Thursday’s Performance – December 2, 2010
Everybody 1. Overall, your best performance.
2. Don’t play with capes. Do not let the audience see you put on a cape. Stand behind a pylon. Ask Johnathan. The only one I saw was Reagan.
3. When Brigid drops the Bard’s Rod, everyone should regard it as a mystical, valuable object – not to be broken
4. Vocal responses were much better today.
5. We need more expression on faces all the time. Some of you are good at times, but not looking consistently.
6. Look UP at the giant, everyone.
7. If you mess up on a line, don’t let anyone know by making a face.
8. At 11 minutes, we should be at “supreme Kelpie.”
9. Reacting vocally in the Kelpie scene was great.
10. “Dunking” during the Kelpie scene should be scary – Kelpie could drown Brigid.
11. Need vocal reactions BETWEEN dialogue; great job, but be careful you are not speaking louder than the dialogue.
12. In order to be UNDER 40 MINUTES, you HAVE to STEP on lines.
13. When Macy says the giant is gone, be excited!
14. React to the weather in the bog. It is a scary place to be. When the lightning or thunder cracks, jump a little.
15. After the serpent is “tamed,” CELEBRATE
16. We need to fill in with noise when Macy leaves her house. Brooke remember to say your line earlier. People point and vocally make noise so that we do not have a pregnant pause.
17. At the end with the blackout, freeze for 5 seconds, then step back so you are behind the curtain.
18. If you will notice, the critique list is not as long. Whoo Hoo!
19. We will go through it maybe at Cooper and time it. If it is slow, we will do a speed through Saturday morning before getting to Cooper.
Music 1. Music needs to be louder when no one is talking
2. It also needs to swell at the end before it fades out.
3. Gift of a Thistle was late.
4. FOCUS – we cannot have different music/sound effects playing during different times. It throws the actors off.
5. Music was late with “I will…” somewhere close to the end.
Lights 1. The sun was up – was late.
2. Glad you remembered to put a light on Meredith.
Laurel 1. Speak louder with all your sentences. 2.
Sea Mither 1. Good job, but turn more to the audience when speaking – ¾ profile
2. “follow it..” to the audience - look out as if you can see the well.
Jake and Abby 1. Great job interacting with each other.
Jake 1. Smile and laugh during the dance.
2. Jake, when you are in the scene with Abby, turn toward the audience. )
3. When you fall, grunt!!!!!
Reagan 1. Smile and laugh during the dance.
2. Great job during “hapless Kelpie.” You were looking intently. Need to do this throughout.
Paige 1. Lines about the wishes needs to be slower. – this is right after the dance.
Paige and Meredith 1. Leave her…..forget her…. Look at Brigid.
Tucker 1. Louder with “sea shore”
2. We CANNOT HEAR you as the giant.
3. You need to laugh.
Tatum 1. Excellent job, but you said “…almighty mean I yam.”
Macy and Tatum 1. Turn to each other and do the Really brave
2. You both did some things I had never seen before and LOVED. When Tatum is an obstacle in front of you. There were several times I was pleasantly surprised by new things you were doing.
3. “Did it” Macy step on Tatum’s lines.
Macy 1. When Abby says stop – no, almost interrupt her. Step on lines.
2. He’s gone – look at where the giant was and be extremely EXCITED.
3. What… you… Have your head up.
4. Remember to see the “new” Brigid in the water.
Nathan 1. Eat you whole step up toward Macy so she is squashed between you and Paige.
2. Eyes wide - more to the audience
3. Mud – some on feet and last part back on the ground rolling around.
Cliffs of Moher
Look at how rocky & hard to climb it is.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Contest INFO
• Thursday, December 2, we will rehearse from 3:45-----. We will go through the play once – hopefully it is under 40 minutes. If not, we will run through it until it is. I will let the kids call you after the first run through and let you know about when to pick them up.
