Here we go!!! Districts!!!
Hello Cast, Crew and Parents,
First things first....we have lost another Cast Member. Emily Ternet, one of our fabulous Chorus members, has broken her foot and will be in a cast for quite some time. Get better soon, Emily! She will be there to suppor the Troupe at Districts and will be back in the Cast for State. God Bless Stacia Iwuc!!! Once again, she is stepping in to cover a part - this time, she'll be learning her 3rd Chorus role!!!
****PRACTICE BEGINS THIS WEEK WITH REHEARSAL TOMORROW!!! Depending on how they do, we may or may not have practice next Saturday.
Also, thanks to all of those Cast Members who showed up to participate in the pre-monologue competition today. I will be posting the schedule for Districts very soon. REMEMBER: We have make up at 8am that day.
Let me know if you have any questions,
Mr. Yogi
Attention: Monologuers!!!
Hello! I have only heard from ONE person who will be competing in the the Monologue Off this Sunday, after the 9am Mass. ANYONE who is interested in doing a monologue MUST compete in this preliminary competition due to the fact we only have 5 slots.
PLEASE EMAIL ASAP to CONFIRM!
Also, it seems we have lost another Cast Member from The Yellow Boat. Emily Ternet has a cast on her foot and will for some time. So, for District competition, Stacia Iwuc will be learning her third Chorus role! Get better Emily for State and thanks Stacia!
Thanks,
Mr. Yogi
Monologue Playoff
Hello everyone,
On this coming Sunday, after the 9am mass (about 10:30 am), we will be holding a playoff for the 5 slots we have available for individual monologue competition. Please meet at the entrance to the Social Hall after mass. Each monologue must be sutiable for middle school competition and be no more than 3 minutes in length. The top 5 competitiors will compete at the District level on November 14th.
Please email me confirmation that you will be in attendance and the name of your piece. Also, let me know if you have any questions.
ALSO NOTE: Our one act performance time at Districts is at 8:30 am with makeup at 8am. That means we need to get there WAY early on Saturday morning.
Thanks!
Yogi
NEW UPDATE: 10/22
Hello again, my friends....
Okay, here is the latest.
First of all, we send out huge get well wishes for all of the Cast and Crew that are laid up with various illnesses. We miss you and can't wait to have you back. Secondly, one of those out today, who plays a lead role in the show, will be out until Monday. That left us with two options - cancel the show or find replacements and FAST! Miracles do happen and we have found someone to temporarily replace the lead role, and they are doing a fabulous job already. So here is our plan:
1) We will be having rehearsal tomorrow starting at 2pm. If the Troupe can run through the show twice and the new people in the new roles do a good job - we will open tomorrow night (Thursday).
2) If the Troupe and the Cast members need more time, then we will cancel Thursday night's show and open on Friday. (Curtain every night is at 7:30pm). We will then hold rehearsal until 6pm.
3) Mary Standard, our parent coordinator, has complied a phone list of parents and their cell numbers. We will notifiy you tomorrow regarding the status of opening night.
4) If we decide to open tomorrow night, we have planned to feed the Cast and Crew dinner so their would be no need to pick them up and we will care for them until the show.
5) If we decided to cancel tomorrow night's show and open on Friday, the same thing will happen regarding rehearsal - rehearsal 2-6 and we will keep the kids after school so they can do homework and feed them before the show.
I know this might be a little confusing, so I appreciate your patience. I truly feel that the students have worked so long and so hard on this production that it would be a huge shame to not to "go on with the show," even if it means cancelling one show (please keep your fingers crossed!).
If you have any questions, please call me on my cell below.
Mr. Y
Yogi Mueller
407-443-0292
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yogimueller
http://teacherweb.com/FL/SaintJohnVianney/SJVPlayers/index.html
Good evening Cast and Crew of The Yellow Boat...
First of all, thank you all so much for coming to practice today - on a Saturday - again! I have never seen a team work so well and quickly together today. Even though we did not have a full Cast today, we still got a lot accomplished.
