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AVENUE Q: Centerville High School Style
Sunday, November 18, 2012 in Acting, Actors, Broadway, College Theatre, Entertainment, High School Theatre, Musical Theatre, Performing, Playwright, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Theatre | Leave a comment
"Theatre demands different muscles and different aspects of one's personality." ― Victor Garber
After about ten minutes into each theatrical production at Centerville High School, I tend to forget I am watching high school students – not college or professional – performing, and running the technical aspects of the show.
They are always THAT GOOD.
I look forward to theatre at Centerville High School as much as I do productions at two other outstanding educational institutions, Wright State University and Sinclair Community College. I never wonder, "how will Centerille pull off this show?" That's a waste of time to even consider that question; CHS does it better than any other high school in Western Ohio. I am always confident I will leave the auditorium a lot more excited than when I entered – and I always enter CHS's lobby with a good deal of excitement because I know I am set for a damned good production.
Tonight, my theatre directing friends, Suzanne Grote and Aaron Jacobs, along with Suzanne's niece, Erin, and my son, Quintin, joined me for AVENUE Q. This quartet is always at my side for Centerville productions, and we never fail to marvel at the tremendous efforts and talent engaged at this high school theatre program.
I like it when the curtain is open upon seating in the auditorium because I have more time to absorb (marvel, shake my head, chuckle at little touches, and appreciate) Mike Cordonnier's set designs. Mike, like several of his Miami Valley contemporaries – Terry Stump at Sinclair Community College, Bruce Brown at nearly every other venue in town and beyond, the Wright State University crew – never fails to impress and surprise me with his creativity. Mike's superbly trained brigade of blossoming technical talent can run a show with ease.
Joe Beumer's clean, creative, and concise stage direction is a perfect marriage to Mike Cordonnier's set designs and technical leadership. There is an incredible amount of magic when you have Joe and Mike charting the course. And since Ben Spalding's arrival as CHS's choral director, the vocal talent, often accompanied by the instrumental direction of either Brandon Barrometti or Joshua Baker, has soared to new heights.
Centerville High School's theatre program is outstanding in every way!
I had never seen a stage production of AVENUE Q, originally conceived by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, who also co-wrote the lyrics and music with Jeff Whitty's libretto. The school edition is not watered down to the point of dull-dom, as other school musical editions tend to be. My colleagues who accompanied me tonight assured me this version was just as great as the original. And the students – on stage and beyond – lifted this production beyond my already high expectations!
If the creators had been able to see this production, I am certain they would have appreciated, and enthusiastically applauded the phenomenal talents of these high school students, and their exceptional mentors/directors.
This Winter, CHS is set to present, YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU, and will conclude their 2012-2013 season with the Spring musical, SWEENEY TODD.
I am not joking when I say, "Centerville High School has one of the best, if not the best, high school theatre programs around."
Go see their shows, and see for your self!
Needing assistance with a musical theatre research paper!
Thursday, October 4, 2012 in Acting, Actors, Broadway, College Theatre, Community Theatre, Entertainment, High School Theatre, Joshua Logan, Musical Theatre, Performing, Playwright, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Theatre | Leave a comment
Hey Gang!
I have a high school senior voice/musical theatre student from Kettering's Fairmont High School here in Ohio, who is writing her senior research paper on the musical theatre industry. Her thesis statement is centered around:
How musical theatre has affected the American culture between 1920 to the present.
If you have any:
personal/professional thoughts on this topic
any sources to which she might turn
please feel free to share.
Her rough draft is due Monday, October 29th.
