The Dream Makers
Review Snippets
..they (author) should be complimented on the inspiration of the idea and the frequent wit of the script.
What a satisfying, many- layered show this was!
In the midst of all the weird fun of this performance, I was moved by two underlying and sensitive themes: one of these was the theme conveyed by Beka's search for her friend Keri who had moved on from being a Grounder to becoming a Dream Actor and, in the process, had forgotten Beka. This touched on one of the difficulties of childhood and adolescence - the need to grow up, to move on, and to accept that things cannot stay the same and childhood friends may not be friends forever ...
They, the Grounders bring me to my second hidden message. They were the ones who moved in after the dreams were over and cleaned up the mess that was left behind. They were not allowed to see or be part of the fun of the dreams: as far as the Dream Actors were concerned they did not even exist. As their well acted Supervisor reminded them, the least breach of the rules and they would lose their lowly jobs. How like a City Office block where the cleaners, on minimum wage or less in some cases, come on site at 4a.m, clean and disappear long before the first smart-suited office worker arrives.
Off The Record June 2008
More Info...
Plot: The Dream Makers is set in a Dream Palace (that is a place with an extra 'a' where dreams are created). A Dream Palace employs all sorts of people to ensure that dreams are created to order (or off-the-peg if you're feeling lazy). They are highly skilled actors and technicians and will stretch themselves to the limit to make sure you get an amazing experience in your dream. They keep meticulous notes and are constantly reviewing procedures to ensure a seamless flow of dreams into our sleeping worlds. These self sacrificing people work tirelessly for us, and they love it! Doubtless you were unaware of the fact that dreams are created in this way, but that's the way the dream folk like it - shrouded in secrecy. The other side to the dream business is the clearing up afterwards (you won't believe how messy dreams are). Somebody has to do it, but who? The dream actors believe it's a magical process (of course), but in reality (or a distant relative of reality), there exists a team of 'Grounders' - people who come in after a dream and clear up. Grounders are also highly skilled in their own way, but they have no idea how dreams are created, they just get on with clearing up and performing routine maintenance tasks. That is until Beka (who believes the mythical tales about dream actors) meets up with Jude (the new Grounder recently arrived from the previously unheard of Vending Machines Department). Beka keeps dreaming about Keri ... but is she real..... or just a dream?
For a more in depth look at the plot go to the storyboard page
Versatile Casting
The Dream Makers was written for a Youth Theatre and addresses some of the casting problems often associated with Youth Theatres and Schools. It has a large cast (24 with a bit of doubling up or 28 without, although you could use more if you wanted) and all the characters have either lines in the script or the opportunity to develop a part during a dream (so, LOTS of good parts). The play is versatile in terms of girls/boys parts. An age range of 10 - 14 would be ideal.
Structure
It is a full length 2 act play lasting approx 40 minutes each act. The five dreams are not scripted but guidelines are provided as there are some things that do need to happen during dreams. The dreams offer an opportunity for the cast to develop ideas and add special effects or music to give the dream a ... dreamlike quality. Just about anything goes here from special effects, lighting, sound, music, recorded voices, projected images or film.
Meaningful Fun!
The play is fun to do and at times pretty daft! It also has a few themes running through it that give it depth. Firstly there is the theme of leaving, of moving on, starting something new and leaving friends behind. Secondly the idea that we create our own experiences in life by taking responsibility for what we want and who we are.
Check out the story board pages to get a feel of the show. Any queries, please get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The Dream Makers was first performed by The Conquest Youth Theatre in Bromyard, Herefordshire in April 2008 to wonderful reviews and comments from the audience. You can read about their performance and see production pics by going to the Conquest Website