What's On Stage March 5

Rehearsal time this Thursday - last rehearsal before March Break.

Thursday Lunch:  

• There Is Love in the Gym
• Twinderella Opening in the Great Hall

Thursday After School - Part 1 - Immediately After:

• Cinderella Do This, Bob Do That in the Gym
• Stroke of 12 (Gods only) in the Music Room
• Rest of cast eat snack in Grade 2 Room

Thursday After School - Part 2 - At 4 pm

• Full cast in the Gym
• BEPs and Celebration

GREAT PROGRESS and WHAT'S ON STAGE

HOLY SMOKES - THE KIDS HAVE BEEN AMAZING!!!!!


First and foremost, I am so proud of our Twinderella Team.!  And so is Mrs. Will!  The cast keeps getting better and better and our stage crew is responsible and amazing.  So too are our parents - they show a lot of  support - and special thanks this week to parents who have brought their kids in for the extra special rehearsals with me.  What a treat to work with your kids in this manner.  That time has really been beneficial. 


Second, if you can believe it, our opening night is only a month and half away!!!  We are in a fabulous place.   But rehearsals are important and participation by all the cast and crew important.  Try your best to get there.   And cast - even if you have everything memorized - practice - PRACTICE!


Third, I do apologize for not putting a post on the blog  last week - things have also been busy for me at work at the university.   But all is good again.


I.            What's On Stage This Week


Monday, February 27
·      Special morning rehearsal with Meg and Dr. B in the library
·      Lunch rehearsal King, Queen, Duke, Duchess, Earl, Countess with Dr. B - location TBD.   Lauren, please stay with the DooWops.  You and I will catch up later.
·      Special after school rehearsal with Ross and Dr. B in the library or gym


Thursday, March 1
·      After School - FULL CAST REHEARSAL - Meet in Grade 2

·      Lunch rehearsal Stroke of 12 cast with Mrs. Will in the gym

Saturday, March 3
·      2:30 to 5:00 - FULL CAST FULL RUN REHEARSAL ON STAGE WITH PROPS.
This one of our most important rehearsals.   Be sure to let Mrs. Will know if you are not able to attend.   We appreciate your efforts to make this special rehearsal.  There may be some extra recess or lunch recess rehearsals with Mrs. Will - please listen carefully to morning announcements.


II.            Important Extra Info


This week and next, Mrs. Will is going to host special costume meetings with the cast to confirm the costumes fit and identify costumes parts we do not have. 


Congratulations to our grade 6 and 8 cast and crew members who did so well in the Track and Field Meet.  I am so proud of you!  Good luck to our grade 3 and 5 students who are in the Speech Day Celebrations - parents,  you would not believe the number of children in the cast and crew who are also finalists!  Watch on February 29 after the end-of-month assembly.


III.            Special Thanks


Special thanks to Mrs. Banko for her most wonderful art contributions to the set.  It is looking colorful and wonderful.


Special thanks to Mr. Montani, Mr. Selway, Mr. Anatoski, and Grandpa Bruce for  their contributions to the stage and set - parents, you will all be AMAZED at what these creative men have done.   I am so excited as I am sure you will be.


IV.            Last Words


Cast and crew - the journey is as important as the final product.   While I have no doubt the performances will be great, the process should be as fun and energizing (or even more so).   Remember this. 


All cast members - with fairly tales there is always lovey-dovey stuff.   Remember - you are ACTORS - you are pretending to be a part.   Nobody thinks otherwise - OK?  OK.  If someone thinks otherwise,  I think they may be foolish. 


Cast, I rather you GO BIG THAN GO SMALL with your characters.  BIG voice.  BIG facial expressions.   BIG movements.   BIG characterization.  Go BIG or go HOME.  Its easier to go smaller if you are too big than to keep asking you to go bigger if you are too small.   Remember - I will never have you look foolish on stage.   I promise.


Cheers,


Melissa Brouwers

What's On Stage February 6 to February 11

THIS WEEK ON STAGE (note CHANGES for Saturday rehearsal).

Morning recesses to practice lines (no singing or dancing):

• Monday morning - cast to finish the last part of Scene 2.
• Tuesday morning - cast with individual speaking lines in Scene 3.
• Wednesday morning - cast with individual speaking lines in Scene 4.
• Thursday morning - cast with individual speaking lines in Scene 5.

