One show is put to bed as others are just waking from a long slumber.
Our successful production of THE PIANO LESSON closed last night in front of an appreciative audience after a brief but satisfying three-night run. The cast and crew should be proud of the work they completed on this exciting piece of theatre. Our gurst director, Miss Jennifer Kay Jeter, is to commended for leading her charges on a challenging journey through this piece pf theatre.
Monday after school we hold auditions for two plays: DEAR GABBY: THE CONFESSIONS OF AN OVER-ACHIEVER and our main stage production of Shakespeare's THE LIFE OF KING HENRY THE FIFTH. Both plays should be an exciting experience for all involved.
As we take down the set and store the props, we will also be thinking about our next shows. Hopefully you are, too.
Check out the details on our newly designed website at http://www.firestonetheatre.com/
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
A fine cast lines up for THE PIANO LESSON
Here are the cast bios from our current show (and the director, too):
Sunetrius “Sunshine” Armstrong (Maretha) is a fifth grader at Miller South School of the Visual and Performing Arts and is excited to appear in her first play. She loves to swim, ride her bike, and play softball. Sunshine plays on the Diamond Dogs softball team and has enjoyed her time on the Firestone stage.
Jeremy Alexander Clarke (Avery) is a senior VPA Theatre student who is very excited to return to the FHS stage. He most recently appeared in the North Canton Playhouse production of The Wedding Singer and also appeared in our production of Sweeney Todd. Jeremy plans to study musical theatre in college. He thanks his mom, Lisa, Marci, Brenton, and his whole North Canton Playhouse family.
Shamara Costa (Berniece) is a senior VPA Theatre student who also sings in Symphonic Choir. She has appeared in our recent Summer Theatre Project, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, in addition to Firestone Theatre productions of Sweeney Todd, 1001 Afternoons in Chicago, and Noises Off.
LaSosha Rayshell Edwards (stage manager) is a senior VPA Theatre student who is currently the vice president fo the Thespian Troupe. She plans to pursue a medical degree in college.
Dred Geib (prop designer) is a junior VPA Technical Theatre student who has worked on many of our productions as well as productions with New World Performance Lab.
Kaylah Green (Grace) is a senior VPA Choral Music student who has previously appeared in our productions of Sweeney Todd and Crowns. She also sings in Women’s Chorus, Vocal Jazz, Madrigals, and Symphonic Choir. Kaylah is happy to return to the Firestone stage.
DeAndre Hairston (Lymon Jackson) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student appearing in his first Firestone Theatre production.
Greg Hill (Whining Boy) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student appearing in his third Firestone Theatre production. He appeared in last year’s Dear Gabby and 1001 Afternoons in Chicago.
Zoe Sapienza (assistant stage manager) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student. She recently served as the Stage Manager for the Summer Theatre Project, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Zoe has appeared onstage in Dear Gabby and The One-Act Play Festival. She appeared as Robin Starveling in Weathervane’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and as Kitty Bennet in Pride and Prejudice.
Stacee Starr (Doaker) is a senior VPA Visual Art appearing onstage in his first Firestone Theatre production. He has been on sound crew for our productions of 1001 Afternoons in Chicago and Sweeney Todd and aspires to be a theatrical set designer.
Denzel Washington (Boy Willie) is a senior VPA Theatre student who has appeared in many Firestone Theatre productions. He was seen in last year’s productions of Sweeney Todd and Noises Off. Denzel sings in the Madrigals and Symphonic Choir. Denzel is an active member of Firestone’s men’s Step Team.
Jennifer Kay Jeter (director) returns for her fifth stint directing at Firestone Theatre with August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson. She began her directorial work at the home of the Falcons in 2000 with The Amen Corner, followed by On Strivers Row in 2001, for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf… in 2005 and Crowns in 2007. Miss Jeter is a performance artist, director, writer and scenographer in Ohio. A native of Akron, she attended Central Hower High School, and went on to earn both her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Akron, concentrating on performance art. Her thesis entitled The Rites of Being: An Analytical Review of Performance Art as a Theatrical Form explored this experimental art form by documenting its history, its individualistic style, and how it is effected by and, in turn, affects society. Miss Jeter has worked in educational, community, and professional theatre. Miss Jeter’s intent as an artist is to research, document, and educate individuals regarding their economical, political, racial and cultural consciousness through art.
maz
Sunetrius “Sunshine” Armstrong (Maretha) is a fifth grader at Miller South School of the Visual and Performing Arts and is excited to appear in her first play. She loves to swim, ride her bike, and play softball. Sunshine plays on the Diamond Dogs softball team and has enjoyed her time on the Firestone stage.
