Friday, October 18, 2013

SUCCESS



Last Thursday night, I wanted to explode. It was the final dress rehearsal for How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying at StageDoor Theatre in Conifer, and things were not going so well. The actors were forgetting their lines. The scene shifts were taking so long they felt like waiting in line at the DMV. The band was hitting a couple of clunkers. And the hardest working actor that night- a young man understudying the lead role of Finch who was set to perform opening night due to the tennis schedule of the other Finch- came down with some sort of virus and almost collapsed during "Brotherhood of Man", the big final number.  We had added twenty minutes to the show- not with new dialogue or bits of business. Just with delay. I really wanted to explode.


But things can, and do, get better.

The understudy Finch had to take the next night off. But the other Finch was available due to not going to State Finals- usually a sad thing but for the show, a godsend. Friday night, we opened. Things started to click. We erased the twenty minutes we had added to the show. The band played sublimely. The cast  got back into the groove of things. And the audience really liked it. By Saturday night, our Finch understudy was back in good health, relatively speaking, and wanted to go on. I looked him in the eye, and asked him is he felt ready. He said yes. It was up to me whether or not we let him perform. I decided to go with it, based on my gut. Something felt right. There was electricity in the air, or something like it. Some weird sort of energy was filling the theatre. I don't know why, but sometimes, in theatre, a strange magic happens. Maybe it happens everywhere, but being a theatre person, I have experienced this rare sorcery through the stage. For whatever reason- hard work, confidence, rehearsal, and/or a set of un-named theatre gods who smile down on us from time to time- there are certain performances and shows that go to this other place- a level of existence where everyone is psychically connected, where every member of the cast is fearless, inspired, and brilliant. Saturday night, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying became one of those shows. Every single member of that cast took exponential leaps in their performances. I don't remember at exactly what moment I realized that something special was happening, because I was too busy enjoying the show, laughing and clapping and shouting along with the rest of the very enthusiastic crowd. But every time another cast member went the extra mile, it would inspire one of their fellow actors to take an equally daring leap of faith in both themselves and the show.

So now, the show has become one for the ages, one of those productions I will speak of fondly, and tell legends about, and refer to when directing other productions.

As my wife always says, leap and the net shall appear.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

MOON RISES TONIGHT, ROSE BLOOMS IN JUNE

MOON OVER BUFFALO opens tonight at the Pluss theatre as part of the Wolf Theatre Academy at the Denver JCC. This show is hilarious, and I am extremely proud of the cast. They are inspired, insane, and brilliant. Click HERE for show times and tickets.

And ROSE RED has dance workshops and auditions over the next two weeks. Here's info on the dance workshops:

Come join us for “Rose Red” dance workshops!
Learn stylized choreography specifically for the New Musical “Rose Red”…ballet, folk, musical theater, and new choreography created just for this new musical!

Learn about the choreographic process as well as receiving dance technique for shining on stage as an actor and dancer. All done in a supporting, fun atmosphere!

Actors for “Rose Red”, this is a time you can get ahead for call backs and meet the choreographer.

Free for registrants; $10 Drop Ins
May 11th 4-6pm – Ages 12 – 18
May 18th 3-5pm – Ages 12 – 18
May 18th 1-2pm – Ages 8 – 12

Auditions for ROSE RED are May 13 & 20, from 5:30-7:30. Email info@offbroadwayfinearts.org for a slot. If you can't make those times, email and let us know- we'll work something out. 

SEE YOU AT THE THEATRE!!!!!



Friday, May 3, 2013

ROSE RED DANCE WORKSHOPS MAY 11 & 18


Come join us for Rose Red dance workshops!
Learn stylized choreography specifically for the New Musical Rose Red…ballet, folk, musical theater, and new choreography created just for this new musical!
Learn about the choreographic process as well as receiving dance technique for shining on stage as an actor and dancer. All done in a supporting, fun atmosphere!
Actors for Rose Red, this is a time you can get ahead for call backs and meet the choreographer.
Free for registrants; $10 Drop Ins
May 11th 4-6pm – Ages 12 – 18
May 18th 3-5pm – Ages 12 – 18
May 18th 1-2pm – Ages 8 – 12
To register, email info@offbroadwayfinearts.org or call 720.244.8760.
Summer Camp Registration is currently OPEN: Click Here to Register

Thursday, May 2, 2013

MOON OVER THE J



I'm directing a production of Moon Over Buffalo at the Denver JCC right now. Most students call the JCC "the J", and I have picked up the habit. Nicknames are funny like that. They creep into your consciousness like ninjas, and before you know it, you have a new word in your vocabulary. I didn't consciously say to myself "I'm going to call the JCC the J". It just happened, and that was that. Nicknames are like that- someone makes an off-handed remark, calls someone or something by another name, it sticks, and next thing you know, a nickname is born. And you can't force them, or request people call you something and think it will work. I have a friend who once, when we were all younger and, if possible, goofier, announced that he wanted to be called Ace. It didn't happen. Not that you can't take a new name, a new persona, or whatever. It just has to stick. I have a student who for several weeks in the Fall would say, for comic effect, "I'm offended". I began to call her "Offended". She liked it, the name stuck, and that became her nickname. I myself have had many nicknames: Mick, Mac, Mackie-Doodle (my wife's favorite), and Mr. Squeaky- a name given to me by one of my all time best students ever, which stuck immediately and which a lot of young actors still think is my actual name.

