Monday, December 13, 2010

Who's this clown?


Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.
-Victor Borge

Don't forget your NOSES for the 2nd Clown Workshop this THURSDAY 12/14!

Friday, December 10, 2010

the eHow of AUDITIONING!

Want to know more about how to prepare for an audition? Checkout these online resources at eHow:

Acting Audition Preparations

For our auditions it is a good idea to come prepared with a short, memorized monologue.  Your piece could be anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length.  Checkout this monologue advice article on Ask.com all about Performing a Monologue.

How do you find a monologue to perform? Check out these tips on How to Pick a Monologue that Works.

And - of course - BREAK A LEG!

AUDITIONS for 6 Impossible Things in January

The AUDITIONS for 6 Impossible Things Before Breakfast will be held

Thursday, January 6th
& Friday January 7th

After school in the auditorium.

Prepare a monologue to perform.  It is best if the monologue is memorized, but you may read from a prompt sheet if necessary.  Be sure to rehearse the monologue by speaking it out-loud and reading through it many times before performing it.

Dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing that will allow you to move easily.  If you have long hair, please have it tied back so that it does not cover your face.

Arrive on time and be prepared to stay until the late-bus.

Last Drama Week of 2010!

The two meetings set for this coming week will be the final Drama Meetings of 2010.  Where does the time go?

TUESDAY 12/14 - 6 Impossible Things Playwright/Director meeting. 
We will continue the work of last week by reading plays, discussing them, and brainstorming about other possibilities for the show.  Anyone interested in writing r directing is invited to attend.

THURSDAY  12/16 - Clowning Workshop Part Deux.
More clowning exercises, this time more complex and more group work.  Come dressed comfortably -- AND BRING YOUR NOSES!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Clowning Workshop December 9th

After-school on Thursday 12/9 we will be holding our first clowning workshop.  This series of workshops is designed to prepare students for the spring production of SCAPIN by introducing the concepts of physical comedy. 

Come ready to move around - so wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or dance shoes. 

FYI: These workshops will give participants a leg-up come audition-time for SCAPIN in January.

6 Impossible Things Playwright/Director Meeting 12/7

Playwrights and Directors will meet after-school on Tuesday 12/7 in the auditorium.  Playwrights -- bring your writing projects!  We'll be discussing the schedule, the goals of the project, and reading thru the new work together.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Dec. 2 Clowning Workshop Postponed until Dec. 9

The clowning workshop planned for Thursday, Dec. 2 has been postponed until Thursday, Dec. 9 after school. Anyone planning on auditioning for the spring play, Scapin, should plan to attend this workshop. Scapin calls for a lot of physical comedy and these workshops will help you learn how to improve your pratt falls! There will be 3 workshops in all so come on Dec. 9 and be prepared to do some moving!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Tuesday's 11/30 Playwright/Director Meeting rescheduled

The 6 Impossible Things Before Breakfast Playwright/Director Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 30 is rescheduled for Tuesday 12/7 after school. 

If you have been working on a play and/or are interested in directing, please get in touch with Nurse Gwin to sign-up this week.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Eurydice DVD's available

DVD's of both nights of Eurydice are available. Just bring $3 to Mrs. Gwin in the Nurse's Office or call 860-464-8940 and order yours today.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Read it on the LedyardPatch - Eurydice ROCKS!

'Eurydice' Opens Friday to Appreciative Audience

Challenging Production Demonstrates Range, Talents of LHS Drama
By Bill Thorndike

"Eurydice," a contemporary adaptation of an ancient story, opened Friday to an appreciative audience, and demonstrated the range and considerable talents of the Ledyard High School Drama Club.

read the whole article by clicking here.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Friday, November 19th is Alumni Night

All LHS Drama Alums are invited to come see EURYDICE Friday, November 19th and get in for student admission price, PLUS put your name in for two alumni-exclusive give-aways!

Show starts at 7 PM.

Hope to see you!