Thanking you all in advance… Darin
Theatrical Structure Explained
Sunday, February 26, 2012 in Acting, Actors, Broadway, College Theatre, Community Theatre, Darin's Career, Entertainment, High School Theatre, Joshua Logan, Musical Theatre, Performing, Playwright, Playwrighting, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Teaching, Theatre | Leave a comment
Leaps Tall Buildings In A Single Bound
Is More Powerful Than A Locomotive
Is Faster Than A Speeding Bullet
Walks On Water
Gives Policy To God
Leaps Short Buildings In A Single Bound
Is More Powerful Than A Switch Engine
Is Just As Fast As A Speeding Bullet
Walks On Water If The Sea Is Calm
Talks With God
Playwright:
Leaps Short Buildings With A Running Start
Is Almost As Powerful As A Switch Engine
Is Faster Than A Speeding BB
Swims Well
Is Occasionally Addressed By God
Makes High Marks On The Wall When Trying To Leap Buildings
Is Run Over By Locomotives
Can Sometimes Handle A Gun Without Inflicting Self-Injury
Dog Paddles
Talks To Animals
Orchestra:
Runs Into Buildings
Recognizes Locomotives Two Out Of Three Times
Is Not Issued Ammunition
Can Stay Afloat With A Life Preserver
Talks To Walls
Falls Over Doorsteps When Trying To Enter Buildings
Says, Look At The Choo-Choo!
Wets Self With A Water Pistol
Plays In Mud Puddles
Mumbles To Self
Stage Manager:
Lifts Buildings And Walks Under Them
Kicks Locomotives Off The Track
Catches Speeding Bullets In Teeth And Eats Them
Freezes Water With A Single Glance
Is GOD
'1776' at Wilmington
Sunday, July 17, 2011 in Acting, Actors, Ball State University, Broadway, College Theatre, Colonial America, Community Theatre, Entertainment, Founding Fathers, George Washington, John Adams, Movies, Musical Theatre, Netflix, Performing, Playwrighting, The History Channel, Theatre, Thoma Jefferson, U.S. Presidents, US History | Leave a comment
'1776' – John Adams: "One useless man is called a disgrace; two are called a law firm; and three or more become a Congress."
This afternoon, my 16 year old son, Quintin, and I drove 35 miles to Wilmington, Ohio to see Wilmington College Community Summer Theatre's production of '1776.' One of my Ball State University friends, Timothy Larrick, was to perform as Roger Sherman – "the simple cobbler from Connecticut."
I was slightly hesitant when I read it would be a concert version, that several women would portray the delegates, andthat the director was also performing the role of John Adams. I am always slightly leery of productions where directors involve themselves in the actual production. Actually, I find it a tad bit on the tacky side. Either direct the production, or perform in the production – do not attempt to do both as it seldom works, nor plays well.
The concert version was outstanding! The focus was on the delightful script and music! It was refreshing, to say the least. I did not miss the costuming, the lighting, the scenic designs, etc.. The limited staging was most effective, and kept the show moving.
And the women? Fantastic! They blended in with the male ensemble, and carried their male-roles very well. Stephen Hopkins, portrayed by Claudia Fowler, was not less funny, or growling.
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with Steven Haines' performance, and directing of this production which I found to be even more powerful, and poignant in the staged-concert setting. Mr. Haines never once let me down for a second in his portrayal of one of my favorite presidents, and musical theatre roles. As for directors performing in their own productions on purpose, Mr. Haines is a rare exception.
There were so many memorable performances…
Timothy Larrick as Roger Sherman… Tim Brausch as Benjamin Franklin… Wayne Dunn as John Dickinson… Dean Feldmeyer as Richard Henry Lee… J. Wynn Alexander as Thomas Jefferson… Jack Filkins as Charles Thomson, secretary…
Bryan S. Wallingford mastered the role of South Carolina's, Edward Rutlegde, so well, that I was actually despising the character as he attempted to squelch the movement.
Tricia Heys gave Abigail Adams an incredible multi-dimensional quality, and by the time we arrived as "Yours, Yours, Yours," I was a tad damp around the eyes. Her voice was lovely, and powerful to match John Adams' mainstay, and her acting and beauty pulled you even closer to the patriotic-duo that helped lay the foundation of this country.
The last two-quarters of Scene Seven – the ending of the show – were incredible. When the delegates had abandoned John Adams at the eleventh hour, I was on the edge of my seat with my stomach in a knot.
This is damned good theatre! It was like seeing TITANIC… I know how the story ends, but if the production does what it should, I am pulled into their moment on the stage while abandoning any knowledge of history. '1776' certainly did the job!
