Upstage Theatre for Youth

Upstage Going Dark in 2012

2012-01-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

It has been a difficult decision, one that the Board of Directors does not take lightly. However we regretfully announce that Upstage Theatre for Youth will go dark in 2012. Our hope is to be back up and running for 2013.

At Upstage we are all about the kids. Kids learning and Growing through Theatre. Over the past few years we have had some growing pains. We need to add to our Board of Directors. If we are to continue we simply must have more volunteers. We are also considering our options for locations to rehearse and perform.

Currently we are seeking people who would like to interview for positions on the Upstage Board of Directors. We are interested in finding some Honest, Hardworking people willing to volunteer time, 2 arms and 1 leg.. The kids are worth it! All applicants must be 21 years of age. Please contact Michelle Fitzwater by e-mail if you are interested in interviewing. michelle@connect-comm.com

Alice in Wonderland Opening

2011-10-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Upstage Theatre for Youth is proud to present

Music and Lyrics by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard,

Oliver Wallace and Cy Coban, Allie Wrubel and

Ray Gilbert, Mack David, All Hoffman and Jerry Livingston

Music Adapted and Arranged and Additional

Music and Lyrics by Bryan Louiselle

Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by David Simpatico

Based on the 1951 Disney film "Alice in Wonderland"

and the novels "The Adventures of Alice in the Wonderland"

and "Through the Looking Glass" by Lewis Carroll

Directed by

Chad and Tina Mortensen

Shows running November 4th, 5th, 7th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 18th and closing night 19th.

At the Historic Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center

10 South 600 East Payson

$7.00 Adults $6.00 Students and Seniors

$5.00 Children 3-12 Children 2 and under are free

$25.00 Family Pass

(immediate family members up to 7 people)

For special group rates over 10 available or

to purchase tickets for will call

contact Norma 801 465 1158

by e-mail tnbarnum@msn.com

Group of 10 rates only available on Monday performances

Anyone willing to bring a bottle of Dawn/Ivory type dish soap or a clean wash cloth, will receive $1.00 of any regular priced ticket. All donations will be made into gift bags for local needy for Christmas. Your donations are greatly appreciated!

Not our Un-Birthday!

2011-09-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Upstage is excited to be celebrating our 10 year Anniversary, with Disney’s classic production of Alice in Wonderland! Some faces have changed, but our motto Building Youth Through Theatre has stayed the same. Ten years of kids growing and learning through theatre. Upstage is all about opportunities, and serving the kids in our community.

Past shows have included; Shrew, James and the Giant Peach, Little Women, The Importance of being Earnest, Robin Hood, The Sound of Music, Aladdin, Doo Wop Wed Widinghood, Willy Wonka Jr, and recently Narnia.

In 2010 we had our very popular, Of Sound Dreams fundraising production. Chad Hymas, Jason Hewlett, local businesses and our amazing community supported us in our effort to purchase a sound system. That dream was realized in March 2011!

Our current production will mark 10 years of quality shows, amazing casts and great memories. Alice in Wonderland cast members began rehearsals 1 month ago. Special thanks to C.S. Lewis Academy for offering us space to rehearse! ““They have been wonderful to work with, and so kind. Had they not offered us this space to rehearse, we may have had to cancel this show!”” said current Upstage President Adam Cannon.

Join us in November at Peteetneet for a step into this imaginary world of fantasy and adventure! Our Alices (Emily Garrett, Sarah Greenwood and Audrey Herget) will be waiting with all kinds of advise from the Caterpillar (Jamie Finch)! Directors of this production are the wildly popular Chad and Tina Mortensen. Shows run November 7^th, 11^th & 12^th. Then again November 14^th, 18^th & 19^th. You wont want to miss it!

Auditions for Night One

2011-08-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of talented people audition tonight; which was great, but that makes it harder for call backs! We applaud everyone for their hard work and please understand that the casting process is difficult. It is never our intention to hurt anyone, but we can only take so many. Thank you again for taking the time to audition. We have one more night of auditions and we are anxious to see more talent individuals. See you tomorrow if you were unable to come tonight!

-Chad and Tina (Directors)

FREE Ballet Slippers

2011-08-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

We wanted to post this because we thought it was an amazing deal. FREE ballet slippers, but you will have to pay shipping. We like our actors to wear black shoes and black ballet shoes could work. There are a few roles that we do not want to wear flat shoes, but because of this deal, we still wanted to post it online. We are not sure how long this promotion will be going for, but if anyone is interested here is the LINK:

https://www.capeziodance.com/freeballetslippers/index.php

Updated Information Alice, getting excited!!!

2011-08-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Auditions are just 8 days away. We are feverishly getting everything ready for a very large load of extremly talented kids. Everyone should come... We wanted to give everyone a heads up on a few things.

Auditions Dates

Thursday, August 11th &

Friday, August 12th

5pm to 7pm

Call Backs (to those invited)

Saturday, August 13th from 9am to Noon

Originally we wanted to have Auditions a little bit earlier. But because of the rush, we will be starting actual rehearsals on Monday, August 15th. We will post the final cast list on Saturday night or early Sunday. You must be ready to be at rehearsals on Monday! Please take that into account when you tryout. We have no time to loose. This is a huge play, tons of music and fun amazing stuff. So we need every hour we can get. Our rehearsals will be in Santaquin at the C.S. Lewis Academy. We are sending a big thank you to them for letting us use their space. We will have information about the parent meeting at Auditions. See you there!!!

Below is a list of the speaking cast positions that will be available..

Cheshire Cat 1 - Male or Female/10+

Cheshire Cat 2 - Male or Female/10+

Cheshire Cat 3 - Male or Female/10+

Mathilda – Female/13+

Alice – Female/10+ (Height will be a factor)

Tall Alice – Female/12+ (Height will be a factor)

Small Alice – Female/ 8+ (Height will be a factor)

White Rabbit – Male or Female/11+

Doorknob – Male or Female/7+

Dodo Bird – Male/11+

Rock Lobsters (2 - 4) – Male or Female/8+

Tweedle Dum – Male or Female/11+

Tweedle Dee - Male or Female/11+

Rose – Female /11+

Petunia - Female /11+

Lily - Female /11+

Violet - Female 9+

Daisy - Female 9+

Caterpillar – Male or Female/12+

Mad hatter – Male/12+

March Hare – Male/12+

Royal Cardsmen (8 - 10) – Male and Female/11+

Queen of Hearts – Female/13+

King of Hearts – Male/10+

Wonderland Creatures and Ensemble (10 - 15) – Male and Female/5+

Message from the Directors

2011-07-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

We are getting excited for "Alice in Wonderland" auditions and know this will be a fun show! Come prepared to audition with around 16 bars from a song on either August 11th or 12th between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. Auditions will be at Peteetneet in Payson. We are open to any choice of song, but preferably a Pop or Disney Song. We will post a list of who will be called back by 9:00pm Friday, August 12th. Call backs will be from 9:00am until 12:00pm, also at Peteetneet. Everyone that is asked to be at callbacks is needed the entire time unless told otherwise. The final cast list will be posted by Sunday, August 14th by 10:00pm. We look forward to hearing from many talented youth!

**Information will be given at auditions of where to view the

callback and final cast list**

REMINDER: ONCE AUDITIONS ARE OVER, AUDITIONING IS CLOSED - MEANING NO LATE AUDITIONS AND IF YOU ARE NOT ON THE CALL BACK LIST, PLEASE DON'T COME TO CALL BACKS

Meet the Directors: Chad and Tina

Payson Chronicle Mistake

2011-07-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

If you read the Payson Chronicle in this afternoon's addition, it has the wrong Audition Dates. Please check below for the updated Audition Dates... We thought we caught the mistake before it made the newspaper. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Auditions Dates

Thursday, August 11th & Friday, August 12th

5pm to 7pm

Call Backs (to those invited)

Saturday, August 13th from 9am to Noon

At the Peteetneet Museum & Cultural Arts Center

Ages 5 years old, to 17 years are invited to Audition!

This cast is expected to be a large cast.

Rehearsals will begin in August!

Auditions for Alice in Wonderland - Revised

2011-07-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

Upstage Theatre for Youth

is proud to announce auditions for our next amazing production

We are excited to bring back the amazing duo team as our directors

Chad & Tina Mortensen

Please come prepared to sing only 15 bars of any musical style song.

We will have a pianist to play your music, or a CD/tape player if needed.

Auditions Dates

Thursday, August 11th & Friday, August 12th

5pm to 7pm

Call Backs (to those invited)

Saturday, August 13th from 9am to Noon

At the Peteetneet Museum & Cultural Arts Center

Ages 5 years old, to 17 years are invited to Audition!

This cast is expected to be a large cast.

Rehearsals will begin in August!

Alice in Wonderland

2011-07-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

Exciting information coming soon about Alice in Wonderland Auditions!

Please keep checking back! We are working out the kink's,

and will be announcing as soon as possible!

Practice from April 18 to April 23

2011-04-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Here's the schedule for the week:

MONDAY (April 18)
4:00 to 6:00 at Peteetneet
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed
WE NEED SET PAINTERS TODAY!

TUESDAY (April 19)
4:30 to 6:30 at Peteetneet
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed
WE NEED SET PAINTERS TODAY!

FRIDAY (April 22)
4:30 to 6:30 at Peteetneet
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed
WE NEED SET PAINTERS TODAY!

SATURDAY (April 23)
9:00 to 11:00 at Peteetneet
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed
WE NEED SET PAINTERS TODAY!

Important Announcements from Julianna...

2011-04-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

1) I've started sending out tracks via email. If any of the cast members have not been receiving these email, please let me know. Send an email to julianna.boulter@gmail.com, and I will send the tracks.

2) Even though we don't have rehearsal this week, that doesn't mean practicing should stop! We are about to open the show, which means everyone needs to keep working hard, even through the break. Spend a little time each day going over blocking, lines, music, and choreography. Don't forget anything.

3) When we come back to rehearsal next week, everything MUST BE MEMORIZED. For every line and entrance missed, YOU WILL OWE ONE DOLLAR. Please don't come up to us with excuses about how you can't pay because you don't have a job and you don't make money. If you don't have money to pay the dollar, don't miss any of your lines or entrances. No excuses. Get it memorized. (If there are parents who have concerns about this, you can feel free to call Julianna at 801-787-1341. If your children come to you and ask you to pay the dollar, DON'T. This is supposed to be a consequence for them, no the parents. The cast is supposed to be memorized, and they know this. If they absolutely can't pay the dollar, we'll work it out of them through slave labor.)

