Monday, December 20, 2010

In the spirit of the season...

Our undergrad Performance Movement students, grad students Justin Amelio and Penny Ayn Maas on piano, as well as the wonderful Ms Patti D'Beck visited Richmond's Heartfields Assisted Living to entertain the residents with a seasonal selection of songs and skits.
A really lovely time was had by all, as you can see!




Happy Holidays All Y'all!

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Bloginator has left the building....

And will return Thursday to continue with Theatre VCU announcements....
I can hardly wait... can you?

Announcement Numero Uno... Hang on there are TWO More

As the fall semester winds down, here in Richmond, we throw our heads back and let snowflakes land on our tongues. Some of us are pulling final exam all-night study fests. Some of us are anxious to get home for a few weeks of well-earned rest & relaxation. And some of us are just beginning to turn our energy towards the February co-production (with Barksdale Theatre, Willow Lawn) of Legacy of Light.

The Bloginator was able to look in the departmental magic 8-ball and as the enchanted bejewled turban slips down over her eyes she envisions the Theatre VCU future. Luckily, she can type while in a trance.

SALT Has Announced their Shafer Street Theatre Spring Season:

January 28-30, 2011
Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
by Tony Kushner Directed by Phil Vollmer

February 18-20, 2011

Video Game Theatre
Devised and Directed by Aaron Willoughby

February 25-27, 2011
Henry V 
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Anna K. Kurtz & Kerry McGee

March 9-11, 2011
The Gnädiges Fräulein
by Tennessee Williams
Directed by Esther Greene

March 25-27, 2011

Nerve
by Adam Szymkowicz
Directed by Thomas Bell

April 1-3, 2011
Troy Women
by Karen Hartman
Directed by Sarah Provencal

April 15-17, 2011
Back of the Throat
by Yassef El Guindi
Directed by Bryan Lamorena

April 22-24, 2011
The Ian Page Project
Written and Directed by Ian Page

April 29-May 1, 2011

Undergrad Directing Projects
Supervised by Justin Amellio

Have you Ever Seen a HOO-HA?
Mostly First-Year Hoo-Ha



Grad School Hoo-Has




Doubtful Hoo-Has




Josh and his Hoo-Has


Happy Hoo-Has

Mostly Fourth-Year Hoo-Has

The Hoo-Ha Kings!

Friday, December 10, 2010

So much to post!!


let's start with a photo montage of yesterday's film premiere...

If you missed it....
Great film
Great questions to Lorri and Lisa
GREAT announcements
Great FREE food & Great Students!!

Lisa Crawford acknowledging crowd adoration

Adoring crowd

Lisa Crawford & Lorri Lindbergh answering questions
& David Leong's exciting announcements!
Followed by FREE FOOD!!!!




Thursday, December 9, 2010

Student Explorations of Life this Monday and Wednesday

ers


Solo explorations of life: we have gathered together months of writings, explorations, and movement scores and combined them into an organic tapestry of story which is impelled, 
as Dr. T says, "by the necessity to reveal itself."  
Each solo performer will present a 15-30 minute work-in-progress piece. 
Richmond Triangle Players
December 13th and 15th (two different sets of performers on each night)
$5 general admission
House opens at 7:00pm, Curtain is at 7:30

this weekend y'all!!

The Effect of Gamma Rays On Man In The Moon Marigolds
by Paul Zindel
Runs Fri Dec 10th-8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm

Director  Eryn Snyder • Assistant Director  Martha Johnson

Cast   
Jeannie Melcher
Liz Earnest
Erin Adelman
Sarah Wilson

The hard-boiled, the handicapped, the heedless. The Hunsdorfers. Beatrice, mother of daughters Ruth and Tillie, is swallowed in a savage world she has let mount in 1960's Staten Island. The Glass Menagerie injected with a shot of estrogen. A matriarch haunted, each day rotting in a no mans land of a child's surpassing success and recognition of personal failure. The Effect of Gamma Rays On Man In The Moon Marigolds sprouts a heavy heart in its audiences.

Monday, December 6, 2010

the bloginator is confused....

... and a little worried.


As I understand it, the Theatre department is giving their students and the theatre community a gift on Thursday at 5:00 pm.

We carved out time in a crowded last week of classes to show a film about Theatre VCU students doing their work and preparing to rocket out of the department. We are offering you this film for your pleasure and for your inspiration for no money. Free. We are feeding you after the movie your favorite college food: pizza. Free. We are going to take pictures of you and put them on the blog. We are going to celebrate the holidays and the end of the semester and each other.

