Thoughts on the Akron Summer Theatre Project, i.e. what did we learn?
It can be done. We now know that we can present theatre in the summer (and in the LIA) and that people will come to see it. We now have a foundation on which future work can be built.
Students benefit from the opporunity to participate. Several of the students involved in the process appeared on our stage (or backstage) for the very first time or in a major part for the first time. Most of our students made giant leaps forward in their understanding of the creative process. There was simply a lot of leaning involved in the Akron Summer Theatre Project.
Rough theatre can be exciting. It was fun to carve a theatre out of an empty room. Figuring out the stage, sound, and lights adds a level of creativity not generally available in a more typical theatre environment.
We can't do it alone. Good theatre is always a collaborative art form and those collaborators are more important when you are doing something totally It was a joy to work togther with colleagues such as Barbara Bellamy, Scot Sexton, and Rachel Galambos. Welcoming alumni such as Trishah Snowden and Stephen Carder back to our stage was a thrill. Working with new folks such as Alan Higbee, Marc Dusini, and Mathew Gilbert opens a door through which many good things may enter as time moved on. Each of these folks brought something to our process that made us all better artists.
Further, many others took on tasks and provided spiritual support to help produce and promote the show. While it would be nearly impossible to name each one of them, they should not go unrecognized.
We welcome support from other community organizations. We rehearsed at venues as varied as the NW Akron Family Recreation Center, the First Baptist Church of Akron, and Weathervane Community Playhouse. We have had a relationship with each of these organizations for years but their support helped to legitimize their commitment to educational theatre. We are stronger because they are in our neighborhood.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Five for Five
Last night we closed the first Akron Summer Theatre Project as our production of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE completed its run of five public performances.
This project was conceived as a way to extend the classroom and provide a platform for learning in a way not typically possible during the school year. The Akron Summer Theatre Project is intended to provide students the opportunity to work side-by-side with talented alumni and experienced members of the theatre community on a production that we would not typically present as part of the Firestone Theatre season. In this way, the project clearly was a smashing success. Most of the students involved in the project made giant leaps forward in their performance and theatrical experience.
In THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, our students were able to work on an excellent modern musical that is simply too small to be presented successfully in our barn of a theatre. The LIA was an inspired venue choice with its functional air conditioning and cabaret-style proximity of performer and audience. It seats around 100 people which seems to be just about the perfect size for what we are doing. We were able to transform a large classroom into a theatre space that benefitted both the audience and the performance. Many member so the audience expressed their satisfaction with the space and told me that it was a good idea to use the LIA as a theatre.
It would not have been possible, of course, without the support of some very talented people who have donated their time and talent to the project. I had the pleasure of working with a fine group of people who were there to have fun and to work hard. Roles onstage and offstage were filled with talented, dedicated artists who took the project seriously like the professionals they truly are or aspire to be. Many thanks to each of them who signed on for the grand experiment and made magic happen with sticks and string. Thanks, too, to the students who jumped into this pool with both feet and never looked back. The show was well attended by patrons who enjoyed the enthusiasm of our cast and crew. Many expressed their admiration for the project.
I think we all have hopes that this is just the start of something that might have a long, successful life. When it does, we can each say we were there at the beginning.
This project was conceived as a way to extend the classroom and provide a platform for learning in a way not typically possible during the school year. The Akron Summer Theatre Project is intended to provide students the opportunity to work side-by-side with talented alumni and experienced members of the theatre community on a production that we would not typically present as part of the Firestone Theatre season. In this way, the project clearly was a smashing success. Most of the students involved in the project made giant leaps forward in their performance and theatrical experience.
In THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, our students were able to work on an excellent modern musical that is simply too small to be presented successfully in our barn of a theatre. The LIA was an inspired venue choice with its functional air conditioning and cabaret-style proximity of performer and audience. It seats around 100 people which seems to be just about the perfect size for what we are doing. We were able to transform a large classroom into a theatre space that benefitted both the audience and the performance. Many member so the audience expressed their satisfaction with the space and told me that it was a good idea to use the LIA as a theatre.
