Wednesday, December 22, 2010

There's Still Time to Save $$$


The end of the *winter of your discontent is coming soon!  Something to look forward to for next summer - and maybe an Academy Award - or even better, lots of great new friends and fun experiences!

The $200 discount for early registration to the CSUN teenage drama workshop for Summer 2011 is still in play.

Apply by 12/31/2010 and get the $200 discount. (You'll still be able to get a $100 off if you apply by 03/01/2011).

Get more info on the TADW webpage: http://www.csun.edu/tadw/

Yes, we keep bringing this up, but it's a great holiday gift idea - and here it is, December 22nd already!

*Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this son of York;
And all the clouds that low'r'd upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.

Richard The Third Act 1, scene 1, 1–4

Monday, December 6, 2010

TADW BIG discount - but hurry!

There's still time to get your $200 discount for early registration to the CSUN teenage drama workshop for Summer 2011 if you apply by 12/31!  

If you miss that deadline, you can still get $100 off if you apply by 03/01/2011.

Register online!  More info further down this blog and at the TADW webpage: http://www.csun.edu/tadw/

$250 deposit ($100 of that is non-refundable). 

We're doing Jungle Book,  Music Man and  the 10 Minute Play Festival which will feature original short plays by teen writers.

The Marsha Hunt Tribute

At a recent TADW event at the LA Family Housing building in North Hollywood, Owen Panno, Lindsay Kazan and Kaitlyn Wolf  performed a song Marsha Hunt wrote entitled, "Cry of a Refugee Child" in her honor.  Ms Hunt was one of the founders of TADW in 1957 and is now in her 90's.

From Owen Panno's blog: 

Considering I’m still digesting my Thanksgiving dinner and the Christmas season is fast approaching, it seems an appropriate time to reminisce and reflect on my experiences with an absolutely phenomenal woman – Marsha Hunt. I had the pleasure of serving as TADW staff liaison, and, with TADW alumni Kaitlyn Wolf and Lindsay Kazan, performed at a tribute organized for Ms. Hunt at the LA Family Housing building on Lankershim Boulevard on Sunday, November 14.

Marsha Hunt, 93 years young, was one of the co-founders of the Teenage Drama Workshop along with William Schlosser. Before that though she was an actress with several dozen film credits to her name. As described by Roger Memos, a documentary filmmaker who organized this benefit, she was “the first Angelina Jolie” – as early as the 1940s she used her celebrity to champion causes she believed in, not for her own personal gain but to assist others less fortunate.

Unfortunately for her career, these activities led to her being blacklisted in the mid-1950s. This did not deter her, though – as her career began to wane she dedicated herself further to the causes dear to her heart. Alongside the Teenage Drama Workshop, other non-profit organizations she assisted present at the benefit were Planned Parenthood, Tree People, and the hosts, LA Family Housing.

The Teenage Drama Workshop was asked to perform a song written by Ms. Hunt – on top of her acting talents, she is an accomplished songwriter. The song we performed, “Cry of a Refugee Child,” was written in 1978 as a response to the forgotten Vietnamese children during the Vietnam War and the aftermath of the fall of Saigon.

I created a new arrangement of the song and two-part harmonies based on Marsha’s original sheet music. Afterward, she remarked how thrilled she was to hear others singing her song as she had never heard anybody else sing it. She also related to us that, surprisingly, she was not aware of the workshop’s continued existence until she came across TADW’s 2007 production of Peter Pan – Marsha was thrilled and delighted to see how her program had evolved and continued.

I think more than anything the three of us were astounded by was how dedicated Marsha was to all the causes she contributed to. As they all spoke of their work, Marsha was right there to ask how things had changed in the years since she worked closely with them, asking if they required volunteers and glowing in her recommendations of their services. After our presentation, we were invited on a tour of the LA Family Housing facility – which was a derelict hotel bought, renovated, and repurposed for use by single struggling adults looking to find a way up and out.

