November 2 Performance
Congratulations! You did an outstanding job!
1. First, I want to apologize to Savannah and Jake for leaving their names off the program. Again, my eyes have affected my brain. SORRY!
2. Second, we all owe three people a round of applause. For contest or public performance, my high school kids, the ones who are truly committed will perform, run back stage and throw up, and keep on going. They will perform with broken legs, etc. Two of our family have exhibited these team building qualities – Hayden, Shane, and Nathan. Nathan, with his broken toe, came to rehearsals and did what was needed. Shane performed, under pain killers, impeccably with his broken arm the day after he broke it. Hayden, WOW, I anticipated a “guarded” performance. You gave 100% and then some. I don’t think I could have done it. This is what creates an ensemble when you put the needs of the team ahead of your own.
3. Third,I want to say thank you to our alternates and crew members. You truly never complain. I know it is difficult to sit in the audience and watch your friends on stage. However, read #2, we could never pull this massive undertaking off without your help. If I ever decide to do another animal play, insist that I retire. Abby comes in and goes right to work, and she has a knack for makeup. Kayla is always early and has attended to her job backstage before I have a chance to ask her if the props are in place or we have enough crazy cloaks. Meagan is serious about her undertaking as stage manager. I never worry about what is happening backstage because I know she can handle it. The team of Links, Ayers, and Hamilton glue items before I know that they are no longer glued. They look for ways to help instead of asking “What can I do?” Cheyanne’s fund raising enabled us to purchase more makeup for last night’s performance. Hannah is always thinking and makes suggestions that enhance the show – weasels stealing clothes onstage. This eliminated what to do with costumes and props that were left in acting areas. Mac will be a future director. He ensures that the set is right. He writes in-depth critiques, and he is always interested in learning the craft. Reagan has probably been an understudy more than most, and he knows all the lines. Parker is always willing to help. He has creative ideas, and my life would be a dim place without his unfailing enthusiasm. Nathan helps time the music – if we go over 10 minutes, we are disqualified – and he gives insightful suggestions. It was his idea to have Toad hide from the policeman at the end of the play.
4. Now for the bad part – critiques. I have changed my method of critiquing for middle school. If you are a weasel, look in the weasel section. If it says everyone, it probably applies to you as well as looking at suggestions under your section.
5. Everyone
a. Wednesday’s clinic at 7AM. EAT BREAKFAST!
b. HIT CONSONANTS. WATCH WORDS LIKE THINK, THING, GET, etc.
c. CURTAINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
d. Don’t talk behind the ladder – ask Kylee
e. Villager’s reaction to lines and the car was better, but make it BIGGER!
f. There were several straight lines. Remember that this is a basic rule, and he judge will slam us for doing this.
g. When Jack is found, all actors stood in a straight line. If this happens, adjust your stance, everyone BUT Badger. Move backwards, forwards, sit, squat, etc. Mole does a great job of this.
h. The weasel dance line. This is truly a line. Girls, move a little bit back and you are dancing for Toad and friends, not the audience. Put Macy in front, but do not stand on the same plane as Badger and friends.
i. Badger says, …..you force me….. Straight line again.
j. Straight line When Toad comes out of the water and again when Badger comes in. Mole, Rat, Otter, Toad, and Badger – change this.
k. WATCH LINES. That is really my only criticism.
l. Great expressions overall.
m. Celebrate or be negative following the weasel fight. We have to have FIGHT noises during the fight from EVERYONE. This is important. Slap backs, shake hands, hug, etc.
n. Do not sway. IT tends to be contagious.
o. Find motivation for every movement. It shows when you do not have it. Do not do it because Couch told me to.
p. In the fight scene, there was a tug of war between two people not connected to the ladder. I loved it but can’t remember who it involves. I also loved Ms. Otter hitting Jack with the broom. Be careful.
q. REACT, DON”T RECITE LINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. Weasels
a. Jack, show more emotion during and before the crash scene. Be excited and full of energy.
b. Jack – be louder with “killjoys”
c. Weasels, when you exit with Toad, exit USL because Badger and friends come in CSL. Dipprey weasel, watch this please.
d. Jen Weasel, & Tilly Weasel – You were great!
e. Tom, great delivery and then. We also love your entrance preceding Portly.
f. Chauffeur –outstanding job. You came in as the chauffeur and were consistent with the “haughty” attitude until you realized it was Toad. Great job changing attitude when you see it is Toad. Then you became your consistent “haughty” self exiting and you kept this going through your exit. Talk to Toad more and do not address your lines to the audience. Toad may need to move DS more.
g. Policeman – Louder with the first line. After that, it was magic, Policeman. However, you need to change your weasel persona because both characters exhibit slow movements. Quicken the weasel persona more. I know you don’t want to do that because you have established your character, but I think you need to be more manic. It is not consistent with the weasel character when you are carrying off Tilly.
h. Penelope, undoubtedly your best performance. You were so different from the weasel girl. You were curious –asking Toad about Toad Hall. You might make that even bigger. When you are angry at Toad, make it bigger. Throw something at him. The weasels will steal it anyway. When you say “in and out,” gesture to show what she does. Don’t use air quotes.
i. Jack – great job of “Portly” coming into your head. We could see it.
7. Toad - Your best performance yet! I could not believe it – even with your handicap.
a. The dazed toad was of your best scenes.
b. When Penelope is angry at you, make it bigger when you are trying to persuade her you are sorry. Go to her and get on your knees.
c. The Chauffeur is having difficulty speaking to you and keeping his face (voice) DS. Will you adjust your movements so that he can talk to you without speaking upstage?
d. Better job of enunciating.
e. When dying, think damsel in distress – ask Kylee.
f. Toad, move the horn and let’s attach it to your belt.
g. So you don’t take the focus of the scene, go behind a crate to change. Badger, if he is drawing too much attention, shake a hand at him.
