Little Mermaid Weeks of Oct 14 & 21

I have just received the following two week rehearsal schedule.  Monday and Wednesday rehearsals are still full cast rehearsals.  If your character is listed for a Tuesday or Thursday then show up in the choir room.  If your character is not listed on a Tuesday or Thursday, then you have that day off. 

October 14th - 17th

Monday 10/14
Full Cast
Review: “Fathom’s Below”
Finish staging: “Under the Sea”

Tuesday 10/15
Ariel (Sophia) - solo work “Part of Your World”
Eric (Tucker) - solo work “One Step Closer”
Chef Louis (Kate L) - solo work “Les Poissons”
Scuttle (Sammy) - solo work “Human Stuff”

Wednesday 10/16
Full Cast
Review: “Under the Sea”
Begin Staging “Human Stuff”

Thursday 10/17
Mersisters (Cassis, Tessa, Tess, Julia, Grace, Kiana)

“She’s in Love” - Vocal work w/ Andrew and begin staging

“Daughters of Triton” - Vocal work w/ Andrew                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

October 21st - 24th

Monday 10/21
Full Cast
Review: “Under the Sea”
Finish Staging: “Human Stuff”
Begin Staging: “Kiss the Girl”

Tuesday 10/22
Mersisters (Cassis, Tessa, Tess, Julia, Grace, Kiana)
Finish Staging: “She’s in Love”
Begin Staging: “Daughters of Triton” 

Wednesday 10/23
Full Cast
Review: “Human Stuff”
Stage: “Kiss the Girl”

Thursday 10/24
Chef Louis (Kate L) and Sous Chefs (TBD this week)
Vocal work w/ Andrew
Begin Staging: “Les Poissons

Little Mermaid Week of October 14

This week's schedule is the same as last week's, at least for now.  I had hoped to have a two week schedule for you but have not yet received it.

Starting this week, Mondays and Wednesdays rehearsals are in the gym.  Tuesday and Thursday rehearsals will be in the choir room.

Today is crew auditions at 4 pm in the gym.

Little Mermaid - Week of September 23

This week is a regular rehearsal schedule:

Sr Cast (6-8 graders) Monday - Thursday, after school - 6pm in the choir room.

Jr Cast same time and place but just Mondays and Wednesdays.

If you have not done so, please review the information packet.  This packet requires action from you to 1. read, 2. volunteer and sign 3. return the designated pages with a $100 check made out to West Sylvan Middle School (NOT PTA).  Your actor can bring the completed forms and checks to rehearsal as soon as possible.

Also please review the Cast Contract.  Both you and your actor must read and sign and return.  This was not included in the information packet.  Please make sure to indicate your actor's tshirt size!

Little Mermaid week of Sept 16

Now the fun begins!  

• The Sr cast members, 6-8th graders, are called for rehearsal Monday through Thursday.
• The Jr cast members, 4th and 5th graders, only come to rehearsal on Mondays and Wednesdays (not Tuesdays and Thursdays).
• Rehearsals, starting Monday, 9/16, are in the choir room from after school until 6 pm.
• This is the weekly schedule until further notice.
• Actors will receive a script and an information packet at the first rehearsal.  The information packet requires adult response so please read it carefully.
• There is a brief parent information meeting on Thursday, 9/19, 5:45 - 6:15 pm, in the choir room, #138.  This will be an opportunity to meet the directors and get further details about the production.  Please bring your questions and your $100 participation fee check, made out to West Sylvan Middle School (NOT the PTA).  This is back to school night at West Sylvan so those with 7th and 8th graders will be there early enough to get a good parking spot!  Look forward to seeing you there.

The Little Mermaid Cast List

Congratulations to all!

See you at rehearsal on Monday 9/16, in the choir room, from 3:45 - 6:00 pm.  

