In the Classroom: Improv Show

Hi, Jenefer.  I once directed an improv show called "The Couch" inspired by improv work at PA Governor's School which included some prop that became part of the action in every scene.  Somehow, the creative use of that prop became extremely entertaining as the scenes flowed into one another. As you might imagine, a couch was excessively easy to work with.  We ran the show as a "tag team" event. When one of the actors in the wings was inspired, he or she would simply walk on "in character" - the actors in the scene knew to freeze at that point.  The "new" actor would physically take the exact position of the person he/she wished to replace and continue with the new idea.

In rehearsal, we did a lot of "round robin" improv to prepare and explore characters but not "script" the IMPROV SHOW.

For auditions, you might consider this game.  Write THINGS on one set of cards "car", "spatula" etc., and EMOTIONS on another set of cards "happy" "lonely" etc.  Flip one card over from each pile and the actor will have to become a "lonely spatula" - on the spot. You could expand the exercize by having another actor use the "lonely spatula".

What an awesome fund-raising idea.  I love the competitive swing, too. Break a Leg!  Reality as theatre as reality is my favorite!!!

In the Classroom: Upcoming Broadway Jr. titles?

And what a FABULOUS job you did in both Aidan. Bravo Academy performed Flat Stanley Jr at our Junior Theater Festival and just finished a pilot production of Fame Jr. this summer in Chicago that I was able to see.  I totally agree....2 great shows coming soon!!!    CR

In the Classroom: choreography for dear edwina jr

HI Heather!  The DVD's do only come with three songs choreographed, and the DVD shoot is a fun, but lengthy and expensive process with kids. My guess is that some of your students have some great ideas to stage the other numbers.  Some are simple and can be done in tableaux setting with minimal staging.  I did the pilot production with a large cast (160), and am happy to share ideas and brainstorm with you! Contact me at showsupport@mtishows.com and we'll chat!  Dear  Edwina is GREAT fun to do, as you most likely already know!

CR

Miscellany: Legally Blonde Lovers!

Thanks for the update Marcus...that question is on everyone's lips!!

MTI Show Support: School Editions

We'll also be running a feature on the MTI Marquee blog about the School Edition Collection in the coming weeks as everyone heads back to school.

The MTI Show Collection: No Orchestra at our school?? Please Help:)

Megan,

I think we can help.  Music Theatre International has a number of helpful resources - in particular is OrchExtra: a music enhancement system designed to electronically accompany a few live musicians.  It's available for West Side Story:

http://www.mtishows.com/resources.asp?id=6_1_0_5&theatricalresourceid=31

I'll also share your question with our licensing dept. to see if they have additional suggestions.

Best,

Jason