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Month: January 2014

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TheatreCHS 1/27-2/1 and Save-the-Dates

by theatreCHS
I thought I would keep it simple this week.
  • Course selection has begun for students enrolling for 2014-2015 @ CHS. I have attached a document that streamlines the understanding of the progression for TheatreCHS courses.
  • Tech builds are in full force from this point onward. If you are interested in assisting, please feel free to reach out to me! There are lots of areas in which your services can be found useful.
  • Anyone interested in lending a hand for build days is welcome to come in and help out!
DO YOU ENJOY BACKDROP PAINTING? WE HAVE 1000 sq ft to paint! 
  • We have tuesday tech days every week leading up to the show date in addition to Saturday morning build sessions.
WANT TO HELP WITH PUBLICITY? 
  • For ticket inquiries or to find other information about the theatre program, visit our newly designed and regularly maintained website: www.theatreCHS.org
WANT TO PLACE AN AD FOR THE PROGRAM?
  • Feel free to email the box office theaterCHSboxoffice@gmail.com if you are interested in placing an ad or reserving tickets for upcoming shows.
  • Sweeney Todd Photos, DVDs and more! Courtesy of Aggie Craft:
  • Nicholas Bajis Photography will photograph and Silver Streak Media will film Sweeney Todd. Details for each:
  • The photo CDs are a fundraiser. The price for each CD is $20. For every CD sold, $10 will come back to Theatre CHS. The photos Nick took for Les Miserables were beautiful. There were about 300 total which included both the stage and pit.  Orders can be placed via our Google form: http://tinyurl.com/pa6guyk.
  • Silver Streak Media is available to record the show. Due to copyright laws, we can film for archival purposes only. This means each student can get a copy; however, no money can be made from the DVDs. Expenses for filming will be $450 plus the cost for 120 blank DVDs – about $500 total. Last year, we were fortunate in that one parent covered this expense. This year, we are asking for donations. Every dollar helps! You can pledge your donation on the following form: http://tinyurl.com/pb77arl.
  • Aggie Craft is our contact for photography and filming. Contact Aggie with questions at acraft1@gmail.com or 434-249-5735.
Save the Dates:
Monday, Feb. 3
7:00 PM NO SHAME *rescheduled Black Box
 
Feb 5th 7:30 PM in MLK Performing Arts Center 
Symphony Concert Performance and Preview of Sweeney Todd (All Cast Members Are to be Featured)
Feb 7th 4:30 PM in Staunton, VA Blackfriars Shakespeare Competition (English Speaking Union)
March 3rd LOAD IN OF SET INTO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
March 10-20 Tech Rehearsals of Sweeney Todd
March 20 @ 7:30PM Invitational Dress Rehearsal Performance of Sweeney Todd *Donations Only
March 21 @ 7:30PM SHOWTIME Opening Night of Sweeney Todd
March 22 @ 7:30PM Performance of Sweeney Todd
March 23 @ 3:00PM Matinee Showing of Sweeney Todd
CLASSES:
Tech I
Pirelli’s Cart, Pie Shop/Barbers Shop Unit, Stairs
 
MTE
$40.00 from Workshop due ASAP
Revue Development
Songs and
Tech II/III
Crew Assignments, Job assignments are posted on the board.
Intro Period 4
Speed Read Monday
Dialect Analysis Wednesday
Set Build Wednesday
Intro Period 6
Speed Read Monday
Dialect Analysis Wednesday
Set Build Wednesday
C’ville Players 
“No Shame” pushed back to Feb 3 @ 7:00
DIALECT– ASSIGNMENT.
WORKING ON NEW PROJECTS!
******************************************************************************
Sweeney Todd rehearsal schedule: 1/27-2/1
Monday January 27:
Run Opening
Singing Rehearsal
“God That’s Good”
“City on Fire”
Release at 5:00 ensemble
NEEDED after 5:00:
AUGIE, DANIEL, DANNY, EMMA
No place like London Blocking
Worst pies in London Blocking begin
Break 6:30
* NO SHAME IS POSPONED

Tuesday January 28
Tech
4:00-6:30

PARENTS ARE INVITED!
Wednesday January 29
ALL CALL UNTIL 5:00 PM
Singing/City on Fire Singing
5:00-6:30
MAX, GUTHRIE
Specific Members of cast will be called (WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN TOMORROW’S EMAIL)

