The Show...

So, this is your chance to tell me...

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR SHOW?

Is there concessions during intermission? If so, who?

Jason, how many tickets did we sell for each night?

Second to Last Post...

Well...this is the second to last post.

I will require you all to post one last time after the show opens...

I'd love to hear what you think when you see your show with an audience there.

So, tonight, I'd love to hear anything you want to say...last dress rehearsal! How does it feel? How do you feel?

How Did It Go?

Please let me know how you think things went today, Tuesday.

Then we can figure out the priorities for Wed.

A lot can be fixed in one rehearsal, just keep that in mind. Think of the hundreds of notes you all have taken as actors or techies from me during tech weeks in days of old. This can happen for all of you, too. Pennington actors and techies are amazing people. They can make it happen.

Also, bring in your $13. The shirts looks great. Too bad none of you will be wearing them. I'll have to sell them out on the streets :) If you bring your tshirt money in, I bet the Theatre Gods will come and bless your shows...Hmmm...

LH

Today went great. Hopefully smiles and happy thoughts were with you while you watched (those plays that went).

Email your notes to your actors AND post it to the bulletin board.

Notes about Notes for Actors

Please check your school email for some notes about notes for actors.
It won't paste on here, for some reason.

Also, please remember to collect tshirt money. I got the shirts, they look awesome, and no one will get them until I have the money from everyone in hand. ($13 per person)

This is your absolute last chance to send in program information. Please copy Mac and Houston on any of it, due to his potential tennis tournament and absence tomorrow.

If your bio was not submitted, then Jason will write it for you. Or he will just leave it blank or say something like, "So and so is completely lame." Your choice.

Harding's Sweet and Sour...

Hi All - This is Mr. Harding's Sweet & Sour Post Dry Tech Message:

The Sweet:

We learned a lot of things from Thursday's Dry Tech but one thing that I learned (or was reminded of) was that you guys are an incredibly creative, witty, and talented group - bringing many unique perspectives to this creative process. I think that all three of your plays display and reveal social commentary, humor and terror that we haven't seen from previous Senior productions - so Bravo(a) for that.

And now...The Sour:

Where to begin? MEDIA! As you were all told by me in person, you had to have "back up" of all of your projections and audio files - just in case the ones you brought to dry tech didn't work. It would have helped quite a bit to ACTUALLY HAVE YOUR PROJECTIONS, AUDIO AND IMAGES FINISHED LIKE I TOLD YOU TO. Yes, that is me, yelling at you.

For example, every single show does not have their projections, audio files or images complete or on the right format and that just is plain idiotic at this point. I don't know how any of you expect the Tech Crew to run your shows without actually...you know...running your show first - this is when we get to rehearse your show but you did not give us a "script" so...

Next: Stubbornness. This is a collaboration and as such requires that people "let go" of pre-conceived notions of how to run the shows...Houston and I have run a few Spring Plays in the past as well as Mr. DiGiacomo and Mr. Moore - so WHY NOT LISTEN TO OUR EXPERIENCED ADVICE? Yelling again - true dat.

This is what all of you need to make sure happens by Monday's Tech Rehearsal:

Do not trust that Justin can run everything off of his computer. Why do I say that? Because we couldn't run most of the media yesterday. That is not his fault, it is your fault for not making sure that your media was backed up on disk and in multiple formats like I told you guys to do.

So...put all of your audio/music on a iPod with a playlist in the correct order in which it is cued for your show. Back this playlist up with an actual burned CD. Make two copies of that CD. On the CD, put the show's name on it.

Projections: Edit consecutive projections to be consecutive (Kenny), make sure that all of your projections are backed up on DVD and in a format that can actually be played by multiple operating systems (Mac or PC). Make multiple copies of your projections and make sure that they are in the right order for your show and labeled correctly. I am merely repeating myself here.

All of your media needs to be labeled in such a way that Maggie Taylor can recognize it on the iPod or Anita can recognize it on the computer...such as opening the playlist and seeing "Track 1" or "sound effect 1" or "Train Whistle" or "Projections 1-2". How are Anita and Maggie supposed to know what to play if the files are labeled incorrectly and out of order? That happened yesterday quite a few times.

