The Green Room

With the audience members comfortably nestled in their seats, in a theater watching the stage,

Drew Koon
4-11-15
ENC1102
PSC

waiting for it to fill with life and anticipation, as a captivating musical or play is about to unfold before
their eyes, they are completely oblivious to the fact that backstage there is another, sometimes even
more entertaining story happening, in the actor's inner sanctum of a place known as the Green Room.
(This name was historically given, due to the fact that traditionally the colors of the walls were painted
various shades of green) This is where you see the real cast of characters, comprised of both the actors
within the show and the technicians that keep things running smoothly. Behind these doors is an ever
changing improvisational scene, worthy of an admission ticket that proves to be truly priceless!
Our tale begins with one loud word, PLACES! As the Overture (a piece of music played prior to
the start of an opera or musical that is comprised of the major songs of that shows score) begins, the
green room is virtually empty. Why?, because on the stage behind the curtain, the cast is having a dance
party! The shimmy, pony, cabbage patch and an occasional twerker are all on proud display, as the
players and crew literally shake out all of their nerves. This dancing is so empowering and serves to
bond the group together, who are about to get into the skin of someone else for roughly the next two
hours. As the overture draws to a close, both the actors and crew scramble to avoid colliding with
incoming set pieces, knowing the curtain is about to rise and that the show must go on!
Now, with the performance in progress, the Green Room truly comes alive. Lounging on the couch
are couple of cast members whose actual chosen profession is teaching. One is Carolee, a middle aged,
attractive, well-endowed woman with a kindly soul that exudes a very mothering spirit towards her
fellow actors. The other is Lamar, a muscular and witty black man, in his mid 20's, with a smile that
can light up a room. I love teaching, and my kids mean the world to me, but honestly I wish the school
system would agree to a certain standard and stick with it! said Carolee. Amen to that! I just figure
out how to implement the plan and then we are told, that's no longer the standard and before you know
it we're right back to where we started. exclaimed Lamar, as if preaching to a choir. Carolee, with a

sweet, almost apologetic tone responds I know. I feel like sometimes I'm peddling on a bicycle going
nowhere. Lamar then glances up at the monitor, and abruptly exits the Green Room. (The monitor is
where the show is being broadcast on a screen as it happens in real time, so that the actors may keep
watch as to when their next scene is coming.)
Entering, fresh off the stage from her first show-stopping belt-tastic number is Madison, a tall & slim
picturesque diva(however she is anything but). The cast applauds her as she enters the Green Room,
and she gives a small curtsy to show her gratitude. She is dressed in a glamorous sequin costume,
befitting her songstress role, Madison plops down on the sofa next to Carolee. The cushyness of the
sofa envelops her. Hey Mamma, what's cookin'? she asks. I am just so impressed by you & see such
a bright future ahead! You just go out there every night and knock 'em dead. Carolee proudly states.
Pshht, I learned it all from you Mamma Lee! Madison gleefully replies. Don't forget to remember
me to ole Broadway! Carolee responds with an adoring smile. Madison is a former student of
Carolee's High School choir and is currently a Sophomore in college majoring in Musical Theatre.
Several cast and crew members are seated around the table in an ongoing game of Uno, where the
players can change at any moment! Members drift in and out based on free moments away from their
time onstage. Amber, an actor in her late teens, whose best friend seems to be her own reflection, is
currently infatuated with Brad, a cast mate who frequently appears to be the object of many females
affection. She actively saunters in his direction, hopeful that he will notice her. When he doesn't, she
begins a random, unsolicited conversation about her school class schedule. Well I wake up at five
every morning because it takes me at least two hours to look this cute! Madison, under her breath
comments Two hours! Looks more like fifteen minutes... with an added eye-roll. Andy, a quiet,
intellectual actor with a dry sense of humor, notices this and bursts out into a fit of boisterous laughter
in unison with Madison, as he is not a fan of Amber either. Madison replies, Oh Andy, you always
catch me! Brad, self-absorbed with his hair, is fiddling with a girl's plastic headband he found in the
sofa, and is sliding it back and forth through his hair and scalp. Carolee and Madison notice his almost

trance-like fixation and in harmony say Look Mama I'm a pretty girl! laughing hysterically. Brad,
embarrassed throws the headband across the room, hitting one of the crew at the table, engaged in the
Uno game. Looking up from his cards, Oh, is the pretty girl's feelings hurt? A crew member replied in
a sarcastic fashion. Jackass jerk, Brad retorts as he leaves the room.
In theater, not all of the props are fabricated; sometimes they're real. In this production, there is
real edible food. The props mistress is tasked each show, with microwaving the Hors d'oeuvre's for the
party scene, so the actors could actually eat them on stage. Like clockwork, each night returning to the
Green Room with the leftovers, she was always trailed by crew members looking like famished
orphans, seeking to gobble up the remnant crumbs. Lamar proclaimed Oh lawd there goes the hungry
rats following her like she's the Pied Piper! Better save me some of that! he then files in behind those
following the props mistress and begins to imitate a conga line dance.
As the show's final scene draws closer, Madison enjoys the last moments of repose before her final
eleven o'clock number (this is often the penultimate number in a musical where the lead character,
often at a low point, sings an emotional and stirring ballad.). She aimlessly scrolls her Facebook news
feed, avoiding socializing with the cast to save her voice. Brad, seeking to take advantage of a quiet
moment to be near Madison, while the Green Room is practically empty states You know I've really
loved this show a lot, it's given me a great opportunity to stretch and expand my skills! Madison nods
in agreement with a smile, staying silent. Since I'm now a senior, I've really been looking into Musical
Theatre programs. Ithaca College is my true dream school, since Jeremy Jordan, my idol, is an alum!
Meanwhile, Andy who's always on the perimeter and observing, is making dramatic gestures based on
Brad's me, me,me soliloquy. Andy is strategically seated against the wall, and unbeknownst to Brad is
pantomiming and poking fun at Brad's severe narcissism. i.e. talking hand, diva swoon, cutthroat, and a
mimicked cancellation sign. A few of the show's ensemble members also take notice, two in particular,
Keaton and Elle, chuckle in agreement with Andy. Brad, however in his invisible spotlight, is too blind
to notice. Madison, glances up at the monitor, and politely but firmly excuses herself. I'm on. she

proclaims, making her way out the door. Brad professes to himself, I definitely see her in my future!
This causes uproarious laughter from the ensemble, as Brad has unknowingly shared this aloud. Several
can be heard singing the words Nobody cares! in a chorus from the background.
Presently, the Green Room is filled with almost the entire cast, who have gathered around the
monitor to watch and admire Carolee and Madison's finale duet. It starts with a few random voices and
becomes contagious, because of course where there are many theater people gathered together in the
same room, there's bound to be a sing along. Throw in some classic overacting and there's fun to be had
by all. As the curtain falls, the audience and cast leap to their feet with a standing ovation while
applauding the two divas.
The house lights and green room are dim. Carolee, sunk down into the sofa and still wearing her
electrified, low cut, risque stripper costume from the finale duet, is cradling a sobbing Amber on her
shoulder. The lights on Carolee's costume are blinking, due to technical difficulty and a short in the
switch. Ms. Lee, I just think he's amazing! Why doesn't he ever seem to notice me? Amber asks,
tearfully. Carolee responds warmly saying Oh honey, I know you think he's great, but he's just not for
you. The right guy will come, you'll see! Lamar, hearing their voices, enters cautiously. He notes,
looks like a Christmas tree in here, but sounds more like a funeral! Why all the tears, little girl?
Carolee and Amber respond in perfect sync, MEN! Lamar replies Nah, it's not all men, it's just that
boy! Both women laugh and state Lamar you always know how to poke our funny bone! Lamar
laughs too and asks, where is everybody going out to tonight? The women smile and together all
three chime, Let's go! The trio leave together. The green room is now dark and silent, left only to the
hallowed ghosts of the theatre's souls, inviting them to come out and play!