It's beginning to look a lot like show season...

I had the opportunity to see three plays before Thanksgiving.  The student written and directed work at Scripps Ranch High School, "Mousetrap" at La Jolla High and"The Good Doctor" at Madison.  It was wonderful to see such focused efforts.  Thanks for all the good work!

Encourage your students to catch one or more of the following shows before Winter break!

"A Delightful Quarantine" at Mira Mesa High School
Directed by Daniel Kriley
December 3 at 3:30 and December 4 at 6:00

"Yellow Boat" at SCPA
Directed by Bill Doyle
December 3 - 5 & 10 - 11 at 7:00 and December 12 at 2:00
This is a very moving piece about a young boy with AIDS

"Bus Stop" at Serra High School
Directed by Ruth Howell
December 9 - 11 at 6:30 and a matinee on December 10 at 2:45
Tickets $5

"A Night on Broadway" Gala Performance at Mira Mesa High School
Daniel Kriley has over 20 students traveling to NYC this year and this is a major fundraiser for them!
Tickets $10

"Willie Wonka" at Pershing Middle School
Directed by Terry Miller
December 16 at 9:15 and 1:00, Dec. 17 at 9:15, 1:00 at 7:00, Dec. 18 at 9:15, 11:30 and 1:00

"The Secret Garden" at Dingeman Elementary
December 16 at 7:00

Auditions for High School Honor Theatre Show Next Week!

Auditions are December 7 & 8 at La Jolla High School.

Students need to prepare a one minute, contemporary monologue and email me for an audition time.

Do it now!

New Director for Honor Theatre Project, "Stefanie Hero"

Unfortunately, Paul Stetler has had to step down, but he has left us in very capable hands.

Welcome to Lori Peterman!  Lori received her MFA in directing last year from UCSD. After receiving her BA from UCLA, she studied in Germany, Austria, Italy, Indonesia, Japan and Thailand.  She is an acclaimed mask and puppet maker, an Artistic Associate of Theater Mitu and a member of Lincoln Center Directors Lab.  An experienced teacher, she was also a favorite of students in the La Jolla Playhouse Conservatory this summer.  She is currently teaching two classes at UCSD and has specific expertise in physical comedy.  She is a great fit for this particular show and excited to get started on this project.  

This is a great opportunity for students to work with an outstanding professional director with an amazing vision for creating theatre.  Sign up your students for an audition now!

Shakespeare Festival Workshop This Thursday!!! 

CPMA in Clairemont, 5050 Conrad Ave, 92117

Join me December 3rd, 4 – 6 pm, for this special workshop led by Sandi Buehner and Steve Lipinsky.  These are the only people from the Shakespeare Fest that you will have to deal with!

By attending this meeting you will have taken care of all the requirements for participating in the Festival in April.  For those of you interested in becoming a "Bravissimo" school, this is one of the required events.

Scared of Shakespeare?  Our guest artists will make it very accessible. You don’t have to do Shakespeare in the classic style… mash it up and have some fun.  Maybe Shakespeare a’la Glee?

Please let me know you are coming!  If you cannot attend, but have an English teacher friend who would like to attend, please extend the invitation!

RSVP now so we can have materials prepared for you!



Need a quick lift before break?


Looking for some lesson plan inspiration?  Check out this web site:  http://tedb.byu.edu/lesson 

Thanks to Chris Carr for the tip!


Budget Crisis Meetings


Please make an effort to attend one of the following meetings and organize parents and students to speak about the importance of keeping a full curriculum, including VAPA, available during this time of crisis.


Have parents and students share a personal story about the importance of the arts in their education, how it keeps them connected to school.  And every time VAPA is mentioned at the meeting, be sure to applaud!


If you can't make it to a meeting, please write a letter of support and mail it to your school board member.


Each meeting is from 6:30 - 8:00.

• Thursday, Dec. 3
  San Diego High Educational Complex, Library
  1405 Park Blvd. (92101)
  Sub-District D, Richard Barrera.

• *Change in Date – Tuesday, Dec. 8
  Madison High School, Library
  4833 Doliva Drive (92117)
  Sub-District A, John Lee Evans.

• Wednesday, Dec. 9
  Mission Bay High School, Auditorium
  2475 Grand Ave. (92109)
  Sub-District C, John de Beck.

       *Change in Date/Location - Monday, Dec. 14
         Porter Elementary North, Auditorium
         445 S. 47th St. (92113)
         Sub-District E, Shelia Jackson.

That's all for this time!  See you next week.

Marjorie

See a Show!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh, we are so close to vacation, I know you can just taste it!

It’s Showtime Folks

Get out and see a show – send your students- be part of the SDUSD theatre conversation!

“The Good Doctor” at Madison High School
November 17 – 19 at 6:30pm
Tickets $5

“The Mousetrap” at La Jolla High School
November 18 at 3:00 and November 19 -21 at 7:00pm
This is a great opportunity to see the space where we will be doing the Honor Theatre Project this year!

“Twilight Zone” at Clairemont High School
November 12 – 14 and 19 -21 at 6:00pm
Discounts for theatre students! 
Call Mr. Stacey Allen at 858-273-0201 x4502

Shakespeare Festival Workshop at CPMA in Clairemont

Join me December 3rd, 4 – 6 pm for this special workshop.  By attending this meeting you will have taken care of all the requirements for participating in the Festival in April.

Scared of Shakespeare?  Our guest artists will make it very accessible. You don’t have to do Shakespeare in the classic style… mash it up and have some fun.  Maybe Shakespeare a’la Glee?

