Introduction to Play Production – Basic 6 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Second Term)

Play production is the complete process of bringing a written play to life on stage. It involves many people working together to create a performance for an audience. The process has three stages: pre-production, production and performance. The main people involved are the producer, director, actors, stage manager and technical crew.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Discuss a play production
• Analyse Nigerian play production
• Evaluate one Nigerian actor or actress

What are the stages of play production?

1. Pre-production

• Script selection: choosing the play to perform
• Casting: selecting actors for roles
• Planning: budgeting, scheduling and designing
• Rehearsal planning: organising practice sessions

2. Production

• Rehearsals: actors practise their roles
• Set construction: building stage scenery
• Costume creation: making or gathering clothing
• Technical setup: lights, sound and effects

3. Performance

• Dress rehearsals: final practice with everything
• Opening night: first public performance
• Performance run: all scheduled shows
• Closing night: final performance

Who are the key people in play production?

• Producer: organises and funds the production
• Director: guides the actors and the overall vision
• Actors: perform the characters
• Stage manager: coordinates all aspects during shows
• Technical crew: handles lights, sound and scenery

What is Nigerian play production like?

Characteristics

• Often incorporates traditional music and dance
• Uses local languages alongside English
• Addresses social and cultural issues
• Combines modern and traditional storytelling
• Features colourful costumes and lively performances

Famous Nigerian theatrical companies

• National Theatre Lagos
• Kakaki Theatre Company
• Crown Troupe of Africa

Types of Nigerian plays

• Traditional folk plays: based on local stories
• Contemporary social drama: about modern issues
• Comedy: humorous entertainment
• Musical theatre: combines singing, dancing and acting

Who is Olu Jacobs?

Olu Jacobs is a notable Nigerian actor.

Background

• Born in 1942 in Abeokuta, Ogun State
• Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London
• One of Nigeria’s most respected actors

Career achievements

• Starred in numerous Nollywood films
• Performed in international productions
• Founded acting workshops and schools
• Mentored many young Nigerian actors
• Received multiple awards for excellence in acting

Acting style

• Known for powerful dramatic performances
• Excellent command of English and Yoruba
• Versatile in both comedy and serious roles
• Strong stage presence and voice projection

Contribution to Nigerian theatre

• Helped establish professional acting standards
• Promoted Nigerian stories internationally
• Trained the next generation of actors
• Bridged traditional and modern theatre

Activities

• Plan a simple class play production
• Assign production roles to different students
• Research other Nigerian actors and actresses
• Create a production timeline for a school play
• Practise basic acting and directing exercises

Evaluation

1. The person who guides actors and the overall vision is the:
   a) Producer
   b) Director
   c) Stage manager
   d) Actor
2. Pre-production includes all of these EXCEPT:
   a) Script selection
   b) Casting
   c) Opening night
   d) Planning
3. Olu Jacobs was trained at:
   a) University of Nigeria
   b) Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts
   c) National Theatre Lagos
   d) Crown Troupe of Africa
4. Nigerian plays often incorporate:
   a) Only English language
   b) Traditional music and dance
   c) Foreign stories only
   d) Modern technology exclusively
5. The final practice with costumes and effects is called:
   a) Casting
   b) Dress rehearsal
   c) Opening night
   d) Script reading

Assignment

Research one other famous Nigerian actor or actress (such as Genevieve Nnaji, Pete Edochie or Joke Silva). Write a paragraph about their background, famous roles and contribution to Nigerian entertainment.

Plan a 5-minute class play and list all the people and resources you would need.