Monday, November 16, 2009
Rachel York in 101 DALMATIONS
I wish I had seen this story before meeting Rachel York earlier today. I had forgotten that the show was using real, live dalmations and that animal advocacy is a big part of her life. She is featured briefly on this online story.
More thoughts on Ms. York's visit to Firestone High School soon.
It's Time to Think Like a Star!
The NE Ohio Area Rep, Russ Kwitkowski, recently posted information regarding upcoming meetings for STARs -- STUDENT AREA REPRESENTATIVES. These are students that meet and plan major portions of the Area Thespian Conference which is to be help here at FHS on January 9, 2009.
Any Thespian from a participating school can become a STAR and I hope that many of our students get involved as we are hositng the event this year. Past STARs have reported great satisfaction with the experience and have encouraged other students to get involved.
I like to see lots of students involved in Thespian activities. I think this involvement has led only to good things and has helped my students to become better artists, leadeers, and members of their community.
Below is the post from Mr. Kwitkoski:
"Attention NE AREA Thespians....
Are you a STAR? That is a "student area representative"? If so, it's time to start work on the Area Conference! STARs is open to all creative students who are interested in furthering their participation in NE Area Conference. It is also from these students that next year's SSO will be chosen. Please look at the below dates and locations for the upcoming STARs meetings and then confirm with me at rkwitkowski@ohedta.org if you are interested in participating.
STARS meeting Saturday, Nov 21st 1-4pm at Riverside High School
STARS meeting Saturday, Dec 5th 1-4pm at Archbishop Hoban High School
STARS meeting Friday, Jan 8th, 5-9pm at Firestone High School
NE AREA Conference, Saturday, Jan 9th at Firestone High School
Thanks.
Russ Kwitkowski
NE AREA Representative"
Any Thespian from a participating school can become a STAR and I hope that many of our students get involved as we are hositng the event this year. Past STARs have reported great satisfaction with the experience and have encouraged other students to get involved.
I like to see lots of students involved in Thespian activities. I think this involvement has led only to good things and has helped my students to become better artists, leadeers, and members of their community.
Below is the post from Mr. Kwitkoski:
"Attention NE AREA Thespians....
Are you a STAR? That is a "student area representative"? If so, it's time to start work on the Area Conference! STARs is open to all creative students who are interested in furthering their participation in NE Area Conference. It is also from these students that next year's SSO will be chosen. Please look at the below dates and locations for the upcoming STARs meetings and then confirm with me at rkwitkowski@ohedta.org if you are interested in participating.
STARS meeting Saturday, Nov 21st 1-4pm at Riverside High School
STARS meeting Saturday, Dec 5th 1-4pm at Archbishop Hoban High School
STARS meeting Friday, Jan 8th, 5-9pm at Firestone High School
NE AREA Conference, Saturday, Jan 9th at Firestone High School
Thanks.
Russ Kwitkowski
NE AREA Representative"
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thoughts on DEAR GABBY's Run
As I write this, DEAR GABBY: THE CONFESSIONS OF AN OVER-ACHIEVER has already presented two of its four performances to very responsive crowds. Even the 4:00 p.m. show show had about 50 people in attendance . . . which I think is awesome. We set extra chairs for the 7:00 p.m. show so we had about 80 patrons.
I know that this response would not be possible without the support of my colleagues in the Language Arts department. They have distributed flyers for the show and encouraged their students to attend the show. Some have even offered extra credit to students who have attended the show.
DEAR GABBY is a delightful production under the careful direction of Elynmarie Kazle. Elynmarie has ties to the show that go all the way back to the beginning at the Santa Monica Playhouse so I know she considers herself an ambassador for the play and the Playhouse.
We originally presented DEAR GABBY on the main stage back in 1999. It was under the directionthen of Melanie Pepe who is now the Education Director at Weathervane Playhouse. Most of the kids who appeared in that first production are now living and working in NYC, LA, and Chicago. Some of them are still pursuing a career in theatre and others have moved on to other exciting career opportunities.
We have presented the show several times over the years. I think this year's production repesents the 7th FHS production. Melanie directed the first two; I directed the second two; and Elynmarie has directed the rest. Additionally, I once directed a production of DEAR GABBY for Weatehrvane's Summer Stock class which was presented at the Coach House Theatre due to the ongoing renovations at Weathervane. One year we even took our production back to Santa Monica to present it in its home theatre in front of its playwrights, Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie.
