The History of Stage Names

Stage names were popular in the early days of the film and television industry. Performers wanted to choose names that were memorable, so they would stick in the minds of casting agents and audiences. They chose names that reflected the image they wanted to project. Some performers chose names to hide their nationalities, because they experienced racial and ethnic bias in auditions. 

Stage names also extend to theatre actors and musicians. Many of these artists chose stage names for the same reasons as actors. They also craft alter egos to have a distinct medium for their creativity.  

Reasons Actors Choose Stage Names

Some actors choose stage names to draw a line between their private and public personas. Since the entertainment industry can be a small world, actors can change their names to separate their talent from family connections. Some entertainment institutions, like the Screen Actors Guild and Equity, have rules that performers may not use the same name.   

Actors may choose to adopt a stage name if their given name sounds too similar to another famous person. Similarly, if performers haven common names, they may select a stage name that helps them stand out.  

Some entertainers select names that reflect the public image they are trying to create. Performers may select a stage name if their given name is difficult to pronounce, which would give them more marketability. Many actors choose stage names that honor important influences in their lives.   

Iconic Examples

There are many iconic examples of entertainers choosing a stage name to craft a public persona.

• Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortensen. This glamorous starlet chose a flashier stage name to reflect her public image.
• Emilio Estevez decided not to use his family’s last name, Sheen. He wanted to separate his talent from his famous family’s name. 
• American rapper and comedian, Awkwafina, chose a single stage name that reflected the playful character she wanted to build. 
• Old Hollywood actor Rock Hudson was born Leroy Harold Scherer Jr. He picked a stage name that exuded strength and masculinity because he wanted leading roles. 
• The Vampire Diaries actress Nina Dobrev shortened her name, Nikolina Kamenova Dobreva, to make it easier to remember. Diane Keaton was born Diane Hall, but had to change her name because another actress had the same name.

Stage Names Allow Actors to Transcend Stereotypes

Stage names allow actors to transcend racial and ethnic stereotypes. In Old Hollywood, stage names allowed actors to get in front of casting agents where they could showcase their talent, instead of being sidelined by prejudice. In the 1930s, Margarita Cansino became starlet Rita Hayworth. The name led to an erasure of her Spanish ethnicity, which helped her secure more roles because of the unfair racial and ethnic prejudice in Hollywood. 

Stage names widened the net of opportunities for entertainers who did not want to be put in stereotypical roles. Bruno Mars revealed in a 2013 interview with GQ that he chose his stage name because he did not want to be stereotyped as a Latino singer. 

While Hollywood still has a long way to go regarding inclusivity, some actors use their birth names to honour their heritage. In a 2021 interview, Riverdale actor Jordon Connor revealed he chose his stage name because he was stereotyped as an Asian actor in early auditions. He has since embraced his last name Yuen, to honour his Chinese background.  

Also Read: Shattering Stereotypes: The Rise of Women in Action Cinema

The post Behind the Name: The Origins and Reasons for Actors’ Stage Names appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

The Vampire Diaries television series, produced by Warner Brothers from 2009 to 2017, was based on the popular book series by L.J. Smith. Originally written in the early 1990s, the series told the dark, gothic tale of a human teenage girl torn between two vampire brothers. 

The Show Inverts Typical Love Triangle Tropes

The CW series took the basic characters, structure, and setting of the original book series, but added new twists. For example, In the show Elena Gilbert has a high-school age brother named Jeremy, who becomes a vampire hunter. In the book series, Elena has a baby sister named Margaret. 

The central narrative focuses on the love triangle between human teen Elena (Nina Dobrev) and vampire brothers Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder). Stefan and Damon were humans who lived in Mystic Falls in 1864, before transitioning into vampires. Stefan represents the good side of the vampire spectrum, as a reformed killer who survives on animal blood. Bad boy Damon kills and feeds without conscience or consequence. 

Elena’s romance with Stefan is explored in the show’s first three seasons, while Damon is an antagonist in their relationship. These first two seasons position Stefan as a hero and Damon as a villain, highlighting them as foils and rivals. Elena and Damon’s romantic relationship begins in season four and continues through Dobrev’s exit from the show in season seven. 

The love triangle between Elena, Stefan, and Damon is further complicated by the show’s backstory. Katherine, the vampire who sired Stefan and Damon, enters the narrative in season two. Katherine is Elena’s doppelgänger, and they look exactly alike, which further complicates the love triangle. Dobrev portrayed both Katherine and Elena on the show, skillfully taking on the two distinct and iconic roles. 

