TADW Staff and Crew Prep for Summer

It's been a steadily accelerating train since last winter, but this week marks the return of TADW staff and crew to working full-swing at the Teenage Drama Workshop!

Work on this summer's Teenage Drama Workshop really began picking up pace in April with our annual Meet & Greet, where new and returning TADW families and students gathered to say hello to one another and to the TADW faculty and staff.

Program Director Doug Kaback addresses the crowd at
TADW's Meet & Greet

Directors and designers for both shows were able to give attendees some insight into their vision for this summer's productions. Now that our set construction is under way, those visions are becoming a reality! We've been hard at work preparing for the upcoming auditions on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th. We've also started construction on sets for our two productions, Ronnie Sperling and Chris Halsted's Jack and the Beanstalk, and Disney's Aladdin.

As our future TADW students are finising up the school year, we've been busy tracing...

TADW staff member Courtney

and painting...

Tina

and sawing...

Glen

and welding...

Matt

and sawing again...

Zach

and sometimes hiding...

Owen

all while generally having an awesome time.

Hala and Matt

We hope you're all as excited as we are about this coming summer. As you can see, the set build has been coming along quite nicely. We've also got some new and fantastic things planned for this summer (to be revealed later). 

Stay tuned for coverage of the 2013 Teenage Drama Workshop auditions!

TADW Students Take the Stage at the Jerry Herman Awards

We at the Teenage Drama Workshop are so proud of our current and former students who graced the stage at the Pantages Theatre on Sunday, May 19th for the Jerry Herman Awards. This regional awards ceremony, which is open to all schools in the greater Los Angeles area, is designed to recognize achievements in high school musical theatre.

TADW alum Aaron Daniel Jacob, of Chaminade College Preparatory, was a runner-up for best actor, and Katherine Steele of Agoura High School was runner-up for best actress. Aaron and Katherine were last seen at TADW starring in our 2011 production of The Music Man.

Aaron and Katherine in TADW's 2011 production of The Music Man

Furthermore, Hollywood High School's production of In The Heights, featuring TADW's Devon Yaffe, won the award for Best Musical. Devon's most recent role at TADW was an electrifying turn as Conrad Birdie in last year's Bye Bye Birdie.

Devon in TADW's 2012 production of Bye Bye Birdie

Several TADW students attended the awards ceremony in support of their friends, demonstrating the kind of bond that our students generate during this program. We could not be more proud of our students, and we send our sincere congratulations to Aaron, Katherine, and Devon on your accomplishments!

Check out video of Aaron's performance at the Jerry Herman Awards here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unH5_n19u3g
Watch Katherine perform at the awards ceremony here:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFKsFxV121g

55th TADW Scholarship Recipients

As the 55^th TADW blazes through its final week of performances, we want to take a moment to congratulate the 2012 TADW Scholarship recipients, and to again thank those who have donated funds to make these scholarships possible. 


In 2011, the Jacob family established The Endowment Fund (TADW alum Marylata and her husband Danny along with their son, also a TADW alum, Aaron) in the spirit of strengthening the program and making participation possible for more students. To support The Endowment Fund, please see the TADW website for further information and to find out how you can contribute.  


And several more scholarships exist for TADW - some long-standing, others more recent. When you apply for 2013, look for the option to apply for one of these gifts. The TADW 2012 Scholarship recipients are:

Madeline Castro as Pochadotas

Madeline Castro plays Pochadotas in Snow White and the Magnificent Seven.  She received the Nancy Cartwright Scholarship.  Nancy is a TADW alum who visited us in 2009 to establish a scholarship for students who could otherwise not afford to participate in the program.  Nancy is most immediately known for her work as the voice of Bart Simpson, a role she has played since the late 1980’s.  Titles like Kim Possible, Rugrats, and Pinky and the Brain add to her remarkable resume.  

Kaitlyn Rickaby as Wild Bill Hiccup

Kaitlyn Rickaby is Wild Bill Hiccup in Snow White and the Magnificent Seven.  She received the Sam Loeb Scholarship, also known as the “Spirit of TADW” scholarship.  The gift is named for Sam Loeb whose parents dedicated the scholarship in his name after he 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.

