Presenting the Casts of our 2013 Productions!

Well, we made it through the weekend and our two days of auditions. What an amazing amount of talent we saw! All of our TADW students should be very proud of their outstanding work. Casting the shows is one of the most difficult jobs faced by the production staff at the Teenage Drama Workshop. With so many talented students, we are often confronted with some very difficult decisions. However, we believe that we've come up with two fabulous casts, and we can't wait to see how these students work together onstage.

Students reading sides during the 2013 auditions

Below are the cast lists for the two main productions of the Teenage Drama Workshop's 2013 season. (Other performance opportunities will arise later in the summer when we cast the 10 Minute Play Festival and the Munch & Crunch musical revue.)

Choreographer Candy Sherwin works with students at 2013 auditions

Aladdin Cast List

Aladdin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Bellusci

Jasmine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Annie Reznik

Jafar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Devon Yaffe

Iago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Griffen Hamilton

Genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lily Lester

Rajah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Bell

Sultan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Canaan Smith

Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orlie Smith

Abu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Colin Mika

Aladdin’s Mother . . . . . . . Haley Perkins

Cave of Wonders/Guard . . .Michael Smith

Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Johnston, James Johnston,     Joshua Lloyd

Peddlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Michael Dager, Noah Gephart-Canada, Canaan Smith

Genie-ettes, Harem Girls, Shopkeepers, Merchants, Homeless Boy & Girl, Prince Achmed, Bystanders, Proprietor, Matron and other Roles . . . . . . . . . . .  To Be Cast from Ensemble

Ensemble

TADW students await their turn at the 2013 auditions

Melanie Besnilian

Danielle Bray

Carmen Cabral

Maya Efrat

Abby Eisenberg

Allie George

Megan Glassner

Samantha Glassner

Brie Guenthner

Jordan Haddad

Kali Hale

Maya Hale

Willow Islas

KC Katalbas

Lily Khalighi

Savannah Kovacs

Elizabeth Lloyd

Kyla Lockette

Chris Halsted works with students during the 2013 auditions 

Sarah MacLennan

Liliana Magnanimo

Laura McDermott

Lauren Meltzer

Jenna Meadows

Paulina Mirabella

Talya Nathanson

Allison Norton

Sami Raskin

Sara Renner

Camille Roberts

Chloe Rosen

Lindsey Rosenblatt

Rachel Saporito

Analisa Venolia

Marisela Venolia

Cassie Weinberg

Jack and the Beanstalk Cast List

Toulousa Latrec – Melina Drake Young

Jack – Camden Garcia

Jill – Mara Eisner

Inspector Cluemein – August Robinson

Giant – Josh Knoller

Edith – Camille Martellaro

The Goose – Milli Miereanu

Louie – Arthur Parian

Fee, Fie, Foefum, and Laverne –

            Pasha Wynant

            Julia Lester

            Kate Westrum

            Samantha Fabisch

The Nun – Kaitlyn Rickaby

Madelines –

            Grace Jacobsen

            Paige Jensen

Rosey Murrah

Mime / Apache Dancer – Patrick Fitzsimmons

Apache Dancer – Zsanae Spinks

French Tour Guide – Maya Escobar

ENSEMBLE

Many, many parts (Tourists, Balloon Seller, Cyclist, Baker, Tailor) will be cast from this ensemble during the first week of rehearsals.

Stage manager Owen Panno hands out sides at the 2013 auditions

Charlotte Anderson

Olivia Dalton

Megan Ehrenberg 

Spencer Ehrenberg

Ariana George

Rebecca Gottbetter

Danny Halsted

Dylan Halsted

Larissa Heatley

Garrett Knoller

Alex Lucas

Savannah Ludwig

Alia Martinez

Jennifer McNabb

Genevieve Miereanu

Megan Phung

Mackenzie Rickaby

Kristyn Salas

Sierra Slater

Sarah Sperling

We extend a huge congratulations to both casts, and we are certain that all of our students will have a blast this summer. We truly believe that every cast member is an integral part of his or her production. The directors for both of our shows strive to make these truly ensemble productions, and to give each cast member his or her moment in the spotlight. You will find that whatever role you are playing, you are part of the TADW family, and we are so happy to have you!

Everything You Need to Know about TADW Auditions

Auditions can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for performers. In this blog post, we hope to give you all the information you need to feel confident and well-informed at your audition for the Teenage Drama Workshop. (If you're enrolled for this summer, your family should have received an email with much of this information already.) Below are some frequently asked questions about TADW auditions:

What are the auditions for? Aren't I already signed up for TADW?

Everyone who is enrolled in the performance option of TADW will be cast in one of our two main productions. (Other performance opportunities, such as the 10 Minute Play Festival and the Munch & Crunch musical revue, will be cast later.)

The purpose of these auditions is to determine which production you will be in and which part you will play.

