Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Memorization Tips

This year is a little bit different than years past because our show has a lot more dialogue in it than usual. The task of memorizing lines might seem scary, but with practice, it becomes very easy! It's like memorizing lyrics to your favorite songs... after a while, it's like second nature! Here are some line memorization tips for you all:

(via Thwaites Theatre Photos @ flickr's creative commons)

  1. Read through a set number of lines (maybe 5 lines, or one page at a time) 3 times.
  2. Take the lines apart. Know what your character is saying. Once it makes more sense to you, it will come more naturally.
  3. For long speeches, start by memorizing the first sentence. Recite the first sentence from memory, and then add the second. Recite the first two sentences from memory, then add the third, and so on.
  4. Group the words and thoughts into things you can remember... for example, Peter's line on pg. 31: Wendy, this is a very important rock. It is called Marooner's Rock. When a sailor has done something really dreadful, the captain will bring him to this rock, tie him to this stake and leave him to be marooned.
You might take a look at the word "rock." Notice that it is in every sentence:
  • Wendy, this is a very important rock. It is called Marooner's Rock. When a sailor has done something really dreadful, the captain will bring him to this rock, tie him to this stake and leave him to be marooned.
The first two sentences are short and sweet -- easy to remember. For the last sentence, you might try to remember that Marooner's Rock will play a part... "the captain will bring him to this rock ... leave him to be marooned." And you can remember the Sailor will be tied to the Stake.
  • Wendy, this is a very important rock. It is called Marooner's Rock. When a sailor has done something really dreadful, the captain will bring him to this rock, tie him to this stake and leave him to be marooned.
Hope this helps. Happy memorizing!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

December News

Thank you all for such a great music rehearsal yesterday. We definitely accomplished a lot, but we still have a lot more to go! Thanks for your patience as we learn the music. To make the process go faster, you can acquaint yourself with the music files I've posted here or, as I joked yesterday, get the CD from iTunes (but seriously... you can buy the CD on iTunes).

(via heatherknitz @ flickr's creative commons)

A few notes before you fly away for winter vacation...


Academics
As we explained to the students at both rehearsals, the musical is treated just like a sports team in that the participants' grades are monitored, making sure that students who take on extracurricular activities are still putting academics first. That being said, each week, we receive a list of students who are to be put on academic probation. Starting January 4th (our first rehearsal after break), the students on that list will not be able to attend rehearsal that week, unless they improve their grades.

What constitutes being on academic probation? 
  1. A student has a failing grade in any of their classes
  2. A student has NI or U as their qualities of a learner grade in more than two classes
Students and parents should be able to check academic standing on Skyward. The list we receive comes out on Friday. Parents: what is the best way to keep you abreast of your student's academic standing? Please leave a comment here letting us know how we can best work together on this issue.

IMPORTANT: Peter Pan Homework
- Mr. Darling, Mrs. Darling, Michael, John, Liza: have dialogue from pages 1-21 memorized
- Wendy, Peter: have dialogue from pages 1-14 memorized and move on if you can!
- Lost Boys: have dialogue from pages 21-35 memorized, familiarize yourself with Wendy's Song
- Pirates: have dialogue from pages 21-35 memorized, familiarize yourself with Rich Damp Cake
- Everyone: have the lyrics to Come Away and The Darlings memorized

A Little Fun
In case you need a tongue twister to play with at a holiday party or on New Year's Eve, here is the "Yolanda" tongue twister that is part of your acting warm-up:

Yolanda was yearning to yodel
She yaya ya-ya-ya yaya a lot
And lady oh-lay as often as not
Yada oh lady, oh lady, oh-lay
Yolanda would yodel all night & all day!

Thanks for your hard work, and keep it up! Have a wonderful winter break, and see you next year,
Ms. Hrap & Ms. Neville

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

First rehearsal? Check!

Thank you to our wonderful cast for such a successful first rehearsal! We let you know our expectations, and are excited that you are all willing to rise to the occasion. Our production is going to be amazing, so it's time to get crackin'!

Below is a list of the first three songs we will be learning at upcoming rehearsals. Please click the links to download the songs and take a listen so you can familiarize yourself with them. If you'd like to familiarize yourself with the music by purchasing the CD (which you don't have to), it is available on iTunes (Peter Pan the British Musical, release date: 11/16/09). We realize that not many of you are familiar with the show and we just wanted to give you some options to get to know the music if you choose to do so.
  • Peter
  • The Darlings
  • Come Away
  • EDIT (1/12): Comment below if you need us to re-upload the songs so you can download them.
That being said, our first few rehearsals will be devoted solely to learning music, which means that there will be a lot of sitting in the choral room with your scripts (and PENCILS!). But don't worry, we'll be up and moving before you know it! We will start doing some dancing and staging in January.

