Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Project #6: Final Project

Option #3: Personal Manifesto

The Sam Houston State University Theatre Center is an amazing starting point for many young theatre professionals. Our department has high expectations across the board for every student, but what makes this school such a great educational foundation for young theater professionals is the highly trained and highly experienced team of faculty. During my time at SHSU these professionals have instructed me in building my own philosophy of educational theatre.

My Philosophy on Educational Theatre (thus far)
( In the following I use the terms 'young professionals' and 'students' interchangeably... they mean the same thing)

My purpose, value, and teaching methods are included in the following statements.

1. The Instructor
2. The Material

The Golden Keys: a)Self motivation b)Resilience c)Smarts
(for the purposes of this assignment, my definition of smart is 'well read.')

1. I believe that educational theatre is in the hands of the instructor, they are how the students "learn to be." The instructors of theatre are the power houses that the students use to charge themselves for life.
I believe a great instructor of theatre makes a student crave. Crave to find what aspects they (the students) love most in theatre. Crave to get up and work harder every day. Crave to be their best. Crave to want to impress themselves. We all know that theatre is easy to love, but it takes a great instructor to teach the student no to turn their back on theatre when they feel theatre has turned its back on them.
I believe a great theatre instructor can keep their students motivated. When a student is discouraged by not making a show, a great instructor of theatre can (distract) motivate the student to try something else in the mean time that will also allow them grow. This in turn will show the student that they must be resilient.

If one desires to be a theatre professional, one has to be self motivated, resilient and smart; not all young professionals are aware of this yet. A great instructor of theatre will not treat their student as if they are of no value if they fail; a great instructor will explain to the student what they did well and tell them what would have made it better, and what they could do right, then, and there to lead them in the positive direction. So, in a nut shell my philosophy of a great theatre educator is someone who is powerfully motivated. So powerfully motivated that if they wanted to they could motivate a turtle to run a mile in a minute.

2. In the theatre profession it is so important to be well read. There is just not enough emphasis put on this. In this category, knowledge is definitely power. I believe a great instructor of theatre can inspire their students... over and over again. The material that a student is presented will lead them into becoming more creative, it will lead them into finding a place that's all their own, but most importantly it will trap them in becoming smart (sneaky, huh).That is what leads me to believe that an array of master pieces and non-masterpieces, commonly known and commonly unknown should be presented to the student, so they know that the world is filled with glorious and not so glorious works.
In believing this, I have concocted a season of shows that I would like to see done at the Sam Houston State University Theatre Center.

Fall Semester:

1. Main Stage- Non Musical
The Crucible by Arther Miller
Reason: At our university, I believe this script will be important in every facet of our department. I think the actors would be able to make this a very mature production that our students and audiences both would appreciate.

2. Raven Rep 1
The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
Reason: This is a fantastic master piece and I feel is important on an educational basis. I think students and audiences alike would love to see something from this era. It has a little of everything and would make a great production.

3. Raven Rep 2
Ms. Julie by August Strindberg/ Student Directed
Reason: This is a beautifully frank and dramatic piece that students will really be able to work with. It would give good opportunity to really exercise students' talents.

4. Main Stage Musical
O! What a Lovely War by by Joan Littlewood and Workshop
Music and Lyrics by Steven Sondheim
Reason: This is a historical and comical musical that would be enjoyed by those viewing and those working on this piece. I feel it would allow actors and students to ramble up very own 'bag of tricks' as they work on and view this piece.

Spring Semester:

1. Main Stage Non Musical
Our Town by Thornton Wilder
Reason: This piece, academically should if not produced, definitely be taught. It will teach actors that creativity is always their best friend.

2. Raven Rep 1
Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wassterstein
Reason: Wendy is an intelligent and insightful author. This piece about women reminiscing of their college years will sure to be great work for students at the college level.

3. Raven Rep 2
A Lie of the Mind by Sam Shepard
Reason: Another piece that will allow actors to really work.

4. Main Stage Musical
Assassins by

I'd also like the children's show Holes to be produced.

