Here is going to be the exchange of ideas and issues for my Musical...

THE MAGIC CHRISTMAS TOY STORY - By George Riddell

This is a FREE Script for Am Dram use (see condictions) from myself and hosted by AMDRAM.CO.UK!

If you have any suggestions, comments please use this thread to update.

All suggestions and comments may be used by myself to improve the show free of charge.

This is going to be a "Am Dram Effort"...

I'll post a link to the pages on AmDram.co.uk as soon as I get them from Jane.

My Vision....

To create a "Disney On Stage"... Totally fresh... Loads of special lighting effects and music and pace...

Want to help me do it? I'll remain at all times the final "yes/no" man... Don't worry if your suggestion isn't suitable for this show. If we pull this off, I'm sure there will be more.

I want to give "jobs" to people... To help out.. Credit will be give of course at all times.

For example:

Lighting Director - Martin (please Martin).

Proof Reader? Props? Makeup? Set Design? Publicity? Artist?

Just think of a job and you can have it, the more people, the more "ideas"...

I got most of it in my head at the moment... It just needs IMAGINATION!!!

Until Jane gets the pages up on her site, here's the link to mine (I'll change this when it's done).

http://www.amadrama.co.uk/xmastoystory/

QUOTE (George @ Feb 26 2003, 2:13 PM)

I want to give "jobs" to people... To help out.. Credit will be give of course at all times. For example: Lighting Director - Martin (please Martin).

It would be my pleasure

Can't wait for the script now .......

Shhh don't tell Anne-Marie in case she thinks I'm not giving 100% to her "little" show

Hmmmmmmnnnnnnmmmmm!!!

QUOTE (Anne-Marie @ Feb 26 2003, 4:30 PM)

Hmmmmmmnnnnnnmmmmm!!!

Good hmmmmmmmmmmmmm or bad hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?

Nah, George - a thinking hmmmmmmnnnnnmmm. You can have him.

*wink*

Ok the first thing I got to do is sort out what i'm calling the Young male lead..

Captain Alex or Captain Haggis... (I got one in the synopsis and the other in the script).

Haggis certainly appeals to "children" which this story is aimed at.

From an other Forum I asked about a better reason for the Mayor to get Hans out of the shop. Maureen suggested I think Gold under the shop...

I'm going to write that idea in soon.

Have a seperate scene with the Mayor and Seedle talking about this, outside the shop or in his office.

Who's Seedle? The toy shop man or a henchman?

QUOTE (Ryano @ Feb 26 2003, 5:16 PM)

Who's Seedle? The toy shop man or a henchman?

Read the Character plot!!!!

LOL

Seedle Wormfoot... Henchman..

QUOTE (George @ Feb 26 2003, 5:30 PM)

QUOTE (Ryano @ Feb 26 2003, 5:16 PM) Who's Seedle? The toy shop man or a henchman? Read the Character plot!!!! LOL Seedle Wormfoot... Henchman..

Oops! Didn't see that link!

Heidrich Blunderbuss
The Evil Mayor Of the Town.
(Short sharp and nasty. No humour.)

That's me!

Sadly Ryano.. that's most of the people who read this... *wink*

Okay Suggestion number one

For the prequel (the part 50 years befor with the witch and toys) I suggest we make a short movie and project it onto a flown screen

Anne-Marie did something similar fo rPlanet so it's not impossible or expensive. Obviously if your putting this on in a chicken shed you'd cut that bit perhaps and slot in a narrator -

QUOTE (Martin @ Feb 26 2003, 6:27 PM)

Okay Suggestion number one For the prequel (the part 50 years befor with the witch and toys) I suggest we make a short movie and project it onto a flown screen

Nice one...

And I did think of that... And this could be done if the group wants to..

Reasons for having "live" acting beside the still characters would be to involve more "Dance" into this.

(also more bums on seats if you use kids as the wolves etc) (I know you can't stand the little "dears" Martin LOL)

Kids would more than likely prefer seeing the "wolves"...

How about real wolves running through the auditorium feasting on the children watching the show - lot of blood.....

No Oh well (I bet Helen would love the idea though)

Seriously have a great moving light effect for the witch's entrance .....

QUOTE (Martin @ Feb 26 2003, 6:39 PM)

Seriously have a great moving light effect for the witch's entrance .....

Yes......

I'm aiming her entrance to be VERY magical... How does this sound Martin?

Under her cloak, she's got a gown on which is covered lightly in cotten wool. When the gown is taken off, she is back lit by a "sparkling effect". The cotton wool of course making it seem as she's shimering?