REMINDERS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  • For those who committed to the bake sale, items should be brought to the musical's table before the choral concert on 12/16, when parents drop off students at the choral concert at the high school at 7PM.
  • Principals, please be sure to read through the rest of script to get to know your characters!
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns, and thanks for a great first rehearsal!
Ms. Hrap & Ms. Neville

Monday, December 13, 2010

REMINDER!

Can't believe it's already that time! Our first rehearsal is tomorrow after school.

When: Tomorrow, December 14th, 2:30 - 4:30
Where: GVMS choral room
What: Peter Pan introductions & read-through

See you then!
Ms. Hrap & Ms. Neville

P.S. Bring a pencil!! And a snack if you like :)

Friday, December 3, 2010

Only a few more days...

... until rehearsals begin! We are so excited!

We sent out an email to all the cast members' families detailing the rehearsal schedule and verifying email addresses. Below is the rehearsal schedule. If any changes are made throughout the course of rehearsals, we will be sure to let you know at rehearsals. The Monday night rehearsals that are "lead rehearsals" will be for working with smaller groups. We will let students know on a week-by-week basis who we need at those rehearsals. The ensemble will not need to be available for "lead rehearsals."

Peter Pan Rehearsal Schedule

Date
Time
Place
Other Notes
Tuesday, 12/14
2:30-4:30
GVMS

Tuesday, 12/21
2:30-4:30
GVMS

Tuesday, 1/4
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Thursday, 1/6
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Saturday, 1/8
9-12
GVMS
Parent meeting, 9AM
Monday, 1/10
6:30-8:30
GVMS
The Darlings (inc. Nana & Liza), Peter Pan, Tinkerbell
Tuesday, 1/11
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Wednesday, 1/12
2:30-4:45
GVMS
In lieu of Saturday rehearsal
Thursday, 1/13
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Tuesday, 1/18
2:30-4:45
GVMS
CANCELED
NO REHEARSAL
Wednesday, 1/19
6:30-8:30
GVMS
All pirates
Thursday, 1/20
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Saturday, 1/22
9-3PM
GVMS
EXTENDED
Monday, 1/24
6:30-8:30
GVMS
Lost Boys, Peter, Tink, Wendy, John, Michael
Tuesday, 1/25
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Thursday, 1/27
2:30-4:45
GVMS
SNOWED OUT/CANCELED
Saturday, 1/29
9-3PM
GVMS

Monday, 1/31
6:30-8:30
GVMS
Lead rehearsal, specifics TBA
Tuesday, 2/1
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Thursday, 2/3
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Saturday, 2/5
9-3PM
GVMS

Monday, 2/7
6:30-8:30
GVMS
Lead rehearsal, specifics TBA
Tuesday, 2/8
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Thursday, 2/10
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Friday, 2/11 - MOVING DAY, Parent volunteers move set to GWES
Saturday, 2/12
9-3PM
GWES
Pizza party!
Monday, 2/14
6:30-8:30
GVMS
Lead rehearsal, specifics TBA
Tuesday, 2/15
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Wednesday, 2/16
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Thursday, 2/17
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Saturday, 2/19
9-3PM
GVMS
Bring lunch, ice cream provided!
Tuesday, 2/22
2:30-4:45
GVMS

Wednesday, 2/23
6:30-8:30
GWES

Thursday, 2/24
6:30-8:30
GWES

Friday, 2/25
6:30-9PM
GWES
Sound check
Saturday, 2/26
9-3PM
GWES
Bring lunch, dress rehearsals begin
Monday, 2/28
6:30-9PM
GWES
Dress rehearsal
Tuesday, 3/1
6:30-9PM
GWES
Dress rehearsal
Thursday, 3/3
Performance @ 7:30
GWES
Cast call: 6PM
Friday, 3/4
Performance @ 7:30
GWES
Cast call: 6PM
Saturday, 3/5
Performances @ 2PM, 7:30
GWES
Cast calls: 12PM, 6PM, cast party 9:30-11PM


Can't wait to see you all,
Ms. Hrap & Ms. Neville

Saturday, November 27, 2010

A few audition notes

I hope your break was nice and relaxing, and you had some time to enjoy yourselves! Rehearsals start up soon, and we will be posting the rehearsal schedule here on the blog.