Natalie Hightower as Rose

Natalie Hightower is Rose in Bye Bye Birdie.  She received the Mary Ellen Clemmons Scholarship, named for longtime, legendary TADW director and instructor Maryellen Clemmons, professor emeritus from CSUN’s Department of Theatre.  During her tenure, Maryellen also served as acting chair of the department.  The award is given to the “ideal” TADW student and is presented at the end of the summer and includes a half-scholarship for the following year.

Sydney Reyes as Mrs. Doris Macaffee

Daniel Bellusci as the Sheriff

Sydney Reyes is Mrs. Doris Macaffee in Bye Bye Birdie.  Daniel Bellusci is Sheriff Charmin’ in Snow White and the Magnificent Seven.  Each of these students received the Ann Burroughs Family Scholarship – this gift embodies the spirit of TADW, which is that the students always come first.  A shortage of money should not be an obstacle to keep a student from the TADW experience. The late Ann Burroughs was a long time administrative analyst in the Department of Theatre at CSUN, and a great friend to the workshop.  The scholarship, funded by her family, provides two $500 scholarships for students with financial need. Through this generosity, the spirit of Ann’s caring heart lives on each year, as two deserving students get the support they need to participate in our program.

Savannah Ludwig as Kim

Savannah Ludwig is Kim in Bye Bye Birdie.  She received the Allan Rich “We Care About Kids” Scholarship.  Renowned actor, producer and director Allan Rich has sponsored a student through the program each year since 2009.  Through his non-profit organization, “We Care About Kids,” he selects a student for funding with the perspective that TADW is a great community involvement project.  He talks about theatre as a tool for character development, “Whether you want to act, produce, write, build sets, or simply get to know yourself better and find your fit in the world,” he says, “The Teenage Drama Workshop is a great place to be.”  Watch the interview with Kim, Allan and Doug Kaback:

...And to be announced at Munch n’ Crunch on Sunday, the recipient of the Allan Oldham Scholarship, which will provide a particular student funding toward the 56^th TADW, Summer 2013.


Congratulations to all of our recipients, and again, a heartfelt THANK YOU to our benefactors.

Callbacks GiveBack

"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito." - Betty Reese

Danny, Aaron and Marylata Jacob (Elton) at the
TADW 54 production of Music Man

The Callbacks, the TADW Alumni Group is up and running. Over 300 alumni have joined our Facebook group (175 in the first 36 hours). More join every day, some who attended the Workshop as early as 1961. Many attribute their real-life successes to the lessons learned at TADW.

It is in this spirit the Callbacks GiveBack campaign came to fruition. In 2012, the CALLBACKS began a financial aid fund to assist a multi-generational Legacy student and students in greatest need.

Why “Giveback”? For the second time in TADW’s 55-year history, the program (along with all CSUN departments) must pay CSUN for use of the facilities. This summer, the facility fees increased to over $25,000. Even with raised ticket prices, the financial aid for students was severely jeopardized.

The goal is to fund $5,500 for financial aid annually. My husband, Danny Jacob (composer of Disney’s Phineas and Ferb) and I have contributed the lead gift of $2,500 to get the 2012 fund up and on its feet.

With each TADW Alum investing a modest $25 annually, no teen will be denied this fantastic summer program because of his or her inability to pay tuition. Let us not be the generation who broke the TADW commitment that no student is turned away due to the financial burden of tuition.

Your tax-deductible donation will bring the experience of a lifetime, to teens in need. Cash in that change jar. Set aside $25 and send a check to:

Teenage Drama Workshop
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge CA 91330-8320
ATTN: TADW/Doug Kaback

- Marylata Jacob nee Latie Elton, TADW: ’73, ’74, ‘75

The Unsung Heroes: Techies at TADW

Caroline (above) jumps into many of the projects
with students to teach with a hands-on approach.

With both Bye Bye Birdie and Snow White and the Magnificent Seven opening within the week, the tech students are hard at work making sure both shows will light up your world.

Caroline Law, the creator and lead instructor of the tech program here at TADW, has made it clear that she is nothing but confident that her students will do wonders with the lights, sounds, sets, props, and costumes for the shows.

Glen (far right) in the booth of the Little Theatre,
 working the sound board with two tech students.

"I try to teach them [the tech students] professionalism and a strong work ethic so that they take pride in what they do," Caroline says.

