ONE-Act Play Regionals 2008

It has been a long time since I posted a blog but things have been busy after regionals. We did not advance but we had a great show and represented the city and our community well. The shows that advanced were great and we were proud to be on the same stage with such stiff competition. Our program reached the regional tournament for the 3rd time in 4 years and have served notice that we are one of the finest programs in the city. Our kids are special. They give everything they have and more and never quit. I am proud to be their director and teacher. We are currently working on a mini-production of Grease. We have several new faces on stage in this production and look forward to outting on a great show. Show dates for Grease are Thursday May 29th, Friday May 30th, Monday 2nd, and Tuesday May 3rd. All shows will begin at 7:00 pm in the Riverside Theatre located at 301 Midway Drive. Here are some pictures of the regional meet. We hope to see you at our next production.

Grease Rehearsals 2008

Our mini-production of Grease is going well. We have about 30 students participating in the end of the year production. The opening night is scheduled for Thursday may 29th at 7:00 pm in the Riverside Theatre. Here are some of the pictures from rehearsal.

ONE-Act Play District Champs

We were fortunate to advance last Wednesday along with Canutillo High school at the District one-act play contest. Our show looked really good. Think the kids did a great job and had the best show there that night. We took home six acting awards and advance to the Area championships this Thursday 3/03/08 at the Chamizal theatre. Really happy with the great parent support we have had during our run. I told the kids that I have a good feeling about this show. If there was any a time to get to State it's now. Our big competition will be Jefferson's production of One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest. I got a chance to see it a few weeks ago and was impressed. The kids have talent . El Paso High is doing The Importance of Being Earnest. Canutillo is a threat as well. The schedule for the shows are as follows:

4:30 Canutillo The Cider House Rules
5:30 Riverside Bury the Dead
6:30 Jefferson One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
7:30 El Paso High the Importance of Being Earnest
Awards will follow about 30 minutes after the last show.

We hope to see a hug crowd from our community at the show. The contest will once again take place at the Chamizal Theatre on Thursday 3/03/08.

Results from 1-4A District Meet

Went to see the District 1-4a district meet at the Chamizal on Thursay night. Had the chance to only see Jefferson's production of "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest". Jefferson took home the best actor and best actress award. Their show advanced along with El Paso High's production of, "The Importance of Being Earnest". The Schedule is as follows:

1. Horizon 4:00 pm
2. Riverside 5:00 pm
3. Ysleta 6:00 pm
4. Canutillo 7:00 pm

Awards will take place approximately 30 minutes after the last show. (around 8:30)
The shows will take place at the Chamizal Theatre. Admission is free. Let's pack the house this Wednesday.
If you enjoy reading the blog or want to wish the cast and crew luck please feel free to leave a comment.

The Race towards State Begins

Two guys were walking through a forest when they suddenly saw a lion approaching. They both looked at each other and started to run like they had never run before. All of a sudden one of the guy stops and reaches in to his backpack and takes out a pair of Nike running shoes. His friend looks at him and says, 'What the heck are you doing? Don't you know that any second now the lion is going to eat the both of us. What are you putting on running shoes?" "Because", the friend replied," I don't have to outrun the lion. I only have to outrun you." Think this story sums up our trip through the district and area one-act play contest at the Chamizal. Practice went well today. Fixed alot of minor things that will make our play stronger. Door is wide open for us. Kids have to realize that all they have to do now is to be brave enough to step through and take what belongs to us. Think I am going to take a mirror to next rehearsal and make the entire cast and crew look into it. Will tell them that the only people that can stop them is themselves. Just like the song says "Alone we are a movement, together we are a force." We are definitely a force to reckon with.

District 2-4A zone 2 results

Tonight a group of kids and I went to see our competition battle it our for a spot at the District contest next week. Horizon, Parkland, and Ysleta performed their one-acts for the chance to move on to the next round. Horizon advanced with a comedy. I can't remember the title but the show was well done. Ysleta perfomed a one-act version of Miss Witherspoon by Christopher Durang. The female lead in the show took home the best actress award and helped her cast advance. Should be a nice challenge for us on Wednesday at the Chamizal. Target is on our backs and we have to rise to the occassion. We will be performing next Wednesday and will know the exact time tomorrow morning. As soon as I get that info I will pass it on to get as many of you in the seats as possible. Haven't heard who made it between Jeff, Burges, and Austin. Will post tomorrow once I get the results.