Tuesday lunch (12:50 to 1:30):

• Stroke of 12 singers and dancers with Mrs. Will

Thursday After School:

• Full Cast.  We will be doing Scenes 3, 5, first few pages of Scene 1, and the Black Eyed Peas song.  We will not be doing Scene 4 until Saturday.

Saturday afternoon (3:00 to 4:30 - sign in begins at 2:50):

• We will rehearse Scene 4, Scene 2, Parts of Scene 1, and Scene 5 (time permitting)
• NEW:  The full cast is required with the following exceptions: cast members who are playing a Subject (those with no "Lady" or "Sir" designation) or a Child (in Scene 1) are NO LONGER required on Saturday.  We will finish rehearsing all of your parts on Thursday after school.
• Mrs. Will will be sending out a separate note inquiring about availability of some cast members to come earlier in the afternoon to practice songs.  Stay tuned for that e-mail.

Looking forward to another creative week.   Keep practicing at home kids!

Best Rehearsal Yet - REPOST!

Today you were all marvelous.  I love that you mostly know your lines and your blocking and your songs and your dancing.....bravo!  Work towards 100%  Special mention:
- Samantha and Quincy - when you sing together - it is GREAT.
- Ross - you carried the tune very well and did very well with the mic.
- Doowops - I love the dance moves.
- Gods - great first go with the song and the mics.  Sounding very nice.
- Royals - I love your attitude coming on and off the stage.
- Princess - terrific attitude.
- King - you are a hoot when you dance.
- Children - you are SO expressive.   Keep it up.
- Subjects and Nobles - the BEP tune is coming along wonderfully.
- In my original post - I forgot to do another special mention - the STEPS - the steps were hilarious!
Congratulations on a terrific day.

WHAT'S ON STAGE WEEKS OF JANUARY 30 to FEBRUARY 11

We have a very busy schedule for the next two weeks.  Some additional morning recess rehearsals and lunch time rehearsals have been added.   Download the attachment marked:
What's On Stage Jan 30 to Feb 11

The schedule is also posted on the Twinderella bulletin board and it has been e-mailed to families.

REMINDER:  Female cast members, please bring in a labelled well-fitted hair band THIS WEEK that can be used to build part of your costume.   Stepmom, stepdaughters, queen, countess, princess, storytellers and Cinderella, your hair piece will be quite large and heavier.   The larger, wider plastic style hair bands would probably be most appropriate.

AMAZING THEATRE EXTRAVAGANZA EXPERIENCE

What a treat to watch the grades 5 to 8 productions on Thursday evening.   Each of the grades shined and you folks were particularly spectacular.

GRADE 5s - Lorna, Mackenzie, Sydni, Lauren, Sydney, Marion and Rowan - you and your class did a great job.   I loved that your lines were memorized - I could hear each of you.   Some excellent action scenes too.   The set and costumes were so creative - you used those things to your advantage.  Terrific.

GRADE 6s - Aislin, Avery, Janell, Gina, Zach, Nathaniel Samantha and Jack - you and your class did a wonderful show.   I loved how each of you played such a unique character and that each of you really got into the character you played.  It kept things wonderfully fun and entertaining.

GRADE 7s -  Quincy, Jessica June, Emma, Lauren, Jessica, and Christine - you and your class were marvelous.   Great stage presence, style and delivery.   I loved that you all knew your lines and your blocking and used the space on the stage so well.   You kept the pace moving very, very well.

GRADE 8s - Philip, Ross, Cuinn, Meghan, Emily, Shaela, and Luke.  You and your class did a hilarious show - I laughed so much, I almost peed my pants.  I love that none of you were self-conscious - you grabbed onto the moment and went for it!

To all of you, use the lessons from your Theatre Extravaganza experience, and apply them to Twinderella:

• know your lines - know them inside and out - backwards and forwards - be confident 
• know your blocking - know where to go, how to get there, when to leave - be confident
•  project your voice - you want your audience to hear everything - you need to project toward the back wall of the gym - aim your voice that far back -  but do not scream your lines
•  enunciate - speak clearly - exaggerate your efforts - what might sound funny and over the top if you were having a regular conversation is what you need for a big audience in a gym to hear you
• get into character - think about your character and just go for it - are you sweet?  smart?   understated?  evil?   funny?  complex?   simple?  some combination of the above?    know the story behind your character and know how the character is feeling - show these things throughout your performance
•  deliver your character and deliver the story - do not be self conscious - think about how you can play with the audience and entertain them
•  most important - have fun - if you enjoy being on stage, if you enjoy your character - your audience picks up on all of that energy and will enjoy you

WELCOME BACK - HAPPY 2012

HAPPY 2012 TWINDERELLA-ITES,


1.  Look on links page for the Second Term rehearsal schedule.   There are no significant differences from the version distributed in September but it has a few more details added.    ACTION:  Cast members, please review the schedule with your parents and have them e-mail Mrs. Will any rehearsals you are not able to attend.


