As stated before, a leader AND activity should be decided on BEFORE 3:15! As directors, it would be convenient and responsible to come up with a schedule.
Questions.
1. Did anyone else feel like the actors didn't memorize their lines over break?
2. How did working outside go?
3. Was everyone able to talk to your actors?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
auTHORITY Thursday
Everyone: great job today! I think the games went very well and the entire cast had alot of fun. I saw some directors step up to the spot of being in charge and using their "authority." It is difficult situation to get used to, but I have faith in you all.
Remember, it would be great/grand/wonderful to send your cast a reminder email over the break to check up on them. Remind them to review their srcipts, lines, and blocking.
I hope everyone enjoys their break.
Remember, it would be great/grand/wonderful to send your cast a reminder email over the break to check up on them. Remind them to review their srcipts, lines, and blocking.
I hope everyone enjoys their break.
California Time
Andre - The posts are posted on Pacific Time (California Time), so just subtract three hours. Last year, Ms. V used to post everything at 7:30 in the morning so it would show up as 4:30. People thought she was pulling all-nighters.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Phone Numbers
Please put your telephone number below so Kacie can make a contact sheet for Directors!
Thanks "<3"
Thanks "<3"
First Week of the Blackbox
Indeed, one week meown and three-ish to go.
-Mary Clancy Healey is no longer in the plays, please remove her and replace her with another actor (if necessary).
-Blackbox Directors: Good work today! Make sure you are directing while sitting down (I think that is want Ms. Howston wants you to do)
-An email has been sent: I will be discussing with the other Advisors the "leaving early dilemma"
-Next time you meet with your actors make sure they WROTE the stage directions DOWN. I saw alot of actors (not just today) not writing anything down. I fear that they did not think to write anything down.
-DIRECTORS: IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE LATE, LET ANOTHER DIRECTOR KNOW!
-Mary Clancy Healey is no longer in the plays, please remove her and replace her with another actor (if necessary).
-Blackbox Directors: Good work today! Make sure you are directing while sitting down (I think that is want Ms. Howston wants you to do)
-An email has been sent: I will be discussing with the other Advisors the "leaving early dilemma"
-Next time you meet with your actors make sure they WROTE the stage directions DOWN. I saw alot of actors (not just today) not writing anything down. I fear that they did not think to write anything down.
-DIRECTORS: IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE LATE, LET ANOTHER DIRECTOR KNOW!
To Adrienne, but also to All
I originally intended this to be a comment, but it got too long.
Adrienne and others-You can always pull chairs out of the bbox to use - as long as they put them back in at the end of the day. Once the weather improves, it should be easier. Use the gallery as a secondary location. For now, the floor space in there is clear, so you can possibly stage some shows in there. Also, you can have them do some sort of exercise where they improv, or even script the entire night at the movies for each small group - like, what is being said when they are supposed to be frozen, etc. Or just run lines, ask them for costume ideas, make a props list with their help. Run lines with them for other shows. Another idea would be to do what you can, have them work silently on homework, and you and Tess work on highlighting a script for Amanda.
For all regarding Hallway time:Use this time wisely in the hallway. Have a plan. I have about 20 books of games and exercises. The shows I have directed when we did fun games and improvy things, are the strongest shows. So, go through the books and play games with the kids in the hallway. I always have most of my classes (except for Darby) begging to do improv games and theatre games. Make it fun and purposeful. I would prefer that you keep people around and have them do school work, rather than letting them roam free and mistakenly overlook that other directors might need them.
Adrienne and others-You can always pull chairs out of the bbox to use - as long as they put them back in at the end of the day. Once the weather improves, it should be easier. Use the gallery as a secondary location. For now, the floor space in there is clear, so you can possibly stage some shows in there. Also, you can have them do some sort of exercise where they improv, or even script the entire night at the movies for each small group - like, what is being said when they are supposed to be frozen, etc. Or just run lines, ask them for costume ideas, make a props list with their help. Run lines with them for other shows. Another idea would be to do what you can, have them work silently on homework, and you and Tess work on highlighting a script for Amanda.
For all regarding Hallway time:Use this time wisely in the hallway. Have a plan. I have about 20 books of games and exercises. The shows I have directed when we did fun games and improvy things, are the strongest shows. So, go through the books and play games with the kids in the hallway. I always have most of my classes (except for Darby) begging to do improv games and theatre games. Make it fun and purposeful. I would prefer that you keep people around and have them do school work, rather than letting them roam free and mistakenly overlook that other directors might need them.
