One-Act Wrap Up

First off, I want to say how proud I was of you guys on Saturday. Later Jen Jen and I both commented that we wished we'd taped that first rehearsal so we could see how far our performances had come. We tackled a tough piece, enough said. Plus, Mr. Carter didn't clobber us in the verbal critique, which was a great reward [relief] in itself. He had some pretty constructive suggestions (and isn't that part of the reason we keep doing this theatre thing?). I'd privately hoped for a top 5 place (why not?), especially after seeing the first show -- the one on Prince Charming and marriage counseling (what?). So, even though I don't want to focus on rankings (the idea of competitive, ranked art at the mercy of three random subjective judges rankles me) I was satisfied with our overall result. I know, I know... theatre competes for the Tony, Obie and a slew of other awards. Disliking competitive art is a personal hangup, I suppose. I prefer art for art's sake, with an honest evaluation of the effort and overall performance result.

Nevertheless, we saw some extremely solid productions. The physicality, in-the-moment intense concentration and articulation in the Moliere piece will stick with me for some time (I still think if somebody had to win, it should've been them). I'm still chewing on the Tom Stoppard piece (the orchestra in the asylum), and although I didn't think character development there was as strong as a 2nd place finish demands, I was very impressed with the chorus. How many kids in that show had no lines but still gave the scene on stage their undivided attention? That impressed me ... Who knows? I bet other casts appreciated some of our strengths too.

I am planning to attend the state one-act festival next Thursday; I'd like to see what the top 8 productions in the state look like. I've already got some ideas kicking around for next year...

I took some time to carefully digest the critiques (so Elizabeth's mirror has some basis afterall!) More on that later. (here)

We've decided to temporarily postpone auditions (let's take a week-long break, and allow the kids in Tairy Fales to catch their breath as well). I thought I'd shared that with everybody on the bus, but didn't get a chance to update the calendar. Sorry if it caused any confusion. I am looking forward to starting work on the spring show. Keep in mind that due to the calendar confusion with Prom, Kixters, spring break, Easter weekend and who knows what else, that our production schedule is TWO WEEKS shorter than the fall play. We'll need to commit ourselves right away to successful rehearsals!

Again, great performance, guys. It makes my job -- working with you -- so wonderfully worthwhile.

Mapquest Directions to Detroit Lakes

We leave from FRANKLIN Performing Arts Center at 6:30 Saturday morning.
We're at the Historic Holmes Theater, NOT at the high school. The first performance is scheduled for 9:15 - 9:3o, after opening remarks. Brainerd is scheduled to perform at 1:30.
Note: arrive early. Late-comers will not be seated and the schedule may be slightly off due to shorter performances earlier in the day.
Admission: $4 students, $6 adults.
Directions to Detroit Lakes are below.

Driving Directions from Highway 210 W & State Hwy 371, Baxter, MN to Historic Holmes Theater, 826 Summit Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN

Map in DL to the Historic Holmes Theater: 218-844-7469

And that's your weekend update...

The one-act is finally coming together. We're fine-tuning those last character bits. I have no doubt that we'll be ready, especially if we can hang on to that in-the-moment intensity. I can't wait to see the show from the house with a live audience. The tech build took a bit longer than I thought it would this weekend, but is pulling together nicely. As usual, Matt is a design genius. A HUGE thanks to everybody who stopped by and spent some time in the shop -- it made the work go so much faster! Jen Jen Dens is now officially a techie rockstar.

Speaking of in-the-moment intensity, two moments this weekend where I laughed the hardest were only loosely related to rehearsal. The first was rounding everybody up after a quick break... the looks on your faces -- had I not walked right back out, I probably would have peed my pants in convulsive laughter.
The second: "Ok, when she leaves Peter and walks into the house, let her give you all a French kiss... ummm, no, wait, Ann! Ann! I meant the 2-cheek kind!"
You guys make me smile.

On a business-like note: stick with the calendar on my door -- the Webcalendar server was down and I haven't had a chance to update it...
Tech run-throughs with Matt Monday and Tuesday @ 3:30 at Franklin. Full cast to Franklin by 3:45. Rehearsals from 4 - 6.

Production Crew

We need some tech help during the run of the show, during the setup and strike (we have a 10 minute limit!) and beforehand. Matt plans to build the set in a day -- specifically Saturday Jan. 21. We know that may be ice-fest day (if Gull Lake doesn't melt)... but we could use your help.

Time committments:

• Set construction (an hour or a few) / scenic painting
• Rehearsal for the load-in (set up) of the set -- 2 practices during week of Jan. 23
• Run of the show -- in Detroit Lakes January 28 -- we'll leave here around 7:00 a.m., back after awards ceremony and dinner on the way home. I know, I know... I wouldn't schedule such an early departure if we didn't have to register for the day by 8:30!

Here's the list of folks who have offered to help out with the one-act:

Jennifer Dens
Patrick Stenglein
Mackenzie Paradeis
Celina Dobson
Becca Dornan
Nicole Millette
Kim Miller
Kate Stevenson

We still have space for two additional theatrefreaks to make the roster.

If you've talked to me and your name isn't on the list, I goofed -- see me again! Space is limited if you want to be a part of the crew, but if the roster fills up, we may still find some space for spectators (aka freeloaders) on the bus. (Bus Freeloaders and others must pay admission to the contest : $4 for students, $6 for adults.)

So I'm out looking for Max's military uniform, and I stumble across this place. Who knew you could surf to a surplus store and they'd have a link on weapons? Scary!



Dresses. Ordered. Yea! Pammy / Arielle / Katy / Tara / Ginny

BTW: Matt's stage concept is WAY COOL NEATO.-- SET CONSTRUCTION for one-act is planned for SATURDAY JAN 21.

Guadaloupe widescreen from the French Antilles

Very cool virtual tour of a plantation resort.

Research This Music Crept by Me...

So what exactly is La Desirade?
A tropical paradise... part of the Guadaloupe archipelago -- La Desirade is still the island that is mostly uninhabited, and unspoiled by modern tourism. La Desirade is part of the FRENCH West Indies... (click on this link to find another brief note and some wonderful images).

Or, you could simply do a Google search on French Antilles (note these island chains are controlled by both the French and the Dutch (Netherlands) -- the images are similar, but if you want to be precise, focus on islands controlled by the French).

Judging Criteria

So how exactly does the state judge whether or not we have a good one-act? That, my friends is an eye-opener. Follow these links for the real criteria... MSHSL Judge's Critique Sheet.

Oh, and you can check out all sorts of details at the MSHSL one-act web page.

Rehearsal Comments

Feel free to offer up thoughts, feelings, new discoveries etc. under this heading. works best if we all identify ourselves -- of course, as with anyting else in my life (our lives), honesty is good. My hope is that the actor-director-student-teacher-person-person relationship is one where you feel like you could say anything here in person. I do my best to operate that way, and hope that you feel the same.