Please let me know you are coming!

Town Hall Meeting

The first of school board town hall meetings is this week at Serra High School.  These meeting will specifically discuss the budget crisis.  VAPA is on the list to be cut again this year.

Please organize students and parents to attend and ask specific questions.

Here’s a way to format the comments for the meeting-

    1) Share an experience about why the arts are important to you.
    2) Ask “Are you going to cut the arts this year?”
    3) “If you are not going to cut it, why is it still on the list of cuts?  Please take it off.”

If you have a performance you can bring to the meeting, let me know!

Here are the details!

Thursday, November 19  6:30 – 8:00
      Serra High School (Media Center)
      Sub-District B - Katherine Nakamura

Classes to Keep Your Craft Fresh

Here are a couple of Community College offerings that you might find interesting:

Makeup for the Stage    DRAM122    Monday 5:55–9:20 City College

Makeup for the Stage    DRAM122    Saturday 9:30-1:35 Mesa College

Acting for Film & TV    DRAM119    M/W    6:35 – 9:00 Mesa College

Cinema as Art & Comm DRAM 151 Tuesday 6:35-9:40 Mesa College

Have a great holiday! 

Back in Action!

Howdy, Folks!

Well, it feels good to be back in the saddle after being sidelined by a back injury for two weeks.  If only the news in the district was better!

Budget Freeze

Hopefully you are not feeling the freeze too much at your sites.  With procurement cards frozen, some things you are used to purchasing easily and quickly may require more advanced planning.  Everything must now go through the purchase order process, which can be time consuming.  Speak to the person at your site who is in charge of the budgeting and purchasing so you are not caught off guard.

The other two areas that may effect you are with contracts, if you are hiring outside people to work with your students, and field trips.  My recommendation is to push through all paperwork and encumber all funds now so they cannot be denied later.

Let me know if you need more information regarding the budget freeze.

Advocacy

Here is a chance for your voice (or better yet your student’s and parent’s voices) to be heard.  I encourage you to get together a group of key people to attend one of the below meetings and ask pointed questions about the future of the arts programs in our schools.  Be proactive and get these people on record with their views.  Our district is still faced with tough choices to balance the budget for the next two years.  Be part of the conversation.

From the district website:

“Parents, students, employees and community members are strongly encouraged to attend one of five upcoming Budget Town Hall Meetings. Attendees will learn more about the budget crisis and offer ideas and feedback for the Board of Education on the best ways to balance the budget for the 2010-11 school year. Each meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m.:

    * Thursday, November 19
      Serra High School (Media Center)
      Sub-District B - Katherine Nakamura
    * Thursday, December 3
      San Diego High School (Performing Arts Theater)
      Sub-District D - Richard Barrera
    * Wednesday, December 9
      Mission Bay High School (Auditorium)
      Sub-District C - John de Beck
    * Tuesday, December 15
      Lincoln High School (Performing Arts Theater)
      Sub-District E - Shelia Jackson
    * Thursday, December 17
      Madison High School (Performing Arts Center)
      Sub-District A - John Lee Evans

For more information, please visit www.sandi.net/budget or contact Bernie Rhinerson, chief district relations officer at (619) 725-5578.”

Okay – Now For the Good News!

In spite of the freeze we are still here and kicking and planning good things for you!

Theatre Teacher Meeting – December 3rd

Please join me on December 3rd for a Shakespeare Festival Workshop!

From 4 - 6pm

Location TBA

What is it?  Sandra Buehner and Steve Lipinsky from the San Diego Shakespeare Society will be offering a workshop on developing a piece to take to the Shakespeare Festival this year.  This will be a fun, hands on workshop, which will also qualify as the required planning meeting to participate in the festival.

Those of you who have not participated in the past because of personnel at the Shakespeare Society can be reassured that Sandi Beuhner will be your only point of contact.

Please RSVP so that we know how many copies to make!

This was originally going to be a training for just middle school teachers, but in now being opened to all theatre teachers.  If you would like to bring along an English teacher friend to create another piece or to represent your school, please do so!

High School Honor Theatre Project a Go!

I have been reassured that the $$ for this project will not disappear.  I sure hope I can believe them!

Auditions for this project are fast approaching!  High school teachers should have received a packet in school mail containing a copy of the script and the forms necessary for the students to complete for auditions.

To audition students need to prepare a 1 – 2 minute contemporary monologue, fill out the forms, attach a resume and picture and email me for an audition time. mtreger1@sandi.net

I’m happy to come out to your site to pitch the project to your students.  Please let me know ASAP as auditions are the second week of December.

Please contact me with any questions.  It’s a great opportunity for the students and promises to be an exciting production.

San Diego Opera Program 

Wednesday, November 18 at Crown Point Elementary will have a training for the San Diego Opera beginning at 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm.  If you are interested in having your students attend an evening rehearsal, please contact Angela Kanish at (619) 533- 7087.  She will have the free bus information ready for you at this training. This program is available for 3rd to 12th graders.  This training will then be followed up with a docent visit that can be tailored to your theatre classes.

Another Opening Another Show…

High schools are in full production mode.   Congratulations to UC High on a great run of “Frankenstein” and to Patrick Henry on their successful run of "The Crucible."

Here’s what’s happening at other sites.  Encourage your students to get out and see something!

