TADW Parents Host "Thank You" Tea for Nordhoff Hall Staff, Administrators

Parents from the Teenage Drama Workshop hosted an afternoon tea today to thank the hard-working staff and administrators of Nordhoff Hall for their support of our program.  Special guests from the Theatre Department, the Dean's Office and the Advisement Offices enjoyed delicious homemade treats set out on an "Alice in Wonderland"-themed table and a "Seussical"-themed table.  Students displayed a signed poster thanking everyone in Nordhoff Hall for their continued support of the TADW program.

Parent Newsletter #3: July 14, 2010

Greetings TADW parents: Here is the text of today's TADW parent newsletter, which was distributed by email. Your child will receive a hard copy to bring home today.

TADW PARENT NEWSLETTER #3 – JULY 14, 2010
 
Communication -  Please let us know how things are going. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Beth at (818)677-2725 or email her at beth.lasky@csun.edu.

Parent/Guardian Advisory Committee -  Our next meeting will be this Friday, July 16, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in room 103.  We hope you can attend. 

Missing Classes and Rehearsals -  Too many students have missed classes or rehearsals due to various appointments.  Please do not schedule ANY appointments until after the TADW program is finished.

Help in Costume Shop -  If anyone has free time to help out in the costume shop, please let us know.  Assistance is greatly needed and appreciated.

Performances and Tech Rehearsals –  Shows are nearly ready and everything is coming together beautifully  Make sure you are clear about the times your child needs to be here.  When we have 11am shows, we still have classes starting at 8:15am on the weekdays.

Invitational -  The Invitational or Preview show for Alice will be Thursday, July 22 at 6PM.  This is a change from the original schedule.  This show is only for current and past TADW participants.  Be sure to ask your child about the non TADW sponsored

"After Invitational Get Together".  We would tell you about it, but since it isn't sponsored by TADW, we aren't suppose to know that it is held at Sizzler.  Parents sit at one side of the restaurant and the TADW participants at the other.  It is fun for everyone!

Publicity for TADW -  A great way to ensure ticket sales is to promote TADW.  Danielle Fairlee writes a wonderful blog for our website.  Direct your friends and family to http://tadwbackstage.blogspot.com/ to read about what is happening at TADW.  Danielle has also been busy writing pieces for local community newspapers.  Thanks Danielle!!

Buying Tickets -  The easiest way to purchase tickets is to go to our website at www.csun.edu/tadw.  Tickets can also be purchased at the Associated Students Ticket Office at the University Student Union.  Their hours of operation are Monday-Saturday from 10 am - 6 pm.  Tickets may be ordered by calling (818)677-2488.  Additionally, tickets may be purchased 2 hours before a performance, at the Ticket Office opposite  the Little Theater in Nordhoff Hall.  A little tip for you and your friends:  By the end of the runs, we very often sell out the house.  So, consider seeing the show early in the run!

Picking Up and Dropping Off -  Remember, Etiwanda Street is not for loading and unloading of passengers.  Please use the parking lot for dropping off and picking up your child.  Stopping on Etiwanda ties up traffic and is inconsiderate.

Concessions Stand -  Donations for the TADW concessions stand have started.  Please consider making a run to Costco or Smart and Final!! We could really use more cans of soda.  All items must be pre packaged. Remember, you can bring your items when you drop off your children in the morning. One of our staff will be standing in the parking lot to accept your contributions. If you would prefer to make a cash donation for the purchase of snacks or drinks, that’s fine, too. All proceeds from the concessions go to the Parent Advisory Committee scholarship fund.

Ushers -  We still need ushers for some of the daytime shows.  A sign-up sheet for ushers is available at the Parent Meetings or you can contact Beth at beth.lasky@csun.edu.  All ushers arrive a half-hour before the show begins, take tickets, pass out programs, and work at the concession stand.  A TADW staff member will serve as house manager and be able to answer any questions. All ushers see the show for free.

Parking -  If you park on campus, you will need to buy a parking permit at all times. Permit parking on campus is enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Permit dispenser machines are located in Lot B1 and inside parking structure B3.  Daily permits are $6 and are available from 7am-9pm, at the kiosks on Prairie (just off Darby).  There are weekly passes that can be purchased for $9 a week.  This special  pass can only be purchased through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.  The DPS building is on Darby at Prairie.

Ticket Selling -  We need everyone’s help to fill up the theatre. We’re asking everyone to sell 25-50 tickets each. Please help your child by letting friends and family know they can buy tickets from you. We have PLENTY of brochures. Come and take a handful.  We particulary need to sell tickets during the first week of each show.

