Final Scheduling Communication (I hope!!!)

Good day, all -

Thank you for getting on top of communicating your scheduling requests for the final run of our show!  I've received some 75-80% response at this point and can confidently go forward with laying in the rest of the run:

5/8 - Pick Up/Filming:
-Call: 300p
-Run: 400p
-Release: 630p

5/9 - Photo Call/Performance 4:
-Call: 500p
-Photos: 515p
-Prep for Show: 615p
-Go: 730p
-Release: 1015p

5/10 & 5/11 - Performance 5 & 6
-Call: 600p
-Go: 730p
-Release 1015p

5/12 - Strike**
-Call: 900a
-Release: 200p or earlier, depending on completeness
**Those with concrete, cannot-be-moved, family-centered plans that conflict with those times need to speak with me about accommodations ASAP.  Due to the team's late response to this there is SOME room for a compromise, but this will only be considered one-on-one, case-by-case.  I have already spoken with a couple of people who had AM conflicts, but they've already committed to attending much of the time, with their other obligation giving up time as well.  This is the model.

I have sought to accommodate as many people as possible in finalizing this schedule.  Only 1 person dissented on Wednesday, and only 6 of the 39 people involved dissented on Sunday (2 of whom have already committed to being there part of the time, anyway).  This truly has been the best good for the most people.  I do apologize if there are new inconveniences, but we've done a darn good job minimizing them...and I think everyone will appreciate the additional rest.

See you tomorrow at 300p!

j.

A Failure To Communicate…

So…at this stage we are collectively running under 50% in terms of response to a great many things you’ve been asked to get back to me on:

1. Strike Preference - 16 of 39: 41% have responded about their Strike preference, with it going 2 to 1 in favor of a Morning Strike (900a-200p)
2. State Willingness - 3 of 39: 8% have responded about their willingness to remount the show next year

**THIS RESPONSE RATE IS NOT OK!!!**

I work very hard to respect your time and your family’s time in everything we do.  I cannot do this if I don’t hear back about what your family and your personal needs ARE. 

So…assuming that folks may be unclear on a few things:
1. Always respond in writing in some way.  Acceptable response methods: Including text, email, remind, pen-paper.  Unacceptable response methods: Anything verbal…I’ll never remember.
2. Deadlines are because there are points of no return in terms of sufficient notice to get something accomplished.
3. Once a deadline has passed, you are at the mercy of the decision, regardless of whether or not you responded, or whether or not you agreed with the choice.  We are not ever likely to get 100% agreement on how something can be done…so someone/some people are always going to be inconvenienced.  Trust me when I say we do the best we can by everyone.
4. We MUST do Strike on Sunday, as there are a number of events in the Auditorium following our show, and it is our obligation to clear our work to facilitate the other members of our school facility…I can’t postpone or move Strike, despite the importance of Mother’s Day, even to me and my family.  The other groups have been very giving to allow us a month of uninterrupted time in the space, and it is an ethical obligation for us to restore the space for them.

**HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO REDEEM YOURSELF!**

Please respond to the following asks re: information from you and your families relative to the rest of this show process, via email, text, or Remind:

1. Strike - If you have not yet responded, please let me know what your Strike preference is: Morning or Afternoon?
2. Strike - If you have already responded AND your preference was Afternoon, please let me know either a) if it can be moved or is absolutely set; or b) what is the earliest you can make Strike given non-moveable plans, knowing that any missed hours will need to be made up before you're eligible for another WHS production.
3. State - You have the remainder of the day to respond re: your willingness to remount the show for a potential trip to the Oregon Thespians State Conference next year
4. **This Is New** - Pickup Rehearsal/Filming: I have heard from a number of people that they’d prefer to start earlier and get out earlier this Wednesday, May 8th.  I am open to this if I can get 100% response to the following proposal - May 8th/Call time, 300p; Run show with filming, 400p; Out by 645p…May 9th/Call time, 500p; Photo Call, 530p-615p; Run Show, 730p; Out Time 1015p

RESPOND TODAY, 5/6! to email: mjamie@pps.net, text: 503.781.2701, Remind: mrburnsca or kdecfk

Thanks...

j.

8th Grade Visitation

All right...time to dazzle the next generation of Wilson students!

This Friday, we are supporting the 8th graders' visit to Wilson in anticipation of their Freshman year.  I want Act II actors, all crew, all costume, and all management to meet in the Drama Room at 855am on Friday.  You'll need to get into costume (no makeup) between 900am and 930am.  Crew should set for Act II.  There'll be a large group assembly in the auditorium house for the whole 8th grade group, then they'll break into small groups.  We'll run from pg. 77 ('Look, our episodes are getting pretty good' to pg. 85 ('I wasn't looking.  I'll keep an eye on it next time'), including Chart Hits. I'll introduce the piece, we'll go to black, run the sequence, thank them for coming, wash, rinse, repeat 4 more times. 

