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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15 Qs With Karl

Get to know Karl, who joins the cast of Veni, Vidi, Vici in his fourth and final year with Signature in the Schools. 

1. Name?

Karl 

2. Age?

17, turning 18 on the February 20th! 

3. School/Grade?

Wakefield, Senior

4. What activities are you involved in either in or outside of school?

Student Government Assoc. Exec. Treasurer, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Alfred Street Baptist Church's Teen Choir, the list goes on and on...

5. Favorite food?

I don't think it's possible for me just to pick one. However, right now I think a plate of my momma's short ribs would hit the spot. 

6. Most played song on your iPod/MP3 Player?

Considering that I prefer Pandora and I haven't updated my phone with songs in forever, my most played song is "Doo Wop (That Thing)" by Lauryn Hill. 

7. Favorite movie?

The Sound of Music is pretty good.

8. Favorite show to binge-watch?

Orange is the New Black!!!

9.  Favorite musical and/or play?

Right now it's Smokey Joe's Cafe at Arena Stage. 

10. Dream theatre role?

ANY role in The Lion King. I also think it would be really fun to play Donkey in Shrek The Musical. Oohh, and I've always wanted to be Seaweed in Hairspray..

11. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you bring?

An ice cold shirley temple, a fan, and a genie in a bottle. 

12. How many years have you been involved in Signature in the Schools?

4 years.

13. Best part of Signature in the Schools?

The best part is definitely the bonds that are created with some of the most talented, nicest, and loving people in the world.

14. Favorite Signature in the Schools play?

It's a close tie between Revolution and Hero Worship. The rehearsal process and the overall whole experience of Revolution was amazing, and at the same time Hero Worship was just really relatable.  

15. Advice for future Signature in the Schools students?

Make the most of it and cherish every moment. Try to soak in as much as you can, and have FUN! 

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 will be available soon through the Signature Theatre Box Office at 703 820 9771.

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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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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.

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Signature in the Schools: Revolution

On December 17, the cast (and some of the crew) of the 2013 Signature in the Schools play, Revolution, met with playwright Joe Calarco to do a first read of the script. This week, we'll be continuing rehearsals with script work and staging.

Check out these pictures from our first read!

All photos courtesy of Adrian, our production archivist.

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Iiiiiiiiiit's showtime!

L to R: Jose, Cameron, Jason, Khaliun, Sean perform in Un-American

Folks, we are in business!  We have been performing night and day since last Friday.  With five performances under our belt, including an electric public performance on Monday that was standing room only, there are just two left to go.  Tomorrow morning we welcome in Wakefield High School students from the English and Theatre departments for our fifth and final matinee.  We invite you all to come to our closing evening performance on Friday at 7:30 PM.  Admission is free and seating is general admission.  Reservations are strongly recommended.  To reserve your seat, call the box office at 703 820 9771. Don't miss your chance to see this world premiere play! Production photographs come courtesy of Dennis Deloria.

Morgan (Sara) and Jose (Jorge)

L to R: Arami, Jose, Cameron, and Sean

L to R: Jason, Adrian, Ariel, Karl

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