Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Crazy Month of February Part 2
Aye aye, how the time flies. I've been doing pretty good posting every week, or every other week, and yet here it has been a month. Why? Because February was freakin crazy, that's why.
Little Shop of Horrors opened February 24 and ran the 25th, 28th and March 1. Overall, it was a huge success. We received $1,150 in sponsorships and had about 350 people attend during the run. I think overall, we made about $3,100. Except for the canvas that we went over ordered (and hope to sell off to other theater groups), we made a little bit of money -- I'd say about $200. Once we sell some of the canvas, we should be about $400-500 in the good. Not bad considering that musicals never make money. Debbie brought me a check for our share of Will Rogers Follies -- $850!! Eventhough Little Shop was an overall success, it wasn't without problems. It wasn't until dress rehearsal week that we finally got all three Do Wop girls together. Then, on Wednesday, one of our extras called and said she had some form of respiratory illness and that the doctor had put her on bedrest. In the long run, that's not too big of a deal -- she only appeared once and it was in a small song. However, I "begged" her to be in the play. She's a senior and has been complaining that she "couldn't" do any more plays this year because she "hates" Little Shop. I convinced her to be in this one scene. According to the other cast members and the former drama teacher, Mrs. Adams, this is a reoccurring pattern for this girl. She agrees to do something and then flakes. Consequently, she is given small parts, but then does this to "punish" the director for not giving her a bigger part. Luckily, I had another cast member willing to learn her part at the last minute (he got to wear a dress, so he was really exicted). The only problem was that she decided on closing night that she was "well enough" to perform. My dilemma was that I don't think she deserved to perform; I wasn't sure if she was truly "well enough"; and the boy who had filled in had actually done better than she ever could have. On the other hand, I could see the principal siding with her stating that it was her fault she had gotten sick (the flu has been going around) and that since she put in so much practice (yea, right) that it's only fair that she get to perform. The cast wasn't too happy with my but I let her perform. She didn't "suck," but she wasn't very good and it kinda ruined the overall greatness of the song.
We had a great opening night, which in theatre tradition means a not-so-great second night. The second night wasn't horrible, but it wasn't our best performance. We had a great cast party that night here in the arena theatre -- strange for me because my high school's cast parties were always at a student's house without the adults. We had a nice day off (Sunday) and hit the performances again on Monday. I had had 3 Mt. Dews that day, and it wasn't enough. Now, I have to remind myself that the audience wasn't aware of all that went wrong. Some may have known that a few things were "off" but the audience enjoyed it overall. Why did I want to shoot myself? Let me tell you. Monday morning we had the annual 3-screen assembly. They had reserved the auditorium way before I did, so I only had myself to blame. On Saturday night, we moved all of the set/props "back" behind the middle curtain. Monday afternoon, I told my stage manager, my assistant stage manager and my stage techie to make sure all of the set/props were where they needed to be. Here was my first mistake. My "stage manager" is also my "stirling scholar" (a Utah honor). Despite her title stating she is "best of the best" in the drama department, she is THE biggest flake I have ever met. Call time for cast and crew was 5:45, with curtain time at 7. Morgan would routinely show up at about 6:45! It was her responsibility to know what set pieces/props needed to be out when and that everything was in place on the prop tables. So here in Utah, Monday is the biggest night for plays because it's "family night". We had about 150 people (had only ~70 per performance on the other nights). We had a good crowd, I was excited and then I wanted to die. I went inside the doors to watch the beginning and make sure the sound levels were ok -- and then I saw it -- the two garbage cans that should've been next to the proscenium wall were not there!! Ok, no big deal, except that these two cans figure prominently in at least 3 scenes of the first act! (a sandwich gets thrown into one, which a bum then pulls out; my main lead sits on one can after dumping "dirt" into one; and the other main lead puts a sack of garbage into one at the beginning of a song. ARGH!!!!! Luckily, my cast was paying attention and they worked around the missing pieces (the store owner "threw" the sandwich at the bum, for example). But then the big one (at least in my book). In the very last scene before intermission, the dentist uses his "special" gas mask -- which was a canister vacuum borrowed from the custodians. Becca, my student director, was in the booth and walkie talkied down to the stage crew to make sure all was in place for this scene, when the news came that no one knew where the "special" gas mask was. My heart stopped. Ok, the fact that it had disappeared didn't bug me as much as the fact that NO ONE HAD BOTHERED TO MAKE SURE ALL OF THE PROPS WERE IN PLACE BEFORE THE PLAY. You should not find out 5 MINUTES BEFORE a scene that the props are not in place. Yes, I know things had been moved around because of the assembly, but that's no excuse. Again, luckily, my actor covered and improved with something else. Needless to say, during intermission, I made the stage manager and other stage crew wish they had never been born. These kids don't get that I don't have to EVER cast them in anything EVER again. I have enough kids in my department that these kids can be dropped. Argh!!
