Everything You Need to Know About Your Alice in Wonderland Jr. Script: A Beginner's Guide

So, you've got your hands on the *Alice in Wonderland Jr.* script? Congratulations! This abridged version of the classic tale is a fantastic show for young performers, filled with quirky characters and memorable moments. But where do you start? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from initial script analysis to effective troubleshooting.

Prerequisites:

• The Script: Obviously! Make sure you have a legally obtained copy of the *Alice in Wonderland Jr.* script. Buying it from a reputable theatrical licensing company (like Music Theatre International - MTI) ensures you have the rights to perform it and access to accompanying materials.


• Basic Reading Skills: This guide assumes you can read and comprehend written text.


• A Pen/Pencil and Highlighters: For marking up your script.


• A Notebook/Digital Document: For taking notes and jotting down ideas.


• An Open Mind and a Little Imagination!

Tools:

• Highlighters (Different Colors): For marking character lines, stage directions, songs, and other important script elements.


• Sticky Notes: For adding quick notes and reminders without permanently marking the script.


• A Computer/Tablet: For accessing online resources, listening to the soundtrack (if available), and creating character analyses.


• Optional: The *Alice in Wonderland* Book: Familiarity with the original story can provide helpful context.


• Optional: The *Alice in Wonderland Jr.* Vocal Score: If you're involved in the musical aspects, the vocal score is crucial.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Initial Script Reading (Understanding the Big Picture):

• Read the entire script from cover to cover. This initial read is about getting a general feel for the story, the characters, and the overall structure. Don't worry about memorizing anything at this stage. Just enjoy the journey down the rabbit hole!


• Identify the Main Characters: Who are the key players? Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, etc. Make a list of these characters in your notebook.


• Note the Major Scenes: What are the significant events that drive the plot forward? Alice falling down the rabbit hole, the Mad Tea Party, the Queen's croquet game, etc.


• Pay Attention to the Music: *Alice in Wonderland Jr.* is a musical. Identify the songs and their placement within the script. Note the overall style of the music (e.g., upbeat, whimsical, dramatic).

2. Character Analysis (Getting to Know the Individuals):

• Choose a Character (or Characters) to Focus On: If you're an actor, start with the character you're auditioning for or have been cast as. If you're a director, consider analyzing the main characters first.


• Read Through the Character's Lines: Highlight all the lines spoken by your chosen character(s) using a specific color.


• Analyze the Lines: What do the lines reveal about the character's personality, motivations, and relationships with other characters? Consider:

* Objective: What does the character want in each scene?
* Obstacles: What is preventing the character from getting what they want?
* Tactics: How does the character try to overcome the obstacles?
* Relationships: How does the character interact with other characters?

• Consider the Character's Backstory: While the script may not explicitly state everything, use your imagination to create a backstory for your character. Where did they come from? What are their hopes and fears?


• Note Physicality and Voice: What kind of posture, gait, and voice would suit this character? Consider their age, personality, and the world they inhabit.

3. Scene Breakdown (Understanding the Details):

• Divide the Script into Scenes: Most scripts are already divided into scenes. If not, look for changes in location or time to identify scene breaks.


• Read Each Scene Carefully: Focus on understanding the action and the relationships between the characters within each scene.


• Identify the Objective of Each Scene: What is the primary purpose of this scene in advancing the plot or developing the characters?


• Note Stage Directions: Pay close attention to the stage directions, as they provide valuable information about setting, character movement, and overall atmosphere. Highlight these in a different color.


• Consider the Setting: How does the setting contribute to the mood and meaning of the scene? How can the setting be effectively conveyed to the audience?

4. Musical Analysis (Understanding the Songs):

• Listen to the Soundtrack (If Available): Familiarize yourself with the music. Pay attention to the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms.


• Analyze the Lyrics: What are the songs about? How do they relate to the plot and the characters?


• Note the Placement of the Songs: Where do the songs occur in the script? Why are they placed there? What emotions or ideas are they meant to convey?


• Consider the Staging of the Songs: How can the songs be staged effectively to enhance their impact? Think about choreography, blocking, and visual elements.


• If you are a singer, practice your vocal parts diligently. Pay attention to the musical cues and harmonies.

5. Collaboration and Communication (Working as a Team):

• Communicate with the Director and Other Cast Members: Share your ideas and ask questions. Collaborate to create a cohesive and compelling production.


• Attend Rehearsals Regularly: Rehearsals are essential for building ensemble and refining your performance.


• Be Open to Feedback: Listen to the director's notes and be willing to make adjustments to your performance.


• Respect the Creative Vision: While it's important to contribute your own ideas, ultimately, the director has the final say on the artistic direction of the show.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Difficulty Understanding the Language: *Alice in Wonderland* uses some archaic language and wordplay. Don't be afraid to look up unfamiliar words and phrases. Online resources like dictionaries and literary analysis websites can be helpful.


• Character Confusion: If you're struggling to keep track of the characters, create a character map that shows their relationships to each other.


• Staging Challenges: If you're having trouble visualizing the staging, try drawing a simple ground plan of the stage and experimenting with different blocking options.


• Memorization Issues: Break down your lines into smaller chunks and practice them repeatedly. Use mnemonics or other memory aids to help you remember.


• Vocal Challenges: If you're struggling with the vocal parts, seek guidance from a vocal coach or music director.

Short Summary:

Understanding your *Alice in Wonderland Jr.* script involves a multi-faceted approach. Start with a general reading to grasp the story's essence. Then, delve into character analysis, breaking down each character's motivations and relationships. Analyze the scenes, paying attention to the stage directions and setting. Explore the musical elements, understanding the songs' lyrics and placement. Finally, collaborate with your team and address any challenges that arise. By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to bring the whimsical world of Wonderland to life on stage! Good luck!