Intermission

[ML]

Question for discussion:
Is intermission on a short show (under an hour and 1/2 long) necessary?

For example, R&H's Cinderella is a three act musicial and runs right around 90s minutes without an intermission. And since it's three acts, it's hard to figure out where to put an intermission. After Act I and the first half is really short. After the Act II, then you have a hour long first half and a 20-25 minute second half.

***Note: I'm using this script as an example because, since I'm working on it right now, it's readily available in my mind. This in no way should imply we're having trouble figuring out what do to about intermission. ***

I'm sure audiences expect an intermission, but is it necessary in short shows? Would there be grumblings? I mean, movies are pretty much the same length and people sit through that... Thoughts?

[Joe]

To be eligable for an award... I believe there HAS to be an intermission.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

[kries]

I just reread the by-laws for Encore judging and an intermission is not required.

[lcreviston]

I belive Joe was correct at one time. A show without an intermission was considerd by Encore as a "One Act" and not judged. That may have changed.

An intermission may be necessary for more than audience comfort. It can be used to mask a long scene change or costume change. It also should assist the theater's bottom line. There have been shows where if it had not been for the money made at intermission the show would have lost money.

Is it necessary - more than likely not. After all the movie Titanic ran over three hours and no intermission. But I feel it is a time honored tradition of theater and if there are no "dramatic reasons" for not doing an intermission then - take a break.

Larry

[Dane]

I've seen Cinderella done without an intermission

[MrAntrobus]

In general, I'm in favor of no intermission for short shows. Keeps everybody focused. In particular, I'd rather get R&H's Cinderella over with as quickly as possible. No offense to your production; I just don't like the script. Or the music.

But you guys have an awesome banner ad, so kudos. I hope lots of people who are not curmudgeons like myself will go see it. :-)

[lcreviston]

We will let even curmudgeons like you come see it. It will be an awesome show despite the script. We have a new (brand new) venue with 600 seats and not a bad one in the house. An over-the-top talented cast. Awesome sets and costumes.

Remember sometimes we do the shows for the audience not only ourselves. which begs the question: If you do a performance with no audience are you really doing theater?

Oh, And thanks for the comment on the banner ad, ML gets the credit with of course IA

PS You can leave at intermission if you don't like it!

[figaroindy]

I believe the rule for Encore depends on whether the show is written with an intermission or not - if it's not (for example, Forever Plaid) or if one is optional (for example, 1776), you don't have to do one.

[lcreviston]

But one-act plays are not judged. We need Joan!

[Rose]

Footlite just did Forever Plaid with no intermission, and it was judged with no problems or issues re: the lack thereof. That should be a pretty good indicator that an intermission is not required.

I was a judge at one time, and figaroindy is correct, it's all about how the show was originally presented (on Broadway or wherever) - if the author's intention was that the show should be done w/o an intermission and a theater chooses to present it that way, it's still OK to judge it. That's the Forever Plaid situation. With 1776, the show was originally done w/o an intermission, but the authors suggest a place to put one in the version available for production, should one be desired - so if you do that show with or without an intermission, it's OK.