Pick-UP Tonight, 12.11.2014

Christmas Carolers,

First off, weekend three = AWESOME! The word has gotten out, which means NEW PATRONS! Let's give them our best, shall we?

Second, I'll be handing out t-shirts tomorrow. No need to purchase, complements of production, but donations are appreciated! ;)

LASTLY, here is the call for tomorrow! If we really buckle down and FOCUS, we can get done in under an hour. What do you say?! We have air conditioning back, so we should be very comfortable. Here's the call:

Call @ 7PM
Run All Transitions: 7:05 - 7:35PM
Run Fred Party Scene: 7:35 - 7:45PM
Run Fezziwig Dance: 7:45 - 7:50PM
Run Belle & Young Scrooge: 7:50 - 8PM

COSTUME NOTES! 12.05.2014

A couple of things as we go into our second weekend of shows:

I will not be around much this weekend. My daughters are dancing in the Nutcracker so I will be there watching them. Amber and Erik will be around if you anything come up.
1. The costume pieces that were put in the hamper to be washed are going to be in the Garza tonight(12.04.2014). Unfortunately the tags came off in the wash so I don't know who they belong to. If you put something in a hamper please come find it.
2. Please safety pin a fabric label with your name in sharpie into the pieces you want washed. The label supplies will be on our table in the Fisher.
3. A couple of pairs of socks came home with me. Please take your own socks home to wash. The only exception is Adrian and Ty Hart's stockings.
4. Ty Duke- I washed your clothes so well that they aren't Smudged anymore. You may need to put some more "dirt" on them.
Have a great weekend of shows!

11.26.2014, TECH. NOTES

General Notes: 
- Remember to Project vocally when speaking and singing. Don't scream!
- Men, especially, need to project more in music.
- Smile more! Enjoy yourselves. It's the Holiday Season! :)
- When on stage, please don't find yourself 'waiting' for things to happen. Find your focus, and be IN CHARACTER ALL OF THE TIME.
- Be committed to each end every scene with energy! If you make a mistake, make a BIG mistake! We want to see everyone making choices!
- Keep your accents up!
- Church People, please squeeze together and get cozy. We want you located between the church doors.

Transitions:
- Make sure the page always clears before you move.
- When placing set pieces in the wings, make sure that you are placing them up stage, and out of sight of the audience.
- Dropped the aging transition for Present. He only gets his staff/stick.
- Make sure the door is ALWAYS closed after passing through it.
- Be mindful of moving parts, and page curtains when needed.

Specific notes for People/Scenes:
- Starlee B. & Ty D. - Fan will sing the first part of "The Holly &...", then Boy Scrooge joins at "Of all the trees..."
- Fezziwig daughters - Hold skirts in the dance with purpose and precision. 
- Peyton O'B.- Please do not sway on stage. If you are going to move, do so with purpose.
- FRED PARTY - Get the energy to keep moving during "Yes & No"
- Matt E. & Candace R. - Reduce pauses in your responses in the game
-  "What a surprise!" line, have more sarcasm and excitement.
- Fred Party Table - Use the rectangle table, and pile it on with food!
- CRACHIT FUNERAL - Carry the crutch atop the coffin when going in, then hold it.
- Elizabeth G. - Dilber needs to be more amused and scared when Scrooge is prancing about his bedroom ~ When you meet Scrooge outside, help to fix his hair and his coat and dressing.

TONIGHT'S CALL:

Wed, 11/26 
5:30-10:30P - FULL RUN, ALL called

Full make-up AND costume - We're having photos for more promos taken tonight.

Make sure you set all your props, set pieces, and do your tasks BEFORE we close the stage at 7PM. Let's be as prompt as possible, all! Tonight is the night of the first real deal! You all are going to be great.
~Your SM
 

Costume Reminders from Kristin and Amber

Costume reminders:
1. I will be washing all shirts, skirts, and pants every Sunday. Throw everything you want washed in the hampers in the dressing rooms. If they are not in there at the end of the day on Sunday, they won't get washed. Dresses, jackets, and vests will not be washed unless desperately needed but I will disinfect them and spray them with Febreze. So- please wear lots of deo, have on undergarments to absorb sweat, and if you can take off your coat during scenes please do so.

2. I would appreciate it of everyone would please take their own socks home to wash. Just please bring them back. I will have a few extras around in case you forget to bring them back.

3. Please hang your costumes back on the hangers nicely. Don't drape a vest over the hook of the hanger or put multiple things on one hanger, etc. It makes it hard for you to find your stuff and for me to spray things.