There are big things happening, so please read carefully:
Your student has brought home sheet to help sell adds for our Fall program. I would like to raise at least $4000 this fall (it has been done and even more so). It is my intention to pay the entrance fees to the District Competition ($30) if we raise enough money. So, please help your child sell the adds; they are for the whole season, the buyer gets free tickets for both shows, it goes to a very good cause and it is tax deductable. I will post the form on the documents page if you need more.
If as a Troupe, we sell over $3000, I will throw a big pizza party. Also, the individual Cast or Crew member that sells the most will receive a $50 gift certificate.
Our Bake Sale will take place next weekend. Ron Thornton has been extremely gracious again in heading this us. We will be selling after all masses on Sunday, 10/11. We start setting up at 7:45 am or so and we go until afternoon. Please bring plenty of bake goods to sell and we need volunteers all day. This money will go towards Districts.
Ticket Sale begin today and after masses. Please conatct Barb Bodle to sign up to sell tickets.
Have a wonderful night!
Mr. Y
Hello Parents of our Cast and Crew of The Yellow Boat (this was also sent via email)
Recently, there have been some questions regarding the School's policy concerning the appropriate ages for members of the audience for this show. Before I answer those questions, let me please give you some back story on this show and the approval process that we had to go through to get it approved.
This is a difficult show. It is a difficult show to act in, it requires difficult tech and it concerns a very difficult subject - pediatric AIDS. It is a show that came recommended to me and after doing research, found that it has won several theater awards for young students (Middle School and higher). It is a show that I wanted to do because during competition years, I want to challenge our students and consistently raise the bar on their confidence, their performance and the level of quality shows we have been known to produce. I pitched the show to Sister Elizabeth, and rightly so, she was concerned about the content and how the AIDS question was to be handled. She found the story to be a very depressing story, though it had a positive message. A child does die in the play - a play based on a true story. But she also reinforced her commitment to the Players and emphasized that she had all the confidence in us to produce this show and handle the touchy subject matter with the utmost care and concern for our students' experience.
We talked at length about this and it was decided that the content was really not appropriate for students 5th grade or lower due to the fact that discussion of AIDS has never been part of their curriculum. We did not want parents to be confused about the happy sounding name The Yellow Boat and come in to find out what the content was all about. This policy was meant to protect younger students and parents that either are not prepared or yet willing to discuss AIDS with students of those younger ages. We also wanted to prevent misunderstanding regarding the nature of the show's content.
After further discussion with Sister, it was decided that the onus of these younger students' experience and education on this subject should be parental. Thus, the following language will be placed on all posters and ticket selling locations:
Due to the mature subject matter of this play, parental guidance is strongly encouraged for children in 5th grade or lower. All children 5th grade or lower in attendance must be accompanied by their parent at all times.
In addition, a synopsis of the show that describes the content will be presented to all ticket buyers to ensure that there is no miscommunication about the show allowing parents to make appropriate decisions.
I hope you understand that our students' experience and education is always a top priority, and all decisions made regarding the attendance policy has been made with that sole focus.
Please respond if you have any questions and as always, thank you very much for the opportunity to work with your children and give them opportunities to shine!
Mr. Yogi
Tuesday, September 29th (ONLY 9 MORE REHEARSALS TO TECH WEEK!)
Hello Cast and Crew....here are some important updates:
1) Wednesday's Rehearsal has been rescheduled to Thursday!!!! Due to the 7th graders retreat being rescheduled, we are going to move the rehearsal to THURSDAY, 4-6 pm.
2) There is a Saturday rehearsal this weekend from 1-5 pm. All Cast AND Crew should be in attendance.
3) Program AD forms were sent home today with the Cast. The Crew will get theirs very soon. This will help alleviate the cost for Districts - I would love to pay the fee for all students if we raise enough money.
Thanks!
Mr. Y
Tuesday, September 22nd (ONLY 13 MORE REHEASRALS TO TECH WEEK!)