8. Badger – This was your best performance as well. You improved SO much. For the most part, your enunciation had improved. However, with “…five times….” This needed to be enunciated better.
a. Walk with purpose toward Jack, with no fear, just commitment and seriousness.
b. You backsliding animal….. Great deliverance and your touching the other characters created more of an ensemble.
c. Last time…. Another great delivery.
d. I gave you 2 stars and I don’t know why.
e. Help Mrs. Otter up when she falls down hysterically.
f. Remember to act like Toad’s dad when you are telling him about the tunnel. REALLY HAM IT UP!
g. So Toad doesn’t take the focus of the scene, he will go behind a crate to change. Badger, if he is drawing too much attention, shake a hand at him.
9. Mole – great job! Your best performance as well. I could see your mind saying – everyone is standing, I need to sit. You also did not blurt out your lines and kept your intensity up when you did not have lines.
a. You interacted more with rat and it worked so well.
b. Vary gestures and mannerisms when Toad is in the water.
c. During the Toad in the water scene, Otter will watch for awhile. She will try to reach him, then become increasingly hysterical and then faint. Don’t anticipate Otter fainting.
d. Since you are doing better about being intense following your lines, keep it up.
e. Remember to find your motivation for saying your line so big. Don’t let the intensity die.
10. Rat – Yesterday was one of your best performances as well. In the part, where you are watching Toad – this was SO much improved. Touching worked well yesterday. You and mole were more interactive, and it worked so much better.
a. Where was the fishing pole?
b. Vary gestures and mannerisms when Toad is in the water.
c. Rat, take off your hat often. This will give you additional stage business.
d.
11. Otter – This was your best performance.
a. During the Toad in the water scene, watch for awhile. Try to reach him, then become increasingly hysterical and then faint. Don’t allow Mole to anticipate the fainting.
b. Don’t look at action US. Ask Kylee. Watch the broom. If it is hard to carry, let’s think of some way to attach it to your costume or basket.
c. Be louder – ask Kylee. Don’t hide your face and use the upstage hand.
12. Portly -Great JOB
Music and lights - great job
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday's Performance
I changed the critiques so that you could look at the one marked everyone, then look at the remarks for your child. This may make it easier. I want to thank you so much for helping us with this play. I do not know where we would be without the parents. Please know that I appreciate your help and work. Mrs. Hamilton stayed with the kids during the ballgame and sold noisemakers. It added $100 to our coffers, and we spent most of it on makeup. Another rehearsal is tomorrow at 7. I need the kids at 5 for makeup. IF they need to stay after school, I will be here and can put them to work.
We have a clinic on Wednesday and I need the kids here at 7AM to do makeup. We will not have the high school kids so it will be up to a few to help do the makeup.
If we have problems with working with basketball practice, we may need a Saturday rehearsal.
Critiques for the public performance – November 1, 2009
EVERYONE
· Watch levels. Watch straight lines – Don’t do it. Do NOT look at the audience.
· We need ANIMAL noises and GESTURES.
· Watch blocking.
· Don’t sway!
· REMEMBER LINES!
· STAY IN CHARACTER. IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THE AUDIENCE AND WANT TO LAUGH, YOU ARE NOT ACTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
· DO NOT MESS WITH COSTUMES!
· The ending was good. If we have enough time, let the music continue and lights stay on until music ends.
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
· DON”T YELL EVERY LINE. PEOPLE USUALLY DO NOT YELL ALL THE TIME AND IT IS USUALLY MORE EFFECTIVE IF YOU ARE QUIETLY MENACING.
· DON’T HIT THE CURTAINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WEASELS
· Villagers, react to lines. Be bigger about this.
· Keep laughing as Badger makes his way with Portly behind him. STOP when he sees Portly.
· VILLAGERS, SCREAM with the crash!
· Weasels, good reaction in your scene.
· Weasels’ entrance was amazing. Great job. You were quiet on most entrances.
· Jack Weasel, very Johnny Depp today – Great job.
· Chauffeur, great job keeping the nose up from beginning to end. Tucker, I LOVE it when you run off with Portly’s book.
· More noises when Portly is being chased!
· Crazies need to laugh crazier and louder and keep the craziness going until you are offstage.
· When Jack says that the otters have no brains, overdo the laughter. Wes, you have such a good laugh, we could use it here.
· Cook, enunciate more. Were you feeling okay today? You were great collecting money.
· Weasels, CELEBRATE after Jack’s short speech.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· Dipprey weasel, good job being consistent with your character.
· Macy, Savanna, & Hannah, great job acting like you LOVE TO DANCE!
· Jen, great job with your lines when you are tired.
· Jailer, good job with reactions. BE EVEN BIGGER!
· Policeman, you were good today. You changed up your part. I like the way you do this each performance.
· Tom Weasel, great job with your entrance before getting Portly.
· Tilly, good job always being in character.
· Wes, great job helping with the coat and hat. With the hat, twirl it then stick it on Toad’s head.
· Dipprey, don’t kick the horn!
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
· Jack, we saw the idea come into your head. Don’t lose this.
MUSIC
· The music was too loud in the beginning. If you cannot hear the dialogue, it is too loud. Use the decibel levels that you wrote down.
· Music was too loud during Toad’s trance.
· Wild Woods music was too loud.
· Music was good around Toad’s being in the car! This was the right level.
· Music was too loud in the jail scene.
