Hydee-ho!

This is the blog site for the Roundtown Player's children's production.
Read, enjoy, and comment!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Program sneak peek....


Crew
Director- Tahrea Maynard
Assistant Director- Richard Neal
Stage Manager- Jessica Minney
Set- Richard Neal, Robert Neal, Tahrea Maynard, Barbara Stevens, Cast
Costumes- Cathy Steinhauser
Tech- Tahrea Maynard, Jessica Minney

Cast
Bird/Follower- Olivia Pack
Head Animal/Sarastro Follower- Garrett Euton
Tamino- Connor Stonerock
Dragon/Papagena-Gwenndolyn Aume
Miranda-Jessica Stevens
Cassandra-Miracle Higginbotham
Melisandra-Tiffany Speakman
Papageno-Flynn
Queen of the Night- Autumn Pack
First Spirit- Tate Shannon
Second Spirit- Allyson WIthers
Third Spirit- Abby Thatcher
First Servant/Old Man/Second Elder- Cameron Aume
Second Servant- Abigail Blust
Pamina- Gracianne Gray 
Monostatos- Richard Neal
Sarastro- Chase Euton
First Elder- Jake Six
Third Elder- Sarah Julien

Director’s Note:
            I know, I know- another classic tale with a youthful twist. :o) Another chance to broaden the views on theatre, art, and culture for our young people. I am now purposefully looking for shows that educate as well as entertain. This production is, without hesitation, a hilarious one. The kids have enjoyed learning their roles and exploring themselves as actors. They have bonded as cast members and friends, creating new friends along the way. I look forward to see how these young actors transform over the years and how they transform their theatre.
I could not have pulled this production off without the help of my A.D. Richard. Don’t let his rough and tough exterior fool you. He is a gem and I love him. I also send many thanks to Robert Neal for coming in and enduring the insanity. Thank you Cathy for your help with the costumes. Thank you to Jessica for coming in and helping with anything and EVERYTHING. Thank you moms and dads for your support. Thank you Barb Stevens for the many props and trees! :o) Thank you RTP Board for allowing me the chance to direct once again. Thank you Mom, Dad, Tyler, and Junia for your constant and undying support of my love and obsession. Thank you D.J. for putting up with my constant stress, anxiety, conversation, and mind-numbing droning about the show. I love you, Beloved.

Thank you, precious audience members, for returning each show to support us. We would not be here without you all. Thank you!
-Tahrea N. Maynard

Bios!

Tahrea Maynard (Half-crazed yet Fearless Leader) had been involved with RTP since 2004, though it feels as if she has roamed these floors since the dawn of time. Tahrea has served on the RTP board for five years, currently serving as Corresponding Secretary. Tahrea teaches Musical Theatre classes with Charmion Performing Arts Center, and occasionally writes theatrical reviews for www.theatrevault.com. She has also appeared with other Central Ohio theatres including Rosebriar Shakespeare Co., Raconteur Theatre Co., and Columbus Civic Theatre. Tahrea is active in her church, Christian Life Fellowship in Gahanna, serving on the worship team and working with the youth group. Tahrea recently started her own business, The Garden’s Edge (http://www.etsy.com/shop/rtpgurl), creating flower-themed accessories. Ask any of the female actors in this show about their flowers. :o)

Richard Neal (Assistant Director/Monostatos) graduated from Circleville High School in 2010 and is currently a sophomore at Shawnee State for a Individualized Bachelor Studies in Theater. Richard began acting in 2009 with RTP’s Treasure Island (which Tahrea directed) and has stuck around ever since. Richard has acted in five shows with RTP and performed in Columbus Civic Theater’s Love Labor’s Lost. His most recent shows include: Last Night Of Ballyhoo, The Boyfriend, and The Secret Affairs Of Mildred Wilde (All of which have been with the Shawnee State University Theater Department). This is his first time Assistant Directing and hopes to do more and greatly thanks Tahrea for the opportunity.