Pilot                     Logan Kenney

Prince                  Eric Tucker Litch

Grimsby               Zachary Goldsmith

Seahorse             Sinead Tees

King Triton          Tristan Muresan

Sebastian             Noah Clark

Ariel Sophia         Takla

Flounder              Kaela Lee

Scuttle                 Sammy Webb

Chef Louis           Kate Lambert

Ursula                  Bella Ray

Tentacles             Sophia Modica, Emma McGrane, Carina Montero

Flotsam               Olivia Loibner

Jetsam                 Ava Sweet

Carlotta               Audrey Walker

Aquata                Cassia Schuler

Andrina               Tessa Cannon

Arista                  Tess Ferryman

Atina                   Julia Dodson

Adella                 Grace Hardy

Allana                 Kiana Gellman

Princesses           Dana Smiley, Mia Yerton, Ruby Mullins-Keating, Lindsay Kurtz,

  Claudia Rader, Mia Nelson

Sea Chorus, Merfolk, Gulls, Sailors, Chefs, and Lagoon animals:

Isabelle Levy

Kate Weeks

Mia Dalton

Audrey Lacey

Tara Flood

Natalie Brauser

Sienna Painter

Lilly Hancock

Maia Combs

Blake Leikem

Lauren Battey
Abigail Halperin

Jr. Cast:

Gabrielle Donaldson

Carolyn Levy

Hayden Wheeler

Jake Pinkstaff

Sydney Huard

Sophie Keefer

Little Mermaid Callbacks for Thursday 9/12

Below is the callback list for Thursday.  Please keep in mind that if you are not on the callback list, it does NOT mean that you are not in the cast.  Also, if you are on the callback list, it does not mean that you are in the cast.  A callback is a second chance for the direct to see actors in order to make appropriate casting decisions.  Callbacks are from 4-6 pm in the choir room

Good luck to all and watch this space for casting on Friday! 

Noah Clark 

Zachary Goldsmith

Tristan Muresan

Tucker Litch

Logan Kenney

Jake Pinkstaff

Bella Ray

Kaela Lee

Sophia Takla

Sammy Webb

Mia Yerton 

Mia Nelson

Sophia Modica 

Sienna Painter 

Olivia Loibner 

Ava Sweet

Kiana Gellman 

Kate Lambert 

Callbacks for The Little Mermaid for Wednesday 9/11

Wow, auditions were fantastic!  It was great to see so many faces, both boys and girls and both new and returning cast members.  Thank you to all for your hard work and dedication.

Below is the callback list for Wednesday.  Please keep in mind that if you are not on the callback list, it does NOT mean that you are not in the cast.  Also, if you are on the callback list, it does not mean that you are in the cast.  A callback is a second chance for the direct to see actors in order to make appropriate casting decisions.  Callbacks are from 4-6 pm in the choir room

Good luck to all and watch this space for further callbacks on Thursday!

Tessa Cannon

Maddie Reifsteck

Noah Clark

Logan Kenney

Jake Pinkstaff

Ava Sweet

Sinead Tees

Tucker Litch

Kate Lambert

Kaela Lee

Julia Dodson

Sophia Takla

Tess Ferryman

Kiana Gellman

Sophia Modica

Ameya Okamoto

Sammy Webb

Olivia Loibner

Tristan Muresan

Kate Weeks

Dana Smiley

Jack Forman

Cassia Schuler

Mia Yerton

Grace Hardy

Bella Ray

Emma McGrane

Lindsay Kurtz

Sienna Painter

Lilly Hancock

Mia Nelson

Zachary Goldsmith

Hamlet Update 4/10

Show opens Thursday!!!  I heard a few kids saying they thought there was another week of rehearsal!

• Saturday, May 11, is the mandatory all rehearsal from 9:30am - 4pm.  All must attend!!  Come ready to work and have fun.  This rehearsal is when we get lots of stuff done so please be focused.  No one will be allowed to use a script!
• We need a few tall and strong parents to stay for 15 minutes in the morning to help hang the cyc, the big white back drop cloth  We need to move and use a very tall ladder.  Thank you in advance
• Please bring all the pieces for your costume, a lunch and a water bottle.  Lunch will be around 12:30/1.
• Still looking for someone to record the show.  Does anyone have a good video camera with a mike jack that we could use?  I could always find a student to operate it.  Worse case is I will set up a school camera at the back of the gym and press record.  I will warn you that the quality will be not the greatest as it is a school issued camera.  Any help in this department will be greatly appreciated.
• Cast party will be Saturday evening from 6:30 - 10pm.  There will be a per person charge but it will be nominal.  Details will be discussed at Saturday's rehearsal.
• Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are dress rehearsals which will last until 8.  Dinner break will be at 6.  Actors must provide their own dinner.  Show night dinner will be served.
• On show night, students are to start getting ready for the show right after school.  Dinner will be served at 4:445.  The box office opens at 5:30, show is at 6:30!

HAMLET Week of 4/29

Less than three weeks until the show!

Rehearsal schedule:
Monday and Wednesday - Full cast
Tues & Thurs -Royal groups 1, 2 & 3, Polonius, Laertes, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern & Horatio.

FYI progress has been very slow and Paul cut a scene on Wednesday because the actors were not prepared.  Please discuss with your actor and encourage them to be fully prepared and focused during rehearsal.  Memorizing their lines would be great!!!

Saturday, May 11 is the all day rehearsal from 9:45 am - 4 pm.

Tickets are on sale!  Check the tickets tab on the www.eastwestsylvandrama.comwebsite.

If you have not sent a headshot & bio by Wednesday, then there will not be a photo and the bio will be "student's name is in the blank grade".

Personal ads to the actors and crew are due this week.  Also last chance for business advertisement.

You will be receiving another email regarding costumes.  Please help by collecting the required pieces this week.

HAMLET Week of 4/15

Seems as there may have been some confusion with the rehearsal schedule as some actors did not show up for their call day.  I have listed the schedule again, this time with the names of the actors.

If you have not yet completed your bio and headshot form please do so ASAP.  Also I am still missing some activity fees.  The money from the activity fee is what I use to fund the purchase of costumes and  props and tshirts before we get any revenue from ticket sales.  

Tickets are now on sale in two ways.  Use the attached form (which is also on the ticket page of the website) or go lo line to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/371817.

Still looking for businesses to advertise in the program.  Watch for an email about personal ads in the program.  

Posters are in so I need a few people to take them to each of the local elementary schools (Forest Park, Chapman, Bridlemile and Ainsworth)  and coffee shops, libraries, grocery stores, etc.  

Only 4 weeks until the show and there is still lots to do.  I thank you in advance for your help!

Hamlet Rehearsal Schedule for April

Monday 15^th ---Full Cast````````````````````````````````

Tuesday 16^th Royal Group #2 plus Polonius, Horatio and R&G

            Logan, Mia, Xela, Sage, Maia, Tucker, Emma McGrane, Natalie

Wednesday 17^th All four ghosts plus Teis, Horatio and Marcellus

            Olivia, Anisha, Bella, Lindsay, Teis, Tucker, Kate Weeks

Thursday 18^th Royal Group #2

            Logan, Mia, Xela, Sage

Monday 22^nd Full Cast

Tuesday 23^rd Royal Group # 3 Plus Polonius, Horatio and R&G

            Teis, Laurel, Kate Lambert, Tristan, Tucker, Emma McGrane, Natalie

Wednesday 24^th FULL CAST

Thursday 25^th Royal Group #3 plus Polonius, Horatio and R&G

            Teis, Laurel, Kate Lambert, Tristan, , Tucker, Emma McGrane, Natalie

Monday 29^th FULL CAST

Tuesday 30^th TBA

MAY-TBA

Hamlet 4/8 Update

1.  Below is the rehearsal schedule for April.  Paul will set the May schedule towards the end of April.  The schedule will be determined by the progress at that time.  Actors should be expected to be called more often in May.  

2. Please complete and return the Headshot/Bio Sheet asap which can be found at www.eastwestsylvandrama.com at the bottom of the first page.  Headshots and bios are included in the program so we need to have enough time to complete and print the program before the show.  Thanks to Kristina Kurtz for taking on the task of putting the program together!

3.  A source of revenue for the drama club is the sale of ads in the program.  Please consider purchasing an ad if you have a business or asking a friend, family member or someone you know who has a business to purchase an ad.  Ad purchase information is on the website.