Sponsors – Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to sponsor tickets for under privileged youth groups. 

DVDs Order Forms -  Don't forget to order the DVD of the shows for this year.  Each DVD is $25.00.

Stay healthy! -  This is the toughest part of the program.  The rehearsals are longer and tougher.  Remind your kid(s) to eat well and get enough sleep.

Parent Newsletter #2: July 7, 2010

Greetings TADW Parents.  Here is the text of the second parent newsletter that went home on July 7 with your child(ren). You may also have received this by email. (If you didn't, please contact Beth Lasky (info below) with your updated email address.)

NEWSLETTER #2 – JULY 7, 2010

Communication -  Please let us know how things are going. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Beth at (818)677-2725 (day) (818)883-7314 evenings or email her at beth.lasky@csun.edu. Ask your child if any important TADW information was given out for parents.

Parent/Guardian Advisory Committee -  We held our first meeting last week, that was very well attended. Thank you to the 20 parents and guardians who were able to attend. Our next meeting will be Friday, July 9th from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in conference room.

 

Pick-Up -  During these first few weeks TADW dismissal time is 4:15.  Most of the TADW staff are gone by 4:30-5:00pm.  After shows begin rehearsal schedules, we must be out of the building by 6pm.  Please pick up your children as close to the dismissal time as possible.  TADW is not responsible for their well being after hours.  If there is a problem, please let Beth know.

Guests -  Occasionally, a guest will accompany a student to TADW.  This MUST be cleared with either Doug or Brent beforehand!  Guests will be asked to leave if there is no previous notice or if the guest is disruptive.

Buying Tickets -  Tickets for all performances may be purchased at the Associated Students Ticket Office at the University Student Union or by going to the TADW website at www.csun.edu/tadw.  Their hours of operation are Monday-Saturday from 10 am - 6 pm.  Tickets may also be ordered by calling (818)677-2488.  Additionally, tickets may be purchased 2 hours before a performance, at the Ticket Office opposite the Little Theater in Nordhoff Hall.

 

Ticket Selling -  We need everyone’s help to fill up the theatre. We’re asking everyone to sell 25-50 tickets each. Please help your child by letting friends and family know they can buy tickets from you. We have PLENTY of brochures and posters. Come and take a handful.  The following matinee performances have already SOLD OUT: 7/28 – Alice; 7/30 Alice; and 8/4 - Alice and Seussical.

Photo Calls: -  Please be aware that photos of the cast and crew of each show will be taken after the first Saturday performances,.  This means that people will not be released until about 1-1:30 after the following performances:  Alice- Saturday, 7/24 and Seussical- Saturday 7/31.

Concessions Stand -  Families may donate canned sodas/bottled water/juice boxes (or other re-sellable drinks) and/or candy bars/cookies/chips/etc… for the TADW concessions stand.  All items should be pre-packaged. Bring your items when you drop off your children in the morning. TADW staff will be in the parking lot to accept your contributions. If families would prefer to make a cash donation for the purchase of snacks or drinks, that’s fine, too. All proceeds from the stand go to the Parent Advisory Committee scholarship fund.

Ushers -  We still need ushers for some of the shows.  A sign-up sheet for ushers is available at the Parent Meetings or you can email Beth at beth.lasky@csun.edu.  All ushers arrive a half hour before the show begins, take tickets, pass out programs, and work at the concession stand after the show.  A TADW staff member will serve as house manager and be able to answer any questions.  All ushers see the show for free.

Parking -  If you park on campus, you will need to buy a parking permit at all times. Permit parking on campus is enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Permit dispenser machines are located in Lot B1 and inside parking structure B3.  Daily permits are $6 and are available from 7am-9pm, at the kiosks on Prairie (just off Darby).  There are weekly passes that can be purchased for $10 a week.  This special pass can only be purchased through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.  The DPS building is on Darby at Prairie. 

Sponsors –  Can your family sponsor an organization for under-privileged youth by buying tickets for them to see our shows?  Please contact Doug Kaback if you would like to make a donation or to sponsor a group of your choice this summer.  We’ve invited 120 kids from Stone Soup Childcare in Norwalk and 50 kids from   They’re all thrilled!  Thank you!!

Carpool List -  A list of all TADW members is available and has been distributed.  If your son or daughter did not give it to you, please ask for it!

DVDs Order Forms -  Don't forget to order the DVD of the shows for this year.  DVDs will be available for Seussical, Alice, 10 Minute Play Festival and Munch and Crunch.  Each DVD is $25.00.