4) From here on out, we are getting into "do or die" mode. We have all worked so hard, and we want to make sure that our hard work pays off in the end. Because of this, we expect everyone to be in attendance this week. NO MORE ABSENCES OR TARDIES. Also, if we are not able to accomplish all that we need to in the two hours of rehearsal time, we will stay later. Please be prepared for this. We have been quite lenient with absences and missed time at rehearsals, so please be patient as we enter this last stretch of rehearsals. We will try our hardest to be respectful of time and to stick to the rehearsal schedule, but we must get through everything if we are going to be able to have a successful show at the end of the month.

April 5 through April 16

2011-04-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here's the schedule for the week:

TUESDAY (April 5)
4:30 to 6:30 at Peteetneet
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed

FRIDAY (April 8)
4:30 to 6:30 at Peteetneet
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed

SATURDAY (April 9)
9:00 to 11:00 at Peteetneet
Entire Cast + Set Helpers
Parent Volunteer: none needed

MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY (April 11 - April 16)
No practice due to spring break.

Rehearsal Schedule (March 28 to April 2)

2011-03-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the schedule for the week:

TUESDAY (March 28)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed

THURSDAY (March 31)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed

Friday (April 1)
4:30 to 6:30 at Peteetneet Academy
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed

SATURDAY (April 2)
PRACTICE CANCELED FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE!

ATTENTION!

2011-03-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was looking at our calendar and I realized that we have a rehearsal scheduled for April 2 from 9 to 11. When this was scheduled we failed to realize that it would be a conflict for most cast members. April 2nd is the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Therefore, please consider the April 2nd rehearsal CANCELED. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Reminder

2011-03-15T08:32:00.001-07:00

I got a comment on the blog that reminds me that sometimes I don't post quite on time for rehearsals. I do apologize for that. I know it is frustrating.

Please remember that the blog is not the only way to know who needs to come to rehearsal. It's just sort of an extra reminder. The calendar you got at the beginning of the show is one way (although, granted, it is a little hard to read). The parent calendar is another. If you have lost the link to the parent calendar... here it is... PARENT CALENDAR. Every time I post the schedule on the blog I copy/paste it straight from the parent calendar.

That being said, I will make more of an effort to post on Saturday night every week for the next week.

See you at practice!

Thanks,

Liz Coughanour

Attendance Issues

2011-03-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

We have noticed a lot of absences from rehearsal!

This is upsetting because those who do make an effort to come to every rehearsal can't get the full effect of practice. PLEASE DO NOT MISS REHEARSALS!!! It is unprofessional and it is draining on the momentum of the show. Move your schedules around, make sacrifices in other areas if you have to, write down the practice times somewhere where you will remember. It is vital that you make this show a priority.

'Nuff said. Come to practice.

Rehearsal Schedule (March 12 to March 26)

2011-03-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

Sorry I didn't get this up sooner!
Here's the schedule for this week and next week:

SATURDAY (March 12)
9:00 to 11:00 at Liberty
Aslan, Witch, Dwarf, The Cruelies, Edmund, Susan, Lucy, Fenris, Bad Narnians
Parent Volunteer: none needed

TUESDAY (March 15)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed

THURSDAY (March 17)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Susan, Lucy, Edmund, Peter, Beavers, Professor, Aslan, Father Christmas, Witch, Dwarf
Parent Volunteer: none needed

SATURDAY (March 19)
9:00 to 11:00 at Liberty
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed

TUESDAY (March 22)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: 1 needed!

THURSDAY (March 24)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
All Soloists
Parent Volunteer: 1 needed!

SATURDAY (March 26)
9:00 to 11:00 at Liberty
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: none needed

Rehearsal Schedule (Feburary 21 through March 5)

2011-02-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

Here's the schedule for this week and next week:

TUESDAY (Feb 22)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Professor, Macready, Pevensies, Tumnus, Witch, Dwarf, Fenris, Wolves, Beavers, Father Christmas, Squirrel, Fox, Dryad, Owl, Unicorn, Dog, Eagle, Bull Leopard, Aslan, Fenris, Good Narnians
Parent Volunteer: 2 needed!

THURSDAY (Feb 24)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Entire Cast
Parent Volunteer: 1 needed!

SATURDAY (Feb 26)
9:00 to 11:00 at Liberty
Professor, Macready, Pevensies, Tumnus, Witch, Dwarf, Fenris, Wolves, Beavers, Father Christmas, Squirrel, Fox, Dryad, Owl, Unicorn, Dog, Eagle, Bull Leopard, Aslan, Fenris, Good Narnians
Parent Volunteer: 1 needed!

TUESDAY (March 1)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Witch, Dwarf, Pevensies, Fenris, The Cruelies (Specter, Hag, Boggle, Zombie, Ogre, Gorgon), Bull, Unicorn, Leopard, Satyr, Deer, Beavers, Aslan
Parent Volunteer: none needed

THURSDAY (March 3)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Aslan, Beavers, Pevensies, Good Narnians (including Squirrel, Fox, Dryad, Owl, Unicorn, Dog, Eagle, Bull, Leopard and Tumnus)
Parent Volunteer: none needed

SATURDAY (March 5)
9:00 to 11:00 at Liberty
Aslan, Witch, Dwarf, The Cruelies (Specter, Hag, Boggle, Zombie, Ogre, Gorgon), Pevensies, Good Narnians (including Squirrel, Fox, Dryad, Owl, Unicorn, Dog, Eagle, Bull, Leopard and Tumnus)
Parent Volunteer: none needed

Next Show Announced

2011-02-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

It is our pleasure to announce the Fall show...
Join Alice's madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game! Roles are plentiful, including three Cheshire Cats and dozens of other wonderfully wacky characters. This fast-paced stage adaptation of Alice in Wonderland features updated dialogue and new arrangements of such classic Disney songs as "I'm Late," "The Un-birthday Song" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah."

This show will be directed by Chad and Tina Mortensen.

Specific times and dates are undecided. Please look for audition announcements toward the end of the summer.

Rehearsal Schedule (February7 to February 21)

2011-02-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

Here's the schedule for the week and next week:

TUESDAY (Feb 8)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Peter, Susan, Lucy, Beavers, Father Christmas, Edmund, Witch, Dwarf, Squirrel, Fox, Dryad
Parent Volunteer: none needed

THURSDAY (Feb 10)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Susan, Lucy, Peter, Edmund, Father Christmas, Beavers
Parent Volunteer: none needed

SATURDAY (Feb 12)
9:00 to 11:00 at Liberty
Susan, Peter, Lucy, Beavers, Owl, Unicorn, Dog, Eagle, Bull, Leopard, Aslan, Fenris, Wolf, Edmund, Witch, Dwarf
Parent Volunteer: 1 needed

TUESDAY (Feb 15)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Professor, Macready, Pevensies, Tumnus, Witch, Dwarf, Fenris, Wolves, Beavers, Father Christmas, Squirrel, Fox, Dryad, Owl, Unicorn, Dog, Eagle, Bull Leopard, Aslan, Fenris, Good Narnians
Parent Volunteer: Mandy Tanner

THURSDAY (Feb 17)
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Aslan, Edmund, Susan, Lucy, Peter, Beavers, Good Narnians (including Squirrel, Fox, Dryad, Owl, Unicorn, Dog, Eagle, Bull, Leopard and Tumnus)
Parent Volunteer: Julie Nielson

SATURDAY (Feb 19)
9:00 to 11:00 at Liberty
Professor, Macready, Pevensies, Tumnus, Witch, Dwarf, Fenris, Wolves, Beavers, Father Christmas, Squirrel, Fox, Dryad, Owl, Unicorn, Dog, Eagle, Bull Leopard, Aslan, Fenris, Good Narnians
Parent Volunteer: MaryLynn Johnson

If you have questions please email us at upstagetheatreforyouth@gmail.com

Rehearsals (Jan 31 through Feb 5)

2011-01-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

Here's the schedule for the week:

TUESDAY
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Edmund, Fenris, Witch, Dwarf, Squirrel, Fox and Dryad
Parent Volunteer: Amy Kersh

THURSDAY
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Susan, Lucy, Beavers, Good Narnians, Peter, Edmund and Professor Kirk
Parent Volunteer: none needed

SATURDAY
9:00 to 11:00 at Liberty
Professor, Macready, Susan, Lucy, Peter, Edumund, Tumnus, Witch, Dwarf, Wolves, Beavers, Fenris, and Dwarf
Parent Volunteer: 1 needed!

If you have questions please email us at upstagetheatreforyouth@gmail.com

NOTE: If you have a script, please write your name on the cover. If you have a music score, please write your name on the inside cover in pencil.

First Week of Rehearsals!

2011-01-24T15:19:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first week of rehearsals for Narnia! Most of you have received a calendar. If you have not, here is the first week...

TUESDAY
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
Professor Kirk, Mrs. Macready, Lucy, Susan, Peter, Edmund, Mr. Tumnus, White Witch, Dwarf, and the Wolves
Parent Volunteer: Amy Kersh

THURSDAY
4:30 to 6:30 at Liberty
White Witch, Dwarf, Edmund, Fenris, Cruelies (Specter, Hag, Boggle, Gorgon, Zombie, Ogre)
Parent Volunteer: None needed

SATURDAY
9:00 to 11:00 at Liberty
ENTIRE CAST! (This is a change from the calendar, so you should be receiving a call or email about it soon)
Parent Volunteer: 2 needed!

If you have questions please email us at upstagetheatreforyouth@gmail.com

NOTE: We will post the week's rehearsals every week, so check the blog often!

Narnia Cast List (cont...)

2011-01-21T22:19:00.000-08:00

Due to an oversight, several characters in the show were not assigned.

Congratulations to the following people who will now be playing those characters:

Wolves: Benjamin Cardoza and Angie McKnight
Satyr: Seth Harrison
Deer: Jessica Morgan
Squirrel: Isaac Barnum
Fox: Annica Tanner
Dryad: Sarah Morgan

Thank you!

Narnia Cast List

2011-01-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everybody who came to callbacks. We were amazed at the overflowing talent exhibited. Thanks especially to all those who were patient with us and gave up part of their evening.