4.  Holly Smiley will be sending a message about personal ads.  You, family members, friends, anyone can purchase a personal ad for a cast or crew member.  These ads, which usually say Good luck or Break a leg or Great job, appear in the program.  The kids love to see these messages so please respond promptly to Holly's email.

5.  Auditions for the technical crew will be April 15 at 4pm in the lower gym at West Sylvan.  Students who want to be involved in theater but don't want to be onstage should audition.  They get to work on sets and costumes, run the lights and sound during the show and be general stage hands.

Hamlet Rehearsal Schedule for April

Monday 8^th—FULL CAST

Tuesday 9^th—Royal Group #1 plus Polonius, Horatio and R&G

Wednesday 10^th ALL 3 Hamlets.  Logan, Ava, Teis

Thursday 11^th -----  Royal Group #1 plus Polinius Horatio and R&G

Monday 15^th ---Full Cast

Tuesday 16^th Royal Group #2 plus Polonius, Horatio and R&G

Wednesday 17^th All four ghosts plus Teis, Horatio and Marcellus

Thursday 18^th Royal Group #2

Monday 22^nd Full Cast

Tuesday 23^rd Royal Group # 3 Plus Polonius, Horatio and R&G

Wednesday 24^th FULL CAST

Thursday 25^th Royal Group #3 plus Polonius, Horatio and R&G

Monday 29^th FULL CAST

Tuesday 30^th TBA

MAY-TBA

Hamlet Update April 1

We are right back in the swing of things.  Below is the updated schedule for the rest of this week.  I will send out next week's schedule as soon as I have it.  Sorry for the last minute changes and I will work to get some consistency going forward.  Unfortunately, the schedule is somewhat dependent on the progress of rehearsals.   If your character is not listed, then you are not called.

Tuesday - Royal Group 3 and Horatio and Polonius and Laertes, all ghosts and Osric

Wednesday - Junior cast only

Thursday - Royal Group 3 and Horatio and Polonius and Laertes, all ghosts and Osric

HAMLET Rehearsal Change and Spring Break

Paul has called the entire cast to rehearsal on the first Monday that we return from Spring Break.  If you haven't had a chance to complete and return the information packet and the check, please do so on Monday, April 1.

During Spring Break, you can be busy completing the bio/headshot sheet.  This sheet can be found at the bottom of the first page of the drama website, http://eastwestsylvandrama.com/ under the information about the blog.   A short biography and a passport type photo for each cast and crew member appears in the program.  It usually takes a bit of time to get them all in so I thought I would get you all started now.  Maybe you can get a great photo while on Spring Break.

All actors should be learning their lines for their scenes.  Perhaps that could be great activity during the long car or plane trip.

Enjoy the week off!

HAMLET Rehearsal Schedule plus More

Starting next week, Monday March 19, the rehearsal schedule will be as follow until further notice:

Polonius, Laertes, Horation Guildenstern and Rosencrantz come every day Monday - Thursday

Monday - Royal Group 1 plus Polonius, Laertes, Horatio, Guildenstern and Rosencrantz

Tuesday - Royal Group 2 plus P, L, H, G & R

Wednesday - All called, including the junior cast (this is the only day the jr cast comes)

Thursday - Royal Group 3 plus P, L, H, G & R

The cast list list is in a previous post.

Everyone needs to be learning their lines.  The goal is to have them memorized when we return from Spring Break.  No rehearsal during Spring Break.

Thanks to all who have returned the completed information packet and activity fee check.  I would appreciate if I could get the remainders on Monday.  

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Hamlet week of 3/11

Welcome all to the Hamlet Family!  Congratulations to your actor for being cast in Hamlet!  Now the fun begins!

Rehearsal starts tomorrow, Monday, March 11.  All cast members, except the jr (elementary school) members, should come to rehearsal Monday - Thursday, 4 - 6 pm,  for this week.  Junior cast members should come  to only Monday and Wednesday rehearsals.  During this week, the cast will read and discuss the script.  Next week, the director will break down rehearsal among the royal groups and the other roles.  