This is a tough ask (I know, Milo), but the honor of representing the entire Wilson community, combined with the PR value of selling the show, make this too great an opportunity to ignore.  You all have done fantastic work, and deserve recognition.

Make sure you take full advantage of tomorrow's tutor time...no hanging back and hanging out then griping later about how behind your are!  You got this...we're gonna have a great time!

j.

Notes: Preview

Notes: Preview

Act I: Start Time: 734p/Stop Time: 818p
Nina - Watch for Sophie’s signal to cue fire
Tay: Correct Maria on ‘The Cat always dies’ as if your next lines would be ‘not the mouse’
All: Watch overplaying the Hitler mustache joke…once or twice is plenty
Will: Good timing on the exit and return
Crew: Much better on paging curtains
JP: Nice job with the bottles
Sound: Nice job with judiciously using the animal cues

Act II: Start Time: 830p/Stop Time: 912p
-Crew: We need to wait to set the chairs until just before we drop lights
-All: **General note: Great job integrating notes…very professional**
-Some really great through energy and timing…you’re seeming much more comfortable
-Kieran: The litany of beverages is almost there…build the energy/intensity as you go through the list
-Kieran: Nice change to the Shiraz offer
-Tay: Good job connecting tonight
-Will: Keep working the ‘nobody knows’ crosses…they’re just slightly off
-Props: I’ll find some chalk for the erasers
-Tay: remember how upset she was about the nuke plants in act I…you’ve gotten away from that a bit
-JP: Some very nice interchanges after shutting down the meltdown
-Will: Make sure and connect with Quincy a bit more as a couple…it seems like Susannah is more your romantic partner on occasion
-Tay: Muskogee is pronounced ‘Muss-KOH-gee’
-Zoe: Take a half beat to realize things are a mess before you fix Chart Hits
-Kieran: Don’t jump right into fearing the folks at the door…build into their hostile intent (also, don’t come so far downstage)

Act III: Start Time: 921p/Stop Time: 1003p (with the stoppage)
-Wait to assume your iconic pose until you see Cassidy start
-Tay: Continue to push the raps to match Cassidy’s vocal level
-Great crisp style movement on the handclaps
-Cass: Pull out the notebook to start the litany of the names…read from the book at the top
-All: Much better backstage tonight…room to grow, but a significant improvement
-Liliana: Make sure to leave a gap for Edna as you back up
-Nico: Turn and leave right on the thunderclap
-Will: Some very nice moments with Bart in I Stand on the Deck
-Hyacinth: Watch rushing out onstage at the top of Cape Fear…take your time and sync with the others
-Will/Lucy: How do you feel about your kids confronting Burns?
-Makeup: Much better on hand tattoos
-Kieran: Mind your voice…started getting gravelly under Love/Hate
-Ensemble/Edna: Can you bring your lanterns with you on And Now The Sky
-Milo: Can you grab the rope bond after you cut it off Bart, rather than having Kieran toss it?
-Nathaniel: Infinitely better dynamic level under later underscores
-Zoe: Keep that chin up! 
-Shades: Sing Clouds of Parted TO Bart…focus your energy there




The show keeps getting better and better!  These are the last formal notes you'll get from me on the show.  There may be some little stuff along the way, but as of now, the show is fully yours.  Actively make it just a little better each time out!  You have a great show...drive it home!


j.

Preview/Call and Info

Hi All -

Thank you again for all of your hard work!  This is truly shaping up to be an exceptional show, not only for us, but for local theatre...I really believe it.

Preview is tomorrow night (tonight?), 5/1.  We have very few people coming due to the number of other productions in tech/running right now in other places, including our middle schools.  You are welcome to invite 1-2 people, preferably who wouldn't come to the show if they had to pay.  Have them check in at the lobby by 715pm.

Remember, Call is 530pm, not 500pm...you've earned it!  There will be tables in the auditorium lobby to study/work, and food will be out at 500pm, but in the lobby (there's an event in the choir room tomorrow night).

Go over your scripts and your job assignments...mentally running through things is proven to be nearly as good as doing it physically.  I'll have notes on the stage promptly at 530pm.  You all are making me very proud right now!  Keep up the wonderful work!

j.

Notes: Dress 1, 4/29

Hi all -

I have been called to a district meeting this afternoon and will be late to Dress.  Annika is in charge, and Dressing Rooms/Costume will be open as will the Stage Area.  Please read over the notes below at call, and begin going through your normal preshow routine, with the exception of getting into costume.  I'll be in right around 530pm and want everyone involved with the end sequence of the show (Last Song through the Curtain Call, minus the musicians) to meet there at that time to revisit the last moments of the show...which needs some help.  That part's on me...

Thanks for your flexibility, all...see you soon!  You're killing it!

j.

