CCES DRAMA

2010 FALL DRAMA!!!

2010-10-23T23:03:00.001-07:00

TWO SHOWS Presented in Rep.
only $5 each!!!

RECKLESS, by Craig Lucas - Directed by John Fagan
BLACK COMEDY, by Peter Shaffer
Directed by David Sims

Get your tickets in the Upper School Bookstore!

WELCOME BACK!

2010-08-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

AUDITORIUM WORK DAY
This Sunday, August 08
11:00a - 6:00p
*** Thespian Point Opportunity ***

Cyrano!

2010-04-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Cyrano de Bergerac was awesome. All students and parent-volunteers should be proud of pulling off this ambitious feat only 2 months after South Pacific. Congrats to all!

THESPIAN MEETING on Friday, April 30 at Lunch in the Drama Room.
BE THERE!

Cyrano de Bergerac

2010-04-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

The IB Theatre class of the CCES Upper School has put together an entirely student-run production, Cyrano de Bergerac. The students made cuts to the script, designed, directed, and are appearing in this unique production in the rear commons of the Upper School. The cast includes drama students from all grades!

Seating is limited to 60 per night, so please reserve yours now!
Tickets are $7 and are available at the US Bookstore.

Tuesday, April 20 - Friday 23
8:00p

WASHINGTON, DC TRIP

2010-03-16T22:27:00.000-07:00

The Drama trip this year was great - three fine examples of regional theatre at its best, some galleries, the Spy Museum, Ford's Theatre, and pleasant memories of the mall in Burlington.

working on CYRANO cuts. first thing in the morning!

SUMMER PLANS

2010-01-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Here are a few good Summer Drama programs for your perusal. I will write recommendations for whoever needs one.

UNCSA

NYU - TISCH

SECOND CITY

SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

merry christmas

2009-12-08T13:06:00.001-08:00

A Midsummer Night's Dream

2009-11-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the cast and crew for a great run. The audiences loved the show and so did everyone who worked on it. The DVDs will hopefully be available before the Christmas break (easy gift idea.) Many pictures are on the Facebook group site - more will be added soon.
Info on the Spring Show and DC Trip forthcoming.

3 DAYS TO GO!!!

2009-11-09T10:57:00.001-08:00

You WILL go see A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.
Wednesday 11 at 8:00p {invited Preview}
Thursday 12 at 8:00p
Friday 13 at 8:00p
Saturday 14 at 8:00p
Sunday 15 at 3:00p

$10 for Students - $15 for Adults
Tickets available HERE
or at either MS or US Bookstore

be there!

MIDSUMMER POSTER

2009-10-27T21:27:00.001-07:00

we can thank Jim Harris at Creative Coaster for this one.

MIDSUMMER SET

2009-10-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

A great crowd parents and cast members came to help build the set for A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, designed by Shannon Robert of the Warehouse Theatre. Another weekend of work will be needed to finish it all, which will be scheduled around the Cabaret schedule. Future awesomeness includes: stars, leaves, tree lights, Titania's flower bed.

NC Shakespeare Festival Trip

2009-10-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

The cast of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM recently went to lovely High Point, NC to witness the NC Shakespeare Festival's amazing production of the very same play. It featured performers from CIRQUE DU SOLEIL and a professional cast of actors from all over the country.

Thespian meeting!!!!!

2009-09-30T07:06:00.001-07:00

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

2009-08-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

Production Team

Director: David Sims
Set Design: Shannon Robert
Costume Design: Kim Granner
Lighting Design: TBA
Stage Manager: Natalie Robichaud
Sound Design: Matt Morgan, Marc Gwinn, Jeremy Deardorff
Arts Guild Chair: Starr Haney
Props/Costumes: Beegi Clohan, Mimi Hallman
Front of House: Reggi Titmas
Set Construction: Matthew Leckenbush, Carl Sykes

MIDSUMMER meeting

2009-07-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone.
The first Summer meeting for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will be this SATURDAY, JULY 18 at 2:00p. We're going to talk about de-coding the text, approaching character, and everybody will get the official script! I know that some of you can't make it, so there will be another meeting in early August.

And if you're not yet a member of the Facebook Group "CCES DRAMA 90-10", become one now!

Please read "Midsummer" at least once before the meeting. Be familiar with the story and your part in the story.

