Happy Monday, everyone!
We hope everyone had an exciting weekend--because we certainly did! Auditions for The Music Man, Grease, and Around the World in 80 Days happened and were a huge success. Check out the cast lists:
The Music Man
Around the World in 80 Days
Grease
Congratulations to everyone; we can't wait to see these shows grow!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Balancing Acts: Managing School and Theater
It's almost fall, and everyone knows what that means: back to school! We can almost hear you groaning out there. Improv Playhouse is offering fall classes and productions to make the transition smoother! For our Libertyville schedule, click here and for our Highland Park schedule, click here.
Whether you perform with us, with your school, or another group, it isn't always easy to balance theater and school. Check out these tips on how to manage both from those of us who have lived through it too.
-Before you audition, make sure you know as many dates as possible when the show will require your presence. This includes rehearsals, tech, and the performance! (Generally, rehearsal schedules aren't completely finished by audition time, so just knowing the range of dates is the best you can do.) The better you understand the commitment, the better you understand what will be expected of you. Prepare wisely. And sometimes preparing wisely may mean you need to let something go!
-If you're in school and theater at the same time, that probably means you would prefer to spend every waking moment living, breathing, and eating theater. But don't forget that school is a priority! Make sure you're getting your homework done.
-Sometimes, if it's a full cast rehearsal, you won't be needed onstage the whole time. Fun as it is to talk with friends, instead you should bring your homework and get it done then! It's way better than staying up late--especially when you have school again the next day.
-The best way to focus both in school and in theater is to make sure you're getting enough sleep! It's hard to get theater kids to go to bed early, but it's one of the smartest things you can do to stay focused, energized, and healthy. Plan your schedule wisely to make sure you can be in bed at a reasonable hour.
-When you're busy, do you know what's just as important as giving your best to all your commitments? Relaxing! Make sure you give yourself time to watch TV, read a book, play a video game, or hang out with friends. You're no use to any of your commitments if you run yourself ragged.
We hope you'll be able to master this balancing act. Being a theater addict isn't always an easy life, but it's definitely a rewarding one. Take it from us--if you can pull it off, it will be worth it!
-Allie
Whether you perform with us, with your school, or another group, it isn't always easy to balance theater and school. Check out these tips on how to manage both from those of us who have lived through it too.
-Before you audition, make sure you know as many dates as possible when the show will require your presence. This includes rehearsals, tech, and the performance! (Generally, rehearsal schedules aren't completely finished by audition time, so just knowing the range of dates is the best you can do.) The better you understand the commitment, the better you understand what will be expected of you. Prepare wisely. And sometimes preparing wisely may mean you need to let something go!
-If you're in school and theater at the same time, that probably means you would prefer to spend every waking moment living, breathing, and eating theater. But don't forget that school is a priority! Make sure you're getting your homework done.
-Sometimes, if it's a full cast rehearsal, you won't be needed onstage the whole time. Fun as it is to talk with friends, instead you should bring your homework and get it done then! It's way better than staying up late--especially when you have school again the next day.
-The best way to focus both in school and in theater is to make sure you're getting enough sleep! It's hard to get theater kids to go to bed early, but it's one of the smartest things you can do to stay focused, energized, and healthy. Plan your schedule wisely to make sure you can be in bed at a reasonable hour.
-When you're busy, do you know what's just as important as giving your best to all your commitments? Relaxing! Make sure you give yourself time to watch TV, read a book, play a video game, or hang out with friends. You're no use to any of your commitments if you run yourself ragged.
We hope you'll be able to master this balancing act. Being a theater addict isn't always an easy life, but it's definitely a rewarding one. Take it from us--if you can pull it off, it will be worth it!
-Allie
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Ah-CHOO...oh no! Fighting sickness during a show
Everyone in theater has had that sinking feeling upon discovering a tickle in the back of the throat right before opening night. While it most noticeably affects actors, it's still no fun to need to blow your nose when pulling the curtain, to hold back a cough over the stage manager's headset, or to try not to sneeze while aiming the spotlight. And since an exhausting tech always comes before a show opens, it seems almost inevitable that the cast and crew can come down with the sniffles.