Jessica Minney (Stage Manager/Tech) is a 17 year old Senior at CVHS. She is a four year member of RTP, as well as a four year victim of RTP Children’s Theatre. She wishes the audience a wonderful time watching this show. “I am thrilled to be joining the RTP train from the safe vantage point of behind the set. Being a part of this show has proved to be much more of a challenge than what I have ever had the privilege to be a part of before. This show has also proved to be much more than worth it. I would be honored to thank Director Tahrea Maynard and Assistant Director Richard Neal for their multiple hours dedicated to the beautiful set as well as their patience with the entire theatrical process. I would love to give a big congrats to the cast for their hard work. (To these unfortunate souls in the silly costumes… I understand. I’ve been there.)

Olivia Pack (Bird/Sarastro Follower) is a 10 (ALMOST 11) year old fifth grader at ZT. This is her first play ever and she was dragged into this experience by her older sister Autumn. She regrets her indecision on auditioning and therefore accepts her part as a bird. She thanks Tahrea for the experience and loves all of the cast.

Garrett Euton (Head Animal/Sarastro Follower) is eight years old and will be in the second grade in the Logan Elm School District.This is his first RTP play and hopes you enjoy thie show. He enjoys video games and riding his bike.

Connor Stonerock (Tamino) is 13 and has been in three previous plays, Kidsummer (Lysander), AIRNTKILBBIABP, (Romeo), Hamlet (Polonious). “I was sad when Tyler my "ROLL MODEL" (inside joke) wasn’t helping with the show but I love Tahrea, so it was alright! I love you too Richard! I hope you all enjoy the show!”
Gwenndolyn Aume (Dragon/Papagena/Hag) is 14 and will be a Sophomore at Logan Elm High School. She has appeared on stage in RTP’s Pinnochio, Dorothy Meets Alice, A Kidsummer Night’s Dream, Company, Pride and Prejudice, and was the Assistant Director for Murder in Green Meadows. She also has a part in this year’s Dinner Theatre. She hopes to pursue a career in Musical Theatre and perform on Broadway. 

Jessica Morgan Stevens (Miranda) is looking forward to starting 6th grade at Westfall Middle School and maintaining honor roll status. She is a Member of Animal Krackers 4H, also active in Girl  
Scouts and Williamsport softball league, as well as Upward basketball at the Circleville church of the Nazarene. She enjoys nature and loves horses. Jessica has 3 dogs, 2 cats and fancy chickens. 

Tiffany Speakman (Melisandra) has been in 2 other RTP shows including AIRNTKILBBIABP and the musical Kidsummer Night's Dream. She has also been in 2 of her high school musicals including No, No, Nanette and Li'l Abner. She wants to go to college for music and the acting. She also loves her director Tarayray Manaynay very much.
Miracle Higginbotham (Cassandra) likes penguins.This is her third RTP production and her third time working with the “ever-fabulous” Tahrea. “I am a homeschooled sophomore and, yes, I’m socialized. I’ve been in many non-community theatre productions over my 14 years butI have the most fun with the RTP gang.”

Flynn Shannon (Papageno) is an 8th grader at Teays Valley East Middle School.  He is 13.  This is his 7th RTP production.  His main goal in life is to cut down the mightiest tree in the forest with a herring.   
Autumn Pack (Queen of the Night) is a 15 (almost 16) year old sophomore at Zane Trace.  “In my spare time i like to draw, write, read and help anyone I can. My friends Gwenndolyn and Miracle dragged me into auditions for The Magic Flute, my first play, and me… I was Fresh meat.  Being cast as the queen left me awestruck.  I was sure there was some mistake.  But under Tahrea's direction and my friends support i felt welcome and loved.  My experience is this play is definitely something I’ll remember and pass along to not only aspiring actors/actresses but also to anyone who is up for a good time.  Thanks to everyone for making this one awesome roller coaster ride. Love you all!”

Tate Shannon (First Spirit) will be a 5th grader at Walnut Elementary. This is his 5th play with Roundtown Players.  When he is not playing a part in a play, Tate enjoys soccer, video games, biking and camping.  