In addition to that you can check out the many film adaptations, many of which can be found on You Tube. Beware: some of the You Tube findings are truly horrible. Do some research on the show now while you have a little bit of time to spare.

and you have to read THIS - plus the Man-Beast article at the bottom of the page is quite funny.

sims

END OF THE YEAR EVENTS

2009-04-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

The Warehouse Theatre's Wooden O presents
HAMLET
THURSDAY, APRIL 16 AT 4:00p in the Drama Room

Jeff Sumerel presents
a screening of his latest film
TO MY GREAT CHAGRIN
featured at MOMA, and many film festivals around the country.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23 AT 4:00p in the Drama Room
free of charge!!!

MS Musical
MULAN
May 8 & 9
anyone interested in CREW, please contact me!!!!!

Auditions for 2009 Fall Drama
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
Monday, May 18 at 4:00p in the Drama Room
scripts & scenes available soon

FORTINBRAS is upon us!

2009-04-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

Runs through this Saturday, April 4.
7:00p each night
$10 admission
$5 for second visit
free popcorn

THE DAWN OF FORTINBRAS

2009-03-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Monday, 16.......4:00p...........ACT 1

Tuesday, 17......4:00p...........ACT 2
Wed. 18............4:00p...........Work entire show
Thursday, 19....4:00p...........Work entire show
Friday, 20.........4-6pm.........Costume Curio
Sunday, 21.....1:00p..........Work entire show

Monday, 23......4:00p..........Run Show
Tuesday, 24.....4:00p..........Run Show
Wed. 25...........4:00p..........Run Show
Thursday, 26....4:00p..........Run Show
Saturday, 28.....1:00p.........TECH
Sunday, 29.......7:00p.........DRESS
Monday, 30......6:30p.........DRESS
Tuesday, 31.....6:30p.........DRESS

APRIL

Wed. 1.............7:00p.........Performance
Thursday, 2.....7:00p.........Performance
Friday, 3..........7:00p.........Performance
Saturday, 4......7:00p.........Performance

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GET OFF BOOK!!!!!

CHICAGO

2009-03-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

Our 2nd annual Drama Trip was to the windy city. 13 students and 5 adults went to Chicago to see ART at Steppenwolf Theatre, MACBETH at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and BLUE MAN GROUP. There was also a tour of the amazing CHICAGO THEATER. We're taking suggestions for next year, but I'm leaning towards DC.

FORTINBRAS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

2009-02-18T05:48:00.001-08:00

Here's the updated schedule. Please check your Scene Breakdown to make sure you're here when you need to be. And take a look at how little time we have! In order to make this show happen the right way, everyone must be at rehearsal on time and ready to work!

Mon. 23....4pm 1.4 - 1.7
Tue. 24.....7pm 2.1 - 2.5
Wed. 25....4pm Work on lines
Thur. 26....4pm 2.6 - 2.7

WINTER BREAK - learn your lines!!!!!

March

Mon. 09....4pm Work Act 1
Tue. 10......4pm Work Act 2
Wed. 11.....4pm Work Act 1
Thur. 12....4pm Work Act 2
Sat. 14.......1pm Work Acts 1 & 2
Mon. 16....4pm Reh. with Warehouse Theatre folks
Tue. 17......4pm Reh. with Warehouse Theatre folks
Wed. 18....4pm Reh. with Warehouse Theatre folks
Thur. 19....4pm Work TBA
Sat. 21.......1pm Work Acts 1 & 2
Mon. 23....4pm Work Show
Tue. 24.....4pm Work Show
Wed. 25....4pm Work Show
Thur. 26...4pm Work Show
Sat. 28......1pm TECH
Sun 29......6:30 Dress Reh.
Mon. 30...6:30 Dress Reh.
Tue. 31.....6:30 Dress Reh.

April

Wed. 01....7:00 Performance
Thur. 02...7:00 Performance
Fri. 03......7:00 Performance
Sat. 04.....7:00 Performance

2009-02-10T19:55:00.001-08:00

FORTINBRAS CAST

First of all, thank you to all who showed up at the Audition - all read well. Like I've said before, this play could be cast 3 or 4 different ways and it would be a great show. This particular order has been shaped by the following factors: 1) schedules & conflicts 2) the audition 3) casting according to (or against) type. Keep in mind also that this script is a work in progress and that lines will be cut or added as needed. Several of these roles are double cast, so wherever you see 2 names for 1 role, that means 2 performances for each actor (except the Maidens.) Please come by the Drama Room to get scripts and rehearsal schedules.
Please note that we're trying to have a first reading of the play on Friday right after school in the Drama Room. Let me know ASAP if you can't be there.
sims

Fortinbras ............... Anderson Haney
Ophelia ............... Mary Clohan + Avery Allen
Horatio ............... Cody Cobb
Osric ............... McAdams Christopher
Hamlet ............... Connor McEvoy
Gertrude ............... Liz Blake + Jacqueline Pusker
Claudius ............... Dexter Rogers
Polonius ............... Jonathan Pierce
Captain ............... Reggie Titmas
Polish Maidens ............... Grace Sykes & Rachel Amato
Marcellus ............... Danielle Rackley
Barnardo ............... Sheldon Clark
Laertes ............... TBA
Ambassador ............... Emmett Davis
Ensemble ............... Silvia Schrotter

FORTINBRAS, etc.