The cast for Narnia the Musical is as follows

Bayli Alexander--LUCY PEVENSIE

Ashlin Alexander--SUSAN PEVENSIE

Joel Mason--EDMUND PEVENSIE

Josh Mason--PETER PEVENSIE

Coulson Bingham--MR. TUMNUS

Hayden Berg--ASLAN

RachelAnne Kersh--WHITE WITCH

Abel Johnson--DWARF

Joshua Condie--FENRIS ULF

Adam Kersh--PROFESSOR KIRKE

Victoria Bowman--MRS. MACREADY

Caleb Harrison--FATHER CHRISTMAS

Thomas Petrucka--MR. BEAVER

Tasha Griffin--MRS. BEAVER

Good Narnians

Jeff Crippen--THE BULL

Kaila Birchett--THE OWL

Madison Swensen--THE UNICORN

Ammon Bowman--THE DOG

Alexis Barnum--THE EAGLE

Marshayla Nielson--THE LEOPARD

The Cruelies

Kylee Swenson--SPECTER

Samantha Chipman--HAG

Shannan Carter--BOGGLE

Afton Messenger--ZOMBIE

McKayla McKnight--OGRE

Jenna Claunch--GORGON

Ensemble *the ensemble will play various roles comprising the forces of Good and Evil in Narnia.

Randi Allred
Isaac Barnum
Kate Bonny

Bryn Burningham
Shelby Bulkey
Andrew Cannon
Benjamin Cardoza
Michael Davis

Steven Goodsell
Seth Harrison

Mari Harrison

Samantha Marble

Angie McKnight

Holly Mills

Sarah Morgan
Jessica Morgan

Devyn Olsen

Elizabeth Petrucka

Haley Reece
Alyssa Tanner

Annica Tanner

RJ Lundberg--Director's Assistant

A NOTE TO THE PARENTS:
We are really excited to work with your kids to put on this show. The next item on the agenda is the parent meeting. The parent meeting will be held at Liberty Academy this Saturday at 9:00. Every child in the show must have one parent come to the parent meeting. If you do not attend and we are unable to contact you, your child will be invited to leave the show and come try out for the next one. Children are not required to attend. If you absolutely can not make it to this meeting please contact us at upstagetheatreforyouth@gmail.com.

Narnia Call Backs

2011-01-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who auditioned for Narnia! We had a great turn out.

The following is the list of those we would like to see at call backs on Tuesday, January 18 at 4:30 at Liberty Academy. For those of you who were not asked to come to call backs, please come back and try out for our next show during the summer!

*A few people who missed the original audition have asked for a chance to try out. If you know someone who has not yet auditioned but would still like a chance, please tell them to be at Liberty Academy no later than 4:00 on Tuesday. The directors will be happy to see them before callbacks begin.*

THE CALLBACK LIST

Ashlin Alexander
Bayli Alexander
Randi Allred
Alexis Barnum
Isaac Barnum
Gabriela Bastidas
Carlson Bingham
Adriana Birchett
Kaila Birchett
Katy Bonny
Ammon Bowman
Victoria Bowman
Shelby Bulkey
Bryn Burningham
Aubrey Burningham
Andrew Cannon
Benjamin Cardoza
Shannon Carter
Samantha Chipman
Jenna Claunch
Jeff Crippen
Michael Davis
Abby Eaves
Steven Goodsell
Tasha Griffin
Caleb Harrison
Emma Harrison
Mari Harrison
Seth Harrison
Rachel Harrison
Grace Harrison
Abel Johnson
Abby Johnson
Annika Johnson
Adam Johnson
Adam Kersh
Rachel Anne Kersh
Josh Mason
Joel Mason
Angie McKnight
McKayla McKnight
Afton Messenger
Holly Mills
Jessica Morgan
Sarah Morgan
Margiee Nielson
Marshayla Nielson
Devyn Olsen
Elizabeth Petrucka
Thomas Petrucka
Haley Reece
Austin Swensen
Kylee Swensen
Alyssa Tanner
Annica Tanner
Sierra Webber

Thank you again to all those who auditioned for this show!

Here are a few guidelines to bear in mind for callbacks...
1. Please arrive on time
2. Wear something you can move in as there will be some dancing
3. Be kind and thoughtful to everyone you meet (remember that your audition starts the moment you enter the door)

Again, thank you for trying out and congratulations!

Narnia Auditions!

2011-01-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

Alright folks! Here's the scoop...

Upstage will be holding auditions for NARNIA on Friday, January 14th and Saturday, January 15th!

Here's some info on the show...

Cast: 10 men, 6 women (Chorus: 7 men, 4 women with doubling.)

The first and most famous story of The Chronicles of Narnia has become a musical presentation of this unique, enchanted world filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable, both good and evil, demonic and transcendent. The principal inhabitants, however, are the intelligent talking animals ruled by the majestic King Aslan, the great lion of Narnia. Though Aslan is often absent from the land (so that his very existence is doubted by some), he returns when the need for him is greatest. And entering Narnia at a moment of high adventure are some children—plucked from our world in unexpected ways to help Narnia and to learn from their Narnia odyssey lessons of courage, unselfishness and wisdom that will help them grow. Narnia wants to sing, and from the excitement of the opening song, "Aslan's on the Move," to the joy of "Narnia (You Can't Imagine)," your spirits will soar with all those in Narnia. Area staging. Music orchestration available.

Here's some info on the Auditions...

When? Friday 14th at 4:30 pm OR Saturday 15th at 9:00 am

Where? On Friday, auditions will be held at Liberty Academy (1195 South Elk Ridge Drive Salem, UT) On Saturday, auditions will be held at Peteetneet Cultural Arts Center (10 South 600 East Payson, UT). You only need to come on one of those days.

Who? Youth ages 6 to 18 are welcome to try out! Parents are invited to come as well and may choose to come in and watch the audition or may stay out in the hall. All young children must have an adult with them in the halls.

What do I bring? Bring at least 16 bars of a Broadway-type song to sing. Bring sheet music for our accompanist or bring a CD to sing with or don't bring anything and sing it acapella.

Bring a list on any scheduling you might have over the next few months.

Where can I look for more information about the audition process?
There is a link on the left side of this blog that has lots more info about auditions.

What if I have questions?
Email us at upstagetheatreforyouth@gmail.com

Happy Holidays and an Audition Update.

2010-12-22T14:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Upstagers and alumni! Hope this holiday season is enjoyable for you. If you live anywhere in southern Utah County you probably enjoyed a lot of snow shoveling this week like I did. Luckily, I have four wonderful teenage boys (and a couple of younger girls) who got out and helped too. By our unofficial measurement, we got 22" at my house in Spanish Fork. I'm sure there are other places that got much more. Hope you're taking some time to enjoy the snow as well. I know one of our board members, Michelle Fitzwater, got some amazing pictures of kids playing in the snow (some were even featured on KSL Channel 5--way to go Michelle) go to Facebook and check them out. We love Michelle and her camera!! Michelle, you rock!!

Ok, now an update on auditions for Narnia. Auditions are January 14th at Liberty Academy in Salem/Elk Ridge, and January 15th at the Peteetneet in Payson. Callbacks will be January 18th at Liberty Academy and the cast list should be posted by the 19th.

The first Parent Meeting (mandatory for all cast to have at least one parent representative there) is on January 22nd at Liberty Academy. Watch for exact times to come shortly.

Auditions are coming up quickly, so you should start picking out your music. Please don't come to auditions unprepared. Come ready to "knock it out of the park" (to borrow a baseball analogy). We're looking forward to seeing you there.

Have a great Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, Holiday season and a Happy New Year.

The New Kid on the Block

2010-10-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hi all Upstage Folks,
In my first "official" act as the new President of the Upstage Theatre for Youth Board of Directors, I thought I'd take a few minutes to introduce myself. My name is Adam Cannon. I have 6 kids (a couple of whom loved participating in Doo Wop Wed Widing Hood, and another of whom was a key member of the awesome Stage Ninjas helping Of Sound Dreams be as awesome as it was. I've been involved in theater for 25 years. Ever since I played a drunken factory worker in The Pajama Game as a sophomore at East High School. (Yes, THAT East High School--made famous by Troy, Gabriela, Sharpay and Ryan and all the rest).
I've worked in almost all aspects of the theater: behind the scenes as a stage manager, techie, fly master (I helped the witches and monkeys fly in PCT's production of Wizard of Oz). I've acted on stage in numerous shows. Most recently I've found my passion in directing. For the past four I've directed A Wonderful Life: The Musical, Arsenic and Old Lace, Oklahoma!, Singin' in the Rain, and The Music Man.
I love the theatre and I am so excited and honored to be a part of the fabulous Upstage tradition. The ladies of the board, Dawn, Michelle, Carrie, Norma, Liz, Lisa, and Shaelyn have welcomed this "token male" with open arms. Upstage does such an amazing job of helping the young people in our community find the love of theatre. What an awesome bunch of kids we've got involved in Upstage.
It's been my pleasure over the years to work with several Upstage alums: Daniel Mason, Samantha Parks, Liz Coughanour, the Moyano sisters (Evil Queen and Little Red), the other Adam (Little A--L.A) Cardoza, Jason Colver and many, many others.
We have some great things in store for 2011, starting with the a musical version of that classic Chronicles of Narnia story The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe coming up in early 2011 (put on by three of my wonderful stars of The Music Man in Spanish Fork this summer). Then we're looking at a great summer production yet to be decided, but directed by that amazing team of Chad and Tina Mortensen. Then at Christmas time we're looking to put on one of my all-time favorite Christmas shows: The Forgotten Carols.
Ok, that's enough for now. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to contact me. I'm on Facebook (www.facebook.com/aqcannon), via email (aqcannon AT gmail DOT com) or you can call or text me (please sign your name when you do) on my cell phone: 801-420-8519.
Thanks.
-El Presidente :-)

Want to see a show but don't know what's playing?

2010-10-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

Here are a few ideas...

Utah Regional Ballet in Concert: Oct 8-9 at the Covey Center for the Arts

The Magic Flute: Oct 16-23 at the de Jong Concert Hall, BYU
(FEATURING UPSTAGE ALUMNIST Ross Coughanour)

Hairspray: Sep 17-Oct 4 at the SCERA Center for the Arts

If you know of any upcoming shows (especially if they feature Upstage Alumni) post them here!

Do not Wait, We need your Support!

2010-04-19T20:58:00.001-07:00

No time to wait, get your tickets now to

Of Sound Dreams!

Jason Hewlett & Chad Hymas

May 1st, 7pm

Tickets are selling fast!

Click the picture for ALL the information!

Chad Hymas & Jason Hewlett!

2010-03-31T22:31:00.001-07:00

Please support Upstage in this Fundraising Event!

We are excited to have Chad Hymas & Jason Hewlett entertain us with the greatest show Payson has even scene!

Please purchase your tickets and join us in supporting our theatre.

We need your help. Invite your friends, link us to your blog.

Help us fill the Payson High School Auditorium to capacity.

We have a lot of work, and only a little time in which to do it.

To Purchase tickets, and find out more information click the Pictures

Presenting Doo Wop Wed Widinghood!

2010-03-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

Hey cool cats! Grab your poodle skirts and saddle shoes, coonskin caps and letter sweaters for a trip to Fiftiesville, the land of greasers, hula hoops, sock hops and hot rods. Upstage Theatre for Youth is back with a new cast, new choreography, and a new play. Get ready to go ape over their latest production, Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood, a rockin’ 1950’s musical loosely based on the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. Crazy, Daddy-O!

Cookin’ producers Dawn Garrett, Michelle Fitzwater, Carrie Houtz, and Norma Barnum burned rubber to call dibs on the hippest director team in the joint, Chad and Tina Mortensen, back for their third Upstage play.

The cast includes young talent from all over south Utah County. Jazmine Moyano stars as Little Red Riding Hood, and the word from the bird is that she is pursued by three determined young princes: Wise Prince, played by Justin Craig, Strong Prince, Curtis Hindes, and Loud Prince, Adam Cordoza.

Rounding out the fairy-tale cast are the king and queen, Austin Houtz and Noelle Peck, Little Red’s couch-potato parents, Seth Mason and Jensen Williams, grandmother Faith Greenwood, and her two sisters, Big Green, Ashlin Alexander, and Medium Purple, Meg Garett. The Fairy Godmother is played by Rachel Hansen, the Big Bad Wolf by Jason Colver, and cool Belen Moyano plays the cruising for a bruising evil queen.

Opening night is March 12 at the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center in Payson and performances continue March 13, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26, and 27. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from any cast member or email upstagetheatreforyouth@gmail.com. Ticket prices are adults, $7; students/seniors, $6; children 3-12 years, $5; and a family pass (up to 7 people) for $25. Children under 2 are free, but must sit on a lap. No sweat, cats, tickets will also be available at the door. Wednesdays are youth group nights and group tickets at discounted rates are available from Norma, (801) 754-9107.

So don’t be a party pooper, give up a little bread and have a blast with Upstage Theatre and Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood. Dig it?

Fairy Tale Blues

2010-03-01T20:43:00.001-08:00

Evil Queen

2010-03-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

Boys, Boys

2010-03-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

How do you rate?

2010-02-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

Check to see if you could take you dancing up a notch!

Hairstyles and such....

2010-02-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

Males Hairstyles:

Some may want to try the "ducktail." To accomplish this look you need "grease" or hairspray (A picture is below.) If you do not want the "Ducktail" you may try some other examples:

Ricky Nelson -- Slick but a little more loose (above)

Troy Donahue -- Part with a little slicked back (above)

Rock Hudson (above)

Young Elvis (Above)

Ducktail from the Back (Above)

DuckTail from the front (Above)

Female Hairstyles:

Every Female in the Show is to have a high Ponytail except the Evil Queen and Fairy Godmother. A ponytail and wrap it with a matching chiffon scarf OR ribbon that matches the color of their skirt. Similar to the picture right below.. those with or without bangs.

Fairy Godmother: Prom hairstyle (BELOW)

Either one.. Hair all up, curled-bun, as if she were going to PROM

Evil Queen: (Hair down and flipped) It could be half up and flip out. (Below)

Shoes!!!

Saddle Shoes (DI, Yard Sales, Online)...but they are not a must,

just IF anyone comes across them.

Black Shoes....NOT Tennis Shoes that have pictures or logos on them. The shoes need to be easy to move around in.

Makeup:

We are wanting stage makeup, but we thought we would go into a little more detail for those that would like a little help.

Females:Red Lipstick--not pinks, Brown base eyeshadow, Darker Brown on low eyelid, SOFT Blue where eye lid folds.

The ONLY ones that can have pretty glittery makeup everywhere is

Fairy Godmother, and the Trio.

Trio-not TOO MUCH!

Godmother-take it to town.

Males: No Foundation, Light Mascara if eyes are hidden and very little blush

These kids are a blast!

2010-01-31T11:24:00.000-08:00

Well as of Monday, our first month of Doo Wop rehearsals are over. Seems like a dream. The kids are really starting the Mesh together as a cast, we always enjoy seeing that.

Remember to look below to find instructions on costume's. And please e-mail us if you have any questions. Through the month of February things are going to be moving fast. Most of the blocking will be done in the next week or so. Please send your kids fed and watered. Sometimes blocking can be a BIG snore for those not on the stage. So it is very advisable to send your actor or actress with something to read, or better yet homework!

Thank you for letting us work with your kids. It is such a pleasure to watch them grow. We enjoy seeing them dance and sing and make friends. We just love and appreciate the relationships that we are able to establish with such amazing kids.

Costume Info

2010-01-17T16:39:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone, here is a picture of the costumes we would like most of the girls in. This should give you a good idea of exactly what we need for the girls shirts. Thanks for your help. Make sure that you all get a Newsletter this month. They will be handed out this week. Everyone needs one...

Hi Guys!

2010-01-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

I am sorry I have been to busy to update this Blog. This play is moving very fast, it is hard to keep up.

Next week I will be sending home a newsletter. Make sure that you get one! It has some very important information about costumes. I will post some pictures and some instructions on this blog by Monday. The costumers are busy sewing away, but they need some help.

Also you can start picking up tickets from Norma as of next week. I have them ready, if the printer can have them on Monday, I will bring them on Monday. Norma can go over how everything works when we get them.

T-Shirts have been ordered, and I expect that they will be in by the end of next week. Possibly the beginning of the following week. We encourage you to wear them ALL the time. (wash them a few times, hee hee) But we love to see all those little Billboards walking around advertising the show!

That's it for now.
Ta Ta----

Thank you parents

2010-01-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our first rehearsal and parent meeting. The parents were "few" in number, but we give a great thanks to those who attended and to those who called to make other arrangements. We still have lots of kids without signed contracts, payments, shirt sizes, date arrangements and other such VERY important stuff.

We will be ordering t-shirts this week, if your child has not paid and has not turned in all shirt size and contract information we will not order him or her a t-shirt. Also if we have not received all of the above by Monday, January 11th your child will not be allowed to be at rehearsal. This is a safety issue for Upstage and involves liability that we as a Board are unwilling to take. Please do not miss this opportunity.

On the lighter note, so far the cast has been so much fun. At the read through we were able to hear some of the voices and see some of the fun characters start to emerge. It was very exciting. This play is going to be so much fun. It is so much fun to watch the cast of each play come together as a cast family. We are excited and honored to work with these kids. They continue to amaze us with their personalities and kindness towards each other.

See Ya Later!

Are you ready for some information?

2009-11-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

Well the tryouts and callbacks are over. And we here at Upstage have been eating Turkey and relaxing! We know that you have been checking this blog, and checking it twice to find out what fun is coming up! I even hear of one special sweetheart that checks it before the Hannah Montana website. WOW! We feel pretty special to be ranked up there with Hannah... So here is a tiny update.

First I just want to say that I have looked over the cast list. And checked it twice myself. The more I have looked the more excited I get. This group is going to be so much fun to work with. I feel blessed to be able to get to know everyone. Chad and Tina are buzzing with excitement. In fact the whole Board is vibrating about this fun play. The acting, the singing the dancing. All are going to be challenging and fun. Start talking about it to your friends NOW! And be a fan of Upstage on Facebook. We love that!

The first rehearsal for this play will be on January 4th at 4-6pm. At the Peteetneet! Every cast member must attend. We will have the parent meeting at the same time. We will give out schedules and have you fill out all the paperwork there. We will try to use the e-mail addresses we got at tryouts to contact everyone. But check this blog first. It will be updated more often, with more information than any e-mail we send out. We know that we are a little bit slow right now. With the Holidays everyone is just trying to keep their heads above water. But we hope that each and every cast member will know that we are so excited to get started. You all did such a wonderful job at tryouts and callbacks. The talent was through the roof!

Here is the first 2 weeks of rehearsals. We do already have schedules for the entire play, and I am happy to make copies for anyone who would like them. You will receive them at the first rehearsal if you can wait. (I can e-mail them in JPEG format if you e-mail me personally, I am on the side bar) All rehearsals are Monday-Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm. Some may be later closer to performance times. But we should be able to let you know in advance. Techies will have Saturday Rehearsals added.

January 2010 4-6pm

Monday the 4th Everyone Read thru

Tuesday the 5th Everyone Music

Wednesday the 6th Everyone Choreography

Monday the 11th Leads

Tuesday the 12th Leads

Wednesday the 13th Everyone Review to point

E-mail the Upstage e-mail address (on the sidebar) if you have any questions. We monitor it regularly. I cant express enough how grateful we are to work with this cast. Have a Great Holiday, don't eat to much candy! Check this blog for more information on the parent meeting in a few weeks.

The "I' in this e-mail is Michelle Fitzwater, I am on the Board and run the blog

the "We" in the e-mail is the entire staff at Upstage!

Congratulations to the Cast of Doo Wop Wido Wed!

2009-11-09T23:18:00.000-08:00

The casting process is never easy. As we consider each person we cast in any show, we need to consider so many things. Does this person have any conflicts? Has this person been on time ready and willing to work hard in the past? Has this person tried out for Upstage before? Before we ask any of those questions we listen and watch voice and dance experience. Acting talent. Does this person's "Look" fit the part? So many things go into these decisions.

It is always so hard to release any person who truly wants to be a part of Upstage. Hours upon hours of sweat and worry have clouded Chad & Tina's mind over the last weekend and evening. As of call backs tonight the hard choice to let go of 20 more kids had to be made. Each person that came to call backs did a great job. You worked hard to show your talent, and you did yourselves proud. We thank you for your determination, and hope that if you were not cast that you will come to our next tryouts. Don't give up. If we could fit a cast of 100 kids into the Peteetneet we would do it. But sadly we cannot.

To those who are on the list below, Congratulations from all of us at Upstage Theatre. We are so excited about this new fun and exciting adventure we are about to start. This cast is very diverse, many new faces to Upstage. Also some amazing and overwhelming talent that have worked their way up into the leads that they deserve. Well done to you all, Chad and Tina and the entire staff at Upstage is proud and excited to work with you.