Luckily for all of us though, closing night was about as perfect as we could get it and we ended on a high note.
Now, we are onto regions and practices for that. And, Zach has decided to do "Rat Mat," a community wrestling program. And, I still have my college class. Yes, I don't know what it means to sit still. ;)
Little Shop of Horrors opened February 24 and ran the 25th, 28th and March 1. Overall, it was a huge success. We received $1,150 in sponsorships and had about 350 people attend during the run. I think overall, we made about $3,100. Except for the canvas that we went over ordered (and hope to sell off to other theater groups), we made a little bit of money -- I'd say about $200. Once we sell some of the canvas, we should be about $400-500 in the good. Not bad considering that musicals never make money. Debbie brought me a check for our share of Will Rogers Follies -- $850!! Eventhough Little Shop was an overall success, it wasn't without problems. It wasn't until dress rehearsal week that we finally got all three Do Wop girls together. Then, on Wednesday, one of our extras called and said she had some form of respiratory illness and that the doctor had put her on bedrest. In the long run, that's not too big of a deal -- she only appeared once and it was in a small song. However, I "begged" her to be in the play. She's a senior and has been complaining that she "couldn't" do any more plays this year because she "hates" Little Shop. I convinced her to be in this one scene. According to the other cast members and the former drama teacher, Mrs. Adams, this is a reoccurring pattern for this girl. She agrees to do something and then flakes. Consequently, she is given small parts, but then does this to "punish" the director for not giving her a bigger part. Luckily, I had another cast member willing to learn her part at the last minute (he got to wear a dress, so he was really exicted). The only problem was that she decided on closing night that she was "well enough" to perform. My dilemma was that I don't think she deserved to perform; I wasn't sure if she was truly "well enough"; and the boy who had filled in had actually done better than she ever could have. On the other hand, I could see the principal siding with her stating that it was her fault she had gotten sick (the flu has been going around) and that since she put in so much practice (yea, right) that it's only fair that she get to perform. The cast wasn't too happy with my but I let her perform. She didn't "suck," but she wasn't very good and it kinda ruined the overall greatness of the song.
We had a great opening night, which in theatre tradition means a not-so-great second night. The second night wasn't horrible, but it wasn't our best performance. We had a great cast party that night here in the arena theatre -- strange for me because my high school's cast parties were always at a student's house without the adults. We had a nice day off (Sunday) and hit the performances again on Monday. I had had 3 Mt. Dews that day, and it wasn't enough. Now, I have to remind myself that the audience wasn't aware of all that went wrong. Some may have known that a few things were "off" but the audience enjoyed it overall. Why did I want to shoot myself? Let me tell you. Monday morning we had the annual 3-screen assembly. They had reserved the auditorium way before I did, so I only had myself to blame. On Saturday night, we moved all of the set/props "back" behind the middle curtain. Monday afternoon, I told my stage manager, my assistant stage manager and my stage techie to make sure all of the set/props were where they needed to be. Here was my first mistake. My "stage manager" is also my "stirling scholar" (a Utah honor). Despite her title stating she is "best of the best" in the drama department, she is THE biggest flake I have ever met. Call time for cast and crew was 5:45, with curtain time at 7. Morgan would routinely show up at about 6:45! It was her responsibility to know what set pieces/props needed to be out when and that everything was in place on the prop tables. So here in Utah, Monday is the biggest night for plays because it's "family night". We had about 150 people (had only ~70 per performance on the other nights). We had a good crowd, I was excited and then I wanted to die. I went inside the doors to watch the beginning and make sure the sound levels were ok -- and then I saw it -- the two garbage cans that should've been next to the proscenium wall were not there!! Ok, no big deal, except that these two cans figure prominently in at least 3 scenes of the first act! (a sandwich gets thrown into one, which a bum then pulls out; my main lead sits on one can after dumping "dirt" into one; and the other main lead puts a sack of garbage into one at the beginning of a song. ARGH!!!!! Luckily, my cast was paying attention and they worked around the missing pieces (the store owner "threw" the sandwich at the bum, for example). But then the big one (at least in my book). In the very last scene before intermission, the dentist uses his "special" gas mask -- which was a canister vacuum borrowed from the custodians. Becca, my student director, was in the booth and walkie talkied down to the stage crew to make sure all was in place for this scene, when the news came that no one knew where the "special" gas mask was. My heart stopped. Ok, the fact that it had disappeared didn't bug me as much as the fact that NO ONE HAD BOTHERED TO MAKE SURE ALL OF THE PROPS WERE IN PLACE BEFORE THE PLAY. You should not find out 5 MINUTES BEFORE a scene that the props are not in place. Yes, I know things had been moved around because of the assembly, but that's no excuse. Again, luckily, my actor covered and improved with something else. Needless to say, during intermission, I made the stage manager and other stage crew wish they had never been born. These kids don't get that I don't have to EVER cast them in anything EVER again. I have enough kids in my department that these kids can be dropped. Argh!!