Here are some tips that come mom-approved to help you stay healthy for opening night!
-The most widely known way to fend off a cold is Vitamin C. Make sure you're getting a good amount by eating oranges, drinking orange juice, and, if you feel the cold starting, you can even take a Vitamin C supplement. Check here (http://www.webmd.com/
-Gargling with Listerine not only gives you good breath and a healthy mouth--it also kills cold germs! Swishing it around your mouth is the best way to get good breath, but make sure you spend some time gargling to get those germs in the back of your throat.-This one sounds the strangest of all, but pay attention: heat up a mug of water and pour about 1/4 teaspoon of salt into it. Stir it up and dip a Q-tip in. Rub the dipped Q-tip on the inside of one nostril. Use the other end of the Q-tip for the other nostril and repeat. (Make sure you get each nostril twice, each time with a new Q-tip end!) Then blow your nose (for bonus points, use the Kleenex antibacterial tissues)!
-If you have a scratchy throat (especially when you wake up in the morning), one of the best ways to calm it down is to drink tea with honey mixed in. Choose a flavor of tea that won't mix badly with honey (I recommend English Breakfast) and stir continuously while you drink. You don't want all that delicious honey to pool at the bottom!
-The number one way to fight a cold is to get enough sleep! I know it's useless to tell this to theater kids--sleep is hard to come by during rehearsals and tech week--but do everything you can to get at least 8 hours a night!But do you know the absolute best way to keep yourself healthy to start with? WASH YOUR HANDS!!! Tempting though it may be to reach into a common bag of chips during tech, remember that's how the germs latch on! (On a similar note, if you're the one who has a cold, please be courteous and wash your hands/use hand sanitizer as often as you can, especially after you blow your nose.)
Good luck getting better. It's awful to get a cold, but being in a show at the same time adds another level of horror that only theater kids understand!
-Allie
Here are some tips that come mom-approved to help you stay healthy for opening night!
-The most widely known way to fend off a cold is Vitamin C. Make sure you're getting a good amount by eating oranges, drinking orange juice, and, if you feel the cold starting, you can even take a Vitamin C supplement. Check here (http://www.webmd.com/
-Gargling with Listerine not only gives you good breath and a healthy mouth--it also kills cold germs! Swishing it around your mouth is the best way to get good breath, but make sure you spend some time gargling to get those germs in the back of your throat.
-If you have a scratchy throat (especially when you wake up in the morning), one of the best ways to calm it down is to drink tea with honey mixed in. Choose a flavor of tea that won't mix badly with honey (I recommend English Breakfast) and stir continuously while you drink. You don't want all that delicious honey to pool at the bottom!
-The number one way to fight a cold is to get enough sleep! I know it's useless to tell this to theater kids--sleep is hard to come by during rehearsals and tech week--but do everything you can to get at least 8 hours a night!
Good luck getting better. It's awful to get a cold, but being in a show at the same time adds another level of horror that only theater kids understand!
-Allie
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
What Do Theatre Majors Do?
Many of my students have expressed interest to me in becoming a professional actor someday, and furthering their theatre education by majoring in theatre when they reach college age. However, very few of them seem to really understand what that entails. In fact, I didn’t really myself until my parents and I started researching different schools. Below, you’ll find my account of what being a theatre major at Butler University is like. I hope this will help to demystify the world of higher theatre education.
To get into a theatre program, most colleges and universities require you to audition. You will perform one of two memorized monologues, depending on the school, and most likely interview with several professors, attend a theatre class or workshop, and meet with students already in the theatre program.
Once accepted, you will devote a great deal of time to performing in addition to your course load, which means that being a theatre major is very time consuming. You will probably be required to audition for a few mainstage shows per year, which are produced by the university and your professors. If you don’t make these productions—even if you do—you will most likely be required to do some sort of crew to help with the show. Crew hours can actually be very fun in addition to being extremely educational.
