(Production meeting. Company joins Leo, Clyde & Alicia on stage.)
Natalie: Great,
you’re already here. Production meeting, guys. Okay, some notes. Firstly, Leo you are really freaking people out in the booth. Tone it down a little.
Leo: Come on, it's not my fault he dropped his pencil!
Natalie: Noises are funny, creaking wood is funny, grabbing his arm and pulling is terrifying. Knock it off. Next... Who is hanging out in the girls' bathroom?
Olive: That would be me.
Natalie: Oh, thank Dionysus. I thought it was Belasco. Keep it up, Olive. Good stuff. Who focused that light?
(Belasco raises his hand)
Natalie: What is that about?
Belasco: It's funny.
Natalie: It's not pointed at anything.
Belasco: That's why it's funny.
Natalie: So you're just going to leave it there, at full power?
Belasco: Yep.
Natalie: (beat) Alright. Alicia, how are the ribbons coming along?
Alicia: You know, I've pretty much put them in every possible order and disorder, maybe I can work on the set or the sound or-
Natalie: Let's work on it a little more, I don't want you to take on too much up front-
Alicia: I promise, I can handle something a little more involved-
Natalie: Yeah, but for this show, I'd rather have you on the costume shop.
Alicia: But if I could-
Natalie: Okay guys, who has been on the set work?
Rhetta: Well, Leo, Clyde and I have been working on it mostly.
Belasco: I played a part, too.
Rhetta: (to Natalie) Clyde has been tinting the paint darker every 25 minutes. Leo has been unplugging the power tools when a techie is almost done with them. I have adjusted every measurement written down for the past two weeks. (to Belasco) You took one screw out of the floor.
Belasco: Yeah, but now it's REALLY squeaky!
Natalie: Belasco, what the hell have you been up to this week?
Olive: Yeah, Belasco. What HAVE you been up to?
Belasco: ... I... focused that lamp...
(Macbeth enters)
Macbeth: Natalie, can I talk to you for a moment?
Natalie: Of course. Alright guys, back to work! (others exit) What's going on?
Macbeth: I don't think there is reason to be too terribly concerned, but something is going on. The light board operator hasn't been in the booth for a week-
Natalie: Yeah, that was Leo, he's going to tone it back-
Macbeth: No, no, I checked. He's in the hospital.
Natalie: What? What happened?
Macbeth: I don't know. But the scenic painter is out as well, something about lead paint?
Natalie: No, that's not possible, we got rid of all of the bad paint after-
Macbeth: It's entirely possible that this is not a fault of ours. I just wanted you to be aware, that's all. No need to alarm the others, but please keep an eye out. The fates ask for comedy, we must deliver.
Natalie: Keep it light. Got it.
Macbeth: Thank you, Natalie. You're the best Stage Manager I could ever ask for.
(Macbeth exits)
Natalie: Well, it's not like he can fire me.
(Natalie exits.)
NEXT SCENE
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Ghostlight 1.6?
Belasco, high on the set, focusing a light. Rhetta enters
Rhetta: What are you doing?
Belasco: Baking a cake.
Rhetta: May I please speak with you?
Belasco: If I say no, would it stop you?
Rhetta: When will you leave Oliveretta alone?
Belasco: Olive and I have a great thing going on.
Rhetta: Yes, you use her until you are bored, you wait for her to get interesting again, and then you repeat the cycle.
Belasco: Your point?
Rhetta: My point is that it is both unkind and detrimental to our community!
Belasco: Look, sugar, as long as we do our job, what else do you want?
Rhetta: Have you forgotten what a company in unison can accomplish in this place?
Belasco: Have you forgotten how annoying you are?
Rhetta: I need you to focus.
Belasco: What do you think I'm doing right now? (He focuses the light straight downward, a stark white beam)
Rhetta: Cute.
Belasco: (Climbing down from his perch) Look, Rhetta. I understand that you're passionate about our job. I see that this really matters to you. I know that under your high collar and your bustle, your heart and soul are devoted to this.
Rhetta: My bustle is of no concern to you.
Belasco: I admit. I had forgotten what that kind of commitment, that kind of passion is like.
(Alicia enters, unseen.)
Rhetta: That is because you have never committed yourself to anything.
Belasco: I may not be capable of commitment, but I assure you I am not lacking in passion.
(He kisses her. Rhetta slaps Belasco.)
Rhetta: You are a disgusting, appalling man.
Belasco: But a good kisser, right?
(Alicia shakes head no. Belasco laughs, exits.)
