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

Read More

Carla: Poet of the Revolution

High school senior Carla plays a charismatic and compassionate Reston high schooler named Caryna in Signature in the Schools' premiere production, Revolution. We asked Caryna to describe her Signature in the Schools experience and she wrote us this lovely poem:

"There is nothing wrong with botany!"

Carla would be lying if she said that in her sleep she drools.

She would also be lying if she said she hated Signature in the Schools.

Educating people through the magic of theatre.

During our breaks we go to Harris Teeter.

From the great director to the amazing cast,

I know these memories will forever last.

Caryna and her bestie, Maddy

Read More

Catching Up with Karl

Actor and high school student Karl plays a quiet, intelligent teen named Zerah in Signature in the Schools' premiere production of Revolution. Here, Karl shares some insights into his experience as an actor in the show:

In three sentences describe your experience with Signature in the Schools.

Signature in the Schools has been a phenomenal experience so far. 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. 

How do you feel Signature in the Schools has helped prepare you for the future?

Personally, Signature in the Schools has done a fantastic job fostering dedication, commitment, and teamwork in me; all vital characteristics to success no matter where my future may take me.  

A wise man (David) once told me this story: The story takes place back in history, when it was custom to bring wedding gifts of wine to contribute to large vat at the wedding venue where everyone else was to contribute. The bride’s family constructed a large vat, and the following evening at the wedding reception everyone brought their best wine and poured it into the vat. When they poured the wine though, do you know what poured out? Water. Pure water. See, each person that came thought to themselves, "With such a large vat and everybody else contributing wine, nobody will notice if my contribution is water. The wine will taste no different." And so each person poured in water, assuming everybody else's wine would make up the difference. And indeed the vat was filled with 100%, pure water. And such is the lesson David taught us. When you work on a team it’s expected you bring your genuine “wine”, because if not, you’re left with something that doesn’t mean much to anyone: water. You can’t control what anyone else contributes but you can give your best. Don't give water, expecting everybody else to contribute wine for you. 

What’s your favorite scene in the show? Why?

My favorite scene would definitely be the scene between Caroline, Patrick, and Zerah in the cafeteria. I love this scene because it feels so authentic and real. I think we can all relate to Zerah, in having an experience when your best friend is crushing on the cute kid, and finally decides to heed your advice and strike a conversation. At that point all you can do a is sit back and watch your best friend either kindle a new relationship or have it go in flames. 

Karl working hard at rehearsal.

Karl participating in a line-through of his favorite scene.

Read More

Zak and Sean Discuss Sean and Zak

Zak and Sean play best friends in the Signature in the Schools premiere production, Revolution. In order to help you get to know them a little better, we thought we would put their friendship to the test. Are they friends off-stage as well as on? We'll let you be the judge.

	Zak according to Zak	Zak according to Sean
Name	Zak	Zak
Age	16	16
Role in the Production	Andy Cranston	Andy
Favorite Musical/Play	Rumors by Neil Simon	Spiderman
(Rehearsal) Snack of Choice	Clif bar and water.	French fries/onion rings
Catch Phrase	VIVE LA LIBERTE.	Guys come on!!!!!
Little-known fact	Loves Taylor Swift. <3	He has an exquisite collection of chartreuse rubber bands
Special Skills	Juggling	Can grow a ponytail
Ten years down the road I will be…	26	Mayor of Acupulco, Mexico

Sean being Sean.

	Sean according to Sean	Sean according to Zak
Name	Sean	Sean
Age	15	15
Role in the Production	Marcus	Marcus Bennington
Favorite Musical/Play	Death of a Salesman	Revolution by Joe Calarco (obviously)
(Rehearsal) Snack of Choice	Cheddar and Sour Cream Chips	Yoo-hoos.
Catch Phrase	Pay attention to me!!!	"I know way too much about David Zobell."
Little-known fact	My freckles make the little dipper on my left arm	Knows way too much about David Zobell.
Ten years down the road I will be…	The night security guard at the New York Museum of Natural History	An NFL All Star

Read More