Luckily for all of us though, closing night was about as perfect as we could get it and we ended on a high note.
Now, we are onto regions and practices for that. And, Zach has decided to do "Rat Mat," a community wrestling program. And, I still have my college class. Yes, I don't know what it means to sit still. ;)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Crazy Month of February
Wow! I can't believe how fast the year is going already. It's already Feb. 8!! Wow! Here at San Juan, we just had parent/teacher conferences yesterday -- only 4 more weeks left in the 3rd quarter. The days seem to fly by. Maybe that's just because I've been so busy. I've spent the last two weekends working on flats for the upcoming play of Little Shop of Horrors. We have "flats" here, but I don't think I have more than 2 which are the same size, shape or aren't falling apart. So, I've got money in the budget, why not build 10 good, sturdy flats that I know are built right. We (me, Zach, Becca Jean, Kortney and Morgan H.) built 10 in just a few hours. Then, last weekend, we covered them with canvas and started priming them.
The play is going much better than I had hoped. Through "networking," I found a school with Audrey II plants that I could rent for only $300 (other schools/universities wanted minimum $1200, not to mention shipping). We got the plants Sunday night. I was worried because my friend (and school board member) said she could pick them up since she was going to Cedar City for a baby's blessing. But then she told me her son, who had the pickup, wouldn't be able to get it. I wasn't sure how we would get them -- Cedar is a good 7 hrs drive away from here and the largest Audrey II is 7 foot by 5 foot. But, prayers do come true and we have them. They are awesome! The kids had tons of fun "playing" with them on Monday. Michael Hawkins spent a half hour "running around" with stage 3 on, trying to "bite them". Aye aye. :)
We are about 2 1/2 weeks from opening night. While the play is still "rough", I'm pleased with our progress. I "skipped" conferences yesterday (there was a note on the door stating I was in the auditorium and only about 10 parents came to talk with me during the 8 hours) and we ran through the whole play once and then through the songs 3-4 times each. The good thing/bad thing is that we are using the "karaoke" music for the play. That's good because the kids practice with is what they'll get -- no adjusting to a live orchestra. However, there are some songs that go realllly fast. The cast is still jazzed and I think it will go well. We have one student (you have to have one), who thinks he knows everything. He didn't get the part he wanted, so he's trying to tell the person who did how to do the part. Not sure if the kid realizes what he's doing. I have a pretty low threshold for idiots, so I've told my student director that when he gets to be too much for her, we'll cut him. Well, we talked with him last week and he freaked out, as if we were evil. I told him we'd give him one last chace (he was doing an assortment of things -- being late, lying, bossing people around, etc.). Becca still wants to cut him, but he hasn't really committed any new offenses and I don't want to get a new person in with only 2 weeks to go. On a publicity note, I have the tickets and posters at the media center being printed; programs are almost done; but I still need to get sponsorship letters out to the businesses.
Oh, did I mention that we had tryouts for the regional drama festival in March, so students are working on that as well. Regions are March 25 and 26. Spring Break is March 11 (my birthday) to March 20. The State drama festival will be in April. After that, I'm going to do a "Experiments in Ink" script writing night/One-Act festival in early May. Whew! It's good that I like to be busy.
Zach's doing well. He's going to start "Mat Rat" community wrestling in a few weeks. His grades are ok (even though they could be much better). He's at his first "church dance" tonight -- it's open to 12 and up rather than 14 and up. We'll see how that goes. We also joined the new fitness center run by the city. It's only $20 a month for the two of us (added to our utility bill). Much better than the $80-90 I paid in The Dalles (and this is the same size if not bigger). So Zach's been working out, too.
On a professional note, finally got my ESOL endorsement approved (that's 3 endorsements on my license now). Reading class #3 is almost over (only 2 more to go). Had my 2nd observation last week (by the principal) and I think it went well. I've had some good reports from other teachers and support staff. This Friday, I get to spend the day reading district writing samples. Not sure if that will be fun or not.
On a personal note, Zach and I are heading up to Orem this weekend. I have the free tickets to the Hale Center Theatre and the first play ends this weekend. It's called The Foreigner and sounds pretty funny. It'll be nice to get away for a night, eventhough I hate driving 4 hours each way.
