Slicing & Dicing the Script

In drafting the rehearsal schedule, it was first important to break down the scene structure even more than the script does. There are a total of 26 'scenes' in the show, evenly divided between the first and second acts. I try to map out who will be in each scene and structure rehearsals to make the most of individual performers' time.

Particularly with the kids in the show, I need to be as economical with their time as possible. Even more so than adults, kids remember their parts (lines, songs, choreography) through repetition. The quicker I can get their parts ingrained in their minds, the easier it will be for them as time progresses. That will give them more creative license sooner in the process, allowing them to "own" the parts well before the chaos that is tech week.

So, for the kids, here will be the scenes that they will be in:

• Forward - Before the show begins "taping" the kids are introduced to the audience
• Nutcracker/Joy To The World - John & Louise (the older two kids) sing "The Cat's Away" prior to the "accident". Maria and Billy (the younger two kids) come in after and have a few lines.
  
• Santa's Little Teapot - The kids sing and dance in this, their main song.
• Christmas Box - Prior to this song, Maria comes in with some lines. Father Virgil sings this song to comfort her.
• Wassail Song (A Waffeling) - The first of Amnesia & the Kids' joke numbers. A capella with props.
• The Holly & The Ivy (Ivory) - The second of Amnesia & the Kids' joke numbers. A capella with props.
• Nutcracker Ballet - All the kids have lines and dance in this number
• Jesus Was Born in Brooklyn - Kids sing in the chorus and have blocking during the nativity scene, particularly Louise or Maria (depending on who looks more like Robert Anne).
• In the Convent - After this song, Louise holds cue cards for Reverend Mother.
• The First Noel (Leopards) - The third and final of Amnesia & the Kids' joke numbers. A capella with props.
• Christmas Sing Along - The kids participate in the chorus.
• It's Better to Give - The kids will sing in this and will have some blocking.
• Reprise: Christmas Time is Nunsense Time - Kids sing in chorus.

I'll have a full scene breakdown later, but this should help me figure out how and when to schedule the kids. I'll likely try to stick to the Saturday rehearsals for them, except for when we get to full runthroughs, tech, and dress.


- Sean