A Call for Parent Volunteers!

One of our strongest parent supporters (and winner of the coveted Golden Eggplant award!) Louisa Pitcher is helping with a cast dinner between the Saturday shows and send the following request:

My husband and I will be providing dinner for the “Christmas Carol” cast and crew on Saturday, December 10 and Saturday, December 17 between the matinee and evening performances. The menu on 12/10/11 will be homemade eggplant parmesan and chicken parmesan with pasta and fresh-baked bread.The tentative menu for 12/17/11 is chicken enchiladas, cheese enchiladas and black beans and rice. In the past I have requested other parents to help out by providing salad, drinks, dessert, paper products and plastic ware (for 75 people).  If anyone is interested in providing any of these items for either weekend, please contact me directly at wisnal@nycap.rr.com.  Thank you!--Louisa Pitcher

When Do I Have to Come to Rehearsal?

Hello all-
Now that we are beginning blocking, all APHS students cast in any role, from principal to extra, need to attend rehearsals.   Check your scripts and compare them to the production schedule.   Algonquin actors with a specific stage part will begin joining us next week, on Wednesday 11/9.  You can take the transfer bus that leaves Algonquin immediately following the regular busses and come right to the HS auditiorium.  You will get your scripts that day. Algonquin extras along with the Algonquin/HS carollers will join us immediately following Thanksgiving break.  Finally, elemntary students will join us on the dates listed in the elementary music blog entry below.

Show musicians should see me asap so we can firm up your schedule!

Please e-mail or see Mr. McKeeby if that's unclear in any way at all!

Production schedule!

Hello all-
Please find the first draft of the production schedule below.  This is the tightest schedule we have ever had for a show this size.  To make it work we will need everyone's highest degree of dedication, cooperation, and punctuality!

The schedule is subject to change, so stay in touch with what's happening here on the blog and in person at APHS.

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10/31 Read through 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)	11/1 Read through 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)	11/2 Block IA 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)	11/3 Block IB 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)	11/4 Block IIA 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)
11/7 Block IIB 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)	11/8 NO SCHOOL MEMORIZE!	11/9 Act I 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/10 Act II 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/11 Veteran’s Day NO SCHOOL MEMORIZE
11/14 Act I 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/15 Act II 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/16 Act I 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/17 Act II 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/18 No Rehearsal (APEF GALA) MEMORIZE!
11/21 OFF BOOK Run Show 2:45-5:30	11/22 OFF BOOK Run Show 2:45-5:30	11/23 THANKS- GIVING NO SCHOOL	11/24 THANKS- GIVING NO SCHOOL	11/25 THANKS- GIVING NO SCHOOL
11/28 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	11/29 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	11/30 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/1 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/2 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added
12/5 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/6 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/7  Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/8 Preview performance 3:00-5:30	12/9-12/10 7pm show 5:30 tech call 6pm Actor’s call Sat 2PM matinee: 12:00 Tech call 12:30Actors call
12/12 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/13 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/14 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/15 Preview performance 3:00-5:30	12/16-12/17 7pm show 5:30 tech call 6pm Actor’s call Sat 2PM matinee: 12:00 Tech call 12:30Actors call

Note: Possible Saturday rehearsal 11/19

-end times are approximate; if everyone is on task we can stick to the schedule

Costume Info for Algonquin and Elementary Schools

Ms. Lossi and Aileen O'Brien send the following message to everyone regarding costumes:

Hello, everyone!

We want to send costume information to you, so that you can share it with students.  This will also be on the blog, but with such a short time to pull this show together, we thought we should send this out now.  Please let me know if you have questions.

