One week before a community theater’s opening night of Hotel Paradiso, leading man Richard, who had been complaining of shortness of breath, was told by his doctor that he needed heart bypass surgery—
immediately! The cast was devastated. Members were concerned about Richard, of course, but they also were concerned about watching their six weeks of rehearsals go down the drain. The cast and crew had become a tight, cohesive group. Rehearsals had been going well, with the play promising to be the season’s top moneymaker. The director debated canceling the run but prevailed on his talented friend Ted to assume Richard’s part. Opening night was delayed for a week to give Ted time to learn the lines and the cast time to integrate a new cast member.
1. If you were the director, what would you do to help the reformulated cast get through its formation phase so members could focus on the play? Is there anything that can speed up the cast’s formation phase?
2. If you were Ted, what would you do to help the other cast members feel comfortable with you?
3. If you were the cast members, how would you help Ted feel at ease?