-----

Notes: Dress 1 (also posted on the callboard)

-Act I: Start Time - 731p/Stop Time - 814p
-Me: Check the fire flicker
-Awesome timing early
-Tay: Great corrections getting Matt on track when he gets distracted
-All: The whomp whomps were awesome
-Tay: Watch fading under the ‘Court Case’ lines
-Good job trying to get each other on track on line flubs…also good job keeping the energy up here
-Will: Watch being too aggressive with Gibson…startled, cautious, not aggressive
-Watch losing vocal energy when Gibson comes in, guys
-Lucy: *reminder only* aim the flashlight low or away from audience…you’re doing great
-Will: keep the Stamford reaction authentic…watch getting too staged
-JP: great job with the note on cutting off Maria’s California line…was great tonight
-All: *reminder only* remember your shoulder alignments when talking to someone
-SMs: As part of preshow we need two ‘No Entry - Show in Progress’ signs
-Lucy: Good job with Becca Wright…can go just a step farther with the lines that Colleen is intended to hear
-Lets really get the pacing up after the Ritual of the Names
-Tay: Running about 70/30 on volume…big leap, keep it up
-JP: Try not to clink the bottles together, or we’ll need to fill them with something
-Watch over drinking your beer bottles…there’s only a finite amount in them
-Should we fill the bottles? Are you all ok with apple juice?
-Tay: Really ask the question about ‘Is this how you know?’ Find her need to know…
-Will: Take just a beat longer to realize the connection to the line…snapped out a bit too early
-Good job getting back on after the page jump. 
-You can jump ahead to the next thing you know sooner…don’t spend quite so much time trying to get the exact right spot
-Take the pitch pipe out of the box during the show…don’t need the box, except between shows
-Kieran: You can project the song a bit more
-Me: Slow the fade down by 4 seconds going out of Act I

-Act II: Start Time - 827p/Stop Time - 909p
-Tighten Cues at the start of Act II…all
-Tay: Good vocal energy during Interrogation…that’s the energy throughout, even if mood quality changes
-Good change out of the interrogation
-Good energy in the commercial early
-Nailed the food references, Milo…nice! Likewise, Kieran!
-Lucy: Great entry into the Diet Coke section
-Great response to the 2 Lithium Batteries lines
-Will: Like the hammering stage left between the ‘Nobody knows’
-Tay: Watch downplaying the ‘Gay Men’ lines…you get super quiet here
-Great finish timing-wise to the end of the Diet Coke section
-Fantastic timing at the top of the Heretic Homer argument
-JP: Keep strong eye contact when shutting down Gibson…defuse him
-Tay/Zoe: Watch getting too quiet post-meltdown
-Tay: Hit the pg 74 ‘We decided…we really did’ to shut him down
-Tay: ‘Muskogee’
-Watch the harmony volume during Chart Hits 2…overpowering Milo
-Milo: Remember the rake
-Great energy and timing post-Chart Hits
-*Dating partners: look for a couple of places to show affection during the act

-Act III: Start Time - ?/Stop Time -
-Sound: I’d like the thunder cue as the actors strike their poses going into the act
-Lights: I’d like the light cue on that same cue…see sound note above
-Props: Grab a fourth rake for Willy in Act III
-Tay: Rap not nearly loud enough…what happened? 2nd was better at the start, but you gotta throw it strong.
-Kieran: Don’t sit on the light!
-Ensemble: Hear Edna on her initial slate of names…if you can’t, your harmony is too loud
-All: make sure to get those chins high, shoulders back, and clean, confident movements; Lots of body energy throughout, as well…you should be physically tired at the end of Act III
-No running backstage…lots of extra noise.  Do we need carpet runners?
-Me: Need to mask the DS Corners…can see movement
-Ensemble: Enter as Bart leaves…turn on your lanterns with the thunder
-Piano is pretty hot, volume-wise, underscoring stuff going into Messing with the Simpsons
-Milo: Check the gag a little earlier in the tying process
-Kieran: Watch your hand placement when you come back to Taylor at the end of the Love/Hate speech…got a little unintentionally, uh, uncomfortable from where I sat
-JP/Milo: You don’t need to roll Taylor if she lands in the right spot
-Me: Run Carpet tomorrow
-Ensemble: As formal as you can make those movements during Edna’s solo, the better
-Ensemble: Place your lanterns at the base of the stairs onstage of the tunnels, but not on the ship
-SMs: Spike the placement of the globe lanterns
-Zoe: What happened?  You haven’t lost that moment before during I Stand On The Deck
-Kieran: Don’t untuck the shirt…losing the coat = ok
-Zoe: Really build through pg 121, the lead in monologue to the fight
-Zoe: Keep his head up and strong after defeating Burns.
-All: Be very quiet and focused backstage…every extraneous sound pulls us out of the play
-Add a reference to the band after Simpsons bow

**We are going to look at restaging the last couple of moments of the show…they’re wonky and it’s my fault**

Lots of Show Week Notes!