Elynmarie swears she knows the play by heart. I know large sections of it. We only argue a little bit about how to stage the play. She usually finishes the argument with a sentence that starts with "Evelyn always said . . . "
Four alumni cast members were in the audience for last night's 7:00 p.m. show. It was an especially emotion moment for me to see those four join the current cast on stage. We like to think of DEAR GABBY as an extended family that just grows and grows. I hope more alumni come to the shows later today.
I know that this response would not be possible without the support of my colleagues in the Language Arts department. They have distributed flyers for the show and encouraged their students to attend the show. Some have even offered extra credit to students who have attended the show.
DEAR GABBY is a delightful production under the careful direction of Elynmarie Kazle. Elynmarie has ties to the show that go all the way back to the beginning at the Santa Monica Playhouse so I know she considers herself an ambassador for the play and the Playhouse.
We originally presented DEAR GABBY on the main stage back in 1999. It was under the directionthen of Melanie Pepe who is now the Education Director at Weathervane Playhouse. Most of the kids who appeared in that first production are now living and working in NYC, LA, and Chicago. Some of them are still pursuing a career in theatre and others have moved on to other exciting career opportunities.
We have presented the show several times over the years. I think this year's production repesents the 7th FHS production. Melanie directed the first two; I directed the second two; and Elynmarie has directed the rest. Additionally, I once directed a production of DEAR GABBY for Weatehrvane's Summer Stock class which was presented at the Coach House Theatre due to the ongoing renovations at Weathervane. One year we even took our production back to Santa Monica to present it in its home theatre in front of its playwrights, Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie.
Elynmarie swears she knows the play by heart. I know large sections of it. We only argue a little bit about how to stage the play. She usually finishes the argument with a sentence that starts with "Evelyn always said . . . "
Four alumni cast members were in the audience for last night's 7:00 p.m. show. It was an especially emotion moment for me to see those four join the current cast on stage. We like to think of DEAR GABBY as an extended family that just grows and grows. I hope more alumni come to the shows later today.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
DEAR GABBY director's notes by Elynmarie Kazle
Courtesy of Elynmarie Kazle, our guest director.
Why didn’t anyone tell us? Did they think in hindsight it was not important? Of course we need a hand up so all of those detours and wrong turns don’t frighten or confuse us…
The message of this play, still powerful after all these years (having seen the original production in 1988) is that growing up is not easy, that we all need a hand up; that we all need to learn and grow with each other.
Often as adults it is easy in our over-scheduled, work filled, frazzled, day to forget that our teens are taking some very big steps into the world. Every day they face challenges and decisions for the very first time - and something that would seem to be an insignificant incident in our life takes on so much more importance when your time on this planet has been much shorter.
We have gone through a lot in this rehearsal process. In and out of rehearsal we have experienced some of those BIG but not so big moments. We have had cast changes, waylaying experiences such as H1N1, family trips and school obligations; but through it all we have bonded as a company and made some very important discoveries along the way. And we are pleased to share these with you, today.
I would like to thank the Firestone Staff for their support of our production; especially Mr. Zimmerman, Mrs. Schneider, the Firestone Custodial staff, Mr. Petry and Tom Weaver. Thank you for coming today and please take away the reminder that from time to time, we all need a helping hand.
Why didn’t anyone tell us? Did they think in hindsight it was not important? Of course we need a hand up so all of those detours and wrong turns don’t frighten or confuse us…
The message of this play, still powerful after all these years (having seen the original production in 1988) is that growing up is not easy, that we all need a hand up; that we all need to learn and grow with each other.
Often as adults it is easy in our over-scheduled, work filled, frazzled, day to forget that our teens are taking some very big steps into the world. Every day they face challenges and decisions for the very first time - and something that would seem to be an insignificant incident in our life takes on so much more importance when your time on this planet has been much shorter.
We have gone through a lot in this rehearsal process. In and out of rehearsal we have experienced some of those BIG but not so big moments. We have had cast changes, waylaying experiences such as H1N1, family trips and school obligations; but through it all we have bonded as a company and made some very important discoveries along the way. And we are pleased to share these with you, today.
