Developing any show is no easy feat. Actors and theatre makers dedicate countless hours to crafting content, material, and designs before even stepping into the rehearsal room. In this post, we'll delve into some of the challenges we've encountered while creating our flagship improvised show, "The Shakespeare Jukebox."
Casting: The Cornerstone of Success
Whether you're casting a small-scale fringe show or a Hollywood blockbuster, having a fantastic cast is undoubtedly a major factor in a successful production. Creating improvised Shakespeare is no exception. We're seeking actors with a knack for ad-libbing and engaging with audiences in their own words, combined with a deep understanding and appreciation of all 36 plays in the First Folio.
With four actors in our cast, each must learn nine different pieces from nine different plays, sometimes even more! As the director and producer, we provide our actors with ample reading material to equip them for their roles. However, we also trust them to develop their own unique performances, allowing their individual personalities to shine through.
Collaborative Direction: A Relaxed Approach
Our rehearsal room is a relaxed and informal space. While James takes the lead in artistic direction, he's far from a dictator. Everyone has a voice in how the production comes together. All cast members are encouraged to contribute ideas, and we collaborate to create a final performance that everyone in the room can be proud of.
We believe actors produce their best work when they feel comfortable and relaxed. To that end, we've embraced modern technology to hold as many rehearsals online as possible. This allows our actors to work from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for evening commutes to far off rehearsal spaces.
Our producer, Rebekah, carefully schedules rehearsals to ensure everyone has a fair chance to participate and attend their allocated slots. We understand that everyone has commitments outside of work, and no professional performer should be penalized for prioritizing family and loved ones.
Marketing Our Unique Offering
"Is it improvisation?" "Is it Shakespeare?" Why can't it be both! Our show doesn't fit into a one-size-fits-all category. We're constantly exploring new ways to market our unique offering to audiences. While we recognize the advantages of social media in the 21st century, we're also mindful of not alienating older fans by relying solely on the internet.
Our marketing strategy involves a careful balance of traditional methods like flyering and contacting local media, along with creating engaging content to promote the show. We're always on the lookout for new opportunities and innovative ways to reach our audience. It's an ever-evolving process!
Our Next Show
Don't miss our upcoming performance of "The Shakespeare Jukebox" at the Friargate Theatre in York this October! BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://www.crewofpatches.co.uk/current-shows
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