Expert: James Medd - 5/15/2008

Question
Hello, Mr. Medd!

I am currently staging a short dramatic piece which requires that an actor sit behind a desk and two other actors sit across from the first on the other side of the desk.  Also, the set will be stationary, and be to the furthest possible corner down stage left, not center.  What would be the best possible way to lay out the scene to avoid keeping the actors from having their backs to half the audience or more for the entire piece?  Any advice you have to offer would be GREATLY appreciated!

Best Regards!  And Thanks!

Answer
Hello Lance,

Thanks for your question.

May I first apologise for not getting back to you sooner- I have been working nonstop for the last few days and have had very little time to look at my e-mails, so I hope my late response is still helpful in some way.

Your project sounds like an interesting piece, and certainly presents a bit of a challenge in terms of staging. I must say that I'm having trouble picturing how you intend to set the scene, especially as I don't know the theatre you'll be working in. Therefore, I'm uncertain if there are any obstructions on or off stage which might prevent the audience from seeing the actors.

My best advice considering this, would be to make sure the actors are highly visible to the audience. They might wear different suits or costumes so that the audience knows who each character is. Regarding the fact that the actors might have their backs to the audience, why not have them at about forty-five degrees either side of the desk? If possible, you might also have swivel stools or chairs so that the actors can move without having to move around the set.

Another consideration is lighting. If you can, and the piece you're doing allows it, light the actors in an isolated pool of light down stage left, with no other lighting on stage if possible. Having the light arranged in this way will allow the audience to focus on the group.

Lance, this is about the best I can do for now without knowing more about the theatre, the play you're doing or technical capabilities / limitations, but if you would like to send me some more details and possibly a small diagram of the acting space in a private question, I would be able to provide more detailed and helpful advice, and, if you would be prepared to send me your e-mail address, I could send some small sketches or diagrams to you with some possible options for staging.

Should you like to do this, I will make it my priority to answer your question and help you in any way I can.

In the meantime, may I wish you well with your project and I hope I can be of further help in some way.

Best regards,

James.