Clark Pierron 10/02/08 Theatre Production The Actors Nightmare Analysis Synopsis o George Spelvin, an accountant, has a nightmare

e about accidently walking into the back stage of a production in which he is the understudy of another actor named Eddie, who was in a motorcycle accident. After briefly meeting the rest of the cast and crew, the stage manager, Meg, calls places and the lights go out as the curtain is drawn. A preshow announcement is made and the curtain is drawn. George is thrown out on stage dressed as Hamlet, not completely knowing whats going on, into a scene from Private Lives, where Sarah Siddons plays his character Elyots ex-wife. As he stumbles over his lines, Meg comes out dressed as the maid and whispers lines in his ear, and Ellen Terry joins as Elyots current wife. As the scene ends, Henry Irving enters the stage and the lights shift, signaling the beginning of the Hamlet portion of the dream. They have a short conversation and Henry exits, leaving George alone for the famous To be, or not to be monologue. George ends up going off on a tangent about his life and the choices hes made while completely freaking out in front of the audience because he doesnt know the monologue, yet he is simply stuck on stage alone. Eventually, he is joined again by Ellen as the play shifts into yet another play; however this time, it is a fictitious play said to be written by Samuel Beckett, entitled Checkmate. Its final shift puts George in the middle of A Man for All Seasons, and just as George, playing Saint Thomas More, realizes that hes about to get his head chopped off, he becomes convinced that he will wake up, since you cant die in your dreams. The lights fade just before the Executioner brings down the axe. Curtain call opens for the rest of the cast, however George seems to be dead. Characters o George Spelvin Man in mid 20s, slightly frazzled, not incredibly happy with his life. Plays himself trying to play Elyot, Hamlet, Willie, and Sir Thomas Moore. o Meg, the stage manager Woman in mid-late 20s, highly organized and focused on making this show work. Plays the Maid and Lady Margaret. o Sarah Siddons Woman in late 20s, kind hearted woman, very glamorous. Plays Amanda and Lady Alice. o Dame Ellen Terry Woman in mid 20s, not as glamorous, not the best actress. Plays Sibyl and another unnamed character.

o Henry Irving Man in late 20s-early 30s, well spoken and very proper. Proud of his resonant voice. Plays Horatio and the Executioner (if Executioner not played by another actor) Setting o Nearly blank stage, only requirements are a small piece to indicate the railing of a terrace balcony, and something to indicate French Riviera, wealth, elegance. Two garbage cans will be brought on by Ellen. One of the set pieces must be able to break or change into a wooden chopping block for the execution scene at the end. Costumes o George Street clothes pre-show, Hamlet outfit throughout the rest. o Meg Crew clothes (black), makeshift maid outfit (possibly just an apron and a frill for the hair), and a few touches up for Lady Margaret (maybe a skirt). o Sarah Nice casual clothes pre-show, 1930s evening gown for Amanda, Elizabethan dress for Lady Alice. o Ellen Not as nice casual clothes pre-show, 1930s evening gown for Amanda, pauper drabs for unnamed character. o Henry Street clothes pre show, Shakespearean garb for Horatio. o Executioner Executioner robe and hood. Props o George Uses trash cans that Ellen brings in. o Meg Clipboard and headset for backstage. Duster for maid. Script during Man for All Seasons. o Sarah Glass of champagne for Private Lives. Bowl of custard during Man for All Seasons. o Ellen Two garbage cans. o Henry/Executioner Axe. Sound Effects o Megs voice is heard over intercom, applause and camera sound effects, and music for top of show. More applause and camera sound effects, as well as trumpets sounding for transition to Hamlet portion. Megs voice is heard again over the intercom during the transition between

Checkmate and Man for all Seasons. Crash of symbols or other similarly surprising sound for Executioners entrance. More applause for Curtain call as well as music. Light Effects o Lights up. Blackout for top of show. Evening lighting on terrace. Camera flash effect for both camera sound effects. Light change to Elizabethan lighting for Hamlet scene. Dim blue lights along with a spotlight stage center which switches to center stage right and back again for Georges monologue. Switch to Beckett lighting (dark mood, depressing) for Checkmate. Mid-afternoon lighting in London for Man for all Seasons. Blackout before axe is dropped. Lights up for Curtain call, followed by another blackout.