The Fairy Tale format is a [[musical improv]] structured framework and set of guidelines designed for long-form narrative improv shows. It provides a roadmap for performers to create compelling long-form stories nspired by classic musical theater archetypes and tropes. Spoken improv scenes are each followed by improvised songs. The show typically features an accompanist, such as a pianist, who provides live musical accompaniment while performers improvise songs. ## Fairy Tale Structure 1. GET SUGGESTION 2. OPENING: Tagline song (ALL) 3. SCENE A: - A HERO OR HEROES - Verse Chorus Song (2-3 people) 4. SCENE B: - BAD GUY(S) - Verse Chorus Song (2-3 People) 5. SCENE C: - CHARM FOLK - Trio Song (3 people) 6. SCENE D: - MOMENT OF DOUBT - Verse Chorus Song (2 person) 7. SCENE E: ENDING (ALL) - Chorus Chorus Song ## Fairy Tale Tips and Instructions: ### Get Suggestion One performer gathers a one-word suggestion from the audience. All performers confirm the suggestion collectively: "We present (Suggestion): The Musical" ### Opening Song: #### Chorus Verse Opening - One person starts with a a four line chorus with some combination of 1-2 repeated lines - All performers repeat the chorus while doing simple dance-movements mirroring each other - Use "We" statements to think about who is in this group. #### Tagline Song Variant - Our team uses this shorter version since local time slots are often too short to do a full 25-minute+ set. - The chosen performer starts the tagline song with resounding piano music. - Each performer contributes verses exploring characters and groups who might live in this world. - Repeat the tagline to reach a big ending to the opening. ### Scene and Song A: A is for A Want (Hero or Heroes) - Performers portray valiant heroes or co-heroes (2-3 people). - Explore the character want through a Want Song: - What does the want mean for the characters? - What would the world look like if they got it? - How would their want make other people's lives better #### Hero Want Song Examples - The Lion King: Simba in "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" - Simba desires to one day be king and carry on the legacy of his father, Mufasa. - Hamilton: Alexander Hamilton in "My Shot" - Hamilton seeks to rise above his humble beginnings and make a name for himself in the American Revolution. - Wicked: Elphaba in "The Wizard and I" - Elphaba desires to meet the Wizard of Oz and fulfill her destiny as a great sorceress. ### Scene and Song B: B is for Bad Guy(s) - Performers embody menacing villains or co-villains (2-3 people). - Delve into the dark side with a song showcasing the villains' motivations and philosophies. - Avoid talking about the "Plan". Instead save that for the Moment of Doubt Scene #### Villain's Philosophy Song Examples: - Les Misérables: Javert in "Stars" - Javert sings of his unwavering dedication to law and order, vowing to pursue justice at any cost. ### Scene and Song C: C is for Charm Characters - Performers take on the roles of quirky charm characters or sidekicks (3 people). - Establish a shared world and then explore how each character is different. #### Charm Song Examples: - Beauty and the Beast: "Belle" - Belle interacts with the quirky villagers of her small town and dreams of adventure. ### Scene and Song D: D is for Moment of Doubt - Heroes start off triumphant with all looking like they will get what they want - The villains "win and leave": This walk on destroys the villains getting what they want. ### Scene and Song E: E is for Ending (All) - All characters enter the scene to resolve conflicts and celebrate the triumphant journey. - The villains get defeated or come to the side of good. ## Ideas and Tropes - Embody classic theater archetypes like valiant heroes, menacing villains, and whimsical charm characters. - Utilize stirring power ballads, heartfelt love duets, uproarious comedic numbers, or any of the following theater tropes: - Characters: Develop distinct and memorable characters by exploring their wants, fears, and relationships, using physicality, voice, and emotional depth to bring them to life. - Heightening: Heighten the stakes and escalate the action by amplifying the absurdity, emotion, or conflict within scenes, intensifying the narrative tension and engaging the audience's imagination. - Status Dynamics: Explore status dynamics within scenes, adjusting posture, tone, and demeanor to convey power dynamics and character relationships effectively. - Object Work: Incorporate object work to add depth and texture to scenes, using imaginary props and environments to enrich storytelling and enhance immersion. - Physicality: Harness the power of physicality to express emotions, convey character traits, and establish scene dynamics, utilizing movement and gesture to communicate effectively. - Emotional Commitment: Commit fully to the emotional truth of scenes, allowing vulnerability and authenticity to shine through in performances, eliciting genuine audience connection and empathy ### Moment of Doubt (Scenes A2, B2) - Heroes confront profound doubt and existential turmoil as villains assail the established reality. - Express raw emotions through impassioned songs. - Brief appearances add depth to the scene, incorporating any of the following theater tropes: - The Transformation: Depict a character undergoing a profound metamorphosis, either physically or emotionally, reflecting the tumultuous uncertainty of the moment. Use physicality, vocal modulation, and emotional commitment to portray the character's inner turmoil and growth, leveraging improvisational techniques like status shifts and emotional reactions to deepen their transformation. - Seamlessly integrate these tropes into the scene's narrative arc, allowing them to influence character dynamics and drive plot developments organically. - ### Ending (Scene E): - Resolve conflicts and jubilantly celebrate the triumphant journey. - Amplify the show's overarching theme with a final song resonating with heartfelt emotion. - Unite for an exhilarating finale, incorporating any of the following theater tropes: - The Showstopper: Craft a rousing and electrifying musical number designed to captivate the audience and showcase the performers' exceptional talents. Utilize group dynamics, physicality, and vocal harmonies to create a dynamic and visually engaging performance, incorporating improv techniques like scene painting to elevate the spectacle. - Integrate these tropes seamlessly into the final act, enhancing the grandeur and spectacle of the performance while maintaining the improvisational spirit and spontaneity. Throughout the show, draw inspiration from classic musical theater tropes and archetypes to enrich the narrative and captivate the audience. By skillfully integrating these options into scenes and songs using improv tools and techniques, performers can create a dynamic and unforgettable Fairy Tale Musical experience.