This post is dedicated to Freckles.
There is nothing more exciting than theatre magic. Captivating the audience and bringing them into different worlds through tricks and techniques that make them feel as if they have been transported right into the action. For a stage manager, nothing brings more joy than hearing the audience talking at the end of a show about how they had forgotten about the real world for those few short hours they were watching the show.
One way to bring magic to the theatre is to use live animals in theatre rather than their stuffed toy counterparts. This applies to dogs and cats, not anything crazily exotic like a tiger. Live animals bring a thrill and, very importantly, “aww!” from the audience when the furry cast mates steal the show. Animals bring joy on and off the stage. They can be emotional support for the cast behind the scenes, lending a paw to help others relax. Animals bring joy and happiness to all in the theatre, but there are important factors to consider for man’s best friend.
The Needs of the Animal Outweigh the Needs of the Few
The care and emotional well-being of animals on the stage is the priority. The needs of the animal must be considered if they are to be used for entertainment. Is this good for them? Are they enjoying their time? Even though a pet may be extremely social, putting them on stage can cause anxiety and stress that may not be totally noticed until a performance. This emotional toll could cause anxiety to become inherent in the life of the animal rather than just a passing feeling.
Productions that Can Have a Live Animal Onstage
Dogs are among the most common live animals seen on stage. Many plays and musicals center on these K9 companions. Some productions cannot be the same without man’s best friend, while others can easily substitute a live animal for a puppet or prop in case of venue restrictions. Productions that benefit from using a live animal include (but are not limited to):
- Annie
- The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz
- Legally Blonde (features two dogs: Bruiser and Rufus)
- Gypsy
Actors can also volunteer their own animals for “stunt” casting or a cameo to help create buzz. In Rock of Ages, there is a scene towards the end where one actor brings on a dog they adopted. This can easily be played by a live dog or a prop, but a live dog is much cuter!
What to Consider Before Having an Animal Onstage
You must consider the following before putting a live animal onstage:
1) The animal must be up to date on all vaccines and negative for any internal parasites. Animals can carry zoonotic diseases, which can pose health risks to humans. Ensuring the pet is healthy reduces the risk of potential health concerns for humans.
- If a dog has an accident, make sure you have supplies ready to clean up and sanitize the area. Pet waste and pet vomit can carry bacteria and parasites that can be passed onto humans. It’s recommended that pets relieve themselves before the show opens to avoid accidents.
2) The dog must be comfortable being on stage with the lights, sounds, and the commotion of a show.
- Practice with them if they will be hearing loud noises on stage months before tech week.
- Having them at rehearsals to see if they can handle people rushing past them in a dance number.
- Ask the venue whether the animal can be on stage while the lights change, as they will in the production, to see if this causes any anxiety or stress.
3) If the animal does not seem comfortable from the beginning, find a replacement animal or consider an alternative.
4) IF the animal shows any fear or anxiety the day of the performance, DO NOT FORCE THE ANIMAL TO PERFORM! Forcing a nervous animal to perform can lead to lifelong fears and anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Animals are amazing, and they add another level to any theatrical performance. Their emotional and physical well-being should always be our first consideration before casting them. The most important “role” when dealing with animals in theatre is to keep our furry companions’ experiences positive and safe on and off the stage!
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