2009-01-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

SPRING SHOW 2009

Fortinbras, by Lee Blessing
presented with
The 15 Minute Hamlet, by Tom Stoppard
April 2 - 4 @ 7:00p in the Drama Room

Auditions: Feb. 9 @ 4:00p in the Drama Room
Rehearsals: Feb. 13 - April 1 (after school most days til 6:00p - some weekends)

scripts will be available later this week

*****************************************************************************************

We had so much fun last weekend that we all decided to have another paint party this Sunday, Jan. 18. The fun will begin at 1:00p and continue until 5:00 or so. There will be Thespian points and donuts for the taking.

*****************************************************************************************

Thank you everybody for getting the deposits in for the Chicago trip! Details, like our schedule and room assignments, will be forthcoming.

*****************************************************************************************

THESPIANS!
Next Monday, 26 during Assembly, we will present certificates of membership! You will be called forward, shake somebody's hand, then line up and let Mrs. Baird take pictures. BE THERE!
You should also be receiving your official Thespian stuff in the mail pretty soon.

*****************************************************************************************
sims

WORK CALL

2009-01-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

WORK CALL for "In the Beginning"

Come paint with guest artist Kim Granner or build stuff with Carl - or organize stuff with Mimi Hallman - or order people around with Mr. Sims!

Sat. Jan 17 from 10:00am until... (lunch provided)
Sun. 18 from 1:00pm until dinner

SCHEDULE NEWS

2008-12-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

Our first ever Thespian troupe meeting will be Monday, Dec. 8 at LUNCH in the Drama Room. We have many things to discuss so BE THERE! I will be giving out info sheets for your folks regarding the CHICAGO TRIP, so if you can't make the Thespian meeting you MUST TELL ME!!!

sims

We are Thespians

2008-11-07T10:07:00.001-08:00

The Upper School has become the newest member of the International Thespian Society, as troupe # 7341. Invitations are going out this week - and the induction ceremony will be announced soon.

The ITS is an honorary society for young theater artists that has inducted over two million members since its inception in 1929. More info to follow soon.

*** the tentative plan for the big theater trip: March 5-8, CHICAGO. Look at your calendars and let me know if things look good. More details to follow. ***

RHINOCEROS OPENS!

2008-10-22T23:51:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Fall Drama is underway in the CCES Auditorium this weekend. You can A) buy tickets at the door, B) get them at the Upper School Bookstore, or C) reserve them on the Arts Guild Hotline, 299-1522 ext. 1966

Students can charge their accounts at the door or in the Bookstore.

Adults: $15
Students: $10
This Thursday - Saturday at 8:00pm and
Sunday at 3:00pm

Here are some pictures...

2008-10-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

GO FULL-RHINO

We have one and a half weeks to go until Tech, so please make every effort to get completely off-book ASAP! All of your teachers are aware of the challenge that faces us these next few weeks, but that probably won't change your work load any. Each rehearsal is precious, so everyone must be focused at ALL TIMES and ready to work at 6:30pm!

This Sunday, Oct. 12 is an important rehearsal, but there will also be an opportunity to help our Lighting Designer, Tony Penna, with hanging and focusing the lights. Let me know if you're interested.

You all know the phase we're about to dive into. Be ready!

SIMS

Mask Workshop

2008-09-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Guest artists Kim Granner and Shannon Robert worked with the cast of the Fall Drama on building their masks, which will be used in a variety of ways onstage.

