Tips for Directing Charlie Brown

Make it Sparkle Video with Ray Palasz
Theatre Director & Teacher

5:36 (runtime)

Director’s Notes

The video is about directing and teaching theater and features Ray Palasz, who has nearly 20 years of experience in educational theater.

• Ray chose to produce "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" for his spring musical as it met several criteria: a small cast, a flexible ensemble, and audience appeal.

• Ray emphasizes that it’s not necessary for the show to look exactly like the cartoon or movie, and that the characters are kids so having them wear clothing that approximates the cartoon is important.

• The chorus was used as the neighborhood kids and costumes were a mix of dresses and primary colored t-shirts and shorts.

• Ray also mentions that he had to make sure the show would be profitable as their program lost money on streaming and invested in video equipment for streaming.

About Ray Palasz

Ray has been in theatre education for 17 years, directing at Lake Central High School and more recently, Munster High School. His directing credits include Lives of the Saints, Tartuffe, It’s a Wonderful Life, Drum Taps, As You Like It, The Harvey Girls, The Refugee Women, and Much Ado About Nothing. As a student, he performed in over twenty productions from sixth through twelfth grade, helping lead his high school to two consecutive state championships in Readers Theatre. Ray is the current Co-Chapter Director for Indiana Thespians, and has served on several committees with the Educational Theatre Association. He also has developed curriculum with Theatrefolk’s Drama Teacher Academy. He is also a member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. Ray earned his BA in Theatre and Television Arts from Valparaiso University in 2003. In 2012, Ray earned his MA in Literature and Composition from Purdue University Calumet. In 2015 he married his wife Courtney, a middle school choir director. They have two beautiful sons, Elias and Isaac!