“Twilight Zone” at Clairemont High School
November 12 – 14 and 19 -21 at 6:00pm
Discounts for theatre students! 
Call Mr. Stacey Allen at 858-273-0201 x4502

“When the World Ends/In the Aftermath” at Scripps Ranch HS
Written by two SRHS students Stephen Patterson and Caleb Roitz
November 12 – 13 at 7:00pm at November 14 at 4:00pm
Tickets $5

“The Good Doctor” at Madison High School
November 17 – 19 at 6:30pm
Tickets $5

“The Mousetrap” at La Jolla High School
November 18 at 3:00 and November 19 -21 at 7:00pm
Go and see the space we will be doing the Honor Theatre Project!

Thanks for all you do for theatre students. I really appreciate all of you.

‘til next time!

Marjorie

The Power of Theatre Teachers

Meeting this Thursday!

Please join me, and your fellow SDUSD Theatre Teachers, for one of the few meetings we will have this year.  The music and art folks have monthly meetings.  We will shoot for getting together quarterly this year.

When:  Thursday, Oct. 1st, 4 – 6 pm
Where:  VAPA Office, 825 Santa Barbara Place, 92109 (In Mission Beach)
Why:  To get details about this year’s events and share ideas.

Special Guests:  Angie from National Comedy Theatre and Chris from ETC

If you have not yet sent an RSVP, please do so.  I’ll buy snacks!

A Weekend of Conferences

Thanks to those of you who made it to the annual SDETA Conference at the Old Globe and TechFest at Grossmont College.  They were both well run events and I was glad to be a part of them.

I would love to hear your feedback on each event, so that I can share it with the SDETA Board for future planning.

Stronger Together

Thank you, those of you who have started posting replies to this blog.  We really want to strengthen our community and this blog is one way we have to keep in touch on a regular basis.  This year we have around 40 theatre teachers in the San Diego Unified School District.  Together, we have a big impact!

Please let me know what issues are important to you and what services you need.  I will do my best to find answers and resources!

Two issues that came up at the SDETA Conference that I am looking into are extended day pay and ROP Technical Theatre.  I’ll let you know what I find out.




Keeping it short this week...

See you Thursday!

Marjorie

Let's Get Together...

Greetings Friends!

Hope this update finds you getting into the theatre groove at your site.  I look forward to hearing about what you have planned for this year and seeing many of you at the SDETA Conference on Friday and/or the TechFest on Saturday.

THEATRE TEACHERS UNITE!

October 1st – 4:00 – 6:00pm – VAPA Office

Please be here for our first meeting of the year.  I will share information form the EDTA conference.  We will discuss what resources we have share and what you would like me to work on for professional development topics this year.  Also, Angie Englebert, from National Comedy Theatre (NCT) will stop by to talk about the high school improv program.

I’ll buy some snacks too!

DESPERATELY SEEKING $$$

There are several grants out there that your theatre program may qualify for.  There is even a person at the district office that can help you apply for them. 

This year I received a San Diego Foundation Teacher’s Grant for building supplies for the Honor Theatre Project.

Here are some grants you may be interested in:

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation

Target Stores Field Trip Grants

Edutopia Grants

ARTS ARE THE ANSWER

Theatre is the intervention.

There is mounting evidence that that arts instruction improves student learning and test scores.  Theatre is a slam-dunk for increasing literacy and comprehension.  Those of you at “low-performing schools” can continue to advocate for the students while advocating for your theatre program.  Click here for a great article from Edutopia about the arts and multiple intelligences.


THEATRE TEACHER SEEKS…

Interested in chatting with theatre teachers across the country?  Have a great lesson plan to share?  Looking for the best solution for a technical problem?  Check out the CETA Theatre Educators Forum.

ETC LIGHTING EVENT AND OKTOBERFEST

Chris Rynne, lighting designer extraordinaire and ETC rep, is putting together an event for you to come down and check out the new control panels and lighting instruments.  It’s meant to be educational and fun!  It’s open house style, so come when you can and invite your administrator to check out

When:  Friday, October 16th, 12:30 – 6:00pm

Where:  Groovy Like a Movie, 5205 Kearny Villa Way, Ste. 200, 92123

RSVP:  rsvp@oconnorsales.com by October 7th

???:  Call Chris at 858-505-1813

He promises brats, beer, music and souvenirs too!


SUMMER SCHOOL PERFORMANCES

Congratulations to Chris Carr and her students at Patrick Henry High for already having opened and closed the first show of the year!  Chris started a Musical Theatre Workshop this summer, which culminated in a production of “Grease” the second week of school!  I look forward to hearing how she pulled it off!

Stacey Allen was also busy this summer creating a new program, Theatre Alive, at Clairemont High School.  This program was open to students from across the district.  They wrote essays about issues facing teenagers in San Diego and then developed a play based on those topics.  The performances played to full houses and the ROP office even had students create a documentary of the process.

COMING TO A STAGE NEAR YOU

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie – La Jolla High School
November 18, 3:00pm
November 19 – 21, 7:00pm
Contact Ann Lyon-Boutelle at alyon-boutelle@sandi.net

DISCOUNT TIX TO SAN DIEGO PLAYS

Discount “4 pack” tickets for Lion King. Use code “ZAZU”

Godspell at the Horton Grand.


Sideman at Diversionary.

Man from Nebraska at Cygnet.

Neil Berg’s 102 Years of Broadway at the CA Center for the Arts.