It would not have been possible, of course, without the support of some very talented people who have donated their time and talent to the project. I had the pleasure of working with a fine group of people who were there to have fun and to work hard. Roles onstage and offstage were filled with talented, dedicated artists who took the project seriously like the professionals they truly are or aspire to be. Many thanks to each of them who signed on for the grand experiment and made magic happen with sticks and string. Thanks, too, to the students who jumped into this pool with both feet and never looked back. The show was well attended by patrons who enjoyed the enthusiasm of our cast and crew. Many expressed their admiration for the project.
I think we all have hopes that this is just the start of something that might have a long, successful life. When it does, we can each say we were there at the beginning.
Friday, July 9, 2010
An outstanding SPELLING BEE company
Here are the bios for our cast and crew of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. As I type this, there are just three performances remaining: Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets remain at the door for each.
Jon Bozeka (William Barfee) is a junior VPA Vocal Music student appearing in his sixth FHS production. He also sings with the Madrigals, Vocal Jazz, Symphonic Chior, and Mens Chorus. Jon has taken both voice and piano lessons from Sandra Schlub. He has enjoyed participating in the Akron Summer Theatre Project.
Shamara Costa (Olive Ostrovsky) is a senior VPA Theatre student appearing in her fourth FHS production. She was most recently seen as Mrs. Lovett in our production of Sweeney Todd. Shamara loves the stage and intends to attend college and pursue a career in musical theatre. She is pleased to have devoted a portion of her summer to this production.
Morgan Csejtey (assistant stage manager) is an eighth grade drama student at Miller South School for the Arts. She has been involved with theatre since she was seven and has loved every moment. Morgan has enjoyed working on Spelling Bee very much and looks forward to many more experiences with the Akron Summer Theatre Project.
Zoe Dong (Marcy Park) is a sophomore VPA Visual Art student appearing in her first FHS production. She studies at the Dance Institute on the campus of the Univeristy of Akron. Zoe has had lots of fun here with the awesome cast and crew of Putnam.
Marc Dusini (Douglas Panch) has appeared in many community theatre productions in Summit, Medina, and Cuyahoga counties. This is his first time with Firestone Theatre and it has been a wonderful experience. He currently serves on the board of The Western Reserve Playhouse in Bath Township.
Caeli Droge (Marcy Park) is a senior VPA Theatre student appearing in her third Firestone Theatre production. She previously appeared in Stage Door and The Producers. Caeli sings in the Symphonic Choir and plays violin. She is an active member of the Venturing Crew.
Matt Gilbert is a senior at Berea High School. He has appeared in productions of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Music Man, Little Shop of Horrors, and Alice in Wonderland. Matt thanks the Firestone Theatre community for welcoming him with open arms.
Hayley Hineline (Logainne Schwartzandgruenierre) is a senior VPA Theatre student and is the secretary of the Thespian Troupe. This is her 6th Firestone production. Hayley has performed in over a dozen shows in NE Ohio including Annie, The Wizard of Oz, and Twas the Night at Carousel Dinner Theatre. Hayley enjoys dancing, singing, and being with her friends!
Spencer Lightfoot (Leaf Coneybear) is a senior IB student appearing in his third FHS production. He sings with the Mens Chorus and Symphonic Choir. Spencer is a member of the diving team as well as the golf team.
Imokhai Okolo (lights) is an 11th grade IB student working on his fourth FHS production. He enjoys working on lights and loves working on all types of shows. Imokhai also participates with Mock Trial and Student Council. He aspires to be a lawyer.
Zoe Sapienza (stage manager) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student working on her third FHS production. She appeared onstage in Dear Gabby and the annual One-Act Play Festival as well as serving as the assistant stage manager fo the Spring Dance Concert. Zoe has appeared in Weathervane Playhouse productions of Pride and Prejudice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Trishah (Scalera) Snowden (Rona Lisa Pereeti) is a Firestone High School alum, received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Ed. from Ashland University. She now teaches general music, choir, and musical theatre for Nordonia Hills City Schools. Trishah has performed for several professional and community theatres in the area including Magical Theatre Company, the former Carousel Dinner Theatre, South Bend Civic Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, CAMEO, and Canton Players Guild. Favorite roles include Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Clair in Proof. Trishah thanks her family, especially her husband, Greg (also a FHS alum), for their support today and every day.
