Putting on a show

The how and why of historical shows and theatre in a historical setting or theme-park

Jaap Hogendoorn

Archeon, Stichting Foeks

24-04-2013

Introduction • Jaap Hogendoorn

• Contents of the lecture

– Why do we put on a show?

– Creating a world or an experience

– How to make a show?

– Shows in Archeon

– Tips and tricks

– Questions

Jaap Hogendoorn Historical recontructions

Carpenter

Shows

Historical association Foeks

Why do we put on a show?

• Infotainment

• Total experience

• Entertaining our visitors

Creating a world or an experience

• The importance to create a “believable” experience

• Setting

• Persons/ actors

• Actions

• Equipment

6

How to make a show: a roadmap(1)

1. Defying targets What’s the target group, how long should it take what subject/ time

period should it be about?

shows based on three different origins:

• Shows based on original plays, or shows like tournaments, Gladiators and theatre

• Shows that are written on base of historical and/or Archaeological facts and finds or myths and saga’s

• Moderns plays and shows like fairy-tales and fantasy shows.

8

Bronze-age show based on archeological finds

Adapting a show to a modern audience

• Humor, style and speed

• Violence

• adjusting to the target group:

9

How to make a show: a roadmap (2)

• 2. Forming the team, we have a goal, who are we going to use to reach this?

• 3. Pre-discussion with team leaders

• 4. Brainstorm

• 5. Writing – re-writing – discussions – writing

10

How to make a show: a roadmap (3)

• 6. Making costumes, attributes, props and technique

• 7. Rehearsal

• 8. Playing

• 9. Evaluate

11

How to make a show: ingredients (1)

• (Life) Music

– Enhanses all actions

– Plays to the moment

– Can direct the audience

– What we use

How to make a show: ingredients (2)

• Storyteller / presenter

• Actors and fighters

• Props

Practical matters of importance (1)

• Safety

– Responsibility towards audience

– Safety plan

– Arena shows

– Scenarios for fights

– Arena manager

Practical matters of importance (2)

• Electrical sound amplification

– Authentic atmosphere

– Outdoor situations

– Acting

– A good plan

Practical matters of importance (3)

• Location set-up

– Sun

– Maximum 3 sides

Shows at Archeon (1)

• Big shows

• Smaller shows

• Single acts

• Big event shows 17

Shows at Archeon (2)

• The Gladiator show

– Daily show

– Cast of 10 to 12 people

– Long training period

18

Shows at Archeon (3)

• Re-enactment shows 19

Shows at Archeon (3)

• Re-enactment shows, shows with a lot of participants

– Possible problems with safety and quality

– Making a nice show

– Preparation

– Combining your own crew with re-enacters

– Relationship with re-enactment groups

20

Tips and Tricks (1)

21

Involving the audience - Volunteer

- Training your audience

Tips and Tricks (2)

22

Total concept - Theme for the entire day

- Gossip, display, posters, etc

Tips and Tricks (3)

23

External specialist/trainers

- Acting lessons

- Voice training

- Fight and stunt lessons

- External director

Tips and Tricks (4)

24

Ensuring the quality of long

running shows - Fight choreografy

-Trying out new things/ jokes

- Feedback

- Practise

Thank you for your attention!

Questions?