I love the concept behind this idea.
My question for you is, would it be too much work to give each actor their own adjustable windows, so you could choose their positions? =o
EDIT: (while I'm thinking of it) Could the window maker be used with the menu control script for the desired effect I'm looking for?
EDIT (again): I've been toying around with this, and either I'm oblivious to the method or what, but I can't seem to make the DRAW_WHICH_ACTOR work properly... My window still displays the full party. I'm at a loss, here. :[