So, I'm in the T, Th, Sat. cast. Come check it out! It's a lot of fun. A little crazy... but a lot of fun. And you will leave the theatre singing the songs... over... and over... and over...
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
My Day
So yesterday was just a normal typical day.
It began by making my stage crew class make a rowboat. Well, finish a rowboat. A rowboat that doesn't look like a device of torture from the Middle Ages. Then it involved students edging a set with paint... then with me calling a former student (and amazing painter) to have him come help students make the edging look good.
I was then off to boil spaghetti for the school play. Up I went to the faculty room to boil water- and nearly burn the school down. I did not realize whoever had used the stove before me had made syrup- and it had spilled and collected under the burner. So I turned the entire faculty room into Texas BBQ joint- with the sweet, subtle taste of maple in the air. But the spaghetti was done and ready to be eaten cold by an actor in the play. Yum!
After using my body as a human fan to clear smoke (and miraculously not set off the fire alarm), I ran to get our head shot photographer situated. She was there to take pictures of students using them for college auditions. After situating her, I was off to Musical Theatre.
They had a test. Then I introduced their Spring musical, Rags. They seemed excited.
Then I pulled out my three kinds of stage blood- Scab, Thick and Runny. Time to give myself a vicious dog bite on the arm to demonstrate grossies and gories makeup unit for Theatre 3. So after applying putty on my arm, applying makeup (and all three bloods so they could see the difference) I was off to check on the photographer. She was good- and she said my dog bite looked great.
After eating my lunch (with my dog bite makeup arm extended in the air to dry) it was time for Theatre 3. In they came- as I was demonstrating putty application- the fire alarm goes off.
Outside we go- just happening to see our photographer standing outside with Santa Claus. A local guy plays Santa Claus at various functions around town and had come to get his head shot- and was in full costume as the fire alarm goes off.
After 10 minutes of standing in the snow, off we went to bloody ourselves in the theatre room. I took the best makeup designs- and, like the boy who cried wolf- put our acting skills to the test in the Main Office to make the secretaries panic. We got a vice principal really good (she put on gloves and everything to help a gruesome hand injury)- and she then proceeded to get a hall monitor really good with one of my other students with an awesome makeup foot injury. Most of the office now ignores me when I come in with an injury.
After wiping off my makeup, it was time for play practice (Scapino! Come see it. It should be funny in two weeks) where we practiced squishing ice cream on people's heads and hands to determine the correct consistency for the show.
Jackie drops the girls off with me so she can go to class at the U- then after play practice I record Suddenly Seymour on the piano for a student, grab the girls dinner at McDonalds and have my sister come and watch them while off I go to Chitty Chitty musical practice. I go to Hale, pretend to be a car owner (British), Turkey farmer (Cockney), Soldier and inventor (Vulgarian). Drive home very slowly in crazy fog- remember to eat dinner after practice (I thought the theatre was feeding us so I hadn't eaten anything since my lunch with a fake dog bite on my arm) and fall asleep.
It began by making my stage crew class make a rowboat. Well, finish a rowboat. A rowboat that doesn't look like a device of torture from the Middle Ages. Then it involved students edging a set with paint... then with me calling a former student (and amazing painter) to have him come help students make the edging look good.
I was then off to boil spaghetti for the school play. Up I went to the faculty room to boil water- and nearly burn the school down. I did not realize whoever had used the stove before me had made syrup- and it had spilled and collected under the burner. So I turned the entire faculty room into Texas BBQ joint- with the sweet, subtle taste of maple in the air. But the spaghetti was done and ready to be eaten cold by an actor in the play. Yum!
After using my body as a human fan to clear smoke (and miraculously not set off the fire alarm), I ran to get our head shot photographer situated. She was there to take pictures of students using them for college auditions. After situating her, I was off to Musical Theatre.
They had a test. Then I introduced their Spring musical, Rags. They seemed excited.
Then I pulled out my three kinds of stage blood- Scab, Thick and Runny. Time to give myself a vicious dog bite on the arm to demonstrate grossies and gories makeup unit for Theatre 3. So after applying putty on my arm, applying makeup (and all three bloods so they could see the difference) I was off to check on the photographer. She was good- and she said my dog bite looked great.
After eating my lunch (with my dog bite makeup arm extended in the air to dry) it was time for Theatre 3. In they came- as I was demonstrating putty application- the fire alarm goes off.
Outside we go- just happening to see our photographer standing outside with Santa Claus. A local guy plays Santa Claus at various functions around town and had come to get his head shot- and was in full costume as the fire alarm goes off.
