59. Thespian Scholarships

A note to the high school Thespian readers: Seniors can now apply (until May 7) for an EdTA / Thespian scholarship. These are available to seniors in high school who have at least a good academic GPA, have been admitted to college, and will be pursuing some theatre-related studies, either as a major or minor.

You can get more information here .

Theatre-relted studies includes anything in theatre, music, communications, drama education, and similar course-work.

The Thespians of the Western Pacific Islands typically contribute to the fund, as does EdTA. Students who win one of these scholarships typically receive up to $1,000 in UNRESTRICTED funds, which can be used for books, supplies, or other needs while at college. (Money is paid to the college or university where you're attending, and then accessed while there.) Of course, you can apply it toward room and board, if you want.

TWPI chooses the recipients, and tries to include at least two or three students each year as award winners, and tries to select students from various schools in the CNMI.

If you've done any drama work this year at all and you attend a school with a Thespian chapter (Mount Carmel Seniors--this means you!), then you may want to apply for this scholarship. When you're going to college, every bit helps.

58. Paperwork

Oh my gosh!

It's time for paperwork to be completed for those going to the ITS Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska. There are forms for PSS, forms for the Western Pacific Region, and forms for ITS. There are a LOT of forms.


At least one must be notarized. And you need photocopies of passports, visas, personal headshots, your health/insurance card. You need a resume.

Deadline for turning these in is now April 25, 2008.

Contact me if you have questions. And don't miss the deadline if you want to attend the ITS Festival. :-)

57. An Evening of Culture

The comedy that will be staged by the TWPI junior thespians is called "An Evening of Culture. The Mineola Society for Cultural Recognition presents Romeo and Juliet," by Mark Landon Smith. This play is sometimes referred to as "Faith County II."

If the title doesn't give you a sufficient hint, this is a spoof on small towns, community theatre, and the great art of William Shakespeare.

Can't wait!

56. Comedy Rehearsals

Rehearsals for the TWPI middle school comedy are M-F, 4 to 5 PM at Room 101 D, MHS.

If you want to help out, come to the rehearsals. If you're in the play, be on time. :-)

Play is hopefully going up on EDIT: (not May 1 and 2, 2008) May 4, 5, 6, and/or 7!

55. Comedy rehearsal starts

Rehearsal of the (undisclosed) comedy play starts Monday April 14, at 4 PM at MHS room 101 D.

There's still room if you're interested. Especially needed: boys on stage! Girls of course welcomed, too. If you have any curiosity about this, come to the rehearsal.

Directors will be high school students, with minimal adult bossing! So it should be fun.

54. Auditions-junior thespian play

This notice from Chapter Director, Mr. Harold Easton:
Junior Thespian Play Auditions will be held on Friday April 4th from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the MHS Studio Theatre. Be prepared to improvise!!!

Now from me: I encourage all middle school students to come to this audition and try out. This is a "real" audition--meaning not everyone will get a part, because there are limited roles. We don't yet know what the play will be, but most likely it will be a comedy (and not a musical).

53. Awards Banquet Photos

Duet Acting:

Solo Musical:

Mime:

Troupe 88799 students present:

Absent: Victoria Camacho, Victor Sablan

I realized today that MCS Junior Thespians took home more "overall" awards than any other middle school! I'm proud of all of you.

A Summary of the Overall Awards won by Troupe 88799:

Duet Acting--2nd place (Anna and Mariel);

Mime--1st place (Jimmy & Victor);

Solo Musical--1st, 3rd, and 4th places--(Anna, Mariel, Victoria, respectively).

The awards banquet was fun--good food, lots of high energy teens, celebration of good work done.