As first and second year theatre majors, younger students who don’t make mainstages often build up experience and establish reputations as good performers in student shows. These shows are directed and designed by students, but since your professors will almost always attend the performances of these shows, they’re a great way to get your face out there. They’re also a wonderful way to make friends.
If your school is by a big city, like Butler is, than you may also have to opportunity to audition at professional theatres, and begin your career as an actor while you are still in school. In addition, many students intern in fields such as stage management, artistic design, and dramaturgy.
When you aren’t working crew or rehearsing, you will be doing homework and preparing for classes. Most schools have academic requirements for all their students, including theatre majors, but you will also attend theatre classes. Courses include classes like Acting, Voice for the Actor (a study in elocution and projection), and Stage Movement (a practical study of how the actor can employ their body in their work), but also ones that focus on design elements like Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Production Fundamentals. While most theatre classes involve practical, hands-on work, students may find themselves behind desks, involved in classroom discussions with professors and fellow theatre majors in courses like the History of Theatre and the Idea of Theatre.
All in all, being a theatre major is hard work, but it is also incredibly rewarding. You become a part of a community of peers and make friends you will have for the rest of your life. Professors have so much to offer and serve as mentors who will shape the kind of actor and person you become. Don’t worry—if for some reason, you decide not to major in theatre, most schools allow non-majors to audition for many, if not all, shows. If you want to do theatre, you can always find a way!
Note: Musical theatre majors would have a different audition process and course load that of course includes singing and dancing lessons.
Guest blogger Shannon Campe is imProv Playhouse’s Resident Dramaturge. She has worked as both a teacher and an actress during her ten years at iP, where credits include The Glass Menagerie (Amanda), Blithe Spirit (Elvira), and Alice in Wonderland (Alice.) She is currently studying Theatre and Creative Writing at Butler University in Indianapolis.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Audition Secrets from the People Who Cast You...SHHH!
Auditions are scary, whether you’re a student actor, a theatre major, or a professional actor! An actor must learn a monologue, perform with a complete stranger, pick up a dance on the fly, or even sing a song, depending on what kind of show he or she is auditioning for. As an actor, I’ve always dreaded auditions, but as a teacher, I enjoy them. I love seeing what young performers have to bring to a production. To help keep nerves a bay, here are a few things to keep in mind when you audition, pulled from my own experience casting and being cast:
1) Attitude is everything. Directors want to work with actors who are cheerful, enthusiastic,
and helpful. Show the directors that you can be a team player by treating both them and
your fellow performers with the respect and compassion they deserve.
2) Be loud! Just because it’s not a performance doesn’t mean that you can be lazy with your
projection. If we can’t hear you, we won’t want you to cast you in a leading role.
3) Don’t apologize if you fumble a line or mess up a dance move. We know that you’re a
nervous and everyone makes mistakes. We would rather see you keeping trying—“The
show must go on!”
4) Be prepared. You will probably not be expected to have lines memorized for your audition,
but if you’ve been asked to prepared a monologue or a song, you should know that
monologue and/or song like the back of your hand. I also recommend knowing something
about the show going in, so that if you cold-read a scene, you have some idea of what it’s
about. If you continue acting at a college of professional level, they will most likely expect
you to have read the entire play beforehand!
5) Don’t be a gossip. This piece of advice ties very closely into number one. When another
performer is auditioning, you should be a quiet and respectful audience member. If you get
caught whispering with a friend or rolling your eyes during another actor’s audition, not
only does it have the potential to hurt that performer’s feelings, we directors will most likely
notice it, and it will negatively affect your chances.
6) Take care of yourself. Get a good night’s sleep the night before you audition, and make
sure you’ve had plenty to eat. Always bring a water to drink so that you are hydrated. Wear
comfortable clothes (especially if you have to dance) and shoes that won’t trip you up.