After 10 minutes of standing in the snow, off we went to bloody ourselves in the theatre room. I took the best makeup designs- and, like the boy who cried wolf- put our acting skills to the test in the Main Office to make the secretaries panic. We got a vice principal really good (she put on gloves and everything to help a gruesome hand injury)- and she then proceeded to get a hall monitor really good with one of my other students with an awesome makeup foot injury. Most of the office now ignores me when I come in with an injury.
After wiping off my makeup, it was time for play practice (Scapino! Come see it. It should be funny in two weeks) where we practiced squishing ice cream on people's heads and hands to determine the correct consistency for the show.
Jackie drops the girls off with me so she can go to class at the U- then after play practice I record Suddenly Seymour on the piano for a student, grab the girls dinner at McDonalds and have my sister come and watch them while off I go to Chitty Chitty musical practice. I go to Hale, pretend to be a car owner (British), Turkey farmer (Cockney), Soldier and inventor (Vulgarian). Drive home very slowly in crazy fog- remember to eat dinner after practice (I thought the theatre was feeding us so I hadn't eaten anything since my lunch with a fake dog bite on my arm) and fall asleep.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Glee: Fact or Fiction
I am attributing this blog directly to Sharon Wheatley's brilliant NYC based blog. Sharon is a Broadway actress who started a popular blog last winter entitled Smash: Fact or Fiction that went episode by episode explaining what was and wasn't accurate about bringing a show to Broadway. She blogs a lot about living and raising a family as an actress in NYC.
I decided as a high school Glee Club director (although I don't think any high school's in Utah have something officially called a "Glee Club". I call mine MDT- standing for Music, Dance, Theatre) I could comment on the accuracy of Glee (a show I know is meant for entertainment purposes and shouldn't be looked at that closely...but whatever).
But, since I watch Glee every week- sometimes I love it (the musical numbers mainly- and when it's funny) and sometimes its painful and preachy (especially when they add and drop characters at the drop of a hat) I thought I could comment.
So, since Glee started back up on Sept. 13th, I'll respond to the premiere as a high school musical theatre teacher.
Opening: In NYC. Rachel is in a dance class (at a conservatory in NYC). Her dance teacher is crazy-pants and mean. I'm going to assume this is both inaccurate and accurate. I've had crazy pants dance teachers in college- but never one that was blatantly mean just to be mean. I don't know if I've had one teaching while drunk (I'm assuming no since it was at BYU... but who knows...) but I think at least one student would complain to faculty- even if she can roll around on the floor while singing Jennifer Lopez.
Back in Ohio: The Glee club is popular at the high school. They are the coolest team in the school because they won nationals. I'm going to post this as inaccurate. I don't think my students are either popular or unpopular- they are normal, good kids. If we won nationals, it would matter a lot to the kids that performed, but it's not the end all be all. I think if you give the kids good skills, it definitely helps them with auditions for colleges and shows.
Student Sing-Off to choose the lead of the club- Not accurate- although it would be awesome if they came to me to tell me they were having one. All the kids in my MDT class sing 3 solos and the class votes to see who will solo for the show in January. No sing-offs- esp. accompanied by 42 strings on the stage and very dramatic lighting. Our lighting board basically blew up during college tour this morning. We're happy when it turns on let alone wasting it for auditions.
Glee kids hanging out with Jocks at Lunch and making fun of people: I sure hope that's not accurate (not the sitting with jocks- the making fun of people). My students all sit with different people- and I hope they don't make fun of anyone- they're usually to busy trying to get homework done for class. And it's amazing most people eat lunch outside in Ohio. That does not happen at our school.
Glee Auditions are backed by a full orchestra and an amazing pianist: Well, I play for their auditions... but no full orchestra. We also sit closer to the students (because I rarely see mics on Glee- and the backing tracks are loud. No high school voice could be heard over that music without a mic of some sort). However, I would do exactly what Will did if a student threw attitude because they got cut off at an audition. Not cast them (or talk to them right away).
Singing and Dancing during lunch: Accurate. Not that good (or choreographed), but the SBO's play loud music that no one can be heard over. And by dancing, I mean eating.
Students graduating coming back to eat lunch: Sadly yes. We call them Superseniors. I like students coming in to say hi- but I like it usually after school- not in the middle of a class period.
Singing Billy Joel will get you into the club: Ummm...if you have a voice like Marley did, yes, again and again...but she wouldn't get every solo...
