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The Wizard of

STUDY GUIDE

For Educators and Families

Welcome to Carousel ’s production of THEMES

The and its companion Study Guide for  Family

Educators and Families! 

 Courage Follow the with  Personal Growth Dorothy and the gang in Carousel  Theatre’s production of The Independence

Wizard of Oz! This brave  Friendship

adventure follows Dorothy and her  Problem Solving

three strange friends; a  Teamwork , , and Lion as  Overcoming Obstacles they journey on to see the great

and powerful Wizard of Oz.

During Dorothy’s search for the TABLE OF CONTENTS

Wizard she discovers the true (Page)

meaning of friendship, personal 1. Themes growth, and most important: there

is no place like home! 2. Synopsis

3. About the Writer

We hope you enjoy this Resource Character Breakdown

Guide and as always, if you have 4. Interview with Director any suggestions, we would love to 5. Classroom Activities hear from you. 6. Activities Continued

If you have any questions, please 7. Theatre Etiquette

give us a call at 604.669.3410 Theatre Terms

or email us at 8. Production Crew/Cast

[email protected]. Robyn Wallis and Darren Burkett in THE WIZARD OF OZ. Interesting Links Photo by Tim Matheson Carousel Theatre, 2011. 9. About Carousel Theatre Our Sponsors Written by L. Frank Baum Us

Family Performances Dec 2 - 31, 2011 The Wizard School Matinees Nov 30 - Dec. 16, 2011

AUDIENCE WARNING: Strobe lights and Of haze will be used in this production. If you Oz have concerns about student reactions to

these elements, please speak with a Carousel staff member prior to your visit. Page 1

The Synopsis

After Dorothy almost has her dog, , taken away by the cruel neighbour Miss Gultch, Dorothy and Toto run away from home just as a Tornado is hitting the fields of . As Dorothy fights her way through the storm, she gets hit on the head by a swinging door and suddenly gets swept up in the middle of the Tornado. When the tornado has ended Dorothy learns she has landed in Munchkinland; and on top of the Witch of the East! When the hears this she quickly jumps on her broomstick and confronts the person responsible for her sister’s death. there the Wicked Witch of the West discovers that Dorothy is wearing the ’s all powerful . If the Wicked Witch of the West had these slippers she would be more powerful then she could ever dream of and vows that she will get the slippers from Dorothy no matter what it takes!

After the Wicked Witch of the West leaves, Dorothy realizes the danger and has no choice but to leave Munchkinland in search of to ask the great and powerful Oz to send her home. Throughout her journey Dorothy and Toto meet three special friends: a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin Man with no heart, and a Lion without any courage. Dorothy suggests to each of her new friends that they come along and ask the Wizard of Oz to grant them with what they desire. On the way the five face a bunch of crabby apple trees, the Wicked Witch of the West’s fireballs, some wickedly enchanted poppies, and many more misfortunes.

When Dorothy and the gang make it all the way to Emerald City they are finally granted contact with the great and powerful Oz. He promises them they may have what they desire... But only after they bring back the Wicked Witch of the West’s broomstick! After almost giving up, the friends head to the evil Witch’s castle through the Haunted Forest. While walking through the spooky forest Dorothy and Toto are stolen away by the Winkie’s and swooped off to the Witches castle.

While trapped in the Witches castle, and awaiting her undeniable end, Dorothy pounders her life back home in Kansas, her family, Toto, and her new friends. Meanwhile, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion are brainstorming ideas on how to sneak into the castle and rescue their beloved Dorothy. Just when Dorothy has lost all hope, the door crashes opening revealing the three friends in Winkie uniforms! Suddenly, the Witch appears. Dorothy throws a bucket of water on the Witch melting her away and leaving only her cloak, hat, and broom.

The friends return to the Wizard of Oz to hand him the Wicked Witch of the West’s broom he requested. During their return Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion learn a truth about the Wizard, and themselves. Dorothy learns the most important lesson of all, she had the power to return home in her the entire time, all she had to do believe in herself.

THE WIZARD OF OZ Costume Rendering by Costume Designer Barbara Clayden Page 2 TOP: Wicked Witch, MIDDLE: Scarecrow, BOTTOM: Glinda

About the Author

L. Frank Baum is an American Author of children literature.

He is best known for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz written in 1900, but can also be credited for his 55 novels, 9 sequences, 82 short stories, 200 poems, and countless scripts.

Baum was born May 15, 1856 in Chittenango, where he lived with his mother and father and siblings. He was home schooled his entire life and was never one to go out and roll in the grass. At a young age he took an interest in literature. He began to take old classics and turn the old and grim story

into a pleasant fairytale that children could relate too.

Baum started his education in New York City studying Theatre at the age of 25. After his education he worked in the New York Theatre community for a few years as a Opera Theatre Manager and continuing writing his own plays that he often performed in such as The Maid of Arran (1882). In 1883 Baum decided to leave the Theatre community and move him and his wife, Maud Gage, to South Dakota where they would later raise four children. It was there in South Dakota that Baum opened a family run department store that failed, was publisher of a newspaper, Saturday Pioneer, that failed, and then moved to Chicago in search of more financial success, which also failed. It was then that Baum started writing down the nursery stories that he read to his children. In 1887 was published which became the best-seller book of the year and is estimated sold 175,000 copies. It was in 1900 that The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published which

was adapted into a musical in 1903. It was now that Baum gave up on any other business venture and

focussed only on his writing.

The Wizard of Oz is an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” which has been since published countless times. Not only does this show have the ability to have the audience laughing and crying but it also gives the audience the opportunity to challenge difficult themes of love, endurance, personal character and self acceptance. Character Breakdown (many actors play more than one part in our production)

Dorothy Gale A young Kansas girl who runs away from home Dorothy’s Aunt Dorothy’s Uncle Miss Gultch Dorothy`s cranky neighbour Toto Dorothy’s beloved dog Huck/Scarecrow Farmhand and later the Scarecrow with no brain Hickory/Tin Man Farmhand and later the Tinman with no heart Zeke/ Lion Farmhand and later the Glinda Glinda the Witch of the North West Witch The Wicked Witch of the West Professor Marvel A country magician/charlatan Residents of Munchkinland Winkies The Wicked Witch of the West’s slaves Nikko & Flying Monkeys The Wicked Witch of the West’s winged army Citizens of Oz Citizens of the Emerald City Darren Burkett (Scarecrow) behind-the-scenes Wizard of Oz The Great and Powerful Ruler of Oz in THE WIZARD OF OZ. Photo by Tim Matheson. AND MANY MORE! Talking trees, dancing poppies, twirling tornados...

Page 3

A n Interview with Director CAROLE HIGGINS

Carole has the best job in the whole world! Her many directing credits for Carousel Theatre include Bird Brain, Seussical, A Year with Frog and Toad, Love You Forever…, Silverwing, The Big League, and Peter Pan. She has received four Jessie Nominations and two Jessie Awards for Directing. Carole has worked as an actor/director/playwright in across BC including Western Canada Theatre, the Caravan Farm Theatre and TheatreOne. She and her husband live with their two dogs, Molly and Sammy, and their cat, Kitten.

How long have you been involved in theatre? My stage debut was as a horse in our elementary school production of Noah’s Ark. I was in grade two. I got terrible stage fright when it was my turn to walk across the stage and into the ark, and I ran across the stage as fast as I could. I studied theatre at Simon Fraser University and got my first professional job as an actor in 1994, in Carousel Theatre’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank.

Why do you direct? What do you enjoy most about directing? I love directing! It is always very exciting to collaborate with the designers and the actors, mix everyone’s ideas together, and to see how a production grows and takes shape.

What made you decide to direct The Wizard of Oz? The Wizard of Oz is a wonderful classic story that I have been wanting to stage at Carousel Theatre for some time. The story of a spunky kid looking for the meaning of home is one that I think so many people can relate to.

What research did you have to do to prepare for rehearsals? I spend a lot of time asking ‘what is the story of each scene’, and then asking myself what are the ways we can tell that story. I also spend time thinking about each character and what their story is within the play. What is each character’s objective, and how do they go about pursuing that objective? I do a lot of reading and sketching in the early stages, making notes of images and ideas. Once I have the maquette (model of the set design) I spend several days playing ‘doll house’ with it, moving miniature figurines and set pieces around. I go into rehearsals with entrance and exit points mapped out, as well as a clear picture of how each scene change will work- of course that all changes as we rehearse! I also meet a lot with my design team and the creative team prior to rehearsals starting, discussing ideas, playing through the music and Set Design by Heidi Wilkinson basically jamming together. Costume Renderings by Barbara Clayden

Are there any staging challenges and how are you working around them?

It is an immense challenge to stage this production at the Waterfront Theatre, as there is no fly gallery and very limited backstage areas. These limitations mean that we need to look for alternative ways to tell the story, and to strip each scene down to its essence in terms of what type of set pieces are essential to the storytelling, and then let things evolve. Page 3 Page 4

Classroom Activities (Please feel free to use any of these activities, tailored to your group’s needs)

Please read and discuss the section in this Study Guide about Theatre Etiquette.

Encourage your students to look at different aspects of the production. Assign a group to each of the following, and have a discussion following the performance: Lights, Sound, Costumes, and Set.

Make your own Tornado! You will need: - Two 2-liter pop bottles (empty, labels removed and clean) - Water - 1-inch metal washer - Duct tape that will connect the two bottles together

- Optional: food colouring and glitter.

