35. Break a Leg--all that and more!

Break a leg to all the MCS Theatre Club students participating in this weekend's production of THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

Because of your grueling rehearsal schedule, and the excitement of the event, I haven't mentioned anything about the next Thespian Competition.

But for those who want to get a head start, it's scheduled for December 15, 2007 at 1:30 PM at MHS, room D 101 (or the cafeteria) again.

We'll try to meet on December 4, lunch time (depending on my schedule). And we may be able to have a prep session, workshop on December 7--which is a holiday.

So, again, BREAK A LEG. I'l see you at the NIGHTMARE. I'll be taking photos both nights and will post some here (if they turn out).

34. SURPRISES ON THE COMPETITION FRONT

CONGRATULATIONS! MCS Junior Thespians once again rocked at the competition. And there are some surprises, especially considering the feedback I got after the event!

FIRST PLACE WINNERS:
Jimmy Baik & Victor Sablan-Mime
Anna DLG & Mariel Ferrer-Duet Acting
Anna DLG-Solo Musical

WOWIE! That's a lot of first place winners. Congratulations.

OTHER RIBBON WINNERS:
Victoria Camacho: 3rd place-Solo Musical
Mariel Ferrer: 4th place-Solo Musical.


We still need students to compete in monologue. The high school Thespian competition is saturated in monologue, with so many students that talented kids are getting just participation points and not winning. But in the junior division, there's only been one competitor for each of the two competitions, and he naturally has won first place, just by competing! [You can view the entire competition results and the current standings by clicking on the TWPI matrix link at left.]

I'm encouraging any middle school student who wants to try competing to contact me. It's not that hard and it is FUN! Just ask the high school students who are competing in monologue.

Congratulations again to all of the MCS junior thespians who participated in this (second) competition. You did great!

33. Thespian Competition--November 17, 2007

Congratulations to the MCS middle school students who participated in the Thespian Competition today, November 17, 2007. Our troupe 88799 ROCKS!


(L to R: Mariel Ferrer, Anna DLG, Victor Sablan, Jimmy Baik, and Victoria Camacho.)


I don't yet know your scores or places in the competition, but I'm proud of each of you for working on your pieces, and performing them. I loved that you sat together in the competition and supported each other. I loved that Mariel ventured into new terrain with solo musical. Each of you have shown a commitment and determination that makes you winners, whether you get blue ribbons or not.

And if you're at MCS middle school and missed this competition, don't worry. There's another one on December 15. It's never too late to take the plunge. Or come back and try again.

STAY TUNED for announcement of your results.

32. The Girls Prepped for the Thespian Competition

And afterwards, relaxed and clowned around.



REMINDER: Troupe meeting Tuesday at lunch, room A-205. According to today's Knight's Herald, that's room B-205. Check with Mr. G. for confirmation on location. We'll present our competition pieces, for practice.

31. News and Notices--Competition Practice Sessions

We had a good meeting today where we reviewed evaluations from the last Thespian competition and discussed how to use them to improve performance.

We also welcomed two students to the meeting: Tony and Sky.

Each of you should be rehearsing your piece for the next competition, set for NOVEMBER 17. You can either do the same piece you did at the first competition, or try something new. The same rules apply:

Solo musical--must be a song from a play or movie. One student; you must have an instrumental-only cd as your accompaniement. 5 minutes or less.

Monologue--must be two contrasting monologues from plays or movies; one student; total time must be 5 minutes or less.

Duet acting--must be a scene from a play or movie. 2 students with about equal roles; 5 minutes or less.

Mime--must be original story, mime only. one or two students. 5 minutes or less.

PRACTICE SESSIONS (Be prepared to present your piece):

1. Monday is a holiday. You are invited to my house to practice. Call or e-mail to set the time, or talk with Anna Rose.

2. Tuesday--troupe meeting at lunch period (11:30 AM). Room A-205.

No matter how badly you think you'll do, whether you've had enough rehearsal or not, come to at least one of these practice sessions. It will help! Better to make your mistakes in practice than at the competition.

AND WE NEED STUDENTS to compete in MONOLOGUE! :-)

30 Troupe Meeting Notice

Next meeting will be Tuesday November 6, 2007 during lunch period.

Listen to the announcement at school for the room/location of the meeting.