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.