As we were leaving, I told one of my friends, Aaron Jacobs, that this production had given me a fine dose of Vitamin-T (theatre) that I'd sorely been missing. I felt rejuvenated, fulfilled, appreciative of the creators, appreciate of the WCCST, and most certainly, grateful for those true founding parents who stepped into treasonous roles knowingly fully well they were merely experimenting with a belief that they could succeed.
Ironically, I recognized a number of similarities between the portrayed Continental Congress, and our current Congress. Nothing is ever accomplished quickly, and without agendas.
I wish there was a second weekend of WCCST's "1776" as I would be shooing folks from The Miami Valley down to Wilmington this coming weekend. And I would be returning, myself, to enjoy this production – again!
The company is listed as a community theatre; however, they were quite a notch above typical community theatre. This was not community theatre.
This was DAMNED GOOD THEATRE!
Please be sure to check out Wilmington College Theatre Department and WCCST on Facebook.
Theatre In The Miami Valley
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 in Acting, Actors, Broadway, College Theatre, Community Theatre, Darin's Career, Dayton, Entertainment, High School Theatre, Joshua Logan, Miami Valley of Ohio, Musical Theatre, Performing, Playwright, Playwrighting, Private Students, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Teaching, Theatre | Leave a comment
I found a great article in The Dayton Paper that lists all the upcoming shows but they were listed under the various companies. I made up a list of shows by their dates.
Keep in mind that I only entered the starting date for some productions, and there may be more performances.
For more information, please visit the following websites for each individual theatre company. Remember that many of the companies listed below can also be located on Facebook and Twitter.
Centerville High School Theatre
Sinclair Community College Theatre
Wright State Theatre & Dance
University of Dayton Theatre
Playhouse South
Cedarville University Theatre
The Seed Theatre Project
Human Race Theatre Company
Springfield Arts Council
Springfield Stageworks
Beavercreek Community Theatre
Don't forget to support the various Children's Theatre programs in the area, as well.
For outstanding high school theatre productions, be sure to check out Centerville High School's theatre program – one of the finest student production companies in Ohio!
09/08/2010 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels LaComedia
09/17/2010 The Spitfire Grill Beavercreek Community Theatre
09/23/2010 August: Osage County Wright State University & Human Race Theatre Company
09/28/2010 Blue Man Group Victoria Theatre Association
09/30/2010 The Importance of Being Earnest Cedarville University
10/02/2010 Forever Plaid Springfield Arts Council
10/08/2010 Die Mommie Die! Dayton Playhouse
10/15/2010 Once On This Island Sinclair Community College
10/15/2010 Moon Over Buffalo Playhouse South
10/21/2010 The 39 Steps Human Race Theatre Company
10/22/2010 The Diviners University of Dayton
10/22/2010 The Sugar Witch Dayton Theatre Guild
10/28/2010 Anything Goes Wright State University
11/02/2010 Spring Awakening Victoria Theatre Association
11/04/2010 White Christmas LaComedia
11/05/2010 Grey Gardens The Musical Seed Threatre Project
11/10/2010 Drumline Live Victoria Theatre Association
11/12/2010 All Shook Up Centerville High School
11/12/2010 Wit Dayton Playhouse
11/12/2010 Dark Lights of Broadway Playhouse South
11/13/2010 An Evening With Sutton Foster Springfield Arts Council
11/26/2010 Precious Heart Dayton Theatre Guild
12/02/2010 8-Track Sounds of the 70's Human Race Theatre Company
12/03/2010 A Christmas Carol Beavercreek Community Theatre
12/07/2010 The Wonder Bread Years Victoria Theatre Association
12/17/2010 Christmas Belles Dayton Playhouse
01/07/2011 Ravenscroft Dayton Theatre Guild
01/20/2011 Jeckyll & Hyde Wright State University
01/21/2011 Betty Buckley's Broadway Springfield Arts Council
01/21/2011 I Hate Hamlet Playhouse South
01/27/2011 Diary Of Anne Frank Centerville High School
01/27/2011 Twelfth Night Human Race Theatre Company
01/28/2011 The Octette Bridge Club Beavercreek Community Theatre
01/28/2011 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Dayton Playhouse
02/01/2011 9 to 5: The Musical Victoria Theatre Association
02/02/2011 Fiddler On The Roof Springfield Arts Council
02/04/2011 True West University of Dayton
02/10/2011 The Last 5 Years Springfield Stageworks
02/11/2011 Fat Pig Dayton Theatre Guild
02/11/2011 Almost, Maine Seed Threatre Project
02/17/2011 Picnic Wright State University
02/18/2011 The Foreigner Sinclair Community College
03/03/2011 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers LaComedia
03/04/2011 The Wizard of Oz Springfield Arts Council
03/04/2011 Little Women Wright State University
03/04/2011 Golda's Balcony Dayton Theatre Guild
03/11/2011 Mid-Life The Crisis Musical Beavercreek Community Theatre
03/11/2011 Beyond Therapy Dayton Playhouse
03/25/2011 Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Playhouse South
03/28/2011 The Drowsy Chaperone Victoria Theatre Association
04/01/2011 Smoke On The Mountain University of Dayton
04/01/2011 Bill W. & Dr. Bob Dayton Playhouse
04/01/2011 The Boys Next Door Dayton Theatre Guild
04/05/2011 All Shook Up Victoria Theatre
04/14/2011 Permanent Collection Human Race Theatre Company
04/15/2011 An Enemy of the People Seed Threatre Project
04/21/2011 Titus Andronicus Springfield Stageworks
04/22/2011 Blackbird Dayton Theatre Guild
04/28/2011 Hairspray LaComedia
04/29/2011 Hello, Dolly! Centerville High School
05/06/2011 A Piece of Heart Playhouse South
05/12/2011 42nd Street Wright State University
05/13/2011 The Women of Lockerbie Sinclair Community College
05/13/2011 La Cage aux Folles Dayton Playhouse
05/13/2011 Mauritius Dayton Theatre Guild
05/19/2011 Monty Python's Spamalot Springfield Arts Council
05/26/2011 right next to me Human Race Theatre Company
06/03/2011 Barnaby Rudge Wright State University
06/10/2011 The Mystery of Edwin Drood Beavercreek Community Theatre
06/10/2011 Anyone Can Whistle Seed Threatre Project
06/14/2011 Disney's The Lion King Victoria Theatre Association
HELLO DOLLY!
Saturday, May 29, 2010 in Acting, Actors, Ball State University, Ball State University Singers, Broadway, College Theatre, Entertainment, High School Theatre, Music: Band, Musical Theatre, Performing, Private Students, Teaching | Leave a comment
46 years ago, Ball State's Emen's Auditorium opened…
46 years ago, the Ball State Singers were born…
46 years ago (this September), I was born…
46 years ago (this September), BEWITCHED premiered on television…
46 years ago, HELLO DOLLY premiered on Broadway!
This afternoon, I was reminded of why I love the show so much! Wright State University's theatre department produced another Stuart McDowell masterpiece with two so many outstanding performances by individuals, and a tight ensemble.
Of course, I was exceptionally proud of Will Hutcheson who played Barnaby…
…and Katie O'Neill who played Dolly Levi!
These two talents have evolved into incredible performers, and I cannot wait to see their careers flourish when they hit New York City this fall!
I have never thought of the main production number, "Hello Dolly" as a tear jerker, but it hit me this afternoon… much clapping and wiping away a few tears because I was so proud of these two future stars!
Thank you, Stuart McDowell, and the entire company of WSU's HELLO DOLLY, and much love to Katie and Will!
Saturday, May 29, 2010 in College Theatre, Family Life, First Ladies, John Adams, Movies, Musical Theatre, Private Students, Teaching, U.S. Presidents | Leave a comment
The day seemed to drag… I felt drained, and exhausted for no apparent reason. I accomplished little until it was time to teach – and that perked me up, greatly.
Jackson Lockhart came to pick up Sophie from her lesson, and we shared some great laughs.
After teaching, Jose and I ran to Lowes to check out stone for some border work in front of the house, then to Walmart and Meijer, and Chinese for supper. We picked out some movies at Family Video and returned home by 9:00pm.
Our neighbor boy, Kelley, joined us for the remainder of the evening, and is spending the night with Jose. I retreated to my bedroom with my three DVD set of HBO's mini-series, JOHN ADAMS. I finished the first two parts (at 2:00am), and I cannot wait to finish the remaining four parts. What an incredible man, and even more, what an incredible lady – Abigail Adams! Wow!
Tomorrow I will accomplish some items around the house, then see HELLO DOLLY at Wright State University @ 2:00pm, and then hit two high school graduation parties – Megan Weyrauch and Ryan Crouch.
It's a Wednesday…
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 in Actors, Blogroll, Broadway, Carillon Park, College Theatre, Fairmont High School, Fairmont Marching Firebirds, Family Life, Fraze Pavilion, Musical Theatre, Old River Park, Performing, Private Students, Teaching, Walking/Hiking | Leave a comment
I cannot believe I have slipped into my old pattern of not blogging! I was so good about blogging, and then the past few days I have been lazy – an for no good reason.
It has been a typical week at the Haasienda – teaching, watching documentaries, walks, gym time with Jose and the neighbor boy, Kelley, and playing with Flyer and Logan. I have been battling low energy, again, this week, and it is driving me up the wall.
Tonight is the Fairmont concert at the Fraze Pavilion for the bands. Since my Beavercreek students have all rescheduled this evening's lessons, I will be free to attend this concert.
Thursday, there is nothing major on the docket.
Friday, after teaching, I plan on going to see HELLO, DOLLY at Wright State University. Several former students are leads in this production, and they are seniors. Hopefully, my friend, Suzanne Grote, will be able to sneak away from family to see the show with me.
Saturday will be busy – two graduation parties, and a canoe expedition at Old River Park with several family friends.
Sunday is the annual cookout next door with the Moore-Parker household – one of my favorite events of the year! We may try to work in some more canoe time, and then the fireworks later that night. Generally, downtown Dayton offers fireworks, as well over the Memorial Day weekend.
Other than that, it is a typical Spring day at the Haasienda.
What does a Producer Do?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 in Blogroll, Broadway, College Theatre, Community Theatre, Entertainment, Joshua Logan, Musical Theatre, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Theatre | Leave a comment
This is a really neat article about Broadway producers.
Take time to read What does a Broadway Producer do? Over 100 Producers respond.
The article can be found at THE PRODUCER\'S PERSPECTIVE
A producer is a rare, paradoxical genius: hard-headed, soft-hearted, cautious, reckless, a hopeful innocent in fair weather, a stern pilot in stormy weather, a mathematician who prefers to ignore the laws of mathematics and trust intuition, an idealist, a realist, a practical dreamer, a sophisticated gambler, a stage-struck child. That's a producer.
– Oscar Hammerstein II
Butler's Coleman Hemsath marks his 30th production with Singin' In The Rain
Friday, October 30, 2009 in Acting, Actors, Broadway, College Theatre, Community Theatre, Entertainment, High School Theatre, Music: Band, Musical Theatre, Performing, Playwright, School, Show Choir, Theatre | Leave a comment
Originally published: http://www.examiner.com/x-27336-Dayton-High-School-Theater-Examiner~y2009m10d29-Butlers-Coleman-Hemsath-marks-his-30th-production-with-Singin-In-The-Rain
Eight years. Thirty productions. This averages to 3.75 shows each year. Most of these thirty productions, however, were accomplished within the past five years.
This incredibly busy rehearsal and performance schedule has been maintained by Coleman Hemsath, a Butler High School junior who is a familiar face in Vandalia Youth Theatre and Muse Machine productions.
Some children do not listen to their mothers, but it is a good thing Coleman listened to his.
"My mother was looking for something for me to do over the summer in 2001. She found the Vandalia Youth Theatre and enrolled me in it. I think I fell in love after that. It's something I couldn't shake off."
That first year he played the role of Cockroach in the Vandalia Youth Theatre children's production, Bugz. Not a very auspicious beginning for the young man who would portray Javert in the 2009 Vandalia Youth Theatre production, Les Miserables. Nonetheless, it was Coleman's start in theatre. The following year, his stage character vastly improved with the role Big Jules in Guys & Dolls.
Most of Coleman's roles have allowed him to engage his comedic timing; however, this past summer, he was challenged to spread his dramatic wings as Javert in Les Miserables.
"This character had to be real and deep because of the choices and situations he endures leading to a final decision of suicide. My favorite part of the role was actually committing suicide. This was incredibly hard and for the longest time it was lacking emotion. But one day at rehearsal I remember literally breaking down in tears after singing the song leading up to the suicide. Something clicked. It was definitely the most challenging and yet, most gratifying role I've played."
The seventeen year old thespian credits the cast's dedication as a reason for the show's success, and succeeding with his initial trepidation tackling his huge, dramatic role.
Thoroughly Modern Millie was Coleman's first performance with Dayton's Muse Machine. Like most first time performers with Muse Machine, he was in awe as he walked on to the dazzling Victoria Theater's stage. Being in a show with tremendously talented teens he had admired in previous years from the other side of the lights was a moment he will always remember.
"Thoroughly Modern Millie just seemed to have a spark to it."
This coming January, Coleman will once again join his fellow Muse performers on the Victoria stage in Singin' In The Rain. Coleman will play the tightly-wound Diction Coach, as well as understudy to Don Lockwood, the character popularized in the 1952 movie by Gene Kelly.
Following his 2011 graduation from Vandalia's Butler High School, Coleman plans on majoring in musical theatre or vocal performance, and one day hopes to play either Max Bialystock or Leo Bloom in The Producers. If performing is not enough for this jovial thespian, he dreams of someday opening his own theatre company.
Keep your eye on the Miami Valley's own – Coleman Hemsath!
Wayne High School senior Tray Shelton shines in Moon Over Buffalo
Friday, October 30, 2009 in Broadway, College Theatre, Community Theatre, Entertainment, High School Theatre, Music: Band, Musical Theatre, Playwright, School, Theatre | Leave a comment
Originally published: http://www.examiner.com/x-27336-Dayton-High-School-Theater-Examiner~y2009m10d28-Wayne-High-School-senior-Tray-Shelton-shines-in-Moon-Over-Buffalo
"I have been interested in theatre for as long as I can remember. I think the main reason the stage has always been appealing to me is because in a small town like Huber Heights, you don't have many opportunities to express yourself and I knew that high school theatre would be a sort of creative outlet for me."
And finding his creative outlet in high school theatre is exactly what Wayne High School senior, Tray Shelton, has done.
Tray first got a taste for the boards during his sophomore year when he stepped into the role of James Keller in Wayne's production, The Miracle Worker, for which he received a Floorboard Award for "best newcomer." Since that first appearance he has enjoyed lead roles in Anything Goes, The Importance Of Being Earnest, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).
Being in front of an audience and seeing the reactions to events on stage explains why Wayne's Thespian Society/Drama Club president is enthusiastic about performing.
"My favorite thing to hear is laughter because it means I'm doing something to make the audience happy and that makes me happy."
Tray claims that his favorite show is The Miracle Worker, which was his first production. Playing the role of Helen Keller's older brother introduced him to character development while learning how theatre functions.
The third weekend of November will find Tray in what he believes to be his favorite role, portraying George Hay in Ken Ludwig's 1995 Broadway hit, Moon Over Buffalo.
"It's a challenging role because George spends the entire second act intoxicated. I am enjoying working on the differences between 'drunk George' and 'sober George'. It's almost like playing two characters at once which is a fun and unique experience. I also love the fact that I am an actor playing an actor. It's fun to play into all of the stereotypes associated with actors."
When preparing for a role, the Wayne thespian admits that memorizing blocking comes rather naturally. However, line memorization is often difficult due to spending countless hours after school each day.
Still, cramming lines and life into the busy schedule of a high school senior has not dampened his spirits. Tray's future plans include studying at Wittenberg, or Wright State, pursuing a degree in theatre. One day, he dreams of playing Angel in Rent.
Feeling as though he got a late start in performing, Tray encourages younger students to get involved earlier than high school by seeking performing opportunities in school, church or community venues.
"I waited until my sophomore year to join the drama club and while it has still been a wonderful experience I have always wished it could have lasted just a little bit longer."
Don't miss the opportunity to see Tray Shelton and fellow Wayne performers in Moon Over Buffalo, November 19, 20, & 21, 2009 in the Wayne High School Auditorium. Thursday & Friday curtains will rise at 7:00pm, and Saturday's matinee begins at 2:00pm. Wayne Sporting Goods will begin selling tickets two weeks before the show. Tickets can also be purchased one hour prior to curtain. Admission for preferred seating are $8, and general admission is $5. International Thespian Society members can get tickets half price with a valid membership card (one per card).
Fairmont grad Phil Drennen launches new writing career following Altar Boyz tour
Friday, October 30, 2009 in Broadway, College Theatre, Community Theatre, Friends, High School Theatre, Music: Band, Musical Theatre, Playwright, School, Show Choir, Theatre | Leave a comment
Originally posted: http://www.examiner.com/x-27336-Dayton-High-School-Theater-Examiner~y2009m10d26-Fairmont-grad-Phil-Drennen-launches-new-writing-career-following-Altar-Boyz-tour
This 2002 Fairmont graduate, now a performer living in New York City, was known in the Miami Valley for cow roping, singin' and dancin' in the rain, gambling, and dancing in pajamas. Now, having completed a national tour of Altar Boyz, Philip Drennen is settling into a new phase of his youthful career. However, he still credits his theatrical experiences as a high school student in the Miami Valley as the foundation of his success and still new horizons.
"Literally all my best memories from high school, in general, are from doing shows and playing in the band," said Philip. "All of my best friends from that time, who still are my best friends, I met in a performance group."
When not playing flute in a Kettering concert band, or serving as the marching band's field commander, Phil, was on Fairmont's stage, performing the lead roles in Oklahoma!, Guys & Dolls and Singin' In The Rain. Away from the Fairmont stage, he was a familiar favorite on the Muse stage in My Fair Lady and The Pajama Game.
His favorite high school role is, perhaps, the most memorable to many as he sang and danced his way through a rain shower in Singin' In The Rain, a production that packed Fairmont's auditorium each night.
"Of all the shows I did I'll always talk about how it rained on stage during Singin' in the Rain. The audience gave the rain wagon a standing ovation. Legendary!"
While a student at Cincinnati's Conservatory of Music, where he received his BFA (bachelor of fine arts) in musical theatre, Philip performed in William Finn's Elegies, Crazy For You and Working. From CCM it was on to the professional world of musical theatre where Mr. Drennen glided right into his professional life.
"I have many interesting stories from the last few years. I'm so, so grateful I was encouraged to go into theater. And to be honest, I wasn't encouraged by everyone. I've gotten to see shows in London's West End, climb the Great Wall of China, and even recently got to perform with Mickey Rooney! All from doing theater.
Aside from performing with 1940's teen star, Mickey Rooney, Phil landed roles in a world premiere, For The Glory, which debuted in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and starred in the national tour of Altar Boyz.
Soon after arriving in New York, Phil learned that performing on Broadway is a great goal to pursue, but it should not be the only goal guiding young performers. There are natural facets of growth in the performing arena – something that many professionals refer to as, "process."
"Many people get really down on themselves when they don't get a huge show right out of school. But some people don't peak until later. I'd always been told that I was a 'leading man' who hadn't grown into himself and that I'd have to wait until I'm 30 to really break through. Instead of waiting, I'm taking things into my own hands and anyone can."
And taking a pen and musical score paper into his own hands is exactly what Philip has done.
While on the road touring with Altar Boyz, Phil, and fellow performer, Dan Scott, who played "Mark", began writing songs to pass the time. As soon as they returned to New York, the former Boyz were immediately at work co-writing songs. Within a few months, they recorded their first EP, One Of These Days.
This November, the newly formed duo, now popularly known as Astoria Boulevard, will throw their first CD-release party at Santos Party House in NYC.
Despite branching out in a slightly different direction in his still young career, Phil believes that he would not have discovered his voice for writing music had it not been for his years involved with high school theatre at Fairmont High School, and with the Muse Machine productions.
"There are many, many facets of performing that aren't singing on Broadway."
This grateful thespian that began his performing career here in the Miami Valley is eager to see other young performers reach for their own futures.
"If you're goal is only to sing on Broadway, then tell yourself you WILL do it. If you're a young person who wants to do this for a living and you can't see yourself doing anything else, try it!"
To learn more about Astoria Boulevard with Philip Drennen and Dan Scott's, please visit their website: http://www.astoria-boulevard.com
Centerville HS senior Jack Gallagher lights the way
Friday, October 30, 2009 in College Theatre, Community Theatre, Entertainment, High School Theatre, Music: Band, Musical Theatre, Playwright, School, Show Choir, Theatre | Leave a comment
Originally published: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-27336-Dayton-High-School-Theater-Examiner~y2009m10d23-Jack-Gallagher-lights-the-way
"The shear difference from a plainly lit stage before the show, and the last little touch – lighting adds to a production that truly takes you to where the show takes place."
This is why Centerville High School senior, Jackson "Jack" Gallagher, loves lighting design.
Following a Kettering Rec Center production of Pinocchio when Jack was three years old, the future thespian was hooked on theatre. In the years to come Jack was immersed in classes and summer camps that focused on dancing, singing, and acting while investigating the entire store of technical theatre.
Since his first production as a third grader at Washington Township's Town Hall Theatre to Centerville High School's recent production of Lucky Stiff, Jack has covered nearly every aspect of a production's offering. By fourth grade he was involved on tech crew for the first time and has since become one of the Miami Valley's most gifted high school theatre-tech students, garnering impressive awards for lighting design at the Ohio State Thespian Conference, The International Thespian Festival, and the International Tech Challenge.
Initially, Jack's passion was in sound. In fact, for his 7th birthday he asked his parents for a sound board. However, he was soon to discover the radiant world of stage lighting that would launch him on a successful, award winning path.
"I worked with several lighting designers at Town Hall. Darell Porter was probably the most influential. He sat me down several times and taught me the basics about lighting design. However I didn't start really getting into lighting until I came to CHS."
The past three years, Jack has served as CHS's lighting designer for Lucky Stiff, The Importance of Being Earnest, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, Rumors, and Once Upon A Mattress for which he received a DayTony Award. In July 2009, Jack visually transported audiences to lush islands in Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic, South Pacific at Beavercreek High School.
Jack Gallagher steadfastly follows his own regimen of advice that he thoughtfully shares with fellow students who wish to pursue theatre technical studies during their high school tenures by reading numerous articles, talking to professionals, getting involved in community theatre, and by simply being himself.
"The theatre world is about the size of a penny, and everyone knows everyone. Connections can mean more than your skills sometimes, so having good people skills and meeting the right people is invaluable."
June 2010, the award winning student lighting designer will take leave of the CHS stage to attend Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
"I've applied for early decision at Carnegie Mellon and I have an interview on November 8th. So if everything goes well I might be accepted as early as then and would major in theatrical design."
Even at 18, Jack has a firm vision for his future, balanced with the philosophies instilled by CHS theatre instructors, Joe Buemner and Mike Cordonnier.
"Theatre is an ever changing market and I don't want to have too much of a set plan because I probably won't end up following that idea. People, friends, relationships, constantly change and they affect what you can do and jobs you can get. So I'll major in theatre and see where life takes me. Maybe further down the road I would like to teach at a university and settle down and have a family. But who knows what tomorrow will hold."
For more information on upcoming events at CHS's Performing Arts Center, please call 937-439-3535, or visit their website http://www.centerville.k12.oh.us/index.php?section=61