2.  What Is On This Week?


Wednesday Lunch.   
Meeting with Dr. B and the Assistant Stage Managers.


Thursday After School.   
We will be doing a FULL RUN without the songs or dancing.   All students who have lines are required to be there.   All students are invited to attend - this will be the first time you can see the whole show from start to finish.


Saturday Afternoon (3-4:30).   Singing rehearsal.   
Required cast members are:

               Royal family (King, Queen, Prince, Princess)

               Royals (Duke, Duchess, Earl, Countess)

               Cinderella and Bob

               Storytellers

               Stepfamily members (stepdad, Mortimer, Eggbert, stepmom, Ethel, Esmerelda)

               Godmother, Godfather

               Doowop Singers and Jiving Jerome

The afternoon will unfold as follows:

2:50

   Sign-in begins in the Great Hall.  From there, please go to the gym.

3:00
   Review of rehearsal session with Ms. Landoni and Dr. B.

3:05
   With Dr. B in Music Room - cast involved in Stroke of 12
   With Ms. Landoni in Gym - cast involved in There is Love AND Celebration (solo bits)

3:35
   Everyone in Gym to perform bits to each other

3:45
   With Ms. Landoni and Dr. B in Gym- Twinderella opening

4:00
   Royal family, Royals, Storytellers, Gods, Doowops, and Jiving Jerome may leave.
   With Ms. Landoni in the Music Room - cast involved in Cinderella Do This, Bob Do That 

   With Dr. B in the Gym - cast involved in You Got Work To Do (original with girls and reprise with boys)  

4:30   Rehearsal completed.   Pick up children. 

Happy Holidays Twinderella Folks

The first term is over as are half of the practices.   We are in a very good place.   We are very proud of everyone involved in the show.  Over the holidays:


a)  Practice lines, songs, dancing and cues.  We want all cast members to be COMPLETELY off-book by first rehearsal back.  We are already very close - let's keep everything going in this direction.
b)  Cast members with solos, duets, and trios - please do a few extra practices WITH the CD - instrumental version.   
c)  Each cast member is asked to think about and review his or her part from the beginning of the show to the end.  Think about your entrances and exists off stage in between scenes.   If something is wrong with the flow, please let Dr. B know at first rehearsal back.
d)  Think about the character.  Work on developing a really neat portrayal of the person you play - are you funny, silly, smart, simple, complex, angry, or a mixture of all of those bits?  When you practice your lines - ACT them - don't just say the words.


Have a GREAT holiday season, kids.  See you in January.

What's On Stage the Week of December 5

What's On Stage?


On Thursday after school, we will be rehearsing Scene 4.   It will be our first time off-book.   Actors, if you need help reviewing your lines or blocking, please see Mrs. Will or the SASMs before Thursday.


Cast members who sing solos, duets, or trios - please try to practice ONCE per week - see Mrs. Will with your plan.


Everyone is doing an AMAZING JOB - keep working on lines, blocking, singing, dancing, and creating your character.   

Congratulations & What's On Stage Week of November 28

Congratulations:
Mrs. Will, Ms. Landoni and Dr. B were very pleased with how well the cast and SASMs did with the Scene 1 off-book rehearsal.   A really good job gals and guys.   We are so pleased with how well you have learned your lines and blocking!!  The opening number is looking very festive.   Some outstanding acting and top notch singing.   Thanks Jessica and Emily for really great leadership as stage managers.    Director notes will be posted on the bulletin board and the blog - stay tuned - and please review!


What's On Stage This Week?
Thursday After School:  FULL Cast.  Scene 2 Off-Book.   
Scene 2 is long, there is a lot acting, the dancing is demanding,  and there are many songs - but we know you are all up to this challenge.   All students are asked to be in the gym by 3:50 (10 minutes early) - so please eat snack quickly.
There is likely to be a recess rehearsal and lunch time rehearsal.   Listen for details at flag announcements and look for updates posted on the blog. 

Mrs. Will will help you!