Hello gang,
Competition is coming up and the paperwork is due very soon. I need the following information from everyone that will be competing in an individual competition:
- Your name
- What event (Solo or Duet Musical, Monologue, Duet acting)
- The name of your piece/song
- The author/composer of your piece/song
- The name of the play or musical it comes from.
Please email that to me ASAP!
Thanks,
Yogi
Friday, September 11th (God Bless America)
Individual Competition for District/State!
Hello! If you are interested in competing in an individual event for District and State, you NEED to let me know by this coming Wednesday. You can choose one event from the list below:
Solo or Duet Musical
Monologue
Duet Acting
Pantomime
Costume Design
Please let me know what piece you are doing and it will be your responsibility to arrange rehearsals with me after practice. Let me know if you have any questions.
Mr. Yogi
Friday, September 4th, 2009
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much! We had full attendance at our first rehearsal - and it went very well. We went over housekeeping issues, district competition, read the play and discussed the content. This will be an amazing show and will highlight the outstanding talent of our Cast and Crew. I would like to thank Sister Elizabeth for her trust and confidence in our drama program and our students in handling such a challenge piece of theatre.
NOTE: Crew will not need to attend another rehearsal until after October 1st. Some of them might be requested early and will be notified by their stage manager. All CAST should report to every rehearsal, unless otherwise directed.
Lastly, I would like to thank all the parents, who shuttle their children to the various after school programs, and directors of those after school programs at SJV for being great partners in allowing SJV students to explore all avenues of performance, competition and creativity. Each program and activity unlocks unique and valuable aspects of our students' development, and by allowing and encouraging each of them to pursue various interests, it produces the well-rounded and fulfilled graduates that SJV is known for. Thank you again.
Mary Standard has GRACIOUSLY volunteered to be our Parent Coordinator again and will be contacting parents about Troupe happenings and volunteer opportunities. So, please stay tuned.
Here's to another successful District!
Mr. Yogi
FIRST YELLOW BOAT REHEARSAL!!!
Congratulations Cast and Crew of the SJV Players One-Act Competition Entry for 2009/2010. We will be having a mandatory first rehearsal for all Cast and Crew on Thursday, September 4th from 4-6pm in the Music Room. We will be going over housekeeping issues, discussing Districts and State and doing a full read-through for the show. Also, please make sure you check the calendar as that is now updated for the show.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are your student needs to attend Alpha before rehearsal, there will be a cost for that care.
If you haven't emailed me about accepting the role - please do so ASAP.
I look forward to a great season and thanks!
Mr. Yogi
Sunday, August 23rd....
Auditions are this Thursday, August 27th from 4-6 pm in the SJV Music Room. I have posted information about our fall show, The Yellow Boat. I have also updated the calendar for the fall rehearsal schedule. We don't have a great deal of time before opening night!!! Whew.
See you then!
Yogi
Sunday, August 16th...
Well gang...the time is almost upon us. The 2009/2010 season is here and we are going into One Act competition. Those of you that were with us for Butterfly, be prepared for hard work, long rehearsals, repetition over and over again - lots of nerves, a great deal of joy and wonderful memories.
Auditions are coming up the second week of school, so stay tuned. REMEMBER: If you are going to try out for the one act competition piece, you will be required to attend the District Competition on November 14th and travel to Plantation, FL, on February 12 & 13th. If you cannot make those dates, you will not be able to try out for this show. Please make sure you discuss this IMPORTANT fact with your parents as they will sign permission slips to this effect.
I am so pumped by what is ahead of us and I hope you are too.
See you soon,
Mr. Y
THURS, MAY 14TH
Hello,
I know my last request for help was last minute, but I want to thank Ron Thornton for making it out Tuesday night and helping tear down the
stage sets.
We still need to move those sets to our storage unit and clean out the storage unit. We also need to clean out the closet. This Saturday, I will be
up at school round 8am. We could use help to move sets and transport them to the storage unit and then rearrange the unit so everything fits.
I am looking for people to help move and those that have trucks and such. If you are interested, please send me an email.
