NHETG
Forum Facilitator Training
q Share comments, reactions, and observations about
the show.
q Invite audience to ask questions of those involved
in the show.
q Invite those involved in the show to ask questions
of the audience.
q The format is meant only to guide the discussion.
q Do not stress adherence to the format.
q Introduce yourself.
q Have everyone introduce him/herself. Include where
they are from.
q Review the General Guidelines for Forums.
q Present the Format and Topics.
q Begin the discussion.
q Be aware to the time especially in the first
meeting.
q Allow equal time for each of the shows.
q Characterization: Are the characters defined in
accordance with the needs of the script?
q Voice and Diction: Do the actors
project? Are the voices well articulated and in character?
q Interaction:
Do the actors play together as the play demands? Do they project the
script of the play to the audience?
q Physical Skills: Are movements necessary, precise
and in character?
q Staging: Is the physical environment of the play
supportive of the action? Blocking: Is
the movement of the actors motivated and disciplined? Is the stage used with
creativity and versatility?
q Tempo: Do the
actors develop a controlled pace which leads to a defines
climax?
q Interpretation: Do all aspects of the production
create a consistent, integrated style which is in keeping with the demands of
the script?
q Lighting: Given the available facilities
, doe the lighting provide visibility and necessary dramatic effect?
q Sound: If utilized, is theatrical sound used as a
create ingredient tun the production?
q Make-up: Does
the make-up contribute to the effectiveness f the production? Costuming: Is the costuming of the characters
appropriate and stylistically consistent?
q Set: Is the execution of the set effective?
q The purpose of Forums is for the students to be able
to better understand theaterre, the theatrical
process, and the play they have just seen. The discussion should contribute to
this understanding. Comments should be
polite and respectful. Criticisms should be constructive and friendly. For
example, do not say, ³I thought the lighting was really bad,² instead say, ³I
personally thought that when the lights all turned red it took away from the
scene or I didn’t understand why the lights turned red.² Be prepared to explain
your comments. Answer the question why you liked or did not like something.
q Do not interrupt when someone else is speaking. Refrain from side conversations during the
discussion. Keep focused on the discussion at hand.
q Listen to what everyone has to say and think about
it. What someone says may start a whole new discussion.
q Participation by everyone is greatly encouraged. Everyone
should have the opportunity to voice their comments and ask questions.
q Share comments, reactions, and observations about
the show.
q Invite audience to ask questions of those involved
in the show.
q Invite those involved in the show to ask questions
of the audience.
Topics
Characterization, Voice
and Diction, Interaction, and Physical Skills Directing Staging, Blocking,
Tempo, and Interpretation Technical Lighting, Sound, Make-up, Costuming, and
Set Problems....
Issue Resolution
Dead Air - the discussion
just stops.
Solution:
Ask questions
For
those involved in the show:
q What was your involvement with the show?
q How long did you rehearse?
q How many people in the theater group?
q Why was the set chosen for the show? How long did it
take to build?
q What would you have done differently in you were
directing?
q Where did you costumes come from?
q What problems had to be overcome to participate in
festival?
q What adaptations did you have to make for this
performance venue?
q Were there any sound selections? Why were they
chosen?
q Were there any script changes?
For
those watched the show:
q Were there any physical actions that the actors took
that stood out as especially appropriate/inappropriate?
q Were there any moments in the show where you were
especially drawn into or taken out of the moment?
q Were there any times when you were confused about
the plot?
q Was the blocking effective?
q Were there any parts of the set that seemed out of
place?
q Was the show consistent with in the time period?
q What would you have changed if you were the
director? Why?
q What especially appealed to you? Why?
Someone talks too much -
dominates the group.
Solution:
Ask ³Can we hear from someone else?, or from someone
on this side of the room, or someone from a different school.
One group does not talk or
dominates the Forum.
Solution: Use the
dead air questions.
Negative
comments.
Solution:
Attempt to rephrase the comments/questions so that they become positive
criticisms.
Comments
on the judges.
Solution: Remind the
group that they are here to talk about the shows.
Troublemakers.
Solution:
Drop hints that the person is being disruptive. If those don’t work, get the
student’s name and school and report them to the festival coordinator who will
deal with the situation.