We were led through rooms filled with clothes, computer rooms to teach residents about the internet, and a long-term residence center designed to help its residents transition into apartment living. Perhaps the most touching moment of the whole afternoon occurred during our tour when several of the residents, having just learned how beneficial Marsha had been to them, asked politely to speak to her; she took time out from the tour to greet every resident, shake their hand, hug them, offer words of comfort and reassurance. It was truly touching and, I believe, extremely representative of the woman we were so lucky to meet and get to know that day.

In 1978, Marsha Hunt began her “Thankful Giving” initiative. She believed that families at their Thanksgiving table should pass a hat, collecting whatever can be given to donate to a charity of the host’s choice. She was asked by President Jimmy Carter to draft a bill, which had the support of over 200 members of the 95th Congress. President Carter even described the practice in detail in his 1978 Thanksgiving address; unfortunately, national economics prevented a widespread promotional campaign for the idea and it has not caught on widely in this country. Undeterred though, Marsha soldiers on – always cheerful and pleasant, but firm and confident in belief and manner.

Owen Panno 11/2010

Friday, December 3, 2010

$200 off Summer 2011 TADW - with app by 12/31!


Please help us get the word out - there's a $200 discount for early registration to the CSUN teenage drama workshop for Summer 2011.   We're doing Jungle Book,  Music Man and  the 10 Minute Play Festival which will feature original short plays by teen writers.

Save money!  If you apply by 12/31/2010 there's a $200 discount.  If you miss that deadline, you can still get $100 off if you apply by 03/01/2011.

All registration is online, (even if you apply online and mail in a check). Financial aid is available, forms are on the downloads page here: http://www.csun.edu/tadw/downloads.html

Get more info on the TADW webpage: http://www.csun.edu/tadw/

Also, there is a $250 deposit (to show you're serious) and $100 of that is non-refundable.  See this summer with your, "I'm $200 richer than I would have been if I'd waited til 2011 to sign up for Teenage Drama Workshop!" smile on your face.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

State Theatre Group Honors CSUN’s Acclaimed Teenage Drama Workshop

Cal State Northridge’s acclaimed Teenage Drama Workshop (TADW)—an intense summer program that immerses teenagers in the day-to-day reality of a professional theater troupe—has been hailed by the California Educational Theatre Association for its contributions to theater education. READ THE FULL BLOG POST FROM THE CSUN NEWSROOM.


Pictured at left: CSUN theater professor and TADW executive director Doug Kaback and director Cork Dominguez.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Masai Warrior Chant Closes 53rd TADW


At the conclusion of today's Munch and Crunch celebration, Prof. Doug Kaback led the Masai Warrior Chant that traditionally opens and closes the workshop.

Scholarship Winners Announced at Munch & Crunch

Congratulations to Lindsay Kazan (2nd from right) for winning TADW's Alan Oldham Scholarship. Lindsay will attend CSUN in the fall as a Music major and Theatre minor.


Congratulations to design-tech student Glen Howes (2nd from right) for winning TADW's Sam Loeb "Spirit of TADW" Scholarship. Named for a TADW student who lost his battle with cancer, this full TADW scholarship is given annually to the student who best exemplifies the spirit of the workshop - namely leadership, friendship, artistry and commitment. Loeb family members and friends provide the funding for this annual award.


Congratulations to Lindsay Robb (center) for winning TADW's Maryellen Clemons scholarship. Named for longtime, legendary TADW director and instructor Maryellen Clemons, professor emeritus from CSUN’s Department of Theatre who also served as acting chair of the department, the award is given to the “ideal” TADW student. Presented at the end of the summer it includes a half-scholarship for the following year.


Munch and Crunch: The "Mary Poppins" Medley



Here's just a little snippet of what went down at today's Munch and Crunch recital and musical theatre review. Working within their theme of "Movie Musicals," students in the 53rd Teenage Drama Workshop's musical theatre elective prepared musical numbers from famous films. (Choreography by Candy Sherwin and Music Direction by Ed Archer.)  We think you'll recognize this movie (and recent Broadway and touring hit!).  Stick with it until the VERY end to see just how hard these kids work. Great show, everyone!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Munch and Crunch is Sunday, August 8 at 10 a.m.

