Hello, Friends!

Hope this week finds you well!  I know many of you are in a big push to open shows before Thanksgiving break - and then the holidays will be upon us!

Honor Theatre

I'll be visiting as many high schools as I can this month to get ready for the 3rd Annual Honor Theatre Project.  Belinda Brown and UC High Theatre Dept. are hosting the event this year.  Retiree Dennis Hollenbeck will direct the production.  Chris Rynne, from the Old Globe and SD Opera, will design the sets and lights.  Debbie Sullivan, who has worked with us on several projects, will design the costumes.  Alumna Jackie Seick will stage manage this year.  This terrific line-up is ready to guide our high school students through a terrific experience.  The best thing to come out of the Honor Theatre Project is the sense of community our theatre students develop across the district.  Many have formed long-lasting relationships that will serve them well as they exit the high school arena and begin to create their own theatre projects in the San Diego community.

Need more info on this project?  Visit here for all related paperwork!  Remember, it's not just about actors- we would love techie interns in every area as well!

Creating Theatre

I was having a conversation the other day with a fellow theatre teacher about how the best and most meaningful theatre is that which we create with our students.  Producing "Guys and Dolls" and the like has it's place, but there is a lot of other material to explore.  Consider creating a new piece with your students.  Here's an article about how to create an improv play.  

http://www.theatrefolk.com/spotlights/improv

Teaching Theatre History

Please remember to sprinkle your lessons with theatre history!  Here is a simple website for a very basic introduction to theatre history.  http://library.thinkquest.org/5291/games.html

How do you integrate theatre history into your classroom?

HOOVER DRAMA STUDENTS: Friar Laurence (Luz Torres) tries to comfort Juliet (Melanie Haag) after Romeo has been exiled.

Hoover Drama Students Take Center Stage

Hoover High drama students helped bring classic Shakespeare to downtown recently when 13 drama students performed a staged reading of “Romeo and Juliet” at the Horton Plaza shopping mall downtown. The play was part of “10 Plays in 10 Hours,” a full day of outdoor performances hosted by the San Diego Shakespeare Society in honor of its 10th anniversary. The Hoover theater students had one week to prepare a one-hour abridged version of the Shakespeare play, which they performed with scripts in hand. About half of the performance groups participating in the event were theater companies, the other half were schools. Hoover was the only San Diego Unified campus to participate in the Sept. 25 event.

Old Globe Opening  at Lincoln Performing Arts Center

Repeating last season's success, the Old Globe Theatre opens “Welcome to Arroyo” next week, kicking off the second year of the theater’s Southeastern San Diego Residency Project. The play, which runs at Lincoln High School Nov. 4-7, gives students and the community the opportunity to see first-rate theater without going to Balboa Park. There are FREE tickets for high school students.  In addition, the Globe will be holding workshops on campus for students and hip-hop artists all week. They’ll also have a reading of “Emancipated” on Nov. 7 in the school’s Black Box Theater. 

See a show!  Send your kids!

Macbeth
SCPA

Thu Nov 4, 2010         7PM    

Fri Nov 5, 2010         7PM    

Sat Nov 6, 2010         2PM    

Sat Nov 6, 2010         7PM  

Tickets $4.00  

More info?  Contact Amy Blatt

619-470-0555 ext. 107 or 619-475-8556

And Then They Came for Me
University City High School
Directed by Belinda Brown
November 2nd, 2:20pm
November, 3rd, 7:00pm
November 4th, 12:30pm
November 5th, 7:00pm
$8.00 for students, $10.00 for non-students. 

Performing Arts Department/ArtsTECH Academy

(858)457-3040 ext 255

Check Please
Clairemont High School 
Directed by Stacey Allen
November 4 & 5 at 6:00pm
November 6 at 2:00pm
November 18 & 19 at 6:00pm
November 20 at 2:00pm
$7 at the door
Discounts for students from other school groups!  email Stacey for a deal!  sallen@sandi.net 

CPMA’s Got Talent!
Talent Variety Show and Silent and Live auction items + dinner!
November 10, 2010
5:00 p.m. dinner
6:30 p.m. show
More info?  Contact Cathy Hickman - chickman@sandi.net 

Proof
Serra High School
Directed by Ruth Howell
Nov. 10, 12, 17 &18 at 6:30
Nov. 18 at 2:45
For more info contact Ruth Howell at rhowell@sandi.net

Alice in Wonderland

Madison High School
Directed by Colette Thomas
Nov. 17th, 18th,  6:30PM and 20th, 2PM matinee

More info?  Contact Colette Thomas at cthomas@sandi.net

 

The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet
Marshall Middle School
Directed by Jeff Russell  
December 1st and 2nd at 6:00pm
More info?  Contact Jeff Russell at jrussell@sandi.net

Cinderella

Pershing Middle School

Directed by Terry Miller

December 15--9:15 AM  and 1:00 PM

December 16--9:15 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM

December 17--9:15 AM, 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM

Admission Free

For further information or to make a group reservation, please contact Terry Miller -- 619-465-3234 ext. 4111

Cheaper by the Dozen

San Diego High School

Directed by Joseph Magno and Ian McAvoy 
January 20th & 21st at 6:45 PM
Saturday, January 22nd at 5 PM.   
Tickets are $5 each.  
Cotact Ian McAvoy at for more information or for tickets. imcavoy@sandi.net

Theatre and Dance Showcase
CPMA
January 26 & 27
6:30 p.m.
More info?  Contact Cathy Hickman at chickman@sandi.net

Let me know what I've missed and of what you would like more!