Learning lines can be fun! I am available before school on Days 1, 2 and 3, mid-morning recess on Days 1, 2 and 3 and after school often. If you would like help, come ask me. I LOVE practising. Remember, too, that if you're singing a duet or trio piece, come find me any Day 1 or 3 mid-morning recess for practice time.

You're a great cast!

- Mrs. Will

WHAT'S ON STAGE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 21 - NEW CHOREOGRAPHY NOTES

WHAT'S ON STAGE. 

• Thursday After School - Review of Scene 1.   It is our first "off book" rehearsal.   The Subjects are not required - you have the week off.
• Also, Mrs. Will may be asking some cast members to practice a dancing number during a lunch recess this week.
• Cast members who have duos and trios - please find ONE 15 minute period to practice your song with your partner(s).  Report on the blog!    

DANCING NOTES.

The Black Eyed Peas tune.    We made some excellent progress on the BEP choreography.   You were all very very patient!!!    If you are a step, bob, cinderella, or a royal (except for king and queen) - your special solo component has been modified to make it easier.  There are detailed choreography notes.  Go to Important Links, download and review.   Please bring these notes the next time the song is practiced.   Remember, the choreography we have learned to date (common arm movements, etc) is the support for what is happening in the middle.

Black Eyed Peas Choreograph - Ready For Download - New Link

Summary of the choreography for the Black Eyed Peas tune is now available to download.   Go to IMPORTANT LINKS (right hand side of screen).

GETTING OFF SCRIPT - but we have speeches, we have projects, we have sooooo much homework!

Cast - we know its a busy time at school and outside of school.
We know some of you are just beginning to try and learn your lines.  But we ALSO know you can do it.


You DO NOT have to learn the ENTIRE script by November 24.   
Look at the rehearsal schedule.  Beginning November 24 we are doing Scene 1.  And then we are doing 1 or two scenes each week until  holiday break.


Chunk up the play - take a section at a time.   Learn those parts you need for the next rehearsal.   Over the holidays, spend a few minutes now and again to bring it all together.   
  

Make learning your lines not one huge project.  But rather a series of tiny goals.   Good luck!   Let us know if we can help.

This was an extra post.  Make sure you have checked Saturday and Sunday posts too, please.

Saturday Rehearsal - What's On Stage Week Of November 14 - Special House Points

SATURDAY
Fabulous rehearsal cast and crew!   Excellent progress - scene 3 is hilarious - singing in scene 4 is fabulous - and the Celebration song is great great great.   You should be really proud - we love what we see.   And super thanks for Emily B for keeping us on track.
WHATS ON STAGE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 14
Thursday Lunch:   Cast members who sing and dance in "There Is Love" - this is the tune that happens after the Black Eyed Peas.   Cast required:   King and Queen, Prince and Princess, Bob and Cinderella, 
Storyteller 1 and 2, Duchess and Duke, Countess and Earl & Steps (all of them boys and girls).
Thursday After School:  Full cast.   Black Eyed Peas and (if time) Celebration.
Also - please check out the blog entry from yesterday.  Special reminder and request for cast members who have duets or trios.   See if your name is on the list.
SPECIAL HOUSE POINTS
We forgot to recognize the following characters who provided a character entry on the blog - great job folks:  Bob, Duchess, Nicolette, Princess, Mandi, Countess, Queen, King, Storyteller 1, Storyteller 2, Prince, Ethel, and Vicki!!   Each of you get 3 extra house points - Mrs. Will and Dr. B will be keeping track of these special points for you.   Loved your entries.

Duets & Trios - Private Rehearsals

Calling on:

• Storyteller 1 and Storyteller 2 (Twinderella opening)
• Cinderella and Bob (Cinderella Do This, Bob Do That)
• Godmom and Goddad (Stroke of 12)
• Stepmom and sisters (You Got Work To Do)
• Stepdad and brothers (You Got Work To Do, Reprise)

Please find one 15 minute period once a week from now until winter holidays to practice your duet or trio.   Please negotiate and get permission from Mrs. Will with your plan.
Please have one of you post on the blog each week you have done a practice and let us know how it went.

Cheers

48 Hour Opportunity - WHO ARE YOU - ITS TIME TO DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER OR ROLE

Twinderella Crew and Cast,


Between now and Friday at 5 pm, we are looking to hear from you.    


If you are a CAST member:  post the name of your character and between 3 and 5 interesting point-form facts about your character.  It could be something from the play itself or something you come up with that would describe your character.   If you play more than one character, choose one of them.