Jeremy Alexander Clarke (Avery) is a senior VPA Theatre student who is very excited to return to the FHS stage. He most recently appeared in the North Canton Playhouse production of The Wedding Singer and also appeared in our production of Sweeney Todd. Jeremy plans to study musical theatre in college. He thanks his mom, Lisa, Marci, Brenton, and his whole North Canton Playhouse family.
Shamara Costa (Berniece) is a senior VPA Theatre student who also sings in Symphonic Choir. She has appeared in our recent Summer Theatre Project, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, in addition to Firestone Theatre productions of Sweeney Todd, 1001 Afternoons in Chicago, and Noises Off.
LaSosha Rayshell Edwards (stage manager) is a senior VPA Theatre student who is currently the vice president fo the Thespian Troupe. She plans to pursue a medical degree in college.
Dred Geib (prop designer) is a junior VPA Technical Theatre student who has worked on many of our productions as well as productions with New World Performance Lab.
Kaylah Green (Grace) is a senior VPA Choral Music student who has previously appeared in our productions of Sweeney Todd and Crowns. She also sings in Women’s Chorus, Vocal Jazz, Madrigals, and Symphonic Choir. Kaylah is happy to return to the Firestone stage.
DeAndre Hairston (Lymon Jackson) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student appearing in his first Firestone Theatre production.
Greg Hill (Whining Boy) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student appearing in his third Firestone Theatre production. He appeared in last year’s Dear Gabby and 1001 Afternoons in Chicago.
Zoe Sapienza (assistant stage manager) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student. She recently served as the Stage Manager for the Summer Theatre Project, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Zoe has appeared onstage in Dear Gabby and The One-Act Play Festival. She appeared as Robin Starveling in Weathervane’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and as Kitty Bennet in Pride and Prejudice.
Stacee Starr (Doaker) is a senior VPA Visual Art appearing onstage in his first Firestone Theatre production. He has been on sound crew for our productions of 1001 Afternoons in Chicago and Sweeney Todd and aspires to be a theatrical set designer.
Denzel Washington (Boy Willie) is a senior VPA Theatre student who has appeared in many Firestone Theatre productions. He was seen in last year’s productions of Sweeney Todd and Noises Off. Denzel sings in the Madrigals and Symphonic Choir. Denzel is an active member of Firestone’s men’s Step Team.
Jennifer Kay Jeter (director) returns for her fifth stint directing at Firestone Theatre with August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson. She began her directorial work at the home of the Falcons in 2000 with The Amen Corner, followed by On Strivers Row in 2001, for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf… in 2005 and Crowns in 2007. Miss Jeter is a performance artist, director, writer and scenographer in Ohio. A native of Akron, she attended Central Hower High School, and went on to earn both her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Akron, concentrating on performance art. Her thesis entitled The Rites of Being: An Analytical Review of Performance Art as a Theatrical Form explored this experimental art form by documenting its history, its individualistic style, and how it is effected by and, in turn, affects society. Miss Jeter has worked in educational, community, and professional theatre. Miss Jeter’s intent as an artist is to research, document, and educate individuals regarding their economical, political, racial and cultural consciousness through art.
maz
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Get Your Notes from the Director
Courtesy of Miss Jennifer Kay Jeter, guest director:
The value of August Wilson’s THE PIANO LESSON as a teaching tool is unparalleled. Wilson is known for his careful dialogue structure. What may seem like random conversation at first read is actually brilliant construction that mimics the functional dysfunction within this particular group of characters.
