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Who knows what language the kids from BATAVA Academy have been conversing with Dr Doolittle JR, but we do know we are in for a treat on Saturday night, January 14 at the New Works Showcase presentation in the MTI Showspace Theater.  This dynamic group of performers is packing to leave the great state of Texas and return again to JTF. They have some valuable advice for kids and directors alike…check it out! Break a Leg our friends from Batava!

Advice from BATAVA  Students:

 -“It’s okay to be nervous to perform in front of others, because you have to remember that they are just as nervous as you.”-Jessica Sieling, BATAVA student

 -“Use some of the workshops as an opportunity to make new friends! Channel your nervous energy into POSITIVE energy (for your performance).” -Cecilie Wahl, BATAVA student

 -“Have confidence and believe in yourself and the group.” - Andrew Fleming, BATAVA student

 -“Participate in all activities and competitions at the festival. Make the most of your experience.” -Anna Young, BATAVA student

 -“Just have confidence and never doubt yourself. It may seem hard at times, but you must persevere! Don’t over think things and work to your fullest potential.” - Brandon Mayville, BATAVA Student

 Advice from the Directors:

-“Be the best you can be at all times and remember you are representing not only yourself, but your entire group. Actions speak louder than words.” - Relana J. Gerami, Artistic Director of BATAVA

-“The adjudication is only a part of the experience, be sure to absorb as much as you can at the workshops and presentations.” - Benjamin Luss, Managing Director

-“This is a great event to get exposure from trained theatre professionals. Enjoy every moment and be a sponge.” -Bryan Keyth Wilson, BATAVA Resident Choreographer

-“Take the time to enjoy your experience at JTF, and instead of  being nervous just realize that no matter what happens you have already won just by being there. Have fun, it will be something you will remember forever!” Whitney Wyatt Nolder, Assistant Director at BATAVA

An enthusiastic bunch of kids from the Academy of Theater Arts of Williamsville, N.Y., (yes, a few miles from the home of the chicken wing!), are heading south to showcase My Son Pinocchio JR Saturday evening January 14 at the Junior Theater Festival.  It promises to be a stellar performance for sure!  Dina and her students have some valuable tips for everyone who attends!

Advice from ATA kids:

-Take the time to talk and meet with other groups, there are so many interesting and talented kids out there who love theatre just as much as you do!

-Don't spend time worrying about how you will measure up to the other groups, this isn't a contest to see who is the "best" but it is a great opportunity to have a weekend that is FULL of everything theatre!

-Remember that everyone in your group matters, be supportive of one another and proud of what you are bringing to JTF.

Advice to Directors from Dina Slawson, Director of ATA:

-Try and take advantage of everything you can.  The workshops and adjudications can be tremendous teaching tools for you as a director, you will find that you can learn just as much as your students!

-JTF is all about instilling a love and passion for theatre into those who attend, NOT who wins...Make sure you share this philosophy with your students and let them know that every group stands out for something they bring to the weekend.

-Try to meet other directors, there are directors who attend JTF from all over the country and from many different venues...there is so much we can learn from each other!

-Have FUN!  Don't STRESS!  JTF is a unique and wonderful opportunity for us to spend a weekend with people who have the same  love and passion for theatre as we do...Instill this in your students so they will enjoy the weekend as well!

A sneak peak at Finians Rainbow JR you say? In Atlanta?  At the Junior Theater Festival?  January 13-15?  Yes Sir!

Things are just fine in Glocca Morra AND especially in Brooks Middle School in Oak Park, Illinois. This dynamic group of kids is busy preparing for their showcase of Finians Rainbow in the Showspace Theater, Saturday evening of the three day festival.

Tina Reynolds and her troupe have some great advice to share with those of you attending for the first time, or for you “old timers!”

Top advice from Brooks Middle School kids:

-Be a sponge:  take in as much as you can while you're there

-Journal your experiences - it's so overwhelming that all the exciting opportunities and moments can be forgotten

-Have fun and be supportive of all groups attending!

-Meet as many kids from other cities and states and enjoy sharing your likes and differences

-Rest when you can - the schedule is very busy, take advantage of sleep so you can experience the weekend to the fullest

Advice from the director, Tina Reynolds:

-Don't miss the Director's reception - it's a great opportunity to meet other director's, share information and keep in touch throughout the year

-Communication and Knowledge is key for your kids & team - share as much information as possible with them so they have a clear picture of expectations, itinerary, and what's coming next.

-Encourage your kids to take risks in the Saturday workshops and directors also enjoy the different opportunities available to learn and network

-We call this a "business trip".  The kids will undoubtedly have an amazing time, but maintaining a level of professionalism we find is important and helpful

-Encourage your kids to get as much rest as possible before the trip.  It's a non-stop weekend and you do want the kids to fall ill or get tired when so many things are not to be missed

Where is Neverland anyway? A troupe of amazing YMCA-arts kids from Boothbay, Maine will travel 1260 miles to the JTF mainstage to be a showcase group for Junior Theater Festival 2012. No doubt this imaginary location will come to life for all of us as they take the mainstage for Peter Pan JR. January 13-15.  The Y-Arts are returning for their fourth consecutive year to JTF.  Distance is isn’t an issue for this crew, this past year they became pen pals with a group from PS124 and the kids are very excited to meet them at the festival!

