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)