What ya think??? Would it work? (of course this would make her more flamable when we burn her... JOKE!!!!!!)

QUOTE (George @ Feb 26 2003, 6:06 PM)

Sadly Ryano.. that's most of the people who read this... *wink*

Yes but I said it first so finder keepers, losers disallowed word off!

I think the character of Melanie needs a bit of bulking out. She seems to be there just to give Haggis a reason. Maybe she could either be another magical person who ties in with Maureen's pot of gold idea, or perhaps she could be a princess in disguise.

Or how about her being Silvana's trainee in disguise, and the one who normally gives the toys the ok to start making the Christmas presents.

Just a thought.


Love the storyline though.

QUOTE (George @ Feb 26 2003, 6:42 PM)

I'm aiming her entrance to be VERY magical... How does this sound Martin? Under her cloak, she's got a gown on which is covered lightly in cotten wool. When the gown is taken off, she is back lit by a "sparkling effect". The cotton wool of course making it seem as she's shimering? What ya think??? Would it work? (of course this would make her more flamable when we burn her... JOKE!!!!!!)

OMG!!!!

Okay George you tell me what you want I'll do the techie stuff (cotton wool indeed)

The effect I've got is a slow rotating cone of many beams fron which she emerges - the beams change colour as quickley or as slowly as you want - depending on your budget I can chuck loads more at this

WOOOOOOOOOOOO nice one Anne-Marie...

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... A reason to do what. *sexy wink*

She can't be of magic as her and Haggis get together... Unless she picks to stay with Haggis (wooo nice one) while Hans picks to be with Silvana.... hmmmmm I'll think about this one..

If not magical then she can't see the toys as the rules are Adults can't see them...

Princess? Too "Disney" pehaps? Not sure about that...

But I do get your drift about Melanie...
Perhaps everyone can have a think about it...

QUOTE (Martin @ Feb 26 2003, 11:25 PM)

OMG!!!! Okay George you tell me what you want I'll do the techie stuff (cotton wool indeed) The effect I've got is a slow rotating cone of many beams fron which she emerges - the beams change colour as quickley or as slowly as you want - depending on your budget I can chuck loads more at this

And what's wrong with cotton wool!!!!!! *wink*
I thinking buget here...

But YES!!! Cone lighting effect does sound perfect...

I'll be looking for loads of effect through out all the magical bits and also can you get a "snow falling" lighting efffect for outside scenes?

QUOTE (The Phantom Poster @ Feb 26 2003, 11:38 PM)

I'll be looking for loads of effect through out all the magical bits and also can you get a "snow falling" lighting efffect for outside scenes?

Yep


But how about "real" snow falling either plasic snow from a snow bag or machine - or my favorite the foam type (the foam goes real quick) I've used both before and they look great - especially with lights focused through the snow


Oh another idea use mirrors around the stage to bounce light off so that you get the effect of light beams bouncing accross the stage

Indeedie this is gonna work - be even better if we can keep the actors away from the stage

George, how old are the children meant to be? And which would be older? Traditionally in Fairy Tales the boy is older, but that's not essential to the plot is it? It's just that the TYPE of present, and therefore the potential lines of the songs, could be relevant to their ages.

I remember when we did Sleeping Beauty. At the christening all the fairies arrived bearing gifts. Instead of "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens" they say "Sindy and Barbie and My Little Pony" - it's just soooo relevant in shows for kids that things are there for them to relate to.

Are they sweet kids (Hansel & Gretel) or naughtier (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) or more adventurouse (Return to Space Mountain)?

QUOTE (Martin @ Feb 26 2003, 11:45 PM)

But how about "real" snow falling either plasic snow from a snow bag or machine - or my favorite the foam type (the foam goes real quick) I've used both before and they look great - especially with lights focused through the snow

Sorry Martin we do need actors in this one..... *wink* But they will be good ones... Who behave....

I didn'tknow you could get "real snow" machines... I was thinking about the mess so stayed away from that.

There will be "Outside the Shop in the Street" scenes, but also once inside the shop you'll be able to see outside through the window...

I'll be putting up some drawnings of the set shortly... I got BIG plans for this...

Keep in mind I'm looking for 3 types of production of several types of script...

i.e. Small / Med / Large Productions of

Musical / Play / Dance / All Kids Scripts...

Make this as easy to do as possible..