7) Most importantly, remember that the people casting you are most likely performers as
well, who understand how nerve-wracking auditions can be. We aren’t looking to pick your
performance apart; we want to see you succeed! In addition, we always hope that you will
enjoy the role we cast you in. A good director will never put you in a part to spite you or
hurt your feelings, and just because we don’t cast you in the lead doesn’t mean we don’t
like you or we didn’t enjoy your performance.
Break a leg!
Guest blogger Shannon Campe is imProv Playhouse’s Resident Dramaturge. She has worked as both a teacher and an actress during her ten years at iP, where credits include The Glass Menagerie (Amanda), Blithe Spirit (Elvira), and Alice in Wonderland (Alice.) She is currently studying Theatre and Creative Writing at Butler University in Indianapolis.
1) Attitude is everything. Directors want to work with actors who are cheerful, enthusiastic,
and helpful. Show the directors that you can be a team player by treating both them and
your fellow performers with the respect and compassion they deserve.
2) Be loud! Just because it’s not a performance doesn’t mean that you can be lazy with your
projection. If we can’t hear you, we won’t want you to cast you in a leading role.
3) Don’t apologize if you fumble a line or mess up a dance move. We know that you’re a
nervous and everyone makes mistakes. We would rather see you keeping trying—“The
show must go on!”
4) Be prepared. You will probably not be expected to have lines memorized for your audition,
but if you’ve been asked to prepared a monologue or a song, you should know that
monologue and/or song like the back of your hand. I also recommend knowing something
about the show going in, so that if you cold-read a scene, you have some idea of what it’s
about. If you continue acting at a college of professional level, they will most likely expect
you to have read the entire play beforehand!
5) Don’t be a gossip. This piece of advice ties very closely into number one. When another
performer is auditioning, you should be a quiet and respectful audience member. If you get
caught whispering with a friend or rolling your eyes during another actor’s audition, not
only does it have the potential to hurt that performer’s feelings, we directors will most likely
notice it, and it will negatively affect your chances.
6) Take care of yourself. Get a good night’s sleep the night before you audition, and make
sure you’ve had plenty to eat. Always bring a water to drink so that you are hydrated. Wear
comfortable clothes (especially if you have to dance) and shoes that won’t trip you up.
7) Most importantly, remember that the people casting you are most likely performers as
well, who understand how nerve-wracking auditions can be. We aren’t looking to pick your
performance apart; we want to see you succeed! In addition, we always hope that you will
enjoy the role we cast you in. A good director will never put you in a part to spite you or
hurt your feelings, and just because we don’t cast you in the lead doesn’t mean we don’t
like you or we didn’t enjoy your performance.
Break a leg!
Guest blogger Shannon Campe is imProv Playhouse’s Resident Dramaturge. She has worked as both a teacher and an actress during her ten years at iP, where credits include The Glass Menagerie (Amanda), Blithe Spirit (Elvira), and Alice in Wonderland (Alice.) She is currently studying Theatre and Creative Writing at Butler University in Indianapolis.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Stage Fright!
As many of you are aware, last week Improv Playhouse had the honor of hosting the revered Hollywood acting coach Diane Christiansen. I've known about this annual event since I started here about two months ago, but I didn't really know what it would be like. As the time got closer, excitement built and the registrations continued to fly in. I had an inkling that this might be big news.
For those of you who are learning about this for the first time, this set of week-long workshops were for children, teenagers, and adults. Diane was to provide professional tips for acting and auditioning (because you certainly can't work on a part if you can't land said part) in individual workshops for each age group and then coach them through a combined workshop and a showcase for family, friends, and invited agents. Diane is no small-time coach, either: her credentials come in the form of actors placed on almost every TV show imaginable and many movies. This includes Lost, Glee, Arrested Development, and recently Hailee Steinfeld, the 16-year-old Oscar nominee and general scene-stealer in 2010's True Grit. Both my and Keanu Reeves' reactions were simple: Woah.
