Intro 2/27

Today we played drama games that focused on emotion, observation, and concentration. For the last half of class, Michelle came in to work with students on the Circle of Life song. The music on the practice CD's does not have the words with it. We will work on the songs in class, so students know where their vocals come in, but they should be listening and practicing at home each week.

Also, don't forget about the movie night this Friday, March 2nd from 6:00 - 7:45pm. We'll watch the Lion King together as a class. Feel free to bring a pillow or blanket for sitting on the floor and a snack to share.

Next week we'll work on character walks, highlighting, and stage directions.

New Class Offered!

We are going to be offering a new class in Vocal Performance starting March 5, 2012. This class will focus on healthy singing and building confidence in using the voice in performance. It is open to ages 7-18.

This class will not be performing in the play, but would be great for Drama students who want help getting ready for their performance. There will be an opportunity for students to perform in a recital in May, if they choose to do so. It will not be a requirement.

Michelle Kurns, our music director, will be the instructor. We are excited to be offering this class to everyone. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or email the instructor personally at michelle.@musictimeandmore.com

Intro 2/20

Today students got to work in their animal groups improvising scenes from the script. We worked briefly with the concept of character motivation, the thoughts and feelings driving characters to do what they do.

If students are still a little fuzzy on what scenes and songs they are a part of, don't worry. In some cases, we haven't nailed down which animals will be in the background of a certain scene. That will come soon. I will print up a sheet for students to put in their script binders that details exactly which scenes they are in and what songs they are responsible for learning.

Next week, Michelle, our musical director, will come into class and work with us on the Circle of Life, which everyone sings.

Intro 2/13

Today students received their parts. There was much excitement and probably a few broken hearts. It is the reality of theatre. Every role is important. It's up to the actor to make the most of the role. This is going to be a fun show!

Here's the intro cast list (group leader in bold):

Lionesses: Olivia, Maisy

Lion cub/Chaka: Eli

Elephants/Hippos: Jenna, Genna, Natasha

Buzzards: Kjersti, Elijah, Isabelle, Chris

Hyenas: Chase, Charlie, Claire, Noa, Matt-Alex

Wildebeests: Zoe, Ellie, Zephaniah, Amy

Half of the class were awarded understudy roles, which is a big responsibility (often with little reward). Understudies will learn the lines and songs for their roles and be ready to rehearse or perform in that role if the regular actor unable due to illness, injury, etc. We will not be rehearsing understudy roles in class, so students can practice their parts at home, with friends, etc. Of course, I am available for coaching and tips, but we will not devote class time to understudy roles. Here they are:

young Simba: Charlie

young Nala: Claire

Mufasa: Matt-Alex

Sarabi: Olivia

Sarafina: Jenna

Shenzi: Kjersti

Banzai: Chase

Ed: Maisy

Mouse: Ellie

Gopher: Gena

Next week: We'll learn how to highlight scripts and dig into our animal characters!

*****And don't forget to bring a blank CD or pay $2 at reception for us to copy one for you. We start working on songs soon, so it's good if students are familiar with the music*****

Intro Auditions

We finished auditions tonight! Now I will set to work casting--an exciting and dreadful job. Some kids will be elated, some disappointed. I'm sure many students went home tonight disappointed that they didn't get to read for the part(s) they wanted. There is never enough time.

But every student who wanted an understudy role got to read today, though not always for their first choice role. Just because a student didn't read for a part does not mean they're out of the running for that part. It may be that I already know they can do that role and wanted to see if they could stretch themselves a different way.

All in all though, I was so impressed with what the students showed me tonight. Many students had worked hard to prepare and knew the script well. That showed in their auditions.

I mentioned in class that I may post the cast list on this blog if I finish casting before next class, but I will not be doing that. Parts will be announced in class next week!

The only homework is to finish reading the script. And bring a blank CD if you haven't already done so. Music will be done in the next week or two.