Director Notes
How do you produce a show during a pandemic? Do you try to pass green screens from student to student and record in Brady Bunch boxes? Falls Church High School Theatre student leadership says no. Radio drama would work best. Okay, then! Let’s get started!
We’ve met countless Saturdays on google meet and rehearsed and recorded on two in-sync platforms that- thankfully- have a recording feature! These platforms allowed for action and reaction so that we could tell this story to the best of our abilities. From my mother’s organ playing to online music and sound effect services that accept donations for their work, we have been able to literally, build our production.
I want to give a HUGE shout out to the sound crew: Rania Ashoor, Jacky Barahona, Laurel Gilbert, and Jenny Tran. You would not be listening to a show right now if it weren’t for their dedication and hard work. I also want to thank Joel Harrop and Chris Le for their experience and help with technology and large sound files!
Theatre, under normal circumstances, is a collaborative effort. When everyone is physically in their own homes, it is even more so. Although I haven’t seen many of these actors this year, they have met with me and were willing to dive into the imaginary circumstances of the play. I miss their faces, and I know you do too!
We’ve created some pictures to help your imagination along as you hear this production, and I hope that you too, will see in your mind’s eye The Inspector stepping out on the Spratley Auditorium stage, the lights come up and we hear music while he gives his introductory speech. In the background, another set of lights come up to reveal our Mayor of Port Stowe, England, and the throng of townspeople as they wonder how their little town that has been torn asunder by an invisible man, could somehow bring things back to order.
It is Halloween weekend, a perfect time to gather with good eats and close friends and family. As you listen to this story of mystery and intrigue, look at each other and see if the people around you are imagining the same thing you are! You are a vital part of this production and I know our students would love feedback!
Please feel free to email me at eademarco@fcps.edu if you have anything you would like me to pass on to the cast and crew. And so, with a grateful heart for our parents and students that have worked so hard on this project- enjoy the show!
Beth DeMarco
Falls Church High School
Theatre Arts Director