Join us Sunday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. in the Campus Theatre in CSUN's Nordhoff Hall for "Munch and Crunch." This annual recital features students from TADW's musical theatre elective. The theme for this year's program is "Movie Musicals".

Beginning at 10 a.m., the Musical Theatre elective class will present their amazing repertoire. Small groups from voice and dance classes also will perform, giving students the opportunity to showcase what they have been doing in their classes for the past six weeks. There is no charge for admission. Parking is $6 in Lot B1.

Following the morning program, we invite you to join us for a picnic lunch outside on the grass. For those who pre-ordered, a Subway lunch will be provided. (You may also bring your own lunch.)  The students and staff of the workshop eat free. After lunch we will acknowledge all the TADW students with certificates as well as present other special awards. And stick around for a special treat from veteran TADW students. (You won't want to miss it!)

Our schedule for the day breaks down like this:

10:00am – 12:30pm         Performances by our TADW classes
12:30pm – 1:30pm           Lunch
1:30pm – 2:30pm             Awards ceremony

Visitors from William Grant Still Art Center Enjoyed "Seussical"

Students from the William Grant Still Arts Center in Los Angeles spent some time with members of the cast of "Seussical" following the closing performance on Friday, Aug. 6. Thanks for coming to the show, kids!

Shows Close, Set Strikes Begin

With "Seussical" and "Alice in Wonderland" concluding their successful runs, the casts of both shows are busy today striking their sets, taking down lights, putting away costumes and generally sweeping up!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

10-Minute Play Festival Thurs. Aug. 5 and Fri. Aug. 6

TADW actors, playwrights and directors are busy in dress rehearsals as they prepare for opening night of the 10-Minute Play Festival on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010  (Photos from today's dress-tech rehearsal are up on our Flicker page here and here.)

Parent Information (Links)

With just a few days left in the 53rd Teenage Drama Workshop at CSUN, here are a few important items for parents. 

Below, you'll find links to download PDFs of the final TADW newsletter (chock full of important info!), the order form for lunch at Sunday's Munch and Crunch celebration (the culmination of TADW -- all are invited), and a copy of our Parent Evaluation Form.  Thanks so much! 

FYI:  These were also sent out today by email and your child received hard copies of the newsletter and Munch and Crunch form to bring home.

PARENT LINKS:

Parent Evaluation Form

FINAL TADW parent newsletter

Munch and Crunch Announcement / Lunch Order Form

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

"Seussical" Photo Links

UPDATE:
"Seussical" Pix from Papa Stewart on Flickr (Great closeups and wide shots; high resolution!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tadw/sets/72157624521808549/

"Seussical" Pix on Facebook (Danielle Fairlee's album - wide shots). Lower-resolution but easy to share for Facebook members. If you cannot see the album, you may need to "friend request" Danielle Sanford Fairlee:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2074345&id=1198117402

"Seussical" (Fairlee album-wide shots) on Flickr. Higher resolution. Same photos as in Fairlee album on Facebook, but suitable for downloading or reprinting:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tadw/sets/72157624625321968

"Seussical" (Miereanu album - lots of great closeups from show and photo call) on Flickr. High resolution:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tadw/sets/72157624521148887/

If we get any more albums uploaded to our various networking sites, we'll update! Thanks!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Updated Ticket Availability for Remaining TADW Performances!!

As of Aug. 2, tickets are still available for the following performances:


  • "Seussical" on Wed. Aug. 4 at 7 p.m.
  • "Seussical" on Thurs. Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. (just a few!!)
  • "Seussical" on Fri. Aug. 6 at 11 a.m.
  • "Alice in Wonderland" on Sat. Aug. 7 at 11 a.m.


Call the AS Ticket Office at (818) 677-2488.


