Veni, Vidi, Vici – Western

The cast and crew of Signature in the Schools’ 20^th Anniversary production, Veni, Vidi, Vici present one of several video projects done at the start of this year’s program as part of their “Boot Camp” experience. Students were asked to create genre-based short films inspired by the translation of Veni, Vidi, Vici: “I came, I saw, I conquered.”  These videos are created completely by the student actors and technicians.

This year’s production focuses on the very large and daunting topic of imperialism throughout the world. Join the cast and crew of Veni, Vidi, Vici on March 9^th and 16^th at 8:00PM for two public performances of this world premiere play, written by Joe Calarco (GYPSY) and directed by David Zobell, Signature Theatre’s Education Director.

For free tickets to the production, call us at 703 820 9771 or visit the Box Office.

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VENI, VIDI, VICI Vlog with Max

Max is a Wakefield High School senior, and has been a part of the Signature in the Schools family for three years. Join him as he takes us through a Veni, Vidi, Vici tech rehearsal.

For more information on the program be sure to check out our web page. Tickets for this year's production are available now through the Signature Theatre Box Office at 703 820 9771. 

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Brandi's Top Theater Experiences

Washington-Lee High School student Brandi rejoins the Signature in the Schools program for her third year in Veni, Vidi, Vici. Get to know her as she takes you through her favorite theater experiences. 

The Lion King at the Kennedy Center "This show was great to me because it was undoubtedly the most grand show I've ever seen. The scenery, costumes, music, and puppets were so positively beautiful and who doesn't love to see one of their favorite childhood movie acted out on stage?"

Dreamgirls at Signature Theatre "This show was simply a powerhouse of talent. It was just so much fun and the singing was unbelievable. It was the first really huge musical I had ever seen and, well, I was blown away to put it simply."

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner at Arena Stage "I really loved this show simply because it hit close to home. Just like the movie it was based on, the play focused on prejudice and its role in the acceptance of interracial relationships. I'm multiracial so the entire show really resonated with me."

Sex with Strangers at Signature Theatre "While the name certainly threw me off, this show is so much more than flirtation and falling in love. While the plot was relatively straightforward, it's something so special to watch two actors embrace the subtlety that is inherent to real conversations and real life. Everything was so natural and believable. The arcs for the characters were beautifully laid out and it was one of those shows that remind you why you love acting."

King Hedley II at Arena Stage- "While watching this play, one is reminded of the extreme relevancy it has considering more recent discussions about race and poverty. The script tackled issues that I think about nearly every day and the absolute passion the actors were radiating it each scene was nearly palpable. I was impressed, to say the least."

Pride in the Falls of Autry Mill at Signature Theatre "This was undoubtedly the funniest show I've ever seen. The comedic timing was perfect and the actors blended together wonderfully. The balance of drama and comedy was exceptional and it felt like real life. After all, no one lives a tragedy or a comedy- you just live and it's clear the actors took that notion to heart."

Be sure to check back in the coming weeks to hear more from the amazing 20th Anniversary cast and crew of Signature in the Schools. For more information on the program be sure to check out our web page. Tickets for this year's production are available now through the Signature Theatre Box Office at 703 820 9771.

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Veni, Vidi, Vici – Fantasy

The cast and crew of Signature in the Schools' 20^th Anniversary production, Veni, Vidi, Vici present one of several video projects done at the start of this year’s program as part of their “Boot Camp” experience. Students were asked to create genre-based short films inspired by the translation of Veni, Vidi, Vici: “I came, I saw, I conquered.”  These videos are created completely by the student actors and technicians.

This year’s production focuses on the very large and daunting topic of imperialism throughout the world. Join the cast and crew of Veni, Vidi, Vici on March 9^th and 16^th at 8:00 PM for two public performances of this world premiere play, written by Joe Calarco (GYPSY) and directed by David Zobell, Signature Theatre’s Education Director.

For free tickets to the production, call us at 703 820 9771 or visit the Box Office.

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Of "Revolution" and Reflection

Now that Revolution is said and done, we've asked the students who made up the cast and crew to share some of their thoughts about being part of Signature in the Schools:

"Signature in the Schools is phenomenal. The program has helped me grow so much as an actor, a student, and as a person over such a short period of time. The sense of community and family SIS creates is just mind blowing and the commitment from everyone involved is simply fantastic. It is difficult for me to articulate all of my positive feelings for this program so just trust me when I say SIS is a beautiful thing."

