Cancel Christmas, on a scale of 1 through 10, would have to be an 8 or 9. It was at an awesome level, but persistence and scheduling could have been better.

Before Play Production, I never thought about acting as a profession or anything close to it for that matter. As time progressed and my mind expanded on different parts of theatre, I realized that there are a good amount of career possibilities available. For example, acting isn't restricted to plays or musicals, it spreads to film and modeling to a certain degree. After learning this, I have thought about pursuing and excelling my acting skills. I have known that the make up industry is a very successful and useful industry. My goal in life is to be the best make up artist in town. Since I noticed that make up is a key element to any production, being in Play Production will help me develop the skills I currently have. Since Carla is a professional, I do plan to ask her as many questions as I can to benefit my knowledge of make up application. Besides make up art as a profession, sound and lighting technicians are always needed at any venue where productions will be held, even in a high school auditorium.

For the next production in the spring, I would very much like to excel my knowledge of the technical processes in theatre. I want to focus mainly on make up, but include other things such as set design and construction. I want to leave school feeling confident that I have learned something new. This way I can feel excited when someone asks me to help nail two boards together or help out on a face of make up. The expansion of a person's knowledge of things can greatly assist them in learning even more and helping out a team to get the job done. Once the job is done, the product will be highly successful show, not to mention a feast for the eyes.

A successful show is completely impossible without a great team. Through Play Production, I have learned that the help of more than one person is important. While constructing the set, it was obvious that more than one person would be needed. The building of the ice cave is a perfect example. There were countless boards that need to be lifted and moved after being painted and/or nailed together. The entire set wouldn't have been possible without effective teamwork.

Advertising is another process that depends highly on teamwork. Without advertising, the show wouldn't have been as successful as it was. I believe that the posters around Eagle Rock are a highly effective way of gathering a rather large audience. They can be seen everywhere, whether you're walking down the street or driving. Posters are simply great. I don't really think that the t-shirts were completely necessary but they are great souvenirs for anyone who gets one. The website isn't as effective as it could be. I think that it needs to be more appealing to the people. Yes, it is interesting to know about what Eagle Rock Stage is all about, but I think it is important to focus on the actors and participators a little bit more. Make it more appealing to the younger people, because there is this wide idea that teens are "too cool" to go to school plays. I believe that everyone should feast their eyes on all they can because it's highly possible to turn someone's life around through stage. You are never too young or too cool to reach for your inner child and experience something that you haven't since you were little. It can often times be fulfilling by giving someone that feeling that they never had when they were a little kid, making them a better person. I think that it is very important to make a website that is more popular among today's youth to increase the audience size and opening up minds to something new.

I honestly believe that Reggie and Emily had the biggest job and responsibility in leading the team to a successful show. Emily was leading the advertising bit of the show, not to mention a great program for people to take home and always remember the awesome reputation of Eagle Rock Stage. Reggie on the other hand, had to deal with the various attitudes of actors and stage crew, which can get frustrating. She dealt with the whole team and kept them together to work hard and stay on task. I greatly appreciate their hard work in leading us to a great and successful show. I honestly believe that every single student involved in Cancel Christmas grew in at least one way. Whether it was artistically or technically, everyone learned that in order to perform at the best of their ability, they must do one thing and that is, accept the idea of a team. Once they accept this, they have grown into a professional, rather than a good actor.