The play is going much better than I had hoped. Through "networking," I found a school with Audrey II plants that I could rent for only $300 (other schools/universities wanted minimum $1200, not to mention shipping). We got the plants Sunday night. I was worried because my friend (and school board member) said she could pick them up since she was going to Cedar City for a baby's blessing. But then she told me her son, who had the pickup, wouldn't be able to get it. I wasn't sure how we would get them -- Cedar is a good 7 hrs drive away from here and the largest Audrey II is 7 foot by 5 foot. But, prayers do come true and we have them. They are awesome! The kids had tons of fun "playing" with them on Monday. Michael Hawkins spent a half hour "running around" with stage 3 on, trying to "bite them". Aye aye. :)
We are about 2 1/2 weeks from opening night. While the play is still "rough", I'm pleased with our progress. I "skipped" conferences yesterday (there was a note on the door stating I was in the auditorium and only about 10 parents came to talk with me during the 8 hours) and we ran through the whole play once and then through the songs 3-4 times each. The good thing/bad thing is that we are using the "karaoke" music for the play. That's good because the kids practice with is what they'll get -- no adjusting to a live orchestra. However, there are some songs that go realllly fast. The cast is still jazzed and I think it will go well. We have one student (you have to have one), who thinks he knows everything. He didn't get the part he wanted, so he's trying to tell the person who did how to do the part. Not sure if the kid realizes what he's doing. I have a pretty low threshold for idiots, so I've told my student director that when he gets to be too much for her, we'll cut him. Well, we talked with him last week and he freaked out, as if we were evil. I told him we'd give him one last chace (he was doing an assortment of things -- being late, lying, bossing people around, etc.). Becca still wants to cut him, but he hasn't really committed any new offenses and I don't want to get a new person in with only 2 weeks to go. On a publicity note, I have the tickets and posters at the media center being printed; programs are almost done; but I still need to get sponsorship letters out to the businesses.
Oh, did I mention that we had tryouts for the regional drama festival in March, so students are working on that as well. Regions are March 25 and 26. Spring Break is March 11 (my birthday) to March 20. The State drama festival will be in April. After that, I'm going to do a "Experiments in Ink" script writing night/One-Act festival in early May. Whew! It's good that I like to be busy.
Zach's doing well. He's going to start "Mat Rat" community wrestling in a few weeks. His grades are ok (even though they could be much better). He's at his first "church dance" tonight -- it's open to 12 and up rather than 14 and up. We'll see how that goes. We also joined the new fitness center run by the city. It's only $20 a month for the two of us (added to our utility bill). Much better than the $80-90 I paid in The Dalles (and this is the same size if not bigger). So Zach's been working out, too.
On a professional note, finally got my ESOL endorsement approved (that's 3 endorsements on my license now). Reading class #3 is almost over (only 2 more to go). Had my 2nd observation last week (by the principal) and I think it went well. I've had some good reports from other teachers and support staff. This Friday, I get to spend the day reading district writing samples. Not sure if that will be fun or not.
On a personal note, Zach and I are heading up to Orem this weekend. I have the free tickets to the Hale Center Theatre and the first play ends this weekend. It's called The Foreigner and sounds pretty funny. It'll be nice to get away for a night, eventhough I hate driving 4 hours each way.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Is it Spring Break yet?
Ugh. Have tried to stay positve on this blog, but not feeling too postive right now. Not stressed about the play (yet) as everyone but one person is giving their all, and working cooperative with me and Becca Jean, my student director (self-proclaimed student dictator).
Zach, the little stinker, got himself suspended for the afternoon yesterday -- his mouth got him in trouble, yet once again. It seems he had to go to "ZAP" which is a program at lunch for kids who are missing work. According to Zach, he got in trouble for "asking" a kid next to him what the assignment was. Knowing Zach as I do, I'm sure there was more to it than that. Anyway, the teacher sent him to lunch detention. At detention, he was asked by the vice principal to take out a piece of paper and do some "character building". He told Mr. Bailey, "no." He was asked a second time and Zach still said "no." Mr. Bailey told me he asked Zach, "So you're telling me that you refuse to do what I ask?" Allegedly, Zach said, "I shouldn't be here; it's stupid, so no, I'm not going to do it." Well, Zach got the afternoon off and I'm sure that Mr. Bailey now has his eye on Zach. Aye aye. How much longer til Zach is done with middle school?