Allyson Withers (Second Spirit) is 10 years old and is in the 5th grade at Circleville. “I am in Girl Scouts, play softball, and I'm the Jr. Queen for South Bloomfield Old Village Days. I like shopping, music, my friends and of course..ACTING! This is my 4th RTP production. I have also acted in A Kidsummer Night's Dream , All I Really Need to Know I Learned From Being In A Bad Play, and Hamlet...Or Does Father Reeeally Know Best. I would like to thank the wonderful and amazing Tahrea and the funny and outrageous Richard for being such good directors! Hope you enjoy the show!”

Abigail Thatcher (Third Spirit) is 10 years old and is performing in her first RTP play. She is in 5th grade at Court Street Intermediate. Abigail is a girl scout, plays soccer and loves to swim.
Abigail Blust (Second Servant)  is 11 years old. This is her second production, the first being All I Really Need to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play.  “I tried out for this play because I love to act, I love all my friends at RTP. I love Tahrea (best director ever!) Most of all its crazy here but I like it!  My best friends are Allyson (she is in the play) Abby (she is also in the play) and Emma.  well I think that is all hope you like the show!”

Cameron Aume (First Servant/Old Man/Second Elder) is going into 7th grade at Logan Elm. He has been in 4 shows at RTP which include Pinocchio, Dorothy Meets Alice, A Kidsummer Night’s Dream, and All I Really Need To Know I Learned By Being In A Bad Play. He has worked the sounds for Murder In Green Meadows and Company (with which he also helped backstage). He likes to drum and is going to be in the McDowell Marching Band next year. He wishes to study physics at Princeton University."

Abigail Blust (Second Servant) is 11 years old. This is her second play, the first being All I Really Need to Know I Learned By Being in a Bad Play. “I tried out for this play because I love to act, I love all of my friends at RTP. “I love Tahrea (Best Director Ever!) and my best friends, Allyson, Abby (Both in this show), and Emma. Enjoy the show!”

Gracieanne Gray (Pamina) will be entering into the fourth grade at Pickaway Elementary School in the fall. This is her first role with RTP. She has taken acting classes at John Casblancas in Columbus since September 2010. She was the littlest reindeer at Pickaway Elm. in December of 2010. She recently completed the Get That Role class at Columbus Children’s Theatre. Gracieanne is currently represented by PC Goenner Talent as an actor/model. She has the dream to be a professional actress when she grows up. She also enjoys spending time with her sister and other family members, playing softball, bike riding, swimming, cheerleading and riding her scooter.

Chase Euton (Sarastro) enjoys acting. He has done many plays including Pinocchio, Treasure Island and several others. He also enjoys karate and will be competing in the All American Tournament in august. Being an actor in movies has been his aspiration in life, but he will most likely persue a career in robotics or something in the computer field.

 Jake Six (First Elder) is turning 14 during this production and will be an 8th grader at Teays Valley West Middle School. The Magic Flute is his fourth play.  He plans on continuing with his acting career
in future plays with RoundTown Players.  He hopes that everyone enjoys this play.

Sarah Julien (Third Elder) is  a  student  at  Washington  Elementary.  She  enjoys  attending  church,  spending  time  with  her  family,  showing  horses  and  rabbits  and  playing  her  Saxophone.   This is  her  first  time  in  a  Roundtown  Players  Production.    “Thanks Tahrea!”

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

GAH!

We're a week away!!!!!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Week Two

The cast has really pleased me this week. They are memorizing/ have memorized their lines like nobody's business and they are really adhering to their blocking. I am so excited for this show.

I worked on our "cave" Thursday morning-afternoon, the end result being what you see in this photo.... Obviously it doesn't really look like a cave... YET. I have ideas and plans. :o)
Actually, this week I feel that my brain may explode. Driving home last night I had a panic attack when I realized we open on the 30th, which is only a few weeks away. The tiny slice of brain matter that controls my logic tells me that I panic with every show and that I have plenty of time to get things accomplished. I'll still panic up 'til the 30th. SO, this week I need to figure out costuming needs, props, finish the "cave" build rolling flats to represent the "temple," set my lighting scheme, and figure out any special effects I want to use. I also need to find some sound cues. I think it is time to delegate......