WHAT DO THEATRE STUDENTS LEARN?
They learn 21st century skills! They learn how to cooperate, create and problem solve. They learn how to be rich in the currency of tomorrow: ideas!
Check out this page from The Right Brain Initiative and be sure to pass it on to people in power.
http://www.therightbraininitiative.org/
Watch the video on the left side!
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (PLC)
I attended a workshop last week about PLCs.
Here's my take on what I learned. A PLC is a group of like minded professionals who meet regarding a common goal. The best size for a PLC is between five an fifteen people. This group identifies their focus and protocols and then decides the medium through which they will research topic.
I was thinking, it might be a good idea to establish a couple of our own PLCs other than just theatre teachers as a whole group. Maybe one for new theatre teachers, or old theatre teachers wanting new tricks ;0) Maybe one specifically on teaching the craft of acting, or how to incorporate theatre history into the curriculum. Maybe a PLC devoted to integrating theatre into the school culture.
Whadda ya think? Anyone interested in joining a PLC?
FORMER CLAIREMONT HIGH THEATRE STUDENT ON PROJECT RUNWAY
One of Stacey Allen's former students is on the new season of Project Runway! Jesus Estrada made his debut on the show last Thursday and survived to see another week of competition. Check it out and support Jesus on the Lifetime network. The new show is on this Thursday. Jesus appeared on the Clairemont stage in "The Lottery," "The Diviners," and "Grease." Hot stuff!
SPEAKING OF CLAIREMONT, CHECK OUT THOSE COSTUMES
Clairemont High School was in the news last week with an article by Maureen Magee in the UT. Using a 21st Century grant they have started an after school sewing and fashion class. This class is creating costumes for Stacey Allen's upcoming production of "The Wizard of Oz."
SEE A SHOW
"The Wizard of Oz" directed by Jeff Russell
Marshall Middle School
January 19 & 20 at 6:30 pm
$5 for premium seating, $3 for general seating
Call Katie Englund for tickets - 858-549-5400
"Metamorphoses" directed by Bill Doyle
SDSCPA
January 29, 30, February 4, 5, 10 & 11 at 7:00pm
February 6 at 2:00pm
$8 general, $6 students, seniors and military
Call the box office for tickets - 619-475-8556
Buy online at www.scpa.sandi.net
Let me know what's going on at your site so I can post it here!
DISCOUNT TICKETS
Goldstar has discount tickets for "Whisper House", Duncan Sheik's new musical at the Globe. He also wrote "Spring Awakening."
http://www.goldstar.com/events/san-diego-ca/whisper-house-.html
AND...
As a final note, if you have the time and inclination, please send an email to the school board in support of the position of theatre resource teacher. Better yet, if you could speak at a board meeting that would be great. The next one is Tuesday, January 26th. They are looking to restructure the VAPA office for next year and unless they hear the value of having a person in this position, it will most likely be gone.
I realize this is the same conversation, different year. I believe in the value of this position, whether or not I'm the one to hold it. Especially since it is a discipline where there is no credential it is important for new theatre teachers to have someone to set them on the right track. If you would like more info about what I do and have done in this job, I'm happy to share it with you.
Go to the SDUSD web page to email board members.
Peace out!
m.
5.1.10
Happy New Year!
Hope you all had a restful and relaxing holiday break. As theatre teachers you sure earned it! So many of you were deep in production, working your tails off, before we left in December. And now so many of your are right back at it rehearsing shows already! Please keep me posted on what you are doing.
Before break I had the chance to see "The Yellow Boat" at SCPA. It was a very meaningful and carefully crafted production. Congratulations to director Bill Doyle and all involved.
Board of Education/Budget Update
Be a part of a bigger conversation!
Today the board meets at 2:00pm to "discuss and review information on alternative school district leadership models."
To see the supporting documents for more information, go to the SDUSD web site, click on the "Board of Education" tab, then click on the "Meetings" tab. It will take you to a page where you can go to the BoardDocs site and explore what will be discussed at each meeting.
Tonight at 5:00pm the board will continue the meeting to "discuss the draft list of proposed priorities for the priority-based budgeting process and develop the final proposed list for consideration and action by the board at the regular January 12, 2010 board meeting."
Why does this matter to you?
Well- It looks like there are big changes on the horizon. Starting with what leadership at the top will look like, what the board considers a priority for our students, and what will be cut come March 15th when next year's budget has to be submitted.
NOW is the time to rally your troops, parents, teachers, students and community partners to make sure your voice is heard BEFORE the tough choices are made by the board. If there are areas that you are interested in that are still on the "cut" list (busing, class size, VAPA, OCILE, GATE, Seminar, etc.) this is your chance to hear what the board is thinking and speak up.