Hi all -

Again, I can't say how excited I am about how the show is coming together!  The team has started to gel really well, and everything is just going to get stronger as the week goes on.

I have a few things to throw out to everyone to be aware of this week:

1) I have received bios from less than half of the team so far.  Please email me at mjamie@pps.net with your bio (instructions in an earlier post) or the following words will be after your name in the program: No Bio Submitted
2) Also, a number of people have not yet gotten onto either the cast or crew Reminds!  Remind is how we get moment-to-moment information out to folks...please log on to the following feeds:
Actors: remind.com/join/mrburnsca
Crew/Musicians: remind.com/join/kdecfk
3) Remember: Talk to your families about Mother's Day/Strike!  I am looking to set our time tomorrow...I need to know both which affects the least number of our ensemble negatively, and that folks understand they are expected to be there as a part of our production, regardless of which time it is...you've already committed to it.
4) I am working on whether or not we will be able to hold our photo shoot/pickup rehearsal/video shoot next Wednesday, May 8th.  As you know, we don't have school that day, due to the statewide Day Of Action for school funding, but it's still in the air as to whether or not we can have evening events.  Assume now it is on; should that change, then plans shift back a day to May 7th, on the same time schedule.
5) Remember that we are presenting part of Act II to the visiting 8th Grade students this Friday, May 3rd.  Management, Crew, and the Act II Actors will be called from class at 845am to dress and warm up and set the space.  We'll be presenting up to 10 minutes, from pg. 77 ('Look, our episodes are getting pretty good' to pg. 85 ('I wasn't looking.  I'll keep an eye on it next time'), including Chart Hits.  This may be pared down for time.  You'll be performing for small groups of 8th graders, beginning at 948 am, and you'll do the section 5 times to accommodate them all.  Please be sure to be in the Drama Room promptly at 845am to get ready.

We're ramping up, as you can see above!  Make sure you're staying on top of your health (make good eating/drinking/sleeping choices!), mental wellbeing, academic obligations, etc.  Talk to your teachers about the schedule and be as proactive as possible.

You're doing great work...now lets bring it home!

j.

Some General Company Notes...

Hi All -

Thanks for coming out and making our stumblethrough of the show a success!  We are in a good place on the show, and, with a good work-focus from here out, we are going to have a heck of a good show!

Please read over the notes below and take action for yourself where necessary!

1) I am ordering T-Shirts in the next 24 hours.  If you wear a non-traditional shirt size (read: either looser fitting or tighter fitting than a standard t-shirt, because I can size-guess pretty well), OR you actually don't want your shirt (and given how many shirts are left behind show-to-show, that's a few people), please let me know in writing to mjamie@pps.net as soon as possible!

2) CREW/MUSICIANS: We now have a Remind set up...please click this Link or use the Remind Code: kdecfk to join.  (Only 3-4 of you have so far!)

3) CREW/MUSICIANS: Please remember that each production team member has a $25 production fee due to the WHS Bookkeeper to cover a piece of the materials and collaborating artist costs for the show.

4) ACTORS/MGMT.: Rehearsal today is scheduled as follows -
/345p-430p: Stumblethrough Notes - All Cast (except Zoe)
/430p-630p: Run and Work Act I

5) CAST/MGMT/RUN CREW: Calls for the Q2Q days (4/25 and 4/26) are 345p-645p, and we will cover lighting cues, sound cues, and scenic transition assignments for the show, as well as runs of the Acts.

6) MUSICIANS: Your calls differ from the posted calendar ONLY in the following ways:
4/25 - No Call
4/26 - Call Full Time to Integrate Music
4/28 - Call Time: 400pm-900pm
All Dress/Preview/Performance days - Call Time: 700pm

7) ALL:

Please fill out the bio you intend to appear in the production program for the show and email to mjamie@pps.net as soon as possible (no later than Saturday, 4/26)!

 Guidelines:

-Word Count: 30 Words—Non-Seniors…40 Words Company Members

-Word Count: 50 Words—Seniors…60 Words Company Members

-Serious Bios Only, Please

-Potential Inclusions:

--Past Roles

--Thank Yous

--Well Wishes

I reserve the right to edit for length or content…bear that in mind!

Name _______________________________________________ Class ______________

Role/Job _______________________________ TShirt Size _____________________

That's it for now...see many of you this afternoon!

j.

Schedule Tweaks/Information: Please Review

Hello, Burns Cast and Crew!