4. I will have pieces of fabric, sharpies, and safety pins out starting today. Please write your name on the piece of fabric and pin in your pants, skirts, and shirts so that after they are washed they get back to the right person. The tape that is labeling them right now will fall off in the wash.

5. Ladies, a very nice volunteer knitted us 5 or 6 pairs of mittens. She would love to see them on stage so please make sure and grab a pair. All gloves, mittens, scarves, and shawls are under the prop table backstage in boxes. Guys- wear scarves!

Thanks,
Kristin and Amber

Costume Notes, 11.18.2014

EVERYONE:
- if you said you will bring certain costume pieces from home please go ahead and do that

- remember that if you are in a scene outside you will need either a shawl or cape for women, hats for guys, poor maybe just a hat and scarf and some fingerless gloves.  Basically just remember you are outside and it’s cold.  We have lots of stuff!  Come see us and we will hand things out!

- Guys wear socks that are tall enough to cover your legs above your boots and please have them be the same color as your boots.

ALL SUITORS: 
- need to wear red boutonnieres in Fezzi party scene- I have them

ADRIAN & SAM:
- wear tophat, scarf, gloves, and cloak as Philpot/Twyce/Businessmen- check with me and I will give these to you

SAM:
- don’t wear jacket during Fezzi party scene

ADRIAN:
- Amber is making a pair of knickers that can go from party to working.  You will just need to change jackets and if you have time cravats

SERENITY: 
- make sure your shirt is tucked in to your skirt and knickers

ALEX: 
- I have black pants for you coming in the mail
- I need to get you another vest for Fezzi party scene and you won’t wear your coat during that scene

J BLANCHARD:
- how are you feeling with your changing time into nightshirt?

DAVID:
- can you wear a different cravat during Fezzi party please- I have lots!

TY H:
- please don’t wear hat during Fezzi party
- please check the collar on your Peter jacket before you go onstage

Wednesday, 11/19/2014 Rehearsal Call

Listed are the people and the times that are called for acting work with Julie in the Garza tomorrow.

6:00PM - Dilber/Miggot

6:45PM - Belle/Young Scrooge

7:45 - Past

8:30 - Justin

See the rest of you on Thursday!

Music Notes, 11.18.2014

Some of the songs are really improving! Please keep reviewing your parts and words. All songs without music, try to not slow down and drag.


Ty Hart and Starlee- Fan needs to sing louder. Boy Scrooge please match her volume. Sometimes you are over singing her. Both of you try to blend.

Matt- Review the words on "Wassailing"

Fezzi Wig Men- I could hear you on Dancing Day! Now make sure you nail the harmonies and stay with the music.

Fan, Boy Scrooge, Belle, Young Scrooge- On the act 1 Finale, I don't always hear that a new person is being added each time. You are like Scrooge's memories swirling around him, you're part of why he sinks to the ground. It's too much for Scrooge. Passive soft singing isn't going to touch him emotionally. Please sing louder and more assertive (esp. Starlee and Ty)

All Men- In the Opening of Act 2, Emmanuel, there is someone on Stage Left who is off key on the unison part (And death's dark shadows..). Please either fix it or just lip- sync that part so I don't have to waste time having you all sing it individually to figure out who is singing it wrong. It's just the melody right there. Also, all the men are guilty of slowing down right there.

Sam- Don't start Figgy Pudding too fast. It sounds frantic right now.

Fred's party- harmonies are sounding better! Just make sure we don't start the songs too quickly.

Everyone- Montage!!! There is no "and joy". Last night there was at least two people who said it every verse.

Sailors and Minors- If you came in strongly on your verse to cut these people off, it would help with the no singing of "and joy". Both groups start singing until halfway through their verse. Come in strong!!! Even if your props and set are falling apart.

Everyone- Please sing in the wings on Conventry Carol.
Hark the Herald we start humming on Joyful all ye nations

Basses- Review your part on Joy to the World

Keep working hard and drink lots of water! These allergies are making everyone's voices funky, mine included. Make sure you are taking care of yourself.

Rehearsal Reminders, 11.16.2014

Christmas Carolers,

You are all doing a great job. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and patience as we go into this last week before tech. week. A couple of reminders as we go into the next rehearsals:

- Bring your boots to every rehearsal! We need to become comfortable with wearing them on stage.

- We are going to start asking all of you to begin wearing pieces of your costume, and start timing your costume changes between scenes. This especially goes for quick changes, which we will begin implementing.

