Thursday, October 28, 2010

NOTES


NOTES FROM WEDNESDAY NIGHT:

JANEY:  When you say “Great”, do something with you hands – be a little bit more excited

SIR SIMON:  Don’t forget your sword when you first chase the girls (you might have done this, just wanted to remind you)

VIRGINIA:  When you talk about the inscription on the landing, instead of going right to the door, go around the loveseat (chair), and look at the door from that angle (more center instead of by the door – it looks too crowded over by the door, and we can’t see your pretty face!)

WEEDS & SIR SIMON:  Your suspenders bit needs to come more toward the audience (you and Sir Simon should be more parallel to the audience – right now you face the door).  Weeds, you need to almost run in place for a few seconds / Sir Simon – hold him there.

MADDIE:  Make sure you do a continuous spray with hairspray – make it very funny

LAURA:  Could you take off your necklace?  Also, let’s see if we can put your hair up without the clip.  I think you would look more snobby/upper class without it.

JANEY & ROSLYN:  You have to actually look for the draped room; don’t stand center stage and point – go a little bit closer to the kitchen so the audience believes it’s there offstage.

HESTER:  When in doubt, face the audience instead of always looking at Sir Simon.  You can re-act to the audience, as you have a very good character.

LADY JOAN/SIR SIMON:  When you handshake, it should be more delicate. 

SIR SIMON:  You should exit through the bookshelf every time (unless for some odd reason it is not opened).  In Act 2, Scene 1 when you exit once you hear the family – instead of running to the kitchen, why don’t you go up the stairs (from the audience perspective, it will look like you are watching from the picture frame.  You don’t have to stay by the picture frame though – just exit through the stairs that one time.

HERBERT:  Tie your vest

MADAM B:  Every time you say “Madam B is here” – make that really big.

JANEY AND MADDIE:  When you run on and talk about the ghosts leaving, stay center – don’t block your mother who is behind the couch.

VIRGINIA:  Make sure your belt is actually on your waist (where the seam in the dress is – not on your hips)

ASIA:  Let’s pull your hair back (the wig) in a loose ponytail instead of letting it hang down

VIRGINIA:  You need stationary – can you bring this?

SIR SIMON:  Make your temper tantrum bigger!  You are so good at this – just give me more b/c you’re funny!!  Don’t forget to point your toes to the back of the auditorium – you need to keep you body facing center so we can see your facial expressions

EVERYONE:  When you sit on the couch (with the exception of Janey and Maddie), don’t slouch back on that comfy couch.  You are not watching tv at home J  You’re prim and proper on stage.

SIR SIMON:  When you are right next to Lucy when Madam B is on stage and you are yelling STOP – do something to Lucy, for you stand right next to her and she is scared, but you aren’t terrifying her.  Just quickly frighten her.

LADY C:  Practice walking with your cane – be prim and proper

VICAR:  Be a bit more excited when he gives you the jewels

LADY C:  You can be louder and more scarier as you talk about the past hauntings

EVERYONE:  DON’T TOUCH THE CURTAINS BACKSTAGE!!  I have placed stools to keep the curtain away from the flats and doors – so don’t move them or sit in them.  They are holding the curtains so they won’t move. 

EVERYONE:  YOU HAVE TO STAY BEHIND THE ELECTRIC TAPE on stage left.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  The lacey curtains aren’t hiding you.  We can see you every time someone opens the doors. 

EVERYONE:  On stage left (the bookshelf side), you have to stay by the piano as you are waiting, for we can see you when the bookshelf moves.

BOOKSHELF PEOPLE (Sir Simon/ Asha) – we are going to rotate the bookshelf the other way – we fixed this last night.  The audience will not see the black side – you will sneak out towards the kitchen table.

GOOD JOB, KIDDOS!!  Bring some energy tonight.  We’re going to have a blast!!

BREAK A LEG!

STAY TUNED FOR NOTES: Wednesday Night

Hi gang!  I stayed at the auditorium after all the students left and tweaked a bit of the set (with the help of Mrs. Nocks, Alexander, and Alex!).  We spiked all pieces of furniture -- meaning, each piece of furniture needs to stay on the tape in which it was marked.  Please be careful when you are on the stage before the show begins, as I don't want the furniture to move.  I would appreciate it if you would not be around/on the furniture before the show begins.

I just finished working on fixing a few of the sound cues and added some scene change music to cover the dead spots -- and it's 2:00a.m.  I will post notes tomorrow morning, as I do need to make it to bed as well.  Please check on the blog later.  If you happen to miss the notes, I will put up a few copies in the greenroom.  THESE NOTES MUST BE READ BY EACH CAST MEMBER BEFORE THE SHOW.  Please try to make these notes happen on stage, as they were things I noticed tonight that needs to be tweaked.  I'm only nitpicking, as I want to push each of you to be the best you can be!

