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
The theatre safety meeting was a real eye opener. I went there thinking that I was going to learn about how to pair students up to watch each other on ladders, and things like that. However, we learned about all of the fire hazards and waste disposal issues that are rampant in theatre. It would be a good idea to contact your district safety officer and find out what you can do to be proactive in your school. For middle schools it is Lori Sherman (lsherman1@sandi.net) and for high schools it is John Baker (jbaker@sandi.net). Though they may seem scary, they really are here to help. AND, if something that is really old in your theatre is causing a possible fire hazard, then you might have reason to then get it replaced, supported by a district officer.
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