Then there's my lovely daughter. I left her in Oregon to go to school. She told me she had "help" to go to the first year of school. Well, that was not correct. At Christmas, I told her that she had a month to pick one of three choices: move here to Blanding with me and Zach; enroll in Job Corp (they have a graphic design program that would be great for her); or stay in The Dalles and go solo (no more cell phone or monthly stipend from me). She called me a week or so ago to tell me that she had a job interview with a new grocery store opening in The Dalles. I decided to postpone her decision with the hope that she could land a job, thus allowing her to stay in Oregon with her friends and boyfriend. Well, still no word on the job (supposedly if she doesn't get picked the first round, she might get picked the second round). I told her I'd give her two more weeks. She started to cop attitude with me. I guess she's in a program at McCog (some government agency), learning how to write resumes because she's getting food stamps. I asked if they would help her get a job -- no. Well, then, why not go to Job Corp who will help her get a job. She doesn't get that if I cut her cell phone, there's no way she can get one on her own. I pay $15 a month extra for her to have one -- with free long distance and unlimited texting. If she goes with a prepaid, there's no way she can continue her habit of 8000 texts a month. Aye aye. She's 19 1/2, she needs to grow up and pick a path, any path at this moment.
On a positve note, though, I was talking with the principal of Navajo Mountain (where I used to work) and the district reading specialist. They were telling me about a kid who graduated a couple of years ago that was a voracious reader and read everything they gave him. In fact, I guess he won some reading contest. Well, it just so happens that I got him "started" on reading. He hated reading as a freshman. I learned what he liked and found a book I was sure he'd love. I was right. After that, I kept hooking him up with books I thought he might enjoy. Anyway, I facebooked him and told him jokingly that I deserved some of the credit for his love of books. He wrote me back, seriously I might add, and said that I deserved ALL the credit. All I can say is that his comment totally made my day. I went into teaching to make a difference in at least one person's life. Well, I guess I can retire now -- lol.
Maybe it's just the February blues. That stupid groundhog had better be right -- spring had best be around the corner. I need a vacation. Ok, that's enough. Will try to be more positive next week.
Zach, the little stinker, got himself suspended for the afternoon yesterday -- his mouth got him in trouble, yet once again. It seems he had to go to "ZAP" which is a program at lunch for kids who are missing work. According to Zach, he got in trouble for "asking" a kid next to him what the assignment was. Knowing Zach as I do, I'm sure there was more to it than that. Anyway, the teacher sent him to lunch detention. At detention, he was asked by the vice principal to take out a piece of paper and do some "character building". He told Mr. Bailey, "no." He was asked a second time and Zach still said "no." Mr. Bailey told me he asked Zach, "So you're telling me that you refuse to do what I ask?" Allegedly, Zach said, "I shouldn't be here; it's stupid, so no, I'm not going to do it." Well, Zach got the afternoon off and I'm sure that Mr. Bailey now has his eye on Zach. Aye aye. How much longer til Zach is done with middle school?
Then there's my lovely daughter. I left her in Oregon to go to school. She told me she had "help" to go to the first year of school. Well, that was not correct. At Christmas, I told her that she had a month to pick one of three choices: move here to Blanding with me and Zach; enroll in Job Corp (they have a graphic design program that would be great for her); or stay in The Dalles and go solo (no more cell phone or monthly stipend from me). She called me a week or so ago to tell me that she had a job interview with a new grocery store opening in The Dalles. I decided to postpone her decision with the hope that she could land a job, thus allowing her to stay in Oregon with her friends and boyfriend. Well, still no word on the job (supposedly if she doesn't get picked the first round, she might get picked the second round). I told her I'd give her two more weeks. She started to cop attitude with me. I guess she's in a program at McCog (some government agency), learning how to write resumes because she's getting food stamps. I asked if they would help her get a job -- no. Well, then, why not go to Job Corp who will help her get a job. She doesn't get that if I cut her cell phone, there's no way she can get one on her own. I pay $15 a month extra for her to have one -- with free long distance and unlimited texting. If she goes with a prepaid, there's no way she can continue her habit of 8000 texts a month. Aye aye. She's 19 1/2, she needs to grow up and pick a path, any path at this moment.
On a positve note, though, I was talking with the principal of Navajo Mountain (where I used to work) and the district reading specialist. They were telling me about a kid who graduated a couple of years ago that was a voracious reader and read everything they gave him. In fact, I guess he won some reading contest. Well, it just so happens that I got him "started" on reading. He hated reading as a freshman. I learned what he liked and found a book I was sure he'd love. I was right. After that, I kept hooking him up with books I thought he might enjoy. Anyway, I facebooked him and told him jokingly that I deserved some of the credit for his love of books. He wrote me back, seriously I might add, and said that I deserved ALL the credit. All I can say is that his comment totally made my day. I went into teaching to make a difference in at least one person's life. Well, I guess I can retire now -- lol.
