helpful hints for MAKING MELODRAMAS
Here's a short page of helpful hints for Directors and Actors of modern Melodramas
for DIRECTORS
Some of the
characteristics of authentic melodrama include:
That
villainy is always distinct from honesty; virtue
always overcomes vice and be sure that there is a
happy ending. A few big productions numbers with
singing and dancing make audiences want to come back
again.
There is always a hero
wearing a white hat of one sort or another. There is
always a villain and his black hat. And there is
always a heroine in need of rescue. Melodramas are
typically fast moving and emphasize the agony that
the hero or heroine goes through before good can
triumph over evil. Other stereotypical characters
include the sheriff, the villain's sidekick, and
comical friends who share insurmountable odds with
the hero or the heroine.
The virtuous hero or
vivacious heroine is hounded by a villain and then
rescued from a series of life-threatening events as
an episodic story unfolds.
Plot devices
like disguise, abduction, concealed identity, and
fortunate coincidence are often used just to keep
the audience guessing what will come next.
Characters such as friends of the hero or heroine
provide comic relief and, of course, help out with
the singing and dancing. Melodramas are perfect for
ad-libs and improvisation and incorporating a fair
amount of each keep the productions fresh each and
every night.
Each scene typically ends
with a climax and often the villain looks like he
will succeed in his nefarious plot. Look for plenty
of fist fights and shoot 'em-ups in these thrilling
tales of passion and greed and goodness and
villainy. The audience will boo the villain and
cheer the hero and are even encouraged to grab a
foam "rock" or two (or popcorn or what have you)
that have been scattered around the audience and
hurl, toss or lob them at the villain as he displays
his larceny on stage. You might want to remind your
audiences to "Please avoid lobbing the foam "rocks"
at your beautiful heroine or your stalwart hero and
only throw the foam "rocks" that you provide". Real
rocks tossed on stage tend to keep actors from
returning for their next performance. In essence, Melodrama is a theatre of heightened emotions, where exaggerated expressions and actions are expected to convey the sentiments of the characters. The emphasis is on creating a sense of excitement, sentimentality, or thrill rather than portraying realism. This theatrical style requires the characters to stay true to their roles, with the good guys being exceptionally good and the villains being exceptionally bad. Happy endings are a must, and justice is served to the villain in the end.
The play's tension is increased by foreshadowing the consequences of actions without telegraphing them to the audience. The audience is led to anticipate what might happen, and unexpected twists and turns keep them engaged. The characters' decisions and their possible alternatives are presented to the audience, creating a sense of anticipation and wonder.
The actors can manipulate the audience's emotions and push them to the limits of frustration, taking them on a journey of excitement and fun. Melodrama is a great form of family entertainment, and it brings communities together through its ability to create an enjoyable and engaging theatrical experience.
Melodies Make the
Melodrama
The "melo" in melo-dramas
comes from the melody used to highlight and
underscore the productions. From "honky-tonk" or
"rag time" pianos to authentic cowboy guitar music,
just about any live music on stage will do to help
you stay true to old western style melodrama. We
also recommend that you have a sound effects
"Wizard" or "Lackey" to provide live sound effects
for each rip-roaring performance.
Components of
Successful Melodramas
Many of the elements that
make up modern melodramas come from ancient theatre
traditions. For example, Audience's vocalization,
for example, is a long-held custom each year in the
re-enactment of the story of Esther. The audience is
encouraged to boo and hiss and shake noisemakers
when the evil villain Haman's name is even mentioned
and cheering always accompanies the mention of
either of the heroes Esther and Mordecai.
Although some of the
elements of American Melodrama have their roots in
old world theatre ... as a genre ... we feel safe in
saying that old west style Melodrama is unique and
should be considered an American art form ... such
as Jazz or Baseball.
Across America ...
theatres, playhouses, schools and communities keep
Melodrama alive and audiences love to attend these
productions. Here are a few suggestions to make your
melodrama even more successful whether you write
your own, purchase one from HeroandVillain.com or
from one of the many prolific producers of modern
melodramas that you will find referenced on our
Melodrama Scripts page.
for ACTORS
PDF DOWNLOADS
Several Cue Card Signs
Emotions Checklist
Famous Advice
Famous Last Words
Medicine Show
Personality Predictions
A Plethora of Put Downs 1
A Few More Put Downs
Wild West Mercantile
http://www.wwmerc.com
Gentleman's Emporium
http://www.gentlemansemporium.com
Quick Reminders for Really Successful Melodramas
Bring in your villain (or villains) early ... so the audience can participate.
Foam "rocks" or "bricks" can be used to throw at the villain instead of popcorn.
Two act melodramas are the norm and work well even for melodrama dinner theatres.