Free. A gift.

And, so far, only 78 of you are planning to receive this gift.

This blogster will be there, as will our faculty. If you are not there we will miss you.

A free ticket is waiting for you at the Box Office everyday from noon to 3 pm. Just knock on the door or email Ms. Michelle Anderson and she will help you. manderson6@vcu.edu.

You are invited, it's important to all of us that you are there. 

Looking over my shoulder at the weekend

just saying... Lisa has two of these.
So much to say about the week to come: if you haven't gotten a ticket for the Senior Showcase 2010 movie - it is not too late - stop by the TheatreVCU Box Office and request a ticket from Michelle Anderson. For FREE you will see a marvelous film by Ms. Amazingly Talented Lisa Crawford, followed by pizza, wings, pasta goodness. Won't this be a very cool way to end a wonderful semester?

Last week of classes - can I hear a HOORAH?!!

Which means last Friday was the last performance of this semester's No Shame. Word on the street is there was a surprise appearance of a faculty member. Really? Faculty? No.... faculty NEVER show up at No Shame....

Dark Play or Stories for Boys also graced the Newdick stage this weekend, and the "reviews" were overwhelmingly positive. This Blogster heard "outstanding" "spot-on" "authentic" "engaging" . Congratulations to Lucien Restivo and his cast and crew.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Three busy undergrads talk about their experience being in Barksdale Theatre's production of White Christmas


 Lauren Hafner, Maggie Horan & Katie Ford talk about White Christmas, Theatre VCU and surviving the end of the semester!

What roles are each of you playing?
Lauren Hafner: I am in the ensemble, so I am playing a lot of roles. The major thing is Loretta who is a dancer in Bob and Phil’s Act. I also play Mrs. Snoring man who is a woman sitting next to Bob, Phil, Judy and Betty on the train who then beings randomly singing with them about snow. It isn’t always specified in the script, so it has been a lot of fun to figure out when I’m the same character from a previous scene, and how my relationships from that scene carry into the next. The other ensemble members and I have created some pretty interesting story lines for ourselves.

Katie Ford: I’m in the Ensemble, so we’re in all the big dance numbers and we have several smaller roles. I’m also an understudy for the role of “Betty”

Maggie Horan: I’m in the female ensemble playing various roles.



Besides the three of you, several other representatives, namely Professor Patti D’Beck and 2nd Year Graduate Student Justin Amellio, from TheatreVCU are participating in the project. What has it been like to work with them in an off campus production?

Lauren:  Working with Patti and Justin has been incredible. I had Patti in my sophomore year for movement class and working with her on White Christmas has been a totally different experience. Patti is always really entertaining to work with because she is so passionate about what she does. And especially on this project, she gets so excited about every little thing and you can’t help but be excited too. And I adore Justin. He and I communicate really well together, so when something isn’t clear to me, or I’m having issues with anything, he understands and is able to explain things in a way that is clear to me without having to use many words or waste any time.

Katie: Working with Patti and Justin off-campus has been almost like an extension of being in class. You get to see the practical applications of what they teach you at VCU and see how it translates to a performance that happens over and over instead of just the final performance in class for a grade. It’s more collaboration and less instruction. And I, as the actor, am expected to produce results faster.

Maggie: It has been a fantastic experience working with Patti D’Beck, Penny Maas, Justin Amellio, and Marie Boyette (all Graduate students). It has been really neat to work with them off campus because I feel like I have gotten to know them on a different level rather than just studen/teacher. Working with Patti has been incredible. She is absolutely amazing and inspires me to do my very best. I feel incredibly honored to be able to work with such a kind, talented, and delightful person! She has made this experience absolutely wonderful.



You have been in rehearsals since October and having just opened this past weekend (November 18th), your run will last until early January. So far, how have you balanced such an intensive process with your academic studies and how do you plan to stay physically and mentally prepared through January?

Lauren: Time Management is key. With such a busy and intense schedule you have to be on top of things. Every weekend, I take a look at my schedule and the list of things that need to be accomplished and plan out everyday to ensure that everything gets done on time. And in that, you have to remember to plan in things like sleep. When I get busy, sleep is the first thing I normally sacrifice, so I’ve made it a point to schedule in enough time to sleep as well as everything else I have to do.