Maybe it's just the February blues. That stupid groundhog had better be right -- spring had best be around the corner. I need a vacation. Ok, that's enough. Will try to be more positive next week.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Utah Theatre Association
It's been more than a week since I've posted anything to this blog and there's good reason for that -- I was busy with a life-changing, mind-blowing drama conference at the Utah Theatre Association's annual conference in St. George, UT. When I heard about it, I asked my principal if I could go. It seems no one from this school (at least not since Mr. Peterson's been here) has ever gone. THEIR LOSS!!!!!
It took about 6 hours with gas and pit stops, but I made it to St. George and 50+ degree weather. I checked in and bought myself a "techie" cinch bag. My first session was with the keynote speaker Cary Trivonivich, a world-renowned pantomime artist. He not only taught us that pantomime is much more than French guys in striped shirts and white makeup, but that pantomime can touch the heart as much as just entertain. He also taught us some "simple" techniques so that we could do pantomime and teach our kids pantomime. It was an amazing session and I learned some cool stuff. He has a website that shows some of his stuff, and he does school assemblies. After his session, I couldn't decide which one to go to -- there were at least 20 offerings each block. Whew! Anywho, I chose to go to one called "Director's Concept" taught by a BYU professor. He talked about how a lot of the pre-design, show and post-show is visuals (preproduction determines how successful a play is). He also added that rehearsals are where our ideas are tested, and that ideals become realization. His final words of wisdom were "Directing is the art of compromise" and that "Images tell the Story" and that "Live theatre is NEVER perfect". Beautiful. After a delicious Mexican dinner at a place called "Cafe Rio," I saw my first production of the conference -- "Putnam County Spelling Bee". Freaking hilarious!! Inappropriate at several times, but still very funny. Unfortunately, I will never be able to do that play here in Blanding. Even if I cut the "Erection" song, the cameo from Jesus is a little too much. A wonderful way to end the first night.I started the second day off with a breakfast at the hotel and then the keynote address by Cary Trivonivich. His dramatic pantomimes had me in tears! After driving back to Dixie College, I attended a session about a new product called "Right on Cue". Basically, a musical director of the Hale Center Theatre in Orem has created a system where he uses "samples" of instruments and inputs them note by note until he has the full orchestra of a play in the computer. The sounds are converted into midi files. Then, here comes the brilliant part, by using a Wii remote, you can "conduct" the orchestra note-by-note. No real musicians required. Or, a way to supplement an orchestra. By clicking the remote, you can make the "orchestra" go faster or slower. It's a way to bring the art back into the performance. Soooooo cool. We are using a karaoke-type accompaniment for Little Shop and we are at the mercy of the one given tempo. Right on Cue is sooo cool. Next, after a teacher's luncheon where I networked and met a lot of drama teachers from around the state, I attended another techie-type session -- Busting Sound Myths. I learned some interesting things. First, I guess the FCC has reallocated bnadwidths. "Traditionally" high schools have used wireless mics with a bandwidth of 700 mHz for their programs. Now, that bandwidth is reserved exclusively for emergency personnel. Oops. The teacher from Lehi High School said it cost her $20,000 to replace all of her equipment. I'm not too worried since I'm in the middle of nowhere here. Aaron also told us that "wireless mics are BOUND to fail." Mrs. Adams never let us or even told us that wireless mics were available. We've learned to belt it out. My student director and I have decided to try our play without mics for several reasons. Our poor actors are freaking out. This session was beneficial because I learned where to apply wireless mic mouthpieces and other techie-type stuff. After taking myself out to Claim Jumper for dinner (hey, the district is going to reimburse me so what the heck), I attended my second performance -- Once on an Island. Not a bad play, but several technical difficulties that bugged me. It was a "musical" version of a Little Mermaid-ish story. The high school, which is only about 3 years old, blew me away! The lobby alone was bigger than my gym.
Day three (and the last) was also equally amazing. For the morning session, I had the option of watching a magician or watching improv from Off the Cuff. Well, that was a no-brainer -- Off the Cuff, of course. They are a improv troupe from Cedar City. I have heard amazing things about these guys and the auditorium was packed. They did six improv games: Late to Work; Forward Backward; Sound Effects; Revolver; Spelling Bee; and 1 Little, 2 Little, 3 Little Improvers. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. It was great! My students were all completely jealous. That reminds me, I should've taken some students to the conference -- it would've been soooooo worthwhile. I didn't know and didn't lobby my principal. Only I got to go. After the improv, I went to a session about Aristotle's Six Elements of Drama. The "teacher" was one of the Aerial Angels performers. She was petite, a spitfire, loaded us up on sugar and was named Spike. I learned about theme, plot, character, diction, music and spectacle. After a quick lunch, I went to the Utah Advisory Council of Theatre Teachers or UACTT (get it??) meeting. I had been thinking about joining this group for a while and glad I did. It was only $50 for a year. But in return, I got a huge binder of lesson plans and scenes/monologues AND I got two free season tickets for the Hale Center Theatre in Orem. WOW!!!! But most importantly, I gained support and resources from like-minded teachers. I am no longer "alone" in the drama world. In fact, it's already "paying off". I met a teacher from Cedar City who did Little Shop a few years ago. He said he has all four stages of the Audrey plant (which was going to be a financial and design headache). He told me that if I sent someone with a truck, I could borrow it. *speechless* Now my only problem is who is going to take the road trip to Cedar and how can I reimburse them for gas. The last session of the day was about "Using Masks as a Departure Point". It was "uncomfortable" but cool. I definitely want to do some masks next year.
