Titania and Bottom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5Q_ZW6z1Rg

Set Painting and Week Five, Night One

I am so excited about this set. I painted the trees on Thursday, and started the background pink. Then, Friday evening, I and two wonderful cast members, Jessica and Tiffany, painted the rest of the set. I was so happy to have help with the very laborious task. I started painting, not really sure where the muse would take me. But it let me to this end result. It represents the transition from daylight to nighttime and night to dawn. It also represents the clashing feud betwixt Oberon and Titania. Plus, it's cool. :o)

We will not have rehearsal tomorrow as my family is celebrating my mother's birthday, which was yesterday. Everyone was working or busy. Plus, it's probably the last family get-together we'll get to spend with my grandfather, who is fading with pancreatic cancer. Bummer, I know.
However, it pleases me to know that my actors are actually really bummed that there isn't rehearsal tomorrow and they have to wait til Tuesday. They are excited to be in this show! WOOT! I couldn't ask for anything more.  I love this show more and more each week.

Our T-shirts! Yay!

Short Sleeve- $9.00 (Double sided $13.00)

long sleeve - $12.00 one sided

crew neck sweatshirts (no hood) - $18.00

hoodies - $25.00

zip hoodies - $30.00

Week Four, Night Four

Week Four, Night Three

I love this cast and I love this show! I can't tell you how proud I am of the creativity and imagination behind every line and every action produced by these kids. Everyone is going to love this show. It is funny and smart on so many levels. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Tonight we focused on Act II, which was hilarious, and the Workers' Song. The cast found new bits to use within their dialogue and actions and we worked on them. I am constantly asking the cast to find their character's motivation behind certain lines, exits, and reaction. Thus far, all feedback has been golden. All of these kids are spot on.
I am so proud. :o)
Tomorrow, Junia and I are off to WMA Graphics to get a final design for the Shirts for the cast, crew, and families. Then I'm going to make up order forms.
I still have to tackle the dreaded Lighting Scheme..... ugh......

Some moments from this week....

Come meet the fairies of A Kidsummer Night’s Dream!

Receive an audience with the Fairy Queen and Court!

"Teatime with Titania"

After the Show on February 21st, stay to have tea with the Fairy Queen herself, Titania, and her Fairy Band. 

$2.00 Per Child (In addition to Ticket Price)

Wear your Fairy Best! 

Come meet the Fairies and receive a fairy gift just for you! 

For more information, contact tahreamaynard@yahoo.com

Week Four, Nights One and Two

As I was sick last night, I didn't go to rehearsal. However, mom and Junia reported that the cast did very well and that I would be very pleased with the results. I thank everyone for respecting Junia and listening to her when I was away.

Tonight we went over Acts I and III, and Junia cover parts of the Finale. I was so pumped to find more costumes to fit actors. YAY! I also send major thanks to Cathy Steinhauser for helping with the programs. Double YAY! I am so relieved to be able to mark off major things from my Production TO DO list. Next: Painting the set and Light Design.........

Week Three, Night One Saturday morning make-up

Sam (Hermia), Robert (Egeus), and Connor (Lysander) taking a break during Summer Nights.
Our second Saturday morning was productive. I was able to work out several costumes for my fairies (WOOOOOT). Junia was able to complete the Summer Nights choreography, and the cast was able to run the show (minus the music) within an hour's time.
The Athenian Court watches the Workers' performance.

Week Three, Night Four

Sean (Bottom) and our fabulous Fairies Carley, Allyson, Tate, Flynn, Rachel, and Ally.


Tonight's rehearsal consisted of a delightful little ditty, "Bottom's Song." We had a very small group of actors, Bottom and the Fairies, who did a wonderful job with the song. This cast never ceases to amaze and delight me with their consistent talents and desire to have fun with their show.




Tiffany (Snout) caught me in the act.....

Week Three, Night Three

  Our Fairies: Mackenzie, Allyson, Tia, Rachel, Tate, Flynn, Katie, Carley, Ally, and Jarrod

 Tonight, we worked on the Fairy Lullaby. It is precious and the audience is going to love it. The fairies were almost completely off book with the words by the end of the night. We are so pumped.

  Our Clarinet player Hannah, Yvonne, and Junia in the middle of the Fairy Lullaby.

Week Three, Night Two

Gwenn (Titania), Jarrod (Oberon), and Katie (Puck) rehearse their final scene of the play.

Tonight's rehearsal was great! We ran the entire show, minus the songs. I was so pleased to have all of our actors there and so ready for their show. I truly love the commitment each person is giving their parts and this show. And everyone is really owning their roles. It's awesome! I am one proud director. Junia and I couldn't ask for a better cast.

This is a video of what happens when you allow certain actors to play on a set of drums..... :o)

Week Two, Night Four

It's Only Magic is going to ROOOOOOOCK. The FAIRIES are going to make this song happen so hard. Everyone did so well, including our musicians. I'm am so proud!

Week Two, Night Three

Our Pianist Yvonne, Richard (Flute), Joseph (Snug), Casey (Starveling), Tiffany (Snout), Sean (Bottom), Jessica (Quince), and Junia.

