Congratulations to all actors from JK to Grade 7 who participated in either or both productions.
Overall you did a great job and gave great performances!
My apologies for not posting blogs from May 4th to May 25th.
We were deep in the throes of rehearsals going over our blocking, our diction, our positions, our backstage behaviour, our curtain call orders, our bowing, etc.
Costumes - all children received either a letter home (Grades: JK to 3) or I spoke with parents personally (Grades: 4-7).
Middle School: Most of you, in fact about 98% pulled through with borrowed bed sheets, or Mom's skirts, or sister's shoes, Dad's shirts, Grandmother's aprons, your own dresses, or new purchases of hats and suspenders, etc. A very very small group in the Middle school, did not do as told, and hence the consequence of looking a little out of place. You know who you are: try harder next time to pay attention when costumes are discussed in class. You're getting older and the responsiblity is to fall more and more on your shoulders to remember what to do and when to do it.
All children had the following drilled into them over the year. Some retained the information and it was obvious in their wonderful performances, others - nerves, jitters, absent-mindedness or forgetfulness got the better of them. Some just refuse to do as requested, and this was obvious on stage too.
Just a few stage reminders for whenever you find yourself performing:
PIED PIPER:
JK's the children - most looked adorable; handled themselves very well; followed through on their actions. The circle dance was sweet.
SK's the rats - you were wonderfully annoying and everyone made it into the river. Great job!
Grade 1 and 2 the children and townspeople - most of you finally stayed in character; had the appropriate facial expressions; did things on cue. Some did not - didn't look great. Try harder next time.
Grade 3
- the circle dance was very sweet and on cue! Wonderful!
- if there is a microphone: GET CLOSE TO IT; USE IT
- if there is no microphone: project loudly
- stay in character at all times - those who act look great; those who are too embarrassed, look silly
- learn your lines; practise with someone who understands the words if you do not
- read the ENTIRE script! You need to know what goes on around you, not just your lines
- take your time; be slow and deliberate in your movements and speaking roles; let your moment in the spotlight last!
- overall, a very good job! Give yoursevles a round of applause!
JULIUS CAESAR - Grade 4, 5, 6, and 7
- you did it! you finally let my yelling of directions sink in and you did it!
- you were audible (loud) because you projected
- you were clear because of your "fluency in reading exercises" and your SLOWING down
- you knew your blocking
- you cooperated on stage
- you knew your lines
- you took your time
- you made your movements deliberate
- you dealt with unexepected obstacles like seasoned performers
- you were even quiet backstage
- you were great!
- take another BOW!
A huge thank you goes out to my apprentice crew:
- to Adrianna and Josiah for keeping everyone where they were to be, and for writing it all down in the BOOK and on the backstage posters in big black letters; also for your intro and thank you
- to Sara for the music, choreography, and lunchtime practices that the little ones thought were playtime
- to Evan and Kyle C. for my magic portal door in the mountain
- to Jude and Adrian and their team for props and their constant setting up and taking down
- to Adil and Sara for posters and your attempt at a press release
- to Sara for compliling the names for the program
- to Cadance and Evan for keeping everyone quite in the wings
- to Keianna, Paul, and Arielle for the river
- to Cadance and her Mother for contribution of props
- to Keianna and Sara for helping to figure out costumes
- to Alyssa, Cadance, Daniel M., Kyle T., Damien, and Rory for your help on stage
- to Tito and KingsLi for your help backstage
A big thank you goes out to the teachers for accommodating endless run throughs.
Another thank you to our four Moms for their help with the mountain, costumes, and make-up.
Overall, we had wonderful performances - take another BOW!
Regards,
Mrs. Deras