Drum Role Please-

Congratulations to

Jazmin Moyano - Little Red Hood

Rachel Hansen - Fairy Godmother

Meg Garrett - Medium Purple Hood

Ashlin Alexander - Big Green Hood

Jason Colver - Big Bad Wolf "We are feeling a little Elvis here"

Who will win the heart of little Red?

Adam Cardoza - Loud Prince Frank

Justin Craig- Wise Prince Jason

Curtis Hindes - Strong Prince Justin

Seth Mason - Mr. Hood

Jensen Williams - Mrs. Hood

Austin Houtz - King "what kind of crazy kingdom will this be?"

Noelle Peck - Queen

Belen Moyano - Evil Queen

Faith Greenwood - Awesome Grandma

In the Dragon's Keep-

Paul Krueger - Oswald

Josh Lewis - Gerald

Skyler Fitzwater - Ronald "he's got your back"

Dance it away girls-

Alexis Barnum - Emma

Dayle Williams - Sophie

Megan Peterson - Marie

Randi Allred - Louise (UPS Girl)

Nick Yorganson - Narrator #1

Riley Corrigan - Narrator #2

Amazing Animal Friends:

Abigail Mason

Danielle Wilkinson

Scout Callister

Sophie Callister

Jaxon Bulkley

Halle Bulkley

Isaac Barnum

Jackson Fitzwater

Jennifer Cannon

Hannah Garrett

Chorus:

You will be pulling off an amazing 6 part harmony,

this is NO small part kids! Come to sing, and come to sing LOUD!

You do like to dance dont you?

You were picked for these part specifically because of your sound & dancing.

Tasha Griffin

Andrew Cannon

Annie Kranenburg

Sarah Greenhood

Nick Moyano

Shelby Bulkley

Maralee Nielson

Saylor Callister

Samantha Ellis

Kassi Ellis

Cambrielle Fitzwater

Chantelle Wilkinson

Brock Bulkley

Ignacio Moyano

Marshayla Nielson

Bayli Alexander

Benjamin Cardoza

Rebekah Garrett

Dallin Wilkinson

Emily Garrett

Coulson Bingham

Josh Mason

Now the real work will begin. Over the next few months we on the production team will work hard to get things ready for this cast to begin rehearsals. We will have our parent meeting soon. Please check this blog for details. Make this your weekly checking spot for the next few months. With such a large cast we will not be calling everyone. During our parent meeting we will answer any questions that you have. You can also e-mail us at the Upstage e-mail address on the side bar. We will make every effort to get this information posted so that you have plenty of time schedule around it.

Several members that have been cast in leading roles mentioned potential conflicts in Feb and March. We did consider these conflicts. If you plan to join a cast at the Salem Hills or any other School in this area that will conflict with Upstages Rehearsal Schedule please alert us this week. Your part will be re-cast. We ask that you contact your teacher if you feel that a grade may be involved, to resolve this problem now. You will need to choose Upstage or the schools production. Upstage rely's on our plays to generate enough income to produce our next production. We cannot have cast members drop out or be late because they are trying to be in two plays. If you need to drop now, we will hold no hard feelings at all.

Please remember that any e-mails to or about Board members, their families, Directors or their families will be carefully considered before they are forwarded. Anyone using the e-mail address as a chance to bash members of the cast will be banned from future Upstage productions. If you have questions about how Upstage is run please visit the side bar and click the link with the Big Red Star. Although it was from a previous show we feel it will give an idea of what the process is like. With the exception that the Board was not in the choosing process with Wid Wed!

Lets Get this Party Started!

Call Back List and Information

2009-11-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who came to tryout for our newest production “Doo Wop Wed Widinghood” We have all been commenting on the incredible amount of talent we had at tryouts. Wow! Where do you guys come from? The singing was superior. Such incredibly hard decisions have to be made when you have this caliber of talent. Since we are unable to cast everyone (which we wanted to do) we had to choose those who best fit this show. We want to send out our greatest thanks to everyone. You did a great job. If you are not on the list below please make sure to tryout for our next production.

You are needed for THE TIME LISTED above your name on Monday, November 9th at the Peteetneet!

3:45-4:45

Kassi Ellis

K.C. Hoschouer

Saylor Callister

Dallin Wilkinson

Chantelle Wilkinson

Maralee Nielson

Tucker Williams

Bristy Turpin

Sarah Foran

Vanessa Peterson

Megan Peterson

Brock Bulkley

Ignacio(Nacho) Moyano

Bayli Alexander

Cambrielle Fitzwater

Rebekah Garrett

Austin Swenson

Benjamin Cardoza

Tasha Griffin

Samantha Ellis

Anne Kranenburg

Emily Garrett

Marshayla Nielson

Sarah Greenwood

Nicolas Moyano

Skyler Fitzwater

Benjamin Moyar

Andrew Cannon

3:45-4:15

Danielle Wilkinson

Abigail Mason

Scout Callister

Sophie Callister

Jaxon Bulkley

Halle Bulkley

Isaac Barnum

Caleb Mason

Jackson Fitzwater

Jennifer Cannon

Annie Jones

3:45pm - 6:00pm

(Some of you may have to leave at 5:45pm

if you are in the High School Play)

Faith Greenwood

Randi Allred

Stephanie Peck

Noelle Peck

Jazmin Moyano

Ashlin Alexander

Cynthia Peck

Alexis Barnum

Justin Craig

Tayler Ventura

Sydney Allred

Frank Meng

Degrey Christensen

Austin Houtz

Chad Parks

Samantha Jones

Jensen Williams

Alicea Moody

Dayle Williams

Shelby Bulkley

Adam Cardoza

Josh Lewis

Coulson Bingham

Rachel Hansen

Meg Garrett

Belen Moyano

Zach Heywood

Jason Colver

Nathan Crook

Paul Krueger

HOW MANY DAYS?

2009-11-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

How many days until "Doo Wop Wed Widing Hood auditions?!? Can you believe it is only a couple days away? Here's a little hint: When you audition for the directors, put a little character into your singing. It will show off your acting ability.

Countdown!

2009-10-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder of Auditions!!! It is time to celebrate Halloween and in exactly one week are "Doo Wop Wed Widing Hood" Auditions! How many of you have told all of your friends and family! Remember to practice your songs and be ready to dance your little hearts out.

LET'S GET EXCITED!

See you in just one week!!

-Chad and Tina (Directors)

Doo Wop Wed Widing Hood

2009-10-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

We, the directors, are getting excited for

"Doo Wop Wed Widinghood" Auditions!

Chad and I have directed "Aladdin" and "Willy Wonka" with Upstage in the past, and have come to love the youth and the board. We enjoy helping the youth share their talents and grow to their best potential. We are looking forward to both new and old faces audition

-16 bars of a 50's style song is preferred-

It's the 1950's, and Wise Prince Jason, Strong Prince Justin and Loud Prince Frank all want to woo Red Riding Hood. So the king and queen hire the Fairy Godmother to set three tasks for Little Red. Only the prince who can find the missing girl, defeat the dragon and awaken a castle visitor from her slumber earns the right to woo Wed Widing Hood....that is, Red Riding Hood! Alas, Little Red's couch-potato parents don't want to lose their little girl. How else will they get their cookies delivered to Grandmother? So they hire the evil queen to thwart the Fairy Godmother's contest. Luckily, Little Red Riding Hood's two sisters - Big Green Riding Hood and Medium Purple Riding Hood - help balance out the situation. Complete with the big bad wolf and a sock-hopping '50s score, this adventure is guaranteed to end in happily-ever-after laughter for audiences and performers of all ages!

What: "Doo Wop Wed Widinghood" Auditions

Where: Peteetneet - 10 South 600 East - Payson, Utah

When: November 7, 2009

Time: 9 am - 12 pm

OUR GOAL AS DIRECTORS IS TO LET THE YOUTH SHINE AND BECOME OUR LITTLE UPSTAGE FAMILY.

-Tina and Chad (Directors)

Second Edition

2009-10-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

We need a few more faces to be in our Live Nativity. Actual Speaking Parts! Nels was thrilled with the tryouts, and loved all the people and voices that were there. Now we need a few more!
When ever Upstage starts something new, people are a little shy. DON'T BE SHY! Please come for an Encore audition at the Peteetneet this Saturday. 9am to 11am. Make your friends, drag them. You will be so happy when you see what fun you will have.
Hope to see you there...

Just One Week before Auditions!

2009-10-02T12:46:00.001-07:00

There is only one week before the Auditions for "The Live Nativity" are held. We at Upstage are buzzing with excitement to see who will be trying out. (especially Nels!) This is a wonderful opportunity to show off your talents at such a beautiful time of year. This is a reminder to you! Please be at the Peteetneet at 9am, October 10th.. We are so excited to see you there.

More information is just below...

Live Nativity- Dont Miss this!

2009-09-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

We need your voice, your talent, your excitement!

Bring your friends..

Come support our newest director, Nels Hansen!

You know Nels from his latest role as Willy Wonka!

We will be casting various speaking & singing parts.

We need you!

Tryouts will be Oct 10th 9am to 11am at the

Peteetneet Academy.

Come prepared to sing 16 bars of any song,

*but we prefer Broadway style.

Pianist & CD Player will be provided...

Rehearsals will be -

Monday - Wed. Oct 26, 27, 28,

Nov 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30th

Mondays times are from 3:30 pm- 5:30 pm

Tues and Wed are from 5-7pm

All performances will be free to the public.

And did we already say they will be OUTSIDE?

Family & Mutual Groups, small groups,

large groups, couples everyone is happily invited!

Performances will be-

December 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th 11th and 12th

A Special thanks to Helen &

the Peetetneet for donating time to this cause.

Producer will be Lisa Hansen

Please check sidebar for additional

information on Auditions for Wido Wed...

Auditions for Doo Wop Wed Widinghood

2009-08-06T19:56:00.001-07:00

Upstage Theatre for Youth

is proud to announce auditions for our next amazing production

We are excited to bring back the amazing duo team as our directors

Chad & Tina Mortensen

Please come prepared to sing 15 bars of any musical style song.

We will have a pianist to play your music, or a CD/tape player if needed.

