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!!