FREE TICKETS TO THE BALBOA PARK THEATRE

This Sunday, September 27, at 2 p.m., the Wonder Morton Organ program will feature music from Grieg to Gershwin, from jazz to show tunes, as well as a Laurel & Hardy silent film. Tickets are free for students and $10 for drivers. Contact Sue Raffee Barrett for more information at (619) 222-7729 or sueraffee@onebox.com.

NYC TRIP

Daniel Kriley at Mira Mesa High School is considering taking his students to New York this year.  He would really appreciate any input from those of you who have done this in the past.  I know a couple of you are contemplating this trip so maybe it makes sense to get you all together?

Please contact Daniel at dkriley@sandi.net


That's all I've got this week.  Please feel free to comment - and don't forget to send me your info.

See you Oct. 1st!

Marjorie

Back to School!

Howdy Folks!

Welcome to the 09-10 school year! Here’s to hoping it is full of exciting and meaningful theatrical experiences.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

I had the opportunity to attend the EdTA/CETA conference this past week (on my own dime of course!) It was a great time to connect with theatre teachers across the state and the nation. Some of the workshops were great. I know that Terry Miller, theatre teacher at Pershing, was also there and will have some terrific information to share.

For those of you unfamiliar with these organizations, EdTA is the Educational Theatre Association, a national organization for theatre teachers. CETA is the California Educational Theatre Association, a statewide organization for theatre teachers. Two additional groups you may be interested in are DTASC, the Drama Teachers Association of Southern California and CST, the California State Thespian organization. Click on the links for more info. I encourage you to get involved with one or more of these organizations and take your students to events off-site. If you have questions, please contact me!

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 25th SDETA Conference at the Old Globe, All Day Event
This is your BEST professional development opportunity ALL year.
Please make every effort to attend, even if it means taking a personal day.

September 26th TechFest at Grossmont College, All Day Event
Get your $ in if you want to guarantee your spot.
This was a very successful event last year that trains your kids in all areas.
It will pay dividends in your program all year.
One of the requirements for becoming a “Bravissimo” school.

October 1st Theatre Teacher Meeting 4 – 6pm, VAPA office
We will meet to share ideas and calendars.
I will report back on the EdTA conference.
I will provide snacks ;0)

SAFETY WORKSHOP

A BIG thank you to Ruth Howell, at Serra High School, for organizing a theatre safety workshop at her site. Hopefully, she will give us a report at the Oct. 1st meeting.

THE NEW LARRY

Larry Smith, who has been our technical theatre guru in the district for years, retired last year. As some of you may know, he trained his replacement, Charles Stinson. If you need assistance with any of your lighting or sound issues at your site, I recommend you contact him. cstinson@sandi.net - 619-438-1296.

HIGH SCHOOL HONOR THEATRE UPDATE

Yes, we will be having the High School Honor Theatre Project again this year!

When – The week of February 16th.
Where - La Jolla High School
Who- Hosted by Ann Lyon-Boutelle, Directed by Paul Stetler
What – “Stefanie Hero” by Mark Medoff

Mark your calendars and start to spread the word. Auditions will be the second week of December. Rehearsals will start in January. Look for a packet of info in school mail. I’ll be making the rounds to your schools to pitch the project. Let me know when you would like me to be at your site.

About the director, Paul Stetler is a professional actor and director based in Seattle, WA. He was the key instructor for the high school conservatory program at La Jolla Playhouse this summer, to rave reviews. He has is own theatre company in Seattle, New Century Theatre Company. His wife is in her third year of the MFA playwriting program at UCSD. I’m very excited to have him aboard.

About the play, “Stefanie Hero” is a great piece that I read this weekend. It provides a lot of terrific opportunities for our theatre students both from an acting and technical standpoint. Google it and have a look. At first glance, it’s a fairy tale piece. But it is so much more. It’s fun, smart and resonates on a lot of different levels.

LOOKING AHEAD

Please mark your calendars with the following dates:

December 3rd Middle School Professional Development 4 – 6pm
February 17 – 20 Honor Theatre Performances
March 24th High School Professional Development 4 – 6pm
April 17th ImprovFEST, Clairemont HS 8am – 3pm
June 17th End of Year Happy Hour at El Torito 4 – 6pm

THANK YOU

For all you do! You give so much of yourselves for your students all year long. Please know that you are appreciated. Remember that you are not alone! There is a network of theatre teachers, not just in SDUSD but across the county, state and nation, that understand your sacrifice and brilliance. Please keep me posted on your shows and goings ons. AND let me know if I can help you out in any way.

All my best-

Marjorie

That's a Wrap!

Aloha, Friends!

Well, here we go... into Summer!

I hope you had some terrific moments this year. And after you get into the business of sleeping and relaxing for a while, I hope you have an opportunity to reflect on what worked this year, and what you would like to improve and add next year.

As a BTSA provider this year, I explored the concept of using an inquiry based model for self improvement. From a very simplistic point of view, it's kinda like a KWL chart. Here's what I know about my teaching, here's what I want to know about my teaching, and here's what I've learned about my teaching after study and reflection. You could change that to student learning, or any other more specific topic. Those of you that have to endure Stull next year may want to look at this model.

Thank you ALL for supporting me this year in my new position. It is a pleasure to get up and come to work, striving to support y'all and provide new opportunities for our theatre education community!

