Today was the first day of the Music Man auditions and it was great to see everyone dance! Several people wished to get their hands on more packets, so I am posting this link here for all those trying to find a monologue. Tomorrow we will post callbacks. Expect more updates this week!

The first Thespian Night Out event to see Peter and the Starcatchers at BFT was a success! The show was fantastic and well done and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Next thespian night is August 7 to see Shrek the Musical at Virginia Samford Theatre where hopefully we can see more smiling faces like these.

For all the Thespians out there, we are doing several Top It Off nights over the summer. We have 2 left. The dates are July 15 and August 19.

Also, Thespian Night Out information has been posted under the thespian tab at the bottom of the page. Make sure you fill out a permission form for each production you plan to attend. Parents are welcome to come also!

Helena High School’s first spring play was April 16-19 and was an instant success. The cast and tech came together in a way where people could be sick and everyone helped to cover their part so that there was no gap. Below are several pictures from the production.

On Friday April 17th, the Advanced Theater students went on tour to Helena Intermediate and Helena Elementary School to present stories to the kids. The first stop was to Helena Intermediate school where the Theater III students had adapted, cast, and directed 3 fairytales. These fairytales were to be presented with minimal set that we could carry with us to 300 3rd graders. The program was “Goldilocks” directed by Michelle L, “Godfather Dream” directed by Andrea A, and ended with “Rumpelstiltskin” directed by Logan S. We arrived, set up, and had a great time with the students as can be seen in the pictures below.

After the Intermediate school, we had to pack up quick to go to the Elementary school. Here, we were scheduled to break into groups of no more than 3 and to go to kindergarten classrooms and read/act out a children’s book. The kindergartners appreciated the visit as many had their big brothers or sisters come by and the high schoolers loved the trip down memory lane and seeing some old teachers. Below are some of the pictures from this event.

Once that was finished, we went to get lunch and support local Helena business with a quick trip to the Depot, where kids could reflect on their experiences and enjoy a bite to eat!

Overall, it was a great day and a great time for all involved and looks to be the first in an annual advanced theater tour project!

Below is the information from the parent meeting for Fools if you lost your copy or if you need to see more of it.

Please read and if you wish to volunteer please let me know via email so I can sign you up!

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Drama Program Ads Form Fools

Drama Rules

Drama Ticket Order Form Fools

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Helena Parent Setupp2 (1)

On February 10 & 12, the advanced theater classes were blessed to receive a visit from Dennis McLernon, one of the drama professors from UAB. Dennis focused primarily on how to drop the social mask that we wear to respond to each other in a truthful and earnest way. Then on Thursday he focused on how to create group dynamic and truth through simple rhythms. Below are several pictures from his time with our classes and the great time we had.

Congratulations to everyone who auditioned for the Spring play,

Fools

. We had a great turnout and it was incredibly hard to choose.

Below is the cast for the spring show. Please notify Mr. Casey through email if you accept your part and check you email tomorrow for rehearsal schedule.

Main Cast / Understudy
Sophia Zubritsky – Ashli F / Cameron J
Leon Tolchinsky – Houston B / Jonah S
Dr. Zubritsky – Jordan C / Brayden W
Lenya Zubritsky – Andrea A / Lyn B
Snetsky – Michelle L / Austin M
Mishkin – Katie G / Brooke D
Slovitch – John M / Reed D
Yenchna – Gillian A / Hunter V
Gregor Yousekevitch – Jarrett M / Steven D
Magistrate – Morgan N / Mary C
Reverend – Jonah S / Andrew B
Sheriff – Steven D / Isaiah D
Lumberjack – Brayden W / Austin M
Cow – Mariah H / Paige J

Once again, thanks to everyone who auditioned and I look forward to hearing from the rest and seeing you Monday!

On Friday January 30, Helena Theater students had the privilege of working with Birmingham-Southern’s Theatre Department Head Alan Litsey. In Theater I he worked with students to introduce them to the struggle of the chorus and to the eternal questions of the Greeks. In Theater II/III he taught a workshop connecting the practices and beliefs of the great acting coach Stanislavski to the more recent Viola Spolin. Below are several pictures from the great time the students had.