Glen Howes, second in command to Caroline, also had sublime things to say about the program. As an alumni of the TADW tech program, he says that what he has learned from the crew has allowed him to advance his skills, and be confident enough with his knowledge of the equipment to teach the new generation of "techies."

Caroline and Glen work wonders as a tech duo.  They teach the students how to run a light or sound board, how to work with mics, build and follow designs for sets, hang and focus lights, and how to properly use all the tools and equipment found in a professional theatre.

The tech program gives students experience working as a unified group, and, over time, they learn to work with one another in a seasoned, and creative way! In fact, what they learn is how to work - and these are skills they can take with them anywhere they may go, whatever career paths they may follow. "We all work together, and we're a team," says Caroline. "I'm trying to take these kids and turn them into little professionals."

- Haylee-Rae Averill

A Sneak Peek: Snow White and the Magnificent Seven

Tickets: 818-677-2488. CSUN Teenage Drama Workshop's production of Snow White and the Magnificent Seven is underway. It's a Western. It's Snow White. It's magnificent!





It's a an original musical by TADW's own Ronnie Sperling and Chris Halsted. We're learning the choreography, rehearsing the scenes, building the sets, testing the sound and setting the lights to get ready for showtime: July 20 - August 4th, 10 performances in the Little Theatre at California State University, Northridge. 

Tickets: 818-677-2488. Discounts for group sales. Saddle up 'n git on out here! Ain't no better show west o' the Mississip... ner east, neither! Well, 'cept fer Bye Bye Birdie in the Big Theatre next door. It's great, too! Matter o' fact, that's gonna be yer next sneak peek!

Invitational to Current and Past TADWanians

Psst! Current and past TADWanians only: you are invited to... "The Invitational!" for Snow White and the Magnificent Seven!

This is a preview show of Snow White and the Magnificent Seven. Remember you must have had the TADW experience to pass through the saloon doors and out onto this mean street. (Actually, it's not such a mean street. But it has its surprises!)

The Invitational is Thursday, July 19th at 6:00 P.M. Parents, ask your teenager about the non-TADW sponsored "After Invitational Get Together." All we can tell you here is it's true when they tell ya that parents sit at one side of the restaurant and the TADW participants at the other. Yup. Go ahead. Ask 'em. ...Ah dare ya!

(Info on the Bye Bye Birdie invitational coming soon, but save the date - evening of July 24th).

Tickets now available for all shows!

TADW shows are selling out fast! Tickets are available for Snow White and Magnificent Seven, Bye Bye Birdie, and 10 Minute Play Festival, but you better get them quick! They can be purchased through the main A.S. Ticket Office (see map), the Nordhoff Hall A.S. Ticket Office (located in the Little Theatre Lobby, open only two hours prior to shows), or Ticketmaster (click here).

Ticket pricing is as following:

$14.00 - General

$10.00 - Kids and Seniors 
Groups - $10.00 - 10 or more

(no reserved seating) 

SALE PRICES FOR GROUP SALES!

Right now, for every TEN tickets you buy (for one performance), you will receive ONE FREE! This offer is only valid at either A.S. Ticket Office, when you tell them you're with Teenage Drama Workshop.

The TADW 2012 Cast Lists are Here!

Bye Bye Birdie


Albert Peterson             Josh Knoller
Rose                             Natalie Hightower
Ursula Merkle               Alex Lucas
Kim Macafee                Savannah Ludwig
Mrs. Doris Macafee      Sydney Reyes
Mr. Harry Macafee        August Robinson
Mrs. Mae Peterson        Jessica Garcia
Conrad Birdie               Devon Yaffe
Hugo Peabody              Michael Dager
Gloria Rasputin             Lily Khalighi
Randi Macafee               Pasha Wynant




Numerous additional roles to be cast from ensemble below!