To end the wonderful experience, I went to the Aerial Angels performance. My other option was a married Broadway couple doing a concert. I feel kind of bad because our venue filled up first and we had to send them to the concert (I guess not many people went to the concert). The trio of ladies told jokes, ate fire, used a bullwhip and did aerial acrobatics. Before I left the conference, I bought a few shirts for some people and some other stuff. After another six-hour drive, I arrived home.
Since then, I have been back at school for two days trying to catch up. Today, the reading specialist had me go with her and another teacher to observe a teacher in Kayenta, AZ. Now, I'm trying to catch up again. Ugh. Well, until next time...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Random Thoughts
Wow! 2011 is not starting off that good. Or, it could just be the end of times. Or, it could just be a fluke. I think I'll take door number 2, please.
I think I am cursed as a drama teacher. During my first quarter, one of my students lost his stepmom. Right before Christmas and the end of the second quarter, one of my girls lost a sister in a bizarre accident (possibly due to a texting driver). Now, only into the second week of the third quarter, my head techie lost his father. The local fire chief, a man in excellent health, died of a heart aneurysm. What tragedies. My heart is so sad and so full of love for these poor kids. I believe that families will be together again and that this earthly existence is but a moment in the grand scheme of time, but I still don't have to like it.
Also, within the last week, a Senator and several others were shot during a meet-and-greet in Tucson by some disgruntled person. The politicos are trying to make it political and stating that he was protesting some recent governmental decision, but in reality, he was just a crazy.
As if that's not bad enough. The chief of police in Rainier, Oregon (a town about 15 miles from where I grew up) was also shot last week. He had gone to a car dealership on a report of a man trying to steal a car. The thief shot him in the head. While the chief was able to get off a shot (and wounded the thief), the thief was also able to get off a shot and killed the police chief. Geez! I guess I'm a cousin to him by marriage. He is my great-uncle's nephew-in-law.
Enough of the negative. Life is depressing, that is true, but there is so much beauty and good in life, too. We started practice for "Little Shop of Horrors" yesterday. I have a great cast and a great crew -- they're all really excited and I think this is going to turn out AWESOME!! I'm really excited, too. Renting the plants will cost minimum $1200, so we're going to make our own. Becca "Techa" Jean has been doodling sketches for teh plant all week. Performances will be Feb. 25, 26, 28 and March 1.
Here in Blanding, they have a merit badge "palooza" each year. For the next three weeks, Zach has the opportunity to work on some of the badges he's been slacking on. All he needs for his "first class" status is a scout master interview/board of review. He's been waiting for that for about 6 months. I need to remind the guys here to get on that.
I think I am cursed as a drama teacher. During my first quarter, one of my students lost his stepmom. Right before Christmas and the end of the second quarter, one of my girls lost a sister in a bizarre accident (possibly due to a texting driver). Now, only into the second week of the third quarter, my head techie lost his father. The local fire chief, a man in excellent health, died of a heart aneurysm. What tragedies. My heart is so sad and so full of love for these poor kids. I believe that families will be together again and that this earthly existence is but a moment in the grand scheme of time, but I still don't have to like it.
Also, within the last week, a Senator and several others were shot during a meet-and-greet in Tucson by some disgruntled person. The politicos are trying to make it political and stating that he was protesting some recent governmental decision, but in reality, he was just a crazy.
As if that's not bad enough. The chief of police in Rainier, Oregon (a town about 15 miles from where I grew up) was also shot last week. He had gone to a car dealership on a report of a man trying to steal a car. The thief shot him in the head. While the chief was able to get off a shot (and wounded the thief), the thief was also able to get off a shot and killed the police chief. Geez! I guess I'm a cousin to him by marriage. He is my great-uncle's nephew-in-law.
Enough of the negative. Life is depressing, that is true, but there is so much beauty and good in life, too. We started practice for "Little Shop of Horrors" yesterday. I have a great cast and a great crew -- they're all really excited and I think this is going to turn out AWESOME!! I'm really excited, too. Renting the plants will cost minimum $1200, so we're going to make our own. Becca "Techa" Jean has been doodling sketches for teh plant all week. Performances will be Feb. 25, 26, 28 and March 1.
