Pink Poogle Toy Forum

Here's the deal. I am currently in an acting camp that had a round of tryouts (120 people tried out, 30 got in), and the play that we are doing is Fiddler on the Roof. I was cast as Hodel; could anyone give me any tips about this play? I want to get into character as much as possible. Anyone who has done or really knows their "Fiddler on the Roof" well would be greatly appreciated to help me out.

Er, well, you're supposed to be pretty reluctant about the whole romantic tradition-breaking thing - torn between that and your love for the Commie, I mean, so look flustered.

It would be easy to do that, but the theatre we are using is huuuuuuge. Gi-normous. And you'd think your voice would echo a little bit, but it doesn't. You practically have to yell to get yourself heard. It's a bit hard to show such emotions.

Heh heh. Commie.

Musicals, ugh...but yelling will have to be your only choice I would think unless they wanna have everyone talking into a microphone, maybe that should have thought that out before they got such a large theatre that deosn't amplify your voice.

Usually the main cast has microphones, or at least that's what we do here, and our plays are in a rec center =P

Yeah, they could use those tiny kind that pin onto your shirt, don't know how much funds you have towards the play though.

Is it a musical? I love musicals They're very, very cool.

Yes, Fiddler on the Roof is a musical. I used to hate it, but now that I understand it (and it's symbolism), I love it. Apparantly my new love for it worked, because I am the only cast member (besides the lead man, Tevye) who has her own song. I've even gotten threats behind my back from another cast member who wanted my part (I'm going to cut all of her hair off, I hate her, etc.). Life is good. XP

Yeah, we probably will get mics. I hate those things; so much stress that you will drop it and/or talk backstage with it.

I did Fiddler back when I was 16. It's a great play, but if you're the only other character with her own song, they must have cut the play down quite a bit. Refresh my memory-is Hodel the middle daughter? I only remember the names Chava and Tseitle (that last name is grossly misspelled, but it was the best I could do). If it is the middle child, Hodel is fairly rebellious, wanting to toss out the old traditions and adapt to the way the world has become. She loves her family, of course, but she wants to be able to choose her own life, rather than having her life chosen for her. I believe she resists falling in love for a good portion of the play, but that part's a bit fuzzy. Can I assume your song is 'Far from the home I love'?

'If I Were a Rich Man' is one of my favorite musicaly songs ever

If they're high tech, they'll have little body mics that you put on your forehead near the hairline.... Our school does... and they are SMALL from what I can tell... lol

That song is sorta traumautising after weeks of listening to it...damn you RE class...

Anyway, I hope you have fun being Hodel.

never heard of it

Yup, you're right. The play is an estimated 60-90 minutes, but we're adding on a wedding sequence and Grandma Tzeitel's song. So it's even longer.




Awww, thanks a bunch.

And the mics are big and small, depending on who they go to. Last year, some girl got a big mic, (we put them in our shirts and shorts, those kinds of mics) and she did a triple flip and it fell out. Fortunately, she wasn't the only one on stage and the mic fell behind her, so the audience wasn't able to see.

I did Hodel's Far from the Home I Love when I was in my last year of school. It's a very powerful song. Jerry Bock the composed loved to play with minor melodies.

I played Chava a year or so ago in Fiddler. Only reason was that I'm really small, and another woman who tried for Hodel was taller and looked older than me. I used Hodel's part to audition. It's a great show, even though it's really dark.

Also I have an HND in Acting and four years classical singing training, so hopefully I'll be able to give you some tips.

Reheasals will allow you to find out about your character. Make sure you know your lines early so that you can work on the delivery. And generally know what the play does at what scene. The director will tell you what Hodel will be feeling, and where you have to be, they will give you instructions on the traditions (like the pronounciation of 'Papa') and the way he wants the part put accross. Speak to the director.

Also, if you can, find out what type of clothes you will be wearing, and try to move how you would in the costume. For some scenes like the ghost scene where some directors like a dance scene with the majority of the cast, you may look like a total numpty rehearsing... dancing like a ghost, but it'll look good at the end with all the costumes.

When you are coming up to the performance run, remember when singing, to avoid dairy products as much as possible because they'll produce a ton of glut in ur throat and change the sound of your voice. Be patient with the director and the crew, cos they'll be stressed to the max. If your told to get out of the wings... then move. Scenery changes can be hard enough without people standing in the way. Oh yeah, and the week before the big performances, try to not belt out your songs, there's no need to because you'll have a mic, and also there's more chance of getting a sore throat from singing for long periods and having to talk.

Uh, I think that's a massive chunk... hope I've not bored you.