Munchkin Costume Info for Parents

Dear Munchkin Parents-
Thank you for joining us on our trip down the Yellow Brick Road! We hope the process is both rewarding and educational for everyone involved. This note is just and introductory FYI message covering a few costume details. After the holiday break a more detailed volunteering list and schedule will be forwarded to you.

Please note that the full production schedule showing the rehearsals and shows is available online at aphswoz.blogspot.com. You can use to see which days your munchkins will be at the high school. Those are the days we will be needing supervisory assistance, so you can do some advance planning before the sign up information is available.

Lori Lossi, our Assistant Director and Costume Coordinator has the following information for you regarding dressing the munchkins:

Costumes for Munchkins:

Boys

*bright, solid-color turtleneck shirt

*sweatpants in black or white (fitted so that we can roll up the bottoms to the knee to make "knickers"). In lieu of sweatpants, black or white shorts may be worn.

*brightly colored knee socks (not matching the shirt, necessarily)

*Footwear should be dress shoes in either black or brown

The 3 boys who will be the "Lollipop Guild" should match, so please coordinate with other parents.

Girls

*bright, solid-color tee shirt

*short skirt in black or white

*brightly colored tights (not matching the shirt, necessarily)

*Footwear should be black flats.

The 3 girls who will be the "Lullabye League" should match, so please coordinate with other parents.

Please make sure that the girls' costumes do not resemble Dorothy in any way (no blue and white check shirts or skirts; no red shoes).

For the Coroner, follow the same list for the boys/girls, but all clothing and footwear should be black.

We may be adding accessories (such as suspenders, bow ties/neckties, wacky hats, vests, scarves) but we will send those details along after the holiday break. (If you see good, inexpensive sources for these items during your travels, please pass along the information. We appreciate the help!)

We on the production staff wish you a Happy Holiday Season and look forward to working with you over the upcoming months.

So you want to be a Winkie?

Our Journey down the Yellow Brick Road is under three months away and it’s time to roll out another amazing opportunity for our APCSD community!

The Off-Broadway Players are inviting any interested faculty, staff, administrators, board members, and members of the APEF to become Winkies in our March production of WOz.  In case you don’t remember, the Winkies are the people enslaved by the Wicked Witch of the West who chant “Yoo-Hee-Ho!  Yo-Ho!” as they march.  Since they are an army, we can use lots of them.  We would especially love for elementary faculty and principals to join us on the days their third graders are performing as Munchkins.

There are few details to keep in mind.  Potential Winkies will need to provide their own long grey or black coat and a pair of dark, preferably black boots.  We also need pole arms, oversize fur hats for the Winkies, and a red collar appliqués that we can drape over your coat’s collar, so volunteers to help gather materials and make them are a necessity.  Finally, you must be willing to wear blue Winkie make-up.  If you have sensitive skin,  you should probably bring your own, but we will be trying out an airbrush system for most folks.

Winkie groups will need to come to at least two Act II rehearsals to learn the part.  We have a total of six shows, so you can perform in from just one up to all six.  The rehearsal schedule and show schedule are available on line at aphswoz.blogspot.com.

If you would like to join us please do the following:

• Ask around your school or team to assemble a list of everyone who is interested
• Appoint a member to be a Winkie sergeant
• Decide which Act II rehearsals you would like to attend and in which shows you would like to appear.  Also select at least one of the full rehearsal runs from March 7-10.
• Have the group sergeant e-mail me at APHS with the list of names and dates
• Please have sergeants contact me by January 14 with your full information
• We will send out sewing/construction requests for groups around the 18^th of January

And remember, your lines are “Yoo-Hee-Ho!  Yo-Ho!”

Thanks,

Matt McKeeby

Costume designs!

Check the images below to see some great character/costume ideas from our designer.  These are ready to start, so if you want to dive in on one, contact our costume coordinator Mrs. Lossi care of  Professor marvel here at the blog!

WOz Vocal Rehearsals Resume Tuesday 12/14

With the completion of Winter One-Acts, its time to get back to WOz.


Chorus and principals will work with Ms. Manna on Tuesday 12/14 starting at 2:40 on the following numbers:

Merry Old Land of Oz

Munchkin Musical sequence

Jitterbug

Poppies

In addition, Ms. Manna will be making preliminary selections for the trees and the crows.