Bury The Dead Wins Zone Competition

The cast and crew of Bury the Dead gave a great performance yesterday evening at El Dorado High School to advance to the District contest at the Chamizal theatre next week. The play advanced along with Canutillo High School's production of Cider House Rules. The Riverside crew took home the best technical award for their work in lights, sound, and makeup. Andy Medina, Jose Lopez, David Zambrano, Ashley Parra, Ivan Reveles, and Jasmine Cobos took howm individual acting awards for theri outstanding work on stage. I was a little hard on the cast after their performance and I realize know that maybe being perfect isn't the most important thing. These kids gave everything they had and I should be proud of that. Sometimes winning gets in the way and clouds my judgment. I want the kids to know that I am proud to be their director and know that great things are in store for us with a little hard work. We will be watching Zone 2 perform tonight at El Dorado. Parkland, Horizon and Ysleta will be taking the stage at 4:00 pm. I heard that Andres and Chapin high school also advanced out of their zone last night. I would like to thank all the parents who went to the show last night for their support. Information on the District competition will be posted tonight.

Canutillo Workshop

Had a great workshop today at Canutillo High School. Cast and crew stepped up their game and had a great show. Good experience going into the contest on Monday. Have our opening night on Friday at 7:00 pm. Head to El Dorado for zone competition on Monday.

CANUTILLO ONE-ACT PLAY WORKSHOP INFORMATION

Canutillo High School Stage Players
3rd Annual UIL One Act Play Workshop
Canutillo High School Theater Complex
March 13 2007
Clinical Judge
Mr. Ezekiel Morgan
Houston, Texas



Dear Directors

You your students are invited to attend Canutillo High School Theater Department’s 4rd Annual Theater Workshop March 13 in the theater. The clinical judge will be Mr. Ezekiel Morgan from the Houston area. He will also be town to judge District 1-AAA the next day. So pack a lunch and stay all day if you like. It is great opportunity for the theater students and directors to meet and a have a fun time.

Since Classes will be in session, we ask the you stay in the theater complex building. Please provide a cast list it will help Mr. Morgan critique your play.
Cost of the workshop is $150.00 make check payable to Canutillo High School Masque & Gavel Club.

Please unload circular driveway at the front of school and park in the Northwest parking lot by the stadium. I am looking forward to seeing all of you. If you have any questions please feel free to call at 915 877-7861 or 345-0280, email HYPERLINK "mailto:rjeffery@canutillo-isd.org" rjeffery@canutillo-isd.org .


Sincerely

Richard Jeffery
Theater Director
Schedule

Thursday March 13
9:00 11:00 1.Canutillo High School
11:30 – 1:30 Riverside High School
1:30 – 3:30 Chapin High School
4:00 – 6:00 Americas High School
6:00 – 8:00 Burges High School


Ezekiel Morgan
Theatre Consultant/Artistic Director
Has worked with UIL for more than 14 years, acting and directing. Graduated from the High School for Performing Arts in Houston and received his BA from Prairie View A & M University with an emphasis on acting and directing. He studied abroad at Williams University with The Williamstown Theatre Festival, (ACTF) Irene Ryan National Winner, worked as an apprentice in Acting and Directing. Directed and worked with UIL noticing the importance of Educational Theatre. He is the Artistic Director of the Silver House Theatre and Founder of UTAKE 1 Productions. He is an Acting coach in and out of the state of Texas. He has Coached actors such as Billy Dee Williams, Darius McCreary just to name a few. Has taught High School for the last eight years advancing to all levels including state. He has conducted workshops and adjudicated plays in and out of state for junior high and High Schools festivals.

TFA STATE UPDATE # 2

First day of competition here in Dallas turned out to be a strange one. As soon as we arrived at Coppell high school it started to snow like a Sunday morning before a Packers game. The tournament officials decided to postpone some events till Friday because of the weather. Team competed in DI, Duet, and Duo. Lauren forgot to pack two shoes of the same color and Michelle showed up to the tournament in flip flops. Luckily Mr. Bonner tracked down a wal-mart and she was able to get a hold of something that looked a little more presentable. Our duet teams didn't do so hot the first night but will try to pick it up tomorrow. Great experience so far. Have a really young team this year and think this is going to really help us in the future. Hope tomorrow is less eventful.
Top Ten things To Remember before you head to State:
10. Two shoes of the same color
9. a fur coat
8. your suit
7. toothpaste
6. air freshener for the bus
5. better movies for the bus (there is only so much of twister one person can take)
4. a churro
3. ipod with Michael Jackson's thriller album
2. sunglasses so people won't catch you staring
1. headphones to drown out your snoring roommate

TFA STATE UPDATE

After a long bus ride (13 something hours) we finally arrived in Dallas last night about 11:00pm. We compete today at 3:00 pm at Coppell High School. Duet, Duo, annd Individual events will start today. Will update tonight and tomorrow to see how team did. Will have pictures posted tonight as well.