Best-

m.

Hello Theatre Friends!

Sorry for the lack of blogging recently!  I've been very busy in the office writing curriculum that integrates theatre with literacy and science lessons.  Our office has received two (one state and one federal)  $1 million dollar grants to continue this work at the K - 5 level.  It's good work, but has been consuming most of my time recently.  My new thing is using tableau to teach academic vocabulary.  I'll be visiting Valencia Park Elementary and Marston Middle School to lead workshops in "Using Engaging Theatre Strategies to Teach Core Curriculum."  It's a great way make theatre relevant to the other teachers on your campus.  Just further proof that the arts are the intervention...

So Many Shows!

We are getting into full production season for a  lot of sites.  Encourage your students to visit another school and see a show.  Many theatre teachers are offering discounts for students from other programs.  This is a great way to continue to strengthen our sense of community! 

Annual Fundraiser Haunted House
"The Depths of Terror"  
Hoover High School
Created by Michael Heu and Tech Theatre Students
10/27, 28, 29. 5-8 pm  
Students $3  Adults $5.

Macbeth 
SCPA
Thu Oct 28, 2010        7PM    

Fri Oct 29, 2010        7PM    

Sat Oct 30, 2010        2PM    

Sat Oct 30, 2010        7PM    

Thu Nov 4, 2010         7PM    

Fri Nov 5, 2010         7PM    

Sat Nov 6, 2010         2PM    

Sat Nov 6, 2010         7PM  

Tickets $4.00  

More info?  Contact Amy Blatt

619-470-0555 ext. 107 or 619-475-8556

And Then They Came for Me
University City High School
Directed by Belinda Brown
November 2nd, 2:20pm
November, 3rd, 7:00pm
November 4th, 12:30pm
November 5th, 7:00pm
$8.00 for students, $10.00 for non-students. 

Performing Arts Department/ArtsTECH Academy

(858)457-3040 ext 255

Check Please
Clairemont High School 
Directed by Stacey Allen
November 4 & 5 at 6:00pm
November 6 at 2:00pm
November 18 & 19 at 6:00pm
November 20 at 2:00pm
$7 at the door
Discounts for students from other school groups!  email Stacey for a deal!  sallen@sandi.net 

CPMA’s Got Talent!
Talent Variety Show and Silent and Live auction items + dinner!
November 10, 2010
5:00 p.m. dinner
6:30 p.m. show

More info?  Contact Cathy Hickman - chickman@sandi.net

The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet
Marshall Middle School
Directed by Jeff Russell 
December 1st and 2nd at 6:00pm
More info?  Contact Jeff Russell at jrussell@sandi.net

Cinderella

Pershing Middle School

Directed by Terry Miller

December 15--9:15 AM  and 1:00 PM

December 16--9:15 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM

December 17--9:15 AM, 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM

Admission Free

For further information or to make a group reservation, please contact Terry Miller -- 619-465-3234 ext. 4111

Cheaper by the Dozen

San Diego High School

Directed by Joseph Magno and Ian McAvoy 
January 20th & 21st at 6:45 PM
Saturday, January 22nd at 5 PM.   
Tickets are $5 each.  
Cotact Ian McAvoy at for more information or for tickets. imcavoy@sandi.net

Theatre and Dance Showcase
CPMA
January 26 & 27
6:30 p.m.
More info?  Contact Cathy Hickman at chickman@sandi.net 


Looking for some new warmups to use in class? 

http://artswork.asu.edu/arts/teachers/lesson/drama/lesson/warmups.html

http://contemporarydramanewsletter.contemporarydrama.com/public/blog/203193

  
College Roundup


It's that time of year for your juniors to explore colleges and seniors to get on those applications.  I've been fielded many request for college info and guidance.  If you are helping students with these same issues the following links may be helpful.


Colleges to consider for a degree in theatre: 


http://education-portal.com/top_acting_colleges.html

College prep for students of theatre:

http://schooltheatre.org/education/college-preparation

Essay advice for that every popular application:  

http://www.quintcareers.com/collegegate3.html

That's all I've got for now...

Let me know what's going on with you!  If Prop J doesn't pass next week, I may be coming to you for a job!

Best-

m.

  

Theatre Teacher Happy Hour THURSDAY!

Join me at the ETC Oktoberfest for a happy hour!  Thursday, September 30th.  Free beer, brats and SWAG!  I'll be there at 4:30.  Check out what's new in lighting.  Get to know Chris Rynn, the local ETC rep and lighting designer extraordinaire.  See the beautiful Balboa Theatre up close.  The focus this year is “Success, Safety, and Sustainability for School Performing Arts Venues."  

When:  September 30th, 4:30 pm

Where:  Balboa Theatre (Horton Plaza)

RSVP:  rsvp@ocsltg.com

Teaching Acting?

Check out this new book, The Great Acting Teachers and Their Methods, Vol. 2.  It explores the acting teachers Andre Antoine, Jacques Copeau, Michel Saint-Denis, Elia Kazan, Uta Hagen, David Mamet, Anne Bogart and Keith Johnstone.  Have your students do a compare and contrast!


Discount Tickets 
Goldstar has some great discount tickets this week including the Globe, the Welk, Ion and Itrepid.  http://www.goldstar.com/events/browse/92101/9


Let me know what you're up to!  Hope to see you Thursday.


m.

News From Playwrights Project

25-line Play Contest Play a part in the 25th Anniversary Celebration by contributing your own 25-line play! The Contest is open to all ages.  Writers may choose any topic they desire; however, the play is restricted to 2 characters and a maximum of 25 "speaking lines" with specific words counts per line.  A template for submissions, based on an exercise from Playwrights Project's teaching programs, is available below. Play Template: Click Here Deadline: October 15

Play by Play: Cultivating Emerging Playwrights Playwrights Project is calling for submissions for the next round of Play by Play, a play development program for local emerging playwrights between the ages of 19 and 29.  The program offers playwrights the opportunity to hear their plays read by actors, engage in discussion with a select audience, and work one-on-one with a theatre expert to further develop their plays.  The program culminates in a community reading of the revised scripts. Please submit a writing sample (full or partial plays accepted) and the completed submission form to Chelsea Whitmore at cwhitmore@playwrightsproject.org. Submission Form: Click Here  Deadline: October 15 Eligibility Requirements: applicants must be a San Diego resident, between the ages of 19 and 29, and not currently enrolled in a playwrighting program. If you are outside of the age range and interested in participating in this program, please let us know so we can assess the need to expand the age range. Contact Chelsea Whitmore at cwhitmore@playwrightsproject.org.

Theatre Teacher Happy Hour

Last blog I mentioned getting together on September 30th for a happy hour at El Torito.  That was before I knew about the ETC Oktoberfest on the same day.  So how about this?  Let's still have our happy hour, but at the ETC event - that means free beer and brats and some take home SWAG!  

I'll be there at 4:30, come and  join me!  Check out what's new in lighting.  Get to know Chris Rynn, the local ETC rep and lighting designer extraordinaire.  See the beautiful Balboa Theatre up close.  The focus this year is “Success, Safety, and Sustainability for School Performing Arts Venues."  

The long term goal is to get current technology in your theaters and classrooms so that your students are current and ready to work upon graduation.  Feel free to bring an administrator or booster club parent!

When:  September 30th

Where:  Balboa Theatre

RSVP:  rsvp@ocsltg.com

Speaking of Lighting Design... 

The new edition of the Richard Pilbrow book, Stage Lighting Design is now available.  This is the go to book for advanced lighting design concepts and a must have on your bookshelf!  Check it out:  http://tinyurl.com/pilbrow

3rd Annual Honor Theatre Project

I am very pleased to announce that we will have another Honor Theatre Project this year!  Funding (as always) is tight, but VAPA Director, Karen Childress-Evans, is committed to making this project happen.

This year University City High School, Belinda Brown and her theatre students, will be hosting the event.  The fabulous Dennis Hollenbeck with direct.  We will again work with professional designers.  It should be an outstanding production!  We have just selected the play.  It is a wacky, romantic comedy from the 1930's, "Shooting for the Stars."  I will get scripts out to the high schools ASAP.

High school teachers - please keep this project in mind as you finalize your calendars.  The production dates are March 16 - 19.  Auditions will be in early December and rehearsals will begin in January.  

Again, this project is not designed to take students away from your program.  It is intended to provide an opportunity for theatre students across the district to come together and develop a greater sense of community.  In the long run this makes your program stronger as these kids then continue to stay in touch, see each others shows and keeps them excited about theatre!

I'll be coming out to schools in November to recruit students.  If you would like me to offer a workshop at the same time, just let me know!  More info and forms to follow.

How to Market Your Production

Here is a good article from the publisher Theatrefolk with great ideas for marketing your play.  Consider assigning this as a project to a group of students and really put them to work this year with the goal of increasing audience attendance. 

What do you do to get more "butts in seats?"  Consider giving each English teacher a comp ticket for each period they teach.  Have them give them to star students.  Make sure it is only for opening night.  This will help to generate a buzz and get more people there the rest of the run.

Share your ideas in the comment section of this blog

See a Show!  Support a Program!

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
Patrick Henry High School
Directed by Chris Carr
September 21 - 24 at 6pm
September 24 at 3pm
September 25 at 2pm.
For more info email Chris at ccarr1@sandi.net

Email me your show dates! 

Best-

m.

SDETA Conference THIS FRIDAY! Sign up today!

THIS FRIDAY is the SDETA Theatre Teacher Conference.  This is one of the best events of the year.  Please come and be inspired, not only from the break out sessions, but from just being with other theatre teachers.  Too often we are an island unto our self on campus.  Remind yourself that you are not alone - there is a community ready to support you!

This year the theme is "One Community, One Voice:  Theatre is Education" and the keynote speaker is Jung-Ho Pak.  There will be break out sessions for all three levels as well as administrators.  Invite your principal or VP!  In addition there will be a session on Stage Combat and a speed acting lesson from Roberta Wells-Famula, Education Director at the Old Globe.  You will walk away with ideas you can use in your class immediately.  There is also SWAG, a raffle, breakfast and lunch.  All for $50.