You guys are doing great!  Get some rest, stay healthy, and come excited and full of energy to tomorrow's opening night!  It will be a blast!

Goodnight!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

BOOSTERS

If you are interested in purchasing a booster (single lines of text containing greetings or support to those involved in the drama program), the booster form is below. Please note that each booster costs $1 and all boosters and money must be turned in to Suzy Henke or her daughter Maddie by end of practice on Wednesday to make it into the program.


Monday, October 25, 2010

Photographer/Videographer

PHOTOGRAPHER:
I am currently looking for a photographer who would be willing to donate his/her time to take photographs of the play itself during our Wednesday dress rehearsal from 4:30 - 6:30.  I would also like to do a cast and crew picture on Thursday during our rehearsal.  Any person who would be willing to donate his/her time and then create a photo cd of all the pictures taken from the rehearsal would be wonderful.  If I could have this in my possession by Thursday night, it would be helpful.

**If I cannot provide these photos for everyone electronically, I would also be interested in an adult who could make copies of this cd for the cast & crew - just FYI.


VIDEOGRAPHER:
I am also looking for a parent (or two!) who could videotape one of our performances.  It would be nice to have this on video for the students to keep. 

**If possible, I would like to have someone make copies of this video for the cast & crew to have.  This could be paid for by those who would like a copy, but I believe the cost would be the cost of a blank DVD.  We do not need to make money on this.  ALSO, because of copyright regulations, this is something that should not be sold, as this is just for a keepsake for the students.  As long as we keep it that way, I am okay with someone making copies of this DVD.

It also would be very cool if this videographer could grab some backstage video clips.  Let me know if you are interested!

TECH WEEK BEGINS!

Hello cast & crew!

This is the week we have been waiting for!  This will be a very fun but busy week!!  I wanted to send along a few reminders about this upcoming week before we whole-heartedly dive into this!

COSTUMES:
Costumes are ready for you in the green room today.  When you get to the school this afternoon, please put on your costume and come sit down in the auditorium chairs to wait for me once you are ready.  Be smart while wearing these costumes:  jumping over the banisters in the auditorium, climbing over chairs, eating food or drinking anything but water while wearing these costumes is on the DO NOT DO list.  Ellen (Laura's mom) has put much time and effort into these costumes, and it is only respectful that you are careful while you are being allowed to wear them. 

GET TO THE SCHOOL EARLY:
I hope you all are enjoying a much-needed day off!  However, you are invited to come to the school a bit early today.  Mrs. Courtney (Will's mom) will be meeting you students at 3:45-4:00 to let you in and will be with you in the green room as you get ready.  Make sure that you are ready to start with Act 1, Scene 1 right at 4:30.  We will be running the entire show tonight and should have plenty of time to do this with our 2 hour rehearsal set aside for tonight.

MAKE-UP:
If you are one of the ghosts, Mrs. Courtney (Will's mom) & Mrs. Hughes (Maggie's mom) will be experimenting with make-up with you tonight.  Please just be ready for your cue when we get to Act 1 Scene 3, as it will take longer for all of you to be ready.   Will -- you should probably be the first to be "made-up". Everyone else should be upstairs waiting to get started.  I do not think we have the video feed for tonight, so if you happen to go to the green room, make sure you are not late for your cue.  We will not stop the show to go get you.  **All other cast members:  Make-up only needs to be worn by girls (unless you are a ghost).  In fact, as we discussed at rehearsal the other day, it is not heavy make up.  It is just what you may wear out to a fancy show or a dance:  Blush on your cheeks, some eyeliner & mascara, and a not too dark lipstick.  Our stage lights are not that strong, so there is no need to wear much make-up.

HAIR:
All girl's hair needs to be pulled out of their face.  You can do this by pulling up some of hair and leaving some down, pull it back in a bun, bobby pin your bangs out of your face, etc.  I will take notes on hair tonight -- so try your best, and I'll let you know if needs to be changed after rehearsal tonight. 

STUDENT DIRECTORS:
Lauren and Asha have been so great to help us with the show thus far!  However, there will be no calling of lines tonight.  If you don't know your line, you'll have to get out of it yourself and cover for the cast members around you.  The way to do this is to really, really know your script.  If you are in the scene and "in the moment" -- this should be easy for you.  Remember that each of you need to work on staying focused in the scene and act from the moment you hit that stage.  I should be able to recognize your character from your entrance to your exit.  Laura and Asha will be back stage at each side of the stage:  one will be on stage right and the other stage left.  If something happens backstage, go to them -- as you will not be able to get to me since I will be out front in the house.

BRING SOMETHING TO DO:
There might be a lot of downtime this week, as my focus will also need to be on the sound and lights.  If we stop the show to fix a technical issue,  that does not give you an excuse to talk.  Please be respectful of the people around you.  Bring homework to work on, your iPod (how about your script!) or something to keep you busy.  You will need to be quite and busy when you are not on stage, please.  This week will go so much easier if you know this ahead of time.