Thursday January 30
BLOCKING
Miracle Elixer
3:45-6:00

Friday January 31
MUSIC REVIEW
ALL CALL
3:45-6:00

Saturday Feb 1st 
ONE MONTH OUT FROM LOAD-IN
LET’S ROLL! 
Come help out!
9:00-4:00 PM
 

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TheatreCHS News 1/21-1/25

by theatreCHS
Dear Parents, Students, and Friends,
Hope that everyone is snug and warm today! It is beautiful to see the snow fall. Lets just hope that it isn’t too terribly disruptive with rehearsals!
The TheatreCHS was fortunate to have the opportunity to perform a piece from Broadway’s musical Wicked, as taught by the Stand-In “Glinda” performer, Tiffany Hass as part of their New York City theater trip excursion.  Students were able to learn the choreography, and music from the show while also getting a full dose of the broadwaybusiness in NYC. The hosts were gracious, the students shined, and apart from this workshop, students also saw the production of Wicked! ** Picture attached.
In other news, Sweeney Todd rehearsals are in full swing, and the set building goes into full action this week starting on Wednesday, and continuing through a full Saturday, January 25 build day from 8:00-8:00 PM
Anyone interested in lending a hand for this crucial build day is welcome to come in and help out! The set designs were developed by sophomore student Daniel Neale, the winner of the Scenic Design Competition at the Virginia Theatre Conference earlier this year.
For ticket inquiries or to find other information about the theatre program, visit our newly designed and regularly maintained website:www.theatreCHS.org
Also, feel free to email the box office if you are interested in placing an ad or reserving tickets for upcoming shows.
Sweeney Todd performances begin on March 20th (as an invitational dress) and continue from March 21-23 FRI, SATURDAY evening 7:30 PM and 3:00 PM on SUNDAY for a Matinee.
Sweeney Todd Photos, DVDs and more! Courtesy of Aggie Craft:
Nicholas Bajis Photography will photograph and Silver Streak Media will film Sweeney Todd. Details for each:
  • The photo CDs are a fundraiser. The price for each CD is $20. For every CD sold, $10 will come back to Theatre CHS. The photos Nick took for Les Miserables were beautiful. There were about 300 total which included both the stage and pit.  Orders can be placed via our Google form: http://tinyurl.com/pa6guyk.
  • Silver Streak Media is available to record the show. Due to copyright laws, we can film for archival purposes only. This means each student can get a copy; however, no money can be made from the DVDs. Expenses for filming will be $450 plus the cost for 120 blank DVDs – about $500 total. Last year, we were fortunate in that one parent covered this expense. This year, we are asking for donations. Every dollar helps! You can pledge your donation on the following form: http://tinyurl.com/pb77arl.
  • Aggie Craft is our contact for photography and filming. Contact Aggie with questions at acraft1@gmail.com or 434-249-5735.
Other Theatre CHS News:
  • Congratulations to Dora Baker who was selected to compete in this year’s ESU Shakespeare Contest at Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA! Scottie Wardell was chosen as first alternate. The date of the competition is Friday, February 7, @ 4:30 p.m.
  • Many thanks for helping out with the The Charlottesville High School Annual Curriculum Fair! Perspective students were able to get a terrific overview of course offerings within the Theatre Department!
  • If you are interested in assisting with future fundraising events, please let me know. It is always nice to sell baked goods as well as have student representatives. 
  • Questions about courses for next year? Visit www.theatreCHS.org and click on the “Classes” menu.
  • Summer time is rapidly approaching, as are deadlines for summer theater/technical theater programs in and around the area. Want to meet with me and discuss options? Let me know!
  • We are in immediate need of parents who would like to assist with costuming, backstage crew, weekend builds, prop finding, etc. for our upcoming amazing TheatreCHS production of Sweeney Todd. This is a really wonderful way to get involved not only in the spirit of the production, but in the community of what it is that we do in the theater Department. It really is a lot of fun!  If you are interested, please email me and let me know!
Remember, that if you aren’t using it yet, www.TheatreCHS.org is a tremendous utility for information regarding rehearsals, reserving tickets, and finding out information about programing. Students are encouraged to access the page so that they can receive updates for their classwork. Also, please add us on twitter if you haven’t done so already @theatreCHS
Also like us on FaceBook!
You Want to Help Out?
In general: If you or anyone is interested in attending the after school tech days for the production of Sweeney Todd, all you need to do is show up! We have to start putting together our design (which is a sizable endeavor) Students who have strengths in drafting, laying straight lines for the floor plan are really going to be the crucial elements of what we need to get done this week. If you would like to have access to the design details for the show, please let me know, and I can add you to the production dropbox! There you will find design plans, and current crew assignments. Our stage management team is already part of this folder.
Current Production Info: Sweeney Todd
All students involved in Sweeney Todd who have submitted legible/valid email addresses are receiving this email (and will continue to receive them until the show goes up on March 20th).
Lydia Funk, our SM will be sending daily call info (which addresses changes as they may occur during the run).
 