EURYDICE -- Nov. 19 & 20 at 7 PM

November 19 & 20, 2010
7 PM Tickets at the door
$4 students, $6 Adults, $10 Patrons

Friday, November 19th is LHS Drama Alumni Night
LHS Drama Alums get in for the student price
and special drawings for prizes for all LHS Drama Alums.

The classic myth of Orpheus reimagined through the eyes of its heroine Eurydice. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. With contemporary characters, ingenious plot twists, and breathtaking visual effects, the play is a fresh look at a timeless love story.

Friday, November 12, 2010

EURYDICE Production Week!

Sat. 11/13 10:00 - 2:30 Stage- set-up – full crew and anyone who can be here!

WEEK 9 – PRODUCTION WEEK
Mon. 11/15 2:20-6:00 Tech Rehearsal – Full Crew @ 2:20 – Full Company @ 3:30 (no costumes) Tues. 11/16 2:30-6:00 Run thru the show Full Company
Wed. 11/17 6:00-9:30 Full-Dress Rehearsal – 6 PM call – Full Company
Thur, 11/18 6:00-10:00 Final Dress Rehearsal – 6 PM call – Full Company
Fri. 11/19 6:00-10:00 Opening Performance – 6 PM call – Full Company
Sat. 11/20 6:00-10:30 Final Performance – 6 PM call – FULL COMPANY
stay after to strike set & clean-up spaces

Sunday, October 31, 2010

EURYDICE FINAL 3 WEEKS SCHEDULE (revised 10/28/10)

EURYDICE FINAL 3 WEEKS SCHEDULE (revised 10/28/10)

WEEK 7
Mon. 11/1 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, NI Man
Tues. 11/2 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, Father, 3 Stones, LoU
Wed. 11/3 2:30-3:50 Eurydice & Orpheus
Thur, 11/4 2:30-3:50 Full Company & Crew (everyone in cast & crew)
Fri. 11/5 2:30-3:45 Playwright Meeting
Sat. 11/6 10:00-2:00 Set Construction/Painting & Costumes

WEEK 8
Mon. 11/8 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, Father, NI Man/LoU
Tues. 11/9 2:30-3:50 Full Company & Crew (everyone in cast & crew)
Wed. 11/10 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, Orpheus
Thur, 11/11 2:30-3:50 No School
Fri. 11/12 12:30-3:45 Crew – Stage set-up & Tech


Sat. 11/13 10:00 - 2:30 Stage- set-up – full crew and anyone who can be here!

WEEK 9 – PRODUCTION WEEK
Mon. 11/15 2:20-6:00 Tech Rehearsal – Full Crew @ 2:20 –
Full Company @ 3:30 (no costumes)
Tues. 11/16 2:30-6:00 Run thru the show Full Company
Wed. 11/17 6:00-9:30 Full-Dress Rehearsal – 6 PM call – Full Company
Thur, 11/18 6:00-10:00 Final Dress Rehearsal – 6 PM call – Full Company
Fri. 11/19 6:00-10:00 Opening Performance – 6 PM call – Full Company
Sat. 11/20 6:00-10:30 Final Performance – 6 PM call – FULL COMPANY
stay after to strike set & clean-up spaces

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Follow this link to see pictures of rehearsals of Eurydice!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46705787@N08/

Watch for the showcase next week!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Week 6 Eurydice Rehearsal Schedule

Mon. 10/25 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, LoU, Father
Tues. 10/26 2:30-3:50 Full Company (everyone in cast)
Wed. 10/27 12:30-2:00 Eurydice, & Orpheus
Thur, 10/28 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, Father, 3 Stones, LoU
Fri. 10/29 2:30-3:45 Eurydice & Father
Sat. 10/30 10:00-2:00 Set Construction/Painting & Costumes

Sunday, October 17, 2010

WEEK 5 Eurydice Rehearsal Info

Mon. 10/18 2:30-3:50 Eurydice & Orpheus & NI Man
Tues. 10/19 2:30-3:50 Full Company (everyone in cast)
Wed. 10/20 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, & Father
Thur, 10/21 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, Father, 3 Stones, LoU
Fri. 10/22 2:30-3:45 Eurydice & NI Man
*Sat. 10/23 - No work today

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

CREW! This SATURDAY 10/16 Crew Clean-up & Building

This Saturday we will meet to clean-up the backstage area and put a few set pieces together.  We will start at 10 AM and go until about 2 PM.