Sadly, there is no money to pay for subs.  I used to take a personal day to go each year.  College credit is also available through USD.

To register (ASAP) visit http://sdcoe.k12oms.org/1023-40945.

Other Upcoming Trainings

A Puppetry Sampler
Monday September 20th, 5:30 - 7:30
Arts 342, Cal Sate San Marcos
This course is an introduction to puppetry with hands-on activities matched to the curriculum and VAPA standards.  Taught by Lynne Jennings, San Diego Guild of Puppetry.

Playwriting in the Classroom
Mondday, October 4th, 5:30 - 7:30
Arts 342, Cal State San Marcos
Includes active theatre games, writing exercises and improv to inspire writing.  Presented by Aleta Bartell from the Playwright's Project.

Creating and Developing Characters
Monday, October 11, 5:30 - 7:30
Arts 432, Cal State San Marcos
An interactive workshop using movement and voice to develop pieces for theatre and puppetry.  Led by Judy Bauerlin, theatre artist and assistant professor of theatre at CSUSM.

For more info on these workshops visit www.csusm.edu/centerartes or call 760-750-4431.

THEATRE PROGRAMS GROWING IN OUR DISTRICT!

This year four middle schools have added theatre programs.  This is great news, especially for the high schools they feed into!

Please welcome Dana Benevento at Bethune, Paula Zuill at Wilson, Henry Legorreta at Clark, and Maria Christodoulou at Mann.

Need a good theatre sub?

Cindy Lewis
clewis2@sandi.net
619-808-6433

Paul Carby
p_carby@yahoo.com

Rhea Perez (elementary)
rperez7@sandi.net

If you have a name to share, please let me know!

See a Show!  Support a Program!

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
Patrick Henry High School
Directed by Chris Carr
September 21 - 24 at 6pm
September 24 at 3pm
September 25 at 2pm.
For more info email Chris at ccarr1@sandi.net

Save the Date!  Theatre Happy Hour!

Let's get together.  Thursday, September 30th at El Torito in Mission Valley.  4:30pm - ???

That's all for this week!  If you have an item to share, please email me at mtreger1@sandi.net.

BTW, I went to the PCPA Theatre Teacher Weekend and it was wonderful!  I highly recommend it for next year.  I'd love to share with you about it... 

Make Professional Development a Stuhl Goal!

Hello Friends!


There are many opportunities in the upcoming months for you to refresh your passion and skills in the classroom.  Those of you who are on that lovely Stuhl list this year, why not make one of your goals professional development and sign up for one or more of these conferences?

SDETA Annual Theatre Teacher Conference at the Old Globe
"One Community, One Voice:  Theatre is Education"
Friday, September 17th, 8:00 - 3:00
LOWER PRICE THIS YEAR (and includes lunch!)

The Art of Ancient Greek Theatre Symposium at the Getty Villa
Friday and Saturday, September 24 & 25, 9:00 - 5:00
Tickets $15 per day (Students/Seniors $10)

CETA Conference in Long Beach
Thursday - Saturday, October 7 - 9

New Website!

Ask a theatre professional your questions.  This comes from the folks who put on the Broadway Teachers Workshops in NYC, which are terrific! 
 
Ask a Pro  http://www.theatreteachers.com/

New Theatre App for your iPhone/SmartPhone

Thanks to Teri Ang at Valencia Park for passing this on!

"If you have an iPhone or an Android phone you might want to check out this free drama games app, Dramativity.  It has a list of theatre activities at your fingertips. The games are from David Farmer's book 101 Drama Games. He is a theatre educator in England. This just proves there is an app for everything."

MTI News

Some of you have asked for information about the MTI School Edition titles.  These can be much more accessible and often more cost effective than doing the full productions.  For more information:  http://tinyurl.com/schooleditions 

ALSO - be sure to check out the new DUAL-LANGUAGE version of Disney's Aladdin!

Patrick Henry Starts the Year Big

Chris Carr over at Patrick Henry has, for the second year in a row, offered a summer musical theatre workshop for her students.  The fruits of their labor start off the school year with their annual musical.  Be sure to check it out!

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
Patrick Henry High School
Directed by Chris Carr
September 21 - 24 at 6pm
September 24 at 3pm
September 25 at 2pm.
For more info email Chris at ccarr1@sandi.net

Discount Tickets

Limelight at La Jolla Playhouse
Charlie Chaplin Musical
(One of my former students is in it!)

Intrepid Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet
These are the great folks who gave us a workshop last year

Leap of Faith  
Starring Raul Esparza and Brooke Shields, Music by Alan Menken, Directed by Rob Ashford
This show is Broadway bound at the Ahmanson

Mickey's Magic Show
For the little ones at the Sports Arena

As always- please send me any ideas you have to share!
Best-
m.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!

Hello Dear Theatre Teachers -

I hope this first blog of the school year finds you back in your classrooms, well-rested and inspired to practice your craft!

When you have a moment, please email me your teaching schedule and course outlines.

As always, if there is anything that I can do to support your program, give me a holler!  I love to come out and visit, brainstorm, assist with lesson planning, lead a specialty workshop,  watch a rehearsal, etc...

