Dorothy and her companions finally face the Great and Powerful Oz to ask for their hearts' desires, only to be met with a terrifying display of fire and booming authority. The stakes are raised when Oz demands the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West as payment for his help, forcing the fearful group to confront their greatest enemy.
LION: Oh! Look at that! Look at that! Oh -- Ohhhh -- I want to go home -- I want to go home!
OZ'S VOICE: I am Oz, the Great and Powerful! Who are you?
DOROTHY: I -- If you please, I - I am Dorothy, the small and meek. We've come to ask you --
OZ'S VOICE: Silence! The Great and Powerful Oz knows why you have come. Step forward, Tin Man!
TIN MAN: Ohhhh -- it's me!
Format: Scene · Genre: Fantasy · Source: The Wizard Of Oz · Author: Noel Langley · Characters: Dorothy, Oz's Voice, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion
This scene plunges Dorothy and her companions into a terrifying confrontation with the Great and Powerful Oz, who appears as an intimidating, disembodied voice amidst smoke and fire. It’s a pivotal moment in their quest, as they finally stand before the one they believe can grant their wishes, only to find themselves met with disdain and a daunting new demand. The scene masterfully builds tension, showcasing the characters' individual fears and their collective vulnerability against an overwhelming, unseen force.
Dorothy begins as an innocent Ingenue, pushed forward by her companions, embodying meekness before gradually finding her courage. Oz's Voice is the quintessential Authority Figure, aloof, demanding, and initially uncaring, using fear as a tool of control. The Tin Man and Lion are Comic Relief, their exaggerated fear offering brief moments of levity amidst the terror. The Scarecrow, alongside the others, initially embodies the Everyman, representing universal desires and weaknesses while desperately pleading his case. Each character's distinct reaction highlights their core personality and desires.
This scene is a fantastic choice for auditions because it offers rich emotional range for multiple actors. The quick shifts from fear and pleading to moments of desperate explanation allow actors to showcase vulnerability, comedic timing in their reactions, and the growing stakes of their quest. The ensemble nature also demonstrates an actor's ability to react authentically to others, even if unseen, and to build a cohesive narrative within a group dynamic, which is crucial for collaborative storytelling.
This scene is best suited for actors aiming for drama school auditions, general practice, or competition. It is particularly effective for those looking to portray nuanced reactions to authority and fear, or to demonstrate comedic timing through physical and vocal expressions of terror. The blend of child and adult roles, and mixed genders, makes it versatile for a range of actor pairings and ages, allowing young actors to shine in leading roles and adults to explore character acting.
Actors should focus on the individual and collective fear of the group. For Dorothy, ground her initial meekness in genuine awe and apprehension before finding moments of quiet resolve. Oz's Voice needs to be commanding and imposing, using tone and pacing to convey immense power and disdain. For the companions, let their physical and vocal reactions be distinct and authentic to their character's established fears – the Lion’s cowardice, the Tin Man’s yearning for a heart, and the Scarecrow’s desire for a brain. Emphasize the rising stakes created by Oz's demands and the characters' growing desperation.