Genevieve Collins
Allie George
Noah Gephart-Canada
Hanah Gershkowitz
Samantha Glassner
Grace Jacobsen
James Johnston
Tom Johnston
Kyla Lockette
Sarah MacLennan
Alia Martinez
Laura McDermott
Renee Melkonian
Paulina Mirabella
Rosie Murrah
Allie Norton
Haley Perkins
Sami Raskin
Sara Renner
Camille Roberts
Theo Robinson
Michael Smith
Julia Trites
Analisa Venolia
Marisel Venolia

Snow White and the Magnificent Seven:

Sheriff: Daniel Bellusci

Mayor: Canaan Smith

Prospector: Danny Halsted

Snow White: Milli Miereanu

Willy: Annie Resnick

Little Jake: Chloe Rosen

Queenie: Camille Martellaro

Zero: Maya Escobar

Ms. Kitty: Ashley Stanford-Johnston

Pochadotas Madeline Castro

Clambake: Lily Lester

Chicken: Myles

Man with no name: Colin Mika

Frita Bandita: Julia Lester

Woodsy: Melina

Billy the Kidder: Kate Westrum

Wild Bill Hiccup: Kaitlyn Rickaby

Sarah Sperling

Maya Efrat

Nicole Fisher

Josh Lloyd

Elizabeth Lloyd

Kali Hale

Maya Hale

Larissa Heatley

Samantha Fabish

Brie Guenthner

Paige Jenson

Kaitlyn Catalbas

Mara Eisner

Megan Phung

This summer TADWanians blew their first auditions out of the water!

Doug Kaback gathers all the crew and students in the Little Theatre for an
introductory speech to kick things off.

This summer's first round of auditions were excellent! The students were split into three groups, and went into three different auditions, including voice, acting, and dance.
For voice, each student sang along with either an accompaniment from voice teacher Diane, with a karaoke track, or acapella. For the dance audition, dance instructor/choreographer Candy, and her assistant Brynn, taught each group a basic routine to see their individual ability to pick up choreography, work in sync with other dancers, and take direction. And for the acting audition, Chris had the students participate in some warm-up activities to get their creative juices flowing. He then had small groups of students go on stage to act out improvised monologues, based on short blurbs he gave them based on some of the characters from this summer's Snow White and the Magnificent Seven. Overall, the general consensus of the talent this past week was top notch. This summer is going to be more impressive than ever! Can't wait to see how the callbacks go next week! Break legs!

-Haylee-Rae Averill

With auditions this week, and callbacks the next, TADWanians are going to be "hoping they get it"!

With first auditions tomorrow, we've got a feeling you're all amped with nerves and excitement, much like the characters in A Chorus Line. But to ease those nerves, just remember, every actor at TADW gets called back, so there's no need to think "God, I hope I get it!"



BREAK A LEG AT AUDITIONS, EVERYONE!

-Haylee-Rae Averill

Your Summer in TADW: What to Expect

What's a TADWanian?!

Are you new to TADW this summer?  Perhaps you came to the Meet and Greet and saw lots of people who seemed like great friends and there you were: new.

Maybe you had a question you didn't think of til you got home.  Do you wonder what a typical TADW day will be like?

First of all, the TADW website has a FAQ page, for those of you who tend to stay up late at night wondering about things.

http://www.csun.edu/tadw/aboutus.html

A day in TADW starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 4:15 p.m.  The season runs six weeks. Here's how the TADW day goes:

Performance Track: Students in the performance track begin the day with intensive classes in voice, dance and acting, along with an elective (improvisation, musical theatre or playwriting).  After lunch, they break out by cast to rehearse for the play they're in. This year it's either Snow White and the Magnificent Seven or Bye Bye Birdie.

Tech Track: Students in the technical track will begin their morning with classes in costuming, lighting, sound and stagecraft.  After lunch, they will break out by crew to work behind the scenes in Snow White and the Magnificent Seven or Bye Bye Birdie.

As the six weeks come to an end and the productions go up, the performance students will also use their afternoon session to rehearse for dance class finals, to stage and rehearse their 10-minute plays, and to prepare for the musical theatre showcase called Munch & Crunch. (More about that later. It's fun. It's silly. It's seriously funny).

TADW works like a theatre company with every member pulling his or her weight. So you'll be expected to attend all classes and rehearsals.  You'll work hard, but when you're having fun being creative, time flies!

So, what's this term “TAD-WUH”  you keep hearing people use? That's how TADW sounds-out when you read it as a word.  Look at it.  We're so amazing, we have our own word!  Actually we have another: The students are also called TADWanians. It's a name you'll never shake - and you'll never want to!