Tech Week

Well, we started Tech Week this past weekend. We've come a long way in the past week. The children have completely memorized their lines and we figured out tech, props, set, and costume glitches. WOOT! As I told the cast tonight, we have a show. We have a fantastic show. Tomorrow, Trish from the Circleville Herald is coming to take pictures and write up a story on the show. Thursday we have a boy scout troop coming. THEN we OFFICIALLY open Friday night. So, technically, this evening's rehearsal was our final dress before we perform for an audience. We've come so far, and now we begin the next step of the theatrical journey. I am truly excited to see what this weekend and next weekend bring for the kids and for the audience members who will no doubt be enthralled by the kids.

The importance of Theatre in a child's life

I have been active in the Central Ohio theatre community since 2004, starting with Roundtown Players. My first attempt at directing was as one of the assistant directors of RTP's 2006 production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Now, I had acted in church plays and pageants as a child but theatre and its impact on young people didn't strike me until LWW. That was also the same show that ignited my desire to direct and discover all of the facets of theatre. Since that show, I have assisted two productions and directed six productions (all but one were children's plays). With each show I met new children and families, some brand new to theatre, some veteran actors, and some looking for a new theatre home. I started noticing, with great delight, if I had a brand new actor in one show I could bet they'd be back for the next show's auditions. They had caught the theatre bug! Hizzah! But what exactly was it that drew them in? What is it about theatre that brings the kids back each season, each year, each production? I have pondered these questions many times over. And then I was asked to sit down and actually write out my opinion of the importance and impact of theatre in a child's life. AH! A chance to organize my thoughts and figure out the answers to my own questions.

The first thing that often came to my mind is the simple fact that children enjoy being on stage. They enjoy being center stage, hot lights following their every move, the air carrying their words as they recite and emote. But that goes deeper than simple adolescent ego. I have had so many children on stage that started out quiet, reserved, shy, almost terrified of the stage. I thought they would faint during their auditions they were so timid. And yet, because I believe in giving children chances to prove themselves, I would cast them, and, through working with them and helping them discover their stage presence and voice, they became theatre monsters. Many of these children have also discovered a new level of confidence in themselves as individuals and as actors.

In addition to confidence, a lot of RTP's young actors have come back because they crave knowledge and experience. When a child steps on stage with a script in hand, they begin a special journey. They learn to develop a new character, along with discovering a new story. They also become serious about growing within themselves. Growing as an actor goes beyond learning the difference between upstage, downstage, stage left, stage right, yadayadayada. I have performed with adults who could learn a thing or two from some of the youngsters who have graced the RTP stage. These kids tackle their lines along with the direction they receive; they truly want to mature. There is depth in the souls of these true performers.

Camaraderie is another driving force behind children in theatre. A lot of my actors, current or past, have been a grand mix of homeschoolers and young folks who attend public school. Some of them have been brand new to Circleville, looking for a place to fit in or just trying to figure out where they belong. A lot of friendships have been developed in our Green Room and backstage. Some of these actors have grown up together on the RTP stage. Families bring their friends and their children's friends to RTP. When I directed Treasure Island, I had two brothers come to try out for the show, having just heard of RTP the morning of auditions. Their friend had dragged them along to audition. Although neither of them had acted before, I cast them, and I am so glad I did. Since that day, they have been in several RTP productions; some of these shows were under my direction. Now one of the brothers is in college, studying theatre.

Something that always tickles me is when I have a child or children from one family audition and perform in a show and then I see their parent(s) audition for later productions. A lot of times, when a child is involved in a show, the whole family becomes involved. Then, I see a family grow together within a new activity they can enjoy together and with other families.

Overall, theatre will always present so many important opportunities to positively impact a child's life, though these opportunities may vary depending on the young person. With each production, I am blessed to see each actor grow in some way. These days especially, young people need to be led towards more positive outlets for their talents. They need to mingle with others who will uplift them and support their abilities, young and old. For those of us “adults” in the theatre, it is our responsibility to embrace every child who enters our theatre, RTP or otherwise. We must remember to happily put the “community” in Community Theatre.

Week Four, Night Two

Tonight was a bit rough. Everyone was off book, including Cora and I. It was a harsh reality check for some of the actors when they couldn't call for line. There were, regrettably, some tears. I never like to see a child cry, and I tried to prevent that from happening. However, I cannot force the actors to memorize their lines. They must learn the importance of doing so on their own. Ugh. I have faith in the cast though. I think tonight was lesson enough for them.
We have most of our costumes together, yay! Now I must focus on lights, boo.

I decided to throw some of the actors into costume for an impromptu picture call. The results were stunning to say the least. With a little Photoshop magic, I created these...

Week Four

The actors were given their last day on book last week. Tomorrow shall present a challenge to them as they will no doubt struggle, some of them. I have faith that our cast shall be just fine within the next few days though. Kids pick up these things so well.

Last week Junia choreographed Hamlet (Carrie L.) and Laertes' (Tate S.) fight scene with the help of Connor S. and Heath R. 
This week, I am going to find all of our costumes, buckle down on lights and music for the pre-show, and enlist the assistance of my S.M., Cora D., to find the rest of our props and set pieces. This show is going to be amazing.

Week Three, Night One

Tonight we ran over the first part of the show several times, trying to solidify the blocking a bit more. The kids are working with their lines, grasping Shakespeare's language more and more. I'm working with Carrie L., our Hamlet, on her lines and blocking. I'm presenting the kids with more motivation and emotion to push their lines. I'm so excited to see what the kids present over the next few weeks. :o)

Week Two, Night One

This cast is tackling the script quite well already. This is one of the reasons why I love directing kids. You can present almost any challenge to them and they will rise to accomplish it with little to no hesitation. I started giving individual actors directions on their characters, sort of a jumping-off point/motivation/drive behind their lines. I'm excited to see where these guys take their roles. :o)