STAGED READINGS 2024-25

Fortinbras

BY Lee Blessing

Directed by Tony Labriola

SYNOPSIS: It’s the final scene from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The stage is

littered with dead bodies. Fortinbras, the Norwegian Prince

enters.

He quickly finds that he is now- by default- the King of Denmark.

However, he’s got an immediate PR-Public Relations problem

with all the dead royalty.

So…he needs some fake news. He embarks on a hilarious

campaign to pave his way to the throne. And…not to worry…all

the dead people come back as ghosts. But…they are very

different than they were in real life!!!

One reviewer wrote, There was no way to read this and not

think of American politics.

A bit of sword fighting. A smattering of sex. Some excellent

haunting. Fine acting! And…a few surprises!

Cast List

Fortinbras Dan Blewitt

Horatio - Charlie Misovye

Hamlet - Rick Rapp

Ophelia - Rachel DeBoer

Polonius - Mike Hamilton

Queen Gertrude - Desiree Chapleau

King Claudius - Dave Chapleau

Osric - Tom Cook

Laertes - Austin Jones

Marcella/Captain - Samm Hilger

Bernadine/

English Ambassador - Barbara Whitney

DATE: November 9, 7:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE!

PLAY READING SERIES

Since 2011, The Drama Group has offered script-in-hand readings of a variety of plays, expanding the scope of our offerings to Patrons, Subscribers and Members alike. Offered free-of-charge as true community out-reach, the series has brought to the stage titles we haven't been able to fit into our subscription season. The wide variety of plays featured have come from World Literature, popular American Drama, New Plays under development and Classics of Readers Theatre. Building these evenings on a shoestring with minimal rehearsal and production value allows us to focus in on the story.

A staged reading is a rehearsed read-through of a script, performed in front of a seated audience where the actors are not off-book (fully memorized). Sometimes staged play readings can incorporate some tech elements in a performance, like that of sound or lighting. But as pared-down as stage readings tend to be, there’s a lot more to these events than simply printing out the scripts and inviting actors to read aloud, and the details of preparing a production make all the difference—in fact, a well-executed reading can be just as powerful as a fully mounted production, to the point where the audience may be unaware that scripts are in the hands of actors.

A Staged Play Reading Director does not have to be a Regular (Voting) Drama Group Member; however, the Director must be a General Member having been involved with Drama Group.

If you have interest in directing or participating as an actor, please contact the Reading Series Curator, MaryEllen Fawk to express your experience and interest in mounting a staged reading.

Process:

1. Choose an appropriate piece you think would be of interest to our south suburban community.

2. Choose whether you will use certain tech elements in your production.

Lighting: Fluorescents aren't very theatrical. Stage lighting is ideal—but pleasant, adequate illumination, bright enough for the actors to easily read their scripts, will more than suffice
Audio: determine whether you will need to make use of sound in your play
Costuming: this adds to the visual elements of the staged reading, and can usually be done very minimally

3. Determine a date for the staged reading along with rehearsal time (usually 2-3 times will suffice.)

4. Find a cast

5. Rehearse with your actors.

Start and end rehearsals as scheduled. If any of your actors are union members, you'll need to consult the Actors’ Equity Association’s Staged Reading Code. There you'll find rules pertaining to rehearsal hours, payment, and so forth

6. Blocking and staging should be planned in advance.

7. Plan an intro and outro for the reading.

Often neglected, and crucial to success, your beginning and ending must be planned. You want the audience to get the sense of a coherent, well-organized event, suggesting a coherent, well-organized piece
Plan whether the cast is going to be introduced—and if so, when. Plan whether there will be a bow—if so, how many, and who will lead? Plan entrances and exits. After the presentation, will there be time allotted for a Q&A or feedback from the audience?