I know that sometimes our classroom is the only thing we can focus on. Our campus becomes the biggest line of vision we have in our work-a-day world. But I would like to remind you that you can be part of a bigger conversation that is shaping the future of our school district, our students and our jobs. That conversation starts today.
I realize this is late notice, but the next board meeting will be on Jan. 12th. That's your next chance to be heard or even just bear witness to the process. If you can't go in person, you can even catch it live on TV (ITV).
And now I'll get off the soapbox....
Honor Theatre Update - Stefanie Hero
We have assembled an amazing cast, crew and production staff and this promises to be an outstanding production. There are 36 students from seven different high schools participating this year. There will be sword fighting, puppets, romance, magic, music and more!
Our director, Lori Petermann, is an amazing talent. If you would like to pop into a rehearsal to see the process, you are always welcome! Shoot me an email and I'll give you the schedule.
Many, many thanks to Ann Lyon-Boutelle, at La Jolla High, for hosting and producing the project this year!
DramaFest...
...is fast approaching! Applications and payment are due January 21st. The festival is Saturday, January 30th from 8 - 3 at Grossmont College.
This event is always terrific and well run. If you are considering applying to be a "Bravissimo" school this year, this event is one of the requirements.
Have questions? Contact DramaFest coordinator Rob Delorfano at rob.dellorfano@smusd.org.
Huge Resource Library
The Actors Alliance of San Diego has made a huge donation of scripts and theatre related texts to the VAPA department. We still don't have it all on shelves, much less categorized, but there is LOTS here! Come on by and check it out!
So long- and thanks for all the fish ! ;0)
m.
Before break I had the chance to see "The Yellow Boat" at SCPA. It was a very meaningful and carefully crafted production. Congratulations to director Bill Doyle and all involved.
Board of Education/Budget Update
Be a part of a bigger conversation!
Today the board meets at 2:00pm to "discuss and review information on alternative school district leadership models."
To see the supporting documents for more information, go to the SDUSD web site, click on the "Board of Education" tab, then click on the "Meetings" tab. It will take you to a page where you can go to the BoardDocs site and explore what will be discussed at each meeting.
Tonight at 5:00pm the board will continue the meeting to "discuss the draft list of proposed priorities for the priority-based budgeting process and develop the final proposed list for consideration and action by the board at the regular January 12, 2010 board meeting."
Why does this matter to you?
Well- It looks like there are big changes on the horizon. Starting with what leadership at the top will look like, what the board considers a priority for our students, and what will be cut come March 15th when next year's budget has to be submitted.
NOW is the time to rally your troops, parents, teachers, students and community partners to make sure your voice is heard BEFORE the tough choices are made by the board. If there are areas that you are interested in that are still on the "cut" list (busing, class size, VAPA, OCILE, GATE, Seminar, etc.) this is your chance to hear what the board is thinking and speak up.
I know that sometimes our classroom is the only thing we can focus on. Our campus becomes the biggest line of vision we have in our work-a-day world. But I would like to remind you that you can be part of a bigger conversation that is shaping the future of our school district, our students and our jobs. That conversation starts today.
I realize this is late notice, but the next board meeting will be on Jan. 12th. That's your next chance to be heard or even just bear witness to the process. If you can't go in person, you can even catch it live on TV (ITV).
And now I'll get off the soapbox....
Honor Theatre Update - Stefanie Hero
We have assembled an amazing cast, crew and production staff and this promises to be an outstanding production. There are 36 students from seven different high schools participating this year. There will be sword fighting, puppets, romance, magic, music and more!
Our director, Lori Petermann, is an amazing talent. If you would like to pop into a rehearsal to see the process, you are always welcome! Shoot me an email and I'll give you the schedule.
Many, many thanks to Ann Lyon-Boutelle, at La Jolla High, for hosting and producing the project this year!
DramaFest...
...is fast approaching! Applications and payment are due January 21st. The festival is Saturday, January 30th from 8 - 3 at Grossmont College.
This event is always terrific and well run. If you are considering applying to be a "Bravissimo" school this year, this event is one of the requirements.
Have questions? Contact DramaFest coordinator Rob Delorfano at rob.dellorfano@smusd.org.
Huge Resource Library
The Actors Alliance of San Diego has made a huge donation of scripts and theatre related texts to the VAPA department. We still don't have it all on shelves, much less categorized, but there is LOTS here! Come on by and check it out!
So long- and thanks for all the fish ! ;0)
m.
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