Auditions will start at 9am sharp til 12 noon November 7th, 2009

At the Peteetneet Museum & Cultural Arts Center

Call Backs will be on Monday November 9th

Rehearsals will begin in January of 2010

More about- Doo Wop Wed Widinghood

It’s the 1950s, hula-hoops are in high demand, and so is Little Red Riding Hood! Wise Prince Jason (winner of the Math Olympics and the Nobel Prize), Strong Prince Justin (who can bench press his own mother) and ordinary Loud Prince Frank all want to woo Red Riding Hood. So the king and queen hire the Fairy Godmother to set three tasks for the princes. Only the prince who can find the missing girl, defeat the dragon and awaken a castle visitor from her slumber earns the right to woo Wed Widing Hood… that is, Red Riding Hood! Alas, Little Red’s couch-potato parents don’t want to lose their little girl. How else will they get their cookies delivered to Grandmother? So they hire the evil queen to thwart the Fairy Godmother’s contest. Luckily, Little Red Riding Hood's two sisters—Big Green Riding Hood and Medium Purple Riding Hood—help balance out the situation. Complete with the big bad wolf and a sock-hopping ‘50s score, this easy-to-produce adventure is guaranteed to end in happily-ever-after laughter for audiences and performers of all ages!

Congratulations Chad & Tina

2009-07-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

Upstage would like to send huge congratulations to Chad and Tina on the birth of their son, Schaffer! We are so thankful that this family is all together and at home enjoying each other. Thank you for all you do for Upstage Chad and Tina! Welcome to the Upstage Family Schaffer!

Parent Meeting

2009-03-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

We have recently received some anonymous posts from concerned parents. Thank you! We appreciate all input we receive and we are anxious to help resolve any concerns you have regarding any aspect of the play.

In order to do this, we would like to invite all parents of cast members to a meeting on Tuesday, March 17th at 6:00 PM at the Clark residence - 540 N. 600 E. Payson, UT. At this meeting we will discuss all concerns that have been raised.

Thank you and we'll see you on Tuesday!

Upstage Theatre for Youth

Fees and Paperwork

2009-03-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone!

This is just a quick reminder that we need to have all of the $40.00 fees paid by Saturday the 14th. We also need everyone in the cast to bring their signed permission/contract paperwork by that day.

On Saturday Liz or Norma will be at the rehearsal to answer questions, and collect money and paperwork; please bring them with you!

If you are not already aware, your $40 fee will pay for your t-shirt and will help cover the cost of costumes, set, building rental, sound equipment, etc...

Thank you for your cooperation!

"Zombie Prom" Cast List

2009-03-09T21:19:00.001-07:00

To all those who auditioned for "Zombie Prom," thank you!

We had a great turn out and now a great cast! The directors worked long and hard to choose this cast and they would like to thank each person who put themselves on the line to try out. Everyone did a fantastic job, and it was tough to finalize parts because of the number of talented auditionees. If you were not asked to be in this show please try out again for our next show in the fall. If you were asked to participate, congratulations, and we look forward to working with you for the next few months!

The Cast List:
Jonny - Spencer Ericksen
Toffee - Jordan Hall
Miss Strict - Belen Moyano
Eddie Flagrante - Devin Peck
Jake - Andrew Hall
Josh - Josh Mason
Joey - Seth Mason
Ginger - Candace Burningham
Candy - Kylee Chappa
Coco - Ashlin Alexander
Stage Manager/Dad - Sam Kidd
Mom - Saralynn Winget

Chorus

-Alexis Barnum
-Coulson Bingham
-Cynthia Peck
-Emilee Andersen
-Jason Colver
-Jazmin Moyano
-Kayden Pierce
-Kylee Swenson
-Rachel Hansen
-Samantha Ellis
-Shaney Oaks

The first rehearsal will be a read-through held at Brad Clark's house (540 North 600 East, Payson - right down the street from Peteetneet) at 5:30 PM on Thursday. Everyone needs to be there. We'll be handing out scripts, calendars, etc. etc. If you have any questions before then, please email us at upstagetheatreforyouth@gmail.com or reply to this post.

Thank you again, and we'll see you on Thursday!!!

"Zombie Prom" Call Back List

2009-03-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Thank you so much for auditioning for Zombie Prom. We had a great turn out with lots of very talented people and we're sorry we won't be able to cast everyone. If you were not invited to this call back please come try out for our next show which will be announced in the next couple of months. We would love to see you again!

The call back will be held at 5:30 PM on Monday, March 9th at Peteetneet Academy. Please come on time, wear something you can dance in, and bring your personal calendar for the next few months (including family vacations, camps, summer jobs, etc. etc.) so that we know what your conflicts are.

CALL BACK LIST
(In Alphabetical Order)

Alexis Barnum
Amanda Smith
Anna Jane Mason
Ashlin Alexander
Belen Moyano
Candace Burningham
Challis Morganson
Cynthia Peck
Devin Peck
Emily Andersen
Jason Colver
Jazmin Moyano
Jordan Hall
Josh Mason
Kayden Pierce
Kaylee Peterson
Keaton Olsen
Kylee Chapa
Kylee Swenson
Mikayla Morganson
Noelle Peck
Preston Brimley
Rachel Hansen
Sam Kidd
Samantha Ellis
Saralyn Winget
Seth Mason
Shaynie Oaks
Spencer Ericksen

Thank you again for trying out for Zombie Prom. If your name was not on this list, please come and try out for the next show. Otherwise, we'll see you on Monday!

We look forward to seeing you soon!!

Ryan Peck,
Director

Pictures

2009-02-22T20:00:00.001-08:00

Parents or Cast members interested in a copy of the pictures, are welcome to e-mail Michelle. I am happy to make a CD of those pictures for you personal use. The CD costs $3.00, I only charge for the CD and my time. Here are some of the fun pictures we took...

Willy Wonka Performances

2009-02-15T21:45:00.000-08:00

Upstage Theatre for Youth

is Proud to Present

Willy Wonka Jr.

Performance

February 20th & 21st

Wednesday 25th

February 27th & 28th

March Wednesday 4th

March 6th & 7th

Start time is 7pm

tickets available at the door or from any cast member

Pictures on Monday

2009-02-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

Don't forget that picture day is one Monday! Be at the Peteetneet at 3:45 with hair & make-up (optional) done. It will be very important for us to finish these pictures a quickly as we can, to save the rest of our time for rehearsal.

February Newsletter

2009-02-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

Our last newsletter will going out on March 2nd at rehearsal. We are asking all parents to make sure you get this from your kids and read it. It will answer so many important questions.

As it grows closer to performance time, we are running into a few problems. With 3 weeks left, we will no longer be accepting any early out, or late excuses. They are unacceptable! We have so few hours left, and we need the entire cast at rehearsals. Sickness, we understand is unavoidable.

On our performance days, we only have a total of 2 volunteers signed up to help. (both volunteers are signed up for different nights) We need a minimum of 2 parent helpers to be in the dance rooms with the cast the entire show every night. This is for the children's safety. Please call Dawn Garrett (465-7722) today, to volunteer. We need lots of help.

We want to thank you in advance to calling. We know often it is the same tireless volunteers that help every time. We appreciate your willingness. More than you know. And it is always on our minds when we consider casting any show.

I NEEED your Bio!

2009-01-25T22:10:00.000-08:00

Check the January Newsletter, do you see your character under the bio list? If you do, I NEEED your Bio! I only have 5 total. Starting to get a little scared here. If you want your picture and bio in the program I MUST have your bio NOW! E-mail it to me at

michelletress@connect-comm.com

or write it and bring it to me at rehearsal.

Thank you kids...

oh, by the way

This is Michelle

Updated Note & Calender going home today!

2009-01-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

I am posting a little of the note that will go home today with the cast. These particular items are very important, and we felt like they needed to be highlighted on the blog as well as sent home.

Also, we have had a significant amount of cast members once again not showing up. This is very problematic at this point in the play. Most of the kids missing are over the age of 12, and everyone has had a calender since October. If you are going to be missing play rehearsal, you MUST let someone know. These kind of absences can result in us rethinking you for future parts in future plays. We really appreciate those that call and let us know, even for just a sickness.

Shoes-
Chad & Tina would like all cast members in black dance/jazz shoes. Ballet shoes are fine for the girls. If you are unable to obtain black dance shoes, we will be providing black ankle socks. Please do not wear tennis shoes or any kind of street shoes, as they interfere with the microphones on stage. We would like to see all cast members wearing dance shoes (or black socks) at every rehearsal from now on.
It is especially important that all Oompas wear dance shoes or black ankle socks with their stockings. The stockings are made from super thin material and will snag and run easily. We have very few replacements.

Costumes-
All Oompa costumes should be coming back this week. We will be doing a full “Mock Costume Day” on February 3rd. Please be there 15 minutes before rehearsal begins to try on costumes. No need to do hair and make-up. This will be our last check off day for all the costumes before pictures. A hair and make-up update for performances will be sent home in February.

Pictures-
Performers may choose how to wear hair and make-up for pictures on February 9th. However, because of time constraints, please have those things done when you come to rehearsal that day. We will be in a huge hurry, and will not wait for primping…

Cast Dinner-
Our traditional cast dinner will be on February 11th. Board members will be serving dinner on that night after our rehearsal. Parents may come about 30 minutes late to pick up your kids that night.

Adding a Performance

2009-01-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

Due to the sheer size of this Cast, the Board has decided that we need to add one additional performance. So add to your calender Wednesday, February 25th. Tickets for every nite will be available by Monday, January 12th! Thanks-

Excuse my mistake, I do mean the 25th! I posted the 24th by accident!

First Day Back

2009-01-05T19:28:00.001-08:00

Work'n Hard
Or Hardly Work'n?

You decide...

It's Back to Work We Go!

2009-01-02T22:57:00.001-08:00

Dear Cast and Parents-

Just a few things we need you to be aware of. On Monday, January 5th our first day back at rehearsals this year. Everyone will be receiving a Newsletter. If you child does not come home with one, ask Chad & Tina or one of the Board Member's for a copy. These are so important! The closer we get to Opening Night, the more important these notes to home become.

Also please check the side bar of this blog for Updates as well. They will be in the Newsletter, but occasionally we have a few things we really need you to not miss. And sometimes we will alert you to a Newspaper Article that is being done about the show. Just in case you would like to run out and pick it up for Scrapbooks.

Two very important items:

First, rehearsals on Mondays are now starting at 4pm and going until 6pm. We do not like to extend late on Monday nights, but because some of the school bus schedules. We must accommodate. So please make a note of that on your calenders. (there is one exception on Picture Day, check the side bar for that information)

Second, we will be handing out ticket sales sheets at the end of the first week in January. No one will be given tickets until they are paid for. You must keep close track of the sales sheets, and talk to Norma when you need to turn in money and pick up tickets. Remember that each cast member is responsible for selling at least 100 dollars worth of tickets.