Please note that the following performances are SOLD OUT*: 
Seussical and Alice in Wonderland - 11 a.m. on 8/4
Alice in Wonderland - 11 a.m. on 8/5
10-Minute Play Festival - 7 p.m. on 8/5
Alice in Wonderland - 11 a.m. on 8/6
10-Minute Play Festival - 7 p.m. on 8/6
*For sold-out performances, a standby line will form at the TADW concession table. Admission is not guaranteed.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Tickets Still Available for Weekend Performances!

No need to head to your local multiplex for a movie this weekend. Support LIVE THEATRE right here in your community. Come out to CSUN this weekend to see the Teenage Drama Workshop's wonderful productions of "Seussical" and "Alice in Wonderland." Tickets are still available. 

Here is our schedule for this weekend:

Friday, July 30
  • "Seussical" at 7 p.m. in the Campus Theatre

Saturday, July 31:
  • "Seussical" at 11 a.m. in the Campus Theatre
  • "Seussical" at 7 p.m. in the Campus Theatre
  • "Alice in Wonderland" at 7 p.m. in the Little Theatre.

All performances are in Nordhoff Hall on the campus of Cal State Northridge. The closest parking is Lot B1 at Nordhoff and Darby. Parking is $6. Purchase a parking voucher from the dispenser in the lot before you head for the theatre.

The box office in Nordhoff Hall opens two hours before any TADW performance. Adults are $12, kids and seniors are $9.  All tickets are general admission. Latecomers  may not be seated.  Additional info on buying tickets can be found here.  Or, please visit our website.

Wacky-Tacky Dress-Up Day at TADW

Wacky? Tacky? Or just "wacky-tacky?" Nope. Just another fun dress-up day at the Teenage Drama Workshop.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Donors, Supporters Honored at Dean's Reception

TADW donors, parents and supporters were honored at a special reception Wednesday evening, hosted by Robert Bucker, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication at Cal State Northridge.  At the event, Dean Bucker thanked attendees for supporting the arts and supporting the children whose lives are affected by the Workshop. Held in the beautiful Organ Room in Nordhoff Hall, the event included a cameo appearance by the cast of "Alice in Wonderland". Attendees, including longtime TADW donors Allan Rich and Nancy Cartwright, were also invited to attend the opening night performance of "Seussical."


Tuesday, July 27, 2010

"Seussical" Sneak Peek

C
TADW's production of "Seussical" opens Wednesday, July 28 at 7 p.m. in the Campus Theatre in Nordhoff Hall at CSUN. Get your tickets today!

Monday, July 26, 2010

TADW Donor Featured in CSUN's "northridge" Magazine

Just spotted in our mailbox: The latest issue of CSUN's "northridge" magazine features TADW supporter Nancy Cartwright on the inside front cover. The item includes a nice mention of Nancy bringing "her enthusiastic support to CSUN's Teenage Drama Workshop."

Musical Theatre Class: Preparing for Munch & Crunch

With "Alice" up and running and "Seussical" opening Wednesday, July 28, students in TADW's musical theatre elective are busy preparing for their "Munch and Crunch" revue, which will be held Sunday, Aug. 8 beginning at 10 a.m. in the Campus Theatre. 

This not-to-be-missed event is the annual culmination of TADW and will include the musical theatre performance as well as recital pieces from voice and dance classes.  Lunch will be served (there will be a small fee for parents and guests), after which there will be several special presentations, including TADW awards and scholarships. 

The theme for Munch and Crunch this year is "Movie Musicals", so get ready an entertaining day!  Below, choreographer Candy Sherwin and the MT students work on several numbers.




Sunday, July 25, 2010

Aherns & Flaherty: "Seussical" Composers

When TADW's production of "Seussical" opens on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, audience members will delight in music and lyrics by one of Broadway's most illustrious songwriting teams: Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

Their body of work includes the renowned Broadway musical "Ragtime," for which they won the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Score and two Grammy nominations; "Seussical," also Grammy-nominated and now one of the most frequently performed shows around the world; the long-running hit "Once on This Island," which garnered eight Tony nominations, and the film "Anastasia," for which they received two Academy Award Nominations and two Golden Globe nominations.