SAVE THESE DATES

September 17th
SDETA Annual Theatre Teacher Conference
Old Globe Theatre

January 29th
DramaFEST
Grossmont College

March 16 - 19
Honor Theatre Project
University City High School

April 23rd
ImprovFEST
Clairemont High School

April 30th
Shakespeare Festival
Balboa Park
http://www.sandiegoshakespearesociety.org/festival.html

(Please note:  There will be NO Tech Fest this year)

MUCH ADO ABOUT FEES

As you probably know, there has been a lot of talk in our community about not charging any fees to SDUSD students.  Some of you may have charged "production" fees in the past and this is something you can no longer do.

Here are some things you CAN charge for:

• Tickets to performances that are not mandatory
• Food/Concessions (consider selling snacks/water at rehearsal as a fundraiser)
• Field Trips, Transportation and Show Tickets
• Costume rental (even if it is from your own stock)
• Eye protection (safety glasses for tech kids)

You man still fundraise as long as it voluntary for students and not a requirement for a class or participation in an event.

For more info see http://tinyurl.com/2e69zra

RESOURCES

Mallat Makeup and Costumes. 10% Discount for students and schools.  No minimum order.

www.mallatts.com

 

Pierre’s Costumes.  Special theatre packages for school groups.  Get a costume as little as $2.32 a day.

www.costumers.com

NEW BOOKS

Drama Games & Acting Exercises:  177 Games and Activities

Lots of beginning type exercises along with ideas for assessment.  Great to kick off the year.

175 Theatre Games:  Warm-up Exercises for Actors

Primarily for middle school students.  Familiar games with great variations.

Acting Games: Connected: A Comprehensive Workbook of Theatre Games for Developing Acting Skills

Making the connections from the classroom to the professional world.

Winners Competition Series Vol. 2 (ages 4 – 12) & Winners Competition Series Vol. 4 (13 – 18)

Comedy Scenes for Student Actors

Short & Sweet Skits for Student Actors:  55 Sketches for Teens

Meisner for Teens:  A Life of True Acting

Acting for Love & Money:  Connecting the Craft to the Industry

Performing Arts Management:  A Handbook of Professional Practices

Auditions:  A Practical Guide

Acting as a Business:  Strategies for Success

NEW PLAYS TO CONSIDER

The Sapphire Comb by Moses Goldberg.  Influenced by Japanese anime and Noh spirit plays.

The Great Alphabet Adventure by Julia Flood.  About the power of discovery that is unlocked through reading and learning.

Here's to a great year!  Please feel free to comment on these blog posts.  It's wonderful to have ongoing conversation.

Best-

Marjorie

Shakespeare Workshop Coming This Wednesday!

Don't miss it!  And bring an English teacher friend who teaches Shakespeare.  This should be a really good workshop!  Plus - I'd love to see you all!

Let me know you're coming...
Shakespeare Workshop by Intrepid Shakespeare Company
May 26th, 4 - 6 pm
Hoover High School


Review MacBeth and come ready to play! 
Here's a copy of the text:  http://shakespeare.mit.edu/macbeth/full.html
Here's a cheat sheet:  http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/Macbeth.id-65.html

We plan on introducing a handful of exercises that will take the play out of it's traditional setting and make it more relevant for students today. We will also introduce ways to get students on their feet and explore the play as an actor.  This will be fun for the experienced Shakespeare teacher, as well as the newbie.

RSVP:  mtreger1@sandi.net  PLEASE DO IT NOW!  :0)



PATRICK HENRY IMPROV TEAM TO PERFORM AT FAIR

The Patrick Henry High School Improv Team has signed a contract with the San Diego County Fair.  They will be performing on Friday, July 2 at 9:00pm on the SDG&E Showcase stage.  Be sure to spread the word among your students and get out to support them!  Looking for a good deal on Fair tickets? There is a great season pass this year.  Check this out!  

THEATRE SUB

Need a good theatre sub?

Cindy Lewis (La Jolla Playhouse, North Coast Rep and SDSU Credits)
Employee #143018
Phone # 619-808-6433

Kerianne Rice (Miller)  (Local actress and credentialed theatre teacher)
Employee #151494
Phone # 619-602-2402

If you have more names to add to my list, please let me know!

HIGH SCHOOL HONOR THEATRE A GO FOR 2010-2011

I am happy to announce that Dennis Hollenbeck, SDUSD retired theatre teacher and fantastic director, has agreed to direct the 3rd Annual Honor Theatre Project.  We are now researching play titles and will keep you posted.  Belinda Brown and University City High School will host/produce.

Please plan on encouraging your students to be a part of this project.  The sense of community that has been built by this project over the past two years is incredible.  Many theatre teachers have reported having a bigger audience base because of their own students connections to other theatre programs.  If you have a thought to share about Honor Theatre, please comment at the end of this post!

Performance dates for Honor Theatre will be March 16 - 19.  Auditions will be before Winter break.


Please consider not scheduling a big mainstage production during this time.  If you are planning to participate in Honor Theatre I suggest staging a Fall play the end of October or early November, a Spring play in May and going easy in the middle!  Consider only doing two big plays, maybe a one act or 10 minute plays, student directed event and taking your students to events off campus!  Just a thought.  Do less and play more!  Let me know how I can support you.


MIDDLE SCHOOL MONOLOGUE EVENT?