If you have not already received one by email, on Monday your actor will bring home an extensive information packet.  There are things for you to complete and return as soon as possible.  This production is a group effort meaning that it happens because of all of you donating your time and talents.  The packet has a list of tasks that need to be completed so please sign up for the things you like to do.  I do need some volunteers quite quickly to get things moving.  As I am not creative, I desperately need someone to help with costumes and sets, most of which we already have.  Also, does anyone have Microsoft Publisher?  I have a template for the Hamlet programs that needs to be updated.  It is something that can be done quite quickly if you know what you are doing on Publisher.

HAMLET Cast List

Cast List: Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Congratulations to everyone!   Your talent and hard work is very evident.  We are going to make an exciting show.

The Royal Groups are numbered only for clarity, no group is “above” another.  You will always be with your Royal group.  Your group will be assigned scenes on Monday.

Hamlet:

Teis Jayaswal

Ava Sweet

Logan Kenney

Ophelia:

Xela Shawn

Katie Reahl

Kate Lambert

Claudius:

Sage Taylor

Lane Andersen

Tristan Muresan

Gertrude:

Emma Weightman

Laurel McGrane

Mia Yerton

Laertes: Ben Pagano

Polonius: Maia Abbruzzese

Horatio: Tucker Litch

Ghost:

Olivia Loibner

Anisha RajBhandary

Bella Ferrán

Lindsay Kurtz

Rosencrantz: Emma McGrane

Guildenstern: Natalie Rader

Player King: Bella Ferrán

Osric: Kianna Gellman

Marcellus: Kate Weeks

Francisco: Anna Smiley

Bernardo: Olivia Loibner

Gravedigger:Anna Smiley

Gravedigger’s helper: Joshua Snisky

Citizens of Denmark, Palace Servants, Players.

Hope Hanzlik, Audrey Walker, Dana Smiley, Halia-Rose Baillie, Carina Montero, Grace White, Molly Townes, Mia Nelson, Sophia Wilson, Ruby Mullins-Keating, Sophia Modica, Olivia Butler, Lilly Hancock, Camille Barron, Tess Anderson.

Royal Group #1

Hamlet: Ava Sweet

Gertrude: Emma Weightman

Ophelia: Katie Reahl

Claudius: Lane Andersan

Royal Group #2

Hamlet: Logan Kenney

Gertrude: Mia Yerton

Ophelia: Xela Shawn

Claudius: Sage Taylor

Royal Group #3

Hamlet: Teis Jayaswal

Gertrude: Laurel McGrane

Ophelia: Kate Lambert

Claudius: Tristan Muresan

HAMLET Callback List

Wow, auditions were fantastic!  It was great to see so many faces, both boys and girls and both new and returning cast members.  Thank you to all for your hard work and dedication.

Below is the callback list.  Please keep in mind that if you are not on the callback list, it does NOT mean that you are not in the cast.  Also, if you are on the callback list, it does not mean that you are in the cast.  A callback is a second chance for the direct to see actors in order to make appropriate casting decisions.  Callbacks are from 4-6 pm in the choir room

Good luck to all and watch for the cast list Friday morning.

Maia	Abbruzzese
Lane	Andersen
Bella	Ferran
Teis	Jayaswal
Logan	Kenney
Lindsay	Kurtz
Kate	Lambert
Tucker	Litch
Olivia	Loibner
Emma	McGrane
Laurel	McGrane
Tristan	Muresan
Ben	Pagano
Natalie	Rader
Anish	RajBhandary
Katie	Reahl
Xela	Shawn
Anna	Smiley
Joshua	Snisky
Ava	Sweet
Sage	Taylor
Kate	Weeks
Emma	Weightman
Mia	Yerton

ANNIE UPDATE 12/10

Wow!!  The cast and crew put on two great shows!  On Friday night there were 225+ people in the audience, one of the biggest crowds I have seen.  The hard work and all the rehearsal time has paid off.  I received tons rave reviews.

This week there is NO rehearsal Monday or Tuesday.  Wednesday will be a regular rehearsal (not dress) until 6:00.
Thursday and Friday are show nights.