- Start wearing the appropriate undergarments/underclothes for your changes. We want to begin getting used to changing with minimal privacy, which comes with being in a big cast with many costume changes. 

- Please prepare for yourselves set/prop movement journeys. This will help to straighten out all of your movements and time on and off the stage. If you do not know what that is, please approach Bethany and Michael for explanation on that.

You all have been great! Keep it up, and see you tomorrow.

Headshots available for purchasing!

Hello,

I would like to invite you to view your pictures HFAC Christmas Carol Headshot Event at Audree Garcia Photography.

Go to our website at http://audreegarciaphotography.com/photocart. Click the Access Gallery link and enter in the access code below:

Access code: Breakaleg

After you do that, you will be able to view these pictures.

If you have any questions, let us know.


Audree Garcia Photography
http://audreegarciaphotography.com/photocart

Music notes, 11.10.2014

In general for everyone- Don't forget to sing while you are moving sets. Also learn the words to verses.


In the Bleak Midwinter- please review your parts. Children's voices not so loud. Eric is playing on this so please stay with him.


Ty- for your song, we are going to try adding Betsy and Alex singing with you for more support.


A Soul Cake- Please review your parts. Men, especially Basses, please sing louder.


Fan and Boy Scrooge Holly and the Ivy- You start singing on the part in your dance when you are holding hands up and stepping towards each other.


Fezzi's Party Holly and the Ivy- It is written for women to sing, then men. No one is doing that, so just sing the whole song.


Fezzi Men- No one sang at the beginning of Dancing Day except Adam and Eric. Please review when you sing and when it's just Adam.


Emmanuel- Only Fan, Boy Scrooge, Belle, and Young Scrooge sing the refrain the first time. EVERYONE sings the SECOND TIME ONLY. Some of you remembered.


-Meredith Mearns

Rehearsal Report, 11.06.2014

We're almost finished doing sectional run-thrus, and will be doing full acts come next week!! WOO, SO CLOSE!! By the end of this y'all are going to be able to say the following:

That being said, here are the notes!


GENERAL NOTES:

- Please wear tall socks that match your boot color when wearing your boots in costume.

-RESUMES, EMAILED TO MICHAEL BY 11.08.2014. oraclemontgo@gmail.com

The list of those who have yet to turn one in is listed on the Facebook Page.


BEGINNING OF ACT 2:

- Children, please do not forget to sing your down center stage "REJOICE" added chorus twice through instead of once.


TRANSITION FROM SCROOGE ROOM TO LONDON STREETS:

- Please make sure you write down the Block-ography that Dru discussed with all of you.

- Make sure that all of you are being aware of the others on stage.

- Please enter and exit at the same time every time, as per blocking. We don't want to get any congestion in any parts of the scene!

- Acknowledge the scenes on stage, and interact! Don't just pass on through.


TRANSITION FROM LONDON STREETS TO CRACHIT HOUSE:

- Watch out for the table!!

- Revelers, remember to join Erik below the street light on down stage right for the end of the transition.


TRANSITION FROM CRACHIT HOUSE TO FRED PARTY:

- AGAIN, watch out for the table! Don't close up the center stage until the table is in place.


TOMORROW'S REHEARSAL:Sat, 11/8 
11:30A-1P - Costume Review 
- All called groups listed below. If you are in CONSERVATORY and you are in any of the listed groups, please stay in your conservatory class. We will review your costumes after rehearsal.
- CRACHIT FAMILY
- FRED PARTY PEOPLE
- FEZZI PARTY PEOPLE

MUSIC
1-2P - Fred’s Party, Lighthouse, Miners, Sailors

RUN THRU
2-3P - ACT 2(p. 72-98) Run Thru w/transitions & NO line call, ALL called

3-5P - Work Problems

Put Communal back into Community Theatre!

Carolers,

Let's put the communal back into Community Theatre!

1) Carol Load In: We are looking for 10+ volunteers for this Sunday, November 9 to help strike And Then There Were None and load Carol into the Garza theater Bring your drills, muscles and raw skills. We will meet in the Counting House at 6-6:30pm on Sunday, November 9. Expect to be at HFAC until 8pm or so. Please email at oraclemontgo@gmail.com asap.

2) Carol Set Build/Dressing: We need help painting and helping us build some set pieces over the next 3 weekends prior to tech week. Please email me at oraclemontgo@gmail.com your availability anytime on Friday or Saturday am or Sundays.

3) Backstage Volunteers: Looking for 2 adults (also teens over 16--brothers, sisters, friends) for backstage assistance during tech week and the show run. We would prefer those who can commit 2-3 nights of tech and every show. This is a great opportunity for aspiring theatre backstage tech or anyone who wants to learn what happens backstage. Free tickets on this one! email me at oraclemontgo@gmail.com

:-)

Rehearsal Reminders, 10.29.2014

Thank you so much, all, for your hard work and patience last night. I know that run thrus are tedious, long and nerving, but you all handled it gracefully. Again, thank you so much! Just a couple of reminders in the following blog.

GENERAL NOTES:
- Rehearse at performance level. I know it can be difficult when we are struggling through a scene. Thank you so much for all your efforts!

- Please do not play with the props!! If the prop is not yours, DO NOT TOUCH IT. If the prop is yours, please DO NOT swing, stab, slash, tap, make beats with, or play with it. Use props for their intention, and THEIR INTENTION ONLY.

- I am now giving line notes. Please keep in mind that I might call upon you at the end of your rehearsal to get line notes. Do not 'jet out' right after rehearsal without hearing who I have line notes for.

- Accents need to be implimented. Please, please, PLEASE use your accents from now on! Do not come into rehearsal delivering your lines or your singing without even an attempted accent. I want to be walking the streets of London every rehearsal. If you have insecuraties about your accent, please let myself or Michael know. :)

- HEADSHOTS FOR PROGRAMS - Monday, November, 3rd, 2014
Please be prepared for headshots on Monday! Wear light make-up, a nice and plain colored shirt, and your best smile. Audree Garcia Photography will be available from 8-10PM in the Red Room, so there are no excuses to being able to drop in and get your headshot done seeing as everyone is called that day. We NEED to have them for the program, and this is the only day to get them.

NEXT REHEARSAL CALL:

Thu, 10/30 
RUN THRU
7-8P - ACT 2(p. 77-98) Stumble Thru, ALL called

8-9P - Work Problems

BLOCKING
9-10P - Scrooge/Marley

NOVEMBER Rehearsal Schedule

Subject to change

Thu, 10/30 
RUN THRU
7-8P - ACT 2(p. 77-98) Stumble Thru, ALL called

8-9P - Work Problems

BLOCKING
9-10P - Scrooge/Marley


Sat, 11/1 
MUSIC
1-2P - ALL

BLOCKING
2-4P - Transitions, ALL called

4-5P - Scrooge/Fred(p.9-13)


Mon, 11/3 
RUN THRU
7-8P - ACT 1(p.1-25) Run Thru w/transitions & NO line call, ALL called

8-10P - work problems

CHOREOGRAPHY
8-9P - Fezzi Dancers

HEADSHOTS
8-10P: PLEASE Go to the Red Room, and have your headshot taken for the program by miss Audree. She will be there from 8 - 10P, and since you are ALL CALLED, there should be at least two seconds where you can go and see her. Wear a nice top, solid colors, and no heavy make-up.


Tue, 11/4 
MUSIC
7-8P - Fred’s Party

BLOCKING
7-8P - Scrooge/Christmas Past

8-9P - ACT 1(p. 25-46) Run Thru w/transitions & NO line call, ALL called

9-10P - Work problems



Thu, 11/6 
RUN THRU
7-8P - ACT 2(p. 47-72) Run Thru w/transitions & NO line call, ALL called

8-9P - Work Problems 

BLOCKING
9-10P - Scrooge/Christmas Future


Sat, 11/8 
11A-1P - Costume Review (TBD – by group time)

MUSIC
1-2P - Fred’s Party, Lighthouse, Miners, Sailors

RUN THRU
2-3P - ACT 2(p. 72-98) Run Thru w/transitions & NO line call, ALL called

3-5P - Work Problems


Mon, 11/10 
RUN THRU
7-8P ALL – Act I Run thru (In Theater?)

CHOREOGRAPHY
8-9P Dance – specific actors (Fan/Boy Scrooge) 

9-10P work problems 


Tue, 11/11 
CHOREOGRAPHY
7-8P All Dancers – Dance Clean 

RUN THRU
8-9P - ACT 2 Run Thru, ALL called 

9-10P Work Problems


Thu, 11/13 
RUN THRU
7-10P - Show Run Thru, ALL called


Sat, 11/15  -ALL CALLED

CALL 

12:30PM - 1PM

- Scene runs JULIE: 1st Counting House Scene, Marley and Fred Party

- Make-up test for Christmas Past and Marley

- Setting of props and set pieces

BLOCKING

1- 4PM - Run Thru Act 2

MUSIC 

4 - 5PM

Mon, 11/17 - ALL CALLED
RUN THRU
7-10P - Show Run Thru


Tues 11/18 - ALL CALLED
CHOREOGRAPHY
7-8P - Dance Clean, All Dancers Called

RUN THRU
8-10P - Show Run Thru


Thu, 11/20 - ALL CALLED
RUN THRU
7-10P - Show Run Thru


Fri, 11/21 - ALL CALLED
7-10P TBA – possible evening pick up

TECH WEEK - ALL CALLED

Sat, 11/22 
11-2P - Que to Que with Technicians

2-6P - Que to Que Tech., ALL called

Sun, 11/23 
2-6P - Transition/Tech Run, ALL called

Mon, 11/24 
5:30-10:30P - Dress Rehearsal, ALL called, NO makeup/wigs

Tue, 11/25 
5:30-10:30P - Dress Rehearsal, ALL called, ADD makeup/wigs

Wed, 11/26 
5:30-10:30P - FULL RUN, ALL called

Thu, 11/27 
OFF – Thanksgiving

Fri, 11/28  
5-10 ALL - Opening

Bios - Due No Later than November 8.

Cast and Production Team Bios for Playbill

The guidelines for the cast bios are below and need to be strictly followed.

Due by 11/8.

Bio Criteria:

• Maximum number of characters including spaces: 500.  Note: if you click on “Words” at the bottom left menu bar of your document in the MS Word, you will find “characters w spaces” count.  This needs to be 500 or less).
• Written in third person. 
• Previous Shows: MUST be listed as the show name first in italics and the role in parentheses. Example: Annie (Star to be, Pepper)
• Titling: Bold your name. Only list your primary character, then list Ensemble if you are not a lead.  For example:  Carl Brown (Bob Crachit, Ensemble)
• Stay professional--personal notes are good, but we want the audience to know your work, who you are.
• Edit for spelling, caps, etc before submittal 
• VERY IMPORTANT: NO ATTACHMENTS. Submit your bio in the body of your email to oraclemontgo@gmail.com.  

Here are a few examples:

Matt Elliott (Captain Hook, Mr. Darling) is a graduate of Langham Creek High School and a student at Lone Star College.  He was most recently seen in Closing Time (Rick) an original play at Theater Southwest and HGO’s La Boehme (Soldier) and Tristan and Isolde (Fighter).  Other favorite credits, incl.: The Phantom of the Opera (Raoul), world premiere of Death by Design (Jack),  The Sound of Music (Rolf) and  Annie (Various roles).

Morgan Montgomery (Peter Pan) flies into her fifth HFAC Mainstage show.  Favorite credits incl.: Fiddler On the Roof (Ensemble) and Annie (Star to be, Pepper).  In HFAC’s Conservatory  and Actors Academy, favorite credits incl.:  The Wiz (Lion),  Zombie Prom (Delilah Strict) and Pirates of Penzance (Ruth). She thanks her family for their love and support. It’s fun exploring life through Peter’s eyes.  Make sure to think lovely thoughts!   

This Week Scedule Changes

Mon, 10/27  
                           BLOCKING

                   7-8    Cratchit Dinner & Funeral p. 50-58/84-86

                   8-9    Fred’s Party–speaking parts only(Matt, Candace, Meredith, Sam,                              Cami, Adam, Betsy, Serenity, Jenna) p. 59-72/p. 95-96

                   9-10  Scrooge/Marley

                           CHOREOGRAPHY
                   7-8P: Belle & Scrooge Dance lesson!

Tues, 10/28    
                           BLOCKING

                   7-8    Act II  p.47-76 speaking parts only - Stumble thru

                   8-9    Work Problems

                   9-10  Scrooge/Chr Present/Bus 1,2,3 P. 77-78/p. 91-94

                             MUSIC

                   8-9P: (p.27) SONG #5 - Peyton W., Serenity S., Kallee O'B.

                   9-10P: (p.39) SONG #8 -  Adam H., ALL Fezzi Suitors, Adrian C.

                            CHOREOGRAPHY
                   8-9P: Fezzi Party Dance Lesson! 
(Adrian C., Elaine E., Adam H., Camie. C, Betsy W., Jenna T., Catherine C., Sam B., Ty D., Erik O.T.)