Wear comfortable clothes, bring gloves, water, a hammer and a drill if you have one.

Come in through the backstage door on the side of the building near Gallup Hill Road.

This FRIDAY 10/15 - Playwrights Meet!

Our first playwrights Workshop will be help this Friday.  Bring a pen and be ready to write!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Eurydice Schedule Week 4

WEEK 4
Tues. 10/12 2:30-3:50 Full Company (everyone in cast)
Wed. 10/13 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, & Father
Thur, 10/14 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, Father, 3 Stones, LoU
Fri. 10/15 2:30-3:45 Playwright Workshop Winter Show (SOS)
Sat. 10/16 10:00-2:00 Clean-up and begin set construction

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Drama Crew Meeting FRIDAY 10/8

There will be a meeting of the LHS Drama Tech & Stage Crew this Friday 10/8 after school.  The meeting will take about 30 minutes - and then we will be doing some clean-up work backstage.  Plan to stay and help.  We will adjourn in time for the late-bus.  Bring a pair of work gloves and wear comfortable clothing that will allow for toting set pieces around.

If you cannot make this meeting let me know at least ONE day in advance because we will have to set a separate time for you to meet with us.  If I do not hear from you and you do not come to the meeting I will assume that you are no longer interested or available to be on the crew for the fall show.

Also - if you have friends that did not sign-up at auditions, but might like to come check it out, tell them to come meet with us too.

See you Friday!

Friday, October 1, 2010

WEEK 3 Eurydice Rehearsal Info

WEEK 3
Mon. 10/4 2:30-3:50 Eurydice & Orpheus & NI Man
Tues. 10/5 2:30-3:50 Full Company (everyone in cast) *
Wed. 10/6 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, & Father
Thur, 10/7 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, Father, 3 Stones, LoU**
Fri. 10/8 CREW MEETING*** 2:30 - 3; and 2:30-3:45 Eurydice & Father
 PLEASE NOTE: 
*The Tuesday FULL COMPANY rehearsal will feature a lot of movement.  Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, athletic shoes, and bring a yoga mat or large towel for floor exercises. Eurydice & Father should be off-book for Second Movement, Scene 1.
** For Thursday's rehearsal - the 3 Stones will be working-off book - other stones should come prepared with much of the dialogue learned as well.
***the Crew Meeting will be held Friday 10/8 from 2:30 to 3:00.  We will all meet, discuss the design demands for the show, and plans for the crew schedule.  If you're on the crew, come to this meeting.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

6 Impossible Things - meeting on Friday 10/1

We're holding an info & sign-up meeting after school for playwrights and directors interested in working on the Winter Show New Play Fest called 6 Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

Here's how it will work:
The plays will be short – 3 to 10 minutes in length. There will be six of them. In addition, there will be monologues and short connected sketches that will intersperse the primary pieces. The total running time for the show will be 70 minutes, performed without an intermission.

All of the works will explore the theme “Impossibility.” Playwrights are required to attend the two workshops on Oct.15th & Nov. 5th. Bring paper and pens to these workshops because we will be writing and reading works-in-progress.

The end goal is two-fold: to have a fun, theatrical show; and to have a performance text that we will submit to publishers. If published all royalties will go to Ledyard Drama to contribute to the financial stability and future of the club after we have gone.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

THE VIEWPOINTS

  During today's rehearsal we referred to Veiwpoints and worked through some of the introductory exercises.  To learn more about them be sure to explore the links on this page.


