Countdown is on...1 week to go!!!

Hi all,

1 week to go guys until our first performance!!!! Eeeekkk!

The cast have been very very busy this week rehearsing until 6 o'clock most nights in order to make sure the show is ready for our paying audience!

They have also been performing for fellow pupils during assembly time. This is really important as for some cast members it will be the first time they have taken part in a school production or show. It gives them a feel of what its like on performance nights...see pictures below :)

The set hire company have been in and installed the set which looks AMAZING!!! 

The technical team are getting the last few props and costumes finalised to make sure the performance looks as authentic as possible!

It is always a busy time and quite hectic but everyone is putting 100% into everything they do which is what we love to see!

Also our primary cast have been in this week rehearsing for the show.
Performance nights are as follows:

 Tuesday 6^th – Windmill Hill and Hill View

Wednesday 7^th – The Brow and Brookvale

Thursday 8^th - Gorsewood 

They were fab and knew all the songs and dances just as they've been taught! Well done primary cast! See some pictures below of the rehearsals :)

1week to go...bring it on!!! #dramarocks #OBA #schoolproduction #2016

Miss Mc Kevitt and the production team :) :) :) 

Countdown is on...2 weeks and counting!!

Hi all,

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!!

 

They can be purchased from the main school reception or from the School Comms website!

At £3.00 a ticket you would be crazy not to get your ticket soon but you better hurry as they will sell like hot cakes!!

 

***All cast members you should have by now gained or been given all of your costume...you need to keep it in a box with your name and character name on the side.***

 

2 weeks to go...bring it on!!! #dramarocks #OBA #schoolproduction #2016

Miss Mc Kevitt and the production team :)

Countdown is on...3weeks and counting!!

Hi all,

So we are definitely in full swing now in rehearsals!!

Which take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3pm...check finish times with Mrs Noon as they have been extended and a letter sent home to make parents/guardians aware.

This week ALL cast memebers should have costumes in for rehearsals:

Male cast memebers - dark trousers, shirt, tie, black shoes, hat, gloves and scarf (woolly not modern)

Female cast members - dark skirt, coloured shirt, cardigan/shawl, hat, gloves and scarf (woolly not modern)

All lead roles will have other costume and props provided by school but you must have to above basics.

A real push is needed from all as well as complete commitment and dedication!!

3 weeks guys...bring it on!!! #dramarocks #OBA #schoolproduction #2016

Miss Mc Kevitt and the production team :)

Interview with The Director

Hi all,

As the last week of this term approaches Hannah Brown a member of our technical team had the chance to interview our very own Mrs Noon - The director of the school production this year. She asked her some very challenging but insightful questions:

Q1) What stood out for you to pick certain people for certain points?
I was looking for evidence of stage presence and a confident performer with audience awareness and an ability to use characterisation skills to communicate a successful role and meaning to n audience.

Q2) What do you look for in a good actor/actress?
Someone who is well prepared, who learns lines fast in order to experiment with their physicality without being restricted by holding their script. Someone who is proactive in rehearsals and has their own ideas for the scene and characters. Basically  they have done their research.

Q3) How does a performance run smoothly and successfully?
It is vital that all cast attend rehearsals and are committed to the show. The technical and backstage crew are crucial in allowing a smooth run of the show. Actors don't panic, are prepared and give it their all! Many many hours of planning from the creative director too!!

Q4) What goes on behind the scenes for a director?
The first approach is reading the play at least once, making detailed notes and writing key questions I know I will have to answer such as "How will I make Scrooge fly?" Meetings with the crew, the choreographers. Detailed understanding of character, plot and structure of play. You must be very organised!

Q5)What does a director actually do?

• Has the vision for the play(everything you see & hear)
• Makes casting decisions - decides the audition
• Rehearsal schedule - makes sure there is time to rehearse everything!
• Runs all rehearsals
• Meets with costume, set, props designers
• Liases with stage manager

Q6) What does a good rehearsal look like?

It starts on time, everyone is there and well prepared -lines have been learnt. There are many lightbulb moments with cast and director! It is productive, key questions are explored, problems solved and ultimately a creative, emotive, thought provoking scene as a result.

Q7) What is the best and worst part about being a director?

The best part is being creative, having the freedom to see your ideas come to reality. The worst part is the stress of working under strict time constaints and worrying that the show wont be ready in time! It is very disappointing when actors let you down or don't commit too.