Cleanliness - Respecting the Space
Many of you over the years have heard me referring to the concept of "respecting the space." Some would even go as far as relating a theatre and its associated spaces with a church, cathedral, synogogue, etc.
That being said, I would really appreciate it if you could assign a director, cast or whomever, to be the last one out of the Blackbox and the hallway and do a sweep/clean up of those areas. I realize that other groups use the space after you, sometimes, so I am not going to jump to conclusions and blame you for all messes. However, the past two days, things were left in undesirable condition - papers and drink bottles left behind, copies of people's scripts left behind, recycling mixed in with garbage and vice/versa. The hallway counts as our space, too (as well as the dressing room.) It is not Mr. Moore's or Mr. D.'s job to be your personal maid.
Please make sure to tackle this issue. What would work easiest, I think, is that the last cast and director to use the BBox be the clean up people on each rehearsal day. I want to hear that you are all in agreement on this.
Thanks!
That being said, I would really appreciate it if you could assign a director, cast or whomever, to be the last one out of the Blackbox and the hallway and do a sweep/clean up of those areas. I realize that other groups use the space after you, sometimes, so I am not going to jump to conclusions and blame you for all messes. However, the past two days, things were left in undesirable condition - papers and drink bottles left behind, copies of people's scripts left behind, recycling mixed in with garbage and vice/versa. The hallway counts as our space, too (as well as the dressing room.) It is not Mr. Moore's or Mr. D.'s job to be your personal maid.
Please make sure to tackle this issue. What would work easiest, I think, is that the last cast and director to use the BBox be the clean up people on each rehearsal day. I want to hear that you are all in agreement on this.
Thanks!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Blah-ging
1. "Can we leave?" Yes, you may! We are hoping that you can get the small stuff/ basic things done now, just in case something large comes up later. Think really hard about the things you can get done.
A. Example: Look at your actor's notes and see if they are writing down the blocking and understanding what is going on.
B. Example: Run through your play in the gallery.
2. Those that are in charge of spring play shirts and programs/play bills. See Ms. Hall about them, she will give you lots of helpful advise.
3. If you did not receive a Blackbox schedule please come to me and and get a copy meow.
1. "Can we leave?" Yes, you may! We are hoping that you can get the small stuff/ basic things done now, just in case something large comes up later. Think really hard about the things you can get done.
A. Example: Look at your actor's notes and see if they are writing down the blocking and understanding what is going on.
B. Example: Run through your play in the gallery.
2. Those that are in charge of spring play shirts and programs/play bills. See Ms. Hall about them, she will give you lots of helpful advise.
3. If you did not receive a Blackbox schedule please come to me and and get a copy meow.
Houston's Take on Days 1 and 2
Sorry for not being on here yesterday.
It sounds like things are getting done.
Here is a proposal for getting things done in the hallway...
1) We will now try to have the gallery open, which is a more conducive space for going over things with actors.
2) Do a characterization exercise with whoever you have. Or team up and lead one with all the extras in the hallway covering all the characters they play in all the shows. It makes a huge difference for some of the background characters to know their name, where they come from, etc. I have sheets if you need them.
3) Do line thrus or run thrus with other actors standing in for your missing actors. Take care of each others' shows, too, so if there are five directors in the hall, run those five shows.
Time is of the essence. Seriously. You shouldn't be cutting out or leaving because you only have one actor in the hallway. Work with that one person, help other directors, pull costumes, make a props list, etc.
Modeling is important. If you choose to leave, your actors will, too. Stay through the rehearsals.
Mr. Moore keeps repeating the idea of being prepared. This means having what you are going to do with your actors on paper or in your head.
Mr. Harding needs things from you. Mr. Moore has more specifics on that...lighting needs, projection needs, sound, and props.
Colleen - I can help you tomorrow during 8th or 6th. Mike, you too (if you still need me to look at your minion lines).
Have fun on Day 2.
It sounds like things are getting done.
Here is a proposal for getting things done in the hallway...
1) We will now try to have the gallery open, which is a more conducive space for going over things with actors.
2) Do a characterization exercise with whoever you have. Or team up and lead one with all the extras in the hallway covering all the characters they play in all the shows. It makes a huge difference for some of the background characters to know their name, where they come from, etc. I have sheets if you need them.