VIEWPOINTS
The Viewpoints is a technique of improvisation that grew out of the post-modern dance world. It was first articulated by choreographer Mary Overlie who broke down the two dominant issues performers deal with - time and space - into six categories. She called her approach, the Six Viewpoints. Since that time, Artistic Director Anne Bogart and SITI Company have expanded her notions and adapted them for actors. The Viewpoints allows a group of actors to function together spontaneously and intuitively and to generate bold, theatrical work quickly. It develops flexibility, articulation, and strength in movement and makes ensemble playing really possible.


 

Friday, September 24, 2010

WEEK 2 Eurydice Rehearsal Info

Mon. 9/27 2:30-3:50 Eurydice & Orpheus
*Tues. 9/28 2:30-3:50 Full Company (everyone in cast) - Dress comfortably!
Wed. 9/29 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, & Father
Thur, 9/30 2:30-3:50 Eurydice, 3 Stones, LoU
Fri. 10/1 2:30-3:45 Playwright/Director Info Meeting for Winter Show (SOS)

*For the Tuesday rehearsal be sure to wear loose-fitting comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. We will be doing a lot of movement - and some of it will be ON THE FLOOR. Bring a yoga mat or a beach towel if you like for the floor exercises.

Monday, September 20, 2010

9/20 Rehearsal RESCHEDULED for 9/21

The read-through of EURYDICE with the full cast crew has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 21.  Please contact Kato or Nurse Gwin if you are unable to attend.

There will be no rehearsal Monday, September 20.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

EURYDICE rehearsal schedule WEEK 1

Week 1

Mon. 2:30-3:50 Read-thru of play -- FULL COMPANY AND CREW
Tues. 2:30-3:50 Table-work Eurydice, Father, 3 Stones, Nasty Man
Wed. 12:30-3:00 Table-work Eurydice, Orpheus, Father
Thurs. 2:30-3:50 Table-work Eurydice, Orpheus, Father, 3 Stones, Lord of the Underworld

Saturday, September 18, 2010

What about studying theater after high school?

Mary Anna Dennard, the author of “I Got In!: The Ultimate College Audition Guide for Acting and Musical Theater,” answered readers’ questions about auditioning, getting the right head shot and other topics.

One answer to a question about whether a college program could possibly prepare you for the "real" arts world, or be useful at all - she has this to say:

I respectfully disagree. First of all, we are talking about getting an education while learning your craft. College is one of the most opportune places to do both. Second, not all conservatories are created equally. Carnegie Mellon, Cincinnati Conservatory, Texas State, DePaul, Pace University, Boston Conservatory, the American Conservatory Theater, Juilliard are all considered conservatories or conservatory-style programs in that their training is rigorous and intense with little or no coursework in general education and electives. However, each of these offers direct relationships with industry professionals. I was a casting director for film and television for 15 years, and I had relationships with and respect for these institutions.

Many of these programs offer substantial scholarships, and even full rides to those who qualify. A majority of the students I coach do get substantial financial aid. The enormous price tag you speak of might actually be the same cost as any typical four-year liberal arts degree. Texas State’s tuition for its musical theater B.F.A. students is $3,700 per semester! And that applies even for out-of-state students.
As far as preparing students for a profession, there are certainly no guarantees, and the families and students I coach understand the liabilities inherent in such a tenuous occupation. But the schools do make every effort to develop intelligent artists as well as introduce them into the professional world.
...
So I will sum it up this way:
1. Getting a college degree is valuable.
2. Learning your craft is essential.
3. A performing arts undergraduate degree is worthwhile no matter what career one ultimately decides upon.

You can read the whole blog Q&A at the NYTimes Artbeat online.

Technically Speaking

 For those of you with nagging questions regarding backstage tasks and behind the scenes work, here are a few links to online resources that may shed some light on your questions:

For an interesting and concise page devoted to answering questions about what a Stage Manager does checkout How to Become a Good Stage Manager.

For more stage managing tips check-out Managing the Show.

