Royal Chorus
What is the Royal Chorus?
Dressed in Victorian attire, the Royals are both attending and performing as cast members of this production, as an 
integral part of Queen Victoria’s party, during her reign. The Queen and her royal entourage are attending the performance in their time and not in the present day. Consequently, Royals see each other and interact with each other, but not with the audience. In this way, the Royal Chorus functions as the ‘play within the play’, adding stereo sound to the stage voices and supporting the magic of the production. As a Royal, you might want to think about your relationship to the Queen, to help you find a personal backstory and stay in character.
Arriving as singles or couples, once the house is open (usually 30 minutes before curtain), all Royals should be in the assigned boxes well before the Queen arrives. The Queen sits in the first box, stage left. When the Queen arrives, all Royals stand up immediately. Whenever the Queen stands, all Royals stand. When she sits, and only after she sits down, the Royals are then seated.
You will be singing along with all of the choruses. When singing, expect to lean forward to see the music director, and to project into the audience. Know the music and pay attention to the show, each and every minute. If you find something to be funny, laugh out loud. You will know the appropriate times to applaud and it is OK to encourage both laughter and applause.
The Royal Chorus is in the spotlight when we sing “God Save the Queen” at the top of the show. It is a big moment. Royal Chorus is an acting and singing role. The role requires being in full costume, makeup, hair, and jewels. You will be seen by the audience below the boxes and on view, from head to toe, by the audience in the two balconies. This means that there cannot be any trace of the present day in the box, i.e. water bottles, cameras, libretto, flashlights, etc. Many Royals, over the years, have brought a champagne bottle, filled with water and plastic champagne flutes up to their boxes. Not only is it wonderful to have water handy, but it is an appropriate and happy prop. However, do not set anything on the front edge of the boxes. It is not allowed by the theater and poses a danger, should it fall on a paying audience member below.
The Royal Chorus is a point of interest and entertainment for the audience before the curtain goes up at the top of the show, and before Act II. Since Royals are ‘on stage’ in their boxes, even when the curtain is closed, it is expected that they will be in the boxes well ahead of the “places please” call. This means a shorter intermission break for the Royal Chorus. During rehearsals in the theater, check on how long it takes you to travel to your place in the boxes and plan accordingly. Also, consider pairing up with other Royals to enter together, making a more genial and believable picture. Create your back story and enjoy being at the theater, in character.