TECH WEEK, aka "HELL WEEK":
For those of you that this is your first "tech week" -- know that it is very fun but also very tiring.  People in theater call this 'hell week', as it is very exhausting.  We will be spending every night at the theater this week --6 nights in a row!  You will be very tired -- so please get rest in your down time and stay healthy!  It would be smart of you to bring a bottled water to rehearsal and/or a non-messy snack.  Please mark these with your name and keep this backstage or in the greenroom. 

PROPS:
I talked with the prop ladies, and you should have all props for today's rehearsal.  It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make sure that you pre-set your props on the side of the stage that you will need them to make your entrance.  ALSO, you will have to go AROUND the correct way tonight, as you cannot walk on stage to get to your spot beginning tonight.

I am looking forward to a great week!!
See you soon!
Miss Wilmes

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

WE NEED HELP!

Hello parents!

We are in need of a few parent volunteers due to some last minute changes.  If you can help us, awesome!!

LIGHTS:
We have lights, and the lighting board has been set up (Thank you to Joel and Asa P!).  However, we need someone to run the cues during the show, as well as maybe discover cool lighting effects using our current light system.  Honestly, this is a "lights up" / "lights down" kind of show, so this is not a difficult job.  It would be fantastic if we could have an adult and one student (CREW:  anyone interested?)

LOBBY DECOR:
Mrs. Beasley is having some health issues and will no longer be able to decorate our lobby.  If anyone wants to now be in charge of decorating the lobby, there has been various Halloween stuff collected -- it just need to be put up/organized.  Our show is at 7:00 on Thursday, so you can do this late Wednesday or after school on Thursday.  This would be a great opportunity for those who are signed up on the set decor team, as we may not need as much help in this area after our work day this past Saturday.  The set looks great -- it just needs a few final touches.

**REMINDER:  We cannot have the auditorium on Saturday morning -- Set Construction is canceled on Saturday (as mentioned earlier).  Please stay tuned to see if we will have rehearsal elsewhere.  I am not 100% sure as of this moment.  However, I just heard from Joe Kennedy (the auditorium manager at WMS), and he said we are able to be in the auditorium to do set decor at these times:

-Friday evening (adults need to make sure to close the doors so the kids from the dance will not sneak in)
-Saturday after 4:00
-Sunday, anytime

--> SET DECOR PEOPLE need to communicate with the head of your committee, as I know there are a few ladies who are wanting to meet this weekend to put on some final touches.  I want to have the set finished by Monday's rehearsal, so I can focus on just the kids and the technical side of things during show week.

REMINDERS FOR STUDENTS:

T-SHIRTS:
I have received all t-shirt orders and even ordered extras.  Whatever the cast does not purchase will be sold before/after or during intermission.  Please remember to bring your $10 no later than Wednesday.  You will receive your t-shirt once you have paid.  We are suppose to receive these from the printer on Thursday - yippee!  Crew -- I would like you to wear these shirts as your attire as you help with the show.  I have ordered enough for everyone in case you missed the reminders.

BIOS:
We are still missing a few biographies for the program.  If your name is listed below, please turn in your cast/crew bio ASAP.  Our wonderful mom in charge of creating the program would like to have this completed.  You need to turn this in no later than Wednesday in order to be in the program.  

STUDENTS MISSING BIOS:
Meredith Glover
Alexander Nocks
Reilly Simmons
Micah Calloway
Marcella Domka
Ian Casada

REHEARSALS:
Mr. Kunkel will be available to let all students into the theater before our normal rehearsal time on the following dates:  Wednesday, 10/20; Friday, 10/22, Monday, 10/25, and Wednesday, 10/27.  For now, these rehearsals are OPTIONAL.  I think this would be a great time for all students to review their lines, practice blocking or work on Thriller.  Mr. Kunkel will let the kids who are interested in doing this into the auditorium at 3:15 and supervise until I arrive at 4:30.  Official rehearsals still begin at 4:30 due to my work schedule.  If you have a massive amount of homework or other school activities during this time, please do not feel pressured to be at these extra rehearsals.  Again, these rehearsals are option but highly suggested if you have free time after school.

ALSO:  until we run the show with costumes (which will be Monday - hopefully!), all students need to stay in the auditorium Since there is only one of me, I cannot watch the kids in various places.  Although I fully trust that all of you are good kids, just in case -- I need all of you to be under my supervision at all times.  Please bring homework to work on or a book to read (or study your script!) and sit in the chairs in the auditorium or at the homework table.  There may be a lot of down time for some characters while we are running the acts, and I want all of you to use your time wisely.  When you are in the auditorium, out of respect to your fellow students, PLEASE BE QUIET. It is very rude to talk while others are on stage acting.  You all have been doing okay with this -- but I feel like I should remind you of this as we are now almost a week away from opening!