· Music was too loud when Jack was speaking to fellow weasels.
· Music needs to flow and be almost undetectable.
· The ending was good. If we have enough time, let the music continue and lights stay on until music ends.
·
LIGHTS
· Have light on Mole as she is approaching Chauffeur’s car.
· When Penelope moved out of the light, you did great in finding the right light to shine on her face. Great job!
· Lights need to be on faster when Mrs. Otter enters left stage mad.
· The ending was good. If we have enough time, let the music continue and lights stay on until music ends.
·
BADGER
· Badger, be bigger with taking off the hat and do it toward the audience. ENUNCIATE. Hit the consonants.
· Tip hat with upstage hand.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Great job looking older!
· You are reacting bigger and you did not step back. Now, be even bigger. I love that I can always hear you!
· After you say BE QUIET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your next line to Mrs. Otter should start out screaming, then clear your throat and remember to act gently to her.
· Badger, vary your voice from angry to calm to soothing.
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
·
RAT
· Rat, slow down! Rat, don’t look at the audience. Where is the paper?
· Enunciate more. You and Mole are doing a great job interacting with each other. Do it more.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· I love your relationship with Mole. Be even more “pushy”. I love being able to hear you.
· Rat, Nathan suggested not doing “air quotes” because they would not have done that then. Just use a gesture as if you will choke him.
· Say Wild wood with more fear – over do it.
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
· You might go to the bench left stage and sit with exaggeration, then when Badger says he is snooping, move toward them and agree with Badger.
MOLE
· Mole, keep your hat off your face. We cannot see your cute expressions.
· Mole, keep the intensity up after you deliver your lines. It is up during the lines, but then you lose energy.
· You and Rat are doing a great job interacting with each other. Do it more.
· Yell throughout when Rat hits you. Then yell again when you hit yourself.
· Mole, don’t block Otter when she says she has a broom. Be sure you are out of the way.
· Don’t look at the audience.
· Mole, make the vocals as if you are in character not trying to be heard.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Mole, you have the first lines of the play for a purpose. You set the mood. Great job!
· Mole, watch taking off Toad’s aviator’s hat because we lost his makeup and some warts. We will work on this. The makeup is my fault.
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
·
MRS. OTTER –
· You did a good job enunciating. It is obvious you have been working on this.
· Good LOUD whisper.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Great job, Otters in the back!
PORTLY –
· Great job being cute! Capitalize on this and make all movements BIGGER, especially in Toad Hall with the weasels.
· After you say “Go with you” stick your tongue out at Badger. Let him get angry at you. EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Great job, Otters in the back!
· Portly, don’t block Mole at the beginning.
TOAD
· Where was the Whack ‘em?
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Toad savors the moment. Everyone needs to do this.
· Toad, we will get your face fixed, I promise. What did your granny mean by R rated? Have we done something I missed?
· Good job always being consistent with your character.
· Nathan Caballero suggested that you would hide from the policeman when he comes to take Jack off. I agree and had not thought of this.
· Toad, have aviators hat undone around the neck before your entrance.
· Toad, you and the policeman were great and timed jumping in the water just right.
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
· Don’t cover up Rat’s lines with coughing.
PENELOPE
· Great job! If people did not know it, they would not discover that you play two parts. Remember to cover the pillow with Toad’s coat.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Move in front of the ladder when talking, not behind it.
· Great “figure” line.
CREW PLUS LANE AND COLE,
THANK YOU FOR SETTING THE STAGE UP.
LANE AND COLE, YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE YOUR EXPERTISE.
Alternates, thanks for being conscientious and attending to every detail. Thanks for writing critiques, Nathan and Mac. Nathan, you came up with Toad hiding from the policeman at the end. This is why it helps to have alternates. We cannot begin to thank all the alternates for your dedication. I know you do not receive the accolades, but the audience does not know that you put as many and sometimes more hours into rehearsals when you cover for people who are gone. I appreciate you more than you will ever know.
The high school kids, you made today run so much smoother.
Kylee and Molly, where would we be without you? You take charge. Please use this in your application to college.
We have a clinic on Wednesday and I need the kids here at 7AM to do makeup. We will not have the high school kids so it will be up to a few to help do the makeup.
If we have problems with working with basketball practice, we may need a Saturday rehearsal.
Critiques for the public performance – November 1, 2009
EVERYONE
· Watch levels. Watch straight lines – Don’t do it. Do NOT look at the audience.
· We need ANIMAL noises and GESTURES.
· Watch blocking.
· Don’t sway!
· REMEMBER LINES!
· STAY IN CHARACTER. IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THE AUDIENCE AND WANT TO LAUGH, YOU ARE NOT ACTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
· DO NOT MESS WITH COSTUMES!
· The ending was good. If we have enough time, let the music continue and lights stay on until music ends.
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
· DON”T YELL EVERY LINE. PEOPLE USUALLY DO NOT YELL ALL THE TIME AND IT IS USUALLY MORE EFFECTIVE IF YOU ARE QUIETLY MENACING.
· DON’T HIT THE CURTAINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WEASELS
· Villagers, react to lines. Be bigger about this.
· Keep laughing as Badger makes his way with Portly behind him. STOP when he sees Portly.
· VILLAGERS, SCREAM with the crash!
· Weasels, good reaction in your scene.
· Weasels’ entrance was amazing. Great job. You were quiet on most entrances.
· Jack Weasel, very Johnny Depp today – Great job.
· Chauffeur, great job keeping the nose up from beginning to end. Tucker, I LOVE it when you run off with Portly’s book.
· More noises when Portly is being chased!