"Theatre is a
Science Theatre is Mathematical* Theatre is a Foreign Language Theatre is History Theatre is Physical Education Theatre is Business Theatre is Technology Theatre is Economics Theatre is taught in schools Not because you are expected to major in theatre, Not because you are expected to perform all through life, Not so you can relax, Not so you can have fun, But So you will recognize Beauty So you will be Sensitive So you will be closer to an Infinite beyond this world So you will have more Love, More Compassion More Gentleness, More Good, In short, More Life. Of What value will it be to make a prosperous living Unless you know how to live? That is why theatre is taught in our Schools."
http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/education/9726-why-teach-theatre-our-schools.html

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Project 5: After SHSU

Secondary Education:

You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Texas institutions do not offer a degree in education. Every teacher must have an academic major, as well as teacher training courses. The only exemption from the degree requirement is for individuals seeking Career and Technology certification to teach certain courses, such as welding or computer-aided drafting.You must complete teacher training through an approved program. These programs are offered through colleges and universities, school districts, regional service centers, community colleges, and other entities.You must successfully complete the appropriate teacher certification tests for the subject and grade level you wish to teach.A teacher who holds an appropriate Texas classroom teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree may add classroom certification areas by successfully completing the appropriate certification examination(s) for the area(s) sought. Certification by examination is not available for: initial certification;career and technology certification based on skill and work experience;a class of certificate other than classroom teacher (e.g. School Counselor, Principal, Superintendent, Learning Resources/School Librarian, Educational Diagnostician);a certificate for which no certification examination has been developed.

So, what this means to me, is that after I receive my B.F.A. in theatre, I will have to obtain a certificate to teach, if I cannot receive certification through our teacher education department. I will do this by taking an additional examination that will allow me to obtain my certificate.

Community College:
Brevard Community College
Location:
Cocoa, FL
Category:
Faculty - Fine and Applied Arts - Theatre and Dance
Type:
Full Time
Salary:
$40,000 USD Per Year
Brevard Community College is currently seeking applications for the full-time position of Theatre Instructor on the Cocoa Campus in Cocoa, Florida. The starting date for this position is August 2009.The minimum qualifications for the position include:* Master's degree in Theatre from a regionally-accredited institution* OR Master's degree from a regionally-accredited institution with 18 graduate semester hours in Theatre* Educational and professional acting and directing experience is required* Experienced directing musical theatre* Knowledge of stagecraft, technical theatre, and appropriate technology is desired* Demonstrated commitment to diversity* Official transcripts of all collegiate work will be required to be considered beyond the application phase**Official transcripts of all collegiate work must be sent directly from the attended institution to the Human Resources Office prior to the first day of employment. All foreign degrees must have a course-by-course official evaluation and translation sent to the Human Resources Office directly from an evaluation company affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES).The annual salary starts at $40,000 and considers degree level and full-time college-level teaching experience. Full-time employees of Brevard Community College receive fringe benefits including health insurance and a retirement plan. Applications will be accepted from March 24, 2009; until filled; however, the College reserves the right to extend or conclude searches without notice. Applications must be submitted prior to 5:00 p.m. on the closing day.
Application Information
Contact:
Human Resources DepartmentBrevard Community College
Online App. Form:
http://www.brevardcc.edu/hr

Senior College and University:
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF THEATRE - Tahlequah, OK
Northeastern State University invites applications for the full-time tenure track position of Assistant Professor of Theatre. Master's degree required, MFA preferred. NSU theatre faculty members are responsible for directing, teaching a minimum of 12 hours each semester, recruitment, academic advisement of theatre majors, supervision of students in production shops, and occasional production design. Courses include Theatre Appreciation, Film Appreciation, and other theatre courses appropriate to credentials. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applications reviewed as received, starting date August 2009. Submit Faculty Employment Application Form (available at www.nusok.edu/humanresources) along with: Cover letter, current resume/curriculum vitae, copies of college transcripts and contact information for at least three references. Send all documentation to: Human Resources, NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY, 601 N. Grand, Tahlequah, OK 74464-2399.
With campuses located in Tahlequah, Broken Arrow, and Muskogee, Northeastern State University provides undergraduate and graduate learning for bachelors and masters degree programs. NSU in Tahlequah is a blend of the old and the new, where rich history meets modern technology. Tahlequah was rated as one of America's top small cities and is the historic capital of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

Monday, May 4, 2009

After SHSU: Grad School #1

1. University of Houston

Description:
Our two-year Professional Theatre Training Program with the Alley Theatre puts students to work immediately. Students across all tracks of study work through the progression of classes as a cohort and collaborate on projects within class and in our productions. The combination of rigorous studio training, diverse production experience, professional networking, and mentoring by the artists of the Alley Theatre will provide a launch for a career like no other program in the country.

Imagination, Agility, Precision, Passion, Speed
The artists coming out of this program will be notable for combining five inter-locking qualities:
Imagination—broadened in studio training, honed in productions; our creative fuel.
Agility—the facility to adapt to new visions, new collaborators, new materials, new techniques across a variety of environments.
Precision—the ability to talk about the work and through the work clearly, concisely, and completely.
Passion—our graduates thrive in this field because they have a great fire within for the art and craft of the theatre.
Speed—the range to shift sensibilities to match the tempo needed for each particular project, whether it’s fast, medium or slow.

After SHSU: Grad School #2

2. Southern Methodist University

Description:
The Master of Fine Arts in Acting at SMU focuses on training the actor for
the professional world
— giving the artist the tools needed to achieve creative excellence in a variety of dramatic literature and theatrical venues. Rather than asking you to master a way of working, the program helps you to master the ways by which you can meet the challenges of the work — which vary from text to text and production to production. We teach actors to discover their own organic approach to acting. So when you graduate, youʼll be armed with a rich array of techniques that will allow you to channel imagination and intelligence through the medium of body and voice.

Admissions:
Those applying for the M.F.A. in Acting must complete an interview and an audition. (Our graduate acting program admits a new class in the fall of odd-numbered years.) Applicants must audition with two contrasting, two-minute monologues, one from a contemporary play and one from a classical play.

Call-Back Auditions & Interviews for both the Design and Acting programs will be conducted February 20 - 21, 2009 on the SMU campus. Candidates will be notified following their initial audition and/or interview with additional information should they be selected to attend our call-back event.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

After SHSU: Grad School #3

3. De Paul University MFA Acting

Description:
The Theatre School’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Acting is a
highly truthful, yet expressive, physical acting programinformed by
our Chicago roots that prepares actors to work on stage and screen all
over the world. The first year experience is about expanding the size
and specificity of the actor’s skill, imagination, and drive
. The next
year intensifies scenic study of a diverse spectrum of dramatic
literature, with a strong path of ensemble creation and studentgenerated
work.
The final year puts the work in the context of the
profession, connects the student to artistic and industry leaders while
refining the actor’s entrepreneurial spirit through company created
works and independent cinema experience.
Students learn from a distinguished faculty of working professionals
who possess a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise. Our faculty
has spent many years developing successful, personal and powerful
curricula that mine a diversity of ideas from Stanislavski, Spolin,
Grotowski, Shurtleff, Lessac, Linklater, Yoga, Tai Chi, Feldenkrais®
Method, Laban, mask work and more.
Students are inspired through
unique points-of-view within a comprehensive three-year progression
of acting, movement and voice and speech curricula.
Equally important to the training students receive in the classroom is
the opportunity they have to synthesize that learning in the production
process, with each student completing five production assignments
during their three years in the program.


Admissions:
Application along with Resume, GRE results, Photgraph.

Auditions and Interviews. An audition is required for all Acting Program applicants. An audition and interview is by invitation for Directing Program finalists. Applicants to the Arts Leadership Program will be invited to interview if selected as semi-finalists after the initial application review.

Admissions Decisions. Admissions decisions are made and communicated after all applicants have auditioned or interviewed. The Theatre School does not operate an early action, early acceptance or rolling admissions process. Decisions are communicated in writing and are mailed mid-March with a May 1 response deadline. Decisions cannot be communicated over the phone or by email. Only applicants who have completed all admissions requirements will be considered for admission.

Scholarships. Every applicant to The Theatre School, provide he or she has completed all admissions application requirements, is automatically considered for talent scholarships without an additional audition, interview or application.

