Some Early Logistics...

Hi all!

Now that we're in and moving on this quaint little play of ours (ha!) I have a couple of notes for groups involved with the show:

1) Crew Leads/Apprentices - I am actively working with our design partners to build the schedule for our builds and meetings toward the show.  Know that you have nothing to commit to prior to the end of Winter Break.  I will be posting a tech schedule, though, before we get back, so be ready to go once the Break is over!

2) For all cast and crew, remember you've agreed to a production fee to help us source the project.  I hate that pay-to-play is a part of public school activities, but the realities are that they are.  On that note, here is/are the timeline/details you need to know -

a) Cast: $100 by January 7 [either online in SchoolPay under 'Midsummer/Jersey' by Ken Ludwig (2021-22 Winter Play) Cast Fee, or in person to the IBWHS Bookkeeper]

b) Crew: $25 by January 14 [either online in SchoolPay under 'Midsummer/Jersey' by Ken Ludwig (2021-22 Winter Play) Crew Fee, or in person to the IBWHS Bookkeeper]

As always, if you or your family have a situation where the fee is a financial hardship, please speak with me (Miller) as soon as possible...we can make arrangements.

3) During the Winter Break there are no rehearsals or builds...but the show will stall significantly if you take that full two weeks away from things show-related.  Make sure that every day (yes, that includes the Holidays) you are doing something show related.  It doesn't have to be big, maybe reading one Act, working on some lines, reviewing some blocking, whatever...but it needs to be something to keep your mind engaged with the project.  We will really struggle if folks are coming back not having kept our work fresh in some way.  Commit the time...it'll pay off in the end.

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday break!

- jm

Central Databasing...or, The Cast/Crew Contact List

Hey, all -

On or before this coming Friday, 12/10, whether you are cast, crew, management...whatever, please make sure to fill out the Cast/Crew Contact List linked below:

Cast/Crew Contact List Information

This will consolidate a bunch of key information for us on the show, and will help us plan the process going forward...and make sure the Stage Managers can track you down ;-)

Thanks!  

- jm

First Read!

 Cast of Midsummer/Jersey,

Hello and WELCOME to the first Ida B. Wells production in two years! I'm thrilled and humbled to be guiding you through this process and to get back to THE WORK. It's been far too long. 

A couple of things about tomorrow's rehearsal:

We have a very young cast. Some of you I've had in class, others I've known for a few hours. This is a challenge, but also a source of excitement. This production is going to help build the future foundation of the Ida B. Wells Theatre Dept. I'm not sure what you already know and what you don't. So...

First reads are just that. This is our first chance to hear the playwrights words out loud with our cast. No one is winning any awards and no one needs to impress me or worry about playing their characters the way they'll be presented on opening night. I am only interested in hearing the words and the story. (I hope you have already read the script) Just bring yourselves, some water, some warm clothing (we'll be sitting) and a pencil and paper for note taking. As we read, jot down any questions or points of interest that you want to address. We have a lot of script to get through so any questions that you have will be answered when we enter table work. So write them down! 

DO NOT BE LATE to rehearsal. I have little patience for actors who are not ready to work when rehearsal begins. Our rehearsal starts at 3:45pm everyday. That doesn't mean to arrive at 3:45pm. That means we are ready to work at 3:45pm. The motto of my college theatre dept is "If you're not early, you're late." I take those words seriously. 

As we enter the blocking phase, I'll only be calling cast who are involved in the scene we are covering that day. I'll let you know what that looks like. Yes, you will find yourselves sitting down and not being used for periods of time. That's all part of the process. I encourage you to use this time to go over your lines (and blocking when we have it). What I discourage is mentally checking out and getting on your phone to doom scroll because you're bored. Be present in the moment even if you're not onstage. Go over your lines! At the very least, do some homework. I'll say it again, BE PRESENT IN THE MOMENT. This is the most important part of a rehearsal process. 