Katie: Luckily, the rehearsal process was so short that it was like a sprint to the finish. I barely had time to get stressed out. Now that the show is open and school is on break in a couple weeks, besides some understudy rehearsals, it should be smooth sailing from here until January.

Maggie: I am actually amazed how much I have been able to balance my academic studies with this rehearsal process. When I first got the schedule, I had absolutely no idea how I was going to be able to stay on top of things. But things have been going quite smoothly. I believe things will actually get easier as the run goes on because once the semester ends, the show will be the only thing I have to think about, which is great because I thoroughly enjoy being a part of it.



What have you learned from this process you intend to take back (or have already taken back) to your studies here at TheatreVCU?

Lauren: I’ve learned that you really do have to protect your process, even in the professional world. There may be people out there who function really well working in a way completely different than you are used to, or have worked in the past. Just because they work that way, doesn’t mean you have to. It is up to you to make sure you are preparing yourself to do your best work. No one is going to hold your hand, you are the only one responsible for your own work.

Katie: I’ve learned so much about what it means to be responsible for what you bring to the table and for being able to make choices without a director holding your hand every step of the way. Being in an ensemble is so much fun because you get to create so much without the pressure of the audience watching you intently. I can’t tell you how many story lines we’ve created just by standing upstage of the main scene and improvising something the audience will never hear, but it creates the mood and the color for the scene. I hope I can bring that creativity and that risk into everything I do.

Maggie: Through this experience, I have learned how important process is. I regret to say that in the past I was constantly worried about the product of the show I was doing. I did not take in the experience, I just stressed and wondered if the show was going to be good or not. Being in this show and working with Patti has taught me to stay in the moment, breath, and take in my surroundings. It was very relieving and a lot more fun to just experience each rehearsal as it went. I felt a lot more present and I learned so much more. I feel like being so present has made me become closer with the cast, and made each moment of this experience unforgettable.
Barksdale Theatre's photos of White Christmas

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Reminder time!

Reminder ONE:
Audition Reminder!

Two Precious Maidens Ridiculed

Directed By Josh Chenard

Moliere’s classic 17th century satire on high culture and snobbery! Tentatively scheduled to be performed in Hodges Theater February 2011.

Auditions: Monday, December 6, 6:30-9:30 PM, PAC 72

Auditions will consist of movement exercises, improvisation, and readings from the script.

Please plan to stay for full length of the audition.
Actors cast must be available to begin rehearsals on Monday, January 10th!

Questions? Contact Josh at chenardjk@vcu.edu


Reminder TWO:

Tomorrow is the first 2011 Audition/Interview Day - starting at 11:45 in the Hodges.

Please welcome these potential new members of the Theatre VCU family.
Remember how it felt to audition?
Remember feeling scared, nervous, intimidated?
A smile and a friendly word would be appreciated, I'm sure.


Reminder THREE:

Go by the Box Office right now, and get your FREE tickets for next Thursday's premiere of Lisa Crawford's  2010 Senior Showcase film!! I'm telling you - you DO NOT want to miss this! For real. Don't miss this opportunity to watch a great film, support fellow students and alumni, eat free pizza, and hear Theatre VCU news you will not hear anywhere else.

Two NEW Job opportunities for theatre grads or soon to be grads!

JOB TITLE: High School Drama Teacher
From Patricia Grandinetti of Henry County.

Henry County Public Schools has an opening for a high school drama teacher beginning in January 2010. Prior graduates and upcoming mid-year graduates are encouraged and invited to apply. Thank you.

https://hcps.schoolrecruiter.net/viewjob.aspx?jobid=255

   
    

    Artistic and Production Administrative Assistant
    Full time, year-round position


  The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is seeking an individual with superior administrative skills to provide clerical, administrative and artistic support to both the Associate Artistic Director and the Production Manager. Each year, OSF presents an eight-and-a-half-month season of eleven plays in three theatres plus extensive educational offerings to students, teachers and all playgoers. 
    

    Duties include but are not limited to managing correspondence, calendar and appointments; managing travel schedules and arrangements for guest artists; maintaining calendars; providing logistic support and informational packets to guest artists throughout the production process; tracking expenses; maintaining distribution lists; typing and proofing contracts; and researching and providing research materials for production designs . For a complete job description, visitwww.osfashland.org/about/work <http://www.osfashland.org/about/work> .
    