RHINOCEROS is underway

2008-09-11T09:50:00.001-07:00

Jayce Tromsness, Voice and Acting teacher at the SC Governor's School, helped the cast get the ball rolling with a vocal workshop early this week. He will continue to visit rehearsals and help us out. Shannon Robert, of the Warehouse Theatre, is busy at work on the amazing set which she designed and the cast has been helping to construct. Tony Penna, Lighting professor at Clemson University, will add his brilliant touches in October, making this one of the most dynamic sets we've ever had at CCES. This rehearsal period is shorter than we've ever experienced in the Upper School, so each week will bring big changes to the staging of the production.

sims

2008-09-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

2008-08-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

Auditorium Work Day #2

2008-08-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday August 17
2:00-6:00pm

Come paint, organize, put together, take apart, watch others work, destroy things, lift heavy objects, and sort props.

sims

SUMMER READING: RHINOCEROS

2008-07-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

This year's fall drama will enjoy a shorter rehearsal process (about 7 weeks) and perform the week before Halloween (Auditions will be on Sept. 03.) There are lots of cool activities surrounding this production, like workshops with Shannon Robert (Scene Design) and Jayce Tromsness (Voice), and I think I'm safe in saying that RHINOCEROS will be one of the most amazing shows ever offered at CCES. The scene design alone is going to blow your heads off. All that being said, there are now scripts available at the front office of the Upper School. Those of you who are serious about getting major roles should get familiar with the script NOW, before the wave of academia hits you. and please remember that the copy you take will be used in rehearsal, so TAKE CARE OF IT! And there will be cuts to the script, to take a little of the fat out, but we won't get to those until the first read-thru. Feel free to use this blog to post comments about the script, etc.

and by the way, if you want to see one of the coolest things ever, go to this link where you can manipulate RADIOHEAD's latest video on your own, through a new data tracking device. Just wait for it to load, then move your mouse around on the screen while it plays.
go HERE

sims

End of the Year post

2008-05-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

You can be upset, it's ok. The end of the year is upon us, but I'm sure the Summer won't be as boring as you're thinking. All of that time you'll have to lay in the sun and do absolutely nothing will pale in comparison to the daily grind of study and exhaustion that you have grown to love. Worry not, dear students, for we're only months away from hitting the books again.

Departing Seniors, farewell: Beeson, Atkinson, Hoptry, Washburn, Scovil, Kotrady, Evins, Moseley, Schumaker, Cull, Willis, Dailey, Porter, McLane and McEniry.
wow. That's a ton of people.

Best of luck to all of you in college. I fully expect each of you to do as your predecessors have done and visit CCES a few times in your Freshman year, maybe once or twice in your Sophomore year, then never again. Please try and stay involved in the theater of higher education; all of you have the chops to do so and get good parts.

Next year's FALL DRAMA will most likely be the week before Halloween, and will most likely be RHINOCEROS, by Eugene Ionseco, so try and make it back to check it out.

keep looking here over the Summer for updates.

SIMS

2008-04-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

ANNIE PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

Food will be provided for all rehearsals, but not for the performances.

Saturday, May 3
1:00-4:00pm...............Dry Tech (no actors: lighting and crew only)

Sunday, May 4
1:00-7:00pm................Tech

Monday, May 5
5:00-9:00pm...............Dress Rehearsal

Tuesday, May 6
5:00-9:00pm...............Dress Rehearsal

Wed, May 7
6:00 Call
6:30 Run w/ Orchestra

Thursday, May 8
6:00 Call
6:30 Run w/ Orchestra

Friday, May 9
6:00 Call
7:00 Performance

Saturday, May 10
1:00 Call
2:00 Performance
6:00 Call
7:00 Performance

IF YOU PLAN ON BEING IN CREW AND THESE DATES ARE OK, PLEASE POST A REPLY BELOW. REMEMBER, YOU GET MORE COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS THAN YOU NEED!

sims

Time to get Tartuffified!

2008-04-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone involved in our most successful Spring production yet! We sold out 3 of 4 performances, with a total of nearly 200 in attendance; not bad for the drama room. Several of you came out and did your best work to date - you should all be very proud.
...and a big fat farewell to Beeson, Hoptry, Washburn, Cull, Freeman, and Atkinson! You'll still be charged admission whenever you come back, however.

sims

More pics will be on the CCES site soon.

The Visit DVD will be here by Graduation... and I mean the actual day of graduation.

THE NEXT 2 WEEKS OF YOUR LIFE

2008-04-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here's the poster, which will go up all over school early this week. There is nothing more important right now than GETTING OFF BOOK! We'll be starting with costumes and props on Wednesday, so please be prepared. Tuesday will be a special rehearsal, with guest artist Tara Brodin (pictured below), who will lead a workshop that will be a shot in the arm for all involved - including some drama students from MANN who Coach White is bringing along.

Ms. Brodin will be here all week; working with us, the Middle School, our Faculty, and all around town. So when you see her, make her feel at home.