The downloadable schedule is has just been revised, albeit for LESS time called (slightly, don't get that excited!), so I need everyone to review it.  Highlights:

-Please consider attending the Build Call tomorrow, 4/20, between 200pm and 600pm.  We'll be working almost every aspect of the show: Costume, Props, Scenic, Sound, possibly Lighting...something for everyone!  Help make our show a reality!
-All standard rehearsal calls (week of 4/21) begin at 345p rather than 330p.  I simply cannot make the transition from the teaching day to the production day in under 15 minutes.  All other Tech/Dress/Preview/Performance call times stand.
-Crew is now only called 3 days next week.  I'm asking crew members to attend the full run scheduled for Tuesday the 23rd, and both Q2Q days, 4/25 and 4/26 in their entirety.  **Q2Q days do not include Costume/Makeup or Business
-Instrumentalists are called to rehearsal Monday night 4/22 at 645p to work with our Music Director, Ethan Conroy.  They'll also be called to Friday, 4/26's, Q2Q for sound reinforcement.  The only other call that will differ for instrumentalists after that point is the Sunday, 4/28, call, where they'll be called at 400pm.
-We are currently scheduled to hold our video shoot/pickup rehearsal on 5/8.  This is also an 'off' day for the district due to the statewide Day of Action supporting school funding.  As of now, there are afternoon and evening events for activities and athletics. 
-On Tuesday, 4/23, we'll take a vote on when to hold Strike: 900a-200p, or 200p-600p.  Due to the fact that it's Mother's Day (ulp!) I want to respect you having plans with that special human in your life!  Unfortunately, I cannot delay Strike by even a day or two due to other auditorium events that week.  Please come in knowing your family's (tentative!) plans for Mother's Day celebrations.  I can't accommodate everyone...but we'll do our best.
-CREW!!: We now have a Remind set up...please click this Link or use the Remind Code: kdecfk to join.  I'll be posting to it at the end of this week.

Thanks all!  Rest up...the endgame approaches...😉

j.

Attn: All Crew Members

Hi there, Crew -

We now have a Remind set up...please click this Link or use the Remind Code: kdecfk to join.  I'll be posting to it at the end of this week.

We have some changes to the schedule and timeline for the show (nothing big, but useful to know) that you'll want to be aware of.

j.

So...Illness is a Thing

So...remember what I said when I said that in a small cast, illness/absence was going to be challenging?  Well, today it happened...

As we are missing a full 1/4 of the cast (2 of the 8) for today's rehearsal due to illness, I am cancelling rehearsal.  Jackson is hosting time in the Choir Room for folks who want to go over music, Annika is also there to help with either/both lines and music, or you can use that time on your own to go over video/memorize/review music solo.  The only thing that should not be an option is using your time during this block, or its equivalent, for something not related to the show.  We still have an obligation to our team and our audience, and plenty of work to do!  Use it well.

It also changes our rehearsals for the next two weeks.  To accommodate taking today down, we will adjust the next two weeks (in terms of what we cover, NOT in terms of changing call times/expectations).

4/17 - Fix-it Day: 330p-630p/Fight Choreo, Music, Fix Whatever You Are Uncomfortable With
4/18 - Act III: 330p-630p/Run and Work Act III Stuff
4/19 - Act II: 330p-630p/Run and Work Act II Stuff
4/20 - Build Call: 200p-600p/Costume, Scenic, and Rigging Build
4/21 - **Dark**: Easter Sunday
4/22 - Movement: 330p-630p/Run, Work, Polish Dance/Fight Choreo
4/23 - Run: 330p-630p/Run Full Show with Notes **I know we won't have done Act I in a while, but this is the only way I see the schedule working efficiently**
4/24 - Act I: 330p-630p/Run and Work Act I Stuff
4/25 - Q2Q: 330p-630p/Cue and Set Acts I & II
4/26 - Q2Q: 330p-630p/Cue and Set Act III

We'll talk more face to face about what each of these things mean, and the other things we need to tackle.  Stay on top of your obligations, both within theatre and without, and keep everything moving forward.  Thanks all...be (and stay!) well.

j.

Schedule Revisions: Week of 4/15

As promised, here are the revisions to this week's schedule:

4/16: Work Act II
4/17: 330p-430p, Stage Combat and Work Music; 430p-630p, Work Things that Need to be Worked
4/18: Work Act III
4/19: Work Act I

Thanks for the flexibility this week!

j.

Build Requirements for Actors - Revision

Hello, Actors -

Given how the builds for this show are structured, I'm revising the expectations of all actors in regard to their build requirements.

According to your signed audition packets, all actors were committed to 'Two Builds, in their Entirety';

As the Sunday builds and midweek light hangs are only three hours long, vs. the Saturday builds being 5-6 hours long, the expectation (in the interests of fairness) of actors in terms of build attendance/participation, will be 'Minimum of 6 total hours'

Thanks...hope this levels out the playing field a bit!  See you this weekend!

j.

Dance Videos - 4/8

Here is a folder of the videos of the dance numbers so far...again, these are for personal use in learning, NOT sharing in other places online.

Dance Videos Folder

Rehearsal Tracks

Hello all -

Please see below for all your rehearsal track needs!  Due to a spam filter issue (apologies, the email from Ethan went to my junk box), this is getting to you later than promised.  Please use it well!

Rehearsal Tracks Folder

Thanks!  See you later today.

j.