For more information, visit www.ahrensandflaherty.com.

Noted TADW Alumni

Alex Borstein - Actress, Emmy-nominee
Don Burroughs - Actor
Marylata Elton Jacob (Latie Elton) - Grammy-nominated record producer
Arye Gross - Actor
Bill Irwin - Broadway actor, Tony Award winner
A.J. Langer - Actress
Wendy Jo Sperber - Actress
Mare Winningham - Actress, Oscar nominee

(Editor's Note: To submit someone for this list, please leave a comment below. We will update regularly.)

Memory Lane: Brent Rosen, the TADW Years

Here's a blast from the past. Pictured at left: current TADW Managing Director Brent Rosen back when he was a student in the Workshop, circa 1995.  Love the Boys II Men T-Shirt.

Dean Bucker Drops in on Company Meeting

At the TADW Company Meeting on Friday, July 23, Robert Bucker, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication at Cal State Northridge, spoke to students.  Dean Bucker will host a special reception for TADW donors and parents on Wednesday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m., before the opening night of TADW's "Seussical".  Thank you for your support of TADW, Dean Bucker!

(*Thanks to Becca Lasky for the cell phone photo!)

Saturday, July 24, 2010

"Alice in Wonderland" - Photo Links

For your downloading and sharing pleasure, here are links to pictures from today's photo call for the cast of "Alice in Wonderland"

Facebook (low-res, but easy to share if you're a Facebook member):
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=458897&id=116259525292&ref=mf 

Flickr (high-res, suitable for downloading and/or printing):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tadw/sets/72157624574550978/

(Pictured: Cast and Crew of TADW's "Alice in Wonderland", July 24, 2010, CSUN, Nordhoff Hall, Little Theatre)

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Alumni Q&A with James Magedman, TADW Program Collector Extraordinaire!


(Editor's Note: Perusing the social network recently, TADW's Facebook moderator Danielle Fairlee stumbled upon a wonderful collection of scanned-in TADW programs.  Facebook members will find it here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=149552&id=680353213&ref=mf.  The extensive album covers the years 1981 to 1991. Needless to say, this terrific find just begged for more information.  Herewith an interview with the collector, James Magedman, who attended TADW from 1982-1987, and worked in the program during the summers of 1988 and 1989.)

Q:  You have an extensive collection of TADW programs scanned in and posted on Facebook -- probably the best we've seen. How did you come to have so many programs?  What has been the reaction to your collection on Facebook?


A:  My mom took my brothers and I to our first show at TADW in 1975.  I believe it was “Androcles and the Lion.”  She took us to all the shows every year.  I believe she enjoyed it as much as we did.  My older brothers, Seth and Max, became students in 1979.  I joined in 1982 and my younger brother, Neil, hopped on board in 1986.  

Most of my collection came from the years I attended the Workshop. My older brothers were in "Oliver" the year before I showed up.  I have a few friends from the years after I had left so I have a few of those as well.

All my friends on Facebook that viewed the collection loved mentally transporting themselves back to the days of the summer lovefest that is TADW.  No one seemed to have any adverse reaction to it.  Several comments included the phrase “best years of my life.”  I concur.

Q:  How has Facebook helped you keep in touch with TADW alumni?

A:  I have remained in personal contact with many of my TADW friends over the last couple of decades.  After I joined Facebook, that group multiplied 10x or more and (is still) growing.  Friends are in contact with friends in contact with friends.  My TADW programs collection helped add to that as well.  

An amazing thing about my experience at TADW was that I made friends with teenagers several years older than me when I was in Group 1 and several years younger than me when I was in Group 6.  I met thousands of wonderful and talented  people over my many years.


Q:  What years did you attend the program?  What shows were you in?  (Did you go to CSUN?, etc.)  What is your favorite memory of the Workshop?