I would like to thank the Firestone Staff for their support of our production; especially Mr. Zimmerman, Mrs. Schneider, the Firestone Custodial staff, Mr. Petry and Tom Weaver. Thank you for coming today and please take away the reminder that from time to time, we all need a helping hand.
We need a 'helping hand.' See DEAR GABY Wednesday or Thursday
She may not know all the right answers but she does ask all the right questions. Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever tells the story of a teenaged girl who confronts a series of life-lessons as she writes the advice column for her school’s paper.
The funny and poignant play will be performed in the Linda B. Kersker Auditorium at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12, 2009. All tickets cost $7.00 and are available by mail order and in the school commons from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. starting Monday, November 9. 2009. Seating is limited so patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance.
Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever is by Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie, who serve as co-Artistic Directors of the Santa Monica Playhouse in California. They describe their play as an interactive theatre experience, which explores such teen concerns as first love, peer pressure, rejection, relationships, drugs, cheating, self-esteem, and the passion and pain of piano lessons.
Dear Gabby is under the direction of guest artist Elynmarie Kazle who has already twice directed the play at Firestone High School. She worked at the Santa Monica Playhouse at the time of Dear Gabby’s original performances and tours. Firestone Theatre has presented the play six times over ten years to a wide variety of audiences. One production toured to the Dayton, Ohio, area as well as returned home to the Santa Monica Playhouse for two fund-raising performances. Kazle has served as the school’s Stage Management Trainer and Mentor for 10 years and recently worked at the Cleveland Playhouse.
The cast of Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever is lead by senior Jesse Askew who takes on the lead role. She is supported by seniors Stephen Carder and Paige Hewett; juniors Emma Durante and Lauren Johanni; sophomores Jaqcuie Hailstock and Marissa Wilson, and freshmen Gregory Hill and Zoe Sapienza. Freshmen Imohkai Okolo and Wil Banno Rothman serve as co-stage managers.
Call the theatre office at Firestone High School at 330-873-3408 for additional information.
The funny and poignant play will be performed in the Linda B. Kersker Auditorium at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12, 2009. All tickets cost $7.00 and are available by mail order and in the school commons from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. starting Monday, November 9. 2009. Seating is limited so patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance.
Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever is by Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie, who serve as co-Artistic Directors of the Santa Monica Playhouse in California. They describe their play as an interactive theatre experience, which explores such teen concerns as first love, peer pressure, rejection, relationships, drugs, cheating, self-esteem, and the passion and pain of piano lessons.
Dear Gabby is under the direction of guest artist Elynmarie Kazle who has already twice directed the play at Firestone High School. She worked at the Santa Monica Playhouse at the time of Dear Gabby’s original performances and tours. Firestone Theatre has presented the play six times over ten years to a wide variety of audiences. One production toured to the Dayton, Ohio, area as well as returned home to the Santa Monica Playhouse for two fund-raising performances. Kazle has served as the school’s Stage Management Trainer and Mentor for 10 years and recently worked at the Cleveland Playhouse.
The cast of Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever is lead by senior Jesse Askew who takes on the lead role. She is supported by seniors Stephen Carder and Paige Hewett; juniors Emma Durante and Lauren Johanni; sophomores Jaqcuie Hailstock and Marissa Wilson, and freshmen Gregory Hill and Zoe Sapienza. Freshmen Imohkai Okolo and Wil Banno Rothman serve as co-stage managers.
Call the theatre office at Firestone High School at 330-873-3408 for additional information.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Fly Like a Falcon
Get ready to fly with the falcons at Firestone High School’s official open house!
The staff and students of Firestone High School will hold an open house for prospective students and their families from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2009. Students in grades six through eight and their families are welcome to visit the school during this open house. Faculty and staff will be present to answer questions about the school and its many programs. This event had previously been scheduled for an earlier date.
Firestone High School’s open house will include tours of the building and specific information regarding the many special programs and activities such as 13 Advanced Placement courses and an outstanding International Baccalaureate program, as well as Information Technology and Project Lead the Way (engineering). The open house will also include informal performances by the various performing arts programs available on this campus for the Visual and Performing Arts. The programs include Choral Music, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theatre, and Visual Art. Firestone High School also offers a wide variety of academic clubs and 20 varsity sports.