Dance Videos - 4/2

Here are the videos of the dance numbers...remember, these are for personal use in learning, NOT sharing in other places online.

Zoom Zoom Zoom

Chart Hits, pt. 1

Schedule - Week of 3/31

Below is the schedule and calls for this upcoming week (all times 345p-615p). 

4/1 - Act II Music w/Ethan and Jackson (Choir Room)
4/2 - Chart Hits Movement/Dance w/Clara and Ginger (Stage)
4/3 - Act III Music w/Ethan and Jackson; Distribute schedule for remaining time on show.
(Choir Room)
4/4 and 4/5 - Line Work w/Stage Mgmt Team (TBD)**
**Remember, following 4/8 the goal is to be off book.  This is a big ask and will require much commitment.  We'll talk about how these sessions can work with me at State.

Excited to get back to work?  I know I am!

j.

Table Work - Week 2

Greetings, Team -

Welcome to our 2nd week focused on table work and world building!  It is the week going into Spring Break, and you know what that means...business as usual! (what did you think I was going to say?)

3/18: 345p-615p, Choir Room
[Act III Music]

3/19: 345p-615p, Stage
[Act II Table Work: Social Dynamics of the New World, and the Troupe, 7+ Years after the Fall]


3/20: 345p-615p, Choir Room
[Act II Music, Work Act III Music if time allows]


3/21: 345p-615p, Stage
[Act I, post-Gibson Arrival: Team Dynamics and Language]


3/22: 345p-...ah, who are we kidding.  No one will be focused that day anyway.  Have an amazing Spring Break!

Rehearsals - 3/13 thru 3/15

Hi All -

Please forgive the late posting on this!  I have folks' conflicts laid in as I have them (though I know I'm missing a couple...email them to me: mjamie@pps.net), and have rehearsal for the week listed below:

3/13 - Matt, Sam, Jenny, Maria, Colleen: 345p-600p
[Table Work - Social Dynamics of the Fallen World]

3/14 - All Called: 345p-600p
[Table Work - Social Dynamics of the Rising World, 80+ Years after the Fall]

3/15 - All Called (incl. Crew): 345p-400p
[Cast/Crew/Company Integration and Introductions]
Matt, Sam, Jenny, Maria: 405p-545p
[Language Dynamics/Timing - Act I]

Please be on the lookout for some additional music work for individuals around these times (Clay, Kieran, Ensemble in particular).  Jackson is likely to call folks for individual work, with my blessing.

Thanks all!

j.

Crew, Crew Leads, and Apprentices - Schedule through Spring Break

Attn: All Technical Leads, Apprentices, and Crew -

There are only two dates folks need to be accountable for between now and Spring Break...
1) I'm asking all of you to join us for the beginning of rehearsal on Friday, March 15th to begin the integration of ALL aspects of our show's team in advance of the main build period which will kick into gear after the Break.  We'll have you there to introduce the acting team and the build/technical team, get some contact information, then cut you loose for the weekend.

2) I'm asking you also to attend a meeting during Tutor Time on March 21st.  We'll go over scheduling and responsibilities going into the show's build and prep run during April.  Please plan on being on the auditorium stage during the tutor time block.  I'll endeavor to keep it short.

Thanks, all...I'm looking forward to getting to work!

j.

Rehearsal - 3/12

Today's focus will be on a read-thru and potentially assigning remaining roles (specifically line-load during the Shades of Springfield section). 

Time: 345p-615p
Location: Auditorium
Calls: Management and Actors

Management - Please be 15 minutes early to set the stage for the read-thru (chairs and tables), so that we can start right on time.

Thanks all!  Good first day!

j.

Cast/Crew Announcement

Mr. Burns – a post-electric play

THE COMPANY 

The Actors

Cassidy Stevenson – Edna Krabappel

Clay McAllister – Quincy/Itchy

Johnathan Price – Sam/Scratchy

Kieran Gettel-Gilmartin – Gibson/Mr. Burns

Lucy Grissom – Maria/Marge

Taylor Ardantz – Jenny/Lisa

William Britton – Matt/Homer

Zoe Maloney-Dunn – Colleen/Bart

The Shades of Springfield/Ensemble:

Courtney Van Kopp

Hyacinth Fick

Liliana McClain

Nico Vilches

**Thank you so much to all of the wonderful people who came out and gave so much of themselves over the past week!  You did some amazing work, and I truly mean you gave us so much talent to help make this the best production of Mr Burns we could hope for at Wilson.  As always, we aren't able to include everyone, but we are all so grateful for letting us share the past week with you.  Nice job, all!