The central narrative of a human caught between two vampires inverts once Katherine arrives in season two. The 19th-century triangle shows vampire Katherine manipulating the affections of the human Salvatore brothers. The present-day love triangle shows a human Elena caught between the undead Salvatore brothers. In both narratives, Wesley and Somerhalder play their characters so emphatically and convincingly that there is no clear winner for Elena’s affection.

The Vampire Diaries has the Hallmarks of Classic Gothic Romances

The Vampire Diaries has the hallmarks of a classic gothic romance. Mystic Falls has a spooky, atmospheric setting. The town’s long, complicated history and genealogy provide opportunities to explore different plotlines. Scenes are frequently set in the spooky, foreboding forest. Many of the homes are old, gothic mansions. The Salvatore Boarding House and Lockwood Mansion are prominent, spooky settings on the show. Setting plays an important role in the narrative since vampires must be invited into a home in order to enter it.  

A gothic romance also heavily features Byronic heroes and a damsel in distress. Stefan and Damon have features of classic Byronic heroes. They have magnetic charm, yet a mysterious, brooding demeanour that sets them apart. Elena takes on the damsel role, often needing to be rescued from the various troubles she finds herself in. As the series progresses, Elena takes on a more active role and often ends up saving Stefan and Damon from various threats.

Supernatural elements are prominent in a gothic romance. Throughout its eight-season run, The Vampire Diaries’ plot included vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts, and sirens. Each of these supernatural creatures had powers that wreaked havoc on the characters and provided obstacles to the love triangle in the central narrative. 

The ominous setting, supernatural elements, and compelling characters make The Vampire Diaries stand out as a modern gothic romance.   

Also Read: What We Do In The Shadows & Unusual Vampires

The post The Gothic Romance of The Vampire Diaries appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Bewitched tells the story of domestic housewife, Samantha Stephens, who reveals to her husband that she’s a witch. Hilarity ensues as Samantha attempts to live an ordinary life while hiding her extraordinary secret. The show’s humor lies in its ability to find situations for the characters where magic both creates and solves problems. The iconic characters bring the show’s unique premise and humor to life, and make it one of the most memorable sitcoms in history.

Samantha Stephens

Elizabeth Montgomery’s portrayal of Samantha Stephens, a witch hiding her secret from the mortal world, charmed fans and critics alike during Bewitched’s eight-season run. Montgomery portrays Samantha as a sweet, sensible woman who loves her husband. Despite Samantha’s promise to her husband that she will live as a mortal, she often uses magic, which wreaks havoc. Much of the show’s humor derives from Samantha’s attempts to clean up her magical messes before her secret is uncovered. Although her best intentions often go awry, Samantha is a strong, independent problem-solver who looks for ways to resolve conflicts and stand up for the people she loves. Her signature nose-twitch each time she cast a spell cues the audience that magical hilarity is on the way.

Darrin Stephens

Darrin Stephens is Samantha’s mortal husband, who finds out Samantha’s secret on their honeymoon. Initially shocked by the revelation, Darrin asks his wife to live as a mortal without using magic. Darrin is a loyal husband, and his tolerance for magic and Samantha’s zany relatives relaxes as the series progresses. Darrin works at an advertising firm, where he works hard to hide his wife’s talent for witchcraft from his boss, Larry Tate. Dick York originated the role for seasons one through five but had to leave the show because of health issues. Dick Sargent took over the role in the show’s fifth season until the end of the series. 

Endora

Endora is Samantha’s mother, portrayed by Hollywood legend, Agnes Moorehead. Endora is a quick-witted, powerful witch with a theatrical personality. Endora dislikes mortals, especially her son-in-law, Darrin. She takes every opportunity to diminish Darrin, often referring to him by names like Darwin and Durwood. Their back-and-forth squabbles provide a lot of the show’s humor. She often notes historical figures she’s met throughout her life, like Julius Caesar and Helen of Troy. Moorehead portrays Endora as a doting mother who adores Samantha, but often meddles in the affairs of mortals with her magic. She bemoans Samantha’s choice to repress her magic and encourages her daughter to embrace her witchcraft. 

Tabitha Stephens

Tabitha Stephens is Darrin and Samantha’s only daughter. Born during the show’s second season, she displays an early talent for witchcraft, much to Endora’s delight. As Tabitha grows up on the show, she is a strong-willed, playful, empathetic witch. Tabitha enjoys using her magic, much to her father’s chagrin. While several baby actresses shared the role of Tabitha in the show’s early seasons, she is most notably portrayed by Erin Murphy. 

