Characters and Casting:

Characters and Casting:






From earlier plays that I have read in the past I feel that Michael Fryan’s “Noises Off” has to be the most fluid of any of the pieces out of any for that of Characters and that of Casting. I feel that the objects that do play a key role in such a role as this is the physical capability as well as age and gender. “Noises off” is in case in point seemingly a never ending up and down battle between two couples and the environment around them.
For the case gender I feel strongly for the couples of (Phillip and Flavia) and (Roger and Vicki) that they should be played by that of male and female parts that are given for the production. Only because it is more of a demand in part that one it helps with the comedic relief and also that it shows both opposite sexes at their best to their worst. For example when Phillip first arrives he is fully clothed and by the end of the act he is running around with a letter glued to one hand and a plate of sardines glued to the other with his trousers down to his ankles. Similar instances occur with that of (Vicki) when she and (Roger) show up to (Phillip and Flavias) home thinking that no one is there other than (Mrs. Clackett) and want to get fresh only end up having second thoughts and hearing what they think to be voices and (Vicki) losing her dress and running around the house in her underwear. I feel that this balance of the sexes is something that has to take place and helps keep the continuity of the production at hand. As for that of the character of (Poppy) I feel that this could be casted as a male or female role and also that of (Mrs. Clackett). Only because these are secondary characters in the show that play off of the two couples in the house.
As for the fact of this show being casted with different races I feel that it could strongly be possibility. The only thing that I could see that would be a problem with race would be the accents or dialogue of the production itself. In 2003 I helped a UIL one act with this production and the director casted an African American as the electrician (Tim) and it worked very well. I feel that any race given the opportunity could play the role given the understanding of the production and its dialogue.

I feel that one of the things that are a strong point for this production to run and flow and create the humor that is in the production is that of the age variations in the characters. My meaning for this is only to show the areas of grey that age gives for others in understanding the critical thinking of other age groups and their actions. For example I feel that (Phillip and Flavia) should be in their late 30’s possible 40’s and for (Roger and Vicki) to be in their 20’s to upper 20’s. This to me gives variety and also shows the audience the maturity of the characters by their age and helps them think of a time when possible their immaturity got the best of them. For the character of (Selsdon/Burglar) I think that he should be older individual only because of how the production portrays him out to be an older man in need of retirement. This keeps the continuity of the show and doesn’t throw it off balance with the older humor and more mature humor that is given by him as the burglar none the less as just (Selsdon). As for (Poppy and Mrs. Clackett) I feel that these two parts could range at any age but, that they would not be older than that of (Selsdon).
One of the draw backs to the show which cannot to me be helped is that the production of the play is set in a two story house which I feel is something that cannot be adapted. Only because this helps the production by creates levels to keep everything from seeming cluttered. The downside to this is that this hinders casting of anyone that is physically not able to work or act on a set with two floors. I feel strongly that any other person with any other physical handicap should be fine for the part of any of the characters. If they are able to play the part given and understand the physical activeness of the production and can be capable to make these feats possible.