Reminder: our first rehearsal is after school on 
Tuesday, December 14, 2010

A note for those who auditioned: unfortunately, auditions were super-competitive this year, and although we wanted to take on everyone as part of the cast, we simply could not. We encourage those who are interested to think about helping out in some other capacity, whether it's stage crew or helping to paint set pieces and props, we would love to have anyone and everyone help out with the production process.

Keep in touch if you're interested in volunteering: gvmusical@gmail.com

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Presenting... the Cast of Peter Pan!

Thank you to all those who auditioned. We saw an immense amount of talent and had such a hard time casting this show! Can't wait until rehearsals begin. See you then!

Cast of Characters
in order of appearance

Mr. Darling: Ben Nurthen (also featured Lost Boy)
Mrs. Darling:  Kelly Donnelly (also Tate)
Wendy: Ally Carbonar
John: Kyle McKinley
Michael: Noah Tarnoff
Nana: Dyson Kennedy (also ensemble)
Liza: Kathleen McCarrick (also Aiyana)
Peter Pan: Emma Smith
Tinkerbell: Claudia Foubert
The Shadow: Claire Ousey (also Lulu)
Captain Hook: Zach Zalis
Smee: Aidan Quigley
Mr. Starkey: Carolyn Stickley
The Crocodile: Emmie Parker (also Langundo)
Indian Chief: Nils Aho
Tiger Lily: Maggie Kennedy
Tootles: Claire Kelley 
Nibs: Kayla Bradley
Curly: Jen Sybrandt
Slightly: Charles Swope
Marmaduke: Matthew Sheaffer
Binky: Erin McCarrick
Pockets: Lily Wang
Ace: Rayne Johnson
Cubby: Nick Stillwell 
All Thumbs: Ciara Mullen
Lennon: Ari Pikounis
Cecco: Aaron Skarzenski
Bill Jukes: Jack Kesti
Noodler: Claire Wilson
Mullins: Laura Arbuckle
Skylights: Graham Dore
Calico Jack: Jack Stillwell
Mary Reid: Nicole Strunk
Gunpowder Gertie: Nicole Bellwoar
Tate: Kelly Donnelly *dance captain
Running Dog: Abby Opher 
Grizzly Bear: Elizabeth Amoriello
Singing Bull: Elizabeth Devenney
Sahale: Ranju Srinivasan
Aiyana: Kathleen McCarrick
Neka: Robyn Lane
Flying Eagle: Bridget O’Hara
Langundo: Emmie Parker
Lulu: Claire Ousey
Understudies/Swings
Kayla Bradley (Wendy, Tiger Lily)
Maggie Kennedy (Peter Pan, Mrs. Darling)
Ben Nurthen (Pirates, Indian Chief)
Matthew Sheaffer (Lost Boys, John, Michael)
Featured Lost Boys
Caroline Badyna
Hannah Chenard
Christy Leland
Ben Nurthen
Laurel Wilson
Featured Indians
Erica Howard
Nicole Miller 
Jenna Potter
Madison Stello
Ensemble
Sravya Alla
Kaavya Anand
Marina Baker
Meghan Bednar
Ellie Bleecker
Jessie Bleecker
Alli Brophy
Alli Brown
Michaela Colahan
Olivia Doran
Allison Fermani
Katie Foreman
Megan Gamble
Bridget Garrity
Clara Haubold
Nicole Huestis
Garret Judge
Alex Keane
Avery Keller
Dyson Kennedy
Jane Li
Brian Liebsman
Tommy Lock
Meaghan Loftus
JJ Long
Molly Lynch
Nate Makowicz
Riley Mahoney
Carly Martinez
Emily Meehan
Ashley Mendoza
Michaela Moore
Swapnapriya Mudapalli
Anika Narula
Kaitlyn Sharkey
Emma Smith-Hogan
Julian Strunk
Apoorva Sudini
Dena Swope
Samantha Taylor
Audrey Thompson
Cassie Tiburcio
Willow Underwood
Joshita Varshney
Tommy Walsh


Updated: December 13, 2010

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Thank you!

Hello all,

Thank you so much for a wonderful two days of auditions! We were blown away by everyone's talent, preparation, and growth and had so much fun watching you perform.