Thank you so much and I cannot wait until Saturday night and debut the new song!
Mr. Y
REQUEST FOR HELP 5-11-09
Is everyone fully recovered? It took me a while. Well, we now need to turn our sights on the
sets that are still on stage and our closet. We need to clean them up as much as possible.
I would like to invite any parents are students that would like to volunteer their time tomorrow
night (Tuesday, 5/12) to help tear down the sets and help clean out the closet. I know many of
you will be in the area for choir. I will be there around 6pm. What I would like to do on
stage is just tear down the sets enough to transport them which I would like to do Saturday
morning at 8am if anyone is interested in helping or has a truck. This shouldn't take long with
help. If you would like to come either tomorrow or Saturday - that would be fabulous.
Also, our closet is a mess. It just needs some order. This would be a big help as well if you
would like to help with that.
Please call me (407-443-0292) if you have any questions and thank you for a successful run of
Annie Jr.
Mr. Y
BREAKING NEWS 4-20-09
Good morning everyone...
First of all, I wanted to tell you how pleased I have been with the performance of our Cast and
Crew these last few days. They have really
stepped it up and have performed very well. As a director, I am in a much better place than I
was when I sent the last email. This run will truly
be phenomenal.
What else is phenomenal is the amount of pre-sale tickets we have sold!!!! Over 500!!!! We
still have a week to got and then there is the walk
ups. We will be breaking ALL records for this show.
SCHEDULE UPDATE: My apologies. I was not able to get out of work today, so rehearsal today is
schedule from 4-7 pm. I have told the
students, but I inadvertently failed to update the schedule. Tuesday and Wednesday are correct
as written 2 - 6pm.
Thanks and I cannot wait for opening night!
Mr. Y
Hello Cast, Crew and Parents...
Three notes today...
1) Monday (tonight) and Tuesday, there are opportunities to volunteer to help build sets and
paint. We will be meeting about 6pm in the Gym
to discuss the game plan. We have sets to move, lumber to pick up and sets to build. We would
love and appreciate any and all help!!! Thanks.
2) Thursdays practice will be from 4-7 pm that night. This is a change from the regular 4-6
pm. We need to make up for the week off before
the show opens.
3) Depending on the students' performance on Thursday, we may schedule an additional Saturday
performance. There is already one on the
books for Sunday after the bake sale.
4) BAKE SALE on Sunday. Please plan to have your child (and you, if possible) to help and
PLEASE bring baked goods to sell.
Thank you for your continued support. You will be amazing and very proud of your child(ren)'s
accomplishments!!!
Mr. Y
Miles to go before we sleep...
Greetings students and parents. I just wanted to let you know that I looked at our schedule,
and chills ran down my spine. We do have a lot more ground to cover before we are ready to
open. Here are some updates:
1) The students have been told this and I just updated the calendar. We will be having
rehersal on Friday of this week from 4-6pm.
2) I need to see and approve the costumes that the students will be bringing in from home.
Please send those costumes with your students on rehearsal day. If is is possible, they can
keep those costumes stored in our wardrobe area.
3) There will be opportunities to help build sets and paint during the Easter Break. Parents,
Cast and Crew we could use your help.
4) Depending on the performance of our Cast and Crew, there might be additional changes to the
schedule. Please stay tuned.
5) Thank you for all you do!
Mr. Yogi
Parents and Students...
We are starting our ad sales campaign for the Spring Show 2009. In the documents pages, I have
attached an updated sales form. Mary
Standard, our Parent Coordinator, will be sending out more information. I would like to thank
Aurora McGonagill for volunteering to head up
our ad campaign!!! We are looking for every student to try and sell at least one $100 dollar ad
in hopes of raising over $4000.
We are always in needs of supplies, equipment and to help cover the costs of our productions.
Thank you as always for your amazing support!!!
Yogi
We are getting down to the wire!!!