    Applicants must have a 4 year college degree; a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre is highly desired. Professional theatre experience will be considered in lieu ofMFA. Three years of professional administrative experience are required. The successful candidate will have proficient computer skills (knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook are necessary, experience with Mac Systems, knowledge of AutoCAD, Vectorworks and Photoshop are a plus), and excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. A current driver’s license and good driving record are a must. The successful applicant will also have the ability to work a variable schedule, including working some evening and weekend hours occasionally.
    At OSF we believe that diverse ideas, cultures and traditions reflect the broad diversity of the nation and enrich our insights into the work we present on stage. We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work, including play selection, casting, marketing and public relation efforts, education programs, strategic recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.

    This full-time position begins in January. Weekly salary range for this position begins at approximately $500. However, final offer will be determined based on experience and a variety of other factors. Some benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance. Relocation expenses will not be provided. To apply please send in a single email a) cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position, and b) résumé by December 14, 2010 to humanresources@osfashland.org.  All documents must be in Word format or PDF; only complete applications will be considered.  No phone calls please. In order to avoid spam and scams, we request that you type in the subject line of your email the following information. Artistic and Production Administrative Assistant: Your Last Name, Your First Name (Source from which you learned about this position). Example: Artistic and Production Administrative Assistant: Capulet, Juliet (OSF website, friend, etc.)

   

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

So... the last post was about today, tomorrow and this weekend... this post is all about yesterday.

Twelve of our students got the singular opportunity to tour Three of the finest professional theatres in DC for the day thanks to Carey Lawless who arranged everything.

We started at the historical and renovated Ford's Theatre and got the tour backstage and received some amazing insider knowledge from a Q/A in the Board Room of Fords with Kristin Fox - Director of Programming.

Ten of the twelve touring students and Ron Keller pose in front of the Metro station with our gracious hostess Carey Lawless (on the right).
Then the students got to go to the Harman Center (Shakespeare Theatre of DC) and have a personal tour of the newly built Harman Center and another personal Q/A with Deb Vandergrift (Production Manager) who explained the planning and design of the building/ theatre/ and facilities.

Next they traveled to the BRAND NEW Facilities of the Arena Stage complex. Complete with a insiders tour and Q/A with Ian Pool, General Manager/Production Manager,  toured all three stages, as well as the new costume shop and scene shop.

These are prestigious professional theatres and this is a rare opportunity that most outsiders never get. What an amazing opportunity to meet and ask questions with professionals. WOW!

How was the day guys? Leave a comment and let us know!

Update, Newest News, Fact Blast for December 1.... and it's not even 10 am yet!

Today: WASSUP with youse guys? On Thursday Dec. 9 we are celebrating the end of a great Fall semester with a FREE (let me repeat this) FREE showing of the original Lisa Crawford (winner of TWO Emmies) film Senior Showcase 2010. Did I mention that this is FREE?

 You have today and tomorrow to reserve your seats. Just go to our Box Office in the main lobby between noon and 3:00 pm  and speak politely to our wonderful Ms. Michelle Anderson and she will miraculously provide you with a ticket. You can get a ticket for a friend... your mom and dad... someone you secretly adore from another department...

AND following the film we will treat you to pizza and wings and pasta and breadsticks and drinks and holiday cookies.... for FREE!!!!

PLUS we have exciting surprise announcements that will be UNVEILED that night... you do not want to miss this.

Wake up and smell the pizza guys!! This is our gift to you - and your gift to us would be to BE THERE!!!



Tonight: Henry V auditions Auditions are tonight beginning at 6:00 PM in Shafer 302...bring a one minute Shakespearean Monologue. Haven't signed up for a time yet? Contact Anna at kurtza2@vcu.edu.

This Week: Don't miss DARK PLAY OR STORIES FOR BOYS by Carlos Murillo at the Newdick Theatre, Shafer St. directed by Lucian Restive -

Friday at 8:00pm - Saturday at 10:00pm
Stay tuned.... there are more Fact Blasts to come!!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

First-year Friday Fanfare (insert bugle flourish here)

Theatre VCU had one of the most outstanding First-Year Fridays on November 19th! We hosted dozens (six dozen to be exact) of First-year parents, siblings, even a husband, for a day-long introduction to life as a freshman at Theatre VCU topped with a complimentary tickets to that evening's performance of Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

The day began with an introduction by Dept. Chair David Leong and Associate Chair Aaron Anderson.

Followed by our faculty introducing themselves to the audience. Kevin McGranahan received a special call-out by one of our parents as the guy who was "heavily appreciated" for keeping our kids safe.