Thu, 10/30  
                  7-8    Act II – p. 77-98 speaking parts only - Stumble thru

                   8-9    Work Problems

                   9-10  Scrooge/Marley

November Scedule will be posted by tomorrow. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE! We are trying to make sure that there are as little conflict as possible for everyone.

Bethany Morgan

Stage Manager

Note from the costumer: NEED KNITTED GLOVES

Needed:  Knitted Gloves!!

If you have a pair of knitted gloves or mittens that we could borrow for Christmas Carol please let us know. We need lots of gloves! They would need to look like someone knitted them and they would also have to be one color so no stripes, dots, etc.  They would also need to be colors like black, white, gray, brown, red, just no hot pink or neon green.

Thanks,

Kristin and Amber

Rehearsal Report, 10.22.2014

Christmas Carolers,

First act run through under our belt. Here are the notes.

GENERAL
- BE RESPECTFUL: Unless you have a speaking or singing part, we need to be SILENT when in a scene, or on the sides. The purpose of a run through is to catch the timing and the flow, and unnecessary talking creates unneeded gaps.

- REMAIN ENGAGED: If you forget a line, be IN CHARACTER and call "LINE". Your stage managers are on book for this reason. It is not helpful to us if you giggle, or sigh in frustration, or make a joke of forgetting things.

- DIALECTS: You need to start using them in lines AND in your songs, even if you're nervous to do so. The sooner you start using them on a consistent basis, the more comfortable you will be by the time we come to show time.

- BLOCKING: Please write down your blocking. If you miss a rehearsal you are responsible for getting your blocking, and still having your lines memorized by the time that scene is called. Get together with your stage manager if you have any questions. NO. EXCUSES. 

- MUSIC: Practice your music! Again, if you miss a rehearsal you are responsible for practicing what was done that day, and still having it memorized by the time that music is next called. Get together with your stage manager if you have any questions. NO. EXCUSES.

- Get your shoes ASAP!!

SPECIFIC
Philpot & Twce:
- The delivery of this scene should be as if you've done this 1,000,000 times. Scrooge & Marley's Counting House is just another business stop along the way. 
- Allow there to be awkward pauses when Scrooge does not answer your questions. 
- Be sure you are specific with your verbs, and allow them to change.
- Be conscious of your vocal work together - Twyce should be as if he is mimicking Philpot, and Philpot the leader.

Bob Crachit: 
- Do some more detailed character work (Ie. How long has Bob Crachit been working for Scrooge? Was it before/after Marley passed? How many times have your conversations with Scrooge happened?)
- Do not let the accent hinder your emotion.
- Try and connect some of the things that Crachit would say to how you would emotionally connect to what Scrooge is saying to you. (Ie. when he asks about the amount of children you have. How would YOU react to that if anyone challenged you in that way?"

NEXT CALL
Thu, 10/23/2014

7-8P Scrooge/Dilber/Old Joe/Grimgrind/Mercy/Percy (p.78-82)

8-9P Scrooge/Percy/Scadger (p.14/88-90/83-84/87)

9-10P Scrooge/Cratchit (p. 2-4/14-16/96-97)

Costume Fittings This Week

Costume fittings for this week:

Monday, 10.20.2014 - All Fezzi party people that are called (except for Scrooge, Young Scrooge and Belle) please see me before you leave.  I will have things for you to try on. 

Tuesday, 10.21.2014 - NO FITTINGS.

Thursday, 10.23.2014 - Dilber, Old Joe, Grimgrind, Mercy, and Percy please come see me at 8:00. 

I will post Saturday's fittings later in the week.  

Thanks,

Kristin Knipp

Rehearsal Report, 10.18.2014

Christmas Carolers,

Our first blocking rehearsal together, and it was great! Thank you so much for all of your patience and flexibility. We know this can be tedious, but you all were great. Here is the report from yesterday.

GENERAL NOTES:
- Please wear appropriate footwear! NO FLIP FLOPS/OPEN TOED SHOES. As soon as you can get your shoes for the show, please wear those. I'm going to start marking who has their shoes and who does not.
- PLEASE BRING A PENCIL TO REHEARSAL. I handed out one too many pencils yesterday.
- All belongings should be placed in the costume room and not in the rehearsal space. We must keep all personal things OFF of the set pieces.
- Please be mindful of the rehearsal process and not speak unless spoken to by one of the production team. If you have any questions or comments that need immediate attention, please come to myself, or one of those on the team.