Directions: Fill one bottle two-thirds of the way full of water and add food colouring or glitter if desired. Place the metal washer over the opening of the bottle then turn the second empty bottle upside-down and place it on the washer. Fasten the two bottles together securely with duct tape then turn the tornado maker over so that the bottle with water is on the top. Quickly swirl the bottle in a circular motion and watch a tornado form in the top bottle as the water rushes to the bottom!

Photo from GoKids.com

Make your own paper poppy! It’s simple! All you need is red paper, green pipe cleaner, a bit of glue, scissors, a pencil, and some creativity and Tada!- your very own poppy! http://www.awm.gov.au/education/programs/prepost/ PRIM_makePoppy.pdf

Finger Puppets!

Have your students create their favourite Oz character, or character they are most like, using only a toilet paper roll and other craft supplies! Then have the student present them to the class or put on a short puppet show acting out their favourite scene http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/cartoons/oz_crafts.html

Freeze!

Have your students walk around the classroom. When you

shout out one of the characters in the show have them freeze in a pose that represents that character. If they are not

they are out! PAPER POPPY from www.awm.gov.au

Page 5

Classroom Activities Continued

If I Had Ruby Slippers:

Where would you go if you could go anywhere in the world? What would you do? Have younger students fill out attached “If I Had Ruby Slippers” page.

Awesome Adaptation: Discuss with the group the difference between a stage play and a movie. What might they see when the come to the theatre? (Actors on stage, costumes, dancing, fun lights, and silly sounds, ect.)

Poster Contest: using the Information below, create a poster that can be used to promote the show! “Carousel Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum December 2-31, 2011 at The Waterfront Theatre.” Feel free to add other information like names of the creative team from the Production page in the guide.

There is No Place like Home: There are so many different types of families that make up a home, and so many place where home could be. Where is home to you? Who is your family? Who are your ancestors and where do they come from? Have your students write a story/report on what home or family means to them, what their background is, etc.

Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Tsunami, OH MY! There are many weather forecasts around the world. Have your students choose a location and write an essay on the different weather forecast that effect that area, the dangers, and safety procedures. Example: The Pacific Rim is prone to earthquakes.

No Press is Bad Press: Have your students act as a critic and write a review on our production of The Wizard of Oz! Have them highlight the different staging elements (sounds, lights, set design, ect.) and write a reports on the overall success of the show.

Chapter Breakdown: Have your class read a section of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and break the chapter down. What happened, what characters were involved, what was the climax of the chapter, what is some of the difficult vocabulary ect.

Baum Who? Who is the man behind the wonderful words of Oz? L. Frank Baum has overcome illness, heartbreak, and bankruptcy in his life and still found the joy to right such a moving story. Have your students study L. Frank Baum and right an essay on him.

Novel vs. Film Read the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz then watch the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Write a comparative essay or report.

Page 6

Theatre Etiquette

 Food, drinks, candy and gum are not permitted in the theatre. If your class has packed lunches, please ensure that they stay inside backpacks until your group has left the theatre.

 Please remind your students that the rest of the audience, and the actors, can hear them if they talk during the performance, even if they whisper. Excessive movement is also distracting.

 Remind your students not to approach or touch the stage, sets or props before, after or during the show.

 Please encourage your students to use the washroom facilities prior to being seated. There is no intermission during our student matinees. Individuals who need to leave the theatre will be re-seated at a convenient moment during the performance.

 If anyone in your group needs to leave the theatre during the performance, we ask that you do so through the exit door on house right, mid-way up the stairs. Students are not permitted to leave the theatre unless accompanied by an adult.

 Throwing of objects or use of laser pointers during the performance is not permitted. Carousel Theatre reserves the right to stop a performance if such behaviour occurs, and ask the offending party to leave.

 Please note that photography and videotaping (or other video or audio recording) of this production is prohibited.

 Absolutely no cell phones, PDAs, iPods or video gaming systems, will be tolerated in the theatre (they must be off, and out of sight) – students, parents, and teachers included.

 If you are planning a day trip to Granville Island to see the performance, we please ask that your class visit the Kids Market after the show. Also, please call the administration at the Kids Market to let them know you will be bringing your class (they appreciate the notice, if possible). The number is (604) 689-8447.

 We encourage our audiences to respond to our performances; laughter is welcomed when appropriate and applause at the end of a performance is the best feedback of all. If you really like the performance, a way you can show the actors is by standing up and clapping (called a ‘standing ovation’). Standing ovations are used when you think the performance was extra special and deserving.

 Enjoy the performance!

Theatre Terms

Actor………………….. A performer who tells a story to the audience by playing a character.

Composer…………….. A composer is a person who writes music. They will collaborate with a lyricist to create a new song.

Director…………….…. The person responsible for guiding the actors, designers, and crew according to his or her artistic vision. The director works with the actors and the design team to create the world of the play.