Wilson allows the audience to peek at a segment of African Americans in the 1930s in Pittsburgh. Far enough North of the Mason Dixon line to escape the pressure of Jim Crow but never far enough away to escape their personal family history built from slavery, poverty and deceit.
Most importantly, in THE PIANO LESSON, Wilson writes about the importance of legacy. Like each of the eight characters that you will meet this evening, you have been gifted remnants from your predecessors’ lives and will in turn leave your own mark for future generations. What is your responsibility if any to future generations? There is no right or wrong answer. It is simply your story to tell.
FROM ME:
You have three chances to see this fantastic show. Tickets are available at the door.
Look to http://www.firestonetheatre.com/ for details.
maz
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Theatre is Hard
Theatre is hard work.
It’s true. Anyone who has done it for very long knows it’s true. But sometimes I tire easily of the discussion. We know how hard making theatre is so I try not to talk about it too much.
But, here we are on the first day of the fourth week of school. We are most of the way through the second dress rehearsal for a show that will be done before we record our first interim reports. I am not going to tell you how hard it is . . . but I will indulge in a brief discussion about how fast all this has been.
We have never put a show as early in the year as we are putting up THE PIANO LESSON and it has posed numerous problems that have had to be solved in a timely fashion. The set has to go up fast, the actors have to learn their lines fast, and the posters have to be made and put up fast. The props have to be collected fast, the lights have to be hung and focused early, and the sound cues have to be recorded fast.
It’s all the same amount of work but it just has to be done faster.
In a few days it is up to you to buy your tickets and enjoy this fantastic production of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama. We may have done this show fast but the kids have worked hard and deserve a good audience.
Make plans to see THE PIANO LESSON on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Check out the details at www.FirestoneTheatre.com if you need to know more.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
There is HAIRSPRAY, yes, but So Much More, too
I have never seen anything like it.
The recent announcement that we had picked up the rights to the outstandingly popular HAIRSPRAY has illicited more excitement than I would have thought possible. In fact, the initial response to one of my classes prompted so much celebration and unadulterated joy that one administrator immediately rushed into the room to find out what the commotion was about.
It was a moment of spontaneity and freedom that everyone should experience regularly.
Everyone seems to be talking about HAIRSPRAY in the halls and in class. People are making plans for auditions. Others are talking about how much scenery the show might require. Others are already imagining the costumes or the new confetti cannons.
Even though I, myself, get caught up in the excitement, I must remind myself and others that there is a lot of ground to cover between now and then. We have a full season of theatre to produce and HAIRSPRAY is the final float in the parade.
Just take a look:
THE PIANO LESSON is in dress rehearsals right now.
Auditions for HENRY V and DEAR GABBY: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever are next week.
Rehearsals for SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK LIVE begin next Tuesday.
Some people are looking forward to the ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL in January.
Others are looking to make their mark in the ALL-SCHOOL TALENT SHOW also in January.
DEAR GABBY is set to make its single public performance at the Civic Theatre in February.
Official plans need to be made for our very first STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL.
Finally, there are plenty of THESPIAN activities to undertake including three conferences, several social activities, and a field trip to the Great Lakes Theatre Festival.
All of this happens or must be planned before HAIRSPRAY hits the boards. I think the excitement will be tempered somewhat as we move through all of these activities. But it will not be long before auditions come around and things will start to get really crazy.
Help me out. Buy a subscription to this fantastic season including what is sure to be a fantastic production of HAIRSPRAY. Our imminent production of August Wilson's THE PIANO LESSON is going to be good, too, and deserves to have a good audience . . . even if most of the audience is really looking forward to HAIRSPRAY.
The subscription order form can be found on the "download" page of our newly designed website.
Look for it at www.FirestoneTheatre.com.
maz
The recent announcement that we had picked up the rights to the outstandingly popular HAIRSPRAY has illicited more excitement than I would have thought possible. In fact, the initial response to one of my classes prompted so much celebration and unadulterated joy that one administrator immediately rushed into the room to find out what the commotion was about.
It was a moment of spontaneity and freedom that everyone should experience regularly.