Costumes

For elementary and middle school girls:

ankle-length black (or brown, grey, dark green, dark red) skirt

black tights

black flats or Victorian-looking ankle boots

white or neutral-colored blouse

shawl or scarf

If you happen to have a Victorian bonnet -- great! 

fingerless gloves

For elementary and middle school boys:

black sweat pants with elastic bottoms (they will be knickers -- rolled up to below the knee)

a collarless white shirt with a vest would be great; if not, a plaid shirt (preferably darker--black, brown, grey, dark green)

A bulky sweater (neutral or dark color) will work instead of a shirt

scarf

fingerless gloves

A few boys will wear ear muffs--if you have them please bring them (traditional only -- not sports type)

black leather or cloth shoes

You might want to check out some of the following websites for ideas.  We're not asking you to buy anything  from them (if they have things for sale), just thinking that they might give you some ideas.

http://www.galvestonhistory.org/Dickens_Costumes.asp

http://www.ehow.com/how_6550324_make-easy-victorian-costume.html

http://www.ehow.com/info_8078734_victorian-clothes-children.html

http://www.ushist.com/victorian_childrens_clothing_f.shtml

Calling All Those Interested In Stage Crew

To Anyone Interested in Stage Crew for A Christmas Carol:

First of all, we would love for anyone who is not already involved in A Christmas Carol to become so. One way is by joining stage crew. If anyone is interested please email me at: aphs.christmascarol@gmail.com.
Please include your name and email. Once I get your email I will send you confirmation that I got your email and my contact information.

Currently we are still figuring things out backstage, which means that it will only be a little while till we need your help. My goal is to have a meeting after school with everyone interested to discuss the details. We will be discussing mandatory dates, what needs to be done, and what I need you to do. I will let you know by email and this blog as to when the meeting will be.

If you know that you cannot commit to rehearsals and the show dates (we will discuss these in the meeting) don't worry! We still need all the help we can get as often as you can with painting and creating backstage. Also we need people to usher and help out the night of the show (even if it's only one you can help with)

Thank you for your patience and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Here it is! Presenting The Cast of A Christmas Carol

Hello to all!

Casting was more challenging than ever this time out, but you all did a wonderful job.  The cast list is below. 

Thanks to the over fifty (!) Algonquin students who auditioned.  We are sorry we couldn't fit all the middle schoolers on stage, but the good news is that if you don't see yourself on this list, you can still be part of the show by joining Ms. Manna's Carolling group.  That way, everyone who can sing can join in!

The first rehearsal read-through is on Monday.  Algonquin stage players do not have to join us for the first week.  We will contact you directly to tell you exactly which rehearsals you need to attend.  You will start join the cast the week of Nov. 7th.  Algonquin and HS Party Goers and extras will join us starting the week of Nov. 14.  Carolling groups will join us officially starting Nov. 28. That said, if any of you would like to come sooner, please feel free!

A Christmas Carol

Cast List (in order of appearance)

Ebenezer Scrooge....................................................................Anthony Raus

Bob Cratchit......................................................................Andrew Pattenaude

Fred, Scrooge's Nephew...............................................................Will Murphy

Two Charity Ladies..............................................Emily Long & Audrey Pitcher

Jacob Marley's Ghost......................................................................Evan Flynn

Tiny Tim..........................................................................................Liam Carrol

Mrs. Cratchit..............................................................................Abbey Hollister

Peter Cratchit...........................................................................Justin Arsenault

Belinda Cratchit......................................................................Marissa Doscher

Martha Cratchit.................................................................................Lilia Flynn

Cratchit Children.....................................................Lydia Murphy& Loren Heck

The Spirit of Christmas Past...........................................................Katie Macari

Young Scrooge.......................................................................Nathan McCarthy

Headmistress.....................................................................................Liz Karam

Fan, Scrooge's Sister..........................................................Brigid Stegemoeller

Fezziwig......................................................................................Joe Benevento

Dick Wilkins.................................................................................Sam Quinones

Mrs. Fezziwig...............................................................................Hannah Leffler

Fezziwig Children..........Gareth Kaedy, Brian Masella, Whitney Heck, &Kristen Schaefer

Belle.................................................................................................Sarah Lossi

Belle's Husband................................................................................Mike Heiser

Belle's Daughter............................................................................Caroline Silver

The Spirit of Christmas Present...........................................Bridgit Hrubecky

Fred's Wife............................................................................Kaylee Kannes

Miss Rosie...........................................................................Myranda Berner

Topper...............................................................................Elisha Thompson

Ignorance....................................................................................Jack Ferlito

Want...............................................................................Bianca Bagramian

The Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come....................................Laura Digrigoli

Old Joe................................................................................Andrew Murphy

Charwoman...............................................................................Sadie Olson

Mrs. Dilber..............................................................................Audrey Pitcher

Boy In Sunday Clothes...............................................Connor Lincoln Hosley

Chorus Members(Storytellers):

Chris Hough Deane, Hailey Reed, Alex Wojtaszek, Zara Davis, Anna Scherer, Kammie Momrow, Andrew DeLaMater

Party Goers/Extras

Krista Seeberger

Samantha St.Germain

Travis Seeberger

Brenna Bonesteel

Kristi Fudge

Sabrina Squires

Christie Olson

Alyssa Weingartner

Messiah Pompey

Andrew Tatar

Caroline McPartlin

Janie Breen

Victoria Lee

Hope Heritage

Katie Gilligan

Leah Paulsen

Whitney Wilson

Kristina Sanchez

Ryan Nolan

News for Elementary School Singers!

Our dedicated music department has been working overtime to find ways to get younger students involved in A Christmas Carol.  Their dedication to enriching their students' experience should be an inspiration to us all.  Here's where things currently stand:

 

 

 We have all picked the same carols to do for ease of accompaniments.  They are:

 

Deck the Halls

Good King Wenceslas

curtain call for everyone: We Wish You a Merry Christmas

  

 

The elementary teachers are committed to this, but we are all very concerned that we will not be able to get an acceptable size group because of the December craziness in our kid's lives.  We will be writing a note with the specific requirements and sending it home within the week to see what the response is. 

 

Here are the dates that we all have come up with:

 

Miller Hill rehearsal at the HS:

11/30, 12/12, 12/14

Poestenkill rehearsal at the HS:    

12/1, 12/5, 12/8

West Sand Lake rehearsal at the HS:

11/29, 12/6, 12/13

 

Special note for after school rehearsals:  All elementary students will not be able to get to the HS until 3:45.  This is due to the big changes in our schedules and buses this year.  

 

Performances:

 

12/9  Miller Hill @ 7:00

12/10  Poestenkill @ 2:00

12/10 West Sand Lake @ 7:00

12/16 Poestenkill @ 7:00

12/17 West Sand Lake @ 2:00

12/17 Miller Hill @ 7:00

 

 

More to come soon!

The Set Design Process

APHS's fabulous Tech and Design for the Theatre class has begun design work on the sets for the show.  Students work collaboratively to create design ideas and revise them so they are stage-ready.  The group has been using Google Sketch-up to draft images; a few samples are shared below.

Auditions Continue... And For Algonquin Parents, "How much time will this take?"

Thanks to all who came out for auditions yesterday!  You all did a fine job, and haven't made the casting decisions easy for us.  Auditions continue today at APHS and will move to the Algonquin chorus room on Thursday.

I received e-mail from a couple of Algonquin parents asking for more scheduling details, basically how many days their students might need to attend rehearsals.  This is how I responded:

"I can't give you an exact number of rehearsals at this moment because it depends on how they are cast. Students in the carolling group will need to be at the HS from 11/28 to the show dates. Students working as extras in crowd scenes will need to be here roughly in the same time frame. If a student is cast in a larger role (a ghost, a Cratchit child) they would need to be here for much of the schedule. When we have the auditions we will discuss this with them. I'm going to put up a blog posting on this topic shortly, so look for more details there."

I know that is not a very concrete answer, so here are a few more factors and details to think about:

• If your child is very busy with multiple family and extra-curricular activities, and participating will potentially cause transportation and scheduling difficulties, please let you student know.  Maybe this isn't the right time to dive into theatre
• The schedule for this show is very tight, only about five weeks.  That means that actors need to be here without fail
• We will let kids know that there are small and larger parts.  If your schedule is tight, please make sure they audition for smaller parts.  Those students will not join the principal cast until the end of November, so you're only dealing with a few weeks.
• The show runs two weekends.  No, you cannot be cast if you can only make it to one weekend of the show.
• There will be singing groups at Alg. and APHS.  Students in small parts can be both carollers and have bits in the show.
• We try to keep rehearsals on schedule and on time.  That said, if cast members don't stay on task or don't have their lines ready, things can go later than scheduled.  At the end of the rehearsal period we may need to go later some days to get everything covered.  This is part of the nature of what we do, and part of working with kids.  Please be understanding if things get a bit off track certain days.  We will try to let folks know if we see a late day ahead, but can't always predict it.

If there are more questions out there, contact me and I'll try to get them answered.

Auditions at APHS 10/25 & 10/26 and at Algonquin 10/27

Auditions are just a week away!  HS students can join us either on 10/25 or 10/26 after school in the HS auditiorium.  We have a number of parts (primarily for physically smaller folks) available for Algonquin MS students.  We will be holding auditions for that group on 10/27 after school in the Algonquin chorus room.

• we will have audition readings for you; you don't need to prepare
• there may be incidental singing, but this is primarily a stage play, so don't worry if you're not a singer
• we are looking for actors of all genders and physical types
• cast lists will be posted in the schools and on the blog by Friday 10/28
• please study the rehearsal & show schedule carefully BEFORE auditioning; you will need to be at all assigned rehearsals and shows
• If you are playing a sport, need to babysit two days a week, taking private origami lessons, and being tutored in three subjects you are too busy to be in the show.  PLEASE discuss scheduling, rides, etc. with your folks before you try out.  Make good decisions about using time!
• Algonquin students who are cast will need to get to the HS as soon as they can after Alg. dismissal.
• There will be musical groups from all schoools added into the show rehearsals progress.  If you don't have time for all the rehearsals think about seeing your music teacher and joining one of the vocal or instrumental groups.
• Please contact Mr. McKeeby with any questions

Christmas Carol Production Staff

This is one of those 'for the record' kind of posts, just to let you know who is currently doing what on the show:

Mr. McKeeby- Director (mckeebym@averillpark.k12.ny.us)
Michele Benevento- Stage manager & OBP Artistic Director
Ms. Lossi - Assistant director (Lossil@averillpark.k12.ny.us)
Lydia Sharp- Crew manager & OBP Facilities Team
Aileen O'Brien- Show Costumes
Mr. Kirk- Set construction manager

This info will help find who you need if you're looking for info.  General questions can be addressed directly to the blog or to Mr. McKeeby

Production schedule!

Hello all-
Please find the first draft of the production schedule below.  This is the tightest schedule we have ever had for a show this size.  To make it work we will need everyone's highest degree of dedication, cooperation, and punctuality!

The schedule is subject to change, so stay in touch with what's happening here on the blog and in person at APHS.

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10/31 Read through 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)	11/1 Read through 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)	11/2 Block IA 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)	11/3 Block IB 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)	11/4 Block IIA 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)
11/7 Block IIB 2:45-4:45 (Warm up 2:30)	11/8 NO SCHOOL MEMORIZE!	11/9 Act I 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/10 Act II 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/11 Veteran’s Day NO SCHOOL MEMORIZE
11/14 Act I 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/15 Act II 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/16 Act I 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/17 Act II 2:45-5:00 (Warm up 2:30)	11/18 No Rehearsal (APEF GALA) MEMORIZE!
11/21 OFF BOOK Run Show 2:45-5:30	11/22 OFF BOOK Run Show 2:45-5:30	11/23 THANKS- GIVING NO SCHOOL	11/24 THANKS- GIVING NO SCHOOL	11/25 THANKS- GIVING NO SCHOOL
11/28 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	11/29 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	11/30 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/1 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/2 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added
12/5 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/6 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/7  Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/8 Preview performance 3:00-5:30	12/9-12/10 7pm show 5:30 tech call 6pm Actor’s call Sat 2PM matinee: 12:00 Tech call 12:30Actors call
12/12 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/13 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/14 Run Show 2:45-5:30 Tech & Music Added	12/15 Preview performance 3:00-5:30	12/16-12/17 7pm show 5:30 tech call 6pm Actor’s call Sat 2PM matinee: 12:00 Tech call 12:30Actors call

Note: Possible Saturday rehearsal 11/19

-end times are approximate; if everyone is on task we can stick to them!

Check out the Christmas carol poster art!

Up and Running

The Christmas Carol Blog is up and running. Information and audition dates will be posted soon. In the meantime come see Blithe Spirit on October 21st and 22nd at 7:00pm. Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults. Hope to see you there.