Scot M. Sexton (drums) is an alumnus of Firestone High School. He is happy to be a part of this production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Scot has recently relocated back to Ohio after living in NYC, and Seattle, WA. He would like to thank his wife Rayann for all her love and support.
Mark A. Zimmerman (Director) is a director and award-winning lighting designer with over 70 plays and musicals to his credit. His directing credits include productions at the Stow Players (Greetings!), the Western Reserve Playhouse (The Andrews Brothers, Rumors, Once Upon a Mattress), Weathervane Playhouse (The Crucible, The Philadelphia Story, Oliver!, among others), Coach House Theatre (Collected Stories), Cleveland Public Theatre (Eve Ensler’s Lemonade), the University of Akron (Into the Woods, Talk Radio), among others. He is married to Elynmarie Kazle and is helping her raise their 15-year-old, Banno Rothman.
Barbara Bellamy (music director) has served as Director of Vocal Music and Theater at Akron’s Kenmore High School since 1994. Prior to having a "real job," she performed as a solo singer/pianist in Melbourne, Australia, and around NE Ohio. She was an Artist in Residence with the Ohio Arts Council. She has acted and directed for community theaters in Hudson, Aurora, and Streetsboro. She is the proud mother of three grown children. She served her time as a "Spelling Bee Mom" in 1990 when her oldest son Al was ONE WORD AWAY from going to Washington DC. Thanks to Mark for inviting me to join this amazing team!
Rachel Galambos (choreographer) is a recent Ashland University theatre education graduate. She completed her student teaching at FHS and is the proud owner of a Drama /Theatre Teaching License. Rachel provided the choreography for our recent production of Sweeney Todd. Rachel has been a performer and choreographer for many theatres in the area. She currently teaches several acting classes at Weathervane Community Playhouse.
Alan J. Higbee (rehearsal accompanist / piano) has accompanied Seussical the Musical for West Geauga Middle School, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown for Beaumont High School, Into the Woods for Independence High School and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum for the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild. He has also accompanied choral, vocal and instrumental recitals for many years in the Cleveland area, as well as playing keyboard for stage productions at Shore Cultural Center, Near West Theater, and several shows at Beachwood Community Theater. This past May he was the music director for 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Gilmour Academy. Mr. Higbee has been a professional organist for twenty-five years and currently plays at Ascension Lutheran Church in North Olmsted.
Elynmarie Kazle (stage management mentor) was elected an Honorary Firestone Thespian in 2007. She has trained and mentored our stage managers for many years and often has conducted stage management workshops for various Thespian conferences and around the country. Kazle is a Fellow of the United States Institute of Technology (USITT) and has worked as a stage manager and/or producer at theatres in New York, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles, with artists such as Mikhail Baryshinikov, Viggo Mortenson, Christopher Walken, and Tommy Tune, among others. She has directed three productions of Dear Gabby: the Confessions of an Under-Achiever for Firestone Theatre.
Jon Bozeka (William Barfee) is a junior VPA Vocal Music student appearing in his sixth FHS production. He also sings with the Madrigals, Vocal Jazz, Symphonic Chior, and Mens Chorus. Jon has taken both voice and piano lessons from Sandra Schlub. He has enjoyed participating in the Akron Summer Theatre Project.
Shamara Costa (Olive Ostrovsky) is a senior VPA Theatre student appearing in her fourth FHS production. She was most recently seen as Mrs. Lovett in our production of Sweeney Todd. Shamara loves the stage and intends to attend college and pursue a career in musical theatre. She is pleased to have devoted a portion of her summer to this production.
Morgan Csejtey (assistant stage manager) is an eighth grade drama student at Miller South School for the Arts. She has been involved with theatre since she was seven and has loved every moment. Morgan has enjoyed working on Spelling Bee very much and looks forward to many more experiences with the Akron Summer Theatre Project.