Now is the time that we get down to details. Below are some very important updates that concern
CAST, CREW and PARENTS:
1) I have updated the Crew list with responsibilities. We will be having an ALL CAST and CREW
meeting at the begining of the March 16th rehearsal at 4pm. Here we will talk about Crew
schedules the ad selling program for this show. This would be a mandatory rehearsal for all.
2) I am creating a costume list and will be handing it out very soon. As you know, I have been
trying to build up our SJV Player wardrobe, so we may have these in stock. I am having the
smocks and nightgowns made for the orphans. Please try and obtain your child's costumes. If
you are having challenges, please let me know. Again, I will outfit them the best I can from
what we have (we are always looking for donations).
3) I have updated the schedule. As you can see, there is a BIG hole over the Easter Holiday
and that is the week before we open. I hope you can understand the impact not being able to
rehearse solidly the week before opening night. There is a scheduled rehearsal on March 21st.
This is NOT for the entire cast. This will be for Annie, Warbucks, Lily, Hannigan, Rooster and
Grace.
4) Right now, it is so vital that students attend all rehearsals between now and opening night.
Their fellow cast and crew members are counting on them.
Please, if anyone has any questions, concerns or would like to volunteer in any capacity.
Please let me know.
Again, I truly appreciate all your support.
Yogi
Good evening everybody,
I'm sorry to say that there is a last minute schedule change this week. Monday's rehearsal will
need to be moved to Tuesday. Same time, same
location. I understand if this precludes students from attending due to prior commitments.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Yogi
Parents and Students,
Due to some scheduling errors and the need to add a few Saturday rehearsals, our schedule has
been updated. Please make the necessary
changes. As we get closer to our opening night, it is, now more than ever, vital that the
students are able to make all rehearsals.
Thank you for your patience. I do want to let you all know that they are doing extremely well.
Mr. Y
To all the SJV Players' Parents and Students: Past, Present and Future...
On March 14th, SJVS will be holding their annual auction. This year, , the auction will be held
within the hallowed walls of our school and
Community Center. This is a very important function for our school, providing upwards of $100K
for the school's operational budget. This
year, as we all know, this funding is more important then ever to continue providing our
students the best possible education, focusing on their
body, mind, heart and soul.
As members of a middle school drama program, I cannot stress how absolutely vital this type of
funding is for the life and sustainment of our
group. Many of my peers in public schools are either looking for work or grasping at anything
to maintain their drama programs. I witnessed
this year at the State Festival. It was a double edge sword. Though I was concerned and very
empathetic to my peers and their budgetary
concerns, I was equally proud of the fact that our little program still is churning forward and
that we are blessed to have a Principal that truly
believes in the value of Arts education and that Drama is more than just singing and dancing.
True, our program does self-fund most of our
expenses through ticket sales, concessions and other fundraisers. But...like any other program,
we run the risk of cuts and elimination like any
of the rest of SJVS's offerings.
So, I ask you, please consider either volunteering your time or actually attending and bidding
on the many, wonderful items the night of the
Auction. Show the administration that you, as well, are concerned about potential budget
short falls and your passion and support for our
strong, and increasingly unique Drama program. We could use your support more than ever.
If you would like to purchase tickets to the
Auction, you can fill out cards in the School Office or check the school website. If you would
like to volunteer, please email Imelda at
melmueller@bellsouth.net.
Thank you so much for your time and support of the SJV Players.
Yogi Mueller
REHEARSAL CHANGE!!!
Due to the Presidents' Day Holiday, we will not have rehearsal tomorrow. Unfortunately, we will
need to schedule an upcoming Saturday rehearsal to accommodate cancels rehearsals and to make up
ground that we seriously need to make up.
Thanks for your understanding and stay tuned.
Mr. Yogi
BREAKING NEWS!!!
THE REHEARSAL SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT (2/9) HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED. THIS
IMPACTS JADE, KALIE HERNANDEZ,
LAUREN MCKEE, AND SARAH. STAY TUNED FOR RESCHEDULED DATE.
SORRY FOR THE LATE NOTICE.
YOGI
WE ARE ON THE WAY!!!
