Middle

February 5th, 2013

And then there was a set....

I have been so blessed by a local high school that was doing Seussical. I came to see their show and the Technical Director was willing to let us borrow the set. Yes, you did indeed read this correctly. Taylor High School has allowed us to use their set for our production. I am so moved that I am speechless. We do not have shop so it is always a challenge to get a set together. I have a group of amazing parents that will help with anything. We will have to adjust the set to fit our space. I will have to go back to my floor plans and designs and make some adjustments...but what an amazing problem to have. I couldn't be more excited and thankful. Once I put the call out to the parents, they came in droves to help us load the set in to the cars, vans, and trailors. The kids are excited. We now have a set as we bring this story to life.

Footage from the set pick up and delivery:

March 5th, 2013

I am only days a way from SPRING BREAK! I am so torn because I think we would benefit from having a rehearsal over the break...but then I realize how we all need some energy! I am just praying that the cast will stay focused on learning lines and practicing their vocals over the break. We are just a few days from finishing the blocking for Act 1. I am excited for the time to get focused and catch up on my prompt book and script. I need to remember to find the joy in the process. Everyday I see these young actors make discoveries, I am enjoying the journey!

Cadet Practice...

March 18, 2013

Today I received a very ugly email from a parent. She was really upset about her daughter's costume. She said it was too tight and she needed to buy her daughter a new costume. I immediately remembered our "child/parent" lesson and I decided that this parent was acting like a "child" and I needed to calm down before I responded to her email. I was relieved to have such amazing support from my Assistant Principal. To be completely honest the costume situation hasn't been completely resolved but today serves a reminder that a director's job is so much more than what happens on the stage.

March 19, 2013

Parent/Teacher Conference with the disgruntled parent. I am amazed at how upset this parent is over the situation. I am trying to remain positive. After meeting with the parent, I realize the costume is just the top of the long list of issues that she is having with her daughter's participation in the production. I realize that part of her frustration is the regimented rehearsal schedule. Up to this point, I have been flexible with the schedule. Now that we are so near to our show open, I am having to enforce a more strict attendance policy. I am remembering back to school when Rena taught the lesson on the "parent/child". I am now reminded that there is so much more to my job then just the creativity on the stage.

March 22, 2013

We are officially finished with Act 1 and we are just beginning to dabble into Act 2. I am very impressed with the work ethic of my crew. I have two stage managers on this production. One manager has taken over the crew and the other manager works with me with the rehearsal aspect of the production. As I was walking through the costume racks, I am blown away at the work that these students have completed. They seem to be working independently to complete the costumes for each actor. My heart is full as I see that these students have as much love for this show as I do! We are still working on filling out a daily rehearsal sheet.

I am really beginning to see these characters come to life. The actors are working together more as an ensemble. I feel we are in the home stretch with the show and I am so excited to see it really come to life.

April 2nd, 2013

While designing for this show, I decided it would be most beneficial to bring in one of my dear friends to hold a makeup class for my students. Because we wanted to create Seussian characters that had an animal essence, it was important that the makeup look natural and yet accenting the individualism of each character. It was such a special day with my students and friend. Here are a few pictures from the class. Can we say FUN! It was such a thrill to see my students get excited about getting their hands on the makeup. Two of my students are also actors in the play. They were able to grab on to a piece of their character as they created the makeup designs.

April 8th, 2013

We are now in the home stretch in this process and I can feel the pressure beginning to build. I'm so excited to see the characters come to life. Because we had to miss another week of school for the National Catholic Convention, it was a bit of a challenge keeping the students engaged and on track when they feel they are on "vacation". I am hoping to keep a kind but firm hand on the work ethics in the theatre. I know that if I follow through with my attendance policy, clean up rules, etc. it will continue to foster the "good juju!"