Lastly - I would like to thank each director that stayed for the entire run of their show's dry tech...that showed the right kind of commitment because you recognized that the Tech Crew was there from 3PM until 9PM...six hours. Justin's Tech Crew is a serious group of talented individuals and I think that all of you need to thank him and his crew for their dedication and attention yesterday (especially Tim and Kayla in my opinion - not to take anything away from anyone else). I would also like to thank Mr. DiGiacomo for staying the entire time as well - missing dinner and family time.

That is all. I know that most of you will take this message to heart and that a few of your will not even bother to read this entire message. That is too bad.

Love,
Harding

Water under the bridge doesn't make good soup.

Anticipate the stress of next week by doing more NOW.

Positiveness was awesome. Now pump it up to 110%!

Worker Bees

I was very impressed with class today. I felt like finally it has clicked in that you all are in this to make it the best show possible. I'm really proud and I left today feeling like you are really getting somewhere.

Don't lost that momentum! Keep it up.

Over the weekend, you might want to pick one person from each group (or in Kenny's case, Kenny) to write an inspirational email, with some reminders to your casts and crews. It will really make a difference to the kids who really value the Blackbox and their experience there.

Look at things with a wider scope!

Everyone is focusing on a micro level instead of the big picture.

Ask yourself, can I actually run through my play?

Big picture.

Update the props list. Read and communicate. Go through and figure out what you need. Be reasonable.

Positive renforcement with your actors. Focus on this. Be PUMPED!

Houston's Thoughts

As I said in class, you need to meet with your groups and get on the same page for dry tech. Only the lead directors will speak to tech people, so they need all of the necessary information before Thursday afternoon.

Nate and Kate got a nice head start on identifying areas of light today. I think Eriks and Eli were also doing that.

Part of being a director is MANAGING ALL DETAILS. Making sure all the costumes are complete, the props are collected, the program has all the information, the lights are on, videos work, sound runs smoothly, and getting actors ready. I am not feeling that from the directors AT ALL. I think all of you have tried to blame your shortcomings on other members of your group (even Kenny has some people to blame).

To be blunt, I think that you lack attention to detail and I am worried about entering tech week in this manner.

My advice is TAKE CHARGE. This is your show. As the adults advising you, will we support as much as we can but we will not bail you out this weekend and we will not do your work for you. This show will be as good and as attended as you make it. It's not solely anyone's job to do any one thing. Sure, Mac and Lucas can put up posters, but you all have to encourage people to come. They won't magically appear at the door.

The number of times I have had to give the same set of instructions in terms of Director's bios for the board, taking headshots, or sending things to Mac is absolutely insulting and exhausting.

The show last year was amazing because they took charge. They owned it and they did everything for it. They put it in front of everything else in their lives.

You can do this, too. I know you can.

Spiking is key. Get this done ASAP. Pick a color. Any color except for black.

Headshots.

Switch blackbox users more quickly AND get started in a faster fashion. We wasted (yes I timed it!) 17 minutes in between the plays. Keep your actors hearded and ready to go.

Thursday night will be a long night.

Setting a tone for tech week...

We need to get our ducks in a row for tech week. We will speak about this in class tomorrow, Wed. and Thurs. Also, please, please go over the list that Gardineer has sent out a few times of your props. If something is not on the list, I need to know now. Mr. Harding and Tim S. should have your scripts by now. If not, well then, I don't know what to say. Stay organized and focused this week. You will set a tone for your actors if you know what you want and you can stick to a plan and schedule. Thursday is dry tech -- directors need to be there. No exceptions. As far as I have heard from Mr. D and Mr. Moore, Michael and Jackie are the people speaking for those two shows. Decisions regarding lighting, sound and projections will be made by either in advance by committee and written down by M or J, or at the moment by them alone. There will not be a sea of voices during dry tech. Of course, Kenny can speak for himself.

Shmacting.

Solid. Next week is going to be a whole new level of intensity. Hopefully you are both physically (props, costumes, DVDs, , movies, etc.) and mentally.