2-4A One-Act Play Zone Competition At El Dorado High School

We invite all family and friends to attend the one-act play zone competition on Monday, March 17, 2008 at El Dorado High School. We will be perfoming our one-act show at 5:00 pm. It is a good idea to get to the theatre at least 30-45 minutes before the perfomance. A list of the performances are as follows:

Monday March 17, 2008
El Dorado High School Theatre

Del Valle High School performance time 4:00 pm
Riverside High School performance time 5:oo pm Bury The Dead
Canutillo High School performance time 6:00 pm Cider House Rules

Awards and critiques will follow the show


Tuesday March 18, 2008
El Dorado High School Theatre

Parkland High School performance 4:00 pm
Horizon High School performance 5:00 pm
Mountain View performance 6:00 pm
Ysleta performance 7:00 pm

Bury The Dead One-Act Play Cast List

Bury The Dead
Cast List

First Soldier/ Voice- Ivan Reveles

Sergeant/ First General/ Third General- Andy Medina

Second Soldier/ Doctor/ Newsboy Voice- Gilbert Paquian


Third Soldier- Sergio Estrada

Fourth Soldier/ Captain - Julian Orozco


First Corpse/ Private Driscoll/ Voice- Jose Lopez

Second Corpse/ Private Levy- Gabriel De La Cruz

Third Corpse/ Private Schelling- Arian Orozco

Stenographer/ Reporter/ The Voice- Ashley Parra

Editor/ Voice- Priscilla Orozco

Bess Schelling/ Voice- Maria Edwards

Joan Burke/ Voice- Lauren Ruiz

Katherine Driscoll/ Voice- Bianca Luong

Private Dean- David Zambrano

Mrs. Dean- Jasmine Cobos


Crew:

Lights: Dominic Morales

Sound: Robert Minjares

Stage Manager: Richard Cerros

Makeup: Nidia Aguilera

Alternates: Linda Gonzalez
Amaris Vega
Bianca Sermeno

Directors: Stephen Solis and Craig Bonner

Schedule 4A UIL Academic Contest

The Academic Contest will take place at Del Valle High School on March 29, 2008

7:30 a.m. LD Debate

8:30 a.m. Prose and Poetry

9:00 a.m. Number Sense
Computer Applications
Current Issues and Events
Ready Writing

10:00 a.m. Calculator Applications

10:45 a.m. Extemp Draw and Check-In

11:00 a.m. Informative and persuasive Speaking

11:30 a.m. Spelling and Vocabulary
Accounting
Science
Literary Criticism
News Writing

12:30 p.m. Feature Writing

1:00 p.m. LD Quarters
Computer Science

2:00 p.m. Poetry Finals
Prose Finals
LD Debate Semis and Finals
Editorial Writing
Social Studies

3:00 p.m. Headline Writing
Mathematics

3:30 p.m. Extemp Draw for Finals

4:00 p.m. Informative and Persuasive Finals

Time is Running Out...

Rehearsal was a big disappointment today. Didn't have half the cast there for some reason or another and didn't really get anything done. Guess I knew the danger of casting a 15 person show but never thought it would be this frustrating. We only have a few weeks left before we take the show to competition and hope we won't be dissapointed if we get sideswiped by anthore school. Cast and crew have got to step things up. I need to do my part to get things going again. Tired...Think the rest of the cast is feeling the same. Maybe next week will give everyone a break from the show and each other. The worst feeling in the world will be getting knocked out early. This show has the potential to get far but everyone has to grow up and take responsibility for it. No more whining and excuses. Put in your work and get things done. Need everybody at rehearsal on Thursday after school. No excuses.

Bury the Dead Pictures UTEP ONE ACT FESTIVAL

These are a few pictures of the cast of our one-act play this year, "Bury The Dead". We performed at the UTEP one act play festival this past Saturday. Everything went well. Kids all stepped up and we are on track to do big things once competition comes around in a few weeks.

Bury The Dead practice

Bury The Dead practice

EPCC Speech Tournament

EPCC Speech Tournament

Congratulations to Cynthia Cintron and David Zambrano for qulifying to state in Duet Acting and Duo. Also, congratulations to Jose Lopez and Michelle Sagaribay for qualifying in Duet Acting. We are very proud for all the hard work all the team members have done and we are looking forward to TFA State.