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.