This larp uses the act of performing music as a meta-technique. We consider the act of performing music to be a very strong way to get in touch with the character’s emotions through bodily engagement.
A meta-number is a song that you as a player have selected to suit the character and their personal dilemma. It is prepared by the player before the game starts.
When the meta-numbers are performed, the larp action pauses. Everyone who is present in the room listens to the meta-number, which represents the thoughts and the feelings of the character. This is something the players hear, but the characters do not: they are just watching something else, an ordinary cabaret number. After the meta-song finishes, they clap. This signifies the ending of the meta-scene. Players also need to know when a meta-number starts. This will be done by a change of lighting in the room.
Not all players will perform a meta song. You can let us know you are interested in doing so by clicking the appropriate boxes on the sing-up form. We will then give out meta-songs to the casted players by lottery. You will know you have a meta-song whether you got a meta song right when you get your casting.
Songs will be performed in groups of two or three songs. We will let you know when you are to perform before the larp (songs will be spread out evenly) a few weeks before the larp starts. You will be performing on the stage with a handheld microphone
Selecting your song
Obviously we want you to wait to pick your song until you have your casting.
Songs from musicals tend to work well, so do songs from the twenties and thirties. But modern songs can also work perfectly in the context of the larp.
Make sure there is an instrumental track available for the song you chose.
Songs should be under 3 minutes. If you need help cutting down a song, the organisers can help.
Pick something that feels appropriate for your skill level. A difficult song can be tempting but we want you to perform with confidence and have fun instead of stressing about those difficult notes.Learn to sing your song by heart. Singing on the stage can be a lot of fun but also quite stressful. Knowing your song will help you to be able to actually keep on larping during your performance.
We are currently looking to see if we can do a vocal coaching session for those people getting to perform meta-songs.
Performing together
A few of you are musicians, dancers and/or circus artists. You are welcome to involve others into your performance but remember that these are meta-songs and thus the performance never happens in the world of the characters, only on a meta-level. It can be a fun way to explore hidden feelings though.