But, since I watch Glee every week- sometimes I love it (the musical numbers mainly- and when it's funny) and sometimes its painful and preachy (especially when they add and drop characters at the drop of a hat) I thought I could comment.
So, since Glee started back up on Sept. 13th, I'll respond to the premiere as a high school musical theatre teacher.
Opening: In NYC. Rachel is in a dance class (at a conservatory in NYC). Her dance teacher is crazy-pants and mean. I'm going to assume this is both inaccurate and accurate. I've had crazy pants dance teachers in college- but never one that was blatantly mean just to be mean. I don't know if I've had one teaching while drunk (I'm assuming no since it was at BYU... but who knows...) but I think at least one student would complain to faculty- even if she can roll around on the floor while singing Jennifer Lopez.
Back in Ohio: The Glee club is popular at the high school. They are the coolest team in the school because they won nationals. I'm going to post this as inaccurate. I don't think my students are either popular or unpopular- they are normal, good kids. If we won nationals, it would matter a lot to the kids that performed, but it's not the end all be all. I think if you give the kids good skills, it definitely helps them with auditions for colleges and shows.
Student Sing-Off to choose the lead of the club- Not accurate- although it would be awesome if they came to me to tell me they were having one. All the kids in my MDT class sing 3 solos and the class votes to see who will solo for the show in January. No sing-offs- esp. accompanied by 42 strings on the stage and very dramatic lighting. Our lighting board basically blew up during college tour this morning. We're happy when it turns on let alone wasting it for auditions.
Glee kids hanging out with Jocks at Lunch and making fun of people: I sure hope that's not accurate (not the sitting with jocks- the making fun of people). My students all sit with different people- and I hope they don't make fun of anyone- they're usually to busy trying to get homework done for class. And it's amazing most people eat lunch outside in Ohio. That does not happen at our school.
Glee Auditions are backed by a full orchestra and an amazing pianist: Well, I play for their auditions... but no full orchestra. We also sit closer to the students (because I rarely see mics on Glee- and the backing tracks are loud. No high school voice could be heard over that music without a mic of some sort). However, I would do exactly what Will did if a student threw attitude because they got cut off at an audition. Not cast them (or talk to them right away).
Singing and Dancing during lunch: Accurate. Not that good (or choreographed), but the SBO's play loud music that no one can be heard over. And by dancing, I mean eating.
Students graduating coming back to eat lunch: Sadly yes. We call them Superseniors. I like students coming in to say hi- but I like it usually after school- not in the middle of a class period.
Singing Billy Joel will get you into the club: Ummm...if you have a voice like Marley did, yes, again and again...but she wouldn't get every solo...
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Movie Preview
So the Wednesday before school started I scored 4 free passes from Universal Pictures to see a sneak preview of the film Pitch Perfect opening October 5th. Free movie? I'm there.
Turns out, the film was pretty brilliant. You will like this film if you like any of the following shows (and you will probably like it if you don't watch these shows either)
Glee
Bridesmaids
Best in Show
Bring it On (the original. Not the many sequels)
Waiting for Guffman
They do their own singing- and it's really funny. We did not see the final cut (because its still being edited), but, if you trust my opinion in movies (and you should), check this out opening weekend. (Unless you're at the High School Shakespeare Competition like me). I'll be seeing it again.
I think you know a movie is funny if you still laugh watching stuff you've already seen.
Turns out, the film was pretty brilliant. You will like this film if you like any of the following shows (and you will probably like it if you don't watch these shows either)
Glee
Bridesmaids
Best in Show
Bring it On (the original. Not the many sequels)
Waiting for Guffman
They do their own singing- and it's really funny. We did not see the final cut (because its still being edited), but, if you trust my opinion in movies (and you should), check this out opening weekend. (Unless you're at the High School Shakespeare Competition like me). I'll be seeing it again.
I think you know a movie is funny if you still laugh watching stuff you've already seen.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Newsies Tribute
No matter what your thoughts are on The Addams Famiy Musical (I'm looking at you Jackie), this Newsies tribute from the current touring cast (which we're seeing in Salt Lake City in November) is pretty clever and fun.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
NYC 2012 Day #7
So the week has flown by. We wake up Monday morning and pack up and meet in the lobby to take the subway to 42nd street, We walk to 10th Ave. to load up on our charter boat tour.
While on the boat, we curved around (getting some interesting information about Hoboken and other buildings on both the NJ and Manhattan sides of the water.