3) Do line thrus or run thrus with other actors standing in for your missing actors. Take care of each others' shows, too, so if there are five directors in the hall, run those five shows.
Time is of the essence. Seriously. You shouldn't be cutting out or leaving because you only have one actor in the hallway. Work with that one person, help other directors, pull costumes, make a props list, etc.
Modeling is important. If you choose to leave, your actors will, too. Stay through the rehearsals.
Mr. Moore keeps repeating the idea of being prepared. This means having what you are going to do with your actors on paper or in your head.
Mr. Harding needs things from you. Mr. Moore has more specifics on that...lighting needs, projection needs, sound, and props.
Colleen - I can help you tomorrow during 8th or 6th. Mike, you too (if you still need me to look at your minion lines).
Have fun on Day 2.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Day1
-Find your authority! Due to the lack of sufficient time in the Blackbox you must keep your actors focused. Please control your cast both on and off the "stage". Sometimes you have to be the nagging teacher that you never liked.
-Watch your language! The actors will follow your lead!
-Respect other director's rehearsals. Do not be loud in the Blackbox or bring your actors in early.
-I know the first day puts lot on your plate, but for future rehearsals, please be more organized. Please have a game plan and have something for the actors to do (especially the extras)
-Speak to everyone in the cast when you are making announcements.
3:15 Warm Up
3:30- 4:05 Group 1
4:10-4:45 Group 2
4:50-5:25 Group 3
-Watch the actors blocking! Some of them may not know anything about theater (that is meant with not offensive)
-Watch your language! The actors will follow your lead!
-Respect other director's rehearsals. Do not be loud in the Blackbox or bring your actors in early.
-I know the first day puts lot on your plate, but for future rehearsals, please be more organized. Please have a game plan and have something for the actors to do (especially the extras)
-Speak to everyone in the cast when you are making announcements.
3:15 Warm Up
3:30- 4:05 Group 1
4:10-4:45 Group 2
4:50-5:25 Group 3
-Watch the actors blocking! Some of them may not know anything about theater (that is meant with not offensive)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Upcoming Week
This upcoming week is very important. As everyone can see, there is only a certain amount of days left until Opening Night 1 and Opening Night 2. After we come back, we will have shaved off 14 days from that convenient meter. It will be important to portray the urgency of the situation AND the convenience of Spring Break. Communicate to the actors the importance of utilizing this time (This means less creeping on Facebook). The actors SHOULD be memorizing their lines and getting ready for the hectic upcoming weeks.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Keep in Mind...
Ok. Thanks for blogging. Hopefully, things will smooth out with the "drama" of people getting cast or not getting cast. Everyone who sticks it out and gives it a chance will see that they have plenty to do. The more you can rise above the commentary and the "he said/she said" the better. Make people feel like they have a purpose and are essential to the success of your show and they will be just that: essential and purposeful.
Also, going into your first rehearsal, you should be as clear as possible about your set design. How you are using the space. You should avoid internal set changes at all costs! These plays are too short to have major set changes. Moving chairs or a stool or something is fine - and it should be rehearsed from the get-go to make it part of the action. Moving the casket or tables or desks is completely unecessary and distracting -- remember from last year, or even the tornado reverse in Oz - set changes can kill a show. You have half the floor space of the BBox to use and you can totally isolate characters, etc. with lighting and acting. If you are confused or need help, please ask for help. Mr. Moore, Mr. Harding, or I can help you.
Also, when we set a deadline for anything in the future is is a hard and fast deadline. Mr. Moore said that many of your cast lists came in late the other night. That is not ok. If any of you miss a future deadline for anything (props list, program, whatever), WE WILL NOT DO YOUR PLAY! Take the deadlines seriously. The clock is ticking.
I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. D's statement about encouraging each other and being productive in your discussion. Well done! I'm excited.
Also, going into your first rehearsal, you should be as clear as possible about your set design. How you are using the space. You should avoid internal set changes at all costs! These plays are too short to have major set changes. Moving chairs or a stool or something is fine - and it should be rehearsed from the get-go to make it part of the action. Moving the casket or tables or desks is completely unecessary and distracting -- remember from last year, or even the tornado reverse in Oz - set changes can kill a show. You have half the floor space of the BBox to use and you can totally isolate characters, etc. with lighting and acting. If you are confused or need help, please ask for help. Mr. Moore, Mr. Harding, or I can help you.
