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.