Kenny great work with the kiddos.

Brown and Testa (Nathan) I'm excited to see your play once everyone gets their cues and lines. Enough said. Push them!

Place concerned, petty, selfish, confident, nice , etc. concerns below about the T-shirt.

Kenny your actors are ready and are getting too comfortable...so they are slipping! They need to keep focused and striving for perfection. This is both a good and bad thing. Good-natured because you prepared them well and worked them hard.

This goes for all of you. Make sure your actors keep pushing for the end not shooting for the present... place inspirational quote here.

Bed tomorrow! Fish bowl head board looks absolutely amazing.

A translation from Mr. Moore

Ok. So, Mr. Moore clearly doesn't know that my phone is from the late 1800s (actually, 2006). So, he texted me the post for tonight. However, I deleted it because I thought he was just copying me on a text message. Long story, short, here is a paraphrased translation of what he wrote. Mad props to Jackie for her direction today - he said something about getting great results from actors because of your focus and organization. Also, props to MB and Claire for "multi-tasking" and using the space well. Tickets will go on sale afterschool tomorrow. Everyone will get 2 reserved seats to start with. You and the senior actors will get priority. JD needs to take care of that. Mac/Lucas - time to reproduce those posters. Bios go to JD and Houston. Program stuff goes to Mac. Please check your email for tshirt quote. He said all of this much better than I did. Sorry.

"They are all dead?"

From our point of view everything is coming together. Great!

Start planning what needs the most work...and plan on running that into the ground

Everyone should focus on side acting in the next few days. Get them used to the idea that even though they arn't the focus they are still important to the development of the scene.

Make sure you are sternly talking to those individuals that are dropping lines.

This week...

This week should be all about the final details with your actors. Next week, you will be inundated with technical details, and so will they. So, any last minute character or scene work you want to do should get done by Friday. Also, please think ahead about the technical process. We will go over this more in class and Justin can let you know some of his expectations. And Mr. Harding's expectations. You want your tech stuff to be "tight", so it takes some thinking in advance. You have to turn your attention a bit away from your actors to make the tech stuff click. If you have not voted on the tshirt quote, please do so (the link is in your email). Send program info. to Mac and your Bio to Jason and Houston. Amber/Allison - we need all tshirt orderers' sizes by Thursday night, so we can order Friday. Tshirt design must also be complete by Friday to order in time.

Blargen! (Swedish blogging)

Great job today! Both plays were wonderful to watch and I was surprised by the progress.

5 days of rehearsals next...make sure you shine you crazy diamond.

Positive reinforcement is a great tool to use with students.

Make sure your directions are clear and consistent for the students. Make it easy for them to understand your vision

Also make sure that suggestions and directions are the same for each director. You should not be contridicting eachother.

Off book=holding things up. Take that actor aside and tell them your expectations.

Amber great work with Chandler and Erin!

Spike tape!? Is it all real? Take up the "fake" tape and get rid of it. It confuses me.

T-shirts?

Last night's challenge was mediocre -ly done. Tonight I need all new ones, but they must have alliteration!

Check Your Email

Hello! Please check your email regarding some decisions about the tshirt. We have a survey we need you to take. Also, the survey title is a bit misleading...we were going to put some bulletin board questions on there, but actually didn't do that. So, don't be confused. If you continue to have issues with actors just saying/reciting lines without the emotion or motivation behind it, please ask for help. This is something that won't just magically solve itself. It takes some thought and action by the director to make it happen for the actors. Just ask Jackie and Michael what kind of things I made them do to make their characters' relationship more substantial in KMK. It takes work from the director and the actors. Someone's entire job needs to be getting people off book - like CFP. He needs to get off book!

The train keeps chugging along.

Things keep getting done, which is great. Don't get frustrated with the process, understand the hard work that goes into the entire process... then keep yourselves motivated. The end is coming... you should be both excited and startled.

Gardineer get the props in! Or else...

Community day announcement.

Memorizing lines and acting are two different things. Now is the time to start enforcing both.

Challenge: make a slogan/ bumper sticker for the spring play.