But I digress. What I wanted to write about today is Moon Over Buffalo, and what it's like directing a backstage farce. But there is a connection, and that is the idea of things either sticking or not. In a farce, you try all sorts of bits- little moments that hopefully propel the show forward in a manner that is justified in the world of the play, intensifying the situation and upping the stakes. Some bits stick, some do not. We are finally getting to the point where things are sticking, jokes are getting funny, and characters are filling out. Comedy is a work out, and we are running our butts off in this one. One of the great joys of directing young people is when a show starts to click, and you see that they know it's starting to click. They stand taller. Their confidence explodes. And they begin taking risks on stage- which is vital in any production.

So now we have a show- a door slamming, frantic, fast paced comedy. We play May 8-12. Click HERE for tix.

And don't forget, if you are an aspiring young actor, to sign up for ROSE RED, which will be having a run in June at SOFA, with two casts- one ages 8-12, and one ages 12-18. Next auditions are May 13 & May 20, both from 5:30-7:30. Email info@offbroadwayfinearts.org for a slot.

And coming soon to your digital reader: APRIL'S FOOL.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

SOFA


Off Broadway School of Fine Arts
Quality Arts Education for All
Press ReleaseFor Immediate Release
April 29, 2013
Local Church opens new 
School of Fine Arts in Boulder 
Now Offering Courses, Special Events, and Summer Stage Music Theater
SoFA logo
The Off Broadway School of Fine Arts (SoFA) in Boulder was founded by the Pine Street Church as part of its mission to promote excellence in, and access to, non-religiously affiliated Arts training within the local community. After hiring a new director last fall, SoFA is now offering private music instruction as well as new courses for kids and adults and a commitment to making quality arts education available to all. 

Through collaborative efforts in the local, national, and even international artistic communities, the Off Broadway School of Fine Arts is quickly establishing itself as a hub for music education and performance of the highest caliber in Boulder. This Spring, SoFA hosted a German Song Intensive with pianist Sibylle Höhnk of the Leipzig Conservatory of Music and a music education workshop with Dr. Sylvia Munsen of Utah State University.  Beginning Fall of 2013, the Off Broadway School of Fine Arts will offer expanded opportunities for private music instruction in voice, piano, and guitar in addition to community theatre classes and productions. For more information visit offbroadwayfinearts.org.

The Off Broadway School of Fine Arts has also begun a collaboration with Clementine Studio, an educational partner of OpenArts.  Clementine - an art studio for children - is now housed in the Pine Street Church at 1237 Pine St. in downtown Boulder.
 
SUMMER STAGE THEATRE AT THE OFF BROADWAY SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

Summer Stage 2013 is the Off Broadway School of Fine Arts' inaugural theatrical summer season, featuring a new musical Rose Red, directed by Kelly McAllister and Kari Kraakevik and GleekFest! based on the hit TV show. Camps are 9-4 p.m. with options for pre and after care.Rose Red will be double cast for ages 8-12 and 12-18.  GleekFest! is open to ages 11-18. Auditions may be scheduled by emailing info@offbroadwayfinearts.org.
2013 Upcoming Classes and Events

WEDNESDAYS, 10:15 - 11 a.m., through July 3
Do Re Mi and You:  Early Childhood Music 
Parents and children 6 wks - 3 yrs., led by licensed music educator Emily L'Hommedieu
$15 Drop Ins or 10 classes / $100

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 9 - 10 a.m., through July 3
Yoga for Musicians
Performance targeted yoga practice with Virginia Arnette
$10 Drop Ins

TUESDAYS BEGINNING MAY 7
Storytelling Workshop with Matthew Taylor
Tuition: $190

SUNDAY, MAY 12
Little Lights Children's Choir Concert
Free and open to the public
4 p.m.

JUNE 3 - 30
Music Theater Day Camp for kids ages 8-12 and 12-18 
9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Weekdays, with options for pre- and after- care
Auditions are Monday, May 13 & 20, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Choreography Workshops are Saturday, May 11 & 18
Email info@offbroadwayfinearts.org to register for an audition or workshop
Tuition: $1075

JULY 8 - 21
Music Theater Day Camp for kids ages 11-18
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Weekdays, with options for pre- and after- care
Tuition: $650

Classes, Camps, and Events are held at the Off Broadway School of Fine Arts, housed in the Pine Street Church at 1237 Pine St. For more information visit offbroadwayfinearts.org

About the SoFA Director
Catherine Compton
Off Broadway School of Fine Arts Director Catherine Compton completed her Master of Music degree at CU-Boulder in Voice Performance and Pedagogy while simultaneously pursuing an interest in Arts Administration as the Marketing Assistant with CU Presents and an internship with the Colorado Music Festival. She has also worked for the Metropolitan Opera Guild in New York City.  Compton earned her Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Iowa State University; as part of her K-12 teacher certification, she taught elementary school in Rosendal, Norway, introducing American folk music to students. Compton recently returned from Leipzig, Germany where she studied and performed the songs of composer Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel through a Fulbright fellowship.