 
Wednesday Jan 22
Rehearsal “ALL CALL” for cast
Finishing “God That’s Good”
CITY ON FIRE SING THROUGH
Blocking Opening of the show
Setting More Solo Parts
Break 6:00 PM
***TECH WORK IN SCENE SHOP***
Thurs Jan 23
Continue Staging Opening of the show Prologue/Ballad
*Into No Place Like London
***TECH WORK IN SCENE SHOP***
Break 6:00 PM
Friday, Jan 24
ALL CALL
MUSIC REVIEW IN CHOIR OR BAND ROOM
IN BLACK BOX FOR STAGING:
Mrs. Lovett and Mr. Todd
Johanna, Beggar Woman, Anthony, Bird Seller
Break 6:00 PM
—————————————————-> Looking ahead– MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY of next week will be ALL-CALL rehearsal days!
Saturday BUILD DAY!
ALL DAY 8:00-8:00
What we are in need of
 
WARDROBE AND PROPS!
  • There are a great many specific food related props, and if anyone has connections with baking companies in town, we could get a win/win out of catering as well as props assistance. 
  • Old ropes, old looking anything really. Looking for old baking appliances, wooden rolling pins, butcher blocks. Anything Cast Iron
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
 
  • We are in need of painters for this show! There will likely be several drops that will be in need of painting. Anyone interested in detailed painting of backdrops, please let me know!
  • AV/TECH assistance. The musical pit is going to be placed behind the performers this year— this will mean that certain video rigging needs to be set up so that actors can see the conductor’s cues. 
  • Projector assistance. There will be projections in the show!
Next “NO SHAME”
January 27th.
Submissions will be taken up until January 21st
CLASSES:
Tech I
Building Boat, Doors, Rigging Plans, Lighting Design, Pie Shop/Barber Shop Unit
MTE
Late assignments due to me!
Discussing Spring Revue
Tech II/III
Crew Assignments, organization of jobs and breakdown of show posted on wall for easy build schedule.
Intro Period 4
Pick up where we left off with run-through of Charlie and Chocolate Factory (off book) continue.
Students MUST BE OFF BOOK AND PREPARED TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES IF NOT MEMORIZED 
 
Intro Period 6
Pick up where we left off with run-through of Charlie and Chocolate Factory (off book) continue.
Students MUST BE OFF BOOK AND PREPARED TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES IF NOT MEMORIZED 
 
C’ville Players 
“No Shame” Submissions
WORKING ON NEW PROJECTS!
Wednesday will be a WORKDAY
Friday will be a WORKDAY
Have a happy and warm day!
Thanks for reading!
Mr. Becker
Inline image 1
Broadway Workshop Photo featuring from left to right–(Tiffany Haas–Workshop leader Glinda stand-in), students Sayo Ono, Haden Cunningham, Emma Lather, Max Freedman, Mark Williams, (Kat Sherrel, Music Director) Row 2, David Becker, Emma Kessler, Daniel Neale, Abby Haggerty, Julia Stewart, Mary Wagner, Kira Jackson, Lauren Skidmore, Nathanael Hartke, Cage Lambert, Denise Folley, Anna Davis, Augie Groeschel-Johnson

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TheatreCHS News For 1/13-1/17

by theatreCHS
Dear Parents and Students,
It is Mid-January already!
Hope everyone survived the polar vortex– I often feel like I’m in a vortex this time of year…
Thanks so much for jumping right back into the swing of things last week. Students had a tremendous week of work!
Theatre CHS News:
  • Congratulations to Dora Baker who was selected to compete in this year’s ESU Shakespeare Contest at Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA! Scottie Wardell was chosen as first alternate. The date of the competition is Friday, February 7, @ 4:30 p.m.
 