We are so excited to get back to work. Please come prepared to really dig your heal in. We have so much to do, and so little time to do it. We have some really fun things coming up, including opening night. Parents we thank you for letting these amazing kids participate in this wonderful program. We love them, and enjoy seeing their talents blossom.

Happy New Year

The Producers

News from the Directors

2008-12-26T00:25:00.001-08:00

This is Tina and Chad...We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We are excited about rehearsals that are coming in only two weeks!! We are hoping that EVERYONE has been practicing!

Silly Photo's

2008-12-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the last rehearsals of 2008! Can you believe that we are almost to 2009? As always, we have just watched these kids amaze us. And the blessings that we receive being with them, cannot be matched. Here are some picture shows to watch, and remember to look at the dances below. Practise! Also work on your lines and watch this blog, we will give you any information you need for starting back to rehearsals in January. We will post it after Christmas. We wish you all a Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays. Whatever you celebrate, we hope you enjoy this time.

We Love You All,
The Board of Directors
Michelle,
Dawn,
Carrie,
Liz,
Norma
Lisa

Dance, Dance, Dance!

2008-12-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

Here are all of the Dances that the cast should be working on through out the holidays! We know its not the best recording, but hopefully it will JOG the memory...

November Rehersal

2008-11-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

These are AMAZING kids. The songs and dances are rough, but they are coming together with all this hard work. Soon we will be taking our big break. Next week will be the last rehearsals of the year. EVERY cast member will receive a CD with all the music he or she needs to learn. Your CD will fit your part. So listen to it, and practise all of December.
Here are some fun pictures of the cast, and a few movies of parts. Kids you are awesome, we love you and are so excited to see you SHINE!
We as a Board want to send a special thanks out to the older kids. You guys are so sweet and cute with these younger kids. They look up to you all so much. Thank you for helping them with their dances and helping them to feel a part of this process. And thank you to the younger kids, they are so excited to be at rehearsals. Even when they are confused, we just love to see their smiling faces. Thank you guys, this cast is turning into a family. It is exciting to watch. You guys make all the hard work, worth it. Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving, and an Awesome Christmas. And check here at the end of December, we will for sure have some information that you will need for that January Start Up! And Don't Forget to Practise...
We Love Ya-

Important Message

2008-10-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

We are nearing the end of October. So far we have had a lot of single cast member days, and specific group days. But as we get into November most of the days are full Cast rehearsals. Please keep this in mind when you make other plans. Ask yourself if you have already missed days that were not scheduled. Also please plan to bring your homework for slow days, and wear your dance shoes on all days. A water bottle is o.k. but sticky messy snacks are not.

On our roles we already have several cast members that have missed more than just one day that was not scheduled. We understand that some of these are due to unforeseen circumstances. But many of these missed rehearsal days are being missed for no good reason. Although we are willing to work with many things, not planning well is not one of them. If you already have 2 days that you have missed you need to ask yourself, How committed to this am I? 3 missed rehearsal days, any cast member is automatically released from Willy Wonka. (this is in the contract that everyone signed) And the only way to return is to petition the Board.

We do have a few cast members that we are already worried about. The directors have already selected some replacements if any more rehearsals are missed. We are having particularly bad problems with the kids older than 14. This is a warning to everyone, please be careful. If you are not willing to fully commit to this production talk to us now. We would rather you left the cast now, than later. We don't want to lose anyone, but the whole cast suffers when just a few or even one person continues to miss.

We have also had several people not just be a little tardy, but up to 20 to 30 minutes late. You sometimes are hold up the entire cast. No tardies are o.k. Please arrive early. The directors also asked me to mention that Mutual, although a worthy use of your time. Is NOT a legitimate excuse for leaving Rehearsal's early. Please do not plan to leave early any longer if you have been for Mutual.

Chad & Tina would like all of the cast members with lines to know that the entire play needs to be memorized by January 1st! If that is you, please plan to spend November & December learning your lines.

We want to give a very special thanks to all the little ones, always showing up on time. To everyone who is coming on time, especially with a big smile ready to work. We are so proud of all that we have scene so far. Thank you to the parents who have come to help. We are especially thankful to those parent who come in and sit with the cast, and make sure little cast squirrels don't run in the hall. Thanks for all you do. Be safe on Halloween!

This is a Big Thankyou

2008-10-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

If you are checking this blog, this is a big Thank-You! Sometimes at the beginning of productions, things seem to move very slow. But we want to thank you, not only for letting us work with your kids. But for volunteering, and checking the blog for Updates.
We will be sending home a Newsletter the first rehearsal in November, so look for that. Also, we are looking for a pair of Go-Go boots. Can anyone borrow us a pair? We have started working on the CD's for each cast member to take home. We will give them to you just before the Holiday break. We hope that everyone will practise, practise, practise over the Holidays. Things take a dramatic turn in January, we will be very busy. Thanks so much everyone.

First week of Rehersals

2008-10-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

This was a GREAT first week at rehearsals. These kids always amaze me. The cast is coming together quickly. It is so fun to watch the little ones, look up to the big kids. And the big kids are so cute as they help the little ones with dances that are way over their heads. May we (the Board) thank you again for letting us work with your kids.

There are just a few things that we need everyone to take note of. First, October 15th! The calender says everyone. We are changing that just a little. We need the following cast members only. WW, CM, C, all ensemble & Squirrels, M & J. Look on the legend at the bottom of the your calender to know exactly what those letters mean.

Another change to the calender. Several parent have brought up a problem. In January all the Monday rehearsals are scheduled for 3:30 to 5:30. This will be a problem for all the kids that get out of school at 3:15. So at those parent request we will be changing all the January & February Monday only rehearsals to 4:00 to 6:00pm. We are hopeful that this will still give families plenty of time for Family Night.

Also, if anyone brings Ipods, MP3 players, video games or anything like that. Please make sure to tell your kids to bring them into the rehearsal room. We have had in plays past, had things stolen out of the hall. So be careful.

Well, that is it for now. As always, contact a member of the Board if you have any questions. Everyone should have a newsletter with all of our contact information. We will see everyone next week. Thank you for all of your support.

Just a Reminder

2008-10-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

Are you ready? This is just a reminder that our first rehearsal is on Monday! (look at your calender for the time, we are always at the Peteetneet) Make sure to be on time, fed and water'd! We will be playing get to know you games, and reading through the script. We are all excited to see everyone! Now we can really get to work on this play. The work begins Monday...

We will be taking role on Monday...

Something we forgot at the parent meeting

2008-09-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came to the parent meeting! We appreciate you taking the time to be here.

We understand some people thought that our meeting was at the Peteetneet. Sorry for the mis-understanding. Peteetneet would not accommodate us for this meeting. Thank you to all of you who braved the Payson streets to find our meeting.
We want to thank everyone who signed up to be parent helpers. It really helps us out. We know that kid sitting can be a drag sometimes. And we really appreciate those who step up and sign up first. For those who did not sign up to help, or didn't get the chance to sign up please do. (e-mail us) Please keep in mind, these are super AMAZING kids. We have such a blast watching these plays come together. We know that you will as well.

After the parent meeting was over, we already can see that not enough people have signed up to help with kid control. This is very important, this keeps our kids safe. We as a board can not do this alone. Please look over your calender and find a day that you can help. E-mail us soon, these spots will fill up. You could be stuck with an inconvenient day. If we do not fill up all the times, we will assign times to those who did not sign up. Also look over the dates of the performances. We need that same help on those nights as well! These really are just fun kids to be around.

We will be sending out a list on the Newsletter of those things that we still need help with. We will also be giving you contact information for the Board of Directors. We are happy to answer any of your questions. But if you need to talk to us before that time, please send us an e-mail at the Upstage e-mail address on the side bar...

Now for the thing we forgot. Several of you will notice on your calenders that March is missing! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! We are so sorry about that. We cannot forget these.

March 4th, 6th & 7th!

These are the last performances. These are incredibly important, we don't want anyone to miss a performance after all that hard work. Mark those on your calender...

Last, several people have asked us about missing rehearsals. Although you can miss 3, if you don't have to we wish you wouldn't. And if you are an hour late, it is considered a miss. Please also don't make it a habit to pick your kids up early. We schedule these practises and give you a lot of time to consider if these dates work for you. If in the end you decide that these cannot work in your schedule, we would rather you drop now. Don't wait until the last month.

We are so excited to get Willy Wonka started. It is a privilege to work with your kids. It is so exciting to see Voices, Acting and Dance come together. The kids bond, and the whole process is amazing to watch. Thank you for borrowing us your very talented kids. They continue to amaze us each time we see them. It has been especially exciting to see all of these new faces! It is always exciting to meet the parents of these very amazing kids. It is obvious why they are so amazing.

Mandatory Parent Meeting Alert "opps" forgive my mistake

2008-09-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

(Forgive my mistake, my brain just caught up. I fixed the date, it is Tuesday. Thanks for all the comments helping me, I appreciate it. See you are already volunteering!)

Our mandatory parent meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd at 6pm. This is a very important meeting! We will give you a rehearsal schedule, answer questions, and sign all of the contracts.

We also need to go over volunteer sign ups. Please come and choose the dates you are available to help, if you do not show up we will have to assign you the dates left over. Volunteer's are so important to Upstage.

At that time everyone will need to pay the $40.00 fee for each cast member. This also is mandatory. Any one not willing to pay that fee, will not be able to start rehearsals. Please e-mail us if you need a few more weeks to pay. We can work with you, right up to when the first rehearsal starts. This information is completely confidential.

We need your help passing this information around. Anyone who you see, (in the cast) make sure you mention this parent meeting to them. It is so important to be there. You will be lost without it.

Last, if you are completely unable to attend. Please e-mail us. We cannot stress this enough. This meeting is the only one we have with the parents. (cast members need not come) We do not have time to talk to 71 sets of parents on the phone. Please do not miss it. We will make it short & sweet, and you are welcome to ask all of your questions there.

The place will be announced in a post hopefully by tomorrow. So please continue to check this blog for the address.

Thank you so much...

Upstage Board of Directors

In response to our Anonymous commenter & to all parents. Read this, it is worth your time.

2008-09-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

We have received an anonymous letter that raises some concerns we'd like to address. Because it was anonymous, we won't be able to post it, but it certainly suggests that some of you wonder how the call-back list is chosen, and whether you (or your child) were given a fair evaluation.

The answer is probably No. An audition is usually less than a minute long and no one performs their best during an audition. Rarely does anyone feel good about their audition, because they know it doesn't really represent what they can do -- even in front of other strangers. The board spends time preparing for the audition process and discussing how to make it a positive experience, especially for the newcomers and for those who have auditioned before and not been in the play, because we know this can be a trying experience with long-term consequences.