· Crazies need to laugh crazier and louder and keep the craziness going until you are offstage.
· When Jack says that the otters have no brains, overdo the laughter. Wes, you have such a good laugh, we could use it here.
· Cook, enunciate more. Were you feeling okay today? You were great collecting money.
· Weasels, CELEBRATE after Jack’s short speech.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· Dipprey weasel, good job being consistent with your character.
· Macy, Savanna, & Hannah, great job acting like you LOVE TO DANCE!
· Jen, great job with your lines when you are tired.
· Jailer, good job with reactions. BE EVEN BIGGER!
· Policeman, you were good today. You changed up your part. I like the way you do this each performance.
· Tom Weasel, great job with your entrance before getting Portly.
· Tilly, good job always being in character.
· Wes, great job helping with the coat and hat. With the hat, twirl it then stick it on Toad’s head.
· Dipprey, don’t kick the horn!
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
· Jack, we saw the idea come into your head. Don’t lose this.
MUSIC
· The music was too loud in the beginning. If you cannot hear the dialogue, it is too loud. Use the decibel levels that you wrote down.
· Music was too loud during Toad’s trance.
· Wild Woods music was too loud.
· Music was good around Toad’s being in the car! This was the right level.
· Music was too loud in the jail scene.
· Music was too loud when Jack was speaking to fellow weasels.
· Music needs to flow and be almost undetectable.
· The ending was good. If we have enough time, let the music continue and lights stay on until music ends.
·
LIGHTS
· Have light on Mole as she is approaching Chauffeur’s car.
· When Penelope moved out of the light, you did great in finding the right light to shine on her face. Great job!
· Lights need to be on faster when Mrs. Otter enters left stage mad.
· The ending was good. If we have enough time, let the music continue and lights stay on until music ends.
·
BADGER
· Badger, be bigger with taking off the hat and do it toward the audience. ENUNCIATE. Hit the consonants.
· Tip hat with upstage hand.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Great job looking older!
· You are reacting bigger and you did not step back. Now, be even bigger. I love that I can always hear you!
· After you say BE QUIET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your next line to Mrs. Otter should start out screaming, then clear your throat and remember to act gently to her.
· Badger, vary your voice from angry to calm to soothing.
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
·
RAT
· Rat, slow down! Rat, don’t look at the audience. Where is the paper?
· Enunciate more. You and Mole are doing a great job interacting with each other. Do it more.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· I love your relationship with Mole. Be even more “pushy”. I love being able to hear you.
· Rat, Nathan suggested not doing “air quotes” because they would not have done that then. Just use a gesture as if you will choke him.
· Say Wild wood with more fear – over do it.
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
· You might go to the bench left stage and sit with exaggeration, then when Badger says he is snooping, move toward them and agree with Badger.
MOLE
· Mole, keep your hat off your face. We cannot see your cute expressions.
· Mole, keep the intensity up after you deliver your lines. It is up during the lines, but then you lose energy.
· You and Rat are doing a great job interacting with each other. Do it more.
· Yell throughout when Rat hits you. Then yell again when you hit yourself.
· Mole, don’t block Otter when she says she has a broom. Be sure you are out of the way.
· Don’t look at the audience.
· Mole, make the vocals as if you are in character not trying to be heard.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Mole, you have the first lines of the play for a purpose. You set the mood. Great job!
· Mole, watch taking off Toad’s aviator’s hat because we lost his makeup and some warts. We will work on this. The makeup is my fault.
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
·
MRS. OTTER –
· You did a good job enunciating. It is obvious you have been working on this.
· Good LOUD whisper.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Great job, Otters in the back!
PORTLY –
· Great job being cute! Capitalize on this and make all movements BIGGER, especially in Toad Hall with the weasels.
· After you say “Go with you” stick your tongue out at Badger. Let him get angry at you. EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Great job, Otters in the back!
· Portly, don’t block Mole at the beginning.
TOAD
· Where was the Whack ‘em?
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Toad savors the moment. Everyone needs to do this.
· Toad, we will get your face fixed, I promise. What did your granny mean by R rated? Have we done something I missed?
· Good job always being consistent with your character.
· Nathan Caballero suggested that you would hide from the policeman when he comes to take Jack off. I agree and had not thought of this.
· Toad, have aviators hat undone around the neck before your entrance.
· Toad, you and the policeman were great and timed jumping in the water just right.
· DON’T STAND IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN WEASELS ARE DISCOVERED.
· Don’t cover up Rat’s lines with coughing.
PENELOPE
· Great job! If people did not know it, they would not discover that you play two parts. Remember to cover the pillow with Toad’s coat.
· EVERYONE NEEDS TO ENUNCIATE!
· BE BIGGER! Make ANIMAL NOISES AND MOVEMENTS!
· Move in front of the ladder when talking, not behind it.
· Great “figure” line.
CREW PLUS LANE AND COLE,
THANK YOU FOR SETTING THE STAGE UP.
LANE AND COLE, YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE YOUR EXPERTISE.
Alternates, thanks for being conscientious and attending to every detail. Thanks for writing critiques, Nathan and Mac. Nathan, you came up with Toad hiding from the policeman at the end. This is why it helps to have alternates. We cannot begin to thank all the alternates for your dedication. I know you do not receive the accolades, but the audience does not know that you put as many and sometimes more hours into rehearsals when you cover for people who are gone. I appreciate you more than you will ever know.
The high school kids, you made today run so much smoother.
Kylee and Molly, where would we be without you? You take charge. Please use this in your application to college.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Complete this by Tuesday
Character Analysis Work Sheet
Character Analysis for The Wind in the Willows
Keep in mind that these characters are fictional and you are CREATING this character. Remember to justify all your answers. If you are an alternate or crew person, choose the character whom you are understudying or the character you believe is most interesting.
