Emily: Un-American ASM backstage at Hairspray.

Emily, a sophomore at Wakefield High School, returns to Signature in the Schools for the second consecutive year as assistant stage manager with Un-American. To help prepare them for their roles in Un-American, both our stage manager and assistant stage manager had the privilege of shadowing the SM and ASM of Hairspray during a performance. Assistant stage manager, Emily, reflects on her experience. Be sure to see Hairspray now extended through February 5th and Un-American, performing for the public on February 6th and 7th.

Emily hard at work during a rehearsal

How was your experience shadowing the assistant stage manager of Hairspray during a performance?          

Hairspray is one of my favorite musicals so when I heard that Signature in the Schools would be using the Hairspray stage I already was so excited!  After seeing their amazing performance I was even more excited to get the wonderful opportunity to shadow the Assistant Stage Manager during one of their performances.  I had a really great time getting to see everything that goes on backstage before, during and after the show.  I learned more about the job of an Assistant Stage Manager through questions I asked and information told to me by the person I shadowed.  For example, she told me about her responsibilities during rehearsals and I learned how they differed from mine.  

What did you take from this experience and how can this help you as ASM for Un-American?

It was a valuable learning experience to get to see the job and responsibilities of an Assistant Stage Manager during a live performance.  Not only were my questions answered, but I got to see the stage in use.  Every stage is different at Signature and it really helped me as the Assistant Stage Manager to spend time backstage during a show and see how this stage works.  Also, I got to see the layout of the props list that they used during the pre-set of the show.  This gave me an idea of something I could put together to help with our show.  This experience will improve my performance as an Assistant Stage Manager for Un-American.  

I really appreciate getting this opportunity and the time and courtesy given to me by the Assistant Stage Manager that I shadowed and others backstage. 

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Page to Stage: Popcorn and a Movie!

This upcoming Monday, January 9th, at 6:30 PM, we'll be holding a very special Page to Stage downstairs at the Shirlington Library. Come on down to watch the original film Hairspray, written and directed by John Waters in 1988. Set in 1963 Baltimore, the comedy deals with issues such as body image and racial segregation. The movie stars Ricki Lake as Tracy, the “pleasantly plump” teenager; Divine, as her overweight and overbearing mother and features Sonny Bono and Jerry Stiller. Afterwards, stick around for a few minutes to talk about the movie, the musical, and the different ways they tell this timeless story. The movie's free, the popcorn's free - why would you not want to do this? We'll see you on Monday!

"The movie is a bubble-headed series of teenage crises and crushes..." 

Roger Ebert

"Waters's best movie"

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

"The Waters film for your grandma, who will probably be only a little bit freaked out by it." 

Tim Brayton, Antagony and Ecstasy.

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Signature in the Schools and Hairspray

Cameron, an actor in Un-American

Cameron, a member of the Apprentice at Signature program, is a senior at Yorktown High School where he studies theatre under the direction of Signature Academy instructor, Carol Cadby. This is his first year performing with Signature in the Schools and is very excited to be originating the role of Taylor in the world premiere production, Un-American. A few weeks ago, Cameron was lucky enough to attend a matinee performance of Hairspray at Signature Theatre with his fellow Apprentices. A couple of weeks later, he attended the show a second time.

What did you think about Signature's production of Hairspray? 

Let me start out by saying… HAIRSPRAY WAS INCREDIBLE. Over the years I have seen dozens of shows but Hairspray at Signature was by far my favorite. Not only was the music and choreography incredible but the acting was outstanding. As an aspiring actor I thoroughly enjoyed watching these actors. They were truly reacting to what the other was saying, living the circumstances fully, and had amazing characterization. Often times there are shows with a few stars and then the ensemble is “average” but in Hairspray it was different. Each cast member created an extensive and detailed character, which made the show as a whole that much more real and that much more entertaining. Having been at Signature non-stop these past few weeks I have gotten to know some of the actors and they are some of the kindest, most talented people I have ever met. I hope to work more with Signature in the future and it is great to know that incredible individuals, who are not only great actors but great people as well, will surround me.

The cast of Hairspray performs on the Max stage

How do you feel about performing on the same set as Hairspray?

Being in Un-American gives me the chance to perform on the hairspray set. That is just down right awesome. Many sets are often one-dimensional in that they don’t have “levels.” Or, worse, they are just too over the top. But the Hairspray set brings both the levels, which creates a city vibe, while also adding just enough “flavor” to make the set stand out without being to flamboyant. I cannot wait to utilize the steps and the thrust in general. Hope to see everyone at Un-American this February! Happy Holidays and go see Hairspray!

The cast of Un-American rehearses with director, David Zobell, on the set of Hairspray.

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