Theatre Alive Summer Conservatory at Clairemont High School

Stacey at Clairemont has developed a terrific summer program and would like to include a few more kids from other schools to make this a district wide event. It is a great concept in which the students will write their own play with music and the produce it for a live audience. Wendy Maples, from Step Up Theatre, is helping the students develop the piece. They will also have the opportunity to work with a music specialist. And we may even get the play published! We are also working with ROP to film a version of it in a TV studio. If you are in contact with a couple of your great kids who still need a summer opportunity, Stacey is willing to offer scholarships for the $100 fee. It starts next week on June 22. Have the kids contact Stacey directly sallen@sandi.net.

Congratulations and a Fond Farewell!

Two of our own, Dennis Hollenbeck from Scripps Ranch and Joyce Sullivant from Marshall Middle, will be retiring later this month. We thank them for the outstanding work they have done in our field and wish them well as they begin their "Endless Summer." (At least that's how surfer, DH, puts it!)

Sheila Mandock will take over the theatre program at Scripps Ranch and Jeff Russell will step up at Marshall Middle.

Playwrights Project Institutes New Award

"To celebrate the work of educators who have touched the lives of our youth, we are requesting nominations for the second annual Deborah Salzer Excellence in Arts Education Award. We need your help in identifying the deserving people who have made an impact in arts education in our community.

The Deborah Salzer Excellence in Arts Education Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in the field of arts education, will be presented on November 7, 2009 during Lights Up! Playwrights Take the Stage at The Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla. The event will also include a performance of the Playwrights Project’s touring production and the announcement of the winners of our annual California Young Playwrights Contest, whose plays will be produced in the 25^th season of Plays by Young Writers.

Please visit our website to download the Nomination Form, which must be postmarked or delivered to Playwrights Project by July 1, 2009. A jury of educators and theatre professionals selected by Playwrights Project’s Founders Circle will determine the award winner."

2009 - 2010 - That's a Wrap!

I'll be in the office through Friday and then back again starting August 24th. I'll probably do some blogging here and there and keep you posted on the kick-off event for the fall.

Please, as you think of things I can do to support you or just want an ear to bend about an new (or old) idea you have, just shoot me an email.

Respectfully yours -

m.

Tonys, Plays and Bring on Summer!

Hey Theatre Friends!

I love watching the Tonys! It always gets me fired up and motivated to get out there and create a new piece of theatre. And there were Tony San Diego connections again this year! This can go a long way in motivating your students! Kiril Kulish is a San Diego kid who won for leading actor in a musical (Billy Elliot), the play, 33 Variations, had five nominations and started at the La Jolla Playhouse, Alice Ripley (McMasters), was nominated for leading actress in a musical (Next to Normal) and made the theatre circuit here back in the 80's, and two UCSD Grads, Michael Greif and Robert Brill, were both nominated as well. Check out this article for more info.

Speaking of the Tonys, the American Theatre Wing, who sponsors the event, has a great website with lots of resources. The "Working in the Theatre" series is terrific. You may want to use these in your classroom.

End of Year Get Together

Several of you have RSVPd so it's on! Let's get together and raise a glass to our successes and commiserate about our challenges. Can't wait to see you!

Meet June 15th, 4:00pm at El Torito Mission Valley. 445 Camino del Rio S., 92108

High School Honor Theatre Update

We are a go for next year! After reviewing the testing schedule, our second choice of dates has been approved. Performance dates will be February 17, 18, 19 & 20, 2010. Please plan your calendars accordingly.

Ann, at La Jolla High School, has graciously offered to host the event. She has two technical theatre classes that can support the production. The next steps include identifying a director and a play title. Does anyone have contact info for Bonnie Johnston? After that we will divy up the duties to participating schools. Anyone have a preference for a specific assignment?

What Plays Are You Considering?

It's that time! I'd love to know what your thoughts are for your productions next year. Comment on this blog with your ideas. If you need help in selecting a play, just give me a holler.

Here are some national top ten lists from EDTA:

Top 10 Musicals
1. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Linda Woolverton (MTI)
2. Little Shop of Horrors, by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (MTI)
3. Guys and Dolls, by Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows, and Jo Swerling (MTI)
4. (tie) Seussical: The Musical, by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (MTI)
4. (tie) Thoroughly Modern Millie, by Richard Morris, Dick Scanlan, and Jeanine Tesori (MTI)
6. (tie) Bye Bye Birdie, by Michael Stewart, Lee Adams, and Charles Strouse (Tams-Witmark)
6. (tie) Into the Woods, by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine (both standard and junior versions) (MTI)
8. (tie) Disney’s High School Musical, by David Simpático and others (MTI)
8. (tie) Once Upon a Mattress, by Mary Rodgers, Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson, and Dean Fuller (Rodgers and Hammerstein)
10. Grease, by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey (Samuel French)

Top 10 Full Length Plays
1. You Can’t Take It With You, by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart (Dramatists Play Service)
2. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller (Dramatists Play Service)
3. The Diary of Anne Frank, by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett (elevated in this year’s survey by Wendy Kesselman’s recent adaptation) (Dramatists Play Service)
4. (tie) Arsenic and Old Lace, by Joseph Kesselring (Dramatists Play Service)
4. (tie) A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by William Shakespeare (PD)
4. (tie) The Odd Couple, by Neil Simon (both male and female versions) (Samuel French)
7. (tie) The Curious Savage, by John Patrick (Dramatists Play Service)
7. (tie) Rumors, by Neil Simon (Samuel French)
9. Our Town, by Thornton Wilder (Samuel French)
10. (tie) Anatomy of Gray, by Jim Leonard, Jr.
10. (tie) The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde (PD)
10. (tie) The Miracle Worker, by William Gibson (Samuel French)