YOUR NAME___________________________________
CHARACTER NAME________________________________
1. How old is your character and why? (Remember he/she is the age he/she was when he/she is in the play.)
2. Is your character married, single, have children? If so, their names and ages? If he or she is not married, why?
3. Describe your character's home. Be specific. I need to be able to see this home in my mind’s eye.
4. How does your character look physically and how is he mentally and emotionally? Include costume, hair, beard, age, vision, hearing, walk with a limp, etc. You may draw a picture or cut one out of a magazine. Is your character heavy, thin, etc.?
5. What personal characteristics make this person different from all the others in this play?
6. What is your character’s most treasured possession? Why?
7. How does your character feel about the other people in Wind in the Willows?
Rat
Mole
Badger
Toad
Mrs. Otter
Portly Otter
Jack Weasel
Jen Weasel
Tom Weasel
Tilly Weasel
Chauffeur
Policeman
Cook
Jailer
Penelope
8. How does he/she feel about life? (Remember, a great deal of this has to do with their environment.)
9. Answer the following about your character—these are abstract. List and give specific reasons. Feel free to add cut outs, swatches, or anything else that may help your answers
COLOR - what color does your character like best?
FOOD – What food does your character like best?
INANIMATE OBJECT – What object reminds you of your character?
What is your character’s favorite Mode of transportation?
10. What is your character's secret? (Having a secret always adds a sense of mystery to a character.)
11. What is the greatest fear, tangible or intangible which your character has whether you can touch it or cannot touch it)? Why.
12. What was your character’s happiest moment ? Why?
13. What was your character’s saddest moment? Why?
14. Tell me five things about your character’s family.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
15. What has happened to your character before the play starts?
16. What happens to your character the next year after the play ends?
Character Analysis for The Wind in the Willows
Keep in mind that these characters are fictional and you are CREATING this character. Remember to justify all your answers. If you are an alternate or crew person, choose the character whom you are understudying or the character you believe is most interesting.
YOUR NAME___________________________________
CHARACTER NAME________________________________
1. How old is your character and why? (Remember he/she is the age he/she was when he/she is in the play.)
2. Is your character married, single, have children? If so, their names and ages? If he or she is not married, why?
3. Describe your character's home. Be specific. I need to be able to see this home in my mind’s eye.
4. How does your character look physically and how is he mentally and emotionally? Include costume, hair, beard, age, vision, hearing, walk with a limp, etc. You may draw a picture or cut one out of a magazine. Is your character heavy, thin, etc.?
5. What personal characteristics make this person different from all the others in this play?
6. What is your character’s most treasured possession? Why?
7. How does your character feel about the other people in Wind in the Willows?
Rat
Mole
Badger
Toad
Mrs. Otter
Portly Otter
Jack Weasel
Jen Weasel
Tom Weasel
Tilly Weasel
Chauffeur
Policeman
Cook
Jailer
Penelope
8. How does he/she feel about life? (Remember, a great deal of this has to do with their environment.)
9. Answer the following about your character—these are abstract. List and give specific reasons. Feel free to add cut outs, swatches, or anything else that may help your answers
COLOR - what color does your character like best?
FOOD – What food does your character like best?
INANIMATE OBJECT – What object reminds you of your character?
What is your character’s favorite Mode of transportation?
10. What is your character's secret? (Having a secret always adds a sense of mystery to a character.)
11. What is the greatest fear, tangible or intangible which your character has whether you can touch it or cannot touch it)? Why.
12. What was your character’s happiest moment ? Why?
13. What was your character’s saddest moment? Why?
14. Tell me five things about your character’s family.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
15. What has happened to your character before the play starts?
16. What happens to your character the next year after the play ends?
Critique for Sunday, October 25
Critique for Sunday, October 25, 2009Molly’s notes and I agree with all of them.
· Rat, always use upstage hand to gesture. This goes for everyone.
· Dipprey, get into the action. You were not with us today.
· Music – What is that, Mole? Too loud
· Stay in character, Mrs. Otter, Badger, toad.
· Conner Elston – wonderful job being schizophrenic – handling two roles at once.
· Quiet backstage.
· Weasels, do not hit curtains
· Hats – everyone, we need to be able to see your face if you are wearing any type of head covering.
· Music – fade in and fade out.
· Music was too loud – Lawyer – toad.
· “What… gone?” Rat, don’t block Mrs. Otter.
· Music was too loud when Toad says “Young Portly, of course.”
· Chauffeur, you need to be onstage and in character.
· Mole, Where are your glasses?
· Great job, Policeman and good job Toad giving Mole the tickets. Mole, be alarmed more with each ticket.
· Who was going in and out of the dressing room doors behind the scrim?
· Weasel girls, need to be bigger – HEY! This is how you make your living.
· Old lady in the river music – that scene was messed up.
· But the main thing is – Mole – watch your Texas accent.
· Weasels, be quiet on stage when they are planning their attack.
· When weasels are moving the pylon, good job!
Lizzie’s notes
· STEP ON LINES, EVERYONE!!!!!
· Don’t look at the audience. There is a fourth wall, and everyone has mentioned this at one time or another. We cannot lose the competition because someone was not observing one of the basic rules.
· More levels with the weasels in the first time you are together. Remember there are levels with your body. Everyone stand differently, sit differently. Some stand some sit, etc.
· Great stealing items on stage.
· Tucker, great crazy person
· Penelope, don’t talk behind Toad.
· Mrs. Otter, great entrance.