NEXT SCENE
Rhetta: What are you doing?
Belasco: Baking a cake.
Rhetta: May I please speak with you?
Belasco: If I say no, would it stop you?
Rhetta: When will you leave Oliveretta alone?
Belasco: Olive and I have a great thing going on.
Rhetta: Yes, you use her until you are bored, you wait for her to get interesting again, and then you repeat the cycle.
Belasco: Your point?
Rhetta: My point is that it is both unkind and detrimental to our community!
Belasco: Look, sugar, as long as we do our job, what else do you want?
Rhetta: Have you forgotten what a company in unison can accomplish in this place?
Belasco: Have you forgotten how annoying you are?
Rhetta: I need you to focus.
Belasco: What do you think I'm doing right now? (He focuses the light straight downward, a stark white beam)
Rhetta: Cute.
Belasco: (Climbing down from his perch) Look, Rhetta. I understand that you're passionate about our job. I see that this really matters to you. I know that under your high collar and your bustle, your heart and soul are devoted to this.
Rhetta: My bustle is of no concern to you.
Belasco: I admit. I had forgotten what that kind of commitment, that kind of passion is like.
(Alicia enters, unseen.)
Rhetta: That is because you have never committed yourself to anything.
Belasco: I may not be capable of commitment, but I assure you I am not lacking in passion.
(He kisses her. Rhetta slaps Belasco.)
Rhetta: You are a disgusting, appalling man.
Belasco: But a good kisser, right?
(Rhetta exits. Belasco turns and sees Alicia.)
Belasco: You want a turn?
(Alicia shakes head no. Belasco laughs, exits.)
NEXT SCENE
Ghostlight 2.3
(Alicia enters, visibly annoyed. She is carrying boxes full of ribbons and trim. As she crosses the stage, Olive enters, persued by Belasco. They exit. Alicia drops the boxes and sits in a huff, mumbling to herself, resigned to her task.)
(Rhetta enters)
Rhetta: Have you seen Belasco? He's supposed to be helping me with the set.
Alicia: He and Olive are at it again.
Rhetta: Dionysus bless it.
(As Rhetta exits, Leo and Clyde enter.)
Leo: What's got her bustle in a rustle?
Clyde: Hi-de-ho, Alicia Jo!
Alicia: You know that isn't my name.
Leo: (aside, to Clyde) There must be something in the water around here.
(Leo and Clyde start to exit)
Alicia: I'm sorry. It's just that I really wanted to start contributing, you know? And these ribbons-
Clyde: The ribbons are stressing you out?
Leo: Those are some horrendous ribbons.
Clyde: You know what? You're right. Who would ever use that pea-green shade?
Leo: And that lemon yellow? Yuck.
Clyde: I'd be stressed out, too.
Alicia: Guys, guys. I don't mean the ribbons themselves, I mean, I just don't understand why Natalie keeps putting me WITH the ribbons.
Leo: Maybe she thinks you need more ribbons in your wardrobe?
Clyde: Maybe the ribbons are linked to a traumatic event in Natalie's life and she is trying to avoid them herself?
Leo: YES Natalie probably was tortured as a child with a heinous burnt orange ribbon that she had to wear every day and she can't bear to look at ribbons ever again.
Alicia: I'm about three seconds away from hanging myself with these ribbons.
Clyde: Well it wouldn't really do you much good
Leo: Seeing as how you're already dead.
(Alicia storms off stage.)
Clyde: Tough crowd.
NEXT SCENE
(Rhetta enters)
Rhetta: Have you seen Belasco? He's supposed to be helping me with the set.
Alicia: He and Olive are at it again.
Rhetta: Dionysus bless it.
(As Rhetta exits, Leo and Clyde enter.)
Leo: What's got her bustle in a rustle?
Clyde: Hi-de-ho, Alicia Jo!
Alicia: You know that isn't my name.
Leo: (aside, to Clyde) There must be something in the water around here.
(Leo and Clyde start to exit)
Alicia: I'm sorry. It's just that I really wanted to start contributing, you know? And these ribbons-
Clyde: The ribbons are stressing you out?
Leo: Those are some horrendous ribbons.
Clyde: You know what? You're right. Who would ever use that pea-green shade?
Leo: And that lemon yellow? Yuck.
Clyde: I'd be stressed out, too.
Alicia: Guys, guys. I don't mean the ribbons themselves, I mean, I just don't understand why Natalie keeps putting me WITH the ribbons.