• Friday, December 3, students need to come to my room at 8 AM to load. We will leave school at 9AM., rehearse at 10AM, eat lunch at noon and go to the mall. We will return to Shallowater about 5PM. Please have medical release forms filled out before we leave or we cannot take your child. /
• Saturday, December 4, students need to eat a protein breakfast. I need for students to be at the high school by 10AM. We will leave the high school (door back at the loading dock) at 11AM. Please have the girls’ hair fixed before we leave Shallowater. It has been a burden on Sheree to braid everyone’s hair. We will have sandwich fixings brought to our holding room. I will buy water. The directors’ meeting is at 1PM, and Denae McLellan and Lisa Cagle will stay in the room with the kids. We go on at 2PM. The rest of the plays are on the hour, so our kids should be cleaned up and ready for the second play. All students need to wear dress clothes after our performance. Boys, slacks if possible and collared shirts; girls, slacks or dresses. No T shirts. Girls may wear dressy dresses with spaghetti straps as long as they are in good taste. They do not need to be short as they are standing on a stage to receive medals. Remember (to students) you are representing Shallowater, Shallowater Middle School, and our theatre department. There are four plays – three in addition to ours. The last play should be over with by 6. I look for critiques to be no later than 8. All students must attend the critiques. We will go to Cagles Restaurant following critiques. Kids and sponsors will have chicken strips and fries. Parents are invited to dine at the restaurant as well and order from the menu. Hope we are celebrating. Let me know if you want to join us, and I will make arrangements. I will let you know where we are eating asap.
UIL RULES
1. No one may take any pictures in the auditorium during the contest - from 2PM until about 6 or 6:30. . This means cell phones, any type of camera, any type of filming device. In the awards ceremony, anyone may take pictures.
2. Parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms. You may take your child into the hall or restroom to apply makeup or anything.
3. No child may be in costume out where people can see them.
4. After the directors meeting, alternates – this would be Johnathan, Andi, Brittany, and Bethany cannot be in the dressing room unless they amend this to fit our directors’ meeting. This rule will be changed next year.
5. All participants must stay for the critiques.
Any deviation from these rules will end up in a disqualification.
• Friday, December 3, students need to come to my room at 8 AM to load. We will leave school at 9AM., rehearse at 10AM, eat lunch at noon and go to the mall. We will return to Shallowater about 5PM. Please have medical release forms filled out before we leave or we cannot take your child. /
• Saturday, December 4, students need to eat a protein breakfast. I need for students to be at the high school by 10AM. We will leave the high school (door back at the loading dock) at 11AM. Please have the girls’ hair fixed before we leave Shallowater. It has been a burden on Sheree to braid everyone’s hair. We will have sandwich fixings brought to our holding room. I will buy water. The directors’ meeting is at 1PM, and Denae McLellan and Lisa Cagle will stay in the room with the kids. We go on at 2PM. The rest of the plays are on the hour, so our kids should be cleaned up and ready for the second play. All students need to wear dress clothes after our performance. Boys, slacks if possible and collared shirts; girls, slacks or dresses. No T shirts. Girls may wear dressy dresses with spaghetti straps as long as they are in good taste. They do not need to be short as they are standing on a stage to receive medals. Remember (to students) you are representing Shallowater, Shallowater Middle School, and our theatre department. There are four plays – three in addition to ours. The last play should be over with by 6. I look for critiques to be no later than 8. All students must attend the critiques. We will go to Cagles Restaurant following critiques. Kids and sponsors will have chicken strips and fries. Parents are invited to dine at the restaurant as well and order from the menu. Hope we are celebrating. Let me know if you want to join us, and I will make arrangements. I will let you know where we are eating asap.
UIL RULES
1. No one may take any pictures in the auditorium during the contest - from 2PM until about 6 or 6:30. . This means cell phones, any type of camera, any type of filming device. In the awards ceremony, anyone may take pictures.
2. Parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms. You may take your child into the hall or restroom to apply makeup or anything.
3. No child may be in costume out where people can see them.
4. After the directors meeting, alternates – this would be Johnathan, Andi, Brittany, and Bethany cannot be in the dressing room unless they amend this to fit our directors’ meeting. This rule will be changed next year.
5. All participants must stay for the critiques.
Any deviation from these rules will end up in a disqualification.
School Performance
Tuesday’s School Performance
Everyone 1. MORE ENERGY IS NEEDED
2. Look interested
3. Don’t look down – keep your chins up
4. STEP ON LINES, especially when Seanachai are speaking. – village scenes – various places they travel to…..
5. Rehearsal Thursday after school. DO NOT GO TO FAST STOP. Come directly to rehearsal. We will go through the play, time it and will go home if everything works out okay. If we are not under time, we will go through the play until it is.