If you are not in those numbers you do not need to attend. Please note that all principals should have already seen Ms. Manna to schedule individual time with her. Only two of you have.

Our next get together, and the last one before Holiday break, will be 12/21. The full rehearsal schedule will be provided that day.
Remember that everyone should be off book when we get back in January!

More Scenic Design!

Before you even look at the additional scenic designs below let me just give you all a little teaser:  I just took a look at character designs in the sketch book of the magnificent Logan Kline and they are fantastic.  Hopefully he'll share a few soon...

On to today's  goodies, a few more scenic designs.  This time you're looking at the Emerald City and the throne room of the Great and Powerful and Witch's gate and castle.  Creating these images in three dimensions is going to be a chore, so if you can help out or donate any materials, please let us know.

Enjoy!

A Call for Community Volunteers

Next Tuesday 11/16 during our weekly Wizard of Oz session, we'll be hosting an information overview of the costume, set, and technical aspects of the show.  We are looking for adult volunteers to help solicit donated materials, sew costumes, and assist set construction, so if you would like to join us, we would love it.  We'll show you what we hope to achieve, lay out the schedule, and hopefully set up some committees to start the build.  The meeting will run from 3-4pm.

If you have a friend or neighbor in the community who would like to get involved, please feel free to pass the message along.

Thanks,
Matt McKeeby
APHS Theatre Arts

First read through a hit! Next rehearsal 11/16

The cast met on Tuesday last to read through the script, and it sounded fantastic.  Although one acts are rehearsing, we all need to really get rolling on scheduling and gathering materials for construction.

To that end, next Tuesday's Oz day will look like this:

• all chorus members and munchkin wranglers will meet with Ms. Manna to work on the music for the munchkin sequence from 2:30 to 4:15 or 4:30 on the chorus room.  Algonquin cast members should join us as soon as they are able.
• Cast principals should meet on stage for a second read though.  Principal understudies should be with the chorus, and Anthony will read for the Lion since Aileen did it last time.  Aileen can work with the chorus that day.
• All tech, set costume, and any parent volunteers who can join us should meet with me in 172 to set up schedules and responsibilities. 

On another note, I found a die pattern that will cut glasses, so we may be able to put together green specs for the Emerald City sequences.

Ms. Malone and the monkey crew are still looking for donations of dolls and fur for monkey construction, so please get stuff to her ASAP.

This is it! ANNOUNCING THE CAST!

 Here is the biggest news yet posted on the Yellow Brick Road!

The cast list doesn't include all the production staff, puppeteers, designers, technicians, and others who have already put in two months of work behind the scenes.  We appreciate your help, and will have some spotlight articles on you in the months to come.

Here it is folks:

Wizard of Oz Cast

Thank you to everyone who came out! We found a spot for everyone who came to both days of auditions. If you don’t find your name on the cast list below, please see Mr. McKeeby on Monday and he will let you know where you fit.  Understudies will play the principal parts for the 3/19 matinee, principals will perform with the chorus on that night.  (u) indicates the understudy; all understudies are in the chorus as well.                       

Dorothy Gale -Kelly Moak, Katie Macari (u)

Toto -OliviaDowns, Sarah Lossi (u)

Aunt Em - Alison Schaefer

Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard - Matt McFadden

Zeke/Cowardly Lion (this role evenly split)Aileen O'Brien, AnthonyRaus

Hickory/Tin Woodsman   -Evan Flynn

Hunk/Scarecrow  -Peter Keller

Miss Almira Gulch /Wicked Witch of the West  Casey Madsen, HollyJansen(u)
Professor Chester Marvel/Wizard of Oz -Mr. Allen Kirk

Glinda-M. Benevento  M. Doscher(u)



Chorus:

Marissa Doscher, Kaylee Kannes, Emily Rosenberg, Meg Armlin, Maddie Falco, Myranda Berner, Sarah Lossi, Katie Macari, Chris Hough-Dean, Anna Scherer, Lauren Lyons, Krista Seeberger, Holly Jansen, Rachel Koch, Maddie Falco, Caitlin Hughes, Jordan Kennedy, John Lantz