2008-03-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

APRIL... get yourself ready

PAY VERY CLOSE attention to this schedule, as our collective sanity depends on it. We only really have 3 weeks to get TARTUFFE together, which I know we will; and it shall be amazing. There's also the Cabaret, Prom, and a few Senior Projects before that! Those of you who are in the Cabaret need to look over BOTH rehearsal schedules and find the conflicts; there are several. Copy a paste the following schedule into your soul:

Monday, March 31
TARTUFFE rehearsal @ 6:30pm

Tuesday, April 1 - Thursday, 3
TARTUFFE rehearsal @ 3:45pm

Friday, 4
YOUNG ARTIST SERIES

Monday, 7
TARTUFFE rehearsal @ 3:45

Tuesday, 8
JL MANN : JOHNNY QUEST @10:00am
TARTUFFE rehearsal @ 6:30pm

Wednesday, 9
TARTUFFE rehearsal @ 3:45

Thursday, 10
TARTUFFE rehearal @ 3:45
CABARET rehearsal @ 6:00pm

Friday, 11
CABARET rehearsal @ 8:30pm

Saturday, 12
CABARET performance @ 8pm

Monday, 14 - Thursday, 17
TARTUFFE rehearsals @ 3:45pm

Friday, 18
YOUNG ARTIST SERIES

Sunday, 20
TARTUFFE rehearsal @ 6:00pm

Monday 21 & Tuesday 22
TARTUFFE Dress Rehearsals @ 6:30pm

Wednesday, 23
TARTUFFE Opening @ 7pm

Thursday, 24
TARTUFFE performances at 4:00 and 7:00pm

Friday, 25
TARTUFFE performance @ 7pm

Sunday, 27
Upper School Concert

That's right... breathe it in. And Mr. Sims will also be working on ANNIE at the same time! Make sure that ALL of your duckies are in a row.

I'm also looking for 3 crewfolk for the Cabaret and ANNIE.

sims

MARCH

2008-03-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

First off, here's the NY Times review of "The Seagull" that we saw in NYC.
Ben Brantley, the chief critic, had some mixed reactions to the production; most of which I agree with. What do you think?
Check it out right here.

TARTUFFE
Script copies and rehearsal schedules can be picked up in the Upper School Office, right there on Mrs. Allison's desk. First rehearsal is slated for Wed. of next week. Look the schedule over carefully and let me know of any problems. The script has been narrowed down to 88 pages, which is almost half of the original, but it's still a wordy play - so get familiar with it as soon as you can. Don't put it off ... it's a fast read.
sims

TARTUFFE AUDITIONS

2008-02-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

Tuesday in the Drama Room

Don't worry if you haven't had a chance to look at the script. There are a few copies in the Upper School Office for your perusal, and copies of the audition scenes will be available to pick up on Tuesday morning.

Auditions will be in a no-pressure reading style, no memorization required. Please indicate if you would like to audition for a specific role. I will double-cast roles according to the numbers, so everybody will get a chance to perform in front of an audience!

The production itself will take place in the Drama room April 23-25.

Rehearsals will be after school beginning on Monday, March 17.

NYC Trip

2008-01-15T11:58:00.000-08:00

This is the first NYC trip the Drama Dept. has taken in I don't know how long... way before my time, anyway. Most everybody has informed me of their intentions - but for those of you who haven't, let me know ASAP!!!

Here's the hotel
Here are a few links to the shows I'm trying to get tickets for:
THE SEAGULL
FUERZABRUTA

We're also going to the Upright Citizen's Brigade to see some amazing Improv, and we'll probably pay a visit to MOMA.

sims

WOODEN O

2007-12-09T12:46:00.002-08:00

ATTENTION!

All students interested in attending the Warehouse Theatre's WOODEN O production and workshop need to see Mr. Sims FIRST THING in the morning on Monday.
Here is the schedule:

Production & Workshop in Auditorium

9:45-11:00.................... "Romeo & Juliet" + Q&A
3rd & 4th Periods

11:10-11:45..................... Shakespeare Workshop
Period W

Period X begins at 11:55

"The Dining Room" and the WOODEN O

2007-11-27T22:06:00.000-08:00

Those student attending the JL Mann production of "The Dining Room" will need to check in with me to get a planned absence form.
The short-bus will leave campus at 8:45am on Friday. Please arrive in the Commons by 8:40ish.
If you are in Choir and singing in the Winter Concert, you need to stay for practice Friday morning. sorry.

The Warehouse Theatre is bringing back the award-winning WOODEN O program on Monday, December 11. They will perform a one-hour production of a Shakespeare play followed by a one-hour workshop with all who attend. This is a good Journeyman group this year. There will be no open-fly-action this year. I promise.
I will have more information by next week, so mark your calendar. should be the morning of the 11th.