I have spoken with some of you about this and there seems to be some interest.  I am aware that there is the need for an event geared specifically for middle school students.  So, if the support is there, I am thinking of starting a "Middle Youth Monologues Festival" for student grades 5 - 8.

I'd love your input on this idea, suggestions on format, location and the best time to have it.  Right now it looks like January is the best time...

 
Support a Show!

As You Like It
Serra High School
Directed by Ruth Howell
May 21
For tickets and more information, contact Ruth at rhowell@sandi.net


A Midsummer Night's Dream
SCPA
Directed by Richard Trujillo
May 21 at 7:00pm
May 22 at 2:00pm
For tickets and information, contact the box office at (619) 475-8556.

Figments
University City HS
Directed by Belinda Brown
May 21 at 7:00pm
For tickets and information, contact Belinda at bbrown3@sandi.net

Lady Dracula
San Diego High School
Produced by Ian McAvoy
May 19 - 21
For tickets and information, contact Ian at imcavoy@sandi.net

Beauty and The Beast
Pershing Middle School
Directed by Terry Miller
May 19, 9:15 & 1:00
May 20, 9:15, 1:00 & 7:00
May 21, 9:15, 11:30 & 1:00
For tickets and information, contact Terry at tmiller2@sandi.net

Alice in Wonderland
Hoover High School
Directed by Laura Williams
May 20th 4:00pm, May 21 5:00pm, May 22 6:00pm
For tickets and information, contact Laura at lwilliams5@sandi.net

Moon Over Buffalo
La Jolla High School
Directed by Ann Lyon-Boutelle
May 26 - 30
For tickets and information, contact Ann at alyon-boutelle@sandi.net

A Lesson in Hamlet
Dana Middle School
Directed by Kelly Kocar
June 3 & 4
For tickets and information, contact Kelly at kkocar@sandi.net 

High School Musical Jr.
Taft Middle School (YMCA/PrimeTime)
Directed by Paula Zuill
May 26 - 28 at 5:00pm
FREE!

Aladdin
Bell Jr. High at the Kroc Theatre
Directed by Hale Maher
June 3
For tickets and information, contact Hale at hmaher@sandi.net

High School Musical Jr.
Wilson Middle School
Directed by Donna Bates, Molly Petersen and Patty Reece
June 30, July 1 - 2 at 6pm
$3 general admission, $1 student admission 

Let me know if I missed anything, got it wrong or you have more details to share.

If you have something you want me to share on the blog - just shoot me an email!  mtreger1@sandi.net

RSVP for Professional Development Meeting


Shakespeare Workshop by Intrepid Shakespeare Company
May 26th, 4 - 6 pm
Hoover High School


Review MacBeth and come ready to play! 
Here's a copy of the text:  http://shakespeare.mit.edu/macbeth/full.html
Here's a cheat sheet:  http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/Macbeth.id-65.html

We plan on introducing a handful of exercises that will take the play out of it's traditional setting and make it more relevant for students today. We will also introduce ways to get students on their feet and explore the play as an actor.  This will be fun for the experienced Shakespeare teacher, as well as the newbie.

RSVP:  mtreger1@sandi.net  PLEASE DO IT NOW!  :0)



RESOURCES

I've had some requests recently about box office software.  Here are two companies I can recommend; Vendini and Box Office Pro.  If you have others to share, please post a comment below!


Looking for an inexpensive award company for the end of year events?  I've been happy with Crown Awards.  Locally, Southwest Trophy always does nice work but it more expensive.

When I was still in the classroom, I did only one fundraiser a year:  Entertainment Books.  Most kids could sell at least one book.  (I always love to buy one!)  It was an easy way to raise $2000 right off the bat!  If you're interested, contact Jason Jones at 619-804-0302 and he'll set it up for you.

Starting soon, Varsity Paint will be giving us some free paint each month!  It will be an assortment of colors from projects they did.  I'll have it delivered here and then let you know so that you can come and get it to use for your sets!  At the very least, it will be great for a base coat!

If you are new to teaching theatre or would like some new inspiration and do not yet have this book, I highly recommend it!  Raising the Curtain: Activities for the Theatre Arts Classroom


If you need a book to help students become directors (or could use some daily inspiration for rehearsal) try Notes on Directing: 130 Lessons in Leadership from the Director's Chair.  I have used it for several years now and find it very helpful!
 
Support a Show!

As You Like It
Serra High School
Directed by Ruth Howell
May 13 - 14, 20 - 21
For tickets and more information, contact Ruth at rhowell@sandi.net


A Midsummer Night's Dream
SCPA
Directed by Richard Trujillo
May 14, 15, 21 & 21 at 7:00pm
May 22 at 2:00pm
For tickets and information, contact the box office at (619) 475-8556.

