Let's Take Out Our Crystal Balls

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.