There are many characters in ShowBusiness, none of which are “Main Part”s. This was a deliberate decision to ensure all actors have an equal performance opportunity.
Every character also has a name, even though most are never referred to by them in the play. This was another device used to give each actor an equal status, instead of using rather demeaning titles such as ‘Performer One.’ The only exceptions to the equal status rule are Sean and Esther, the lighting and sound technicians. To fit in with the rest of the show, they have to remain out of the performance space for the majority of the show. In CYT’s production, instead of this being a relegation, the actors were given the opportunity to work with the real technicians and were listed as both cast and production team in the programme.
Different theatre groups are different sizes – it’s the way of the world. Most of the characters in ShowBusiness can be altered to accommodate this. With the minimum of fuss characters can be merged or split, and be either male or female with little detrimental effect on the performance. A few of the characters work best played as a particular gender. These are indicated on the list of characters.
The set for ShowBusiness can be as simple or as complex as desired. The only key point to remember for the design is that the action takes place in a theatre which is supposed to be ready for a performance the following day, but is blatantly not!
For CYT’s production, we placed 2 flats at the back of the stage with a gap between where a third would fit. These were painted as such so they read “Show….ness”. In front of the stage we placed two blocks either side for Michael and Charlie to sit on.
For the large piece of scenery the stage crew repeatedly bring on stage, we used a giant rainbow. During the Song Three, it was tied to two pulleys at the back of the stage on which it was pulled back and forth during the song as the stage crew tried to raise it, eventually giving in at the end of the song. Small activities involving the stage crew like this were often used when little was happening on stage – to the immense pleasure of the audience.
There are eight songs in ShowBusiness. For CYT’s production we used our favourite songs from classic musicals which we considered appropriate to the scene and the group. We leave it up to individual musical directors to choose their own songs appropriate to their own groups.
The effects plot for ShowBusiness is very simple. The only required sound effect is a mobile phone. Other effects may be added with discretion such as a loud bang when the power is lost at the end of Song Five.
The music can also be played from tape, or performed live. We would advise recorded music though, as Charlie actually says in the show that they will be using a rehearsal tape because the musicians have not turned up.
The lighting plot is also simple. The only required effects are in scene one when Michael asks for more yellow and in scene six when the power is lost. Other effects can be added during songs, or subtle effects to draw the audience to particular action.
Di Smith
Pam Craven
Marion Throup