- Brandi, Actor (Basma)

Patrick and Basma share a quite moment. Photo Credit: Dennis Deloria



Andy reads a moving story with the class. Photo Credit: Dennis Deloria

"Signature in the Schools is what inspired me to continue theatre in college and into the future. Without this program, I would probably have no idea what to do after high school. I also can't think of anything I would have rather done these past four years than come to rehearsals and hang out with David, Ellis, Laura, Joan and Marcella!" 

- Max, Stage Manager

Larissa and Marcus perform characatures of King Louis
and Queen Marie Antoinette for a class presentation.
Photo Credit: Dennis Deloria

"I will never forget my great experiences and the friends that I gained through Signature in the Schools. Signature brings you into a new world of theatre like no other. I will miss Signature the most after I leave high school."

- Sean, Actor (Marcus)

"Signature in the schools has been one of the best programs I have ever participated in. Not only did I learn how to work on a professional play in a professional environment, but it also broadened my interest in theatre. I have met so many wonderful people and worked with such amazing mentors and I will definitely be back next year."
- Marwa, Lighting Board Operator

The cast of "Revolution" creates a tableau to depict Arab Spring protests.

Larissa, with the help of Caroline, puts her own spin on "protest."
Photo Credit: Dennis Deloria

"It’s been amazing to have the opportunity to work alongside such talented actors and dedicated directors. Signature Theatre has provided me great exposure to the field of theatre which has broadened my view on the arts, culture and life."

- Karl, Actor (Zerah)

 

"Perhaps one of the most astounding thing about Signature In The Schools is the sense of professionalism, yet at the same time a cast and crew bond equal to that of family. Your light operator, sound operator, crew, prop crew, stage managers, and fellow actors are all there to make you feel like you are actually part of this environment that is being created. I love, and all audiences love, what Signature Theater is able to present, and this year's performance of Revolution, written by Joe Calarco, was a fantastic example. I hope everyone is able to experience the insurmountable amount of joy that I have experienced while being able to participate with Signature in the Schools." 

- Max, Actor (Patrick)


Basma watches on as Mr. Stieper comforts Patrick. Photo Credit: Dennis Deloria

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In the Round: Some Thoughts and Observations

Something you may or may not know about Signature in the Schools' premiere production of Revolution is that it will be performed on the same stage as Shakespeare's R&J, one of the plays on Signature Theatre's 2012-13 season. The stage this year is in the round, meaning that audience members are on all four sides of the stage.

The cast and crew of Revolution had an opportunity to watch Shakespeare's R&J to get an idea for the space and how it can be used. Here are some thoughts the cast members had about the show and the space:

"There was an amazing amount of motion and energy in R&J; they used the space beautifully. Seeing a show in the same space we are using really helped put together the pieces in my mind. I realized the amount of energy we need to put into our own play to involve all four sides of the audience." - Brandi

"After seeing R&J I'm excited to have the opportunity to perform in the round for the first time. Working in the round is not only a challenge, but an amazing and rewarding experience. I believe with having the audience on all four sides it becomes a lot easier to engage them and consequently put on a great show." - Karl

"Shakespeare's R&J has completely re-worked the Signature MAX theater into a beautiful, hard-wood theater in the round. I am really excited to be able to work and perform in this space because of its understated grandeur and just to be able to perform on the same stage as the fantastic show." - Zak

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An Afternoon at Rehearsal: Brandi

In Signature in the Schools' premiere production of Revolution, actor and high school sophomore Brandi plays Basma Bouazizi, the younger sister of Tunisian revolutionary Mohammed Bouazizi. Below, Brandi takes us through a typical day at rehearsal:

A typical day of rehearsal involves the actors who are called for that day warming up with the directors with vocal exercises, stretching, and tasks involving concentration. After we are all warmed up, we jump into scene work. In rehearsals we typically run through scenes several times with the guidance of one of the directors and work on reactions, objectives, and relationships with other characters. In between working scenes, we occasionally do exercises that help with characterization and movement in-the-round. Each day we laugh and joke around, but when a serious scene is being worked or our attention is needed, we all are ready to concentrate. There is a good balance of fun and focus and you learn something new every day in rehearsal.

Reading lines for the first time.

Rehearsing  a scene with fellow actor Max while David, the director, looks on.

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