MUSIC:
In the Bleak Midwinter - When everyone is singing, there needs to be a presence. Not loud, but the sound needs to be full.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Do not sit on the notes, or else you will get behind the accompaniment. Keep singing quick and bouncy.

Souling Song(Soulcake) - Count your beats! If you pay attention to the other parts and where they are coming in/cutting off, this can help you.

BLOCKING:
OPENING - Speaking lines, remember to position yourself to prepare to step forward, and to anticipate that movement so that you are heard.

Mrs. Dilber/Waghorn: When Scrooge is present, remember to acknowledge him when you're describing him, and also acknowledge one another.

ALL - Remember your prop assignments, transitions, their movements across stage, and write them down!

Reveler Assignment for Soul Cake Transition:
Soprano - Catherine, Betsy
Alt - Meredith, Stephani and Clairey
Tenor - Erik, Ty D.
Bass - Josh, Carl
When doing transitions, please remember to still sing when you are moving props!

Schoolyard Children Assignments:
Peyton W., Serenity S., Kallee O'B.

SCADGER - Descover the physicalities in your character, ie. limps, pains in the back, where he really feels the pain in his toe. 
- Explore the different levels of his 'monologue', especially when he talks about dumping Scrooge's body in the poor pit.

Scrooge and Percy: Make the scene immediate! 
- Scrooge, what more can you do to raise the stakes, and make Percy stay each time he tries to leave? - Percy, why are you running when you first enter the scene, and why do you stay when Scrooge calls you back? 
- We want this to be high energy, and the comic relief post the ghosts.

NEXT CALL:

Mon, 10/20/2014 

7-9P Scrooge & ALL SPEAKING Fezziwig Party Parts (p. 31-46)

9-10P Scrooge/Young Scrooge/Belle (P.37-39/42-46)

Facebook Banner!

Hi Christmas Carolers!
Julie Montgomery, your marketing cheerleader here!

Here is a link to a new Facebook banner.  Help get the word out for our show by updating yours!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dtc9owyhrs8dpkp/F_HFAC-FacebookBanner2.png?dl=0

• Simply click on the link and download the file.
• Then go to your Facebook page and click on YOUR profile to bring up YOUR posts.
• Look for the little camera in the top left of your current banner image. Click on that and it will allow you to change your image by selecting this file from your computer.

If you have any trouble, let me know and I'm happy to help!
Julie
713-443-9692

Christmas Carol Shoe Info

If you are listed in 2 different shoe lists and already have both pair of shoes- great!  If not, I will work with you, I don’t want you to have to buy 2 pair of shoes.  If you have any questions please contact me at 713-823-2852 kristinknipp@sbcglobal.net

This is the list of people who will need to wear brown, lace up paddock boots:

All children- Ty Hart, Peyton O’Brien, Starlee Brown, Catherine Campbell, Morgan Montgomery, Kallee O’Brien, Serenity Stepanik, Clairey Townsend, Jenna Townsend, Peyton Wilkinson

Also: Ty Duke, David Isenhower (Scadger), Lizzie Guest, Meredith Mearns ( Mr. Mudd and Fezzi worker), Susan O’Connor, Elizabeth Wilson (Fezzi Daughter)

 This is the list of people who will need to wear black paddock boots- they can be lace up or zip up:

Sam Balest, J Blanchard, Carl Brown, Josh Crisman, Adrian Collinson, Matt Elliot, Adam Harkay, David Isenhower (Wilkins, Jack), Alex Kerry, Jim Matthews, Chuck Pickering, Erik Olmos Tristan

** Please no combat boots

This is the list of ladies who will need to wear black character shoes:

Elaine Edstrom, Cami Grindal, Meredith Mearns (Madeleine), Candace Raphael, Jenna Townsend (Clara), Stephanie Wisdom, Elizabeth Wilson (Emily)

Music Director note, and Choral Recordings part 2

The other night was a great improvement from last time! Thank you for your dedication.  

Now that we are starting to get comfortable with our part, please start adding your British accent to your singing.  There is only one song, maybe two that are sung in Cockney, I will confirm with Julie which songs they are.  