Top 10 Short Plays
1. Check, Please, by Jonathan Rand (Playscripts, Inc.)
2. Hard Candy, by Jonathan Rand (Playscripts, Inc.)
3. (tie) The Actor’s Nightmare, by Christopher Durang (Dramatists Play Service)
3. (tie) 15 Reasons Not to Be in a Play, by Alan Haehnel (Playscripts, Inc.)
5. Check, Please: Take 2, by Jonathan Rand (Playscripts, Inc.)
6. This Is a Test, by Stephen Gregg (Dramatic Publishing)
7. Bang, Bang, You’re Dead, by William Mastrosimone (bangbangyouredead.com)
8. The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet, by Peter Bloedel (Playscripts, Inc.)
9. (tie) Drop Dead, Juliet!, by Allison Williams (Theatrefolk)
9. (tie) Words, Words, Words, by David Ives (Dramatists Play Service)

If you teach K - 8, or are considering a touring show for your high school group, check out Bad Wolf Press. They have some great titles that tie into the grade specific curriculum. I have some in the office if you want to check them out.

How Are You Going to Pay for It?

So, after choosing a show, I guess that's the next question. I'm wondering - what's your best fundraiser? I would always sell Entertainment Books as the beginning of the year, make $2000 and have it be done with. I saw a cool thing that Mike does over at Hoover. It's a Photo Shoot Fundraiser. Can you share the details, Mike?

Please comment on this post and share your ideas!

Old Globe Discount Tickets

Goldstar has some discount tickets for Cornelia, a play from the creator of Big Love. Goldstar is a great place to regularly check for cheap (and sometimes free!) tickets.

Students Still Looking for a Summer Theatre Opportunity?

Stacey Allen is starting a new summer theatre program at Clairemont High School! It is open to all high school level students in San Diego City Schools. Students will need to audition for the program as space is limited. The program will take place for six weeks beginning on June 22 and ending on July 29 Daily hours are from 8:00 am – 11:30 am Monday - Friday
The cost of the program is $100.00 per student. For more info, email Stacey at sallen@sandi.net.

Such N Such Productions is offering a selection of summer classes that might be a good fit as well.

Also, the San Diego Rep is offering workshops in acting, vocal performance and dance with New York Casting Director and Performer, David Petro (Spelling Bee, Alter Boyz, Nickelodeon). There is one for ages 8 - 15 on June 27th and one for ages 16 - adult on June 28.

Here's the blurb:

Learn about the essential elements of Musical Theater: VOICE, DANCE & ACTING! Our instructors will use actual Television & Broadway scripts, Broadway Choreography and hit Music to demystify the audition process while intensifying your performance ability. Feel positive, confident and happy about auditioning, while building a personal relationship with entertainment industry leaders. Through personalized, individual feedback in a safe and nurturing environment, you will be given the tools to excel in auditions, performance and life. Whether auditioning for your school play or the Broadway stage these classes will make all the difference. Life is an Audition…
ARE YOU READY?

For more info contact Angela Rasbeary, arasbeary@sdrep.org, 619-231-3586 x638.


And the 2009 -2010 School Year Comes to a Close!

I'll be in the office until June 19th. After that, feel free to email me and I'll be in touch.

best,

m.

ps - It looks like I'll still be here next year. :o) After consulting with "the powers that be," I've been told that the "resource teacher positions for VAPA" will still exist. Be sure to thank the board for finding cuts that don't include the arts!

Hello, Friends!

Well - it's been quite a ride these last couple of weeks. I apologize for falling behind in the updates. Hopefully, you have been reading emails that I send out in the meantime.

School Board Update

The board meeting yesterday was one of the most interesting piece of theatre that I had seen in a long time. I laughed, I cried... it was better that "Cats"! When it comes right down to it, I'm very impressed by this board and their stamina to sit there for almost 12 hours to hash it all out and make the tough decisions. And they are pretty close to balancing the budget for the next school year. The good news - the VAPA department will continue to exist for another year! (and since the board voted down closing small schools, it will continue in it's lovely beach setting) The bad news - we will have to go back to the board to trim our budget even further. So all of the jobs in this office are not yet safe. If you want a further play by play of the board meeting, etc. - give me a holler! I'll be happy to share what I have learned this year!

Many of you took the time to contact board members and key people in the community. Thank you! It was great to see Bill and Mark from SCPA, Teri from Valencia Park and Stacey from Clairemont High at the rally on Monday. There were also students from Madison and UC High. Marie, a student at UC High, organized a letter writing campaign just that day and presented the board with almost 200 letters in support of theatre and the VAPA department. Ben, a student from Serra, spoke passionately at the board meeting yesterday in support of the arts in education. Way to go! How great for these kids to get mobilized into action. You should be very proud of them!

Fantastic High School Meeting!

Many of the high school theatre teachers came together for a professional development day last week. It was a great time to share syllabi, lessons, specific concerns and do some serious planning for next year's Honor Theatre Project. We were also guests at the Old Globe Tech Center, where we got a tour from the technical director and a great painting demonstration. Thank you to all of you who made it to this event! More than anything it was great to get together and realize that we are not alone in our work. As Ann, from La Jolla High, said, "I get bored with myself." Just meeting with other teachers helps to revitalize your energy and creative spirit!

Camp Bravo for Middle School Students

Check out this terrific summer opportunity for your students. Teri and Patrick, from Valencia Park, sing the praises of Camp Bravo every year. The high school program is mostly full, but there is room in the middle school program. There are scholarships available!