  • The Charlottesville High School Annual Curriculum Fair is this Tuesday night at 5:30 PM Freshmen Students will have a chance to select elective courses for Fall 2014
  • If you are interested in assisting with this event, please let me know. It is always nice to sell baked goods as well as have student representatives. 
  • Questions about courses for next year? Visit www.theatreCHS.org and click on the “Classes” menu.
 
  • Summer time is rapidly approaching, as are deadlines for summer theater/technical theater programs in and around the area. Want to meet with me and discuss options? Let me know!
 
  • We are in immediate need of parents who would like to assist with costuming, backstage crew, weekend builds, prop finding, etc. for our upcoming amazing TheatreCHS production of Sweeney Todd. This is a really wonderful way to get involved not only in the spirit of the production, but in the community of what it is that we do in the theater Department. It really is a lot of fun!  If you are interested, please email me and let me know!
 
  • This Friday, the TheatreCHS Musical Theatre Ensemble will be traveling to NYC! Students have received itineraries from Mr. Cooke regarding specific travel information, departure and arrival times, etc. Specific to our class, apart from seeing the Broadway musical Wicked, the MTE students will get to participate in a Broadway Performance workshop alongside current cast members of a Broadway show! See the website for more info: http://www.broadwayworkshop.com/groups.htm
Remember, that if you aren’t using it yet, www.TheatreCHS.org is a tremendous utility for information regarding rehearsals, reserving tickets, and finding out information about programing. Students are encouraged to access the page so that they can receive updates for their classwork. Also, please add us on twitter if you haven’t done so already @theatreCHS
Also like us on FaceBook!
Tech Tuesday and Production Updates:
If you or anyone is interested in attending the after school tech days for the production of Sweeney Todd, all you need to do is show up! We have to start putting together our design (which is a sizable endeavor) Students who have strengths in drafting, laying straight lines for the floor plan are really going to be the crucial elements of what we need to get done this week. If you would like to have access to the design details for the show, please let me know, and I can add you to the production dropbox! There you will find design plans, and current crew assignments. Our stage management team is already part of this folder.
Current Production Info: Sweeney Todd
All students involved in Sweeney Todd who have submitted legible/valid email addresses are receiving this email (and will continue to receive them until the show goes up on March 20th).
Lydia Funk, our SM will be sending daily call info (which addresses changes as they may occur during the run).
 
Monday Jan 13
Rehearsal “ALL CALL” for cast
Finishing “God That’s Good”
Please bring your scripts if you have them, and plan on staying until 6:00 PM
We have made marvelous progress this past week! It is very exciting!
Principle roles will meet with me in another location to work on solo numbers when not needed in the black box. 
Break 6:00 PM
Tuesday Jan 14
Tech Tuesday 3:45-6:00
Break 6:00 PM
Wednesday Jan 15
Rehearsal “ALL CALL” for cast 
(crucial attendance)
SOLOS ANNOUNCED FOR BALLAD
“City on Fire”
Ensemble Released 5:00 PM
Principle Work Sessions 5:00-6:00
Break 6:00 PM
Thursday Jan 9
Rehearsal “ALL CALL” for cast
Review/Learning SING THRU ALL OF ACT I
Break 6:00 PM
 
Friday Jan 10
TBA (with Matt Only)
*Remember that if you have an appointment or an event that prevents you from attending, you really need to get in touch with Lydia in advance of the rehearsal day so that necessary changes can be made to the schedule.*
 
MTE NYC TRIP
Bring clothes to move in for the workshop day on Saturday Jan 18
Next “NO SHAME”
January 27th.
Submissions will be taken up until January 21st
CLASSES:
Tech I
Removal of paper on tree (thoughtful disposal of paper)
Discuss set and needed elements for the show.
Props, costumes, begin floor plan taping
MTE
Project due Wednesday. Please have music and paperwork
If you have your paperwork earlier and are satisfied with it, turn it in earlier.
Tech II/III
Crew Assignments, organization of jobs and breakdown of show posted on wall for easy build schedule.
Intro Period 4
Pick up where we left off with run-through of Charlie and Chocolate Factory (off book) continue.
Students MUST BE OFF BOOK AND PREPARED TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES IF NOT MEMORIZED 
 
Intro Period 6
Pick up where we left off with run-through of Charlie and Chocolate Factory (off book) continue.
Students MUST BE OFF BOOK AND PREPARED TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES IF NOT MEMORIZED 
 