My World Real Life Link: I specialised in directing in my final year of university where I achieved  first for my module. I directed a short film that was screened at a local cinema near Loughborough University.

Thank you Mrs Noon :)

An interview with a former Stage Manager

Hi all,

This week three members of our technical team got the chance to interview our very own Miss Best from the English department, who before entering teaching, was a Stage Manager in Manchester Palace Theatre! WOW!!

Below she has kindly answered some burning questions from our techie team:

Q1) What made you want to do drama and work in theatre?
In school I took on drama as a GCSE and I loved words and turning them into a performance. I thought it would be exciting and fun!

Q2) Who/what inspired you to do drama at school?
Reading and going to see plays such as Henry V with school

Q3) What was it like to be a stage manager?
It was very stressful at times as it came with lots of responsibility. Also pressure from locals to want everything

Q4) When did you become a stage manager?
Started in Manchester Palace theatre while at University on the musical Mama Mia.

Q5) What did you have to do in school to reach your goal?
I had to get a certain number of UCAS points at A-Level to get a place on my desired university course

Q6) What shows have you been involved with? Which was your favourite?
Miss Saigon, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mama Mia, The Producers, Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. Favourite: The Producers

Q7) Did you take drama as an option in school?
Yes at GCSE and at A-level.

Q8) Have you any other Drama qualifications?
No

Q9) What is the most challenging thing about working in theatre?
Dealing with peoples personalities and being able to adjust.

Q10) What do you recommend for students who want to get started in theatre?
Get as much experience as you can..in school productions/local theatres.

What an insight into an aspect of the world of theatre and a stage manager Thank you Miss Best and our amazing Techie Team :)

Props Needed ASAP!!

Important props to be made ASAP: 

•  A Grave stone with 'Jacob Marley RIP' on one side and Ebeneezer Scrooge RIP' on the other (we can just double them up then) 

• A scroll that rolls down knee length- (Doesn’t need to be fancy- maybe kitchen roll tubes and tea died paper with writing on made to look like a scroll or any other arty ideas you may have!)

• Jacob Marley's chains (these are priority as may take a while and it will help the pupil playing Marley with Characterisation)

• Ledgers/ bank books/ money tins etc/ locks/ keys to be attached to the rope so they will need to be lightweight possibly sponges as we discussed 

• Snowflake decorations for learning street- I want it to be really Christmassy in learning street - The school will have a tree up anyway which will be good! I want to hang the snowflakes on bunting and hang it across learning street… they will need to be a mixture of sizes- maybe glittery ones too!!

Any more ideas please feel free to leave a comment below :) 

Costume Ideas...get thinking!!

Gothic costume ideas

Ghost of Christmas Past -Angelic and soft  

Angel of death - Gothic and pale 

Our first technical meeting :)

Mind map 1

Mind Map 2

Mind Map 3

During our first technical meeting we got straight to work mind mapping possible ideas for set, costume, props and much more. We also liaised with Miss Johnson in Art who has kindly offered to help with the creation of some of the main props for the production. Check back in during the week were we will have some of our main actors discussing the rehearsal process so far. 

Chat soon 

Miss Mc Kevitt :)

Get learning those songs!!

Hi All,

I have uploaded some songs that will be featured in the production...

So get learning!! :)

Synopsis of A Christmas Carol

Hi All,

Just a little synopsis below of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol is a novella by Charles Dickens about Ebenezer Scrooge, an old man, who is well-known for his miserly ways.

On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by a series of ghosts, starting with his old business partner, Jacob Marley. The three spirits which follow, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come, show Scrooge how his mean behaviour has affected those around him. At the end of the story he is relieved to discover that there is still time for him to change and we see him transformed into a generous and kind-hearted human being.

Rehearsals for A Christmas Carol

Hi all,

Miss McKevitt here keeping you up to date with all the ins and outs and everything...

"A Christmas Carol".

This blog will keep you in the know about everything you need to know!....

Rehearsals, costume, lighting, sound, makeup and backstage!

  We will also have a weekly actors blog from some of the lead roles and chorus members.

They will be giving us an insight into the rehearsal process and the techniques they use to ensure they are show ready!

So make sure to check in with us as our blog team will make sure they keep you up to speed!

The most exciting time in the school calendar...the production!!

Chat soon Miss Mc K :)

P.s Don't forget to follow us @OBAdrama

Welcome to OBA's school Production "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens