Welcome to the Zuckerman Farm!

by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg

Come one, come all! Come along and see Zuckerman's famous pig-- the miracle pig! He is quite a sight to see, I do tell you. Get a little closer so you can get a real good look at him. We're awfully happy that you want to come and see Wilbur. In just a few weeks, audiences will have the opportunity to see the famous Zuckerman farm onstage here at BYU. It'll be quite the occasion. People from counties all over will be coming to see these beloved characters! In the mean time, though, I am here to keep you in the know with all that is happening while we prepare the farm for your arrival. As we bring this beloved story to life, there will be plenty of fun things to share. Stay tuned for interviews, brief glimpses into the rehearsal process, insights into the world of Charlotte's Web, and other great events that happen along the way. Wilbur, Charlotte, and the rest of the animals are so excited to become your friends!

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by Janine Sobeck, dramaturg Tech week is one of the most exciting moments in any show. It's the time when we get to leave our rehearsal room, move onto stage, and add all of the production elements. To help the actors adapt to all the changes we usually make a gradual transition. Pre-tech: While still in the rehearsal room, actors are given certain rehearsal props and costumes to help them in the creation of their characters. In the case of Princess Academy, all the girls were given rehearsal skirts and all the characters were given rehearsal books and and other items (such as the miri flower). We also added all of the instruments used in the show. Tech day 1: The first day of tech included adding the set and sound. One of the biggest changes for our actors is the ramps on our stage. They finally had the opportunity to climb the mountain! Tech day 2: It's time to add the props! In order to support Director Megan Sanborn Jones' vision of the show, prop designer Scott Jackson made all of the props out of paper, letters, and books. Tech days 3-4: This is what we call an "All Tech." The final elements of the show (lights, costumes, and make-up) are added into the mix. Day 3 is spent working through all the cues in act 1 and day 4 is spent working through act 2. Tech days 5-7: The time has come to run the show! These are our dress rehearsals, where the goal is to do the show exactly as if it was a real performance. This means starting at our normal curtain time and trying to never stop. The director, playwright, dramaturgs, and designers sit in the audience making notes about what is working and what still needs to change. At the end of the nights, the actors and designers are given feedback and we rehearse any moments that need some extra attention. Tech day 8: Which is today! Tonight is the time when we finally get to add the final element of the show: the audience! Our final day of tech is known as the "preview performance." Friends, families, and students are invited to see the show before we officially open. While we always reserve the right to stop the show if necessary (it is, after all, still a rehearsal), we hope that everything will go smoothly!

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Welcome to the Zuckerman Farm!

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