Prospective students and their families will be given insight to a school that provides an excellent public education at no cost or tuition free. The school has been rated “excellent” by the State of Ohio for five consecutive years. Firestone High School has been named by Newsweek Magazine as one of America’s Best High Schools” every year over the past five years. Last year’s graduates received in excess of $4-million in college scholarships.
Firestone High School is located at 333 Rampart Avenue, Akron, 44313. Call 330-873-3315 for additional information.
The staff and students of Firestone High School will hold an open house for prospective students and their families from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2009. Students in grades six through eight and their families are welcome to visit the school during this open house. Faculty and staff will be present to answer questions about the school and its many programs. This event had previously been scheduled for an earlier date.
Firestone High School’s open house will include tours of the building and specific information regarding the many special programs and activities such as 13 Advanced Placement courses and an outstanding International Baccalaureate program, as well as Information Technology and Project Lead the Way (engineering). The open house will also include informal performances by the various performing arts programs available on this campus for the Visual and Performing Arts. The programs include Choral Music, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theatre, and Visual Art. Firestone High School also offers a wide variety of academic clubs and 20 varsity sports.
Prospective students and their families will be given insight to a school that provides an excellent public education at no cost or tuition free. The school has been rated “excellent” by the State of Ohio for five consecutive years. Firestone High School has been named by Newsweek Magazine as one of America’s Best High Schools” every year over the past five years. Last year’s graduates received in excess of $4-million in college scholarships.
Firestone High School is located at 333 Rampart Avenue, Akron, 44313. Call 330-873-3315 for additional information.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
How do you learn all those lines?
If you have ever been to a theatre talk-back, you have heard this question before. Apparently, the answer is sometimes you don't. The NY Times ran an article in today's edition on that very subject. Read it here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/theater/29actors.html
Line memorization is a real problem for me as a director. We call it mule work because it is something that just has to be done. I remind student actors over and over again that memorization has to happen before the real work of a rehearsal process can get started. Some students learn their lines right away and others wait and wait. It's really not fair to the show or to the other actors to struggle with lines until the final moments of dress rehearsals. I know that there have been several shows under my direction that have suffered a great deal because of poor line memorization.
I myself am not immune to this criticism. I must admist that as an occassional actor I have had my share of problems with line memorization. It is one of the reasons I act so infrequently . . . and also why I usually am mostly interested in smaller onstage roles.
I certainly understand Angela Landsbury using an earpiece to get a few line prompts at her age. I saw her recent Broadway production of BLITHE SPIRIT from the front row and did not notice an ear piece on her. However, I did notice a place where I thought she might have gone up on her lines but my perception was that her fellow actors picked them up for her. It did not alter my enjoyment of the show or of her outstanding performance.
I would have been greatly disappointed to see one of the other, much younger, performers wearing an earpiece or receiving prompts from the front row (as is discussed in the NY Times article).
I have never dismissed an actor for not learning their lines but I have considered it. I can't imagine offering a student actor an earpiece or an offstage prompter but I guess all things are possible. If Broadway actors such as Matthew Broderick require a prompter, it might not be long before we all ask for one.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/theater/29actors.html
Line memorization is a real problem for me as a director. We call it mule work because it is something that just has to be done. I remind student actors over and over again that memorization has to happen before the real work of a rehearsal process can get started. Some students learn their lines right away and others wait and wait. It's really not fair to the show or to the other actors to struggle with lines until the final moments of dress rehearsals. I know that there have been several shows under my direction that have suffered a great deal because of poor line memorization.
I myself am not immune to this criticism. I must admist that as an occassional actor I have had my share of problems with line memorization. It is one of the reasons I act so infrequently . . . and also why I usually am mostly interested in smaller onstage roles.
I certainly understand Angela Landsbury using an earpiece to get a few line prompts at her age. I saw her recent Broadway production of BLITHE SPIRIT from the front row and did not notice an ear piece on her. However, I did notice a place where I thought she might have gone up on her lines but my perception was that her fellow actors picked them up for her. It did not alter my enjoyment of the show or of her outstanding performance.
I would have been greatly disappointed to see one of the other, much younger, performers wearing an earpiece or receiving prompts from the front row (as is discussed in the NY Times article).
I have never dismissed an actor for not learning their lines but I have considered it. I can't imagine offering a student actor an earpiece or an offstage prompter but I guess all things are possible. If Broadway actors such as Matthew Broderick require a prompter, it might not be long before we all ask for one.
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