Here in Blanding, they have a merit badge "palooza" each year. For the next three weeks, Zach has the opportunity to work on some of the badges he's been slacking on. All he needs for his "first class" status is a scout master interview/board of review. He's been waiting for that for about 6 months. I need to remind the guys here to get on that.
Despite the recent negatives, life is good and I am healthy, happy and walking -- which is more than some people (although the stinkin snow could melt already!). My cat loves me, eventhough h
e often thinks my leg is a chew toy at the most inopportune times. Zach said the other day that he thinks I'm a lot happier with Twitch around. I don't really notice any difference, except that I'm careful when I put the chair leg down and when I come out of the bathroom. I have a great job, a great calling in the church and two great kids (even though I yell at them all the time ;p) My family is supportive and even wear the yellow and green when asked. Speaking of my Ducks, they represented themselves well at the national Championship. Go Ducks!!
e often thinks my leg is a chew toy at the most inopportune times. Zach said the other day that he thinks I'm a lot happier with Twitch around. I don't really notice any difference, except that I'm careful when I put the chair leg down and when I come out of the bathroom. I have a great job, a great calling in the church and two great kids (even though I yell at them all the time ;p) My family is supportive and even wear the yellow and green when asked. Speaking of my Ducks, they represented themselves well at the national Championship. Go Ducks!!Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Here's to a new year
Zach and I arrived safely (albeit a lot of turbulence) back in Salt Lake. Because of the weather, we stayed near the airport. We had some shopping to do the next day and it sounded like the roads were still really bad, so Zach and I spent New Year's Eve in Provo. Not probably how Zach wanted to spend the holiday, but as he said, "Whatever makes you the least stressed." Ah, what a good son. We made our way home on New Year's Day. Overall the roads weren't that bad -- a few sketchy spots on Hwy.6 over Soldier's Summit -- until we got to San Juan County. I don't think they know what a snow plow is here in this county, as the roads were snow covered and barely two wheel tracks all the way to San Juan. For once, everyone drove at a decent speed and the deer were nice enough to stay in the woods. When we got to town proper, only Main Street and Center Street were clear. Our street was completely snow packed. I had Zach call our neighbor on our way home and he was nice enough to shovel out our driveway for us -- which was good, considering we had gotten about two feet of snow.
It's good to be home, although it seems that I have come down with a slight cold. Argh! I have sniffles, sore throat, etc. School is back in full swing. The 2nd quarter ended on Dec. 23, so grades and such are done. Zach did "ok", but not as good as I would have liked. He got 2 Cs, 2 As and 2 Bs. The third quarter is now underway and I'm preparing for a busy couple of months. I'm having a meeting tomorrow about the regional drama competition that will occur in late March, and then on both Friday and Monday, I'm having auditons for the upcoming musical "Little Shop of Horrors" that we will perform Feb. 24, 25, 26, 28 and 29. I'm a little hesitant and scared about my first on-my-own production, but I'm really exicted, too. I have a great and energetic student as my student director. She's already started drawing up plans for the puppet, which has gotten me even more excited. I hope it goes well, but am pretty confident it will be a great production.
Zach has three new classes: home ec, P.E. and study hall. He chose to drop Spanish and take study hall, instead. I think extra time to study will be a good thing. He's actually pretty excited about home ec, too. Must be all the girls. He's still working on his scout stuff, in fact, I need to get him a new book because he left his last one in someone's truck or house.
It's good to be home, although it seems that I have come down with a slight cold. Argh! I have sniffles, sore throat, etc. School is back in full swing. The 2nd quarter ended on Dec. 23, so grades and such are done. Zach did "ok", but not as good as I would have liked. He got 2 Cs, 2 As and 2 Bs. The third quarter is now underway and I'm preparing for a busy couple of months. I'm having a meeting tomorrow about the regional drama competition that will occur in late March, and then on both Friday and Monday, I'm having auditons for the upcoming musical "Little Shop of Horrors" that we will perform Feb. 24, 25, 26, 28 and 29. I'm a little hesitant and scared about my first on-my-own production, but I'm really exicted, too. I have a great and energetic student as my student director. She's already started drawing up plans for the puppet, which has gotten me even more excited. I hope it goes well, but am pretty confident it will be a great production.
Zach has three new classes: home ec, P.E. and study hall. He chose to drop Spanish and take study hall, instead. I think extra time to study will be a good thing. He's actually pretty excited about home ec, too. Must be all the girls. He's still working on his scout stuff, in fact, I need to get him a new book because he left his last one in someone's truck or house.
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