Off book! Enforce it! At this point it should concern you!

Challenge: Write a haiku about a leadership skill.

Enforcement of law
Without being very mean
Respect the actor

No eating in the blackbox.

Efficiency. Plan out what you are going to do. Try to get three scenes done (20 minutes each).

Kudos to Amber and Alison for organizing the mass organization of costumes, but if the dressing room looks like that again it won't be good.

Details, details, details...

Class was productive today. It should be that way everyday until the show is over. And then, if you're lucky, you go on internship! Wow! Remember to print out and give your actors the scene lists. Also, email it to Justin and Tim Secrest, Mr. H, Mr. D and Mr. Moore. To respond to some comments from last night's blog... There is always a time in the rehearsal process when things get sloggy. (Sloppy + Foggy = Sloggy). It usually comes around the time the blocking is done or almost done, tech week seems far away, lines are mostly learned, and the newness of the group has worn off and people start to get on each other's nerves. You have entered the sloggy phase. How will you get out of it?

Diction...

Here are some tips from Ms. Vander Schaaff about diction. One thing that is always of concern in the Blackbox, where the ceiling is so high, is sound carrying. You have one advantage, in that your audience is all on one side of the room. Please remember that your actors need to be heard by 7 rows of people, and the crew in the booth. You might want to check sooner rather than later, if they can be heard at those distances. Experienced actors should be fine; however, sound carries differently in the BBox than in the LC. Another thing Ms. V always says about understanding your actors is that sometimes when an actor can't be loud enough or heard clearly, it is because they actually don't understand the intention behind the line. I think I talked to you all in class about the emotion/intention behind lines and balancing that with action. The clarity of what your actors say is dependant on how well they understand their character's goals and intentions. Vocal warm ups need to be done with focus and seriousness. Even if someone has one line, they need to be heard clearly. People should not be going through the motions with vocal warm ups. It might be a good idea to sit in on each other's rehearsals once or twice before tech week to be that outside ear for each other. It will make a real difference.

Finish the sentence, "Kenny..."

Slooooooow down. The delivery of lines is key. Funny, sad, slow, creepy...they are all delivered in a certain way. Start watching for this next week.

Get Gardineer in the loop!

Did I see some fantastic directing today? Yup!

I'm sorry I couldn't be there today. I was/still am in bed with a migraine. So here's my Blah-g for today...

But if I was there this is what I would have observed....

"Things were productive today. "

Reminder about keeping cast occupied! Do it. If You don't it will de-value the experience. AND we don't want this to happen especially with such awesome plays!

Note: As a last reaort allow homework, but the/your cast must be close by!

How did the start of practice go? Hopefully better than yesterday!

Some things to consider over the weekend...

All filming must be done next week. No exceptions! My house is available for the birthday sequence on Monday and Tuesday afterschool. One of you needs to make sure Gardineer gets the props ready to go. I should have the bike and helmet, wrapping paper/bows, and some birthday stuff. You guys need to get a cake and balloons (save your receipts). Justin needs to email me the list of materials needed for tech crew. The bulletin board needs to be completed by 8 am on Monday. Luke, Mac, Dono, Jason - you four need to start writing an article for the Penntonian about the plays. Keep that in mind. Next week we will be able to start conversations about lighting and sound. The article you will read tomorrow should help in those conversations. Don't forget to email me those responses by Sunday night! Have a good one. LH

Confidence and leadership is like a box of tacks...(finish the sentence)

Spanish classroom. We need an email to confirm that arrangement.

Place Positive reinforcement here! Great right scene and old people scene.

Start setting up the audience's seat to make sure entrances are there.

Welcome back.

Gardineer get me that list of prop needs. ASAP. Also the Harding says differentiate between set piece, props, and costumes. All electronics you cover.

Crowd control is weak. You need a new way to get these students under control. For example, wait for silence... You have to earn repect from them. Yelling at them will not work. It is going to be difficult to continue this show if the disrespect continues.

Note: Mr. D is talking right now and I hear four people talking. Not acceptable. He should not have to "shush" the directors.

This Friday you're out of here at 4:30.