My notes
· At the beginning, everyone must listen to dialogue. Crowd noises coming in and especially with the wreck.
· Dipprey, listen to dialogue. Do not bounce balls against pylon.
· CRASH ! Great job, everyone.
· Jake, good job stealing the paper.
· When Badger or Rat says – don’t encourage them (meaning weasels) Weasels need to react negatively. One weasel can act like he is going out there to punch someone and one hold him/her back. Tilly Weasel, lie across the four foot pylon above the other girl weasels.
· Savannah – great weasel movements!
· When the weasels exited, they were too loud. Dipprey weasel, you stopped dancing out about a foot from the exit.
· Where was the check book – 2nd time?
· Build up LOUDER to Badger’s BE QUIET!
· Weasels in the dark need to be quiet – silent , but still move like you are having fun .
· When gypsies exit left stage with Toad, they need to exit USL so that they are not exiting where Badger enters.
· Tucker, work on being arrogant as the chauffeur. Sit on the car and get MAD at Toad for touching it. Be full of yourself.
· Music was too loud when Toad sees the car.
· Limousine is not for sale,…. Chauffeur – have your head up.
· Dipprey, good job with tickets. We need colored tickets. I will make yellow ones.
· Hannah, where was your crazy suit?
· Slower and louder, Penelope.
· Marmalade and tea – we need a light on Penelope and Toad.
· Toad, this is an epiphany – It is a masquerade and I am clever - not angry.
· PILLOWS – we need to ask Kylee
· Perfect splash
· Mrs. Otter, good job.
· Action – Emphasize the word.
· Cook, go to the bench, so that when Portly goes, he does not see the Badger party.
· Badger, good job telling…..
I will pass out character sketches for everyone to complete by Wednesday. If Ms. McLendon can tape us again on Tuesday, we will watch it on Wednesday.
Mrs. Elston, can you take pictures on Tuesday, so that we can use them for posters?
· Rat, always use upstage hand to gesture. This goes for everyone.
· Dipprey, get into the action. You were not with us today.
· Music – What is that, Mole? Too loud
· Stay in character, Mrs. Otter, Badger, toad.
· Conner Elston – wonderful job being schizophrenic – handling two roles at once.
· Quiet backstage.
· Weasels, do not hit curtains
· Hats – everyone, we need to be able to see your face if you are wearing any type of head covering.
· Music – fade in and fade out.
· Music was too loud – Lawyer – toad.
· “What… gone?” Rat, don’t block Mrs. Otter.
· Music was too loud when Toad says “Young Portly, of course.”
· Chauffeur, you need to be onstage and in character.
· Mole, Where are your glasses?
· Great job, Policeman and good job Toad giving Mole the tickets. Mole, be alarmed more with each ticket.
· Who was going in and out of the dressing room doors behind the scrim?
· Weasel girls, need to be bigger – HEY! This is how you make your living.
· Old lady in the river music – that scene was messed up.
· But the main thing is – Mole – watch your Texas accent.
· Weasels, be quiet on stage when they are planning their attack.
· When weasels are moving the pylon, good job!
Lizzie’s notes
· STEP ON LINES, EVERYONE!!!!!
· Don’t look at the audience. There is a fourth wall, and everyone has mentioned this at one time or another. We cannot lose the competition because someone was not observing one of the basic rules.
· More levels with the weasels in the first time you are together. Remember there are levels with your body. Everyone stand differently, sit differently. Some stand some sit, etc.
· Great stealing items on stage.
· Tucker, great crazy person
· Penelope, don’t talk behind Toad.
· Mrs. Otter, great entrance.
My notes
· At the beginning, everyone must listen to dialogue. Crowd noises coming in and especially with the wreck.
· Dipprey, listen to dialogue. Do not bounce balls against pylon.
· CRASH ! Great job, everyone.
· Jake, good job stealing the paper.
· When Badger or Rat says – don’t encourage them (meaning weasels) Weasels need to react negatively. One weasel can act like he is going out there to punch someone and one hold him/her back. Tilly Weasel, lie across the four foot pylon above the other girl weasels.
· Savannah – great weasel movements!
· When the weasels exited, they were too loud. Dipprey weasel, you stopped dancing out about a foot from the exit.
· Where was the check book – 2nd time?
· Build up LOUDER to Badger’s BE QUIET!
· Weasels in the dark need to be quiet – silent , but still move like you are having fun .
· When gypsies exit left stage with Toad, they need to exit USL so that they are not exiting where Badger enters.
· Tucker, work on being arrogant as the chauffeur. Sit on the car and get MAD at Toad for touching it. Be full of yourself.
· Music was too loud when Toad sees the car.
· Limousine is not for sale,…. Chauffeur – have your head up.
· Dipprey, good job with tickets. We need colored tickets. I will make yellow ones.
· Hannah, where was your crazy suit?
· Slower and louder, Penelope.
· Marmalade and tea – we need a light on Penelope and Toad.
· Toad, this is an epiphany – It is a masquerade and I am clever - not angry.
· PILLOWS – we need to ask Kylee
· Perfect splash
· Mrs. Otter, good job.
· Action – Emphasize the word.
· Cook, go to the bench, so that when Portly goes, he does not see the Badger party.
· Badger, good job telling…..
I will pass out character sketches for everyone to complete by Wednesday. If Ms. McLendon can tape us again on Tuesday, we will watch it on Wednesday.
Mrs. Elston, can you take pictures on Tuesday, so that we can use them for posters?
Parents,Reminders about rehearsals and public performances
Contest is approaching rapidly. We need for all students to be at each rehearsal.