This blogster even got a chance to snap a photo or two of our visitors. I believe they were forced to yell "First-Year Friday" instead of the customary "Cheese".

After the complimentary lunch everyone enjoyed  a performance by our Senior Showcase 2011.
Here's just a sample of their work:


Our large group broke into two groups. "Performance" families where Barry Bell explained and explored student work on monologues and scenes. Lorri Lindberg and a few seniors spoke about the challenges and rewards of Senior Showcase. Meanwhile, "Design/Tech" families  joined the tech faculty in the Hodges Theatre and enjoyed a lively talk about expectations, training, and professional opportunities. Tony Leslie James, Director of Costume Design, shared production photos and fielded questions along with Lou Szari, lighting, Alan Williamson, TD, Glynn Brannan, drawing, and several students.
We wrapped up the day with a tour, and a Q&A with David Leong. 
Theatre VCU is a family, and the annual First-Year Friday meet and greet is a great way to welcome the newest members. Thank you to all the parents and family who shared the day with us and with our students!

 Here are a few of the comments we received from our 2010 First-Year Friday families:
• The performance class really gave us a sense of what my son’s day is like
• The class talking about how my son will get a job when he leaves here
• The time taken to keep parents informed of their child’s career choice.  I feel that great/valuable information was presented.
• How important it is for the faculty and staff that our students are developed both professionally and personally
• Understanding of the team nature of the course. How all the individual pieces are complementary.
• Knowing that faculty have continuing professional lives. 
• Great program. Makes us feel a part of the VCU Theatre Family.

Monday, November 29, 2010

AND... We're Back....

Are you aware of this amazing opportunity?

Are you planning to start a theatre?
Work in community theatre?
Get a job with an independent theatre?
This workshop is FOR YOU!
It is not too late to sign up!!


This afternoon Theatre VCU is hosting Carey Lawless who will be teaching

Let's Put on a Show
A master class about the art and craft
of producing a live theatre from the
producers point of view.

Monday, November 29    Master Class

Wednesday, Dec 1    Master Class

Thursday, Dec 2     Final Master Class

Classes in B72 from 3:00-5:00

You will need to bring to class:

One of the following scripts (which you must have read prior to the master class)

   a)  A Midsummer’s Nights Dream  (full version)- W. Shakespeare
   b)  Sabrina Fair - Samuel A. Taylor
   c)  Zombie Prom (musical) -  dana p rowe, music, john dempsey books and lyrics
   d)  Bad Dates - Theresa Rebeck

Carey Lawless has been the Production Manager for the Arena Stage, Washington, DC, and was responsible for the development and administration of 5.5 million production and operations budgets for hiring and contracting artistic and staff for theater and for the scheduling and coordination of productions in a three theater complex. Prior to that she was the Production Manager for the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and for the Actors’ Studio Drama School, the Production Manager of Actors’ Studio Drama School, the Theater Manager of the Graduate Theater Division, Columbia University, NY, and the Stage Manager of The Utah Shakespearean Festival.



Tuesday, November 23, 2010

FREE film followed by a PARTY! December 9 at the Hodges!

An invitation to ALL students, Alumni, faculty, staff and ALL friends of Theatre VCU

Join us in the Hodges Theatre on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 5:00 pm for the FREE premiere of Emmy Award winning director Lisa Crawford’s film Senior Showcase 2010. And as a gift to you, we will follow the screening with a celebration in the lobby of the Singleton Performing Arts Center, 922 Park Ave,. Richmond VA 23284.

All who wish to attend must reserve a free ticket in advance by emailing Michelle Anderson at manderson6@vcu.edu. Tickets can be picked up at will-call between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2. Tickets and seating are on first come, first served basis.

What's not to be thankful for?

Well here we are. November is well upon us and the official start of Winter is less than a month away. As the weather turns colder and the days get shorter, it's easy to fall into the cycle of the daily grind, working and pushing against the heavy barriers of our lives without any respite. We end up trudging through the day-by-day, focusing on petty challenges and taking little or no time at all to consider ourselves and how lucky each of us really is. As we reach another holiday season, it's important to step back and remember what exactly it is your we are thankful for.



With that sentiment in mind, I sent out a request to my fellow seniors (and one or two faculty), asking them what it is they are thankful for this holiday season.