Take note of some great advice from this exciting group from northern New England and their Director Emily Moore!

Advice from Boothbay YMCA kids:

-"No matter what happens just know that you did your best, had fun, and enjoyed every moment of the trip. From the plane ride, to the performance, to the dance party, everything counts!" -Mackenzie Colby

-"Don't think that you can't talk to anyone outside of your group. Sit with different people and get to know members of other groups. Most importantly... make friends!" -Sophia Thayer

-"You're not at JTF to be the best theatre group there. You're there to show people what you can do and do the best you can, learn from other groups and do what you love: performing! There's nothing else you can do but that!" -Noelle Timberlake

-"When you're performing in front of the judges, don't worry about anything else but having fun by singing and performing your hearts out. Doing the things you love to do!" - Courtney Chaney

-"Remember that the judges are cheering for you! They want you to do well and have fun. Also, remember that the criticism they give you is meant to help you improve as a performer, not discourage you." -Kate Hilscher

Advice from Director, Emily Moore:

-"Make sure your kids understand how important it is to meet kids from the other performing groups. Every year I insist that each member of my group meet 3 new friends and introduce them to me. It turns it into a game and helps them with an ice-breaker: "So my crazy director, Emily, wants us to meet new people. Will you meet her with me?" Works every time!

-"Remember, the festival isn't about winning. Just being at the festival with your kids shows that you care about their theatre experience.  Mistakes will happen but just smile and know that your kids are learning from them."

Thanks guys……break a leg! cr

New Orleans.  Anyone who has been there immediately can recreate the smell of beignets from Café Du Monde, feel the energy that pulses the town and let the jazz from every corner haunt you forever.  Another true treasure of Nola will appear at the 2012 Junior Theater festival in Atlanta, Georgia, January 13-15. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, known as JPAS, will showcase Music Man Kids, and guarantees to have you waving a flag on “Shipoopi” for sure.

Here is some advice from Lynne Bordelon and some fantastic JPAS kids for those of you attending JTF for the 1rst time or the 5th time!

Students’ Quotes

-Ross Quinn: “Don’t be scared to go out there and perform.”

-Olivia Worley: “Don’t be nervous because it really is just a lot of fun.”

-Jorden Majeau: “If you try your hardest, you will realize this weekend will be about making friends just like you and making memories that you will remember your whole life.”

-Gabriella Trentacoste:  “Give it your all and do the best you can.”

Director’s Quotes

Lynne L. Bordelon:

-“Always have an exact meeting place for your group, so it will be easy to find each other and get a game plan for each day.”

-“Don’t get ahead of yourself! Enjoy every moment. Learn all you can. Educational opportunities surround you every second of the day.”

-“Rest well! Each day is packed with so many activities!”

The suspense is building for Junior Theater Festival 2012.  Countdowns have begun.  Marty Johnson has it down to the minute for anyone that asks.  Contributing to the anticipation is the amazing work going on by theatre programs that are showcasing new works at JTF.  The route that snakes around the country with six stops began at Jeter Backyard Theater in Pittsburgh last week. 

Christie Jeter and her kids as well as all the groups showcasing were selected based on their previous outstanding work at JTF and their strong commitment to creating work that focuses on and highlights their students abilities. The “backyard theater” experience is the real deal.

Edwina Spoonapple couldn’t house costumes and set pieces more brilliantly in her garage and run productive rehearsals wherever there is space than Christie.  Yes she started with 22 kids from her neighborhood and now they have 500 kids every year.  So get ready to take a glimpse of inspiration as they showcase “The Magic Treehouse” Saturday evening on the mainstage at JTF.

Students and Directors alike, here are some top tips from Jeter Backyard Theater to keep with you as you plan for one of the most exciting annual events ever.

Top 5 Things for KIDS going to JTF to think about

1.  Stay healthy - it's an intense weekend

2.  Mingle - be open and actively try to meet kids from all over the country

3.  Listen - there are so many bits of great advice in such a short period of time

4.  Focus - and give each activity and workshop your best effort

5.  Treasure every minute - it all goes by so fast

Top 5 Things for Directors to think about

1. Be prepared to be impressed - I am consistently impressed by the caliber of programs and speakers in attendance

2. Make an effort to meet other Directors - we are a network of helpful and kind people with kids and theater in common

3. Attend EVERYTHING - every planned talk and activity has great merit and social activities can strengthen our national community of theater educators

4. Watch and Learn - I have learned so many wonderful things by watching other groups at JTF

5. Enjoy the celebration! JTF is a big rambunctious love note to the children, families and teachers who make Junior Theater great.