I was all set to be Diane's assistant the first two nights and was looking forward to watching her in awe while she was in her element. Then I found out I needed to drive her to and from her hotel on the second night. My first reaction was of course willingness to help out, but then I got nervous. I'd be spending a good amount of time alone with a famous Hollywood acting coach. What would I say? What would I do? What if I got us lost even with my GPS? What should I wear? What if I smell bad? What if she jumps from my car at highway speeds and catches a cab to avoid my inane conversation? She seemed very nice on the first night, so I had no rational basis for my nervousness, but rationality is not necessarily a specialty of Theater majors.
I left my house with plenty of time to spare--partially to claw my way through rush hour and a number of stoplights being out from the freak storm of the day before, and partially so I could get my jitters out in a normal way (which of course consisted of singing along with various showtunes at the top of my lungs). I arrived at the hotel in one piece and very early, called Diane to let her know I was ready whenever she was (but of course to take as much time as she needs), and settled in the lobby to hold my book in front of me while my eyes darted all over. After a few minutes I heard a kind "Hello, Allie!" and was thanked for the ride with a hug to boot.
Well, this didn't seem so scary. I had thought up a few conversation starters in preparation for the ride, but found myself with no need for them. Not only was Diane incredibly friendly and conversational, she was genuinely interested in me and the stories I had to tell. Of the two of us, I firmly believe she is the more interesting one, so I was floored that she was so amiable. By the end of the night, we had learned quite a lot about each other, gone out for a delicious snack at Mickey Finn's with Tony, and shared an inside joke. She was kind enough to give me some pointers and we're even friends on Facebook.
My point, I suppose, is that I'm quite happy to dismantle a portion of the stereotype that people from Hollywood are elitist snobs. Diane was not only an excellent resource to the aspiring actors and actresses of Improv Playhouse, but she is an incredibly fun person as well. I was even disappointed that I wasn't able to assist with the rest of the workshops. But that's what next year is for.
-Allie
Are you interested in taking Diane's workshop next year? Join the Improv Playhouse mailing list by emailing office@improvplayhouse.com to be kept updated!
For those of you who are learning about this for the first time, this set of week-long workshops were for children, teenagers, and adults. Diane was to provide professional tips for acting and auditioning (because you certainly can't work on a part if you can't land said part) in individual workshops for each age group and then coach them through a combined workshop and a showcase for family, friends, and invited agents. Diane is no small-time coach, either: her credentials come in the form of actors placed on almost every TV show imaginable and many movies. This includes Lost, Glee, Arrested Development, and recently Hailee Steinfeld, the 16-year-old Oscar nominee and general scene-stealer in 2010's True Grit. Both my and Keanu Reeves' reactions were simple: Woah.
I was all set to be Diane's assistant the first two nights and was looking forward to watching her in awe while she was in her element. Then I found out I needed to drive her to and from her hotel on the second night. My first reaction was of course willingness to help out, but then I got nervous. I'd be spending a good amount of time alone with a famous Hollywood acting coach. What would I say? What would I do? What if I got us lost even with my GPS? What should I wear? What if I smell bad? What if she jumps from my car at highway speeds and catches a cab to avoid my inane conversation? She seemed very nice on the first night, so I had no rational basis for my nervousness, but rationality is not necessarily a specialty of Theater majors.
I left my house with plenty of time to spare--partially to claw my way through rush hour and a number of stoplights being out from the freak storm of the day before, and partially so I could get my jitters out in a normal way (which of course consisted of singing along with various showtunes at the top of my lungs). I arrived at the hotel in one piece and very early, called Diane to let her know I was ready whenever she was (but of course to take as much time as she needs), and settled in the lobby to hold my book in front of me while my eyes darted all over. After a few minutes I heard a kind "Hello, Allie!" and was thanked for the ride with a hug to boot.
Well, this didn't seem so scary. I had thought up a few conversation starters in preparation for the ride, but found myself with no need for them. Not only was Diane incredibly friendly and conversational, she was genuinely interested in me and the stories I had to tell. Of the two of us, I firmly believe she is the more interesting one, so I was floored that she was so amiable. By the end of the night, we had learned quite a lot about each other, gone out for a delicious snack at Mickey Finn's with Tony, and shared an inside joke. She was kind enough to give me some pointers and we're even friends on Facebook.