QUOTE (Anne-Marie @ Feb 26 2003, 11:59 PM)

George, how old are the children meant to be? And which would be older? My Little Pony Are they sweet kids (Hansel & Gretel) or naughtier (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) or more adventurouse (Return to Space Mountain)?

The kids are there for a "Awwwww" Factor of course and to steal the show... But are quite vital for the plot in many ways...

I put the Girl as older to give the females more show in the show if you know what I mean... Thinking a cutier younger boy with less lines owuld be a good starting point for a young chap wanting to get on stage... (Always it seems they are the older one looking after the girl) so I thought it would be nice for a change..

But yes, these role can be changed. The boy can be older, the line would need swopping though I think... I don't have a problem with that.. I do actually, if I do the show in Maidenhead have a sister and Brother in mind for this. They are perfect for the part..

No.... NO PONIES ON STAGE!!!! Geeee you've got a over active imagination there.. *wink*

QUOTE (George @ Feb 27 2003, 9:18 AM)

I didn'tknow you could get "real snow" machines... I was thinking about the mess so stayed away from that. Keep in mind I'm looking for 3 types of production of several types of script... i.e. Small / Med / Large Productions of Musical / Play / Dance / All Kids Scripts... Make this as easy to do as possible..

Here's how you make a simple snow bag This should suit all productions - although yo could go to town on the bigger ones

----------------------------------------------------

A snow bag couldn't be easier its' made thus

Firstly you a need a length of material long enough to run the width of the stage or acting area it should be approx 1 meter or 3' wide

run wooden batterns along the long sides so the it can be attached to the stage grid (or roof)

hold the batterns together and at the lowest point of the material make cuts with scissors or sharp knife every 1" or so - each cut should be around 2 -3" long

If you're lucky like me, you can affix the bag between 2 flying bars and by lifting each alternately by 12" the snow should fall. If you havent got flying bars then fix the wooden batterns an attach nylon cord into the centre of the bag, running upwards then down to the stage floor (you'll need several depending on the length of the bag) by puling you should get snow to fall

The snow can be brough from most theatrical suppliers -it's special flame retardant plastic - don't be tempted to make your own. - make sure you flameproof your bag too

QUOTE (Martin @ Feb 27 2003, 10:06 AM)

- make sure you flameproof your bag too

Because we wouldn't want Silvana to burn too early!

RYANO!!!!! Shame on you.... *giggl8

Good one Martin...

But how do you stop that few bits of snow that falls when you don't want it *wink*

It will go well with the impression I'm trying to create of a Winter Wonder Land Village...

....

Now I've got my Girlfriend on the case for the music...

What about the Dance? Any Choreographers in the house????

QUOTE

Now I've got my Girlfriend on the case for the music...

Excellent .... Are you going to make it a family role and involve Muttley? Maybe he can keep Ryano in check

QUOTE

But how do you stop that few bits of snow that falls when you don't want it

Ignore it and it'll go away *smile*

QUOTE (George @ Feb 27 2003, 10:21 AM)

What about the Dance? Any Choreographers in the house????

George I'm Hurt. Do you even have to ask? huhhh

QUOTE (Martin @ Feb 27 2003, 10:54 AM)

Excellent .... Are you going to make it a family role and involve Muttley? Maybe he can keep Ryano in check

Good! I get to play with the dog.

George

Can you give me a scene breakdown for set? What you need - where your going (inside and out etc) I'll try to come up with a generic set design (if you want) The idea being that directors get a staging plan to play with as they choose and their venue allows

Cos hey - you don't have enough on at the moment

QUOTE

Good! I get to play with the dog.

I was thinking of qiving the dog your script so that you've got an on stage prompt

QUOTE (Martin @ Feb 27 2003, 11:20 AM)

QUOTE Good! I get to play with the dog.? I was thinking of qiving the dog your script so that you've got an on stage prompt

Is that for when I'm feeling 'ruff'?

I 'bow-wow' to your superior knowledge.

However, I won't need a prompt, I'll make sure I 'bone' up on the lines.

Down, boy!

George, gizza props list as soon as......I'll get my car boot fundraising team on the case.

Meanwhile, as my request for a role in the show was ignored.....Martin, am I on follow spot again?

QUOTE (Aims @ Feb 27 2003, 11:09 AM)

QUOTE (George @ Feb 27 2003, 10:21 AM) What about the Dance? Any Choreographers in the house???? George I'm Hurt. Do you even have to ask? huhhh

disallowed word!!! I thought you were "just a twirlie!"

I didn't know you were a Choreographer!! *bow bow bow*.

Pleeeeease?

Get your Creative Juices flowing my dear...

