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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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

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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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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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Revolution: The Costumes

We're only a few weeks away from opening night for Revolution, the premiere Signature in the Schools play by Joe Calarco. As we prep for production, we thought you'd give you a sneak peak of some of the amazing costumes designer Collin Ranney is putting together for us. Needless to say, these designs have all of us very excited.

Caroline Barrett
Design by Collin Ranney

Marcus Bennington
Design by Collin Ranney

Andy Cranston
Design by Collin Ranney

Caryna Ruiz
Design by Collin Ranney

Revolution performs in the MAX at Signature on February 18th and 25th at 7:30 PM. Tickets for Revolution are free and available through the Signature Box Office at 703 820 9771.

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KidVids Part 2: French Connection

During Boot Camp, the first three weeks of rehearsal for Signature in the Schools: Revolution, the cast and crew learned all about the history behind the play. At the end of Boot Camp, they were asked to put together videos showing off what they'd learned.

Below is the video created by the second group: the French Connection. The group was assigned to create a video explaining how the French Revolution got started, including the monarchy's financial crisis and the beginnings of political upheaval. They chose to put their story in a modern setting - the overbearing King Corporation and its employees.

Check out the video below!

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An Update from Max

Actor and high school sophomore Max plays a troubled teen named Patrick in Signature in the Schools' premiere production of Revolution. We've asked Max to answer a couple of questions about his experience being part of the show:

What is your favorite scene in the show? Why? 

My favorite scene in Revolution is the final scene. The potential for shock it has is so immense. It is quite beautiful. 

What’s the funniest thing that has happened in rehearsal?

During rehearsals we were working on the scene where Caroline attempts to talk to me, and Ariel, who is playing Caroline, chokes on her own saliva mid-monologue. The awkwardness was hilarious.

What have been your favorite parts of Signature in the Schools so far?

My favorite part of Signature in the Schools has to be how the directors, cast and the ones who make the show WORK are all able to input valuable information that will make a certain scene or the performer themselves more authentic. It's almost like a family (as cliche as that sounds). 

Max hard at work.

The final scene being rehearsed, with Max in the center.

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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

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In With the Interns: Marcella Toronto

Name: Marcella Toronto

From: Beijing, China (but I’m not Chinese…)

School: Brigham Young University

Favorite Musical: I’m a sucker for the classics - Les Mis, Into the Woods, West Side Story, etc – but I also love The Light in the Piazza

Favorite Play: Asylum by Jerome McDonough is definitely one of my favorites.

Favorite Movie: A Series of Unfortunate Events or Star Trek, depending on my mood.

Internship: Education Intern

Internship Start Date: Jan. 7^th, 2013

Internship Duties: Assisting with the Signature in the Schools show, teaching workshops at local high schools, emailing, photocopying, and helping out our amazing Education Director however he needs me to!

Favorite things about DC: The food, the architecture, the culture.

If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be? Apple pie (minus the flakiness). Who doesn’t love pie?

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KidVids Part 1: The Dolphin Revolution

During Boot Camp, the cast and crew of Revolution spent three weeks exploring the history behind the production, learning about revolutions in general, the Arab Spring and the French Revolution. In the final days of Boot Camp, they created videos to pull together everything they'd learned. Below is the first of these projects: The Dolphin Revolution.

This group was assigned to create an imaginary revolution that followed the four phases of revolution outlined in Crane Brinton's The Anatomy of Revolution, using a protest scenario about dolphins that we had used earlier in Boot Camp. The four phases of revolution are as follows:

1. The old government is failing
2. A combination of spontaneous uprising and organized resistance bursts into violence
3. The extremists take over
4. The terror subsides and there is a period of reaction

Check out the video below! 

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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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Acting for Beginners

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

 

Sign up for our Acting for Beginners class, taught by our very own David Zobell!

In this class, students will develop skills such as concentration, sensory and physical awareness, voice and diction, and characterization and then learn how to apply those skills to playing a part in a show. We'll be using a unique combination of improvisation and textual work. It should be fun.

The class runs Saturdays November 10 - December 15 from 11 am - 1 pm, with no class on November 24 for Thanksgiving.

Have questions? Just ask!

David, Signature Theatre’s Education Director, is a Las Vegas native and a graduate of Brigham Young University. As a student in Las Vegas, David trained with the nationally-recognized Rainbow Company Youth Theatre, graduating from their Student Ensemble Program in 2003. Directing credits include Un-American (Signature in the Schools – premiere), Man to Man (premiere), Apologies, Dancing at Lughnasa (assistant director), Walter Cronkite is Dead (premiere – assistant director), and Shakespeare, Will (premiere – assistant director).  Acting credits include Reuben (Joseph), Glubb (Drums in the Night), and Luke (The Wrestling Season.) He has taught extensively with Signature Theatre, Adventure Theatre, The Rainbow Company (winner of the 2010 Children’s TheatreFoundation of America Medallion Award), Arlington County Public Schools Adult Education, and Brigham Young University. 

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In With the Interns: Joan Cummins

Name: Joan Cummins

From: Arlington, VA. 

Favorite Musical: Assassins 

Favorite Play: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead

Favorite Movie: The Incredibles 

Internship: Education and Community Outreach 

Internship Start Date: 9/10/2012

Internship Duties: I’ll be helping David with almost everything. Right now I’m working on research on the French Revolution and the Arab Spring for Signature in the Schools, and giving tours of Signature to hundreds of local high school students. 

Favorite Things About Signature: I really like being in Shirlington, and everyone here is very friendly!

Favorite Things About D.C.: The variety available – you can find tall buildings, swathes of grass, all kinds of food, rivers, hills, old buildings, new buildings, all in one place. The city has a good balance to it.

General Cool Things About You: I speak French. I’ve lived in Israel and Haiti, and traveled all over. I collect books. My hair is naturally curly.

If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?: Crepes

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