Tonight's rehearsal with the WORKERS went quite well. We covered blocking that a few actors missed last week. Then Junia took the rest of the time to teach the WORKERS their song which is, easy enough, "The Workers Song." lol

Week Two, Night Two

 The strange Love Triangle....

 The WORKERS....


Tonight's rehearsal covered Act II, and we then went over Summer Nights again. After rehearsal, I pulled aside the WORKERS and Oberon and Titania. I asked them to start thinking about their characters. I wanted them to reflect on who they are, their motivation, and their inner monologues throughout the show. I also asked that they send their thoughts tonight. I was delighted to find that they have actually put thought into their characters, especially since a few of them are brand new to the theatre scene. Ah, it's one of those moments I love being a director.

Junia, teaching Choreography

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YynPd5zBq50

Week, Two, Night One

Today, I found two more cats in our theatre, giving us a running total of three confirmed feline residents. Lord help us.

      Our "Athenians" (AKA Fairies/Forest Folk) Tate, Flynn, Allyson, Rachel, Carley, Tia, Ally, and Mackenzie,  Faith (Hippolyta), Jake (Theseus), and Hannah M. (Philostrate)                                                                                        Today's rehearsal went over Acts I and III, both are slightly shorter than Act II put together. All of our workers were present and were able to block out the remainder of their scenes. Then we went over Summer Nights and Junia added some choreography to the mix. I'm predicting our show to have the right mix of choreography with Junia at that helm. She's been dancing for years and knows a thing or two about moving your feet. The choreography for Summer Nights is simple but it fluid and connects well with the words. Bravo to Junia for working that out!

 Tomorrow shall focus on Act II, which is going to be just as fun. I'm really excited to get started on all of the music. If all works out well, we are going to have some fun with these songs, the kind of fun that will be contagious to the audience as well. :o)

I am currently uploading videos from tonight's rehearsal on youtube. They should be up by tomorrow morning. I recorded a few moments of Junia teaching choreography. 

Week One, Nights Two and Four, Part Two

Jarrod (Oberon), Katie (Puck), Gwenn (Titania), Jessica (Quince), Sean (Bottom), Tiffany (Snout), Casey (Starveling), and Richard (Flute) standing in their spots for Summer Nights.

 Today was a blast. From 10 am to around 12 pm, we blocked the WORKERS scenes (which are hilarious). Then, we (mostly Junia) taught EVERYONE the first song of our show, Summer Nights. I posted a few videos of today's events on my youtube channel if anyone would be interested to see:

http://www.youtube.com/user/rtpgurl .

     Faith (Hyppolyta) and Jake (Theseus) in their positions for the song.

Today also brought about a major epiphany for Junia and myself. One of my ever helpful moms, Sharon, had offered to help with the costuming for our show, so, during our controlled chaos today, she looked through the slew of costuming paraphernalia. When she came to me after rehearsal, she asked what exactly I wanted for costumes, besides the obvious Fairy fare. My first response was the only one I've really contemplated, and the only suggested idea in the costuming notes: TOGAS. Of course that sounds slightly absurd and it doesn't paint the greatest picture, dressing a bunch of kids in sheets. So, after some discussion, I had my Epiphany. I realized what costumes we needed and I was uber excited since we already had the costumes we need. WOOT! Not only are our kids going to be uber fantastic actors and singers, but they are going to be uber spiffy in their costumes. We've got a great show ahead of us, guys. I am proud of everyone and I can't wait to see what you guys can do with your parts.
:o)

Week One, Night Four, part one

Rehearsal is canceled for tonight due to the crazy weather. We will reschedule for Saturday at 10 am for the WORKERS and learn our opening song, Summer Nights, at 12 pm. EVERYONE is to be there at 12 pm.
Be safe!

:o)

Week One, Night Three

Tonight went so well! The FAIRIES have some great scenes and did so well. We've got a great cast and a great show ahead of us. I've posted a couple of videos here of tonight's rehearsal. They're not the greatest quality, but they're great moments.

Week One, Night Two, Part One

So, last night's rehearsal was canceled, due to the weather. We are rescheduling the WORKERS rehearsal to this Saturday. Agh, weather.
Tonight, however, we begin our FAIRIES blocking. I am excited to see what mischief our Titania, Oberon, and all of their followers bring to the table. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk....

Week One, Night one of Kidsummer Night's Dream rehearsals

Left: Jake (Theseus), Robert (Egeus), Sam (Hermia), Nathan (Demetrius), Connor (Lysander), and Mary (Philostrate)
Above: Sam, Connor, and Junia (filling in for Helena)


Tonight's rehearsal went sooo well! Several actors have obviously been working on their lines, barely glancing at their scripts as they spouted out their lines. I was so proud. Junia and I were once again reminded of how awesome our cast is.
Rock on guys!

Summer Show???

I know I'm terrible, but I'm already thinking ahead for a summer show....
http://www.dramaticpublishing.com/p1863/Hamlet-or-Does-Father-Reeeeeeally-Know-Best%3F/product_info.html

The time has come!

I don't know about you, but I am so excited to start rehearsals tomorrow! Junia and I are so looking forward to getting started and getting to work with all of our actors, musicians, and crew. It is going to be a blast!