Auditions

5/31/11
(Although, its a bit late...)

Well, in light of the one-week anniversary of the conclusion of my auditions, here are some thoughts.

Although it was expected (as told by a last minute update) that most people would be walking in randomly throughout the 2 hour time slots of auditions, this turned out to not be the case.  There were a -few-stragglers, but all in all, most people showed up on time and ready to go!

I unexpectedly also recruited several students (high school age) that are interested in doing tech work for the show.  This will prove a great opportunity to get build work done on the set!  Although I had planned to have the  set worked on by some of the older acting students already, the extra "tech only" ones will definitely help the process along!

Casting proved to be MUCH easier this time around.  Since I didn't have to select a chorus, and could cast everyone, all I had to do was pull out a few principles.  In fact, I was able to cast the show (majoritively) after the first day's round of auditions since most of my high school-aged students came to the first round.  Although there were some adjustments, and there were a few key players that didn't come until the second day, casting proved to be easy and actually quite enjoyable when I didn't have to turn anyone away.

I ended up with a cast of 72 students in total for the final list ^_^  It was in posting cast list that I encountered my first "But-so-and-so-didn't-do-it-that-way" occasion.  Apparently, in the past postcards have been sent to all auditionees as it pertains to their individual part in the show.  I chose, instead, to post the entire list on the SWTA website and outside the Park District (which is responsible for the organization).  There were a few parents, whose children both grown and currently in the program, who bemoaned the loss of the postcards, but all in all, I stick by my choice.  This saves the Park District money and TIME spent on such things that could very easily be communicated in a much more efficient way.

It has come to my attention, as well, that I have been perceived as very organized, and thought out.  My choreographers, upon many a game of phone tag, have informed me that in the past, they have been merely handed what students were available, and whatever time the Director felt to give them (on the spot).  I have attempted to set up a meeting with my Musical Director and the two Choreographers to create a rehearsal schedule and to touch base with them to see what they needed from me, but all have informed me that they are used to working in a manner that I've never experienced before.  I was told that they would rather continue working this way...which will be an interesting experience for me!  Although, I am very excited to see the outcome.

Rehearsals begin on Thursday for the show.  I have laid out a basic outline of what I would like to work with for a rehearsal schedule, and not being in our actual performance space until the 13th will be another interesting challenge...but, we WILL prevail!

That's all for now...more to come on Thursday!

The Beginning

5/20/11
Well, it's my first post!

To start the blog, I suppose I should summarize the reason behind its creation.  For my summer internship (required by the Theatre major at Monmouth College) I am creating a blog to record the events of my position as Director for the Marengo Park District's Summer with the Arts (or SWTA) program.  This year, as the 20th anniversary production, I have chosen to direct Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jr.

I have received the script and am going through it now.  MTI creates a remarkable directing guide that basically hands the show to me, which for someone who is working for the first time with so many people, is a great advantage to have.  So far, I have a vocal director, 2 choreographers, a costumer, and lots of help in the publicity department.  I think that this will be an amazing experience!!