Well said my friends!  cr

Like so many of you, my emotions were a tumble when I first learned of the news that the man who has shaped so much of our environment today has passed on.  I will never forget the day I was given the task of writing the prototype for the first Broadway JR Director's Guide in 1996. I was charting virgin territory.  I had a million "out of the box ideas" in my head, but no clue to how the finished product would look as I started with page 1 of the script of "Annie JR". My best friend through that process was an Apple IIe computer. Many of you are not old enough to have seen that little dinosaur that was "nirvana" to me.  I clearly was not proficient at computer skills, but plugged away and turned in the first draft by November.  I had never spent so many intimate hours with anything or any one except my husband.  That ancient Apple was patient, correcting, freeing, and my partner.  When it was time to upgrade, it was like saying goodbye to an old boyfriend.  Wonderful memories but time to move on.

I couldn't help but flashback Thursday morning when I heard the news.  A man who left us with a legacy of ideas on which the next generation of charismatic, artistic and critical thinkers can build upon. His view about loving what you do to achieve happiness is the mantra that a majority of us in musical theatre use as a compass.  True artistic compensation is difficult to measure and, many times, priceless.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle." Steve Jobs

You are right Steve.  The love affair with musical theater and how it affects kids keeps getting better in my world.  From an inner city school, to a pilot, to writing another Director's Guide, it definitely is a matter of the heart.

Thank you Mr. Jobs

CR

Take a minute to pat yourself on the back.  Most likely you either have begun a new school year with students, started a new season with your after school drama program or launched your companion education programs to coordinate with your mainstage season.  “And they’re off!” as they say.

That last big breath before we begin or resume our artistic projects in the fall is full of past practices, new challenges, (yes, a decreased budget is a challenge), brilliant new inspirations and never ending hopes.  Hopes that we can have an impact and make life better for those around us through theater and kids.

Our daughter announced to us last night that she is getting married.  That same feeing of past, present and future that I always feel as I start a new school year with kids washed over me in a flash.  The conglomeration of advice I “borrowed” to instill the best in a child, the “something blue” traditions from our family, and the desire to incorporate something “new” on a daily basis, came into focus with that news.  The curtain closed on any reprises of childhood and she’s off to open her own show.  Reviews forthcoming.

So as the shiny new sneakers appear in your teaching area, open the new chapter with the best you’ve got.

• Highlight your BEST practices and give the others a rest.

• Review in your mind the most memorable performances you attended this summer and let that inspiration refuel you.

 • Enjoy the reward of collaboration and brainstorming.  Talk to people and exchange crazy ideas.  Share your thoughts on MTI Showspace.  (Customizing ideas to your program is an addiction of mine!)

• Always allow room for the “mystery ingredient”: something new.  It can be from an eight year old or your school custodian.

• Make no excuse for depleted staff or budget.  Know that your opportunity for presenting a new beginning has the ability to turn on a kid’s creative brain forever.

CR

I talk with so many of you on MTI Showspace that help transport kids and communities to amazing heights through musical theater. I decided to take the opportunity to bring you a series of short interviews with kids, teachers and community members from varied schools, theaters, after-school programs around the country that make a difference.  Check out their stories and become inspired to try something different or simply enjoy people that share the same passion!

Recently I had the good fortune to chat with the Director and some students from Lancaster Central School in western New York state.  Their performance of “The Drowsy Chaperone” was the first in the area and performed to rave reviews.  If you have only thought about this show, listen to to what the director Gary Lee and his students have to say.  A stellar production and even more fun to interview! 

If you are not a NYC dweller, we share your pain at the pump the last six months.  Anywhere you “can fill ‘er up” without breaking the bank is a bonus.  You may triumph at saving 10¢ a gallon only to find the price has gone up 4 days later.

I just returned from our iTheatrics workshop with kids of “James and The Giant Peach” as well as our smashing Freddie G Weekend to honor 8 stellar teachers from our Junior Theater Festival.  Being in the middle of 32 kids that were new to each other producing such fresh, creative energy for 8 hours a day in 99-degree heat, was inspirational re-fueling.  Watching the exchange and passion of committed and passionate teachers all weekend was inspirational re-fueling.  Listening to Douglas Carter Beane, Kim Grigsby, Warren Carlyle and Freddie Gershon put teachers on a pedestal was inspirational re-fueling.  I crave to do it again with our 24 teachers coming in for our  iTheatrics Teacher Intensive weekend next week.  No pain, no credit card, no calories.  Pure dessert for those of us who are “juiced” by selfless collaboration in the arts!

So however you do it, master classes, summer programs with your kids, performing yourself, immersing your brain in perusals, or simply taking time to leisurely wander through MTIShowspace, DO IT!  Creative re-fueling is sustainable and contagious to kids you work with as well as friends and family.  Its only July, need some ideas?  Let me know, there is something for everybody!  CR