(image via disneyandy @ flickr's creative commons)

Please be aware that students who have been asked to come to callbacks have been emailed tonight.

If you have not received an email, don't panic! In the past, we have cast students solely based off of their audition because we have seen just what we needed from them. As directors, there are times when we want to test out how students interact with each other or hear more of their vocal abilities.

Stay tuned to this blog for the cast list... it should be posted within the next week or so. And before we officially cast the show, we want to remind everyone of our dedication to the production and the level of commitment we expect from our cast members. The following note was in your audition packets: "Please be aware that if you make the commitment to the show you are required to attend all of the required practice sessions and no cast member may miss more than one of the Saturday practices." We've seen a lot of conflicts on the audition forms and want to stress the importance of this decision. You must be able to make the commitment to the show. If you cannot, you should reconsider coming aboard.

Thanks so much to all who came out to auditions. 
We're so excited to get started! 

Keep checking the blog for updates and see you soon,
Ms. Hrap & Ms. Neville

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Are you excited?!

The Peter Pan monument in Kensington Gardens, London (via Wikimedia Commons)

Hey everyone,

Auditions are right around the corner. I hope you're ready! Remember to breathe, be yourself, and most importantly: HAVE FUN!!

As a side note, just like last year during auditions, we will be pulling all students (in groups of 6-10 at a time) to give you a taste of some more of the music and some dancing from the show. We want to check out what you've got in the "steps" department! For those of you who are interested, we will be keeping our eye out for featured dancers as well. So, shine up your dancin' shoes and get ready to fly away!

See you soon,
Ms. Hrap & Ms. Neville

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Important Announcements

Hi Great Valley!

Some important notes about Peter Pan auditions and the schedule:
  • SCHEDULE: Please be aware that the district calendar is wrong regarding our performance dates. The dates on the audition packet are correct. Our performances will be Thursday, March 3rd, Friday, March 4th, and two performances on Saturday, March 5th.
  • REHEARSALS: We realize that 2/19 is a holiday weekend, and we kept that in mind when we scheduled it. As of right now it's a tentative rehearsal.
  • REHEARSAL LOCATION: There is an error regarding the location of rehearsals on the audition packet. Rehearsals will be at GVMS until February 18th (that Friday we will be moving all set, props, and costumes to GWES). EDIT: Starting the 23rd, rehearsals will be at General Wayne Elementary School. Once we get into rehearsals in December and January, we will be sure to give explicit reminders as to locations and times.
  • STUDENTS INTERESTED IN STAGE CREW: We will post a sign-up sheet for stage crew in January or February and select students based on our needs and student interest. It doesn't hurt to shoot us an email to give us a heads up if you're interested (gvmusical@gmail.com)
Thanks,
Ms. Neville & Ms. Hrap

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Sheet Music

Hi everyone,

A note about sheet music... any student who got their audition packet the day we announced the show (on Thursday, October 21) does not have sheet music attached to their audition packet. I realized this, and quickly put together a new packet that includes the sheet music for all of the audition songs. For any student who needs sheet music and does not have it: pick up another audition packet from the information board, and you'll be all set!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

A few audition notes

Hello all,

I hope you're all practicing and getting excited for auditions! We just have a few extra notes for you:
  • On the audio tracks, the actors are from the UK, so they all have British accents. Please don't worry about using an accent! When you practice the songs and dialogue, use your own voice!
  • The original audition packets distributed on Thursday, 10/21 did not have sheet music included. If you need sheet music to practice with a vocal teacher or piano, please pick up a new packet, available at the Peter Pan information board.
Thank you! Keep up the good work!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Cast of Characters

The following is a list of the characters in Piers Chater Robinson's version of Peter Pan (the official website can be found at http://www.peterpanthemusical.com/).

Mr. Darling
Mrs. Darling
Wendy Darling
John Darling
Michael Darling
Nana, the dog
Liza, the Darlings' maid
Peter Pan
Tinkerbell, featured dancer
The Shadow, featured dancer
Captain Hook
Smee
Mr. Starkey
Indian Chief
Tiger Lily
The Crocodile, featured dancer

Lost Boys
Tootles
Nibs
Curly
Slightly
Marmaduke & Binky, the twins
Pockets
Ace
Cubby
All Thumbs

Pirates
Lennon
Cecco
Bill Jukes
Noodler
Mullins
Skylights
Calico Jack
Mary Reid
Gunpowder Gertie

Indians/featured dancers
Running Dog
Grizzly Bear
Singing Bull
Aiyana
Sahale
Tate
Neka
Langundo
Flying Eagle
Lulu

Ensemble
Lost Boys
Indians

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Homecoming 2010

Thank you so much to all who helped out with GVMS Musical Theater's first Patriot's Day bake sale! We were able to successfully generate excitement about the upcoming musical while having a good time impersonating pirates and eating delicious home-made baked goodies.