End of Year Get Together

Let's get together and raise a glass to our successes and commiserate about our challenges. Also, let's toast those two theatre teachers taking retirement this year, Dennis Hollenbeck from Scripps Ranch (via Madison!) and Joyce Sullivant from Marshall Middle!

Meet me June 15th, 4:00pm at El Torito Mission Valley. The first round of appetizers in on me! Please RSVP and let me know who will be keeping me company.

Professional Development

Even if I am not in this position next year, I believe it is important for us to keep united and continue to share resources. I know that many of you feel the same way. I would like to organize some events for us as a whole group, as well as some for elementary/middle school and high school. My vision is that we tie these meetings into learning a new skill (or reviewing a rusty one!), having a specific topic for discussion each time, and meeting at a theatre or school site for a tour or show. It would have to be after school, and for no pay unfortunately. I'm thinking we would do this three times as a whole group and once each by our school levels. How about early December, late March and mid June for the group meetings. Feedback?

Dates to Remember

As you are planning your calendars for next year here are some things you might want to keep in mind: (This is still a work in progress! I'll update with more details as they become clear. Input always welcome!)

Remember - I advocate doing LESS at your site and doing MORE out in the community! It makes us all stronger and our students are better for it!

'09-'10 School Year

September 1st - VAPA Kickoff (Hopefully a workshop in Alexander Technique)
September 10 - 13 -EDTA Conference in Anaheim
3rd week of Sept. - (tentatively) SDETA Theatre Conference at the Old Globe
Late Sept. - Tech Fest
December 3rd - Professional Development Meeting 4 - 6 pm
Late January - Drama Fest
February 17 - 20 - High School Honor Theatre Project
Early March - ESU High School Shakespeare Competition
March 24 - Professional Development Meeting 4 - 6 pm
Mid-April - Student Shakespeare Festival
Mid- May - Bravissimo
Memorial Day Weekend - Camp Bravo
June 17 - End of Year Get Together, El Torito Mission Valley, 4 - 6 pm

Signing off - drop me a line!

m.

Weekly Update 5/19/09

Bravissimo! was a wonderful event last night at the La Jolla Playhouse. The food was good, the company sublime. Congrats again to Stacey Allen, Bill Cobb and Charisa Childress for their honors. It is always great to be with true peers, celebrating what we do. I've posted some video from the event, including a great puppetry piece from my good friend Kirsten Giard and her beginning theatre babies at Valhalla High. I would really like some of your sites to be in the running for the Distinguished Theatre Program Award in the future. Let me know if you would like more info on this. Hope to see you there next year!

Looking for discount tickets for San Diego shows? Check out this site http://tinyurl.com/p2g5m2. This week they have cheap tickets for Starlight, La Jolla Playhouse and Cygnet, among others. Encourage your students to get out and see some professional theatre.

High School Theatre Teachers - looking forward to seeing you for our professional development day on May 27th! I'll be emailing you details.

End of year event! I'm looking for a date for all of us to get together to celebrate and honor our lovely retiring friends! How's June 15th, 4:00pm at El Torito in Mission Valley? Please post if you can attend this date! Appetizers are on me. :0)

On a personal note, I finished my thesis last week! Some of you have asked about the program I went to. It is through Southern Oregon University and designed specifically for theatre teachers. Brian Redfern and Kirsten Giard have also gone through this program. Check it out: http://www.sou.edu/acts.

Get out and see another school's show!

The Bad Seed - Madison High School
May 20 - 22 6:30 pm
Contact Colette Thomas - cthomas@sandi.net

High School Musical 2 - Pershing Middle School
May 27 -29
Contact Terry Miller - tmiller2@sandi.net

Guys and Dolls - Dana Middle School
May 27 - 29
Contact Bill Cobb - wcobb1@sandi.net

The Laramie Project - Scripps Ranch High School
May 29 - 7:00 pm
"36 actors playing 68 roles. This advanced drama class project promises to be a memorable production. Recommended for mature audiences, high school and above, only."
Contact Dennis Hollenbeck - dhollenbeck@sandi.net

Weekly Update 5/12/09

Howdy, Theatre Folk!

Bravissimo! is coming up on May 18th. Congratulations to this year's honorees from SDUSD. They include Rookie of the Year, Charisa Childress at Montgomery Middle School, Choice Award Winners, Stacey Allen from Clairemont HS and Bill Cobb from Dana Middle School, and Elementary Administrator of the Year, Kimi Lochtefeld, Principal at Dingeman Elementary. Mr. William Virchis will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Please join us for a fun evening. For more info and tickets please contact Ron Jessee at ronarts@sdcoe.net.

Surprise! A special professional development treat! Jennifer Stoessner, the new face in the La Jolla Playhouse Education Department, has graciously offered to include us in her workshop this Saturday. Jennifer, in conjunction with the student board at LJP, will be offering an Object Theatre Workshop at 10:00 am, in room Seuss 2 the LJP campus. Just bring three objects that you might incorporate into character work and come ready to play.

Anyone planning on attending the 2009 EDTA conference? It's in Anaheim, September 10 - 13. For more info, check out edta.org/conference.