C’ville Players 
“No Shame” Submissions
PROJECT DUE TUESDAY
MONDAY Is a workday!
Tuesday Scene performances.
Wed-Thurs, Talk “No Shame”
It is going to be a great 2014!
Always,
Mr. Becker

 

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TheatreCHS News and Updates 1/6-1/10 HAPPY 2014!

by theatreCHS
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome back and Happy New Year!
I can’t wait to see you all tomorrow!
I trust that everyone (myself included) finds themselves rested and restored ready for another exciting second half of the year!
December was a busy month as well, and I wanted to formally congratulate the cast of Pippin in MTE who amazed me as always with their performance in the MLK (Dec 19). What a joy it is to be blessed with such dedicated performers. The week before, TheatreCHS produced Eurydice which was theatrically superb not to mention a technical wonder!
Congratulations to both productions!
There are a lot of events happening this month– so it is really important that you keep track of emails or webpage updates regarding rehearsal schedule, audition dates and upcoming trip information. Remember, that if you aren’t using it yet, www.TheatreCHS.org is a tremendous utility for information regarding rehearsals, reserving tickets, and finding out information about programing. Students are encouraged to access the page so that they can receive updates for their classwork.
Tech Tuesday 
All students wanting to be part of Tech for Sweeney should meet in the black box this Tuesday to get connected with the production team. Designs are underway– and having everyone ready to start the challenge of “putting it together” is crucial. This Tuesday we will also be working towards the disassembly of the “TREE” from Eurydice. Taking down the tree seems to be fitting for this time of year.
Current Production Info: Sweeney Todd
All students involved in Sweeney Todd who have submitted legible/valid email addresses are receiving this email (and will continue to receive them until the show goes up on March 20th).
Lydia Funk, our SM will be sending daily call info (which addresses changes as they may occur during the run).
 
Monday Jan 6
Rehearsal “ALL CALL” for cast
Matt Jones, our Music Director will be with us.
Please bring your scripts if you have them, and plan on staying until 6:00 PM
If you were unable to attend the Sing-Thru on Monday before exams, simply inform Lydia of this fact, and she shall hopefully sign you off with a script.
Break 6:00 PM
Tuesday Jan 7
*Shakespeare Auditions  3:30-4:30 (See Next Part of Email)
Tech Tuesday 3:45-6:00
Break 6:00 PM
Wednesday Jan 8 
Rehearsal “ALL CALL” for cast 
(crucial attendance) determining of parts for

The Ballad of Sweeney Todd Script Pg. 1-3 m. 59-74 & m. 114-136

Break 6:00 PM
Thursday Jan 9
Rehearsal “ALL CALL” for cast
Review/Learning of Music in Act I (not just Ballad of Sweeney Todd, but also The Contest, My Friends, etc.
Break 6:00 PM
 
Friday Jan 10
Rehearsal Todd and Lovett only called
Break 6:00 PM
*Remember that if you have an appointment or an event that prevents you from attending, you really need to get in touch with Lydia in advance of the rehearsal day so that necessary changes can be made to the schedule.*
 
English Speaking Union Shakespeare Screening Auditions Jan 7
This Tuesday immediately following school will commence the audition screening for the ESU Shakespeare contest screening which will later be held at Blackfriars playhouse in Staunton.
 
MTE NYC TRIP
If you are going on the NYC trip, as soon as you read this, please remind your parents that there will be a required pre-trip meeting this Wednesday at 7:00 PM in Mr. Cooke’s room. Your attendance at this meeting (both you and your parent or at least your parent) is mandatory— you will not participate in trip if you do not attend.
Next “NO SHAME”
January 27th.
Submissions will be taken up until January 21st
CLASSES:
Tech I
Removal of paper on tree (thoughtful disposal of paper)
Readthru of Sweeney Todd script
MTE
Talk-Back from performance.
Discuss Workshops for NYC
Walk through the next project.
Tech II/III
Removal of paper on tree (thoughtful disposal of paper)
Readthru of Sweeney Todd script
Recruitment and Defining of management/production duties.
Intro Period 4
Design of Set/Line Run-through (Charlie and Chocolate Factory)
Intro Period 6
Design of Set/Line Run-through (Adaptation)
C’ville Players 
“No Shame” Submissions
Next Project Assignment
Scoring a scene (how to do it properly)
Theatre Techniques and Bad Habits.