Off Broadway School of Fine Arts
Press Contact

Catherine Compton
Director
compton@offbroadwayfinearts.org
720.244.8760
Off Broadway School of Fine Arts
Public Contact 
   
1237 Pine St. (Pine Street Church) Boulder, CO 80302

Easily accessible by public transportation (SKIP)
info@offbroadwayfinearts.org
720.244.8760  
www.offbroadwayfinearts.org

Monday, April 29, 2013

ROSE RED AUDITIONS, FREE DANCE WORKSHOPS



AUDITION NOW FOR 
ROSE RED:  A NEW MUSICAL 

(Ages 8 - 12 & 12 - 18)

Rose Red is a new musical by Kelly McAllister & Kari Kraakevik!

Based on the classic fairy tale “Rose Red and Snow White” by the Brothers
Grimm, “Rose Red” is the adventure of two sisters: the wild Rose and
the obedient Snow, who live in the forest with Mother Chrysanthemum.
When the malicious Imp and the cursed Timberwolf enter their world,
life becomes much more interesting…and dangerous. With the help of the
noble but confused knights Sir Lost, Sir And, and Sir Found, Rose and
Snow confront the evil Endorra Belle, the dreaded Wolf King and the
Armies of the Night. Some hearts are shattered, some redeemed as
secrets are revealed, and destinies fulfilled.

This is a 4 week summer camp (9 - 4 with options for pre- and after-
care) in downtown Boulder June 3 - 30.  

The show will be double cast
by age (ages 8 - 12 & 12 - 18). 

Days will be filled with singing,
acting, dancing, workshops, improv, and more!  

Upcoming auditions are:
SUNDAY, APRIL 21 ( 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
MONDAY, MAY 13 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
MONDAY, MAY 20 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.).
CALLBACKS SATURDAY, JUNE 1 (10 a.m. – 8 p.m. - students will be called
only for a portion of the day)

FREE Dance/Choreography workshops for registrants prior to callbacks will be held:
May 11th 4-6pm - Ages 12 - 18
May 18th 3-5pm - Ages 12 - 18
May 18th 1-2pm - Ages 8 - 12

Auditions, callbacks, and the camp will be held at the Pine Street
Church (1237 Pine St.) in downtown Boulder. Tuition is $1075, and
scholarships are available based on need. Please email Off Broadway
School of Fine Arts Director Catherine Compton to schedule an audition
time:  compton@offbroadwayfinearts.org.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

ROSE RED/GLEEKFEST AUDITIONS

AUDITION NOW FOR ROSE RED:  A NEW MUSICAL (Ages 8 - 12 & 12 - 18)
Rose Red is a new musical by Kelly McAllister & Kari Kraakevik based
on the classic fairy tale “Rose Red and Snow White” by the Brothers
Grimm, “Rose Red” is the adventure of two sisters: the wild Rose and
the obedient Snow, who live in the forest with Mother Chrysanthemum.
When the malicious Imp and the cursed Timberwolf enter their world,
life becomes much more interesting…and dangerous. With the help of the
noble but confused knights Sir Lost, Sir And, and Sir Found, Rose and
Snow confront the evil Endorra Belle, the dreaded Wolf King and the
Armies of the Night. Some hearts are shattered, some redeemed as
secrets are revealed, and destinies fulfilled.
This is a 4 week summer camp (9 - 4 with options for pre- and after-
care) in downtown Boulder June 3 - 30.  The show will be double cast
by age (ages 8 - 12 & 12 - 18). Days will be filled with singing,
acting, dancing, workshops, improv, and more!  Upcoming auditions are:
SUNDAY, APRIL 21 ( 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
MONDAY, MAY 13 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
MONDAY, MAY 20 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.).
CALLBACKS SATURDAY, JUNE 1 (10 a.m. – 8 p.m. - students will be called
only for a portion of the day)

FREE Dance workshops for registrants prior to callbacks will be held:
May 11th 4-6pm - Ages 12 - 18
May 18th 3-5pm - Ages 12 - 18
May 18th 1-2pm - Ages 8 - 12

Auditions, callbacks, and the camp will be held at the Pine Street
Church (1237 Pine St.) in downtown Boulder. Tuition is $1075, and
scholarships are available based on need. Please email Off Broadway
School of Fine Arts Director Catherine Compton to schedule an audition
time:  compton@offbroadwayfinearts.org.



Wednesday, April 24, 2013




This summer, two plays for young people I wrote will have productions with SOFA in Boulder.
Rose Red is a new musical based on the fairy tale Rose Red and Snow White, with book by yours truly and music by Kari Kraakevik. Rehearsals and performances are in June.
Gleekfest is a show inspired by the hit tv show Glee. Rehearsals and performances are in July.
Remaining audition dates are:
Monday May 13
Monday May 20

Join us- it's going to be fantastic!

For more info, go here: