Those who work together stay together...

Dancing Through Life - Spending July 2nd, 2009 as the Choreography Intern

Hello!
I arrived back at the lab theatre from my theatre class on Thursday, July 2nd, around 12:45, and the first thing I noticed was the music! We're musical people; we've always got music going during our free time. It's interesting to see how many people like Regina Spektor! (Myself included.)
As Leah had been gone on Friday, June 26, and Monday, the 29th, we wanted to show her what we'd been up to since she'd been gone. So I did my warm-ups with everyone for 15 minutes, and then we all did vocal warm-ups and review.
My day as choreography intern consists mainly of dancing, and today was no exception. I danced with Leah and the fairies, and we finished the Fairy Feet number. Then, after break, we worked with the Islanders and did a good chunk of the opening number, "Paragonia", too.
I love teaching people choreography. It's so interesting to see how they pick it up - sometimes, you can almost see something you'll need to work on before they even ask, and sometimes, you'll think, "We'll need to go over this", but we never do!

(I love this job!)

Pirate Mexican Potluck

I missed rehearsal Monday to blog about it today, but I DID make the Potluck! We ate Mexican food. The great thing about Potluck’s is that there is usually a variety of different foods, so there is usually something yummy.

This Potluck was different from the first one in that I knew a few people this time. Doing some service (not that I have my 30 hours in yet or not that I am even close) has its benefits in that the experience makes you interract with people. The announcements before the Potluck began were a good reminder in my busy life of what some of the goals were that were set out at the beginning of the rehearsal season.

It was also nice to get an update on how things are going. After listening to my child sing various songs over and over and over again in the evenings after rehearsal I am getting anxious to see the actual play and what it is going to sound like when everyone is singing, dancing and acting. I'll bring my camera next time and add pictures. I know I said last blog that I would, but I forgot.

submitted by

Wendy Hammond

(Camille Federowich's mom)

GPP started today around 1 p.m. The actors signed in upon arrival and meandered into the big black theatre laboratory (where the potluck was held at the beginning of the season). Some people were dancing to the music where someone had his/her ipod plugged into the music apparatus while others sat in clusters talking while still others sat in the seats waiting for the day to begin.
I think about the opportunity these children and teenagers have to learn to be in front of an audience, which may teach them confidence, to get along with other people and to work as part of a team. Despite the possibility that one of these kids might end up in movies, on Broadway, or be the next Brad Pitt or Jennifer Aniston, they are also gaining great experience for their future. This is better than sitting at home watching TV for sure.
At the set time, the actors filed into the theatre for dance lessons led by Leah. It was exciting to see everyone dancing together. It was almost like a show already. I am sure a sense of community and team was being developed as the dance lesson progressed. Each person was putting forth an effort to do a good job.
After about an hour of dance rehearsal, there was a five-minute water break before singing lessons began back at the theatre laboratory. A range of snake noises and otherwise undecipherable groans emerged from the black hole of the lab which eventually morphed into a beautiful chorus of song. Amazing.
At this point the two-year-old accompanying this blogger had had enough of covering the GPP for the day and was long overdue for a nap as a flaring grouchiness became more frequent. Next Tuesdays Blogg should reflect the afternoon portion of Gooseberry’s Pinafore Pirates, so stay tuned!

GPP Cub Reporters Set to Publish Daily Activities!

Three brave scallywags from the GPP company have volunteered to report on the daily happenings at Frances Frazier Comstock Theatre. That means that parents and grandparents, friends and neighbors, even pirate captains can look in on what keeps these mateys busy! AND, remember, this isn't a one way conversation! If you have something to say, click on the comment box!

Check back in the next couple of days to see what's up!

Arrgh Matey! They've Done Walked The Plank!

Thanks Gooseberry Park Players cast, crew, parents and board!
Thursday's Walk The Plank event was a rolicking success!
Board members, dressed as pirates, manned the tables as our new and returning actors and techies brought their families through the lobby of the Frances Frazier Comstock Theatre.




















Each committee, explained their function, and how it helps GPP function, and helped families sign up, register, and get measured and educated. Past and present board presidents, Frank Pierce and Linda Anderson then cornered all the parents in their ARRRRR rated finale, dubbed The Big Splash. This was something new this year - an attempt to connect with parents in a small group, to answer questions, and explain how things work.

Avast! There be pictures matey!

Arrrrgh Matey! Make way for The Pinafore Pirates!

Auditions were amazing! Call backs are taking place this weekend and the cast list will be posted next week! Stay tuned... we will try to put up as many picture as possible!