Karen Young Workshop info

2007-11-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

Here's the real info on Saturday:

Session 1
9:45-12:30
First round of work: each pair or solo will work one-on-one with Karen, David, & Chris.
After each pair or solo has seen us, the rest of the time will be used to work on your own to implement the notes.

Lunch (location TBA)
12:30-1:30

Session 2
1:45-3:30ish
Everybody will assemble in the Drama room to present their scenes/solos for the group, along with a short discussion.

Please remember to be there by no later than 9:45am in the Upper School Drama Room, and bring money for lunch. Both CCES and Mann students will make a group of about 12-14 total. There is no need to completely memorize anything, but a little goes a long way. Please reply to this post to confirm your involvement in this workshop. ...and don't be nervous.
sims

Karen Young Workshop

2007-11-04T07:13:00.001-08:00

We are very pleased to have Karen Young visit our school on Thursday, and lead an acting workshop on Saturday, Nov. 10 right here at CCES! Karen has recently enjoyed a recurring role on The Sopranos (Agent Robyn Sanseverino), many roles in Law & Order, and several feature films. For more info, you can check out her IMDB page. We will be participating with students from JL Mann. Below are the details on the workshop. I will be at school early in the week to sign people up and help choose material.
sims

Saturday "Master Class" with Karen Young: High school drama students bring monologues or scenes to present for individual coaching and critique by a theatre and film professional. In the morning (Saturday, November 10, 9AM - Noon) scenes are presented to the entire class and Karen gives feedback. There is a midday break for lunch and individual rehearsals/polishing. Then, there is a final session (2-4 PM) where the revised scenes are presented for the class again...brief comments by Karen for each.

it's curtains for THE VISIT

2007-10-28T22:50:00.001-07:00

Everybody involved in the show should be very proud of a story well told. Thank you to everybody who pitched in and got this thing on it's feet. Please stay tuned to the blog for info on these upcoming Drama Dept. events in November:

1. Acting Workshop with Karen Young - Saturday, Nov. 10
2. Wooden O, from the Warehouse Theater - Monday, Nov. 12
3. "Little Women" Auditions - Tuesday & Wed, Nov. 27 & 28
Callbacks on Thursday, Nov. 29

spread the word

2007-10-19T14:58:00.001-07:00

Tell everyone that you know to get their tickets NOW for THE VISIT! There are 2 ways to get them: stop by the Upper School Bookstore or call 299 1522 ext. 1966 anytime! Students can charge tickets to their accounts in the Bookstore, which makes it easier than ever for those light in the pocket. Remember to tell folks that all shows are pre-sold and there are only 75 tickets are available per performance!
Students: $10
Adults: $15
Remember that all English teachers are offering extra credit!
-sims

an important announcement

2007-10-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

Cast and Crew of THE VISIT,
Due to my family situation I am handing the entire show over to Chris White and a few other professionals from the area. I can't tell you how proud I am of all of you and your work on this show; just know that it is being left in VERY capable hands. Please make every effort to meet with all of us tomorrow (TUE) at 4PM in the Auditorium for a quick production meeting.
thank you,
sims

THE POSTER

2007-10-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Dorothy Shain has does an amazing job on the poster for our production! Please thank her whenever you see her at school. The actual posters will be available for distribution later this week.
SIMS

do what he says

2007-10-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

Steven Segal wants you to reply to this post. Tell Segal whether or not you can be counted on to attend next Monday and/or Tuesday rehearsals. Take your time and reply only when you're sure of your plans. Steven doesn't like to be led down the garden path. He can break your arm in thirteen places, so I would just do what he says.

Monday Rehearsal

2007-09-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that our MONDAY rehearsal is in the DRAMA ROOM and its ALL HANDS ON DECK! Bronwyn White will be present to talk with each of you, one-on-one, about your character/costumes - and to measure those of you who need it.
word for the weekend: memorization!

PARENT/STUDENT ARMY WORK-CALL!!!

2007-09-20T07:05:00.001-07:00

THIS SATURDAY, SEPT. 22
IN THE AUDITORIUM
FROM 9:00AM UNTIL...

THE AGENDA
finish building the set
hanging fabric
setting up the seating unit
cleaning up
painting
running audio/lighting cables
arranging costumes/props
free lunch (probably pizza)

TIME TO GET OFF BOOK!