November 1st—SMS OAP Public Performance in the High School Auditorium @ 2:00 $5.00 Adults, $3.00 senior citizens, students and children
November 2nd—SMS OAP Public Performance in the High School Auditorium @ 7:00 $5.00 Adults, $3.00 senior citizens, students and children
Possibly a performance on November 8.
November 10th—SMS OAP School Performance for Middle School and Intermediate in the High School Auditorium @ 2:40
Mall Night is Friday, November 13th. We usually go to eat together (proceeds from public performances), then go to the mall. We can use parent chaperones.
Contest is November 14th.
D’Ann McGuire is doing t-shirts. They will cost about $12.00 per shirt. This is a tentative cost. We should have a definite cost this week. Sometimes parents order them to wear to contest.
Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 5-8; Wednesdays from 4-5; and Sundays from 2-5. We may need a Saturday rehearsal.
Contest is approaching rapidly. We need for all students to be at each rehearsal.
November 1st—SMS OAP Public Performance in the High School Auditorium @ 2:00 $5.00 Adults, $3.00 senior citizens, students and children
November 2nd—SMS OAP Public Performance in the High School Auditorium @ 7:00 $5.00 Adults, $3.00 senior citizens, students and children
Possibly a performance on November 8.
November 10th—SMS OAP School Performance for Middle School and Intermediate in the High School Auditorium @ 2:40
Mall Night is Friday, November 13th. We usually go to eat together (proceeds from public performances), then go to the mall. We can use parent chaperones.
Contest is November 14th.
D’Ann McGuire is doing t-shirts. They will cost about $12.00 per shirt. This is a tentative cost. We should have a definite cost this week. Sometimes parents order them to wear to contest.
Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 5-8; Wednesdays from 4-5; and Sundays from 2-5. We may need a Saturday rehearsal.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday and Wednesday's rehearsal notes
Tuesday’s Rehearsal – Kylee’s notes
1. Hit all consonants. Watch “Jews” and”Chews” . You
2. Rat, twitch like a rat and bring hands up to nose often.
3. When opening up to the audience, stay in the story.
4. Mrs. Otter and Badger, remember you are older people.
5. Idea- Rat, for the most part, you are onto Toad’s fake illnesses and promises. Show the audience that.
6. BACKSTAGE – HUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7. Mole, don’t lose energy when you do not have a line.
8. Badger, show emotion when Toad talks about cars.
9. Everyone, do not look at the audience expecting a reaction. Remember, they are not there.
10. Remember that you are animals!
11. Weasels and all actors, do not sway.
12. Be mindful of blocking at all times. Watch straight lines and semi circles.
13. All actors, move gestures above the hips.
14. Take off hat when Toad speaks of death.
15. Fade music.
16. Mole, don’t lose energy after saying a line.
17. Chauffeur, speak up and out.
18. Everyone needs motivation to move. Think WHY you are moving.
19. Everyone needs to be bigger!
Wednesday rehearsal – My Notes
1. At the beginning, we need more people in the village scene. Don’t move when there is dialogue. Keep your attention on who is speaking and react to what they say.
2. Don’t wander aimlessly.
3. Fade out music at the end of the crash.
4. Mrs. Otter and Portly, make your first exit USL – then move USR and stay there. Having your left stage detracts from the weasels.
5. Weasels, when Jack makes the noise, HIDE so that Badger doesn’t see you.
6. When the girls dance – make a bigger show and Jake, take your hat off and ask for money.
7. Tom, almost squat when you are asking for money. – be low to the ground.
8. BACKSTAGE – HUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9. Badger, work on enunciation. 6 children
10. Toad, be in a bigger daze. I think you will just take off gloves, hat and coat. When you distract Rat, go and pick them up and put them back on. Tye had a good suggestion about your delusion in this part. Talk to him.
11. Mrs. Otter, you had three entrances that were late. Be observant backstage and watch for your entrance.
12. Weasels, I liked the squeaking. Work on showing more teeth and fix your hands like Jen Weasel. Also pop up your heads like weasels do. Don’t squeak when you are not the focus.
13. Rat, keep a newspaper left stage so you can read it when you are sitting there in the dark.
14. Chauffeur, great job of being bigger – when Toad gives you his card. I still want you that big during the entire scene. We need a cloth, so you can shine the car. You can shine it from the back and speak to Toad from the back of the car, so you are speaking to the audience.
15. Penelope, walk around Toad and look at him as you talk. That way you can be on his left side and it will give you room to act.
16. Penelope, take your basket and pillows, etc when you leave. Toad, put the shawl around your head.
17. Tye,I have added a splash after the music.
18. Policeman, great change of character.
19. Jake needs a jailer’s costume – This is for me to worry about, Jake.
20. We will need one tray for Portly. We need one tray for Penelope, and we need one tray for Mole. This is for me.
21. Toad, we will find you two jackets – one when you take off your washerwoman outfit and one at the beginning.
22. Toad, Rat, Mole, and Otter – Great job in the water scene.
23. Where were the guns?
24. Basket to put gypsies’ stage business in. We can have some of the gypsy women doing fortunes in a crystal ball.
25. Jack --- SHSHS REACT, everyone!
26. Wes, enunciate as the cook. The line is too mushy.
27. Policeman – change early
28. Mrs. Otter – as soon as the weasels leave, you need to speak.
29. We need to reblock the end.
30. Lines dropped –
Mole – Toad demolishes bakery van
Toad – I’m Toad, king of the road.
Mole – Poor animal…..
Badger, we must think what to do.
Mole –I’ll keep looking out
Rat , let Mole say – You escaped….. strange garments.