Additionally, these auditions are used to place students who have requested Musical Theatre as their elective. (The Musical Theatre elective is by audition only.)

Do I need to come both days?

Yes, if at all possible. The auditions will be different on each day. If you can only make it to one day of auditions, or if you have to leave before 12:15, please let us know!

When and where do I go?

This year, auditions will be held on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th. We will meet in the Little Theatre in Nordhoff Hall at Cal State Northridge. (Check out the link to the map of CSUN on the right side of this page.)

We will begin at 8:30 with a welcome an introduction, and go until 12:15. (See below for more info on when we're done).

What do I need to bring/prepare?

• You will need to bring the forms that were emailed to you (medical release form, t-shirt order form, pizza and Subway order forms, image release form, off-campus permission form, and TADW Code of Conduct -on't forget to sign it!)

• Bring dance shoes and appropriate clothing for the dance audition.

• You should prepare a song to sing. It can be any song you feel comfortable singing, but as a rule of thumb, musical theatre songs work much better than pop songs for an audition. You probably will not get to sing your entire song; in the interest of time you will likely only perform a few bars. Please bring accompaniment for your song - either sheet music for the pianist or a backup track (with no vocals) either on CD or an MP3 player. We prefer that you do not audition a cappella (without accompaniment) because we want to hear that you can match key and timing as you sing.

• You do not need to prepare a monologue or a scene for the acting audition.

• You do not need to prepare a routine for the dance audition.

• You should bring a lunch if you would like to stay and eat with your new (or old ) TADW friends after the audition.

What will happen at auditions?

As previously stated, the Saturday and Sunday auditions will be a bit different. On both days, you will check in with the TADW staff outside the theatre. This is where you will turn in your forms (and checks, if you have them).

On Saturday:

We will break everyone up into three groups. The groups will be divided by age, so you will be in a group of people about the same age as you are. (For those of you who know about the TADW "levels" - these groups are not necessarily the same as the level you will be in). Each group will rotate through three different audition areas:

Dancing: With a group, you will be taught a short dance routine and asked to perform it. Many students who don't have dance experience may feel intimidated by this, but don't worry - you won't be alone up there, and attitude is just as important as skill.

Singing: Here, you will be asked to perform the song you have prepared. Again, students often feel nervous if they aren't used to singing in front of people. Don't be! TADW has students of all levels, and this is a very supportive group of people.

Acting: You will either be asked to improvise or you will be given "sides" - short pieces of the script - and asked to read them. You may not get to read for the exact part that you want, but this does not mean that you won't get that part.

On Sunday:

The auditions will be structured more like call-backs, where you will be auditioning for a specific show. Students will be split into two groups. Each group will audition for one of our two productions. After an hour and a half, the groups will switch. On this day, directors will be taking a closer look at who they want for their show and in what role. Again, performers will be given sides or asked to improvise or possibly to sing a little bit. You do not need to prepare any material for this audition.

When will I be done?

We will stop at 12:15; most people will be done with the audition at this point. You are invited to bring a lunch and picnic with us until 1:15.

After lunch on Saturday, some people may be asked to stay no later than 3:00. If you are asked to stay, you will know by 12:30 so that you can call your parents (or other transportation) and let them know.

On Sunday, we will be done at 12:15.

What does it mean if I am/am not asked to stay?

This is not a callback, and it does not mean that you will or will not be given a certain type of part. If you are asked to stay, it simply means that the director feels he needs to see more of you.

If you are not asked to stay, that does not mean that you are not going to get a good part. It may be that the director already knows how he wants to cast you and doesn't need more time with you to figure it out.

Are parents supposed to stay for auditions?

Parents are welcome to come and check their students in and to stay for the welcome speech if they like, but parents are not allowed to watch the auditions. If you choose to park and accompany your child to sign in and for the welcome speech, please be advised that you will have to purchase a $6 parking pass from one of the machines in the parking lot, or you risk getting a ticket.

When will I know what show/part I got????

The directors will be casting the show immediately after the auditions on Sunday, so the cast lists will be ready on Sunday afternoon at around 2:00-3:00. Once the cast lists are determined, they will be disseminated in various ways:

1) Posted on the call board at TADW - some students (usually only a hardy few) tend to hang around and wait for this event to happen, but they may have to wait a couple of hours!

2) Posted on our Facebook page

3) Posted on this blog. :-)

4) You will receive your TADW Student Handbook shortly after auditions, which will also include the cast lists.

What do I do then?

Show up at 8:15 am on Monday, June 17th READY TO ROCK AND ROLL!

Need some words of inspiration? 

Anyone who's ever auditioned has probably heard the voice of their inner critic. TADW acting instructor and adventurer extraordinaire Chris Halsted delivers some inspiring words in this video from the 2013 TADW auditions: 

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