Arts Smarts bootcamps are underway! High school Musical came and went like a bright, shining star. Now we’re darkening and spookifying the stage for We Are Monsters kids to perform this Friday night at 7, Saturday at 3, and Saturday again at 7.
Werewolves howling in the green room. Just a normal day with Arts Smarts TVT We are Monsters!
Have you ever been to a children’s summer theatre boot camp?
Chaos. Pure chaos.
We have nearly 50 kids right now rehearsing for We Are Monsters. They spend 3 hours a day (in the afternoon heat) working on songs, choreography, characterization, lines, backstage etiquette, makeup, costumes, mic changes… oh, it’s madness all right.
And it’s magic, too. If you take a minute to stop and listen, you’ll be amazed by what else is going on.
Line ’em up! We had a delightful array of costumes sewn, donated, and lent to us for this production. Final decisions are made based on how individual costumes fit together as a whole concept, and how they appear under stage lighting.Hazel Metcalf, testing out werewolf ears.
“I have my big solo in the next scene.”
I overheard this yesterday in the green room (where performers rest when not on stage.)
The words came from a 6-year-old girl, sitting on the edge of her seat, knees hugged to her chest. I couldn’t tell from her tone of voice exactly how she felt about her statement. It was a neutral announcement, to no one in particular.
She was staring into space, focusing on something in her imagination. I watched as a small, crooked smile crept across her face. Her chin lifted ever so slightly.
And that’s theatre for you. Courage and pride and nerves and self-talk. It tickles me pink knowing that children as young as 4 years old can encounter such personal growth.
My 7 year old son has been in many plays, but this is the first production in which he can easily read his own lines. I’m pretty sure that all the highlighted scripts he’s held in his hands over the past couple years have motivated him more than anything to practice reading.
And then there’s the teamwork aspect. Last weekend was the final showing of High School Musical, but I hear that cast members are still hanging out and singing along to the movie. This was our older group of performers: 10 and up. I wasn’t there for rehearsals, but in the first performance something happened which illustrates the confidence and skill of our theatre students:
High School Musical stars, Kara Scott and Connor McMaster.
Kara Scott, playing Gabriella Montez, and Connor McMaster, playing Troy Bolton, were on stage and about to sing a duet from opposite corners of the stage.
Their music didn’t start. Tech problems always happen; it’s inevitable. At some point you have to decide whether to stall awkwardly, attempt to improvise some dialogue, or go on with the show. Kara went for it, acapella. Connor joined in.
Connor McMaster, Kara Scott, and Maggie Scott in Arts Smarts TVT High School Musical.
The hush in the theater, pierced by their sweet voices….
Chills, people. Bonafide chills. That’s how many life skills right there?
Thinking on your feet..
Trusting your partner…
Overcoming nerves…
Doing the job without complaint (imagine if they’d broken character to glare at the sound booth and yell “Cue music!”)
And that’s not to mention the hours of practice behind this moment. These kids have endurance, patience, and a glowing work ethic.
Chaos? Yes. But take a seat, dim the lights. You’ll see there’s method to our madness (ahem… magic.)
Closing night of High School Musical. Flowers for the director, Brandi Muhlestein, and lasting memories for everyone!
Want to witness the results of our monsters’ hard work? Purchase tickets here for this weekend!
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