For a brief primer on set construction see this page on Wikipedia - loaded with lots of links of its own.

Want to know more about props? Check out The Prop Shop.
For tips on making the sets look great go to Painting the Scene.

What would the theater be without lights?  Here's an article that will get you thinking about how to approach a script and enhance the mood with proper lighting beginning with A Dark and Stormy Night.

And to sound in-the-know and speak the speech of backstage -- check out this collected Glossary of Theater Terms.

Be sure to share any favorite informational links that you may come across for helping tech a high school show.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

FYI: Classes at Long Wharf in New Haven Fall 2010

There are classes and opportunities for additional training in our community and throughout Connecticut.  Here are two of the classes offered this fall at The Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven:


Monologue Audition Workshop (Grades 9-12)
School is back in session!  We all know what that means—homework, clubs, late nights writing papers, dances, school plays, and college auditions.  Long Wharf Theatre is back with another Audition Workshop to help you hone your skills to complete your audition package and strengthen your acting technique.


Mondays 5:30-7:00, October 18 – November 15, $195

 
Adult Acting Level 1
Investigate your individual and authentic voice for acting! Using Anne Bogart's Viewpoints Technique we will physically delve into concepts of space and time as it pertains to environment and our place in it.  Using the Stanislavski Acting Technique we will investigate scenes from masters such as Williams, Miller, and Odets, exploring how to listen, respond, and actively engage with the text and each other. Some acting experience is required.


October 23 – November 20, Saturdays 10:00-12:00, $225

Private Acting Lessons, by appointment

For additional information or to register today, call Anne DiMartino at 203-772-8271, email annie.dimartino@longwharf.org or mail in registration form.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Thanks to EVERYONE

For everyone who put their egos on the line at auditions, overcame nervousness and fear, and who just plain showed-up to show us what you've got --

THANK YOU!

There are only so many big roles to go around -- but we look forward to working with every one of you -- no matter how large or small the part may be.  Without an ensemble there is no show.

Also - there will be many more opportunities for large and small things throughout the year.

See you all on Monday after school for the read thru of the play!

EURYDICE Cast & Crew

EURYDICE
by Sarah Ruhl

Cast:
EURYDICE - Laura Forte
ORPHEUS – David Tang           
EURYDICE’S FATHER – Justin Carroll
NASTY INTERESTING MAN/LORD OF THE UNDERWORLD – Nathan Watrous
LOUD STONE – Tori Gordon
BIG STONE – Paige Gruszkowski
LITTLE STONE – Cole Poth
CHORUS OF STONES – Isabel Archibald, Melissa Billing, Abby Bora, Amber Coombe, Jenni Disco, Jsana Strong, Kyla Wingrove-Haugland

Understudies:
Eurydice Understudy: Paige Gruszkowski
Orpheus & Man & Lord of UW Understudy: Forest Smith
Father Understudy: Kyla Wingrove-Haugland
3 Stones Understudies: Amber Coombe & Abby Bora

Stage Crew & Tech:
Stage Manager: Bodhi Poth
Assistant Stage Manager: Amanda Hutchinson
Lighting: Forest Smith, Angie Castiblanco, Joseph Gonzalez
Sound Crew/Design: James Richmond, Bodhi Poth
Props: Zach Hanna
Set Painting & Construction: Savannah Bedard, Angie Castiblanco, Joseph Gonzalez, Faith Bacon
Costumes: Savannah Bedard, Angie Castiblanco, Faith Bacon
Stage Crew: Savannah Bedard, Angie Castiblanco, Faith Bacon

Some important dates:
9/20-11/18            Rehearsals for EURYDICE – Mon-Thurs (some Fridays)

First week’s schedule (some changes - be sure to read!)
Mon. 9/20            Read the play – ENTIRE CAST AND CREW
Tues. 9/21            Table-work – Eurydice, Father, 3 Stones, Nasty Man
Wed. 9/22            Table-work – Eurydice, Orpheus, Father
Thur, 9/23            Table-work - Eurydice, Orpheus, Father, 3 Stones, Lord of Underworld

