Building Character

Tonight was the Region Drama competition/festival. Every year the kids compete in the following categories: Contemporary Scenes, Classical Scenes, Dramatic Monologues, Humorous Monologues, Pantomime and Musical Theatre. Last week the kids competed in the one act (which I blogged about in my previous post). With the exception of musical theatre, the kids perform their piece in three different rounds in front of three different judges. (Musical Theatre the kids perform once in front of three judges).
I also hosted this year which meant I had to organize EVERYTHING! But, it was ok, just a lot of work. But, I was so grateful for my student volunteers. I had about 25 kids act as hosts, they dressed professionally and were so great! I wouldn't have been able to do it without them.
There is so much blood sweat and tears put into these events. And I want all the kids to do well and go to state.
But, inevitably some will not do as well and it always breaks my heart. I had a kid do a humorous monologue this year. He is a pretty shy kids with an interesting vocal delivery (his natural voice is actually a little robotic). Anyway, I thought he would do well with humorous monologue, but he didn't. And he was crushed because he didn't make it to state. I saw him in the hallway with a tear stained face. I asked him if he was ok, and he just said things like this are hard for a guy like him. I told him he is awesome and I appreciate so much the hard work he had put in. And my heart broke a little for him. Then most of the kids who don't make it state really take it in stride. I really try to prepare the kids for whatever happens, I wish they all could win. But, then what would that teach?
Building character. You win some, you lose some. I think it is so important to learn the lesson about losing. The important thing is to keep moving forward. In contrast I had another kid qualify for state, but not get straight superior ratings... and he was beyond mad. Seriously? I know it's hard but get over it! Sometimes I don't have sympathy for that. I know it's hard, but it's life.
And then the kids... the kids. I had 32 kids compete in region, 25 qualify for state and 18 recieve straight superior ratings! AMAZING!!
It's so interesting to listen as the ballots and critiques come into the tabulation room. I care so much about these kids. It was also especially cool for me this year. Because of how our region is organized, Taylorsville and Granger High School are with us. Well, because of my four years spent at Valley, I knew almost all the kids from those two schools. It was so cool to see them!! Such great memories with those kids!
I had another kid sing "It's Hard to Speak My Heart" from the musical, Parade. I had personally picked the piece for him and worked closely with him on the piece. This kid is amazing. It was so wonderful to read the feedback from the judges. I cried when I read the compliments he received. He is destined for greatness. My favorite one was, "Please pursue your art."...
After the results had been shared with the kids, my students rushed the stage and gave me the most suffocating group hug. As I was driving home, I started to think about how insanely lucky I am to be the person who has the opportunity to build character.
They love me so much. It is so humbling. Seriously, I am so honored to be their teacher. And in awe of the life that I lead.

Just Do Your Best

I used to think that during the fall musical was my busiest time of the year. I was wrong. It's March. Why? Two words- region competition... Each year there are two days devoted to this drama competition, a day of One Acts and then individual events (Contemporary Scene, Classical Scene, Humorous Monologue, Dramatic Monologue, Pantomime and Musical Theatre).
And of course, you want the kids to do their best, because like it or not, how well they do reflects on you. But Art is subjective...
So, in all honesty, all I care about is whether or not the kids are prepared. But, where is the line? How much do I make sure they do and how much do I leave up to personal motivation? And when do I let go of what it becomes and just be ok?
Today was the One Acts and we performed a difficult sketch comedy piece called "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon." It's a frantic, chaotic parody of many fairy tales. The actors play multiple characters with multiple characterizations... in other words it may be the most insane thing I have ever put together. Also, with the rules, we have to keep the show under one hour... so that makes it even more frantic.

 Well, it went... ok. The judges had the same comments that I had been telling them for weeks. Diction, pacing, projection, clarity of character... I guess now these comments have more validity. The kids did a good job, it was highly entertaining, but lacked focus. Well, because only 3 out of 6 schools participated in region, by default, we are going to State in a month. If it wasn't for that fact, based on the judging, we wouldn't be going to state.

 I hope we will be ready. It's really difficult to fine tune a piece when the kids are still struggling with memorization. So, hopefully now we can take the opportunity to fine tune and do well at State. It has the potential to be amazing.

But, when will I find the time? In a week are the individual events, which I will be hosting at Hunter. I have to organize 6 schools, hundreds of students and about 25 judges. Not to mention ordering food, making sure the judges get paid and preparing my kids to be successful. I've been focusing so much on the one act that I haven't given enough time to the kids. And I am afraid they will bomb... So, my next few days will focus on making sure the kids are at least somewhat prepared.
But, truth be told, I am feeling a little burnt out. THE DRAMA NEVER ENDS! I love it, I do, but last week I was struck with and insane cold that stopped me dead in my tracks, and I am still struggling to bounce back. Since August, I haven't stopped. August-November- The Musical- I had a week respite, and then auditioned for the play which closed at the beginning of February, when I started working on the One Act. In addition, right now we have a student production, "Dial M for Murder" currently in rehearsals (and opens in 3 weeks... and I am scared). I am planning a performing arts tour to Disneyland for the first week of April for over 80 people. Then we have State Drama, and will be in rehearsals for the Senior Show, "Done to Death" which performs in May- then I will have one week until the Awards night and then... whew the end of school. Oh, and did I mention I have to teach? I'm trying (sometimes in vain) to have a social life and be healthy.
But, the kids... the kids. I love them. I just wish they would not be half-hearted sometimes. SERIOUSLY, BE MEMORIZED!! I hope they do ok with their individual events, and then I can work to fine tune them for state.
For the musical, I entered us into the Utah Musical Theatre Awards which is part of a National Musical Theatre Awards. The best actor and actress receive an all expenses paid trip to New York, where they have the opportunity to work with Broadway professionals. Well, with that being the top prize, how could I miss the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring?
Well, we were nominated for five awards! Best Actor (Josh Gandy), Best Supporting Actor (Adam Hutchinson), Best Ensemble, Best Set Design and Best Costume Design. (Although I am SOOOOO glad we didn't get a best musical nomination, because that means I won't be doing a production number at the awards on March 31st, and for that I am grateful!)
It is A LOT for one person to do. And sometimes I question my sanity. (I auditioned yesterday for Murray City's production of "Joseph" when the majority of rehearsals will be during the end of the year, although the performances will be in June.)
I hope it all goes well. Sometimes it's hard to emotionally separate myself when my kids don't do as well as I'd like. I never show them my true feelings, I just say art is subjective, and the most important thing is to prepare. But deep down, I want to be the best, I want to be known for my amazing program, I want my kids to thrive and be examples, I want to be at the top. But what am I willing to sacrifice? I try to leave the school at a decent hour and I try to keep my life balanced. So, I have to let go of expectations at times.
I just want them to do their best.
And I want a vacation.