Here are just some of the responses:



“Thankful to be Alive; Thankful to be involved in Theatre; Thankful that Theatre IS my Life.”

Jim Thompson



“This holiday season I'm thankful for the health of my family and friends. I'm thankful for my art and that everyday I have another chance to grow in it. I'm thankful that no matter where I am, be it VCU or with my family- I feel as if I'm at home. And of course there's much more but these are definitely the most important. “

Crystal Johnson




“I am thankful for a senior class that works hard, cares about doing a good job and is easy to get along with.”

Lorri Lindberg




“I'm not even sure I could find the words to describe how truly blessed I feel. I have a wonderful, supportive, stable family who encourages me in everything that I do. I've somehow managed to surround myself with friends who are more like family than anything else, who provide me with all the emotional support I could ever hope for, and I have a new-found love for this profession that I've chosen. I am healthy, well-fed, and firmly ensconced in a city that I adore. I try everyday to find a time to give thanks for all these gifts I've been given, and to thank the people who enrich my life. Thank you.”

Claire Biggers




“I am thankful for waking up every morning, the support group at TheatreVCU, our training, my family and friends, the colorful fall leaves, smiles from passersby, and God's many blessings.”

Walid Chaya



"I'm thankful to be working with people who live their lives with passion and commitment. There is never a dull day at Theatre VCU.... gosh... I guess I did run off and join the circus!"

The Bloginator



“I am thankful and blessed for my family, my sisters who stick by me no matter what, my love! and the greatest opportunity to do what I love!”

Ashley Davis



“I am grateful for the opportunity to attend a school that presents me a variety of opportunities and to be able to obtain a valuable degree doing what I love to do! May 21, 2011 here we come!!”

Shatera Hillyer



Personally, I am eternally thankful for, simply put, being alive. I am so grateful to have incredibly supportive family and friends, who keep me out of harm's way and ensure I create the best work I can possibly make. There's nothing like having the best support system on earth constantly on-call, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.



I would be lying if I said these past few months haven't been especially challenging (and occasionally disappointing) for me. In my time at VCU, I've learned a huge amount about the nature of my fellow man and it's worth noting, things never turn out exactly as you imagined they would. There will always be people in the world who want nothing more than to make a cheap buck and will attack anyone who stands in their way. What will separate you from the beasts, however, is that you stand up for what you believe in at all costs. Petty and pathetic ego battles always exist in life but if your moral compass is strong, you will prevail.



I speak not of creed or specific doctrine but merely an unspoken bond that we as true artists carry with us wherever we go. I am blessed, so incredibly blessed, to be surrounded by colleagues who follow these standards. It saddens me that in a few short months, many of us will part ways and start our careers. What brightens this vision, however, is the fact that we will all do so with incredible gusto and that the bond we created during our time here will never once wane. So with all that in mind, I once more thank my friends, without whom I would be nothing.



My best to you and yours,

Tommy Callan

Class of 2011

Friday, November 19, 2010

The Bloginator just needs to share...

Just four of this blogster's favorite techies... lighting, scene design, stage management are represented...

Gotta to tell you...best job in the world working with these students and their friends.


Thanks to all of you, and you know who you are...
for the hard work, affection, and passion.

You remind me every day why we do this.

Group hug!

No Shame... food drive...

No Shame fans... support the arts... feed the hungry... feel the love.

We have a lot of great acts lined up so get yourself prepared for quite the evening!

This week, The Bloginator encourages everyone to bring out any extra canned or boxed food you have sitting around to donate to the Richmond food bank. There's a box set up in the lobby of the theatre and you can just drop it in as you enter.

If everyone brings just one food item, there will be a lot more happy families this holiday season.

(And check out All Hail Hurricane Gordo in Newdick Friday or Saturday at 8pm and Saturday at 3!)

Theatre VCU: Backstage Pass: ALL HAIL "All Hail Hurricane Gordo"

Theatre VCU: Backstage Pass: ALL HAIL "All Hail Hurricane Gordo": "All Hail Hurricane Gordo follows Chaz and Gordo, two brothers who were abandoned as children and are now living together outside New York..."