Figments
University City HS
Directed by Belinda Brown
May 19 & 21 at 7:00pm, May 20th at 2:20pm
For tickets and information, contact Belinda at bbrown3@sandi.net

Lady Dracula
San Diego High School
Produced by Ian McAvoy
May 19 - 21
For tickets and information, contact Ian at imcavoy@sandi.net

Beauty and The Beast
Pershing Middle School
Directed by Terry Miller
May 19, 9:15 & 1:00
May 20, 9:15, 1:00 & 7:00
May 21, 9:15, 11:30 & 1:00
For tickets and information, contact Terry at tmiller2@sandi.net

Alice in Wonderland
Hoover High School
Directed by Laura Williams
May 20th 4:00pm, May 21 5:00pm, May 22 6:00pm
For tickets and information, contact Laura at lwilliams5@sandi.net

Moon Over Buffalo
La Jolla High School
Directed by Ann Lyon-Boutelle
May 26 - 30
For tickets and information, contact Ann at alyon-boutelle@sandi.net

A Lesson in Hamlet
Dana Middle School
Directed by Kelly Kocar
June 3 & 4
For tickets and information, contact Kelly at kkocar@sandi.net 

Let me know if I missed anything, got it wrong or you have more details to share.

COME CELEBRATE YOUR PEERS AT BRAVISSIMO!

Congratulations SDUSD Theatre Teachers!  More than 50% of the Bravissimo awards being given this year are from our school district!

Buy your tickets for the event by Wednesday, May 5th!  Here's the link:  http://sdcoe.k12oms.org/1023-36451.  Do it now!  Only $20 for a great dinner and event at the La Jolla Playhouse.  The event is Monday, May 10th.

Clairemont High School and Mira Mesa High School will be receiving DISTINGUISHED THEATRE PROGRAM awards.

Ann Lyon-Boutelle (La Jolla HS), Cathy Hickman (CPMA) and Daniel Kriley (Mira Mesa HS) will all be receiving BRAVISSIMO CHOICE awards.

Lenora Smith (Principal at Clairemont HS) will receive an ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR award.


OUR NEXT MEETING
Brush Up Your Shakespeare 
(or just bring him into this century)

Mark your calendars and be sure to come for a bardy good time!

Presented by the lovely folks from Intrepid Shakespeare (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/28/married-to-the-bard-christy-yael-and-sean-cox-are/)

May 26th, 4 - 6 pm
Hoover High School

We thought it would be fun to take a look at the Scottish play!  Is fun the right word? ;0)

We plan on introducing a handful of exercises that will take the play out of it's traditional setting and make it more relevant for students today. We will also introduce ways to get students on their feet and explore the play as an actor.  This will be fun for the experienced Shakespeare teacher, as well as the newbie.

RSVP:  mtreger1@sandi.net

Eight SDUSD Schools Participate in 
Annual Shakespeare Festival

This year we had our best participation levels yet at the Shakespeare Festival in Balboa Park.   Congratulations to the students and teachers from Hoover, Mira Mesa, San Diego High, Hawthorne Elementary, Valencia Park, Dana Middle School, Pershing Middle School and Serra!  Mira Mesa took home top honors in their category.  Way to go!  Check out this article about the festival:  http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/25/all-the-prados-a-stage/

Unfortunately, next year's event is scheduled for April 9th, when our schools will be on spring break.  I've contacted the Shakespeare Society and they are trying to change the date.  It's a problem because Balboa Park schedules the calendar more than a year in advance.  I'll keep you posted.

Support a Show!


As You Like It
Serra High School
Directed by Ruth Howell
May 13 - 14, 20 - 21
For tickets and more information, contact Ruth at rhowell@sandi.net

Figments
University City HS
Directed by Belinda Brown
May 19 & 21 at 7:00pm, May 20th at 2:20pm
For tickets and information, contact Belinda at bbrown3@sandi.net

Lady Dracula
San Diego High School
Produced by Ian McAvoy
May 19 - 21
For tickets and information, contact Ian at imcavoy@sandi.net

Beauty and The Beast
Pershing Middle School
Directed by Terry Miller
May 19, 9:15 & 1:00
May 20, 9:15, 1:00 & 7:00
May 21, 9:15, 11:30 & 1:00
For tickets and information, contact Terry at tmiller2@sandi.net

Alice in Wonderland
Hoover High School
Directed by Laura Williams
May 20th 4:00pm, May 21 5:00pm, May 22 6:00pm
For tickets and information, contact Laura at lwilliams5@sandi.net

Moon Over Buffalo
La Jolla High School
Directed by Ann Lyon-Boutelle
May 26 - 30
For tickets and information, contact Ann at alyon-boutelle@sandi.net

A Lesson in Hamlet
Dana Middle School
Directed by Kelly Kocar
June 3 & 4
For tickets and information, contact Kelly at kkocar@sandi.net 

Let me know if I missed anything, got it wrong or you have more details to share.

SOME NEW FINDS

I came across this series of books and thought you might find them useful,  Playwrights in an Hour.  There are several playwrights covered in this series including August Wilson, Chekhov, Shakespeare, Aristophanes and O'Neill.  These a great books for students working on theatre history.  Check them out!

IMPROVFEST SUCCESS!

The 11th Annual ImprovFest was a terrific success this past Saturday!  Clairemont High School Thespians hosted the five schools that came out to play; Clairemont High School, Madison High School, Mira Mesa High School, Pershing Middle School and Scripps Ranch High School.

In the morning, Zach Stones from National Comedy Theatre led an energetic and informative workshop.  That was followed by school team competitions and mixed team competitions.  Much hilarity ensued!  In the end each participant went home with a certificate, each team a shiny trophy, and Scripps Ranch took home top honors.


Plan to join us for this fun event next year!