I apologize for the delay in my next update. I am in the process of balancing my real job, home
life and the SJV Players. I should have my head above water very soon. Here are some
important updates and information:
1) We have completed about 2 weeks worth of rehearsals and I am already seeing great signs.
Rehearsing scene one had me in goosebumps and it was our first rehearsal. PARENTS: PLEASE MAKE
SURE YOUR CHILD(REN) ARE STUDYING THEIR LINES AND PRACTICING MUSIC. They need to be able to hit
the ground running when they have rehearsal. I will post off book dates soon.
ALSO: Please make sure your student knows what songs and scenes they are involved with.
If there is any questions, please let me know.
2) There maybe a few schedule changes in the next few weeks moving our Wednesday rehearsal to
Tuesday. I will update you as soon as that is determined.
3) Parents, if you have not turned in your $50 fee (Cast and Crew) to the office, please do so
by this week at the latest. Our Parent Coordinator, Mary Standard, will be contacting if there
are any questions.
4) Speaking of Mary Standard, she is always looking for volunteers for everything from Bake
Sales to Raffles to ticket selling. It is our Parent Volunteers that truly make the Players
what they are. I could not do it without your continuing support.
5) STATE FESTIVAL NEWS: I have had few practices with our students going to State and I want
to make sure they are connecting with me to schedule rehearsals. State is on Feb. 13th. I
will send out info packet about hotel and caravan info ASAP.
Please let me know if you have any questions, keep up the great work and thank you for the
opportunity to be the director of the SJV Players.
Yogi
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Boy, will it be happy and VERY busy year for the Players. Congrats and thank you to all of
those who have chosen to be a part of, what I believe, will be the best musical to ever hit the
SJV stage. I am so excited as well as, always, a bit anxious as I look at the rehearsal
schedule that I just posted. It does look like a lot, but when you break it down between scenes
and the music, acting and choreography we need to learn - it really is not a lot. Your veteran
Players will attest to the fact that opening night has a habit of really creeping up on you
before you know it.
NOTE: Rehearsal schedules are always subject to change, and probably will. Also, depending on
the amount of work that is accomplished and how quickly our Cast learn their lines, music and
choreography, there might also be a few weekend rehearsals in there as well.
I have always touted the level of dedication and committment of the Players (and their
supportive Parents)that is required to put on a production such as this and will put that up
against any other SJV activity. That is what has always set our program apart and will continue
to do as as we go back into competition next year with our One Act and go for 3 and 0!!!
Your enthused, yet humble director,
Mr. Y
Hello there!!
First of all, you did a fabulous job with the Christmas Program tonight. Very proud of my
Players up there setting the bar high!!
I have posted the Annie Cast and Crew list. If you have not picked up your information, please
see Ms. Martin tomorrow.
Please watch your email for the start of rehearsals next month.
Take care and have a Merry Christmas!!1
PS: Learn your music and your lines!!!!
Mr. Y
DATE AND TIME CHANGE FOR ANNIE JR AUDITIONS..
Hello...
Due to the every challenging need for space on the SJV campus, we have to move our auditions to
Monday, December 15th from 4-7 pm in the
Science Lab in the school building.
All other factors and requirements will stay the same. Please let me know if you have any
questions.
Yogi
Happy December everyone!
Well, I ordered the Annie Jr. scripts the morning after Small Actors closed. Didn't give myself
a break because I am really looking forward to this show. It will be an amazing challenge and
adventure and of course a total blast.
I will be holding auditions before Christmas Break because I would like those in the Cast to
begin working on your songs, so we come back in January...we are ready to go! The audition will
be Wednesday, December 10th from 4-7pm in the Music Room. If that changes, I will let you
know. At the audition, be prepared to sing a song (any song is fine), but choose one that you
sing well. Also, be prepared to do a cold read of the script.
This is a HUGE Cast and Crew and we will need to see all of you and more for the auditions!
Please email me with any Questions and hope to see you in the Cast and Crew!!!
Mr. Y