Everyone seems to be talking about HAIRSPRAY in the halls and in class. People are making plans for auditions. Others are talking about how much scenery the show might require. Others are already imagining the costumes or the new confetti cannons.
Even though I, myself, get caught up in the excitement, I must remind myself and others that there is a lot of ground to cover between now and then. We have a full season of theatre to produce and HAIRSPRAY is the final float in the parade.
Just take a look:
THE PIANO LESSON is in dress rehearsals right now.
Auditions for HENRY V and DEAR GABBY: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever are next week.
Rehearsals for SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK LIVE begin next Tuesday.
Some people are looking forward to the ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL in January.
Others are looking to make their mark in the ALL-SCHOOL TALENT SHOW also in January.
DEAR GABBY is set to make its single public performance at the Civic Theatre in February.
Official plans need to be made for our very first STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL.
Finally, there are plenty of THESPIAN activities to undertake including three conferences, several social activities, and a field trip to the Great Lakes Theatre Festival.
All of this happens or must be planned before HAIRSPRAY hits the boards. I think the excitement will be tempered somewhat as we move through all of these activities. But it will not be long before auditions come around and things will start to get really crazy.
Help me out. Buy a subscription to this fantastic season including what is sure to be a fantastic production of HAIRSPRAY. Our imminent production of August Wilson's THE PIANO LESSON is going to be good, too, and deserves to have a good audience . . . even if most of the audience is really looking forward to HAIRSPRAY.
The subscription order form can be found on the "download" page of our newly designed website.
Look for it at www.FirestoneTheatre.com.
maz
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Even More Change than We Thought
On Friday I signed the performance contract that will allow Firestone Theatre to present HAIRSPRAY as our musical in March.
We are no longer presenting THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and instead are set to present the very popular show that just recently became available for amateur performances.
The reason for this change is both simple and complicated. I have been trying to secure the rights to HAIRSPRAY for three years. My repeated requests have been answered with e-mails from increasingly important people in the offices of MTI, the company that licenses the show.
In April, we were told the show was finally available and for a brief, shining moment we thought we could add it to the 2010-2011 season. However, it was not too long before I was told that a "professional" theatre in our area had locked up the exclusive rights and that HAIRSPRAY unfortunately would not be available to us this year.
We took a deep breathe and retreated to the shows that remained on our list. THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE was selected with respect for its pedigree and its potential to be a fantastic show for us.
But, wonders of wonders, on Friday I received a call from our MTI rep saying that their had been a "change" and that HAIRSPRAY would be available for us in March after all. I considered it for a few minutes, looked over the contract, and of course signed it. It's done. We are a HAIRSPRAY school in March, 2011!
The MTI site lists theatres that have active contracts for each of their shows. I looked through that list for HAISPRAY and saw just one other Ohio school that is set to present the show. We are not there yet, but we will be before too long. Check it out for yourself.
Buy your subscription. They are just $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for students. A form can be downloaded at website at http://www.firestonetheatre.com/
We are no longer presenting THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and instead are set to present the very popular show that just recently became available for amateur performances.
The reason for this change is both simple and complicated. I have been trying to secure the rights to HAIRSPRAY for three years. My repeated requests have been answered with e-mails from increasingly important people in the offices of MTI, the company that licenses the show.
In April, we were told the show was finally available and for a brief, shining moment we thought we could add it to the 2010-2011 season. However, it was not too long before I was told that a "professional" theatre in our area had locked up the exclusive rights and that HAIRSPRAY unfortunately would not be available to us this year.
We took a deep breathe and retreated to the shows that remained on our list. THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE was selected with respect for its pedigree and its potential to be a fantastic show for us.
But, wonders of wonders, on Friday I received a call from our MTI rep saying that their had been a "change" and that HAIRSPRAY would be available for us in March after all. I considered it for a few minutes, looked over the contract, and of course signed it. It's done. We are a HAIRSPRAY school in March, 2011!
The MTI site lists theatres that have active contracts for each of their shows. I looked through that list for HAISPRAY and saw just one other Ohio school that is set to present the show. We are not there yet, but we will be before too long. Check it out for yourself.