Zoe Dong (Marcy Park) is a sophomore VPA Visual Art student appearing in her first FHS production. She studies at the Dance Institute on the campus of the Univeristy of Akron. Zoe has had lots of fun here with the awesome cast and crew of Putnam.
Marc Dusini (Douglas Panch) has appeared in many community theatre productions in Summit, Medina, and Cuyahoga counties. This is his first time with Firestone Theatre and it has been a wonderful experience. He currently serves on the board of The Western Reserve Playhouse in Bath Township.
Caeli Droge (Marcy Park) is a senior VPA Theatre student appearing in her third Firestone Theatre production. She previously appeared in Stage Door and The Producers. Caeli sings in the Symphonic Choir and plays violin. She is an active member of the Venturing Crew.
Matt Gilbert is a senior at Berea High School. He has appeared in productions of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Music Man, Little Shop of Horrors, and Alice in Wonderland. Matt thanks the Firestone Theatre community for welcoming him with open arms.
Hayley Hineline (Logainne Schwartzandgruenierre) is a senior VPA Theatre student and is the secretary of the Thespian Troupe. This is her 6th Firestone production. Hayley has performed in over a dozen shows in NE Ohio including Annie, The Wizard of Oz, and Twas the Night at Carousel Dinner Theatre. Hayley enjoys dancing, singing, and being with her friends!
Spencer Lightfoot (Leaf Coneybear) is a senior IB student appearing in his third FHS production. He sings with the Mens Chorus and Symphonic Choir. Spencer is a member of the diving team as well as the golf team.
Imokhai Okolo (lights) is an 11th grade IB student working on his fourth FHS production. He enjoys working on lights and loves working on all types of shows. Imokhai also participates with Mock Trial and Student Council. He aspires to be a lawyer.
Zoe Sapienza (stage manager) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student working on her third FHS production. She appeared onstage in Dear Gabby and the annual One-Act Play Festival as well as serving as the assistant stage manager fo the Spring Dance Concert. Zoe has appeared in Weathervane Playhouse productions of Pride and Prejudice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Trishah (Scalera) Snowden (Rona Lisa Pereeti) is a Firestone High School alum, received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Ed. from Ashland University. She now teaches general music, choir, and musical theatre for Nordonia Hills City Schools. Trishah has performed for several professional and community theatres in the area including Magical Theatre Company, the former Carousel Dinner Theatre, South Bend Civic Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, CAMEO, and Canton Players Guild. Favorite roles include Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Clair in Proof. Trishah thanks her family, especially her husband, Greg (also a FHS alum), for their support today and every day.
Scot M. Sexton (drums) is an alumnus of Firestone High School. He is happy to be a part of this production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Scot has recently relocated back to Ohio after living in NYC, and Seattle, WA. He would like to thank his wife Rayann for all her love and support.
Mark A. Zimmerman (Director) is a director and award-winning lighting designer with over 70 plays and musicals to his credit. His directing credits include productions at the Stow Players (Greetings!), the Western Reserve Playhouse (The Andrews Brothers, Rumors, Once Upon a Mattress), Weathervane Playhouse (The Crucible, The Philadelphia Story, Oliver!, among others), Coach House Theatre (Collected Stories), Cleveland Public Theatre (Eve Ensler’s Lemonade), the University of Akron (Into the Woods, Talk Radio), among others. He is married to Elynmarie Kazle and is helping her raise their 15-year-old, Banno Rothman.
Barbara Bellamy (music director) has served as Director of Vocal Music and Theater at Akron’s Kenmore High School since 1994. Prior to having a "real job," she performed as a solo singer/pianist in Melbourne, Australia, and around NE Ohio. She was an Artist in Residence with the Ohio Arts Council. She has acted and directed for community theaters in Hudson, Aurora, and Streetsboro. She is the proud mother of three grown children. She served her time as a "Spelling Bee Mom" in 1990 when her oldest son Al was ONE WORD AWAY from going to Washington DC. Thanks to Mark for inviting me to join this amazing team!
Rachel Galambos (choreographer) is a recent Ashland University theatre education graduate. She completed her student teaching at FHS and is the proud owner of a Drama /Theatre Teaching License. Rachel provided the choreography for our recent production of Sweeney Todd. Rachel has been a performer and choreographer for many theatres in the area. She currently teaches several acting classes at Weathervane Community Playhouse.
