Summer Stock Tips
comedy a drama of light and amusing character and typically with a happy ending
The two faces of Drama are Comedy and Tragedy. Shakespeare used both elements in his serious plays, but we, in summer, prefer Comedy undiluted. Summertime is a season dedicated to as much pleasure as can be squeezed into its short months and long days. A great part of summer's activities takes place on stages of all kinds - indoors and outdoors.
Summer Stock theatrical productions of stock companies presented during the summer
These are performances by travelling companies of professionals who go on tour from city to city, but are sometimes in permanent quarters. They have a repertoire of several plays proven to be universally popular. Some companies feature actors and actresses whose faces and forms are well-known to movie and TV viewers.
Summer Theater a theater that presents several different plays or musicals during the summer
These theaters are often found on the outskirts of cities and towns. They occupy permanent buildings and consist of established professional companies. Some are dinner theaters with outdoor facilities. Most will feature one famous performer sure to draw large audiences. The repertoire consists of the best in light popular entertainment, both plays and musical comedies.
Local Offerings
The best of these entertainments has been saved for a last mention. In every locality there are amateur productions of well-known little plays and other offerings for the amusement of relatives, neighbors, and others seeking entertainment nearby. Some efforts are held in parks and other outdoor settings. Whether in the open or in an auditorium, attendance is good and performances are much appreciated. There is something else to be considered - some of the performers in these amateur productions will be inspired to continue in the dramatic arts and may become the stars of tomorrow. They should be encouraged by everyone.
What plays have amused you most? Where were they performed? Were some of the performers well-known to you? Did anyone you know actually write a play which was performed locally? Was a stage set up in a park?
Thomas Campion wrote
The two faces of Drama are Comedy and Tragedy. Shakespeare used both elements in his serious plays, but we, in summer, prefer Comedy undiluted. Summertime is a season dedicated to as much pleasure as can be squeezed into its short months and long days. A great part of summer's activities takes place on stages of all kinds - indoors and outdoors.
Summer Stock theatrical productions of stock companies presented during the summer
These are performances by travelling companies of professionals who go on tour from city to city, but are sometimes in permanent quarters. They have a repertoire of several plays proven to be universally popular. Some companies feature actors and actresses whose faces and forms are well-known to movie and TV viewers.
Summer Theater a theater that presents several different plays or musicals during the summer
These theaters are often found on the outskirts of cities and towns. They occupy permanent buildings and consist of established professional companies. Some are dinner theaters with outdoor facilities. Most will feature one famous performer sure to draw large audiences. The repertoire consists of the best in light popular entertainment, both plays and musical comedies.
Local Offerings
The best of these entertainments has been saved for a last mention. In every locality there are amateur productions of well-known little plays and other offerings for the amusement of relatives, neighbors, and others seeking entertainment nearby. Some efforts are held in parks and other outdoor settings. Whether in the open or in an auditorium, attendance is good and performances are much appreciated. There is something else to be considered - some of the performers in these amateur productions will be inspired to continue in the dramatic arts and may become the stars of tomorrow. They should be encouraged by everyone.
What plays have amused you most? Where were they performed? Were some of the performers well-known to you? Did anyone you know actually write a play which was performed locally? Was a stage set up in a park?
Thomas Campion wrote
The summer hath his joys.
posted by marguerite louise at
11:29 AM
4 Comments:
I'm a big fan of community theater for its casual atmosphere, convenient parking, reasonable prices and best of all, the cast of friends and neighbors. Many community theater productions are interactive, too, and the role the audience plays is indispensible. That makes the experience loads of fun.
I've met some tv stars in summer stock productions and for the mostpart, they were very friendly, down-to-earth folks who welcomed members of the audience to their dressing rooms after the show.
My all-time favorite stage play is "Chicago" for its humor and high energy.
By
Anonymous, at 7/07/2005 4:44 PM
I would love to see a professional production of Our Town.
The last memorable play I saw was in the 80's -- James Earl Jones in Master Harold and the Boys. Wish I could study the text and see it again...
People here go crazy over the High School musical productions -- my opinion is that they are too ambitious and mediocre. I keep wishing to see ONE SCENE done extremely well, and I think that would be a much more appropriate and meaningful experience for students.
By
Anonymous, at 7/08/2005 10:28 AM
The first live theater I saw was a highschool production of Fiddler On The Roof when I was 12 years old. I was hooked.
When I lived in Canada I was very fortunate to live near Toronto and Stratford. Our city also had a wonderful arts center which was a good draw for live theater, concerts and musical productions. I saw numerous plays in Stratford, known for its Shakespearean Festival.
One of the first dates I went on with my husband was a play in Stratford. It was magical.
By
Anonymous, at 7/08/2005 2:46 PM
My son's high school class did Fiddler on the Roof as seniors and I cried all the way through it.
Here were these kids, most of them I'd known since Kindergarten, all grown up and doing this wonderful play. I could still picture them as five year olds. The time went so fast.
By
Marguerite, at 7/08/2005 8:52 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home