My point, I suppose, is that I'm quite happy to dismantle a portion of the stereotype that people from Hollywood are elitist snobs. Diane was not only an excellent resource to the aspiring actors and actresses of Improv Playhouse, but she is an incredibly fun person as well. I was even disappointed that I wasn't able to assist with the rest of the workshops. But that's what next year is for.
-Allie
Are you interested in taking Diane's workshop next year? Join the Improv Playhouse mailing list by emailing office@improvplayhouse.com to be kept updated!
Movie Night!
I believe that one of the best things a student actor can do to educate themselves about the theatre is to go to see professional plays and musicals. Some of my favorite family memories include trips to the theatre with my parents and younger brother, an athletic type who ended up enjoying musicals like Wicked and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. That being said, a trip to the theatre is often expensive, and may require a time-consuming trip to the city. With that in mind, I have created a list of fun movies based on stage musicals that young actors and their families may enjoy watching and even learn something from.
- Fiddler on the Roof has won a slew of awards both onscreen and onstage. It is the perfect balance of humor and drama. Topol’s iconic performance as Tevye, a Jewish peasant living in Russia just before the turn of the century is incredibly touching, and his struggle to keep his family together is one we can all relate to. Popular songs from this musical include “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” I recommend it for ages ten and up.
- West Side Story is the gold standard of movie musicals. Catchy numbers like “Jet Song,” America,” and “Cool” will get stuck in your head for days! Young dancers will be impressed by all the amazing choreography, and although this gangland America story is an adaption of “Romeo and Juliet,” the story is often funny and exciting. I recommend it for ages twelve and up.
- Bugsy Malone is a little-known movie musical that, while American, is actually very popular across the pond and was adapted for a stage performance on the West End in London. Child actors, including young Jodie Foster and Scott Baio, play 1930s gangers and showgirls embroiled in a fight between two rival gangsters—a food fight, that is! This is a great family movie that kids will love and parents will find amusing. I recommend it for ages six and up.
- The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time. The story of opera ingénue Christine and the mysterious man who teaches her sing has everything a show needs: passion, intrigue, humor, and romance. Many of the songs have attained status as absolute musical theatre classics…you may find yourself humming along to “Think of Me,” “Angel of Music,” “All I Ask of You,” and, of course, the unforgettable Phantom theme. Since this movie contains some scary moments, I recommend it for ages twelve and up, and a parent or guardian may want to watch this movie with their young actor.
- CATS holds the record for longest-running musical. The great thing about this movie is that is simply a taping of the live stage show…you will truly feel like you are in the theater when you watch it! A combination of beautiful dance and incredible acrobatics bring songs like “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats,” “The Rum Tum Tugger,” and “Memory” to life. While this movie is appropriate for all ages, younger viewers may be frightened by the actors’ cat makeup, so I recommend that parents assess their child’s comfort level before showing the film.
- High school age actors may want to check out the following musical movies, but as they contain more adult-oriented material, I recommend that parents screen them first to make sure they are age-appropriate: Chicago, Company, Hair, Rent, and Sweeney Todd. All five are excellent films with amazing performances, and musical theatre actors may find some new tunes that suit their voices for auditions.
Thanks to popular movies like the High School Musical franchise and the television show GLEE, movie musicals are having a major comeback! Upcoming Hollywood musical movies include adaptions of Wicked, In the Heights, and Spring Awakening. Who knows, maybe your favorite play will be next!
Guest blogger Shannon Campe is imProv Playhouse’s Resident Dramaturge. She has worked as both a teacher and an actress during her ten years at iP, where credits include The Glass Menagerie (Amanda), Blithe Spirit (Elvira), and Alice in Wonderland (Alice.) She is currently studying Theatre and Creative Writing at Butler University in Indianapolis.
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