The Tech Leads, Apprentices, Instrumentalists, and Crew

STAGE MANAGER

Annika Phillips

MANAGEMENT APRRENTICES

Sophie Chappell

Emma Jeffcock

Sophia Burton

SCENIC LEADS

Margot Shipton Cook

Nina Schiefelbein

SCENIC APPRENTICES

Duncan Larson

Quinnlan Brawn

COSTUME LEADS*

Zoe Carver

Annika Vanderperren

PROPS LEAD*

Liz Boyle

LIGHTING LEAD

Sophie Chappell

LIGHTING APPRENTICES

Marina McClain

Finnegan McCarthy

SOUND LEAD

Fran Amato

SOUND APPRENTICES

Zoe Drozdowski

Anna Hawkins

HAIR / MAKE-UP LEAD*

Aeris Wolny

Rivkah Zigman

MAKE-UP APPRENTICE*

Airelle Price

Annika Vanderperren

BUSINESS / HOUSE LEAD*

Sophia Burton

Zoe Drozdowski

BUSINESS APPRENTICE*
Ravi Cullop

RUNNING CREW / SHOW SUPPORT*

Helen Sloop

Margot Shipton Cook

Quinnlan Brawn

Duncan Larson

Kyle Stahr

Nina Schiefelbein

Anna Hawkins

Katie Erkenbeck

INSTRUMENTALISTS*

Nathaniel Nelson - Piano/Keys

TBD – Percussion (x2)

TBD – Guitar

TBD - Accordion

* Required at Tech / Dress / Performances

-All Actors/Stage Managers/Mgmt. Apprentices should report for rehearsal Monday after school (345pm) in the Auditorium

-All Leads and Crew Members should begin checking the Callboard and show blog (wilsondramamrburns.blogspot.com) DAILY…there’s no excuse for being uninformed.

-We’ll be finishing the instrumental assignments very soon!

-All unassigned technicians should pay very close attention to build opportunities…we need you!

-All Leads and Crew Members should be on the lookout for a production meeting next week.

-All Build Crew Volunteers should be regularly checking the Callboard and/or Blog for build times and opportunities. 

 

Get Some Sleep!

Hey all! Miller and I have a lot to mull over, so don’t lose any sleep waiting for the list to go up tonight. As of now, the cast list should be posted by midnight tomorrow (Saturday). In the meantime, get some rest and take care of yourselves.

Safely Rest and Goodnight,

Jackson

Acting Callbacks - 3/8

Hi all -

Once we complete music callbacks at 500p (thanks, Jackson, for the earlier note!), we'll move on to readings.  At this point I'll be dismissing several folks, as I got a lot of information yesterday, and I want keep things as efficient as possible, while giving the maximum possible opportunity.  That said, here's how things are going to work today:

1) I'll be releasing the folks I feel I have enough information on to work with.  Should there be a role you have not already read for that you feel I need to see, I'll assign one final read for you.  Remember how much I know about your work already and trust that your very knowledgeable creative team is going to make the right choice for the show...but if you really feel strongly about something we haven't seen, this is your opportunity.
2) The folks that remain will be grouped for quick-hit readings to answer some final questions I have.  Be prepared to shift roles during the readings and take direction...and hopefully you've read the script by this point to enable the most informed possible decision making.
3) I have some individual questions for folks to wrap up the process...questions about scheduling, about role potential, about a variety of things relevant to the production process.  I'll be releasing most folks immediately prior to this, but there're a few things I still would like clarity on going forward.

We've learned a ton about your work this week!  I am beyond excited about the potential for this show, and look forward to spending this remaining time getting ready to dive in!

j.

Music Callbacks - Friday (3/8)

Hi everyone! You guys all sounded great and are making my (and Miller's) life very difficult. This is a good thing!

We are on a pretty tight schedule when it comes to music tomorrow, so please take even a couple minutes to look over at least the words on the sections I am going to be assigning here in a minute.

DISCLAIMER: Because we are on such a tight schedule for music, you may only be heard a few times. We have a LOT to get through and very limited time. I would love to hear you all sing for as long as possible but there is only so much time between 3:30 and 5:00. Additionally. A fair amount of this callback is about range. If you physically cannot sing the notes, I may ask you to step out. Everyone has a lovely voice but we all have our limits, and that's okay!

All of that being said, please look over your parts and be ready to start at 3:30! (If you aren't doing anything between 3:15 and 3:30, it might be beneficial to warm yourself up a little. We will still do group warm-ups, but it is always a good idea to warm-up as much as possible).

Bart: Say Goodbye (1-9) and Last Song (14-23) and Messing with the Simpsons (23-39) AND Keep On (9-20)
(I know it's a lot. We definitely will not have time for all of these, but be ready just in case).
Taylor
Duncan
Quinnlan
Clay
Ashley

Kieran

Zoe

Lisa: Messing with the Simpsons (23-39) and Keep On (9-20)

Cassidy

Ashley

Quinnlan

Hyacinth

Lilliana

Courtney

Liz
Sophie P

Homer: Keep On (9-20)

William

Marge: Keep On (9-20)

Lucy

Annika

Courtney

Sophie C

Hyacinth

Itchy and Scratchy: Two Little Darling Lads (4-17) and Toxic (All)

Liam

Duncan

Kieran

Cassidy

Clay

Taylor

Sophie C

Kai

Maddie

Mr. Burns: Toxic (All)

Kieran

Clay

Hyacinth

Absent (Still under consideration)

Nico

Johnathan

Claire

If you do not see your name on here I have royally screwed up! Text me at 971-806-4942 or find me before callbacks and I will put you in a group!