Back to Reality...

Keep in mind that your schedules are pretty tight from now until the end of the month. You basically have four weeks to pull this all together. Priority number 1: Actors learning lines!!!!! Get them off book. Priority number 2: Filming. Any changes or updates to set items or props need to go to Justin and Gardineer. Any changes to the HW site postings or schedule need to go to Allison and Amber. Any costume needs or other shopping needs can be communicated to me (Houston.) Keep in mind that all sound and film projections will need to be ready to roll at the dry tech on April 21st. We need to make the bulletin board look snappy for re-visit days next week. So, we will spend some classtime doing that. It would be great if some of you photography-types could take some pictures at rehearsal over the next few days. If you would like to collect some images/pictures that fit into your show's vision to add to the board, that'd be great. Eventually, we will have all of your bios up there during show week. And headshots! So fun! Hey, guess what? I like teenagers again. Let's make that last until June 4th....

"Because it's my play."

Set concrete places for rehearsal. Here is an idea: who ever was in the black box first is then in the hallway, and the show that is not in the black box that day is in the gallery. Done. Stick to it.

Some Thoughts for Over Spring Break...

It would be great if one of you (or the three lead directors) can remind their actors twice over break to review and learn lines.

Also, make sure they get the new schedule a day or two before coming back to school.

Justin- if you need any materials, Mr. H and I will buy them over break.
Same with props and costumes. If you find you need something specific, it's better for me to know sooner, rather than later.

Stay in touch over email and check the blog before you come back to school. I don't anticipate much action on here over the break...but there will be some reminders posted on Monday, March 28th or whatever that date is.

Be ready to hit the ground running when you get back from break! That backwards clock will start ticking down fast...Filming will need to get done (costumes/props will be needed for that), blocking will need to be set, lines learned, etc.

Also, look forward to after break when I will start loving teenagers again. :)

LH

Below write one way how you can improve what your doing. (recognizing your faults is the first step to bettering yourself).

ERIKS TIME MANAGEMENT! Your dedication is commendable, but you need to watch your time.

"Killing Time", make sure your crowd management is improving through respect and not just shushing. The actors should want to be quiet and listen. (I understand it is hard now because of break, but don't send a bad precedent).

When you are in the blackbox make sure you keep an eye on your time. Make sure you are ready to leave and make a smooth transition.

Make sure you watch your time both inside and outside the black box.

Kate share all of your games with everyone! They should know your genius!

Actors still don't understand the importance of games.

Also do not leave the decisions of the games up to the students. Have a plan! Make it concrete. No loosely glossy.

Conflict resolution. Always compliment an idea then give them a critical but appropriate critique of said idea. Sarcasm doesn't work. DiGiacomo and Houston, anything to add?

Great work!!!!!!!!

Blocking/Staging

As you block scenes in the Blackbox, make sure to move around the seating area and check on things from different angles -- there are enough of you around that you can all sit in different spots while rehearsal is going on. Mr. Moore mentioned some potential backs to audience problems...bully scene? Ring a bell? We can discuss in class.

There are certainly times when backs can be turned, or sightlines can get muddied, but try to prevent it if at all possible. You are working with a relatively standard sightline, so it shouldn't be difficult to have your actors cheat out and have the majority, if not all the audience be able to see the action.

LH

Note: Justify WHY you are playing a game. Students think games are meaningless if you don't! Tell them why it is an important game, or else we hear from the students, "Can I leave? Because we are JUST playing games." Errrr

Manage your time wisely! If you are in the blackbox and need to share, make sure you get out in a timely manner. Sharing IS caring.

Reminders...

Don't forget to comment on here when you check in. Even, if your comment is just "I read all of this and have nothing particular to add."

Make sure your actors are clear with the rehearsal schedule. Go over the conflicts so that they are not cropping up at a moment's notice.

Also, please read Chapter 10 - staging - tonight in your red books.

Can't wait to hear how it all goes...

LH

Get ready!

The real work starts on Monday.

How are you mentally preparing?

Communications must come through and from the head director.