Thursday, September 9, 2010

About EURYDICE

A retelling of the myth of Orpheus in modern times. At the wedding of Eurydice and Orpheus, Eurydice goes off by herself to get some water. Although they love each other, they are not the most alike of couples. She is met by a mysterious man who claims to have a letter from her father, and when she follows him to his apartment, she ends up in Hades, the realm of the dead. Like in the original story, Orpheus then travels to Hades to rescue her. In Hades, Eurydice does meet her father, and she becomes torn between the desire to stay with her father and the desire to go back to Orpheus. Her conversations with her father in Hades are lightened by the sort of Greek chorus-esque chiming of three stones. In the end, Orpheus comes to rescue her, and as in the myth. The Lord of the Underworld allows him to take her on the condition that he cannot look back at her as they climb out of Hades. However, as they leave Hades, Eurydice cries out, and Orpheus looks back. As promised by the Lord of the Underworld, she fades away, heading back to Hades.
 
CAST:
Eurydice  -  lead
Orpheus   -  lead  
Eurydice's Father  lead  
Loud Stone  spoken  
Little Stone  spoken  
Big Stone  spoken
Chorus of Stones (many)
Nasty Interesting Man  - supporting  
Lord of the Underworld  - supporting


Audition Techniques and Tips for Students Online

Want to know more about how to prepare for an audition -

Checkout these online resources as eHow:

Acting Audition Preparations

For our auditions it is a good idea to come prepared with a short, memorized monologue.  Your piece could be anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length.  Checkout this monologue advice article on Ask.com all about Performing a Monologue.

How do you find a monologue to perform? Check out these tips on How to Pick a Monologue that Works.

And - of course - BREAK A LEG!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Become a fan of LHS Drama on Facebook


Ledyard High School Drama is on Facebook!

Become a fan today.

You can also stay up-to-date about the fall production EURYDICE on FB too.

Things to Know for 2010/2011 LHS Drama

IMPORTANT DATES:

Dates may change – so it’s a good idea to always confirm events

BTW- it’s YOUR job to know the schedule & be on time.



FALL SHOW – EURYDICE by Sarah Ruhl

9/14 & 9/15 Auditions for EURYDICE

9/20-11/18 Rehearsals for EURYDICE – Mon-Thurs (some Fridays)

11/19 & 11/20 EURYDICE production dates



WINTER SHOW – Short Play Festival of new works:

SIX IMPOSSIBLE THINGS BEFORE BREAKFAST

10/1 Playwright sign-up and workshop

10/ 15 & 11/5 Playwright workshops – interested playwrights MUST attend

11/30 Playwright & Director Meeting

12/7 Production and Development meeting

12/13 & 14 Auditions

12/15 BIG MEETING & Read-thrus – EVERYONE ATTENDS

1/10-2/9 Rehearsals Mon-Fri

2/10 & 2/11 Performance



SPRING SHOW – SCAPIN adapted from Molière

By Bill Irwin, Mark O'Donnell, Molière

Dec. 2, 9, 16 Clowning workshops

1/24 & 1/25 Auditions for SCAPIN

2/14-5/11 Rehearsals for SCAPIN– Mon-Fri (including Spring Break)

5/12 & 5/13 SCAPIN performances



Tips for auditions: prepare a short monolog to perform – preferably memorized. We will also read scenes from the play. Come dressed in comfortable clothing and shoes that will allow unrestricted movement.


Friday, March 5, 2010

The Spring Show 2010!

All are encouraged to check out the facebook page "Help Me Obi-Wan Kenobi" to learn more about the spring show. All are welcome to participate!!!

Monday, February 8, 2010

SOS and Zombies DVD's available!

DVD's of SOS and Zombies 2010 are available. Just bring $3 to Mrs. Gwin in the Nurse's Office and she will burn you a copy.