We determined we would 1) allow parents into the audition room; 2) bring in auditioners several at a time for moral support and to create a sense of camaraderie -- and to make more of the audition time available for actual seeing and hearing the auditioners. We also know that some children freeze up in front of others and on several occasions Saturday the directors cleared the room so that a single child could audition without others watching. At least one of those frozen children was included in call-backs.

Here's what we know: Every child who came to auditions has the ability to blossom and improve their talents by being in this play. During each play, we love to watch the newcomers expand and develop their hidden abilities. Often we look back to auditions and note that a child's extraordinary spunk or projection or improving voice was just not obvious at the audition. We know that we can't see what kids can do in a one-minute evaluation.

We also know: Every child who came to auditions has his or her heart invested in being in this play. Without that motivation, who would go to the trouble to wait for several hours for an audition spot and sing in front of a bunch of people who are listening to 150 other kids? And the parents who came gave up hours on a Saturday when they had plenty of other things to do because they know that their child would benefit and contribute positively to this play.

We'd like to give you a little insight into the process of deciding who to invite to call-backs.

After auditions were finished about 1:20 p.m. on Saturday, the Upstage board and the directors (who are not board members) sat around a table until 6:30 p.m., focused completely on the selection process. We marveled at the increasing quality of auditioners for each play. We reviewed the fact that board members only wanted their children considered for call-backs if they had earned the part. Board member parents of affirmed that they didn't want to be consulted about whether their child should be considered for this or that part -- that the directors of the play should make those decisions as they would about any other child -- without parental input.

Next we reviewed the auditions that were particularly weak. We called up each child's photo. We went over our notes of the way the child performed his or her song. Our guideline was to be as positive as possible. We discussed each child's strengths. Remember, this was simply for the children in the "weak" pile. In spite of a weak audition, if any of us felt that a child we were discussing should come to call-backs, that child was kept in the "possibles" pile. After this hour long section of the review, we still had 135 children in the call-back pile, and needed to eliminate at least 50 more children. That meant that 50 children with stronger performances would need to be eliminated before the afternoon review was done.

Next we looked at each role in Willy Wonka, and reviewed the audition of those children who might be considered for that role. For call-backs, we needed to be sure that we had a sufficient number of children who would fit each role. No role was pre-cast. One of the roles (not a lead) required a particular talent, and several auditioners were discussed for this role, including the child of a board member. This is the closest any discussion came to selecting a role prior to call-backs. But no role was set.

In this process, equal consideration was given to new faces as old. Some old faces did not make call-backs. These decisions felt like rejecting old friends. But each of us knows that new faces need a chance too.

At the end of several hours of reviewing each child's audition and the possible parts each might play, there are always 30 or more auditioners that must still be eliminated. The process often comes down to turning the names face-down and selecting 30 at random to eliminate from consideration.

Here are some of the guidelines that made it more or less likely that your child's audition resulted in a call-back.

1) Has he or she auditioned more than once without being called back or without participating in a play? (This information on the audition sheet is reviewed carefully-- we want to reward those who audition more than once)

2) Is your child a boy? (Boys have a better chance of being invited because they audition in fewer numbers)

3) Is your child the right size, hair color, type for the roles in this play?

4) Is your child younger than 7 or older than 14? (The youngest and oldest are more likely to be invited to call-backs because there are fewer in these groups who audition)

5) Does your child sing in too "pop" a style? Are there scoops or a nasal tone?

6) Did your child have trouble maintaining a pitch? (This is more likely if your child sang without accompaniment)

7) Did your child seem to enjoy his or her audition? Did he or she move comfortably?

8) Did your child present himself/herself as well-prepared and confident?

9) Was your child well-behaved and responsive in the audition room?

10) Have you had a child in an Upstage play before? This can work for you or against you.

If you have participated in a play before and you gave tremendous parental support, your talented child has an advantage in auditions. Our productions depend entirely on parent help. Still, there are some of these hard-workers who are cut in the "random elimination" round of the review.

If you have participated in a play before and you weren't able to share your load in being a parent helper, or neglected to pick up your children within a reasonable time after rehearsal, or if you complained rather than offered to help, or if your child missed too many rehearsals, your previous participation is a disadvantage in auditions. (Some children have trouble paying attention at rehearsals despite their talent or seem not to be able to take instruction from the directors -- we usually do not invite them to call-backs for the next play, but give them the benefit of the doubt of their maturing after that and include them as if they were as cooperative as everyone else in subsequent auditions.)

We have seen parents who have offered to help with the work involved in putting on a play, even when their child was cut from the play altogether. Their children have an advantage in auditions.
Why should this be? Let us give you a glimpse into the life of a board member. Imagine for a minute that we were thinking to do a second play and needed a second group of parent volunteers to produce this play. Here's what we'd need to let you know:

The hours are very long the pay is zero.
The rewards are many.
Plan to spend 150 or more hours giving service to great children in your community.
Be advised that if you have children in your home who are not in the play, they might experience signs of stress when they are left home during rehearsal and planning/building/cleaning hours while you are helping other children in the community.
Plan to miss homework help and sports events for your other children.
On rehearsal days when you are supervising (once or twice a week), accept that you may not get home until 9:00 or later because extra cleaning needed to be done, or because someone forgot to pick up their child.
Select directors who love children and are willing to upset their entire lives to plan the whole production and attend every rehearsal, maintaining a cheerful attitude and making it a positive experience for the children.
Plan to spend hundreds of hours on costume design, measuring, buying, sewing. Usually there are at least 50 costumes that need preparing (not including the ones you ask the parents to provide from DI).
Design and build the set. Find competent people to build it safely and to paint the backdrops.
Gather props and keep a list so you can return them or replace them if they get lost or broken during the play.
Recruit music people who are as committed to the play as you are. Let them know that they are expected to make recordings outside of rehearsal time and attend every single rehearsal.
Prepare publicity packets. Arrange for newspaper coverage.
Obtain sponsorships from local businesses.
Prepare programs and print enough for every night.
Print hundreds of tickets and keep track of how many tickets have been given to or sold by each of the cast members.
Have enough parent volunteers to properly supervise the large cast you will want to have so that as many children as possible are in the play. Make sure parents are scheduled and remember to attend and supervise rehearsals, clean up after every event, provide a dinner for the cast near production time, help with concessions, costumes, make-up and transportation of various kinds.
Parents are also needed for the cast party and clean up of the entire production. Plan on staying till about 2:00 a.m., if you can get all the children leave by midnight.
Maintain careful financial records, tracking all of the money that comes in and goes out because we need detailed and complete information to maintain our non-profit status.
When children hurt themselves jumping off the stage or leap-frogging or playing outside, be prepared to field questions about who was supervising them. And when people save seats at performances without paying for them, one parent will need to be the bad guy and talk to the adults in the group about what they need to do.
In auditions for the next play, don't say a word when your child is considered or eliminated.
Also make sure to be prepared to have unsavory things said about you, when all you are doing is serving the community.

Just for the record, the call-back list includes 50% people who have never been in an Upstage play before. At call-backs each of those new people will have the same chance to sing solos, to read (try-out the speaking parts) and to dance as everyone else. The directors are interested in fresh faces too.

You may be interested to know that of the five board of directors, only Lisa Hansen had a child with a lead in Cinderella. In Aladdin, Nels Hansen was recruited after call-backs were completed and Jafar had not been found. Carrie Houtz' son Austin was the outstanding choice for the genie. No other lead was a child of the board of directors. No child of the board of directors had a lead in Sound of Music, Robin Hood, Wizard of Oz or Pirates of Penzance, though some of the board of directors' children repeatedly auditioned for those leads and were heartbroken at not getting them.

If your child did not get invited to call-backs and none of the reasons above apply, it is possible that your talented child was eliminated randomly. Some extremely supportive families who had four or five members audition found that only some were invited to call-backs. Some who have given many hours previously were unfortunately eliminated as well.

Get involved with this play as a parent volunteer. It will give your child an advantage in the next audition. But there is never a guarantee, not even for the children of the board of directors.

Thanks
The Upstage Board of Directors

Willy Wonka Tryouts

2008-08-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Upstage Theatre for Youth
Is Proud to Present tryouts for

Directed By Chad and Tina Mortensen

Auditions
September 13, 2008
9am going until 12 noon
At the
Historic Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center
(Museum side, upstairs)

Please be prepared to sing 15 bars of any song of your choosing.
(We prefer Broadway musicals, especially for over 12 yrs)

We will only accept ages 5 to 18years old
Bring your music. Format can be sheet music, on a CD or tape.
Our pianist will be available to play.

Callbacks will be on September 15, 2008
Call back list will be posted on Saturday Evening on

http://upstagetheatreforyouth.blogspot.com/

Call back times will be posted with the list.

Anyone who is cast will be required to pay a $40.00 fee per child
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Good Luck!

Starting out!

2008-08-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, Upstage has gone blogging! Please visit this link to learn the latest information on Plays we are working on. Plays that we have done in the past, and the exciting things happening with Upstage. Feel free to comment, but understand that all comments must clean, not nasty or rude toward anyone. All comments will be moderated, and only those that pass the kindness test will be posted.

Our next production will be Willy Wonka! We are thrilled to have Chad & Tina Mortenson directing again. You may remember them from Aladdin! They are awesome, fun directors. Thank you for agreeing to direct again, we love ya...

All of the Dates & times for tryouts, and call backs will be posted to this blog by no later than August 9th! Keep checking back. We are just getting all of our loose ends tie'd up!

One update that we would like to mention. Our dear sweet Kerynne has sold her house and moved. She has followed her hubby. We are all deeply thankful for her tireless devotion to Upstage. She is our founder and we are all in her debt! Thank you Kerynne, we love you! We miss you, come and see us soon.

The latest Group of Crazy Women in charge of Upstage is:

The Amazing and Musically Gifted- Lisa Hansen

The Silly, tireless worker, out of control- Dawn Garrett

The Lovely & Priceless- Queen Elizabeth Vance "Carrying of the Tradition"

The Beautiful, Awesome, Spirited "Woman of Salem"- Carrie Houtz

Our latest and greatest Little Spit Fire- Norma Barnum

The Nerdy, but funny- Michelle Fitzwater

If you have lots of questions, and you think we may be able to answer a few of them. You can reach any of us at the Upstage E-mail address!

upstagetheatreforyouth@gmail.com

Come visit us, and we will keep you posted.