Schedules -  Rehearsal schedules for each show have been distributed.  If you did not receive one, contact Beth.  Please note that both Seussical, and Alice have Preview Shows the evening before their openings.  These shows are only for current and past TADW participants.  More will be included in next week's Newsletter about the Invitational (Previews).

 

Parent Newsletter #1: July 1, 2010

Greetings TADW Parents.  Here is the text of the first parent newsletter that went home today with your child(ren). You may also have received this by email. (If you didn't, please contact Beth Lasky (info below) with your updated email address.)  Your child(ren) also received a copy of a carpool list.

NEWSLETTER #1 – July 1, 2010 

WE’RE OFF TO A GREAT START!  Rehearsals and classes have begun and everyone is really excited.  Thanks to all the students, families and staff of TADW. 

Communication -  Messages to parents are put on the TADW website (www.csun.edu/tadw) and sent home.  Please ask your child, daily, if anything was distributed to take home.  In addition, feel free to contact Beth Lasky at beth.lasky@csun.edu or (818)677-2725 (campus) or (818)883-7314 (evenings), or Doug Kaback at doug.kaback@csun.edu or (818)677-5811 (campus) or Brent Rosen at brentrosen79@gmail.com or (818)571-4007 (campus).   

Dance Shoes -  Everyone needs jazz or ballet shoes for dance.  You can buy them at Apparel Warehouse at 6010 Yolanda in Tarzana or Capezio Dance Shop at 7120 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Canoga Park. 

Drop-Off and Parking -  When dropping off or picking up your child, we suggest you enter lot B1 from Darby, drop your child off and then either exit at Etiwanda or Darby.  Parking is available in Lots B1, B2, B3 surface lots and the B3 parking structure between Darby and Etiwanda just north of Nordhoff.  Permit parking on campus is enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Permit dispenser machines are located in Lot B1 and inside parking structure B3.  Daily permits are $6 and are available from 7am-9pm, at the kiosks on Prairie (just off Darby) and on Lindley (just off Nordhoff).   

Parent/Guardian Committee Meeting -  Friday, July 2, 2010 from 2:30-4:00pm in the Theater Conference Room 104 or another room which will be posted.  Each summer this committee helps organize several aspects of TADW like ushering and concessions.  The weekly Friday meetings are a great opportunity to meet other families and share questions and concerns.  All parents and guardians are welcome!

NO CLASSES OR REHEARSALS -  Monday, July 5, 20010

Concessions Stand -  We will be collecting your contributions to the TADW concessions stand beginning Tuesday, July 6 – canned sodas/bottled water/juice boxes (or other re-sellable drinks) and/or candy bars/cookies/chips/etc.  All items should be pre-packaged.  If families would prefer to make a cash donation for the purchase of snacks or drinks, that’s fine, too.  All proceeds from the concessions stand go to the TADW scholarship fund.

Ushers -  A sign-up sheet for ushers will be available at the Parent Meeting starting July 2nd.  All ushers see the show for free if there is room in the theater. 

Ticket Selling -  A number of the weekday matinees are sold out to camp programs, however there a still plenty of tickets for weeknight and weekend performances.  We need everyone’s help to fill up the theatre.  We’re asking everyone to sell 25-50 tickets each.  Please help by letting friends and families know they can buy tickets. Tickets may be ordered online by going to the TADW website at www.csun.edu/tadw or by calling the TICKET OFFICE 818/677-2488, or at the Associated Students Ticket Office on campus.  We have beautiful brochures that you can give out.  We also have posters that can be displayed in local stores. 

Sponsors -  We are looking for individuals, families, and businesses who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution and sponsor under-privileged youth organizations by buying tickets for them to see our shows.  Please contact Doug Kaback to make a donation or to sponsor a group of your choice.   

Carpool List -  A list of all TADW members is available and has been distributed.  If your son or daughter did not give it to you, please ask for it or email Beth. 

Scholarship Raffle Prizes

The Teenage Drama Workshop is selling raffle tickets at all evening and weekend shows to raise money for our scholarship program. Thank you to all who donated prizes to our auction. Your generosity will help us provide scholarships for low-income students who want to attend our workshop.

Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Prizes will be drawn at Munch & Crunch on Aug. 2 (Winners need not be present.)