Alan J. Higbee (rehearsal accompanist / piano) has accompanied Seussical the Musical for West Geauga Middle School, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown for Beaumont High School, Into the Woods for Independence High School and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum for the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild. He has also accompanied choral, vocal and instrumental recitals for many years in the Cleveland area, as well as playing keyboard for stage productions at Shore Cultural Center, Near West Theater, and several shows at Beachwood Community Theater. This past May he was the music director for 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Gilmour Academy. Mr. Higbee has been a professional organist for twenty-five years and currently plays at Ascension Lutheran Church in North Olmsted.
Elynmarie Kazle (stage management mentor) was elected an Honorary Firestone Thespian in 2007. She has trained and mentored our stage managers for many years and often has conducted stage management workshops for various Thespian conferences and around the country. Kazle is a Fellow of the United States Institute of Technology (USITT) and has worked as a stage manager and/or producer at theatres in New York, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles, with artists such as Mikhail Baryshinikov, Viggo Mortenson, Christopher Walken, and Tommy Tune, among others. She has directed three productions of Dear Gabby: the Confessions of an Under-Achiever for Firestone Theatre.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
New Show, New Space
Last night we held our first rehearsal in our special performance space, known to those familiar with Firestone High School as the LIA, or large instruction area.
We have turned this space into our own “black box” theatre that will sit around 100 patrons. As we worked on the show in this space, it became apparent to all how close our show will be to its audience. This is an exciting way to present theatre. We think we will enjoy watching THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE in this fashion.
We have set up a small thrust stage around which an audience can sit on three sides. Each section has four rows. The furthest any audience member will sit from the stage is about 20 feet. In addition to proximity, the audience will enjoy more interaction with the performance than to what they might be accustomed in our 800-seat auditorium. The cast makes many entrances through the aisles and even uses some of the off-stage floor space as a dance area.
Three members of the audience will also find themselves on stage as part of the performance. It is a traditional part of the show that three volunteers from the audience become contestants in the spelling bee. Each volunteer will take a time or two at the microphone to spell words both common and obscure. This practice is popular with both audience and performers. It has been a standard part of the show since it first started to develop in workshop.
It is a little dangerous for the performers because you never know for sure what the audience volunteer will do once they get onstage. There are a few safeguards in place to make sure no volunteer hijacks the show. However, in the end, it is simply a matter of trust.
I think right now the actors are both scared and excited about the possibility of performing with three audience members who are simply being themselves. They are excited, too, because they think they have a really fun show to share with an audience. I am excited about that, too.
What we really need right now is you. Do you know what night you are seeing THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE?
maz
We have turned this space into our own “black box” theatre that will sit around 100 patrons. As we worked on the show in this space, it became apparent to all how close our show will be to its audience. This is an exciting way to present theatre. We think we will enjoy watching THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE in this fashion.
We have set up a small thrust stage around which an audience can sit on three sides. Each section has four rows. The furthest any audience member will sit from the stage is about 20 feet. In addition to proximity, the audience will enjoy more interaction with the performance than to what they might be accustomed in our 800-seat auditorium. The cast makes many entrances through the aisles and even uses some of the off-stage floor space as a dance area.
Three members of the audience will also find themselves on stage as part of the performance. It is a traditional part of the show that three volunteers from the audience become contestants in the spelling bee. Each volunteer will take a time or two at the microphone to spell words both common and obscure. This practice is popular with both audience and performers. It has been a standard part of the show since it first started to develop in workshop.
It is a little dangerous for the performers because you never know for sure what the audience volunteer will do once they get onstage. There are a few safeguards in place to make sure no volunteer hijacks the show. However, in the end, it is simply a matter of trust.
I think right now the actors are both scared and excited about the possibility of performing with three audience members who are simply being themselves. They are excited, too, because they think they have a really fun show to share with an audience. I am excited about that, too.
What we really need right now is you. Do you know what night you are seeing THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE?
maz
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