Buy your subscription. They are just $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for students. A form can be downloaded at website at http://www.firestonetheatre.com/
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Fall is a Season of Change . . . even for our little theatre
Firestone Theatre presents a full season of plays and musicals every school year. Each season is filled with theatre that is challenging to both our audience and students. All theatre lovers can see our entire season at a bargain price by taking advantage of our season subscription.
This year’s season kicks off with August Wilson’s classic play, The Piano Lesson, on September 22, 23, 24, and 25. In this play, a rich family history with origins in slavery is carved into the wood of the piano that could be Boy Willie’s ticket to self-sufficiency or Berniece’s legacy to her daughter. The Piano Lesson is the story of two siblings’ struggle to come to terms with their inheritance and the ghosts of their dead.
The action and poetry of William Shakespeare takes the stage with The History of Henry the Fifth on November 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2010. Young and brash King Henry V of England takes his nation to war with France. As he leads his troops into combat and experiences the true costs of war firsthand, Henry discovers that the challenges of leadership are greater than he ever imagined.
This year’s musical is the fantastically entertaining Thoroughly Modern Millie to be presented March 2, 3, 4, and 5, 2011. Taking place in New York City in 1922, Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. This musical features new music by Jeanine Tesori and new lyrics by Dick Scanlon. It also features a book by Richard Morris and Scanlon.
The season also includes the annual One-Act Play Festival to be held on Thursday, January 6, 2011.
The Annual Spring Dance Concert under the direction of FHS dance director Kelly Berick will be held April 8 and 9, 2011.
The Akron High School Film Festival is also included as part of the season on Friday, March 18, 2011
A season subscription is available to students for just $20.00 and to adults for $25.00. Look for complete information on the newly designed website at www.FirestoneTheatre.com.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
There are Many Lessons to Be Learned
Everybody learns something in this lesson. August Wilson’s play The Piano Lesson takes the stage for three performances this month at Firestone High School.
Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 23; Friday, September 24; and Saturday, September 25, 2010.
Tickets for The Piano Lesson will be available at the door on the night of each performance for $7.00.
Advanced tickets are an entertainment bargain as they cost just $5.00. All advanced tickets are available in the school’s commons from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. starting no later than Monday, September 22, 2010.
Advanced order forms for The Piano Lesson can be downloaded at www.FirestoneTheatre.com.
Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 23; Friday, September 24; and Saturday, September 25, 2010.
Tickets for The Piano Lesson will be available at the door on the night of each performance for $7.00.
Advanced tickets are an entertainment bargain as they cost just $5.00. All advanced tickets are available in the school’s commons from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. starting no later than Monday, September 22, 2010.
Advanced order forms for The Piano Lesson can be downloaded at www.FirestoneTheatre.com.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
New Plans and New Designs
Firestone Theatre is set to open in its new season on Thursday, September 23, 2010, with an outstanding production of August Wilson's play THE PIANO LESSON.
This fantastic play is under the direction of guest artist Jennifer Kay Jeter and features some of the finest actors available in the award-winning performing arts program at Firestone High School. Performances of THE PIANO LESSON are set for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 23; Friday, September 24; and Saturday, September 25, 2010.
Tickets will be available at the door on the night of performance for 7:00 p.m. Advanced tickets are just $5.00!
Deatils for this production and the rest of the season are available on the newly designed website found at http://www.firestonetheatre.com/.
Firestone High School is located at 333 Rampart Avenue, Akron, 44313. Call the theatre office at 330-873-3408 for additional information.
This fantastic play is under the direction of guest artist Jennifer Kay Jeter and features some of the finest actors available in the award-winning performing arts program at Firestone High School. Performances of THE PIANO LESSON are set for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 23; Friday, September 24; and Saturday, September 25, 2010.
Tickets will be available at the door on the night of performance for 7:00 p.m. Advanced tickets are just $5.00!
Deatils for this production and the rest of the season are available on the newly designed website found at http://www.firestonetheatre.com/.
Firestone High School is located at 333 Rampart Avenue, Akron, 44313. Call the theatre office at 330-873-3408 for additional information.
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