A:  I attended TADW as a student for 6 years, from 1982 to 1987. During my time I acted in 3 plays onstage - “The Prince & the Pauper,” “Rags to Riches,” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”  In addition, I worked backstage on countless other plays. I ran sound and lights on several shows. I stage managed “The Fabulous Fable Factory.” After classes, when I was not rehearsing or working on a show, I very much loved to help build and paint sets in the construction shop as well as help out hang and focus lights.  I was a happy monkey on a ladder.

In my final year I received the Alan Oldham Memorial Scholarship to attend CSUN.  However, I received most of my college education at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA) in Santa Maria, CA, along with several other TADW Alumni, and received a B.F.A. In Theater from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).

I also worked at TADW in the summers of 1988 and 1989, both in the office as well as assisting in classrooms.  In the afternoons I assistant directed 2 plays - “Story Theater” and “Golliwhoppers.”

I cannot name a single favorite memory from my years at TADW.  I was there for a total of 8 years.  I've seen over 60 brilliant children's theater shows.  I've had dozens of amazing teachers, including Candy Sherwin and Ed Archer.  My elective classes included juggling, mime, story theater, musical theater and many, many years of back-cracking dance production.  Professor Jerry Abbitt, technical wizard, gave me a such an amazing education about all things backstage, I should have paid twice the amount to TADW.  I owe my teenage happiness to the great Dr. William Schlosser, co-founder of the Workshop and the magnificent Professor Maryellen Clemons who succeeded him.

My memories of TADW go like this:  I need to find an audition piece.  I'm a nervous wreck.  Auditions.  Call-back board.  Great happiness and great sadness.  Cast lists go up.  Greater happiness and even greater sadness.  First day of classes.  Old friends reuniting.  New students feeling left out for maybe a day (if that) until they become new friends.  Back on Your Elbows.  Breaks spent in the Green Room.  Horace the Ghost in the basement.  The 39 Cent Hamburger Stand (where Der Weinershnitzel is.)  Invitational and going to Farrell's Ice Cream (which closed and became Fuddruckers – Farrell's was better).  Break rehearsals.  Dance Finals.  Munch and Crunch.  Everyone cries.  See you next year.
Q:  What advice would you give a current TADW student?

A:  If you love theater, go for it!  Put your entire heart, mind and soul into it.  Don't let anyone tell you it is a waste of time.  Skeptics of the profession are often the same people who love a good show. 

More importantly, DO NOT let lack of ability keep you from trying.  In my first year at TADW, I was cast in a show and had one line.  I was not cast again until 4 years later when I landed a fantastic, funny and memorable part in a great show - "Rags to Riches" directed by a genius, John Dantona.  

I was a horrible singer and dancer when I had begun my training.  It wasn't until I reached my early 20s (post TADW) when I found my natural ability.  Believe in yourself.  Be patient with yourself.  Go out of your way to promote those same attitudes toward your friends.




Q:  What are you up to now? Professionally, personally? Fill us in.



A:  Recently, I got engaged to Jackie Shaffer (who is the cousin of one of my best friends from TADW).  I moved to Sacramento to be with her.  I am still a SAG and Equity actor, however, my focus has shifted toward writing and production.  I work with a video production company just north of Sacramento.  In a couple of weeks I will go on the road be Production Manager for a reality show in L.A.  

As far as acting, I will be in a film short later this summer as well as a feature film set to shoot in the Fall.  Meanwhile, I am editing a script for a producer up here and I run a small online business – www.tstreetwarehouse.com.




Q:  Anything else you'd like to add?



A:  There was a time when the future of TADW was unstable.  I would love to thank Doug Kaback, Brent Rosen and anyone else involved for keeping TADW alive.  

Below, James shares some of his favorite TADW photos, along with a few present-day shots. From top to bottom:  In the TADW dressing room, 1987; Group 5 with Candy Sherwin, 1986; James with Julie Goldman; Group 5 with Plant, 1986; Recent photo of James in a lighter moment; James on his engagement day with fiancee Jackie Shaffer.