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!