Leo: Maybe she thinks you need more ribbons in your wardrobe?
Clyde: Maybe the ribbons are linked to a traumatic event in Natalie's life and she is trying to avoid them herself?
Leo: YES Natalie probably was tortured as a child with a heinous burnt orange ribbon that she had to wear every day and she can't bear to look at ribbons ever again.
Alicia: I'm about three seconds away from hanging myself with these ribbons.
Clyde: Well it wouldn't really do you much good
Leo: Seeing as how you're already dead.
(Alicia storms off stage.)
Clyde: Tough crowd.
NEXT SCENE
Monday, August 20, 2012
Ghostlight 1.2
Macbeth sits on the set, prepared to begin the meeting. Clyde, an older gentleman with a spunky side, wanders on stage.
Clyde: Hey, Mackie! What are you up to?
Macbeth: Preparing for the ritual. And you?
Clyde: Ritual? So soon?
Macbeth: So it seems. I sent Belasco to announce the meeting. (pause) Clyde, will you go-
Clyde: Yes, I'll go announce the meeting. (Clyde almost exits, then) HEY GUYS, COMPANY MEETING!!!
Leo enters, followed closely by Rhetta. Alicia finds her way on stage and sits with the others. Some hubbub while Natalie enters frantically, running across the stage. She reemerges with comically large scales and places them center stage.
Macbeth: Are we all met?
Leo: Where's Belasco?
Rhetta: And Oliveretta?
Clyde: (to Leo) Probably together. On the casting couch.
Olive enters, giggling, pursued by Belasco.
Olive: Easy, sugar, I have to look presentable.
Macbeth: I see you are enamored once again.
The love of young in some as old as you.
Olive: HEY Watch who you're calling old, grandpa!
Natalie: Quiet on the set! We have business to attend to!
Macbeth: Thank you, Natalie. Now. The company has begun rehearsal on their next production. (hubbub among others) Yes, we all know that this is surprising, seeing how the last production... concluded. However, our mission is the same: determine the will of the Fates and act accordingly. This art has the power to touch lives, and we will play the part of the fingers.
(Belasco whispers to Olive, who giggles loudly.)
Rhetta: Will you two, please, have some respect?
Olive: You're no fun, Rhetta.
Rhetta: Our job is an honor, and our satisfaction and joy come in a job well done. These are not mere performances; they are rituals and will shape destiny.
Belasco: Respect is great and all, but fun is what puts butts in seats and girls on laps. We don't even need the ritual, the Fates want comedy every time! Let's just get to work.
Macbeth: Enough! All I ask is for one smooth fulfillment of the Fates' will. Can we please begin the ceremony? (pause) Thank you. Natalie, the masks.
Natalie runs off stage, and emerges with a massive tragedy mask.
Natalie: I can't find the comedy mask, they're usually together.
Belasco: I know where it is, let me get it. (Macbeth eyes him suspiciously) Relax, you grumpy Scotsman. I'm being helpful!
Belasco enters with massive comedy mask. Natalie takes mask from Belasco, checking it over suspiciously. She gives a nod to Macbeth, and hands it back to Belasco. Alicia, clearly new to this ritual, watches with earnest. Belasco and Natalie take their places on opposite ends of the scales.
Macbeth: (beginning ritual) We find ourselves again before you, Fates.
This band of artists seek to honor you
And we, respectfully, do seek the same.
The stories shared upon this wooden floor
Are echoes of the songs we sung to you.
We ask you now the part you wish us play:
Comedian, Tragedian. Both are
Assistants to your hand, two sides, one coin.
Their parts equally fit in your design,
And we, the gears of your grand clock, will turn
This show of theirs to fit your fantasy.
We know the cost of difference to your will;
The dire consequence of our misdeeds
Has shown our need to follow your design.
Which mask shall we put on? Which part to play?
Your will alone, dear Fates, will lead the way.
Natalie and Belasco place masks on scales. The scales tilt toward Comedy.
Belasco: And there you have it!
Natalie: Alright everyone, I will write up assignments and distribute them among you before the night is over. Those actors are getting an early start, and we can't let them get too far ahead of us! If you have ideas or favorite gags from the past, let me know and I will try to work them in.
The group huddles around Natalie, throwing out ideas of ways to prank the production company below. They gather upstage, while Alicia quietly wanders to Macbeth.
Macbeth: Don't be nervous, darling. Natalie will give you a task that will be easy to carry out. You'll fit right in before long.
Alicia: That's not what I'm worried about. I guess I just... don't understand all of this yet.