ETC Paradigm Happy Hour - Chris Rynne, the theatrical sales director from O'Conner Sales Agency, is having an event to provide demonstrations on the Paradigm and SmartLink architectural dimming systems that are typically used in high school theaters. He will also have a Selador 7-color LED fixture as well as the ION and Element consoles to show off. If you still have arts block monies available, Karen has said that she is willing to consider new equipment purchases. The price on these products is going up in the near future - so it's a good time to have a look and dream a little. If you are interested in attending, contact Chris directly by Friday. chris@oconnersales.com

Speaking of $$ - while things continue to look bleak as far as the budget is concerned, we never know when a pocket of money may pop up. It's my advice that you always have short and long term plans in place for your programs and facilities. Then, when the $$ fairy arrives, you can jump into action! The school board meets tonight and will have the first reading of their "Proposed Vision Statement" entitled "SDUSD: A 2020 Vision for Local Excellence." We want to make sure the arts in general, and theatre in particular, are part of that plan. Especially when it comes to the technical and facility aspects of teaching theatre. We need current equipment to help our students be viable in this very real and rapidly growing entertainment industry.

Don’t forget to order your discounted Padres tickets and support our Visual and Performing Arts programs. For information, contact Aly Evans at (619) 725-5582 or aevans2@sandi.net.

Elementary and Middle School Theatre Teachers may have students interested in the Peninsula Arts Summer Arts Academy at NTC Promenade. Students in grades 3-8 have the opportunity to engage with professional artists in dance, music, visual arts, theater, martial arts and physical conditioning. For more information, call Liberty School at (619) 573-9303 or e-mail libertyschool@ntcfoundation.org.

Get out and see a show! Coming this week -

Shakespeare Festival – Dana Middle School
May 14 & 15 – contact kkocar@sandi.net

Murder in the Air – Hoover High
May 15, 16 & 17 – contact lwilliams5@sandi.net

Arts Advocacy site of the week: www.sdcoe.net/sdeta

Cut and Paste the Links

So - I'm really new to this and can't get the links to work yet. In the meantime, copy them and paste in a new window to see the info.

Monday Minutes 5.4.09

Howdy Folks!

I’m trying this new format – please feel free to comment! The blog might make it easier to keep us all connected and part of the ongoing “theatre in our schools” conversation.

Hope this week finds you Swine Flu Free… Our sympathies to Bill, Jennipher and Amy over at SCPA. Let us know if you need a place to hang out over the next couple of weeks. We’d love to have you do “special guest appearances” at some sites, if you are available! It would be a great time for you to share your expertise with us.

Board Meeting and Town Hall - Last week I attended both meetings. The good news is that magnet busing and dual site-principal positions were both removed from the chopping block. Those of you who were waiting on course approvals for next year, the board voted to approve them. Now I’m only waiting on your sample syllabus and resource lists. Let me know if you need help! Textbooks for the arts were still not approved. The VAPA office is still on the cuts list. Please feel free to email the board members with your concerns. They definitely respond to the squeaky wheel.

At the Town Hall meeting there were several political representatives from both the local and state level. One of the key points made was that just 10 emails are considered a landslide of public sentiment. That’s how little they hear from people and how much power we can possibly have. Email me if you would like more info on what went on at this meeting. Things are looking bad all over and the legislators have really hung their hats on the 1A, etc., propositions for this coming election. They feel that if those don’t pass, we will have close to ANOTHER 40 -50 billion $$ cut to education. Even if they do pass we are looking at a likely $8 billion shortfall.

The next board meeting is May 12th at 5:00.

SAVE THE DATE! Our VAPA kickoff will be September 1st from 8 - 12. We are hoping to have an Alexander Technique workshop in addition to other things. If you are unfamiliar with this practice, it is an amazing approach to bodywork and breathing. I had an opportunity to study this at ACT in San Francisco and have used it ever since. Check out this article: http://tinyurl.com/d6grwh.

Another Grant Opportunity - The San Diego Foundation has grants for high school arts teachers! Recognizing that arts funding is lacking, the San Diego Teachers' Fund created the "Arts in the Classroom" program to provide grants of up to $1,000 to high school arts teachers. Visit www.sdfoundation.org/grant. Deadline is 5:00pm, Monday, May 18, 2009. Questions? Call (619) 814-1343 or email teachersfund@sdfoundation.org.

Looking for Lion King? Here’s a link for discounted tickets for the San Diego run - http://tinyurl.com/d3xtjf

Congratulations to Joey Grzenia! He’s the theatre prep time teacher at Sherman Elementary and was voted teacher of the year at his site! He’s started an amazing program this year, including performances for every grade level. Way to go!

It’s award season! Here’s a company that I have worked with that has great prices, delivery and service. I found it more convenient than some local businesses. http://tinyurl.com/dmgzcu.

Bravissimo is coming! Come have a great time and hang out with friends and colleagues. http://www.sdcoe.net/sdeta/ I’ll be there and would love to see you!

Take the kids to see a show! Upcoming Productions:

Shakespeare Festival – Dana Middle School
May 14 & 15 – contact kkocar@sandi.net

Murder in the Air – Hoover High
May 15, 16 & 17 – contact lwilliams5@sandi.net

Eurydice – La Jolla High
May 20, 21, 22 & 23 – contact alyon-boutelle@sandi.net

The Bad Seed – Madison High
May 20, 21 & 22 – contact cthomas@sandi.net

Guys & Dolls, Jr. – Dana Middle School
May 27, 28 & 29 – contact wcobb1@sandi.net

High School Musical 2 – Pershing Middle School
May 27, 28 & 29 – contact tmiller2@sandi.net

Well, here it is. My Blog. Let's use this for good instead of evil. ;-)