I recorded parts for Souling Song and Fred's Party Figgy Pudding for you to practice.  Figgy Pudding, for those of you that weren't at rehearsal, I have kind of rearranged.  If you look at your sheet music, the Tenor line is spilt into two, sometimes three parts, and we just don't have that many men, but we have thousands of women and children so I switched the lines around.  Everyone sings "For we all love a figgy pudding" with Sopranos on top, Altos are on the lower note, and all Men are singing the bass line until measure 15.  Tenors do not sing "out here", they start in on the next verse (which is actually the Soprano line) and Tenors sing the melody "And we won't go until we've got some"  while everyone else continues on with "won't go, won't go".  In measure 22, Women do NOT sing "so bring some out here", you sing the line that actually says Women.  It goes into three parts right there, Alto is on the bottom, Sopranos are on the middle, except for Elizabeth Wilson and Morgan Montgomery, those two ladies take the top notes.  If you follow along with the recordings, it should make sense, but if it doesn't please contact me.  I will break it down below by sections. RECORDINGS LINK: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1lt11y16f2u9wh3/AAC-CQ9NN4clUegWnb_TFJJEa?dl=0

Sopranos:  The top notes on the Tenor line until measure 21, don't sing "so bring some out here". Jump to Women line and sing to end.

Altos: The bottom notes on the Tenor line until measure 21, don't sing "so bring some out here". Jump to Women line and sing to end.

Tenors: Start on Bass line until measure 15, jump up to Soprano line "and we won't go until we've got some". Sing Soprano line to end.

Basses: Sing Bass line all the way through. Josh Chrisman sings bottoms notes, the rest top.

Schedule through October

The schedule for November will be written very soon. Assume you will be called – give no Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday dates away to other things.

I plan to call you all in 20 page chunks for the following 2 weeks, so please know your page numbers. Also, I will expect Revelers and chorus within these page numbers, not just speaking parts. 

I’m looking forward to directing this beautiful play and getting to know you all.

- Julie Akers

Tue, 10/14/2014

8-9PM Sopranos & Altos(save those in blocking) – Music

9-10PM Tenors & Bass'(save those in blocking) – Music

7-8PM - Scrooge/Christmas Past/Remembrance/Forgiveness (p.25-27)

7:30PM - Add Mrs Oatway/Boy Scrooge/Fan (p.27-31)

8-9PM - Belle/Young Scrooge (p. 37-39/42-45)

9-10PM - Add Fezziwig/Young Marley/Young Scrooge (p.39-42)

9:30PM - Run (P. 37-45)


Thu, 10/16/2014

7-9PM - Scrooge/Char Present (p.47-50/74-76)

7:30PM - Add Cratchit family (p.50-58/84-86)

8:30PM - Fred/Cath/Topper/Barnaby/Madeline/Lucy (p.59-72)


Sat, 10/18/2014

10-11AM All – Music

11-1PM All – Block WITH Music (p. 1-4/16-18/46-47/97-98)

1-2PM Scrooge/Percy Smudge/Scadger (P. 14/88-90/83-84/87)


Mon, 10/20/2014 

7-9P Scrooge & all speaking Fezziwig party people (p. 31-46)

9-10P Scrooge/Young Scrooge/Belle (P.37-39/42-46)


Tue, 10/21/2014 

7-8P All – Act I (speaking parts only) Stumble Thru (p. 1-46)

8-10P All – Music

8-10P Scrooge/Bob/Phil/Twy/Fred/Smudge (p.4-18/88-90/92-96)


Thu, 10/23/2014

7-8P Scrooge/Dilber/Old Joe/Grimgrind/Mercy/Percy (p.78-82)

8-9P Scrooge/Percy/Scadger (p.14/88-90/83-84/87)

9-10P Scrooge/Cratchit (p. 2-4/14-16/96-97)


Sat, 10/25/2014 

1-2P All - Music

2-3P Cratchit Funeral (speaking parts only) (P.84-86)

3-4P Sailors/Miners/Helm/Lighthouse/Christmas Present (p.72-75)

4-5P Christmas Present/Want/Ignorance (p. 74-76)


Mon, 10/27/2014 

7-8P Cratchit Dinner & Funeral (p. 50-58)

8-10P Fred’s Party – speaking parts only (p. 59-72)


Tues, 10/28/2014 

BLOCKING 7-8P Act II (p.47-76) speaking parts only - Stumble thru

8-9P Work Problems 

9-10P Scrooge/Christmas Present/Businessmen 1&2 (P. 77-78)

MUSIC
8-9P: (p.27) SONG #5 - Peyton W., Serenity S., Kallee O'B.

9-10P: (p.39) SONG #8 -  Adam H., ALL Suitors, Adrian C.


Thu, 10/30/2014

7-8P Act II (p. 77-98) speaking parts only - Stumble thru 

8-9P Work Problems

9-10P Scrooge/Marley