Thanks to Samantha McClain (Lilly Hancock's mom) for feeding our large group.  All cast, crew, musicians and volunteers are counted in the dinner numbers.  Could I get a few parents to help Samantha clean the dinner room (104) after the feeding frenzy?  This could be done as soon as dinner is finished or at intermission.  The room needs to be returned to its original condition (cleaned and tables folded) before we leave or the custodians get annoyed and we don't want that.

Strike (the big clean up of the gym and stage after the show) is on December 15 from 9:45-1:00.  We have to clear out the drama room, disassemble the set, gather and organize props and costumes and figure out how to get it all back in the drama room in an orderly manner.  Kind of like putting a puzzle together.  All cast and crew must attend with an adult if they want to attend the Cast party.

The cast party is December 15 at Kenny & Zuke's on 2376 Northwest Thurman Street from 7-10:30ish.  A light dinner of hot dogs, sliders (some gluten free) and pizza will be served.  Wine and beer is available for purchase for the adults!  This is a family event, siblings are welcome, and is always a great time for everyone to decompress after two intense weeks. There is usually lots of singing!  Cast and crew need to come with an adult or be in the care of an adult.  Cost is $10/person which must be paid in advance at Strike!

Your children are amazing!

ANNIE Update 12/3

Lots of last minute things to get through so please read this entire email. Item #7 is about the cast party!

1.  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are dress rehearsal from right after school until 8pm.  Dinner break is at 6:15pm.  Cast and crew must bring their own dinner and water bottles.
2.  Actors must bring any missing pieces of their costume.  If your actor is not sure what remaining pieces they need, please email Lisa Brumm at lisa.brumm@axa-advisors.com.
3.  On Monday, actors must bring their own makeup and hair brushes for hygienic reasons.  Please put all items in a Ziploc bag labeled with the actor's name.  All actors must wear a foundation (not a pressed finishing powder) that is one shade darker than their skin tone, and blush.  This is to make sure that they do not have pale faces under the lights.  Some mascara and eyeliner is nice too so that the eyes get noticed.  Girls may also wear eyeshadow.  There will be parents in the dressing room to assist with makeup application and hairstyling.  Application sponges and facial wipes will be provided.
4.  At the beginning of  Monday'srehearsal, there will be a good bit of stage set up required before the actual dress rehearsal starts.  After that the directors may choose to run the entire show, so actors need to have everything ready to go.
5.  Actors and crew and musicians and volunteers will be given dinner on show nights which will be around 4:45pm.  Thanks to everyone who is providing dinner items.  It takes great effort to feed 65 people!
6.  Strike (the big clean up of the gym and stage after the show) is on December 15 from 9:45-1:00.  All cast and crew must attend with an adult if they want to attend the Cast party.
7.  The cast party is December 15 at Kenny & Zuke's on 2376 Northwest Thurman Street from 7-10:30ish.  A light dinner of hot dogs, sliders (some gluten free) and pizza will be served.  Wine and beer is available for purchase for the adults!  This is a family event and is always a great time for everyone to decompress after two intense weeks. There is usually lots of singing!  Cast and crew need to come with an adult or be in the care of an adult.  Cost is $10/person which must be paid in advance at Strike!

I know it will be a busy but also a fun two weeks!  Thanks to everyone who has volunteered their time to work show nights at the box office, concessions, dinner and in the dressing room.  The show couldn't happen with out you!

Annie Update 11/19/2012

A few bits of information before everyone checks out for the holiday:

The week that we return to school 11/26 - 1129, there will be rehearsal for the entire cast and crew everyday (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) from after school until 6.

The following week Dec 3, 4 & 5 there will be dress rehearsal until 8.  The ending time might change depending on progress.  Cast and crew need to bring food for their "dinner".  Dinner break will be at 6:15.

Show opens Dec 6.  Cast and crew report to the gym after school.  Cast and crew and volunteers will be given dinner on show nights.
More details about show nights will be distributed the week we get back to school.

Please gather your costumes during the break, as requested by our Lisa, our costume guru.  She has been putting in loads of hours getting things ready so she appreciates your help!