The winner of our raffle for 2 tickets to see one of the performances is Sarah Griffin. Congratulations, Sarah! We'll be in touch to solidify the date/time of the performance you'd like to see.





Thanks again for all your help & enthusiasm!

Looking for audition material? Dialogue can be found here, and the download link for the audition packet and the tracks for the four audition songs can be found here. Happy practicing!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Audition Material, Part 2

Dialogue for Auditions

Below are pieces of dialogue from the script. You may be asked to read some of the following dialogue. To prepare for this part of your audition, you should practice the dialogue using expression and energy! Yes, you may use the script, but do not depend on it! Make sure that you are prepared to do your personal best!

Be prepared to read from any/all of the following selections:

***

Peter is talking to Tinkerbell. Instead of speaking, she jingles, speaking in fairy-language. Tinkerbell begins jingling, chattering excitedly to Peter...

Peter: Tink? Where are you? Oh, there you are ... what? ... Now, steady. Calm down! I don’t understand what you are saying... pirates?! Where?! But I thought the Indians.... what?! Hook has captured Wendy?! ... and the boys? I must rescue them!! Wait... my  medicine! Wendy would never forgive me. (Tink jingles) Why not? (Tink jingles) Poisoned? Who could have poisoned it? (Tink jingles) Don’t be silly. How could Hook have got down here? I think you are inventing all this because you didn’t like Wendy leaving me my medicine. I do believe you’re jealous!

***

Tootles: It’s alright, they’re gone.
Curly: Phew! That was a near thing! I do wish Peter would come back...
Slightly: I am the only one who is not afraid of pirates -- but you’re right, I’d like to see Peter again and he can tell us whether he has heard anything more about the lady with the glass slipper.
Twins: Yes, so would I.
Tootles: My mother used to tell stories like that.
Curly: All I remember about my mother is that she often said to father, “oh how I wish I had a check book of my own!” I don’t know what a check book is, but I should love to get one for my mother.

Nibs runs in from the forest and is out of breath

Nibs: Have you seen it? Have you seen it? It’s a wonder. A wonder!
Slightly: Seen what, Nibs?
Nibs: The great white bird -- it’s flying this way!
Tootles: What kind of bird?
Nibs: I don’t know, but it looks so weary and as it flies it moans, “Poor Wendy.”
Twins: Poor Wendy!
Slightly: I remember, there ARE birds called Wendies.
Curly: (pointing to the sky) See, it comes! How white it is!

***

Wendy: Boy, why are you crying?
Peter: What’s your name?
Wendy: Wendy Moira Angela Darling.
Peter: Mine’s Peter Pan.
Wendy: Is that all?
Peter: Yes.
Wendy: I’m so sorry.
Peter: It doesn’t matter.
Wendy: Where do you live?
Peter: Second star to the right and straight on till morning!
Wendy: What a funny address!
Peter: No it isn’t!
Wendy: I mean, is that what they put on your letters?
Peter: Don’t get any letters.
Wendy: But your mother gets letters?
Peter: Don’t have a mother.
Wendy: Oh, Peter, no wonder you were crying!

***

Hook: Well, what are you standing around here for? Go to it, you swabs! And most of all, Smee, I want their captain, Peter Pan. ‘Twas he cut off my arm. I’ve waited long to shake his hand with this! Oh, I’ll tear him...
Smee: And yet I have soften heard you say that one hook was worth a score of hands for combing the hair and other homely uses.
Hook: (Ignoring Smee) Peter flung my arm to a crocodile that happened to be passing by. Do you know that?
Smee: I have often noticed your strange dread of crocodiles...
Hook: Not of crocodiles -- but of that one crocodile. It liked my arm so much, Smee, that it has followed me ever since from sea to sea and from land to land, licking its lips for the rest of me.
Smee: In a way, that’s sort of a compliment!
Hook: I want no such compliments! I want PETER PAN who first gave the brute its taste for me!

***

Have fun practicing!
See you at auditions!