2007-09-20T06:57:00.001-07:00

Our next few weeks will be an exciting time, as we move into the theater and begin adding props & costumes. Therefore it is essential (not for me; for you and your sanity) that you get off-book in the beginning of October. This is REALLY important, so please endeavor to memorize your scenes.
sims

it has begun

2007-08-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

Now that we're into the rehearsal period, I'd like you to focus on the SPINE of your character. No, I don't mean a real spine. Please don't try anything with your spines. I'm referring to a term that encompasses the total actions & desires of your character, while fitting into the overall theme of the play. There are a few things you have to do in order to find your character's spine:

1. On a blank sheet of paper, write down every significant action of your character. Those that effect others, big decisions, alarming statements, revealing lines, etc. (try to avoid adjectives and judgemental language, like "he acts like an idiot", or "she stupidly says ..." but try and focus on the facts)

2. Write down everything that is said about your character by other characters in the play.

3. Try and figure out what your character wants by the end of the play. This is called the SUPER-OBJECTIVE. What are they trying to do? What is their greatest need?
Example: The Bourne Ultimatum guy's Super-Objective might have something to do with "clearing my name", etc. Benvolio in Romeo & Juliet might be "to keep the peace". Your Super-Objective should be your character's greatest need, but also hint at their personality or M.O. This might take some time to develop.

4. Then we take the Super-Objective and give it a QUALIFIER, which gives your character a frame, a certain level of limitation that will eventually hone your instincts into the characters' instincts - if you work at it hard enough. You can find the Qualifier by looking at everything you wrote down in steps 1 and 2. The summation of the character's actions should point to a dominant trait of some kind. For instance, the Policeman's qualifier might be something like, "without getting too involved", or "without dirtying my hands", etc.
The SPINE of your character is the Super-Objective with the Qualifier stuck on the end.

5. Then if you're still feeling frisky you can try and tie your Spine into the Theme of the play. To me, a theme is best expressed as a metaphor; a strong image that can tie all of the elements together. We've already discovered that a TRAIN adequately symbolizes many aspects of the Visit. Claire is putting everyone in Guellen on a pre-determined path, like tracks. If you think of your Spine in terms of that theme-image, you can find a better way to verbalize it.
For instance, Bobby the Butler might have a Spine like, "To keep the wheels greased, without losing favor." That Spine has a catchy Super-Objective that gives me something to work with, as an actor. The qualifier will serve as a buffer for any errant or out-of-character choices. It keeps your ideas in the same ballpark as your character, and the rest of the play.

Don't worry if this is a bit tedious. Its totally worth it. Just follow the above steps, in order, and let it be ugly at first. Don't try and make it perfect from the start; it has to develop. We'll talk about all this stuff more in rehearsal, but go ahead and post your questions here.
Sims

A Question

2007-08-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

Lately the image of a train keeps coming to mind when reading the Visit. We begin the story at the RR Station, return there for a creepy encounter with the Townsfolk, and end the play with a tableau of the Station again. But after a while the image of a locomotive seemed fitting for the play in more thematic ways. What could a train be symbolic of in this play?

SketchUp

2007-07-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

If you don't have SketchUp, then go here and download it. I'm going to be attaching some files of the set design with the next Newsletter, which should be coming to you in the very near future. You can use these files in SketchUp to view the Auditorium setup in 3D, which means you can also change or add to the set designs I give you. Needless to say, please use responsibly.
sims

digging into your character

2007-07-10T23:13:00.002-07:00

Over the next month or so I want to hear from you, and here's what I need: images, certain lines in the play, observations, music, ANYTHING that makes you think of the character. You can sketch an idea for a hat, mustache, costume, mask; ALL IDEAS ARE WELCOME. Email me with whatever pops into your precious young minds. I'll be waiting in my Ivory Tower of knowledge.
sims

The Newsletter

2007-06-23T10:29:00.001-07:00

We now have a newsletter! All Cast/Crew members will get one of these in their email about once every few weeks. There will be all kinds of interesting and important information, like the schedule. The first one is being sent this weekend (June 23/24), so if you don't get one PLEASE let me know. I have posted the tentative schedule below and in the newsletter. Please look at it carefully and get back to me about conflicts.

REHEARSALS will take place Monday through Thursdays and go from 6:30 to 9:00pm. This means that you are there and READY TO WORK at 6:30pm - not strolling in with a half-eaten takeout bag. All of the dates below are subject to change - please let me know of any potential conflicts. Keep in mind that Convocation is Monday, August 27.