6. But in this world, no one did – vary voices
7. Wait….wait…. both of those words needs to be said differently
8. Ending was great!
9. Rocks need to be more still at the beginning and at the end.
10. Watch who is talking – don’t just stare into space.
11. At the beginning – all phrases that describe Brigid’s movements around the village green need to fit in – phrases like peeking through
12. Move quietly – sounds like a herd of buffalo
13. Heron and Marten and Brigid – take more effort to stand on the rock.
14. Serpent – (Tucker and Reagan) more up and down motions.
15. Double check where all the props are – don’t’ take for granted that because you put them backstage that they are still backstage.
16. Great murmuring during the Kelpie scene. Let’s see more of it, especially at the end when Brigid makes the decision to return to school. FILL IN THAT VOID.
17. When Kelpie says – feel that? – everyone needs to react vocally and with expression.
18. THE SHOW WAS SLOOOOOOOOW today.
19. When Kelpie says, “….human.” REACT vocally and with expression.
20. I am putting this for everyone to see – when kelpie sees that it is the Bard’s rod, she reacted with reverence and awe. Everyone who comes in contact with it – especially at the beginning – needs to hold it as if it were a famous object.
21. At the beginning the bard’s rod needs to be passed more slowly.
22. The judge will probably ask how old each of you are. Have an age closer to your parent’s if you are an adult or a seanachai.
23. Vocally and with expression react to the giant. React to the statement when Brigid says her father is a giant.
24. The first giant steps were great – second were not. Stay focused and that will not happen.
25. Jake and Brooke – You know in your heart and mind – both lines need to be sharper and louder
Music 1. Fade in on Cue 2
2. When no one is speaking, bring the music up more, then down.
3. Chicken noises were late. It cannot be. Remember to do it the same way we rehearsed on Tuesday.
4. The music was better than Sunday’s performance, but it must be exactly right. Make the music swell during emotional scenes, especially at the end.
Lights 1. Lights were late on the scene where Meredith says, “….stars twinkling…”
2. Light on Meredith during the Serpent scene.
3. For the most part, wiping the board clean, then using subs again was confusing. Know you will do a great job at contest.
Sheree 1. Watch counting out loud.
2. Excellent job. You are extremely sympathetic and motherly. A hard job to pull off when you are in middle school.
Tucker 1. Work on diction with giant’s voice
2. Giant – cut off Brigid when she invites you back.
3. More diction with “foot of yours…”
4. You have done a great job being different characters. That is hard.
Serpent people 1. Watch movement when you are in background.
2. More up and down movement.
Macy 1. At the beginning of the show when we are still in the dark, put the two step out where it belongs.
2. Louder throughout the play, especially at the beginning.
3. Louder with parents at the beginning.
4. When getting the book, look to see if your parents are watching.
5. Read the book with more excitement.
6. Sound more desperate when you call for the sea mither at the beginning
7. Be more angry at the Kelpie after she is freed. You stayed to help her and she is still a thorn in your side.
8. When the Kelpie has told you you have passed two tests, think about it and act more surprised.
9. Out of the WORLD - out and world needs to be different. World needs to be the important word Slime and muck – Bigger and more distasteful
10. Look at your friends – wave at them or just smile (must be noticeable) We need to see the decision – I’ll be going home.
11. Be scared ,then happy when the Heron and Marten speak to you – relieved.
12. When holding the book, let us see your face – keep your chin up.
13. When speaking, do not walk behind anyone especially Kelpie
14. You are doing such a good job. You have the most lines in the play and you are infusing them with emotion. Extremely believable.
Macy and Tatum 1. “You are brave” remember how we rehearsed it.
Sage 1. LOUDER at the beginning
2. Complete sentences and speak slowly. REHEARSE this.
3. Her test…. Then LOUDER and BIGGER
4. As the serpent, come out faster onto the stage.
5. Don’t let the headdress cover your face.
6. At the end, remember how we rehearsed it, LOUDER, SLOWER, CHIN UP – BE BIGGER THAN LIFE.
7. Remember you want to get better with each performance/rehearsal. You only have two chances – Thursday and Friday. Then it is all over. You have a great voice and an expressive face. Use your talents.