I seriously can't wait to start this process with you and to see your work! Every one of you were cast for a reason and I know you have it in you to destroy this script with your talent and creativity. 

I'll see you on the boards,

Heath

The Crew!

Hi y'all!

Allow me to take a moment to express my gratitude for the sign-up turnout for the crew on MS/J!  I was unsure as to how many people would be willing to add their talents to our first live production since 2020, and am thrilled with the results.

A COUPLE OF THINGS ABOUT THE LIST:

1) In the future, if you know you'd be interested in any of a variety of roles, make sure to sign your name up under any/all for which you would work.  Some folks only put down one or two.  I've taken the liberty of assuming Stage Manager/ASM candidates would be happy to work crew, so as to learn the job, but otherwise, I've not put folks' names where they didn't sign up.  If you're interested elsewhere, and don't see your name below, that's why.

2) For those of you I don't know...next time introduce yourselves so I can place you according to what you bring to the table.  It's always a good idea to put a face to a name, especially if you're interested in a leadership role.

3) Just because (except for SMs and Run Crew) your name isn't in a lead/apprentice position DOESN'T mean you can't or shouldn't come help on the builds/hangs...those are open to all!!!  Also, helps me get to know your work!

4) If you got a lead position, don't worry...this year is about learning the ropes.  I'll be there to help you to the best of my ability as we build our first show after the layoff.

5) If you've any questions about your placement, come talk to me!

6) ...and, congrats!  It'll be great to work with you!

- jm

CREW LEADS/APPRENTICES (* denotes lead/^ denotes apprentice):

Stage Management:

-Candor Price*

-Sam Grommes^

-Savy Carey^

-Jack Reynolds^

Scenic Crew:

-Skyler Roy*

-Emma Oechies^

-Eliana Walcott^

-Ellen Murrchison^

Costume/Makeup Crew:

-Simone Taylor*

-Selah Monsef^

-Opal Crain^

-Elijah Reeves^

Props Crew:

-Ethan Kibbee*

Sound Crew:

-Fran Amato*

-Katie Douglas^

-Robin Boyce^

Lighting Crew:

-Porter Gaab^

-Anna Stiffler^

-Creek Reynolds^

House/Business Crew:

-Ian Lafrenz*

-Kyle Stahr*

Running Crew

-Robin Boyce

-Skyler Roy

-Sarah Brown

-Jayla Bronski

-Finn Lowe-Rogstad

-Eliana Walcott

-Clara Foster

-Sofia Peck

-Fiona McLoughry

-Emma Oechies

-Brooklyn Hall

-Creek Reynolds

-Marley Evans

-Baxter Ellis

-Calder Baker

-Ethan Kibbee

The Cast (+1)!

 Greetings, all...and thanks for a fantastic return to the stage!

The folks listed below should check in with me (Miller) tomorrow to get their script...congratulations, and wonderful work this week!

LOVERS

Eden Evans- Mia 

Ania Leonardo- Helene

Orie Zadok- Lyle

River Tokunaga- Denis

BEAUTICIANS/MECHANICALS

Molly Kodesch- Patti Quince

Joeyy Whitaker- Nikki Bottom

Quinlyn Black- Franci Flute/Principal Platt

Shae Gallagher- Terri Thumbs

Elias Kaplan- Robert Sudds

Kathleen A. Vaught- Janet Snug

FAIRIES/COURT

Duncan Larson- Oberon

Dory Black- Titania

Cass Beleele- Robin Goodfellow (Puck) 

Marissa Margolin- Moonbeam/Hippolyta

Vega Villaca- Sunflower

Aspen Trout- Sunshine/Rufus DiCarlo

Lillyann Samsom- Peaseblossom

Katelyn Rashleigh- Mustardseed/Phyllis Trait

Silvan Safron- Cobweb/Justine DiCarlo

Peter Lyons- Mote/Governor Athens

+ Candor Price- Stage Manager

Crew sign ups will remain up one more day, and assignments will post over the weekend. Have a great one (and Go Timbers!)

- jm