In 2014 we're doing this boat tour on the day of our red eye because you will get great shots of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. And then I'll never have to step a foot on Ellis Island again.
Since Renae and Ray had bussed up to Washington DC earlier that day, I was without sunscreen. Thus, as I left the CircleLine Cruise, I was lobster red.
Our bus was not taking us to the airport for a while so everyone had some last minute free time and shopping. We ran over to the Drama Bookstore, the Disney Store, a mini-cupcake store and Broadway stores to get stuff for the girls.
We ate at a gourmet hamburger joint (The Counter- which used to be in SLC. Until it closed) and then headed back to the hotel.
We loaded up without incident and (unlike the bus ride into the city a week ago), got to JFK just fine.
We ate some good food at the airport (the Jetblue terminal is great) and we loaded up on the airplane (and again, thank you Jetblue) I watched tv all the way home. Until midnight.
Peace out NYC 2012. You were fun.
Out of my personal preference:
Peter and the Starcatchers- hardest I laughed on stage (thank you Christian Borle. And the mermaid song was pretty great too).
One Man Two Guvs- Outstanding performances (James Corden slapping himself, the whole dinner sequence at the end of Act 1 and every word that came out of Stanley Stubbers mouth).
Evita- Your set was beautiful and stunning. I liked your choreography too.
Sister Act- Carolee Carmelo was fantastic as the Mother Superior. Good comic timing (and that triple costume quick change on stage is pretty sweet). Oh- the only sholw with a disco Virgin Mary.
Nice Work If You Can Get It- Great choreography (and costumes- that wedding veil was great). Great comic timing and Matthew Broderick was funny. Kelli O'Hara has a great voice too...
War Horse- Just overall mise en scene. Stunning.
Once- Beautiful set, direction and stunning stage movement. Steve Kazee- pretty awesome.
Tribes- great intimate setting and passionate performances.
Newsies- Just a fun, Disney show- great dancing and Jeremy Jordan was great.
Oh, also, one day over the week we went and walked the Highline (Saturday morning). It's a cool former elevated train track that is now an outdoor park. It's very nice.
It was awesome and I as I ate an organic blueberry pop, Amanda Cox gave us a botany tour of all the plants. We even got Ray and Renae to go to!
Everyone, save your pennies now for NYC 2014!
While on the boat, we curved around (getting some interesting information about Hoboken and other buildings on both the NJ and Manhattan sides of the water.
Since Renae and Ray had bussed up to Washington DC earlier that day, I was without sunscreen. Thus, as I left the CircleLine Cruise, I was lobster red.
Our bus was not taking us to the airport for a while so everyone had some last minute free time and shopping. We ran over to the Drama Bookstore, the Disney Store, a mini-cupcake store and Broadway stores to get stuff for the girls.
We ate at a gourmet hamburger joint (The Counter- which used to be in SLC. Until it closed) and then headed back to the hotel.
We loaded up without incident and (unlike the bus ride into the city a week ago), got to JFK just fine.
We ate some good food at the airport (the Jetblue terminal is great) and we loaded up on the airplane (and again, thank you Jetblue) I watched tv all the way home. Until midnight.
Peace out NYC 2012. You were fun.
Out of my personal preference:
Peter and the Starcatchers- hardest I laughed on stage (thank you Christian Borle. And the mermaid song was pretty great too).
One Man Two Guvs- Outstanding performances (James Corden slapping himself, the whole dinner sequence at the end of Act 1 and every word that came out of Stanley Stubbers mouth).
Evita- Your set was beautiful and stunning. I liked your choreography too.
Sister Act- Carolee Carmelo was fantastic as the Mother Superior. Good comic timing (and that triple costume quick change on stage is pretty sweet). Oh- the only sholw with a disco Virgin Mary.
Nice Work If You Can Get It- Great choreography (and costumes- that wedding veil was great). Great comic timing and Matthew Broderick was funny. Kelli O'Hara has a great voice too...
War Horse- Just overall mise en scene. Stunning.
Once- Beautiful set, direction and stunning stage movement. Steve Kazee- pretty awesome.
Tribes- great intimate setting and passionate performances.
Newsies- Just a fun, Disney show- great dancing and Jeremy Jordan was great.
Oh, also, one day over the week we went and walked the Highline (Saturday morning). It's a cool former elevated train track that is now an outdoor park. It's very nice.
It was awesome and I as I ate an organic blueberry pop, Amanda Cox gave us a botany tour of all the plants. We even got Ray and Renae to go to!
Everyone, save your pennies now for NYC 2014!
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