Here is the latest run-down on the prizes we are offering:

2 tickets to the Jonas Brothers concert on Aug. 7 (Donated by TADW alumna Crystal McGinnis after she won them on KIIS-FM; seat info TBA)

"The Phineas & Ferb Experience for Two" - Meet the creator, watch a VO session, meet the composer, visit recording studio! (Donated by Dan Povenmire and Danny Jacob)

4 orchestra seats to "How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical" at the Pantages on Dec. 6, 2009 (Donated by The Fairlee Family)

2 general admission passes to Universal Studios Hollywood (Donated by Universal Studios Hollywood)

"Tinkerbell Dream Basket" filled with Tinkerbell toys, DVD and CD (Donated by the Office of Meredith Roberts & Jen Karafilis at DisneyToon Studios)

4 Disneyland Resort one-day Parkhopper tickets + parking (Donated by The Jacob Family)

1 Michael Jackson Memorial Program from the Staples Center memorial (Donated by Trevor Panno & Family)

1 Conditioning Treatment, Haircut & Blowdry with Sari @ Salon Syndicate, Encino (Donated by Sari Averill)

2 Haircuts with Sari @ Salon Syndicate, Encino (Donated by Sari Averill)

"A Night out in Warner Center" - $50 Certificate to PF Changs, $25 Certificate to AMC Theatres (Donated by The Kazan Family)

$50 Gift Certificate toward a specialty cake from Bella Donna Special Events (Donated by Bella Donna)

Playbill signed by Broadway cast of "West Side Story" (Donated by Owen Panno)

Playbill signed by Broadway cast of "The Phantom of the Opera" (Donated by Owen Panno)

Playbill signed by Broadway cast of "Next To Normal" (Donated by Owen Panno)

Harry & David picnic backpack (Donated by The Perkins Family)

Picnic Time wine & cheese tote for two (Donated by The Perkins Family)

Horseback riding lessons at Elvenstar Stables, Moorpark (Donated by Elvenstar)

Adco Armor Tyvek Motorcycle Cover-Small (Donated by The Perkins Family)

Adco Armor Tyvek Motorcycle Cover-Large (Donated by The Perkins Family)

Get your raffle tickets now. Upcoming raffle ticket sales dates: July 23 (before and after 7 p.m. shows); July 24 (before and after 7 p.m. show); July 25 (before and after 11 a.m. matinees and 7 p.m. shows); July 30 & 31 (before and after "10-Minute Play Festival"); Aug. 1 (before and after 11 a.m. matinee) and Aug. 2 (at Munch & Crunch). If you will not be at these performances, we can also sell tickets by appointment at CSUN. Email daniellefairlee@mac.com for information.

TADW Scholarship Fundraiser: Tinkerbell Dream Basket

Here's another one of the great prizes coming in the Parent Advisory Committee's raffle to raise money for scholarships for the Teenage Drama Workshop. Donated by the office of Meredith Roberts & Jen Karafilis at Disney Toon Studios, the basket is chock full of Tinkerbell stuff worth approximately $200. Raffle tickets will be sold at TADW's evening and weekend performances. ($1 per ticket or 6 for $5.) All proceeds will benefit the TADW scholarship fund. Prizes will be drawn at Munch & Crunch Aug. 2. Winners need not be present.

TADW Scholarship Fundraiser: Get Your Raffle Tickets at Select Shows

The Parent Advisory Committee of the Teenage Drama Workshop will offer great raffles at our evening and weekend shows! Prizes include 4 tickets to "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at the Pantages and 2 tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood. ($1 per ticket or 6 for $5.) All proceeds will benefit the TADW scholarship fund. Prizes will be drawn at Munch & Crunch Aug. 2. Winners need not be present.

Concession Collection: Day 1

Thanks to all the Teenage Drama Workshop students and parents who brought in items for the first day of our concession stand collection! If you missed out this morning, there's still time! Look for Brent Rosen and his cart by Lot B-1 in the mornings before TADW begins. Donated items must be individually packaged: i.e. sodas, candy, chips. As we get closer to Opening Night, watch the parent newsletter for any updates about specific items we need or don't need.

Parent Advisory Committee Holds First Meeting

On Friday, June 26, the first Parent Advisory Committee for the 2009 Teenage Drama Workshop was held in the Green Room in Nordhoff Hall. The meeting was well attended by parents and guardians, and even a few grandparents. It was a chance for attendees to learn about plans for the summer, including a proposed silent auction and raffle at Munch and Crunch, the traditional culmination of TADW, at 10 a.m. on Aug. 2. (If you are interested in donating items to the auction or if you want more information, email daniellefairlee@mac.com.) Parents also heard from TADW director Doug Kaback about opportunities for ticket gifting to nonprofit organizations, and from parent liaison Beth Lasky, who took sign-ups from those who want to be ushers at TADW shows. PAC meetings are held on Fridays throughout TADW, but due to the 4th of July holiday, the next PAC meeting is Thursday, July 2 at 2:30. All are welcome.