Break Legs! See you all at 3:30 :)

- Jackson

Callbacks Notes

Fantastic work so far, team!  We've all been thrilled with the turnout, the creative energy, and the willingness to collaborate on some wonderful physical and traditional storytelling.

Now it's time to really get into the material itself...which is what our callbacks are all about over the next couple of days.

Each remaining day, 3/7 and 3/8, please be prepared, as we spoke on in Generals, to work from 345pm-700pm.  I'll insure you get some breaks to hydrate and snack, but you'll want to prepare by having water bottles and the aforementioned snacks with you.  Please also insure that you're getting proper rest, taking advantage of tutor times and any potential off-periods to get homework done, etc.

The schedule for 3/7 is listed below, as well as the music and sides I'd like you to take a look at in advance, should you be so willing:
345p-515p: Music Assessments
-Act II Medley, Part 2: Say Goodbye, Measures 1-12 [High Voices, Women; Low Voices, Men]
-The Call Came On The Radio, Measures 9-10 [Rhythms]
-I Stand On The Deck, Measures 1-21 [Women, Bart/Lisa/Marge; Men, Homer/Bart]

530p-700p: Character Assessments
pgs. 7-10 (Jenny, Maria, Sam, Matt, Colleen)
pgs. 16-20 (Jenny, Maria, Sam, Matt, Colleen, Gibson)
pgs. 45-48 (Gibson, Quincy, Colleen, Jenny, Sam, Matt, Maria)
pgs. 50-53 (Homer, First Agent, Second Agent)
pgs. 70-72 (Jenny, Gibson, Maria, Colleen, Matt, Sam)

3/8's plan will be determined based on how 3/7's callbacks go.

Work hard...sleep well.  See you tomorrow!

j.

Building The Company; or, Auditions/Crew Application

Hi there...and welcome to the kickoff of our exciting spring production of Anne Washburn's and Michael Friedman's 'Mr. Burns, a post-electric play'!

As this has been late to build, let me get a bunch of information about joining this company out there all in one fell swoop:

1) Any interested Stage Manager candidates should sign up on the Callboard ASAP and get their applications forms filled out/signed and back to me by 3/5.  Stage Manager candidates should be ready to drop straight into supporting our process during the Audition and Callback process.

2) Any interested folks in the other Lead/Apprentice/Crew positions, whether auditioning as well as actors or not auditioning at all, should also sign up on the Callboard and pick up their application form from the Drama Room.  Their forms are due back by end of day on 3/6 to be announced alongside the Cast List.  Anybody also auditioning for an onstage role will be assumed to have that as their priority over a Crewing position unless they come and speak with me semi-immediately.

3) Any auditioning Actors will need to attend minimum one session of General auditions on Monday, 3/4 in the auditorium (either from 330p-530p or 545p-745p) AND the Movement audition 3/6 from 345p-615p.  **Remember movement clothes and water for the Movement audition...and be prepared to work barefoot!

4) Callback lists will be posted the evening of 3/6.  Regrettably, for this small-cast show opportunity, the callback list should be considered a cut...actors not called back for Voice auditions and Reading auditions after 3/6 will no longer be in consideration for the show.  Just a numbers game this time, team.

5) The audition process breaks down as follows:
-3/4: 330p-530p OR 545p-745p [Ensemble/Collaborative Auditions]
-3/5: **No Mr. Burns Auditions Scheduled** [Advanced Acting Audition Period]
-3/6: 345p-615p [Movement Auditions]
-3/7: 345p-515p [Vocal Auditions]; 530p-730p [Cold Read Auditions]
-3/8: 345p-715p...ish [Final Callbacks]
It's gonna be a long week...I know I'm asking a lot, but it's gonna be worth it!

6) Familiarize yourself with the script and score as soon as possible (they're under the icons to the right).  **REMINDER - These are copyrighted materials.  Under no circumstances are they to be printed off, shared, posted, etc.**  They are available on your device to learn as much as you can about this show.  Hard copies are available from me in the Drama Room.

7) Actors, remember to read THE WHOLE AUDITION PACKET!!! We spend a lot of time putting things together to prepare you and your families for this process.  Please do your part by going over the dates/times/expectations with them so there's no miscommunications.  Crew candidates...you might do the same thing.  It's posted to the right, for immediate download.

8) ...I think that's it!  I'm super excited to be starting this journey with everyone this spring...email me with any questions: mjamie@pps.net

Be well...

j.