ALL – Hurrah
Badger – Toad Hall is ours!
31. Really, a great show today. For the most part, you were focused. Everyone needs to concentrate on being better each rehearsal.
32. Be in my room by 7AM on Friday. Portly, Tilly, and Jen have your hair French braided before coming in. Mole, have your hair in braids. I will try to have all the costumes completed by Friday – at least two different costumes for those of you who are two people.
33. Think about makeup. I do not want to do ears and tails on animals this year. I do not want to put on so much make up that we cannot see your expressions. PLEASE work on animal movements and traits.
34. Students, please eat a good breakfast Friday. We will go on at 8AM. Parents are welcome to watch. Freida will critique us and parents may stay or leave. Roosevelt will watch us and we will watch them. They follow us and are doing I Never Saw Another Butterfly, a Holocaust play.
1. Hit all consonants. Watch “Jews” and”Chews” . You
2. Rat, twitch like a rat and bring hands up to nose often.
3. When opening up to the audience, stay in the story.
4. Mrs. Otter and Badger, remember you are older people.
5. Idea- Rat, for the most part, you are onto Toad’s fake illnesses and promises. Show the audience that.
6. BACKSTAGE – HUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7. Mole, don’t lose energy when you do not have a line.
8. Badger, show emotion when Toad talks about cars.
9. Everyone, do not look at the audience expecting a reaction. Remember, they are not there.
10. Remember that you are animals!
11. Weasels and all actors, do not sway.
12. Be mindful of blocking at all times. Watch straight lines and semi circles.
13. All actors, move gestures above the hips.
14. Take off hat when Toad speaks of death.
15. Fade music.
16. Mole, don’t lose energy after saying a line.
17. Chauffeur, speak up and out.
18. Everyone needs motivation to move. Think WHY you are moving.
19. Everyone needs to be bigger!
Wednesday rehearsal – My Notes
1. At the beginning, we need more people in the village scene. Don’t move when there is dialogue. Keep your attention on who is speaking and react to what they say.
2. Don’t wander aimlessly.
3. Fade out music at the end of the crash.
4. Mrs. Otter and Portly, make your first exit USL – then move USR and stay there. Having your left stage detracts from the weasels.
5. Weasels, when Jack makes the noise, HIDE so that Badger doesn’t see you.
6. When the girls dance – make a bigger show and Jake, take your hat off and ask for money.
7. Tom, almost squat when you are asking for money. – be low to the ground.
8. BACKSTAGE – HUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9. Badger, work on enunciation. 6 children
10. Toad, be in a bigger daze. I think you will just take off gloves, hat and coat. When you distract Rat, go and pick them up and put them back on. Tye had a good suggestion about your delusion in this part. Talk to him.
11. Mrs. Otter, you had three entrances that were late. Be observant backstage and watch for your entrance.
12. Weasels, I liked the squeaking. Work on showing more teeth and fix your hands like Jen Weasel. Also pop up your heads like weasels do. Don’t squeak when you are not the focus.
13. Rat, keep a newspaper left stage so you can read it when you are sitting there in the dark.
14. Chauffeur, great job of being bigger – when Toad gives you his card. I still want you that big during the entire scene. We need a cloth, so you can shine the car. You can shine it from the back and speak to Toad from the back of the car, so you are speaking to the audience.
15. Penelope, walk around Toad and look at him as you talk. That way you can be on his left side and it will give you room to act.
16. Penelope, take your basket and pillows, etc when you leave. Toad, put the shawl around your head.
17. Tye,I have added a splash after the music.
18. Policeman, great change of character.
19. Jake needs a jailer’s costume – This is for me to worry about, Jake.
20. We will need one tray for Portly. We need one tray for Penelope, and we need one tray for Mole. This is for me.
21. Toad, we will find you two jackets – one when you take off your washerwoman outfit and one at the beginning.
22. Toad, Rat, Mole, and Otter – Great job in the water scene.
23. Where were the guns?
24. Basket to put gypsies’ stage business in. We can have some of the gypsy women doing fortunes in a crystal ball.
25. Jack --- SHSHS REACT, everyone!
26. Wes, enunciate as the cook. The line is too mushy.
27. Policeman – change early
28. Mrs. Otter – as soon as the weasels leave, you need to speak.
29. We need to reblock the end.
30. Lines dropped –
Mole – Toad demolishes bakery van
Toad – I’m Toad, king of the road.
Mole – Poor animal…..
Badger, we must think what to do.
Mole –I’ll keep looking out
Rat , let Mole say – You escaped….. strange garments.
ALL – Hurrah
Badger – Toad Hall is ours!
31. Really, a great show today. For the most part, you were focused. Everyone needs to concentrate on being better each rehearsal.
32. Be in my room by 7AM on Friday. Portly, Tilly, and Jen have your hair French braided before coming in. Mole, have your hair in braids. I will try to have all the costumes completed by Friday – at least two different costumes for those of you who are two people.
33. Think about makeup. I do not want to do ears and tails on animals this year. I do not want to put on so much make up that we cannot see your expressions. PLEASE work on animal movements and traits.
34. Students, please eat a good breakfast Friday. We will go on at 8AM. Parents are welcome to watch. Freida will critique us and parents may stay or leave. Roosevelt will watch us and we will watch them. They follow us and are doing I Never Saw Another Butterfly, a Holocaust play.
Friday, September 25, 2009
September 25
http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/windinthewillows/abouttheshow.shtml
Look at the BBC film website and gain insight into the vision of the actor, makeup artist, costumer, and director.
Look at the BBC film website and gain insight into the vision of the actor, makeup artist, costumer, and director.
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