Off to NYC!

I can't believe it's that time of year -- time for our HS Thespian troupe to head off to New York City! Time to take in the sights and sounds of Broadway! I look forward to this trip every two years as a chance to get out and explore the life and excitement of professional theatre for my students, and I get just as excited with the anticipation of the trip as my students do. :-)
One of the great things about this bi-yearly trip is that we flip-flop the itineraries, so that our HS students get to experience a full range of the theatre world over the course of both trips. (On the last trip, for example, we went to Ellis Island, toured backstage at the Apollo Theater and a college tour of NYU, went to the Top of the Rock, and visited Madame Tousseaud's Wax museum -- in addition to 3 Broadway shows and awesome professional theatre workshops, of course!)
On this year's trip, highlights include: visiting the Tenement Museum and exploring the Lower East Side, the Guggenheim Modern Art museum, backstage tours at Radio City and NBC Studios, tours to Julliard & Columbia Universities, and 3 more Broadway shows (different ones from the last trip, of course). This year, students will also prepare & perform their own original scenes, incorporating stage combat techniques that they will learn from professionals in NY, too!

Only a few days before departure and we can't wait!

Annual Haunted House & Halloween Carnival!

Don't miss this annual event at APR!

Friday, Oct. 26 at 6-8pm

Carnival games for kids of all ages and a haunted house to scare even the bravest of souls.

A great Thespian tradition for the entire family!

I can't believe we've been doing this event for so many years now. It started with just a few games and some haunted rooms on the upper floors of our small school. It's now expanded to an annual event with over 10 games, a huge haunted house tour, and great food to enjoy, too. All made possible by the creativity of our Thespian troupe and the generous help and support of the Thespian Booster families! I am so proud of this fantastic Thespian tradition for APR.

Drama question 2.3

American Theatre distinguishes itself with plays focused on realistic themes,

often reflecting current events and society.

If you were to write an American play, what would you write about? Why?

*Remember that this trimester, you may write your own response to a blog question OR respond to someone else's comments on the blog. This is an opportunity to state an opinion and justify your thoughts!

Drama question 2.2

What makes someone want to see a theatre production?
Why would they want to go?
(What factors influence the audience in making the choice to buy a ticket
and see a show?)

*Remember that this trimester, you may write your own response to a blog question OR respond to someone else's comments on the blog. This is an opportunity to state an opinion and justify your thoughts!

Drama question 2.1

In Ancient Greece, one of the purposes of theatre was to teach moral lessons or learn the difference between right and wrong.
Today, we still read these ancient Greek plays, such as Oedipus the King.
What can we learn from the ancient story of Oedipus that can be applied to modern day life?

*Remember that this trimester, you may write your own response to a blog question OR respond to someone else's comments on the blog. This is an opportunity to state an opinion and justify your thoughts!

Drama question 1.3

Consider the play, Phantom Tollbooth:
How do the lessons that Milo learns on his journey connect with your own life?

You may choose to respond to this question or questions # 1.1 or 1.2.

(For general assignment instructions, see Drama question 1.1 for how to respond and post your name.)

I look forward to reading your responses.

Drama question 1.2

How do we learn about teamwork in a Drama class?

How will these skills help us both on stage as well as beyond the theatre?

You may choose to respond to this question or question # 1.1.

(For general assignment instructions, see Drama question 1.1 for how to respond and post your name.)

I look forward to reading your responses.