Wed. Aug. 29 ........First Read Thru
Thur. 30 ................Table Work

SEPT. 03 THROUGH OCT. 18
Monday through Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:00pm

Sat. Oct 20 ............Technical Rehearsal, Time TBA
Sun. 21 ...................First Dress Rehearsal
Mon. 22 .................Dress Rehearsal
Tue. 23 ..................Dress Rehearsal
Wed. 24 .................Invited Dress Reh. (other schools, Faculty, etc.)
Thur. 25 ................Opening Night @ 8pm
Fri. 26 ....................Performance @ 8pm
Sat. 27 ...................Performance @ 8pm
Sun. 28 ..................Performance @ 8pm

Summer Reading

2007-06-10T13:23:00.001-07:00

That's right, it's almost time to return from the beach and hit those books, which I'm sure all of you are preparing to do already. Mr. Sims will be at land's end until the 17th of June, so there won't be any real significant postings until then. So please make sure and put THE VISIT on the top of your Summer Reading List. Try to go over it a few times (this is the first step in the process of analyzing a play.) When I return there will be a few more things to look at.
sims

CAST LIST

2007-05-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

Everybody needs to read this first: This casting process was extremely difficult because all of you read very well, and most of you could play any role in the show. We're going to stage THE VISIT in an abstract way, kind of like UBU, so if some of the casting choices don't make a lot of sense that's why. Just wait til we start talking about design concepts and character ideas. Please try and remember that the role you are playing isn't as important as the story you're telling. Please try and check this blog every 2 weeks throughout the summer. The cast list is posted as the first comment below.
sims

AUDITIONS

2007-05-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

You don't need to worry about Auditions. It won't be that bad. Go and run back to the children, Julie; they need you.
Here are the scenes for Wednesday's Auditions in the Drama Room at 7 PM:

Schill, Mayor, Teacher - page 5 (Mayor's line) "I ought to have a few details..." to page 7 (Mayor's line) "If it only works out according to plan"

Koby, Loby, Policeman - pages 15 and 16

Claire, Schill - Act One, scene 3 (we won't do all of it, but be familiar with the scene)

Butcher, Schill, Hecht - page 35 (Butcher's line) "Look at her..." to page 36 (Hecht's line) "Chalk it up"

Schill, Pastor - Act Two, scene 4

Claire, Teacher, Doctor - Act Three, scene 1 (we won't do the whole thing)

Frau Schill, Butcher - page 54

You need to have read the entire play before auditions. There will not be any copies of audition scenes provided, you must bring the script you currently have. If you forget it, that's your problem - and might tell me something about your level of commitment. Feel free to post a comment, telling me who you're interested in - or you can indicate that on the night of. Don't worry about accents, but if you want to make a character choice that's entirely up to you. Don't worry if the part you want isn't in the scene selection; several roles are interchangeable (Butcher, Hecht, Painter), so if you read for one you kind of read for all. And I might ask you to read for a part you weren't considering. I'm looking forward to this, and apparently you guys like the script! We'll all meet in the Drama Room for a quick chat before we get started. see you there!
sims

THE VISIT

2007-05-13T11:18:00.003-07:00

We're starting early this year for lots of reasons:
1. The performance has been moved up to Oct. 24-28
2. You get to spend all Summer with the script
3. We get to try this blog thing out as a way to centralize information on the play and share ideas.
4. No Freshmen.

This blog will act as a Callboard throughout our process, which means I want you to check it out as often as possible!

AUDITIONS will be held on Wednesday, May 23 at 7:00pm in the Drama Room. I will post audition scenes later this week, so stay tuned.
The condition you keep your scripts in is part of your audition. I'm not kidding. This play will take a lot of work on everyone's part and it is to be approached with serious effort. We cannot afford to be as casual in rehearsals as we have been in previous years. Upon casting, each actor will be given a contract to fill out, which will speak to the expectations of professionalism during this rehearsal process.

I look forward to hearing what you think of the script! Please leave comments and stay tuned to the blog. Make it part of your daily routine.
sims

Balancing Act

2007-05-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

The IB Drama Senior Class on the set of their original play
BALANCING ACT

Big thanks to everyone involoved, on and off stage. The play was a great success, generating $600 for N.A.M.I.!!! All of the performances were sold out! Here's a few more pics:

INAUGURAL POST

2007-04-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

This is the inaugural post of the CCES DRAMA blog. If you are reading this it means that you have received privileged information and are one of Mr. Sims' favorite students. Please keep all comments tasteful and on-topic, or I'll kick you out forever. I'll be worse than this lady over here with her wagging finger if you wrong me. Let's see if this link works.
hooray first post