If you are a SASM:  post your first name and between 3 and 5 interesting point-form activities that describe your job.


Read each other's posts.  Everyone will be acknowledged for their effort - learn more about what this means on Saturday.


Cheers!

What's On Stage: Week of November 6 AND New Downloads

Posts:   New Downloads & Big Rehearsal Week
1.   NEW DOWNLOADS
There are some important new downloads under our links section.
a.  Helpful hints to memorizing lines.   Remember, off-book day is fast approaching.   Starting November 24, all cast need to have lines, lyrics and blocking memorized.  Helpful hints are now available.b
b.  Celebration (chorus lyrics and musical score) and Twinderella Finale (lyrics) are now available for download.   We will be learning these tunes this week.
c.  Do not forget, the rewrite to Scene 2 is now available for download.
2.   REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 6.  
a.  Monday, November 7 AT LUNCH:   FULL CAST   We will be learning the tune, Celebration and reviewing the Twinderella tune (scene 5 version) in the Great Hall.
b.  Thursday, November 10 AT LUNCH:  FULL CAST   Black Eyed Peas Grand Ball Room tune.   Practice Dancing.   Please listen to morning announcements for location.  It will be in the Gym or the Great Hall.
c.  Thursday, November 10 AFTER SCHOOL:  FULL CAST   Block Scene 5.
d.  Saturday, November 12.  3 pm to 4:30 pm.   FULL CAST (Stage Managers and Choreographers start time at 2 pm). Scenes 3 to 5.   We have received regrets from Janell, Emma B, Marion, and Christine S.   If there are others who are not able to come, please e-mail Mrs. Will by Monday.    We will be sending a detailed breakdown of the rehearsal later in the week.  

What's On Stage Week of October 31 AND New Document for Download

REHEARSALS THIS WEEK

Thursday at Lunch:  

Singing Rehearsal for We Got Work To Do.  Needed are Stepfamilies, Bob and Cinderella.   Please meet in the Great Hall.

Thursday After School:

Blocking Scene 4.  Needed are Storytellers, King and Queen, Duke and Duchess, Count and Countess, Prince and Princess, Bob and Cinderella, Lou, Old Matilda, and Step Families.

Gods, Nobles, and Subjects have the week off.

IMPORTANT - REWRITE OF SCENE 2 NOW AVAILABLE UNDER LINKS 

Pages related to the introduction of Black Eyed Peas song (Scene 2) are now available.   The new script and blocking has been written in.   EVERYONE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE GODS, NOBLES AND SUBJECTS NEEDS TO DOWNLOAD THIS SECTION.

Fabulous Saturday Rehearsal - Whats on Stage Week of October 24

Thanks to those kids who were able to attend the Saturday rehearsal and thanks for the parents for allowing them to come. An extremely productive time.

SOME KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Scene 2 - Cast you are remembering almost all the blocking - really good job.
• Stage Manager - You keep us completely organized - thank you thank you thank you.
• Subjects and Nobles - Outstanding progress on the big number.
• Step Families - What great acting.    I love your style and attitude.
• Royals and Steps in There is Love - Very proud of the handholding - even with giggles and blushing faces - you all held it together.
• Storytellers - Your opening number will be a riot!   I love your crazy vogue poses.
• Gods - Your major song is amazing!   Wow we have amazing soloists.
• Thanks to our choreographers - you are wonderful teachers and mentors.
• And thanks Mrs. Will - even with a bad cold, she kept on going.

TO BE POSTED ON THE BLOG OVER THE NEXT WEEK to 10 DAYS

• The changes in the script to Scene 2 leading up to the big number will be typed up (so you can read it).   It will be added to the links for download.   This will be important for the Nobles (family and the extended), Steps, Storytellers, etc..   Stay tuned.
• Doowops (this is the Pippas and Jiving Jerome) - Writing of new music is still underway.   
• Old Matilda - you will get your script this week (absolutely promise).
• Emma B, Gina M, and Max M - you will get copies of the big number CD so that you can work on your solo bits.

WEEK OF OCTOBER 24 - REHEARSALS


Thursday, October 27 After School:  Blocking of Scene 3.
Cast Required:  Royals, Steps, Bob&Cinderella, Gods, Sportscaster, Storyteller


LAST BUT NOT LEAST - OFF BOOK ON NOVEMBER 24 - LINES AND LYRICS