A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

On Location

Short Play, Comedy  /  3w, 2m

From the author of the popular BACKGROUND ARTISTE comes this hilarious companion piece which focuses on the zany world of the movie extra. Novice Mary is sent to the film shoot of a dubious sci-fi movie.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    40 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Science Fiction, Parody / Spoof
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for all audiences, Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Details

Summary

From the author of the popular BACKGROUND ARTISTE comes this hilarious companion piece which focuses on the zany world of the movie extra. Novice Mary is sent to the film shoot of a dubious sci-fi movie. At the early-morning call in the church hall-cum-film crew canteen, she is initiated by seasoned pros, morose Malcolm and camp Roddy, but with the arrival of wealthy, eccentric Victoria, matters become decidedly wacky. Can Samantha with her clipboard keep everyone in check, on cue, in costume - and disentangle her love life ?

Based on the author's own experiences as a film extra the play can be performed by itself or as a double bill with BACKGROUND ARTIST. Both plays contain the character of Mary with this being her first shoot having joined the agency in the previous play. It was originally performed in a double bill entitled Lights Camera Action.

History
First performance 15th November 2000 in a double bill with Background Artiste in a production entitled Lights Camera Action in Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire and directed by the author.
Cast Attributes

As it is being used as a canteen the play can have as many extras as the director wishes as long as the don`t upstage the action. If presented as a double bill with Background Artiste there is room for doubling with both casts and the original production had Jessica/Sam and End/Victoria played by the same actresses. In theory both plays could have the same cast.

  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes, Fantasy Costumes
  • Additional Features Not Applicable
  • Duration 40 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Music

  • Chorus Size N/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £30 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

Stephen Smith

Stephen Smith started writing plays in 1985 and has so far had fifteen published. He either directs or appears in every play and has won numerous Best New Play Awards. His plays have been produced not only throughout the UK but in many overseas countries as well, with Parentc ...

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