Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.
-Victor Borge
Don't forget your NOSES for the 2nd Clown Workshop this THURSDAY 12/14!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Who's this clown?
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
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.
Thursday, January 6th
& Friday January 7th
& 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.
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
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
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
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
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!
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
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
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.
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 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
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
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
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.
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