Three Crows To be selected from the chorus above

Three Trees To be selected from the chorus above

Ozzians (Men, Women, Beauticians, Polishers, Manicurists) To be selected from chorus

Lion Groomer- Katie Gilligan
Ozzian, Forest & Monkey extras- Hannah Leffler, Abby Hollister, Maddie Carpenter
Munchkin Mayor Kammie Momrow

Munchkins- District third graders

Winkies District faculty & Staff

Winkie General Gordon Kaedy
Nikko (Monkey Commander) Caitlyn Sleasman

Jitterbug (Lead dancer)-Maddie Falco

Jitterbugs & Ghosts Chorus

Call Back List / More Casting

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who came out for WOz and One-Acts!

Here is the good news: there will be a place for everyone in the cast and chorus of WOz and One-Acts!
It will, however, take us a few days to finalize the WOz cast.  We are having call backs for small group on Friday after school.  Everyone else needs to relax, and we ought to have the list finalized by Monday or Tuesday.

The call back list is:
Evan Flynn
Michele Benevento
Casey Madsen
Aileen O'Brien
Anthony Raus
Emilie Coutin
John Lantz

 We will meet at 2:30 in 172

Casting Update!

Thanks to all who joined us yesterday!  Vocals were great and there are some strong potentials for the cast.  Some of the principal parts will have understudies cast; the understudies will play the leads for the March 19 matinee, and the usual principals will work in the chorus that day.

We look forward to seeing all of you this afternoon.

Jitterbug steps for audition

For you all who came early to learn the dance and want to practice tonight, here are the steps from Ms. Horton and Ms. Childs:

The Jitterbug
Audition Piece



Kick front kick side (R) pas de boure

Repeat (L)

Fan kick R dig unwind

Step chasse step chasse

Drag R ball change drag L ball change

Chane step cut (arms)

Step scuff together

Dig step together

Shoulders up down x2

Pivot turn

Step chasse

Step L, R

Run to front

Chane x2

Step R

Dig L R L

Auditions Today and Tomorrow!

This is it folks!  Auditions are in the band room after school today for singing, and in the auditorium tomorrow for acting and dancing.  Remember that we are casting Winter One-acts at the same time, so if you want to be in one-acts, come out on Wednesday. 

There may be call-backs on Friday, or we may just be able to cast from the first round.  Either way, WOz cast lists will be posted by early next week.  One-acts directors should be at Wednesday's audition to see the readings and supply Mr. McKeeby with a wish-list for their cast by Thursday.  Production will cast one-acts from your wish lists.

Good Luck!

Audition Updates

Be sure to check the audition information in the 10/7 posting for the full story on auditions. Use the "view older posts" link below or the links on the right of the page.

Remember we are casting Winter One-acts and WOz at the same time. Those interested in just One-acts only need to come to auditions on Wednsday 10/27.

We have added If I Were King of the Forest to the audition songs. You only need to prepare one song. Yes, you can have your sheet music to sing from, though full control of the lyrics w/o the sheet is always impressive!

Be sure to have a ride home arranged. We can't guaratee to get folks out in time for late bus, so be prepared to carpool or call your folks for a ride.

What About Algonquin?

Middleschoolers are wondering about how WOz affects their annual show. The bottom line is that any student from Algonquin is welcome to audition for WOz, but if cast, can't do both shows. That means that everyone has a choice. Ms. Tonkin at the middle school will have audition tracks, and anyone auditoning will need to come both Tuesday 10/26 to sing and Wednesday 10/27 to act and dance.

We do ask, however, that you be sure of your committment. It is rude to audition, get a part, and then decide to do something else. When you do that it hurts the entire show and can give you the reputation of being unreliable.

Audition Tracks are Here!

The audition tracks are here and you can sign out a set in rm. 172. We've added "If I Were King of the Forest" to the numbers for audition. You only need to prepare ONE on the songs, not all three. I will send two copies down to Algonquin for folks down there to share, Ms. Tonkin will have them. Remember, auditions are just one week away!

Audition Tracks to Arrive Tuesday

We just received word that the audition tracks are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. It will take a few hours to burn loaner copies, but they may be available by the end of the day. Please be supportive of each other by returning them promptly and sharing them! I'll have copies of the music available by this afternoon (Monday) if you need it. Otherwise, you can pick it up when you borrow a CD.

