A Note from Marta...

The students in the Intro to Theatre level drama class are asked to make it a priority to read the script at home, with the help of parents, gaurdian, or a family member. Before auditions are over and the show is cast, reading the script in its entirety is the first step. All students need to have a clear idea of the story format (order of chain of events), the plot, and knowledge of the characters and their personalities.

Casting for the Intro to Theatre Class should be completed by the end of next week. Once students have received their roles, students (with parents help if needed) will need to go through the script and highlight (with a light color; i.e. yellow, orange, green) stage directions of the scenes where their character is on stage. These notes are typically in brackets {this these}. Most Intro to Theatre students won't have "lines", just stage directions, acting notes and blocking (they will learn all about this in class). They will learn to make notes in their scripts during class as well.

If you have any questions please let me, Lisa Gerlits or Penny Bays know. Thank you for assisting your children in their theatre education! :)

Intro to Theatre 1/30

I was hoping to finish auditions this week, but it didn't happen. There's so much talent, I just need to see more!

Today, students finished their vocal auditions with Michelle (musical director) and did their individual auditions with me...showing off the animal action they practiced at home. I was very impressed with all the wild animals running around my classroom.

Next week we will move on to readings from the script and a couple of group audition activities. We will read scenes from p. 15 (Simba, Nala, Lionesses), p. 26 (Hyenas and Mufasa), and p. 29 (Hyenas). I encourage students to familiarize themselves with these scenes if they are hoping to land an understudy role (or just impress me).

Parts will be announced on Feb. 13th.

Intro to Theatre 1/23

What a fabulous, high-energy class today! We did a lot of bodywork--yoga balance poses and practicing animal movements. Students received their scripts , which they need to bring to every class.

We also began the vocal auditions and did group audition activities. Next week we will concentrate on individual auditions. Here is the breakdown of parts available to Intro students:

5 hyenas

4 buzzards

2 lionesses

1 lion cub/Chaka

4 wildebeests

3 hippo/elephants

These are all ensemble roles with a lot of singing, dancing, and stage time, but no solo lines. However, we will cast some of the Intro students as understudies for the following parts: Banzai, Ed, Shenzi, young Nala, young Simba, Mufasa, Sarabi, Sarafina, Mouse, and Gopher. Understudies will learn lines and songs for these characters but will only perform in the event of an emergency. Understudy parts will be cast in addition to the animal parts above.

Homework:

• Read the script (or as much as possible). Many students may need help from family members.
• Pick one animal from the available parts. Practice that animal's movements and be prepared to perform an action (eating, bathing, hunting, etc.) for auditions next week.

Intro Make up Class

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Intro students are invited to make up the class cancelled due to weather by staying an extra hour after their normal class this coming Monday, January 23rd. This means they would come to class from 5-7 pm. I hope this is convenient for most schedules. If not, contact us for other make up options.

Intro the Theatre 1/9

Looks like we've got another great group in Intro this term! 19 students! We spent our first class getting to know each other, playing a few games, and discussing what the term will look like.

We will be performing the Lion King in June. Roles available for intro kids include hyenas, lions, and various other animals. Intro students will not have solo roles but will have lots of stage time singing and dancing the ensemble numbers.

Next week, students will receive their scripts, which will include the score. The following week we will start auditions. More on that later.

Ensemble

1) A cast of characters, except for the principals. 2) The grouping of the whole stage picture, involving actors and set. 3) The chorus in a musical, sometimes including soloists. 4) Said of acting or a cast in which group interaction and support is more important than individual performances.

Winter/Spring Term Starting!

It is starting! We are excited for the term to start again. We will be working on The Lion King this term. It's not too late to sign up for classes, come and check us out!

http://www.aaperformingartsco.com/