ALL HAIL "All Hail Hurricane Gordo"




All Hail Hurricane Gordo follows Chaz and Gordo, two brothers who were abandoned as children and are now living together outside New York City their mid-20s. It is often up to Chaz to take care of Gordo, whose severe social anxiety problems keep him from functioning on his own. To combat what he sees as stagnation and a crushing isolation deep in the suburbs, Chaz decides to rent out one of the spare rooms to India, a runaway and it's not long before her father, Oscar, comes looking for her. What follows is a darkly funny exploration into the following question: "is there such a thing as a 'normal' family?"

what does it mean to have a “normal family?”

is there such a thing?


as I plunged deeper and deeper into the world of carly mensch's all hail hurricane gordo over the past weeks and months, these are the two questions i kept coming back to. after many conversations with friends and introspection into my own upbringings, it's become obvious the answer to the second question is an unequivocal “no.” for better or for worse, we are products of our environment. if our families weren't unique and a little bit odd and if our parents didn't embarrass us until we turned blue at least once in our life, we would all be the same lifeless drones, unable to manifest a single creative thought.

though that may seem like a foregone conclusion, if unique families are part of the package deal, why then do so many privileged teenagers “hate” their parents? why would adopted children struggle to find their birth  parents? and why do some people go for years without so much as calling parents? home? the answers are complicated and vastly different for everyone and by no means do i claim to know them. what i do know, however, is that at the root of all our human desires is a desire for affirmation. our brains are wired to long for acceptance.

to be held.

to be loved.

if we lack the basic support system of a family, a part of our psyche is inherently empty.

i am more than aware that not everyone is blessed with the care of a supportive and loving, traditional family but again, we find ourselves using

these definitions.

“traditional.”

“normal.”

“correct.”

what exactly is a family anyway?

if you allow yourself to forget the definition of family, you may find you had one all along.



Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Les Liaisons Dangereuses Up Close and Personal Part one

An Interview with Tori Bertocci

Tori is a fourth-year Theatre VCU student pursuing her BFA in Theatre Performancee with a minor in Dance and Choreography. She is currently on the path towards working as a stunt worman. She plays Emilie, a courtesan that Valmont has taken a liking to. Madame de Trouvel interrupts a meeting between Emilie and Valmont, which cause conflicts in Trouvel and Valmont’s relationship.


With such a period piece, how has the rehearsal process been for the show?


The rehearsal process has been an amazing experience. All of the ladies wore rehearsal corsets from the beginning of rehearsal, in order to learn how to hold that tall 18th century carriage. Also, we had to learn how to support our breath and breathe properly with the restriction of torso that the corsets created. The period history is fascinating, and all of the actors researched the history of France pre and post revolutionary times. This show requires the dedication of everyone involved as we bring to life this world with honest human emotion and actions, while never losing the story.  
 

How has it been working with Tawnya Pettiford-Wates and Aaron Willoughby as well as the rest of the crew? Is this your first time working with the team?

It is always a fulfilling adventure working with Dr. T. I love her methods and passion for theatre. Aaron has been a great support in the journey of Liaisons, both him and Dr. T have helped all the actors to grow as artists and always continue to teach me more about myself as an artist and the art of theatre itself. The crew have been so supportive and an absolute joy to work with.


 What research have you done for the production for your character?

 I am always researching for Emilie. Consistently finding out more and more to support her and how she has evolved into this character. I began by looking at French art, and then researched a great deal about the history of France at that time, as well as the music from the time period. I also delved into the movement style of people, especially women from this time. Specifically for Emilie, I became closely associated with the courtesans of the time period, how they were viewed, what they did and why, and their social class level was. Once I did the book research, I was then able to do some explorations in the studio and rehearsal - finding her body center and voice.


With such an active and intensive rehearsal schedule, how has your time management improved?

 I record all that I have to do and schedule things in on an agenda, making sure that I have enough time to do all that I need to finish. I have reaffirmed my belief that there is always enough time. I make sure to hit the deadlines in chronological order.


What are your future projects?

I am in a continual process of creating my solo piece, This Colorful Imperfection, which will be first shared in December with the Solo Class Sharings on Dec 13th and 15th. I am also in the process of working on an independent study with Lauren Hafner that is delving into the world of Archetypes and how they move through dance. We will be sharing our work for an audience on the evening of Dec 14th. I am also working on a movement study under the direction of Charley Raintree.


What is some advice you can share for perspective students for theatre students at VCU?

Grab every opportunity that comes your way, especially if it is something new, something you have never done before, because you may find a new interest. Theatre VCU is a safe environment, a learning environment and you should utilize every second of your time here. With that said, make sure you don't overbook yourself. You cannot succeed if you deplete your energy. Live moment to moment, breathe deeply and know that you are enough.