Macbeth: (sighs) It will take time. I have been here so long, I have forgotten how hard it can be to transition. I suppose the only advice I can give is... to continue onward.
Alicia: I don't really have much of a choice in the matter, do I? I mean, whether I want to or not, I will... continue.
Macbeth: That's the spirit, spirit.
(Macbeth exits.)
NEXT SCENE
Clyde: Hey, Mackie! What are you up to?
Macbeth: Preparing for the ritual. And you?
Clyde: Ritual? So soon?
Macbeth: So it seems. I sent Belasco to announce the meeting. (pause) Clyde, will you go-
Clyde: Yes, I'll go announce the meeting. (Clyde almost exits, then) HEY GUYS, COMPANY MEETING!!!
Leo enters, followed closely by Rhetta. Alicia finds her way on stage and sits with the others. Some hubbub while Natalie enters frantically, running across the stage. She reemerges with comically large scales and places them center stage.
Macbeth: Are we all met?
Leo: Where's Belasco?
Rhetta: And Oliveretta?
Clyde: (to Leo) Probably together. On the casting couch.
Olive enters, giggling, pursued by Belasco.
Olive: Easy, sugar, I have to look presentable.
Macbeth: I see you are enamored once again.
The love of young in some as old as you.
Olive: HEY Watch who you're calling old, grandpa!
Natalie: Quiet on the set! We have business to attend to!
Macbeth: Thank you, Natalie. Now. The company has begun rehearsal on their next production. (hubbub among others) Yes, we all know that this is surprising, seeing how the last production... concluded. However, our mission is the same: determine the will of the Fates and act accordingly. This art has the power to touch lives, and we will play the part of the fingers.
(Belasco whispers to Olive, who giggles loudly.)
Rhetta: Will you two, please, have some respect?
Olive: You're no fun, Rhetta.
Rhetta: Our job is an honor, and our satisfaction and joy come in a job well done. These are not mere performances; they are rituals and will shape destiny.
Belasco: Respect is great and all, but fun is what puts butts in seats and girls on laps. We don't even need the ritual, the Fates want comedy every time! Let's just get to work.
Macbeth: Enough! All I ask is for one smooth fulfillment of the Fates' will. Can we please begin the ceremony? (pause) Thank you. Natalie, the masks.
Natalie runs off stage, and emerges with a massive tragedy mask.
Natalie: I can't find the comedy mask, they're usually together.
Belasco: I know where it is, let me get it. (Macbeth eyes him suspiciously) Relax, you grumpy Scotsman. I'm being helpful!
Belasco enters with massive comedy mask. Natalie takes mask from Belasco, checking it over suspiciously. She gives a nod to Macbeth, and hands it back to Belasco. Alicia, clearly new to this ritual, watches with earnest. Belasco and Natalie take their places on opposite ends of the scales.
Macbeth: (beginning ritual) We find ourselves again before you, Fates.
This band of artists seek to honor you
And we, respectfully, do seek the same.
The stories shared upon this wooden floor
Are echoes of the songs we sung to you.
We ask you now the part you wish us play:
Comedian, Tragedian. Both are
Assistants to your hand, two sides, one coin.
Their parts equally fit in your design,
And we, the gears of your grand clock, will turn
This show of theirs to fit your fantasy.
We know the cost of difference to your will;
The dire consequence of our misdeeds
Has shown our need to follow your design.
Which mask shall we put on? Which part to play?
Your will alone, dear Fates, will lead the way.
Natalie and Belasco place masks on scales. The scales tilt toward Comedy.
Belasco: And there you have it!
Natalie: Alright everyone, I will write up assignments and distribute them among you before the night is over. Those actors are getting an early start, and we can't let them get too far ahead of us! If you have ideas or favorite gags from the past, let me know and I will try to work them in.
The group huddles around Natalie, throwing out ideas of ways to prank the production company below. They gather upstage, while Alicia quietly wanders to Macbeth.
Macbeth: Don't be nervous, darling. Natalie will give you a task that will be easy to carry out. You'll fit right in before long.
Alicia: That's not what I'm worried about. I guess I just... don't understand all of this yet.
Macbeth: (sighs) It will take time. I have been here so long, I have forgotten how hard it can be to transition. I suppose the only advice I can give is... to continue onward.
Alicia: I don't really have much of a choice in the matter, do I? I mean, whether I want to or not, I will... continue.
Macbeth: That's the spirit, spirit.
(Macbeth exits.)
NEXT SCENE
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