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To scenery or not to scenery, to me, it's not really a question. Even if you have a non-traditional theatrical space, adding modest elements to your set can go a long way. Good scenery supports the story by adding visual interest and a sense of time, place, and tone. Ideal scenery is lightweight, easy to move, and shouldn't overwhelm the actors. You should never feel like applauding the scenery!
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We recently heard from Lynne Sumner who created the scenery for the recent production of Bob Naquin's A Will to Murder.
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In this 'Clue'-type show, everyone (including the sexy maid and his mistress Scarlett) jockeys to be the last one still alive in order to claim Mr. Thornburg's inheritance. To set the stage, they built doors from flats, a screen for the 'secret moments,' and a table for the lawyer.
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Lynne used cardboard and contact paper to construct the buffet. Her other tools include foam board, corrugated boxes, Styrofoam, extra strength glue, and Velcro. She finds set decoration items at second hand, hardware and craft stores, and online. In these photos, the style and humor of the setting is evident!
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Other ideas to take your scenery up a notch:
- Raised platforms and black curtains. Really important! You can transform nearly any space into a stage when you raise the actors above the audience and focus the audience's view with black curtains on the back and partially along the sides of the stage. Platforms, curtains, and ramps are readily available at rental stores in most communities.
- Set pieces. You don’t need to create a full set with flats, you can use items like chairs, street lamps, etc. to express a sense of place. Something as simple as a chair can say a lot. Imagine how a stiff, high-backed wooden chair from medieval times creates a different feel and time than the chair in the above picture.
- Park Benches. One strong piece like a park bench can be the main scenic element. Select props and decoration such as garbage cans or flowers that fit the play. See all of our Park Bench Plays.
- Signage. Simple signs, either on a stand, easel, or carried across the stage by actors can reveal the setting.
- Projections. If a physical set is not possible, consider projections. While a white screen is ideal, you can actually project onto anything. From choosing the right projector to figuring out where and how to mount it, doing projections successfully requires technical knowledge and a willingness to research and experiment.
- Photographers’ backdrops. Search the web and you’ll be amazed by the variety of visual pieces that are both lightweight and inexpensive.
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Dr. Fatpacker's office is brought to life with a simple photographic backdrop of a bookcase in Doctor, Doctor.
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Whatever your ability to use scenic elements, pull in as many as you can because it helps your audience “suspend their disbelief" and gives a vital role to another group member. It's a great way to involve more creative talent in your group, allowing non-actors to express their creativity and join your team. As Lynne says, "The laughter and camaraderie the directors, actors and myself share when I build the sets, is the 'real glue' that makes our plays successful."
When in doubt, say "Yes!" to scenery.
Yours in theatre,
Bonnie L. Vorenberg
President, ArtAge Publications' Senior Theatre Resource Center
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Our Plays are Being Performed
Here are just a few recent highlights
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Our audiences were well entertained at our recent performances in California of A Dog Barks, Coconut Creme Pie, and The Health and Wellness Club Meets. Their abundant applause and encouraging comments have made an indelible mark on the lives of all the cast and crew. It's so gratifying when the fruits of our rehearsal time, effort, and planning are so well received. B. Cox
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"We sold out Jack Benny's Not 39 Any More in 24 hours. We had to add another performance...and that sold out too! We had two wonderful, wonderful, wonderful performances.
Since the main character is focused on socks, we did also. We featured socks in our publicity and in our program. The donations we solicited brought in enough to buy $1200 of socks from Bombas* to give to a local charity for homeless people...and Bombas matched it." — Rosemary M. from PA
*Bombas is an apparel brand that sells socks and t-shirts. For every item purchased, a clothing item is donated to homeless shelter or related charity.
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Send in your Scripts!
Deadline Extended to Dec. 1, 2023
Do you have a play that you think older actors and their audiences will love? If so, we'd love to read it! Before shipping your work, please read our Writers' Guidelines.
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A few things to note:
- The ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource collection spans everything from short skits to full-length musicals. However, our most popular shows are short comedies featuring casts of mainly women; holiday shows are always in demand.
- We require hard copies. Not only does this protect your intellectual property, it's easier for our reviewers to read printed documents.
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Avoid a quick rejection and send in plays with
feisty older characters pursuing their passions,
celebrating life, and living actively.
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Ho Ho Ho!
Huge Sale on These 12 Holiday Plays
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It's time to begin reading and rehearsing shows for Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years Day. We are here to help with a HUGE sale on select perusal scripts. Save $5 on below these perusal scripts.
Hurry, sale ends November 7.
Frank's 75th Christmas. 11 seniors, can be double cast. 20 minutes. Frank's interaction with friendly visitors changes his attitude. Best Seller!
The Midnight Rider. 4 men, 4 women, 8 either. 35 minutes. This radio show features the Jolly ole' man who has a new transportation team.
The Cat Lady Christmas. 2 men, 3 women, 2 either. 60 minute radio play with a plot full of twists and turns and a lovely holiday message.
Merry Magic. 1 man, 1 woman. 10 minutes. A couple finds an unexpected way to celebrate.
Hanukkah Santa. 1 man, 1 woman. 10 minutes. It's an emergency and the Santa suit is missing.
Merry Christmas / Happy Thanksgiving. 1 man, 7 women. 15 minutes. Nora's house is filled with interesting characters. Best seller!
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Sad Sack Santa. 1 man, 1 woman. 15 minutes. Jay has had it with being Santa, only his wife can help him out!
Dance of the Sugar Plump Fairies. 2 women, 1 male voice. 15 minutes. Janitors clean the stage after a show and find their future.
Mrs. Claus Gets Menopause. 1 man, 1 woman. 10 minutes. There's chaos at the North Pole and Mrs. Claus is not happy.
The Christmas Police. 1 man, 1 woman. 10 minutes. Newly Revised! Violations of good taste cause an uproar in Maude Klawes' life.
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The Christmas Home Tour. 5 women. 15 minutes. Popular show! The ladies are off on their annual tour of lighting displays.
A Santa Mental Christmas. 1 man, 2 women, 5 either. Can be double cast. 20 minutes. Christmas in the modern world frustrates Santa.
Click here to see all of the shows for the Holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Day.
Hurry, sale ends November 7!
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