Give Us Your Old Stuff!

Building Oz will be fun, but we need materials to do it. If you have items that will be helpful that you can donate, we would appreciate it. Among the items we are looking for are:
Blue and pink construction/insulation foam and other large foam blocks
fake fur
Old baby dolls (for flying monkey puppets; I know it sounds disturbing, but they will be really cool, we promise.)
1/2" through 1" PVC pipe
1/4" luan plywood
Gaudy costume materials
Dark colored long coats for Winkie uniforms
Old frames from backpacks

On another note, if anyone out there reading this wants to help head up a construction or costume team, let me know!

Audition Tracks to Arrive Soon!

We're still waiting for the music to arrive for auditions; I'll put a fresh post up here as soon as it's available. When we have it, you may sign it out overnight only. We may add the "King of the Forest" number to the audition numbers, so if you like that or it fits your range, let me know.

More from Wizard of Design Logan Kline!

Don't you just hate it when trees throw apples at you? We know the WOz cast will, too. Still, it will be awfully fun to play an anthropomorphic apple tree, especially if we can make these ones come to life!

If you have design and construction ideas please join us on Wednesday 10/13 in HS 172. We need your help!

Munchkinland Design Preview!

We couldn't be any more excited to share a small preview of Logan Kline's WOz sketchbook! You're looking at preliminary drawings of munchkin city hall and munchkin houses. These will be constructed in low relief on rolling wagons on the stage. While we have lots of student help lined up to build, we're hoping to have some parents join us, so please contact Mr. McKeeby at mckeebym@averillpark.k12.ny.us if you would like to join us.

We need donations of construction materials and paint. If you have any blue or pink foam insulation around, or good latex paint, let us know.

AUDITION INFORMATION!

It's what you've been waiting for! Audition dates are set. As most of you know, WOz will follow our Winter One-Acts, a charity benefit performance for the county EOC. Since the two productions will be overlapping we will be casting them simultaneously. The dates will be October 26 & 27, with Friday the 29th reserved for call-backs should we need them.

Here's how it will work:
There will be an information meeting on Thursday 10/14 in HS 172. We will review expectations at the meeting, and hopefully have the accompaniment CDs available for practice. Students will need to prepare either "Over the Rainbow" or "If I Only had a Brain." Karaoke CDs matched to the show music will be available for you to borrow on an overnight only basis. You can use these to practice for the audition. By using the same CD and songs we are working to ensure an absolutely equal opportunity for everyone.

Tuesday, October 26 will be vocal auditions in the band room. They will begin at 2:30 and run until everyone is done, possibly until after 4pm. You may or may not be asked to sing the entire song. Don't be insulted if you sing a bit and we let you know we have a good sense of your skill level.

Wednesday, October 27 will be reading and dance day. A scene will be provided for small groups to perform at the audition. You'll have a few minutes to go over it and them be asked to perform it. In addition you may be asked to show you ability to move on stage in the manner of an animal such as a lion or monkey, or an artifical being like a scarecrow or tin man. After the reading, groups will be asked to learn a short dance from one of our choreographers and then perform it. Students auditioning for Winter One-Acts only will read the scene and do the motion activites.

Friday, October 29 will be a call back day, by invitation or arrangement only.

The Cast list will be posted by November 3rd.

F.A.Q.s

Q: I don't like the key of the songs; can we change them?
A: No.

Q: I'll be on vacation that week; can I come in earlier or later?
A: No. In some cases we can work you into the call back day, but only by advance arrangement.

Q: I only want to be in One-Acts. Do I need to come both days?
A: No, you can just come on the 27th. That said, the stress of the audition process is a valaubale learning experience, so I encourage everyone to come both days.

Q: Can I make the late bus?
A: If you cannot get a ride, we will do our best to accommodate you, but remember, rehearsals will be running after late buses so you will need to be able to get rides.

Q: I have to babysit, or work, or go to sports practice after school, but still want to be in the show. How can I do both?
A: You can't. There will be many design, construction, painting, and promotional opportunities that will have flexible scheduling, but performance on stage or in the pit orchestra will require your full attention.

Q: How will the fact that I'm a freshman (or a boy) (or a girl) (or tall) (or short) (or whatever else) affect my chance of getting a role?
A: Casting will hinge on ability, effort, and responsibility. Your age, gender, and other characteristics take a back seat. We love the chance to make unusual casting choices. Can the Lion, Scarecrow, or Tin Man be a woman? Why not? This is our show, not a mere copy of the movie. Could Dorothy be a boy? Well, that's less likely but never entirely out of the question.

It's true that students who have more experience and a proven ability to work well with others do have a bit of a leg up, but that is the way the world works. If you use that as an excuse not to give it a try, you are only hurting yourself in the long run.

Please contact Professor marvel here on the WOzblog or Mr. McKeeby at the High School if you have questions.

WIZARD OF OZ PIT BAND

A note from musical director Mr. Zaffuts


Throughout the show music is written in 11 of the twelve key signatures. You need to feel comfortable in these keys (as in know how to play the scale).

Woodwind and string parts require fast sixteenth note or sextuplet playing.

It is important that your sense of pitch (intonation) is strong and you have the technique required to perform the faster rhythms.

First thing you want to do is make sure you have cleared the performance and dress rehearsal dates on your calendar.

Dates:

Working backwards:

Performance dates:
Friday, March 11 evening
Saturday, March 12 matinee
Saturday, March 12 evening

Friday, March 18 evening
Saturday, March 19 matinee
Saturday, March 19 evening

Dress Reherarsals:
M-Th March 7-10 after school till finished (could be 5:30 p.m. or later)
M-Th March 14-17 after school till finished

Regular Rehearsals:
January – March 4 after school for around 90 minutes…some days more some days less depending on scheduling with cast.

Early November until holiday break – after school a couple days each week between
60-90 minutes.


See Mr. Zaffuts for more info!

Munchkin Casting Soon!

Hello all-

This is the first of a series of notes that will no doubt continue through the production. This one outlines Munchkin plans and scheduling. If there is a question, problem or reason dates won’t work, or any other issue please let me know!

1. What will the Munchkin group need to do?

The munchkins will appear in the “Munchkin Musical sequence” a number that includes “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, We Welcome you to Munchkinland, and Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” In addition, we would like them to be poppies and snowflakes which can include then singing a chorus of Glinda’s song. Alternately, that bit can be done by ensemble HS kids.

2. Who gets to be a munchkin?

Based on our previous meeting the elem. Music folks feel 3rd graders are the right group for the job. Limiting factors include parents’ ability to provide transportation, family scheduling, etc. We can reasonably fit in the neighborhood of 30 munchkin students (give or take) on stage. The hope is scheduling restrictions will naturally limit the group to the size we need. In the event there is bigger interest, we will have an audition and the Director and HS production staff will choose the munchkins.

3. What about the Coroner, Mayor, etc.?

We leave this to the elementary teachers to decide who the strongest performers are. Should the teachers be uncomfortable making the call, the director and HS production staff will.

4. What is the schedule?

This is in three phases:

A. After we have identified the munchkins, we will send HS ‘munchkin wranglers’ to each of the elementary schools one day each week for a dance/singing session with the kids. Elem music teachers will need to assist/supervise this process. This will begin after the Thanksgiving break for a total of six sessions with each school.

B. Starting after regents week we will need each school’s munchkin group to come to the HS once to work on the stage with cast and pit band. The current tentative dates are MH- 2/2, WSL-2/9, and Poes. 2/16, all Wednesdays. HS students will continue to do one session each week with the groups not visiting the HS.

C. March is just two weeks from the shows! That means we will be doing full run-throughs on the HS stage. We would like to do them in the proper running order of the show. We'll work with transporatation to get a bus set up. Schools will alternate days, WSL first, then Poestenkill, then MH-SL.


5. What days will the HS students come to each elementary?

The plan is to have them out on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We can change that as necessary, or to fit schedules. Which day will be used for which school is to be determined.

6. When do we cast?

The HS will cast 10/26-10/28. The elementary groups will need to be organized by Thanksgiving at the elementary music teacher’s discretion


7. What about permission slips, etc.?

We have yet to draw these up; any help will be appreciated.