The mood was loose today which is fine for the first day of rehearsal. But in the coming days make sure you set the mood. Focused but fun, Constructive and. Creative, and all the rest of unsaid alliterations (write your own alliteration below)

It was great seeing and hearing voices to the parts that you created. With enough enthusiasm and encouragement they are going to run with these parts and make this show amazing.

It's third period and I am really excited about seeing the set. Great stuff Kate! I can't wait to see the lighting aspect to be added.

No! (Communication Breakdown) Email your cast members! When you see them in the halls tell them.

New rule: any communication with your cast members must be in print on the bulletin board. MUST.

Tomorrow morning all cast lists must be up.

Re-throughs 3:15 tomorrow and Friday.

If you get anything out of this experience it is teamwork. Learn it, love it, embrace it, take it home to mom, call it your boo, etc, etc.

Keep them busy. Whether it's reading, creating character BIOS, playing g character building games, coloring books, etc. The students need to keep moving, thinking and creating! This is a good lesson to learn now.

For example, you need to start coming up with a physical warmup schedule for all practices. So that the students have a warm up for each practice. Last year this was a trouble spot and it was not a great way to start off each of the rehearsals.

Happy Casting Day?

Hopefully, you all can work out your casting and be satisfied with what you decide.
I am impressed by your willingness to listen and compromise, and to think outside the box.
Maybe some of this experience gives you some insight into the mind of Houston. Just think, I have to do this alone! Figuring it all out is tough-- balancing the talent, the dedication, loyalty, personality, opinion, seniority. It is all a difficult task.

I think there needs to be one of you that is in charge of communicating with your actors about schedules, reminders, deadlines. That person should make an email list on google of their cast. Perhaps Kate can make an email list of all Spring Play participants for the larger, less play-specific announcements? I can show you all how to do this in class.

If you have ideas for games/warm ups, please get them to Jason, Mac and Amber. They are master-minding that endeavor over the next few days.

We will also hear from Kate about the set in the next few days so you can jump right into blocking next week.

Keep your red books handy. There is a great chapter on staging, coming right up!

LH

Keep them busy.

All the time.

Whether its today with practicing or in future rehearsals with character description, character building games, or coloring books...

Note: Ya'll should come up with a warm up schedule: who is leading it and what activity they will be doing. Last year it wasn't the smoothest part of the rehearsal and it wasn't the best way to start each rehearsal.

Professionalism, organization, and leadership is what is going to make this the smoothest running production. (And me not having to write every post twice)

Firstly, don't shush me ever again.

Secondly, hopefully you have realized that this show involves lot of teamwork. Just because you are louder doesn't mean you are working together. Listening is a key part of working in a big group. "Listen Moore, talk less".

Thirdly, auditions went great, it looks like we have a great group of individuals!

Fourthtest, remember we are not cutting anyone so make sure you create/have room for all of them. Word of advice a lot of good actors emerge out of the spring play. So, take that chance!

Remember the schedule this week.

Information for Blogging

Once you get on here, make sure you are using your real name (or a part of it). For example, my user name is Houston!

You will be required to check this and comment five times a week, approximately (after every rehearsal). This will be part of your grade for Senior Seminar, but will also help your process for the show. We have found it to be invaluable over the past three or four years. My requirement last year for the class was that they had to comment on every post. That way, even if you get behind for a day or two, you can always catch up.

Also, if you have a large announcement that you would prefer be posted, please send it to Mr. Moore, Mr. D., or to me.

You may not use specific actor's names on here. Whether it is a compliment or a criticism, or more likely, a frustration, please call them "one of my actors."

Please do not degrade each other or put down one another's ideas. You can say things like "I hear what you are saying, but I disagree. I think we should try this instead..."

Please do not use foul language or talk about inappropriate things, even if trying to joke.

This blog is a school-sponsored blog and therefore, it is PUBLIC. Whatever you post is permanently recorded somewhere. So, be careful.

Also, try to use the best grammar and writing skills you can. If Mr. Eaton or someone wants to reference this as an educational example to other schools, we want to look "PROFESSIONAL."

Reminder

You must have a Google account in order to post to this Blog.