Kaplan Communication and Conflict Unit 3 Case Study

							CM310-Communication and Conflict
Unit 3: Goals and Interests
Deborah Davis, Ph.D.



                           “The Show Must Go On”


      Today is the first rehearsal. As Roger paced around the floor, back and
forth, he was unable to concentrate, to focus on the task ahead. “This is
silly,” he said nervously to himself. “I know what I’m doing. I’ve directed lots
shows. I’ve had great reviews!” He took a deep breath, regained his
composure, and began laying scripts at each place on the long table. “First
readings…never know what will happen,” he remembered.

      From the back of the house, Marla, the costumer, entered. She bolted
down the aisle, and like Hansel and Gretel leaving breadcrumbs, her design
sketches littered the floor behind her. While Roger looked on, he silently
thought to himself, “Oh brother….”

      Marla climbed up on the stage, stood for a moment, and chose a chair.
Placing her messy files on the table, she exclaimed, “Hi! This is so exciting! I
just can’t wait! My designs are great. You wanna see them?”

      Just then, Tim and Risa threw open the house doors, yelling at one
another, oblivious to anyone else. “I just can’t light that area of the stage,
Tim—not when the set climbs into the rafters!”

      “Well, I’m not going to change my whole vision of the set-- I’ve
worked too hard on it. I’ve designed more sets than I can count. And I know
this design is perfect! ” Shaking his head, Tim heaved a sigh, tramped down
the aisle, and took a seat across from Marla, Risa petulantly following him,
mumbling to herself.
      Papers, designs, sketches, scattered everywhere, the crew restlessly
waited for the cast to appear. “Why are we always waiting for the cast?” Risa
demanded to know. “Why can’t we ever get started on time?”

      “Well, you know,” Marla piped up, “theatre is a waiting game, right?
We just have to be patient, Risa. Don’t worry, they’ll show up.”

      “Yeah,” Tim growled. “Always have to wait for the ‘stars’ to make a
grand entrance, right? Wouldn’t it be amazing if we were just as important
as they think they are? God, sometimes I hate theatre.”

      Finally, from backstage, Roger was heard saying, “Hold it down you
guys. I’m trying to figure out how to get these curtains to work—they’re
stuck. This theatre is so old; I’m surprised it hasn’t been shut down. Can
someone help me—please?” Marla rose from her chair, making her way
toward Roger. Then, Tim snarled, “Okay, okay-- “I’m coming.”

      At that precise moment, Victoria and Ned arrived. Flinging wide the
doors, they sauntered down the aisle, climbed the stage stairs then
exclaimed, “We’re so sorry we’re late--you know how the traffic is…but we
finally made it! We’re here!” Victoria elegantly bowed. Expecting a response,
she was met with silent stares. Ned and Victoria walked around the table
and took their seats.

      “Well,” Roger exclaimed, “We’re all here. Let’s get started.” As cast
and crew opened their scripts, Roger said, “This show will be, no, has to be
great! Mr. Selig, our producer, told me, and I quote, ‘A lot is riding on this
production; in fact, the theatre depends on the success of this show.’ “

      “Excuse me,” Tim barked at no one in particular, “but exactly what are
we doing? I mean, how are we supposed to make this show a success?
Yeah, we have the cast and yeah, we have the crew, but what is your vision
of this production, Mr. Director?” Tim grunted, began tapping his foot on the
floor, and said, “We just can’t start without knowing what you want, Roger,
right?” Mumbling to Marla, Tim said, “Every time I work with theatre people,
I like it and them less and less. I think it’s best for me to just leave and work
alone on building the set.” As Tim continued his tirade, a noise came from
upstage. “Psssssst! Pssssst!” Roger rose, and walked upstage where Mr.
Selig was waiting. “Roger,” he said, “I see everyone is here. I want you to
make sure everyone behaves himself and works together to make this show
a hit. We need to increase our capital to keep the theatre doors open—it’s all
up to you.” He then turned and walked away, leaving Roger dazed and
confused.

      “Roger? Roger, are you okay?” Marla called out.

      “Yeah, I’m fine,” Roger replied. The cast and crew began to talk
among themselves—each proclaiming what he/she needed—volume
increased until Roger said, “Okay, can we begin now?” And they were off
and running. . . .