Gladys Kravitz

Gladys Kravitz, portrayed first by Alice Pearce (1964-1966) and later by Sandra Gould (1966-1971) is the Stephens’ nosy neighbor. Gladys constantly peers over her fence, spying on the Stephens. She has suspicions about the Stephens and the strange things she witnesses. Gladys’ husband, Abner, provides a foil to his wife’s extreme nosiness by staying out of his neighbors’ business and criticizing Gladys’ outlandish theories about the Stephens family. Gladys adds to the show’s comedy because she witnesses Samantha’s magic, but no one ever believes her. 

Also Read: Why We Are In A (New) Golden Age of Fantasy Television

The post Bewitched: How a Fantasy Sitcom Cast Its Spell on 1960s Television appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Small towns have histories, which broaden storytelling potential.

Small-town dramas are appealing because their history has more storytelling potential. On One Tree Hill Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty) are rival half-brothers. Their dynamic relationship structures the show’s plot. Basketball, romance, and competition for their father’s affection fuel their rivalry. The history and relationships of Lucas and Nathan’s parents shape the town’s backstory. It also provides a blueprint for the audience to follow as they watch the characters develop. 

On Riverdale, the main cast’s relatives grew up in the titular town. The residents’ history ties in with the current storylines, expanding the boundaries of storytelling. Archie (KJ Apa), Jughead (Cole Sprouse), Betty (Lili Reinhart), Veronica (Camila Mendes), and Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) are affected by the choices their parents made in Riverdale of the past. Many of the storylines in the first four seasons explore the characters’ parallels to their parents. In season six, Riverdale’s ancient history connects to the supernatural drama brewing in the town.

The setting becomes its own character, symbolizing the values of the town and its residents.

The setting of small-town dramas remains consistent, which gives the audience a sense of comfort and belonging. The settings of these shows are so distinctive they become characters of their own. While homes, schools, and jobs are featured heavily in small-town shows, there is always at least one location that symbolizes the heart and soul of the town. 

In One Tree Hill’s pilot episode, Lucas and Nathan face off for the first time at the Rivercourt. This basketball court becomes a symbolic, safe space for characters to process the drama that unfolds around them. Over the years, the Rivercourt becomes an iconic place where characters have pivotal breakthroughs. 

Tree Hill is also home to Tric, the nightclub where residents gather to hear musicians perform. Tric hosted stars like Michelle Branch, Jimmy Eat World, and Fall Out Boy. Since music plays a pivotal role in Peyton (Hilarie Burton) and Haley’s (Bethany Joy Lenz) storylines, having a place where popular musicians could share music with characters and fans alike was an immersive experience.  

On Riverdale, Pop’s Chock’Lit Shoppe is the most iconic location on the show. Stylized like a diner from the 1950s, it becomes a place of refuge for the cast from the drama at home. It’s also a place where characters can gather to plan, scheme, and hide from trouble. Pop’s Chock’Lit Shoppe symbolizes the heart of Riverdale’s community, and its residents work tirelessly to protect it from closure.  

Secondary characters add diversity and nuance to the established setting.

No small town would be complete without its residents. Secondary characters breathe new life into the already-established dynamics of the main cast, making storylines fresh and more interesting to watch. While the camera initially focuses on the main cast, secondary characters can develop lives of their own, reaching more audience members.  

On One Tree Hill the Rivercourt basketball players were so well-received by fans, they got storylines of their own. Skills Taylor (Antwon Tanner) started on One Tree Hill as a friend of Lucas, who provided sage advice amid the drama of Lucas’ story arc. By season four, Skills became a regular cast member, with a backstory and love interest of his own. Skills’ entry into the main cast was meaningful because he was the first Black character introduced in the show’s pilot episode.

On season two of Riverdale, Toni Topaz (Vanessa Morgan) and Fangs Fogarty (Drew Ray Tanner) entered the scene as members of the Southside Serpents gang. Originally, friends of main cast member Jughead, they were so beloved by fans that they became season regulars. Toni and Fangs’ chemistry with other cast members and viewpoints as diverse characters made them more interesting to watch on screen, which resonated with fans.

Also Read: Risk Vs Reward: Recasting Leads In Film & TV Shows

The post The Appeal of Small-Town Dramas: One Tree Hill and Riverdale appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.