Start thinking... Get a feel for it...

QUOTE (Martin @ Feb 27 2003, 11:17 AM)

Scene breakdown Set Design Cos hey - you don't have enough on at the moment

Roger...

Coming shortly...

Tell me about it....

QUOTE (Anne-Marie @ Feb 27 2003, 11:33 AM)

George, gizza props list as soon as......I'll get my car boot fundraising team on the case. Meanwhile, as my request for a role in the show was ignored.....Martin, am I on follow spot again?

I was hoping someone might ask to be props, go through the script and start making a list... Someone perhaps with a little experience and wants more...? Anyone?

Role???? Anne-Marie... I thought you might Direct it when it's all finished...?
It will need an experienced hand with vision and balls...

QUOTE (George @ Feb 27 2003, 11:51 AM)

Role???? Anne-Marie... I thought you might Direct it when it's all finished...? It will need an experienced hand with vision and balls...

I love you George

QUOTE (George @ Feb 27 2003, 11:51 AM)

QUOTE (Anne-Marie @ Feb 27 2003, 11:33 AM) George, gizza props list as soon as......I'll get my car boot fundraising team on the case. Meanwhile, as my request for a role in the show was ignored.....Martin, am I on follow spot again? ? Role???? Anne-Marie... I thought you might Direct it when it's all finished...?

Good choice - she's certainly not good enough for a follow spot op *running*


*spoken from a distance*

I hate follow spots they're cr@p even in Pro theatre you can't get really good ops and a jiggling light distracts

Get the talking props to stand in the static light - their motivation is to act like a moth (or get beaten with a scaf bar)

What about me? What can I do? I'm available from April.

Please Mr George, could you spare a role for a poor unfortunate theatre type down on his luck? *wrings cap* *tugs forelock*

QUOTE (Ryano @ Feb 27 2003, 12:08 PM)

What about me? What can I do? I'm available from April. Please Mr George, could you spare a role for a poor unfortunate theatre type down on his luck? *wrings cap* *tugs forelock*

You've got from now until then to perfect your coffee and tea making skills then....

Muttley will supervise

QUOTE (Martin @ Feb 27 2003, 12:10 PM)

QUOTE (Ryano @ Feb 27 2003, 12:08 PM) What about me? What can I do? I'm available from April. Please Mr George, could you spare a role for a poor unfortunate theatre type down on his luck? *wrings cap* *tugs forelock* You've got from now until then to perfect your coffee and tea making skills then.... Muttley will supervise

Yeah, thanks, snowboy!

QUOTE (Anne-Marie @ Feb 27 2003, 12:05 PM)

QUOTE (George @ Feb 27 2003, 11:51 AM) Role???? Anne-Marie... I thought you might Direct it when it's all finished...? It will need an experienced hand with vision and balls... I love you George

Ok here's a tip for you chaps...

Never mention Balls and Direct in the same post when Anne-Marie's about...

*running*

QUOTE (Ryano @ Feb 27 2003, 12:08 PM)

What about me? What can I do? I'm available from April. Please Mr George, could you spare a role for a poor unfortunate theatre type down on his luck? *wrings cap* *tugs forelock*

Speak to the Director!!!! *wink*

Naw casting has got to come a lot later...
We need to get the show together first..

Now what "Virtual Tech Role" would you like?

Assist Lighting Director? I know how you and Martin feel about each other... *giggle*

Can anyone think of any more jobs that need to be done "Pre-Production"?

We will need costumes won't we?
Ryano how are you with a needle and thread?

QUOTE (George @ Feb 27 2003, 12:36 PM)

Now what "Virtual Tech Role" would you like? Assist Lighting Director? I know how you and Martin feel about each other... *giggle*

Excellent, I can plug things in whilst he's holding them.

I'd love to help Martin but unfortunately I'm not very technical, does that matter. It can't be THAT difficult. I can wire a plug (well, as long as all the wires are there and they are different colours)

QUOTE (George @ Feb 27 2003, 12:36 PM)

Can anyone think of any more jobs that need to be done "Pre-Production"?

Costume design

Sound design (mic plot - sound effects plot and list)

Set design (I'd like to do that) Set construction plans

Publicity design (corporate logo etc)

QUOTE (Aims @ Feb 27 2003, 12:39 PM)

We will need costumes won't we? Ryano how are you with a needle and thread?

Needle & Thread! Is that the name of a pub?

I think I'll just stick to assisting people, if that's OK.

I could nip to the chippy now and again and put the kettle on.