Back to Oz

Although Summer was slow, the WOz team was working on plans, and the adult end of the design team got together yesterday for our first major planning meeting. In all my years of school productions it was one of the most exciting planning sessions we have ever had. Just wait until you see our ideas for Toto and the Cowardly Lion!

We're hoping to add some amazing puppetry (a la the AMAZING Julie Taymore) to the show, so there will be lots of roles for students.

Scheduling is also underway, so the full production schedule ought to be posted by early next week. I'm also hoping to pry some set and costume sketches from Mr. Kline to share soon.

Stay tuned for more info!

Casting and Comment Replies

Exciting things are brewing behind the scenes, but it's not yet time to reveal all the details! For today, just a couple of replies to comments.

One reader asked if upperclassmen at the high school will be cast in the lead roles. The short answer is "possibly."

In the thirty-some shows I have been involved in at APHS we have never cast a person based on their grade in school. Factors that figure into the casting equation are talent, physical ability, responsibility, experience, ability to work in a group, and how well the person fits the role. Of course a musical complicates the mix by adding singing and dancing to the list. A freshman who has the skills is every bit as likely to be cast as a senior. An upperclassman might have an advantage are in some areas since they have had more time to practice, but that depends on the person.

One thing that everyone needs to keep in mind (and I think this probably applies in many areas of life) is that there are only so many parts in a show. No matter how many of you out there have dreamed of being Dorothy, we can only cast one. This can lead to bad feelings and sour grapes if you are one of the runners-up. Folks who are successful in the long run always give it their best shot at auditions, but also pick themselves up and try again if casting doesn't go the way they hoped.

Another important factor is to stay involved! If you don't get a part you want, join in and help in another way. A person who shows their flexibility by working behind the scenes when they're not cast in a stage role has a leg up in the areas of responsibility, experience, ability to work in a group when the next show comes along. Contrast that with a person who doesn't get a lead and refuses to play a small part or participate in another way. Can you say "Diva?" The person who turns into a great performer works hard and learns about all aspects of theatre life; dealing with disappointment is a big one.

Another reader asked how the production will affect the Algonquin musical.

From the time we first decided on WOz, we conceived it as a district-wide production. We hope as many folks as possible will get involved. Algonquin will still be doing its own show next season as is the tradition. We are currently thinking about ways to integrate middle schoolers into the mix, so if you have a good idea, we would love to hear it!

That's all for today! Keep those comments coming!

Munchkinland

One of our goals is to involve as many district students as we can. That said, we can only fit so many bodies on our stage. The teachers involved have met and discussed the issue and came up with the following plan: while we are going to find ways that everyone can have a hand in the production we have limited on-stage munchkins to the third graders of each elementary school.

In addition, munchkins and their families will need to sign a performance contract (available at the beginning of the upcoming school year) that they will attend all required rehearsals, many of which will be after school. Music teachers at each of the elementaries will work with them on the munchkin medley, and dance captains from the high school will help with the choreography. This is going to take considerable commitment from parents.

I'm sure there will be families of students in other elementary grades who will wish their students could be on stage during the show. Please understand we are limited by the space available, and we will do our best to provide other set, costume and design opportunities for their students.

How Far Out Should We Go?

WOz is a classic, and when folks come to see it they expect to experience a live version of the MGM film. No matter that film and theatre are different creatures; if Dorothy isn't wearing the blue gingham dress, there may be a riot. Here's a question for anyone out there reading: how far away from MGM dare we go? As a director, I don't want to reproduce someone else's work. I'd rather try to help folks to see a classic through a new set of lenses. On the other hand, most folks are pretty conservative when it comes to their childhood favorites. Certainly sets and costumes are places to play around a bit. I'm also interested in creative use of our space. One of the students noted that our stage is about 1/3 the size of a few other schools in the area. How might we push out beyond the apron and into the house without overwhelming the band, the audience, or the budget?

Follow the Yellow Brick Road!

The coundown begins today! March 10-12 and 17-19 2011 The APHS Off Broadway Players will present The Wizard of Oz on the APHS stage. Today's intial entry celebrates the first production meeting. We hope to use this blog to share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and keep everyone up to date on the production's progress. Check back frequently, and share your comments.

Our hope is to involve as many students and families in the district as we can. If you would like to help out, let us know!