1B On stage Reading and vocabulary 1 Work with a partner and answer the questions. 1 Is there a particular place in your country that is famous for its theatres? 2 What sort of theatre is most popular in your country: musicals, opera, classical plays, modern plays, mime, pantomime, sound and light, …?
2 Read the text about putting on a play. Choose the correct word for each gap. Circle A, B, C or D. 1 A in
C behind
B on
D in front of
2 A looking at
C looking after
B looking for
D looking up
3 A borrow
C repair
B destroy
D construct
4 A are designed
C are being designed
B have been designed D were designed 5 A while B during 6 A very B extremely
C since D after C strongly D mostly
3 Match the words from the text 1–8 to the definitions a–h. 2 audition
a creation of fires, particular sounds, etc.
3 script
b a test to get a part in a play
4 set
c the clothes that actors wear on stage
1 cast
5 props 6 costumes 7 run 8 special effects
d the lines and the actions in the play e how the stage looks f all the actors in a play g how long a play is open to audiences h the objects used on stage
4 Have you ever been involved in a school play or amateur dramatics? What aspect of producing the play were you involved in? Which area of theatremaking do you find most interesting?
Making theatre Actors are the artists that immediately spring to mind when talking about the theatre. But the success of a play or musical also depends on the work done the scenes. by an army of staff (1)
Cast
Once a play has been chosen or written, the casting director works with the director of the play to find the actors who they think will be best for a part. both experienced Theatres are always (2) actors and new talent, and casting staff will watch hundreds of plays every year to identify possible actors. A director will often invite actors for two auditions and look at their ability to interpret the script and develop a character.
Set and props
The director and designers decide together on the scenery look of the stage. Craftsmen then (3) from a wide range of materials and scenic artists paint the sets. It is also vital that the objects in a play recreate an authentic feel and look. Props include furniture, food and drink, and even body parts such as severed heads. An in-house team makes many of the objects for a particular production.
Costumes and wigs
Usually the actors’ clothes (4) by freelancers for individual shows and then the theatre’s costume department is responsible for making or buying the clothes and accessories. While the play is running, a large team of maintenance staff will wash and look after the costumes. Actors are always damaging performances (for example in costumes (5) fighting or dancing scenes) and so maintenance staff will also carry out repairs. A team of dressers helps the actors get dressed for the shows. Wigs are made for individual actors and will be used when there is insufficient time to style hair between scenes.
Lighting and special effects
The way the stage is lit (6) influences the mood of a play. Technicians set up and programme lights to change direction, colour and focus. Specialised technicians are also responsible for the use of weapons on stage, fires, explosions and other sound effects.
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