Laurel 1. Move the beret over on your head so that there is not a shadow on your face.
2. Speak louder and use gestures that are more natural
3. You are amazing as the serpent’s tail. Remember that you go from happy to sad in a matter of minutes. We need to see your face in this transition. You have done it before, and you can do this at contest.
Brooke 1. One little girl – louder and more distinct
2. More purposeful and mean when in the village scene.
3. Step on the line before you about the flying fairies. Say that line slower and louder
4. Your voice is great – Don’t be timid. Say your lines with authority. You are one of the few actors who is always thinking. Just like when you moved when you were blocked.
Nathan 1. Stand up and jump with your love of mud. Slow down the dialogue – we have time
2. LOUDER and SLOWER all the time.
3. Ms. Kuehler and I LOVE your voice. Just make it BIGGER AND SLOW DOWN.
Meredith 1. If the light is not there, move to the light.
2. Glasses – bring them.
3. You are great – always involved in the action. I seldom look at the stage when you are not focused. You use your entire body throughout – a lesson for other young actors.
Tatum 1. This was really your best performance.
2. BUT, we need more horse noises throughout.
3. Talk more to the other characters (without speaking upstage) instead of to the audience when you are the Kelpie
4. FIERCE – make each distinct
5. Days, nights, weeks – each word needs to be said differently.
6. When you are dancing offstage, be sure that the audience hears your line before exiting.
7. Your best performance so far. You brought different emotions to the role I had not seen in the past. You were sick – Imagine what you can do on Saturday if you are well ---- YOU WILL BE WELL, right?
Farmer’s wife 1. Great job being motherly, then immediately yelling at your husband. We need to see bigger and more contrasts between those two emotions.
2. You have come a LONG way since last year.
Farmer’s wife
Farmer 1. Shush your husband more. We need to see more conflict between you two.
Jake 1. Louder and BIGGER
2. “…middle of the night….” Needs to be gruffer and a lot louder. You are a grouchy old man.
3. Jake, remember to move center stage so that the scene will revolve around you.
4. “Her father’s a giant” Bigger and step on the line ahead of this one.
5. Don’t speak upstage.
6. Groan when you fall – EXAGERATE – make it bigger!
7. When exiting for breakfast, turn toward your right and face the audience.
8. Be louder with your line about the bog serpent.
9. For 95% of the time, you are always engaged in the action, regardless of what that is. Thank you.
Paige 1. In giant scene, be more frightened.
2. Don’t mess with your cape.
3. “They hurt you” when the family scene is going on left stage, don’t exit between family members – exit USL – out of the audience’s sight.
4. Loved the changes in the bog serpent scene. The more that you choose interesting ways to communicate, the better – like speaking over Brigid’s shoulder.
5. Everyone needs to be as committed vocally and in movement as you are. You are truly the character you portray.
Reagan 1. Show more emotion throughout.
2. Focus on the scenes and show your interest.
3. You have come so far since last year. Your lines show compassion when you are speaking about her foot. Make it bigger. Great job!
Cheyanne 1. Work on more facial expressions – rehearse in front of the mirror.
2. Great journey for you – you are a much better actress. Remember to be always involved. I love to see you thinking – moving trees if they are in the wrong spot, etc.
Sea Mither 1. Remember to speak slowly and with wise deliberation. Treat the rod with a “holy” respect.
2. For a first time actress, you have done such a great job – and you are so pleasant to work with.
Maegan Great job as stage manager – you are always willing to help and you initiate jobs before I have to tell you to do them.
Bethany Amazing job with critiques. Wish I had had you in the audience the entire time. If you will look, I included all of your suggestions. When I finally figured out what you were saying, it was amazing – you have been an asset.
Kayla Thanks so much for all your work. You have been a great addition to the play- I could not have gotten the Judge’s book ready without you. Thanks for spending your own time on that.
Johnathan You don’t say much, but you are such a help. Your critiques are astute and so useful. Are you ready to assume the light board when James leaves? You have big shoes to step into, but I know you can do this. Thanks again for being such a help.
Everyone 1. MORE ENERGY IS NEEDED
2. Look interested
3. Don’t look down – keep your chins up
4. STEP ON LINES, especially when Seanachai are speaking. – village scenes – various places they travel to…..
5. Rehearsal Thursday after school. DO NOT GO TO FAST STOP. Come directly to rehearsal. We will go through the play, time it and will go home if everything works out okay. If we are not under time, we will go through the play until it is.
6. But in this world, no one did – vary voices
7. Wait….wait…. both of those words needs to be said differently
8. Ending was great!
9. Rocks need to be more still at the beginning and at the end.
10. Watch who is talking – don’t just stare into space.
11. At the beginning – all phrases that describe Brigid’s movements around the village green need to fit in – phrases like peeking through
12. Move quietly – sounds like a herd of buffalo
13. Heron and Marten and Brigid – take more effort to stand on the rock.
14. Serpent – (Tucker and Reagan) more up and down motions.
15. Double check where all the props are – don’t’ take for granted that because you put them backstage that they are still backstage.
16. Great murmuring during the Kelpie scene. Let’s see more of it, especially at the end when Brigid makes the decision to return to school. FILL IN THAT VOID.
17. When Kelpie says – feel that? – everyone needs to react vocally and with expression.
18. THE SHOW WAS SLOOOOOOOOW today.
19. When Kelpie says, “….human.” REACT vocally and with expression.
20. I am putting this for everyone to see – when kelpie sees that it is the Bard’s rod, she reacted with reverence and awe. Everyone who comes in contact with it – especially at the beginning – needs to hold it as if it were a famous object.
21. At the beginning the bard’s rod needs to be passed more slowly.
22. The judge will probably ask how old each of you are. Have an age closer to your parent’s if you are an adult or a seanachai.
23. Vocally and with expression react to the giant. React to the statement when Brigid says her father is a giant.
24. The first giant steps were great – second were not. Stay focused and that will not happen.
25. Jake and Brooke – You know in your heart and mind – both lines need to be sharper and louder
Music 1. Fade in on Cue 2
2. When no one is speaking, bring the music up more, then down.
3. Chicken noises were late. It cannot be. Remember to do it the same way we rehearsed on Tuesday.
4. The music was better than Sunday’s performance, but it must be exactly right. Make the music swell during emotional scenes, especially at the end.
Lights 1. Lights were late on the scene where Meredith says, “….stars twinkling…”
2. Light on Meredith during the Serpent scene.
3. For the most part, wiping the board clean, then using subs again was confusing. Know you will do a great job at contest.
Sheree 1. Watch counting out loud.
2. Excellent job. You are extremely sympathetic and motherly. A hard job to pull off when you are in middle school.
Tucker 1. Work on diction with giant’s voice
2. Giant – cut off Brigid when she invites you back.
3. More diction with “foot of yours…”
4. You have done a great job being different characters. That is hard.
Serpent people 1. Watch movement when you are in background.
2. More up and down movement.
Macy 1. At the beginning of the show when we are still in the dark, put the two step out where it belongs.
2. Louder throughout the play, especially at the beginning.
3. Louder with parents at the beginning.
4. When getting the book, look to see if your parents are watching.
5. Read the book with more excitement.
6. Sound more desperate when you call for the sea mither at the beginning
7. Be more angry at the Kelpie after she is freed. You stayed to help her and she is still a thorn in your side.
8. When the Kelpie has told you you have passed two tests, think about it and act more surprised.
9. Out of the WORLD - out and world needs to be different. World needs to be the important word Slime and muck – Bigger and more distasteful
10. Look at your friends – wave at them or just smile (must be noticeable) We need to see the decision – I’ll be going home.
11. Be scared ,then happy when the Heron and Marten speak to you – relieved.
12. When holding the book, let us see your face – keep your chin up.
13. When speaking, do not walk behind anyone especially Kelpie
14. You are doing such a good job. You have the most lines in the play and you are infusing them with emotion. Extremely believable.
Macy and Tatum 1. “You are brave” remember how we rehearsed it.
Sage 1. LOUDER at the beginning
2. Complete sentences and speak slowly. REHEARSE this.
3. Her test…. Then LOUDER and BIGGER
4. As the serpent, come out faster onto the stage.
5. Don’t let the headdress cover your face.
6. At the end, remember how we rehearsed it, LOUDER, SLOWER, CHIN UP – BE BIGGER THAN LIFE.
7. Remember you want to get better with each performance/rehearsal. You only have two chances – Thursday and Friday. Then it is all over. You have a great voice and an expressive face. Use your talents.