There is still time to submit for Bravissimo:  Awards of Excellence in Theatre Education

Please consider nominating  your administrator or colleague.  Pay particular attention to the Distinguished Theatre Program Award.  Your school may be eligible.  And be sure to save the date!  It's a festive event with good food and time to socialize.

The deadline to submit is May 1, 2010.

The event is May 10th, 5:30pm at La Jolla Playhouse.  Do come!

Find out all you need to know at this website: 
http://www.sdcoe.net/sdeta/brav.asp


We have a date!  
Teach an Old Bard New Tricks

Mark your calendars and be sure to come for a bardy good time!

Presented by the lovely folks from Intrepid Shakespeare (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/28/married-to-the-bard-christy-yael-and-sean-cox-are/)


May 26th, 4 - 6 pm
Hoover High School

We thought it would be fun to take a look at the Scottish play!  Is fun the right word? ;0)

We plan on introducing a handful of exercises that will take the play out of it's traditional setting and make it more relevant for students today. We will also introduce ways to get students on their feet and explore the play as an actor.

RSVP:  mtreger1@sandi.net

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD JUNIORS

The San Diego Repertory Theatre Company (SDREP) would like to gather a group of interested theatre students for a new project.  This group of teens would come together a few times over the school year, meet at the REP and develop companion pieces to plays in their season.  The students would come up with ideas to develop with others on the committee or back at their own school sites.

We are just in the planning phases for this group and would like each theatre teacher to recommend one or two juniors who will still be involved in your program next year.  If you have a really outstanding sophomore, that would be okay, too.

Please send me the names and emails and I will contact them.

First Meeting:
Saturday, May 8th
10:00 - 12:00
San Diego Rep, Horton Plaza  

Support a Show!

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
directed by Greg Oberle
Scripps Ranch High School
April  22, 23, 24
contact goberle1@sandi.net

PIPPIN
directed by Phillipe Poncey
San Diego High School
April 23, 24, 25 
contact pponcey@sandi.net

ONE ACT FESTIVAL
La Jolla High School
April 29 at 3:00pm
April 30 at 7:00pm

Let me know if I missed anything, got it wrong or you have more details to share. 


MEMORIAL SERVICE

I reported in my last blog entry about the passing of Craig Noel.  Some of you may not know that on the same day Mr. Noel passed, so did Raul Moncada.  Many of you knew Raul during his time at the Old Globe.  He was a sweet and wonderful man and the consummate theatre professional.  He was often Mr. Noel's right hand man and stage manager. He also did outstanding work in the education department and with Teatro Meta.  Raul passed away in his sleep on April 3rd, after a 3 month battle with congestive heart failure.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Hattox Hall in the Old Globe Theatre complex. 

Welcome Back!

Hope you all had a lovely Spring Break.  Summer is just around the corner.  And yet, there is still so much to cram into the last weeks of the school year.

You all work so hard and deserve some outstanding recognition!

Bravissimo:  Awards of Excellence in Theatre Education

It's time to recognize our own.  Please consider nominating  your administrator or colleague.  Pay particular attention to the Distinguished Theatre Program Award.  Your school may be eligible.  And be sure to save the date!  It's a festive event with good food and time to socialize.

The deadline to submit is May 1, 2010.

The event is May 10th, 5:30pm at La Jolla Playhouse.  Do come!

Find out all you need to know at this website:  http://www.sdcoe.net/sdeta/brav.asp

IMPROVFEST

Sign up now!

April 17th, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Clairemont High School

High Schools and Middle Schools may both enter this festival.
We can only accommodate 6 schools - so don't miss out!

This is a fun event with trophies for all.  Bring your kids and sit back and relax!

Have questions?  Contact the host with the most - Stacey Allen - sallen@sandi.net

Here's all the paperwork for the event:


http://tinyurl.com/improvregistration
http://tinyurl.com/improvgames2010
http://tinyurl.com/scorecard2010 


Teach an Old Bard New Tricks

Have faith!  I'm still trying to get a date for this great workshop.  We are looking at May.

Support a Show!

CINDERELLA
directed by Ruth Howell
Serra High School
April 7 & 9, 6:00pm
April 8, 3:00pm
contact rhowell@sandi.net

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
directed by Greg Oberle
Scripps Ranch High School
April 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24
contact goberle1@sandi.net

GUYS AND DOLLS
directed by Cathy Hickman
CPMA
April 21 at 6:30pm
contact chickman@sandi.net

PIPPIN
directed by Phillipe Poncey
San Diego High School
April 23, 24, 25 
contact pponcey@sandi.net

Let me know if I missed anything, got it wrong or you have more details to share. 

Library of Plays

Hey, remember a little while back my office inherited the collection of plays from Actor's Alliance?  Well, they are still here!  If you are looking for some new titles or inspiration for next year, come on by and see what is here!  Let me know if you're going to drop by, I'd love to visit with you!

The End of an Era

As many of you may know Craig Noel, the founding artistic director of the Old Globe in San Diego, passed away this weekend.  He was a pillar of American theatre and certainly the foundation on which the San Diego theatre scene was built.  Here is a lovely article about him from the North County Times:  http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/sdcounty/article_8a6f895b-3d8a-5c43-8a2c-04b300a5e8ed.html.  Make sure your students know who he was.  He paved the way for many of us.