When I first had the idea for The Magic Wand, I had no idea what an ambitious project it would turn out to be. We decided on an all-virtual summer, and had even talked about existing scripts that would potentially work; however, we were working on an original piece for the teens, and I wanted something for younger performers as well. Something that would be written for this platform. To do things that we couldn't necessarily do on stage.
We started writing the script about five weeks before the first rehearsal. Writing a script in that short a timeline is challenging under the best of circumstances. But this was actually more like a film We finished the script, and realized we couldn't film it in sequence -- it made much more sense to film in like chunks. Additionally, as part of the show is "fantasy" we needed a little time to make the costumes and props required for the fantasy/game sequences - most particularly, we needed multiple exact duplicates of "The Wand of Vendi," Wizard gear to fit actors we didn't have measurements for and other pieces that would show a different time/place that most people don't have in their closets at home. Then there was the complication of delivering all of these items - including silver tankards and a lute - to the actors as they sheltered in place.
I am extremely proud of this cast. They were so dedicated to what we were doing, and worked so hard to put this together. We had a little over three weeks to rehearse and film this show, then a week of editing, creating the overlays and magic and adding all the sound effects - which takes longer when all the collaborators are working from their own homes. The actors were patient, hard-working and really went with whatever they were asked to do. I enjoyed so much working with each and every one of them.
This project would not have been possible without the creative team. At the time Ash volunteered to help with editing over the summer, they were in my playwrighting master class. I knew we had similar writing styles, and the smartest thing I've done this summer was asking them to collaborate on writing this project. It was a pleasure and great help. I knew Natalie was an excellent stage manager, but she went above and beyond - jumping in to read lines for characters whose scenes would be cut in and managing Zoom entrances and exits. Mike Cobb is the kind of collaborater who doesn't bat an eye when you text at 11pm and say "I need a new magic sound." He also helped deliver costumes, checked all of the kids microphones and played "The Hokey Pokey" in a Zoom call more than probably any other person alive. Val dropped everything to help us with our "poof" of magic which I think adds so much to that scene. I'm extremely grateful they were all a part of this "magical" process.
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy "The Magic Wand" as much as I've enjoyed working on it. And check out the other shows and classes we have lined up for the fall. We may not be able to meet in person, but we will continue to work to provide theatrical experiences that will hopefully be "magical" for our participants.
- Karen Simpson