Also, when we set a deadline for anything in the future is is a hard and fast deadline. Mr. Moore said that many of your cast lists came in late the other night. That is not ok. If any of you miss a future deadline for anything (props list, program, whatever), WE WILL NOT DO YOUR PLAY! Take the deadlines seriously. The clock is ticking.
I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. D's statement about encouraging each other and being productive in your discussion. Well done! I'm excited.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Read-Thru
1. Great Job today! I thought things went well and everyone adapted great to the situation (Boo Triangle). It was exciting to hear everyone's play read out loud (Yeah You). Everyone casted great actors, who (hopefully) will be able to fit your vision for each part.
2. The Blackbox usage schedule (BUS) will be available by Monday.
3. I will have the list of student's phone numbers for each play/director along with an attendance sheet on Monday.
4. Finally, thank you again for those who added actors to their plays, I would imagine that they are very thankful.
2. The Blackbox usage schedule (BUS) will be available by Monday.
3. I will have the list of student's phone numbers for each play/director along with an attendance sheet on Monday.
4. Finally, thank you again for those who added actors to their plays, I would imagine that they are very thankful.
Casting and Read Thru
Congratulations on casting your shows. Hopefully, your actors know to come today to a read-thru. Someone (Darby, probably) needs to make an order of how they will be read. Directors can say something brief about their play and read any important stage directions as you go along. You can finish up on Monday. Someone (again, this falls under Darby's job) will also need to give a few ground rules. Like, be at rehearsal, unexcused absences will be given a work detail, bring a pencil. Learn lines quickly, etc. The usual expectations. You must drive home the fact that the rehearsal period is very short - that each play will only have the Blackbox four times before tech week. Things like that. Set a good tone today and come on serious and strong. If you do not, you will constantly be struggling.
Break a leg!
LH
Break a leg!
LH
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Proper Screen Names
Please take the time, if you haven't already, to make sure your screen name for this blog is your real first name, last name or full name if you wish. No nicknames, aliases, etc.
Thank You
Thank You
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Call backs
Dear Directors,
Are you sure you didn't want to call everyone back (20/27) (just kidding)? Secondly, please make deadlines from now on. Thank you to those of you that did. Lastly, make sure all of you are not using a select few of the actors in your plays. A couple of the actors name's came up multiple times. Note: it is better to have a dedicated-calm actor than a crazy-stressed actor.
Annoucement for Wednesday:
Will the following students please come to the Blackbox after school tomorrow (Wednesday, March 3rd) for a callback session.
9th
Phil Baldoni
William McComb
Sasha Mesaros
Jared Goeckeler
10th
Yossup Keun
Nick Cavalier
Stephanie Moses
Kenneth Hughes
Ariel Weitz
Eriks Svarebergs
11th
Ali Crivelli
James Fleming
Tom Provine
Lena Welhoffer
Don Nuzzio
Dillon Sternkopf
12th
Maria Kane
Hannah Schindewolf
Charlie Meneghin
Sathya Andavolu
Thanks,
Mr. Moore
Are you sure you didn't want to call everyone back (20/27) (just kidding)? Secondly, please make deadlines from now on. Thank you to those of you that did. Lastly, make sure all of you are not using a select few of the actors in your plays. A couple of the actors name's came up multiple times. Note: it is better to have a dedicated-calm actor than a crazy-stressed actor.
Annoucement for Wednesday:
Will the following students please come to the Blackbox after school tomorrow (Wednesday, March 3rd) for a callback session.
9th
Phil Baldoni
William McComb
Sasha Mesaros
Jared Goeckeler
10th
Yossup Keun
Nick Cavalier
Stephanie Moses
Kenneth Hughes
Ariel Weitz
Eriks Svarebergs
11th
Ali Crivelli
James Fleming
Tom Provine
Lena Welhoffer
Don Nuzzio
Dillon Sternkopf
12th
Maria Kane
Hannah Schindewolf
Charlie Meneghin
Sathya Andavolu
Thanks,
Mr. Moore
Thursday will be a read thru!
Thursday will be the first rehearsal. Please choose a spokes person to communicate how rehearsals will run (three plays per day in BBox, other directors will work with actors in other locations if they are not in BBox plays). Then, you should read thru as many plays as possible, perhaps continuing on Monday, if you don't get thru them all. Do not read thru Mason's! It will take a week!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tuesday Announcement!
Spring Play auditions will be Tuesday after school in the Blackbox. This will push everything back one day: Callbacks will be on Wednesday, Play Rehearsal Thursday.
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