Lyricist………………… A lyricist is a writer who specializes in song lyrics (words to a song). They will collaborate with a composer to create a new song.

Stage Manager………. The person responsible for making sure all of the technical aspects of a show run smoothly. In a theatre, the Stage Manager sits in the lighting booth, behind the audience, and “calls the show”. This means that they give cues throughout the performance to the lighting operator, the sound technician, and to the Assistant Stage Manager.

Blocking……….………. This is the director’s planning of the actor’s movements on stage.

Technical Rehearsal..... Also called “Tech”, this rehearsal is specifically to establish and run through lighting and sound cues. The technical rehearsal gives the technicians a chance to program the sound and lights with actors, and it gives the actors a feel for the show with sound and lights.

Dress Rehearsal……… The full running of the production before the show opens to the public.

Page 7

Production Credits

Production Team Director……………...………… Carole Higgins Choreographer...... Melissa Young

Musical Director/Pianist...... Steven Greenfield

Set Design/Props…………….. Heidi Wilkinson

Costume Designer...... Barbara Clayden

Lighting Design…………….…. Jeff Harrison Stage Manager……………..... Benjamin Cheung Apprentice Stage Manager…. Rebecca Mulvihill Technical Director...... Al Frisk Head of Wardrobe...... Darryl Milot Running Crew...... Megan Kennedy Follow Spot Operator...... Sarah Galligani

Cast (in alphabetical order) Miss Gultch/West Witch...... Meghan Anderssen Uncle Henry/Oz Gaurd...... Timothy E. Brummund Huck/Scarecrow...... Darren Burkett Prof. Marvel/Wizard of Oz.... Damon Calderwood Female Ensemble...... Kayla Dunbar Aunt Em/Glinda...... Janet Gigliotti Zeke/Lion...... Josue Laboucane

Female Ensemble...... Christine Quintana

Hickory/Tin Man...... Mike Stack

Dorothy...... Robyn Wallis

Many more characters...... Everyone!

Carousel Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and, under the terms of the Robyn Wallis (Dorothy) behind-the-scenes with Head of Wardrobe Canadian Theatre Agreement, engages professional artists Darryl Milot in THE WIZARD OF OZ. Photo by Tim Matheson. who are members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.

Interesting Links & Resources

Online version of The Wizard of Oz Series http://www.literature.org/authors/baum-l-frank/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz/

L. Frank Baum Bio http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._Frank_Baum

Make your own poppy http://www.awm.gov.au/education/programs/prepost/PRIM_makePoppy.pdf

Oz Crafts http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/cartoons/oz_crafts.html

Neck Tie Scarecrow Craft http://www.dltk-holidays.com/fall/mscarecrow.htm

International Wizard of Oz Club http://www.ozclub.org/The_International_Wizard_of_Oz_Club.html

Wizard of Oz Movie Quotes http://www.retrojunk.com/movie/quotes/1029-the-wizard-of-oz/

Pinterest (Search Wizard of Oz Crafts, Cake, Lesson etc) http://pinterest.com/search/?q=wizard+of+oz

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About Carousel Theatre

Carousel Theatre for Young People, now in its 37th season, has produced over 145 plays for young people. Unique in our community, Carousel Theatre is the only professional theatre company in BC that stages a mainstage season of theatre especially for young people and families. Our programming offers a wide choice of exciting theatrical experiences for family audiences.

Each season more than 40 000 young people and their families benefit from Carousel Theatre’s unique programming, which includes a Mainstage Season of Literary Classics at the Waterfront Theatre, a summer Shakespeare Teen Program and a year-round Theatre School for young people ages 3 to 17 years.

Carousel Theatre is a cultural leader in our community. In 2011, the company (and our artists) was honoured with the Jessie Richardson Theatre Award for Outstanding Production- Theatre for Young Audiences for our acclaimed production of Bird Brain. Carousel is a member of PACT (Professional Association of Canadian Theatres), the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance, Alliance for Arts & Culture and the Vancouver Theatre for Young Audiences Society.

Carousel Theatre has been creating theatre for young audiences for 37 years and has introduced theatre to hundreds of thousands of young people. We inspire and develop new generations of artists and theatre patrons.

Our Sponsors

Carousel Theatre would like to thank the following organizations for their support of The Wizard of Oz:

KAATZA FOUNDATION

Contact Us!

1411 Cartwright Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3R7

TEL 604.669.3410

BOX OFFICE 604.685.6217

FAX 604.669.3817

WEB www.carouseltheatre.ca

Artistic & Managing Director, Carole Higgins

The Study Guide for Educators and Families was written by Monique Pearson. For more information on this production, or other Carousel Theatre inquiries, please contact: 604.669.3410 or [email protected]

Page 9 If I Had Ruby Slippers I Would…

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