Incoming graduate scholarships generally range from $14,000 to $16,000 annually and are one-year awards; scholarships may be renewed annually as part of each student’s annual evaluation. Incoming scholarships are awarded in the admissions decision letter.
Financial Aid. There are two types of need-based financial aid available to admitted graduate students –loans and work study. To be considered for a need-based financial aid package, applicants must submit a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Tuition. The Theatre School’s tuition is billed as a guaranteed package rate, meaning you pay one flat fee each year for all of your coursework and production work and you are billed the same rate each year you are in a program for up to three years. In other words, your tuition rate is locked in at the tuition rate you pay in your first year of the program. Tuition for graduate students entering in the fall of 2008 is $26,900. Tuition is billed in thirds and due at the beginning of each quarter.

This is my dream school. De Paul University also has a program that allows graduate acting students to work at their Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) on Navy Pier as ushers while completing their masters.

Project 5: After SHSU

After SHSU: The Profession Required

1. WA, SEATTLE CHILDREN'S THEATRE

Seattle Children's Theatre (Seattle, WA) is casting its upcoming season. Season includes: Green Sheep (rehearsals begin Aug. 24; performance dates TBA in Feb./March & May/June 2010), If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (rehearsals begin Sept. 15; runs Oct. 16-Nov. 29), Peter Pan (rehearsals begin Oct. 13; runs Nov. 13, 2009-Jan. 10, 2010), Pero (rehearsals begin Dec. 15; runs Jan. 15-Feb. 14, 2010), Northern Lands (rehearsals begin Jan. 12, 2010; runs Feb. 12-March 14, 2010), Getting Near to Baby (rehearsals begin Feb. 9, 2010; runs March 12-April 18, 2010), and Brementown Musicians (rehearsals begin March 9, 2010; runs April 9-May 16, 2010). Season runs Sept. 2009-June 2010.

Seeking—Adult Actors.

2.HRC SHOWCASE THEATRE SEASON

HRC Showcase Theatre (Hudson, NY) is casting its 2009 season. HRC Showcase Theatre produces readings of new plays. Florence Flo Hayle, gen. mgr.; Babrara Waldinger, artistic dir.

Seeking—Actors.

Auditions will be held by appt. only May 30 & 31 at Nola Studios, 250 W. 54th St. (btwn. Broadway & Eighth Ave.), NYC. For consideration, send pix & résumés to HRC Showcase Theatre, Box 940, Hudson, NY 12534. Submission deadline is March 20. Prepare a 60- to 90-second monologue. For more info, visit www.hrc-showcasetheatre.org. Equity Staged Reading Guidelines.

Categories: Union Stage
Production Personnel: Florence Flo Hayle, gen. mgr.; Babrara Waldinger, artistic dir.
Pay: Some Pay
Male/female role: Male, Female
Age Range: Young Adult (ages 18-29), Thirties (ages 30-39), Forties (ages 40-49), Older (50-65)
Ethnicity: Caucasian/White, African-American/Black, Latin/Hispanic/South American, Asian, Native American, European, Middle Eastern, Indian/South Asian, Other
Nudity: No

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Project #5: After SHSU

The Profession Non-Required

1. TX, ‘RECKLESS Company OnStage is casting Reckless, a comedy. Director TBD. Performance runs June 26-July 25 in Houston, TX. Seeking–All Roles. Auditions will be held April 5 & 6, 7 p.m. The Company OnStage, 536 Westbury Square, Houston, TX. Prepare to cold read from script. Bring pix & resume if available. For more info, call (713) 726-1219 or email auditions@companyonstage.org or visit www.companyonstage.org. No pay. Non-Union.
Company OnStage is casting Reckless, a comedy. Director TBD. Performance runs June 26-July 25 in Houston, TX.

Seeking–All Roles.

2. Title Box Office Staff
Category Administrative
Description Box Office Staff

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Connecticut's premier musical organization and one of America's leading regional orchestras, is seeking a Ticket Services Assistant Manager and Ticket Services Representatives for its 2009 Talcott Mountain Music Festival season May 26th through July 31st.

Concerts Include: Summer Grove!: Rhythm, Blues & Soul; Celebrate America: The Annual Red, White & Blue Tradition!; Abbamanina; Michael Cavanaugh: the music of Billy Joel; and Classical’s Greatest Hits.

Salary: $2000-$3000 for the summer. Housing is not provided.

Please email cover letter, resume and contact info for up to three references to kkolbe@hartfordsymphony.org.