Laurel 1. Move the beret over on your head so that there is not a shadow on your face.
2. Speak louder and use gestures that are more natural
3. You are amazing as the serpent’s tail. Remember that you go from happy to sad in a matter of minutes. We need to see your face in this transition. You have done it before, and you can do this at contest.
Brooke 1. One little girl – louder and more distinct
2. More purposeful and mean when in the village scene.
3. Step on the line before you about the flying fairies. Say that line slower and louder
4. Your voice is great – Don’t be timid. Say your lines with authority. You are one of the few actors who is always thinking. Just like when you moved when you were blocked.
Nathan 1. Stand up and jump with your love of mud. Slow down the dialogue – we have time
2. LOUDER and SLOWER all the time.
3. Ms. Kuehler and I LOVE your voice. Just make it BIGGER AND SLOW DOWN.
Meredith 1. If the light is not there, move to the light.
2. Glasses – bring them.
3. You are great – always involved in the action. I seldom look at the stage when you are not focused. You use your entire body throughout – a lesson for other young actors.
Tatum 1. This was really your best performance.
2. BUT, we need more horse noises throughout.
3. Talk more to the other characters (without speaking upstage) instead of to the audience when you are the Kelpie
4. FIERCE – make each distinct
5. Days, nights, weeks – each word needs to be said differently.
6. When you are dancing offstage, be sure that the audience hears your line before exiting.
7. Your best performance so far. You brought different emotions to the role I had not seen in the past. You were sick – Imagine what you can do on Saturday if you are well ---- YOU WILL BE WELL, right?
Farmer’s wife 1. Great job being motherly, then immediately yelling at your husband. We need to see bigger and more contrasts between those two emotions.
2. You have come a LONG way since last year.
Farmer’s wife
Farmer 1. Shush your husband more. We need to see more conflict between you two.
Jake 1. Louder and BIGGER
2. “…middle of the night….” Needs to be gruffer and a lot louder. You are a grouchy old man.
3. Jake, remember to move center stage so that the scene will revolve around you.
4. “Her father’s a giant” Bigger and step on the line ahead of this one.
5. Don’t speak upstage.
6. Groan when you fall – EXAGERATE – make it bigger!
7. When exiting for breakfast, turn toward your right and face the audience.
8. Be louder with your line about the bog serpent.
9. For 95% of the time, you are always engaged in the action, regardless of what that is. Thank you.
Paige 1. In giant scene, be more frightened.
2. Don’t mess with your cape.
3. “They hurt you” when the family scene is going on left stage, don’t exit between family members – exit USL – out of the audience’s sight.
4. Loved the changes in the bog serpent scene. The more that you choose interesting ways to communicate, the better – like speaking over Brigid’s shoulder.
5. Everyone needs to be as committed vocally and in movement as you are. You are truly the character you portray.
Reagan 1. Show more emotion throughout.
2. Focus on the scenes and show your interest.
3. You have come so far since last year. Your lines show compassion when you are speaking about her foot. Make it bigger. Great job!
Cheyanne 1. Work on more facial expressions – rehearse in front of the mirror.
2. Great journey for you – you are a much better actress. Remember to be always involved. I love to see you thinking – moving trees if they are in the wrong spot, etc.
Sea Mither 1. Remember to speak slowly and with wise deliberation. Treat the rod with a “holy” respect.
2. For a first time actress, you have done such a great job – and you are so pleasant to work with.
Maegan Great job as stage manager – you are always willing to help and you initiate jobs before I have to tell you to do them.
Bethany Amazing job with critiques. Wish I had had you in the audience the entire time. If you will look, I included all of your suggestions. When I finally figured out what you were saying, it was amazing – you have been an asset.
Kayla Thanks so much for all your work. You have been a great addition to the play- I could not have gotten the Judge’s book ready without you. Thanks for spending your own time on that.
Johnathan You don’t say much, but you are such a help. Your critiques are astute and so useful. Are you ready to assume the light board when James leaves? You have big shoes to step into, but I know you can do this. Thanks again for being such a help.
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