ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE, 2004
The following images are from a local school tour that I write and direct. It stars Kevin Grammer, Valerie Hauss-Smith, Marcus M. Mauldin and Amy Storemski. An early introduction to Shakespeare meant for grade school students, it also takes you through the process of putting on a show from the initial audition and callback, rehearsals, and ultimately shows the final product with costumes and scenery.
I'm a very, very big believer in bringing good theatre to kids, and subsequently making The Bard a little less intimidating when these young children actually study him many years later in high school. So, this gig means a lot to me.
The photos were taken in performance by Suzanne Demaree in 2004. Enjoy.
Our logo, to be redesigned this year. The original box was designed by Russell Parks in 1998.
Kevin, Amy, Valerie and Marcus before the kiddies start arriving in the performance space.
To minimize the time it takes to run our audience volunteer sections, we pre-pick them in advance and discuss what we're going to ask them to do in performance. This makes them more comfortable and also gives them an opportunity to decline if they are too shy-natured.
Valerie coaches our volunteers.
Stage Manager Emily Young introduces the show!
Amy, in performance, doing a "mock audition" monologue from Romeo and Juliet.
Our first volunteer "auditions", via a callback with a provided script "side". She's reading for one of the witches from Macbeth!
Amy tells Valerie to "Get a grip!" Kids love to see the actors sass each other, as it is forbiden for most of them. We call it Forbidden Sass!
Stage Manager Emily Young introduces the show!
Amy, in performance, doing a "mock audition" monologue from Romeo and Juliet.
Our first volunteer "auditions", via a callback with a provided script "side". She's reading for one of the witches from Macbeth!
Amy tells Valerie to "Get a grip!" Kids love to see the actors sass each other, as it is forbiden for most of them. We call it Forbidden Sass!
Kevin and Amy in performance. Alas, this was a common moment between them off-stage as well!
The most radiant smile on the planet.
In a scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Marcus and Kevin restrain Amy as they play Lysander, Demetrius and Hermia.
Kevin teaches the boys stage combat, in this case a simple foot stomp.
The most radiant smile on the planet.
In a scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Marcus and Kevin restrain Amy as they play Lysander, Demetrius and Hermia.
Kevin teaches the boys stage combat, in this case a simple foot stomp.
Marcus prepares to throw down with Kevin in a scene from Romeo and Juliet.
It's the Montagues vs the Capulets.
Kevin is caught off guard.
The actors show the children that performing on stage is just like playing sports- you have to warm up your body, as well as your face and your voice.
Valerie teaches a volunteer how to project.
Marcus as Bottom the Donkey, from A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Marcus is always a big hit with the kids!
Amy as Puck.
It's the Montagues vs the Capulets.
Kevin is caught off guard.
The actors show the children that performing on stage is just like playing sports- you have to warm up your body, as well as your face and your voice.
Valerie teaches a volunteer how to project.
Marcus as Bottom the Donkey, from A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Marcus is always a big hit with the kids!
Amy as Puck.
Valerie as Titania, The Fairy Queen.
Puck prepares to awake the sleeping odd couple.
Puck prepares to awake the sleeping odd couple.
In our final scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream, we perform the play-within-the-play The Tragedy of Pyramus and Thisbe. Amy is playing Wall. Kevin, playing the lady Thisbe, is getting little too enthusiastic about kissing her stones.
Valerie plays Lion. Behind her, a greek-like chorus of volunteers watch the action.
The scene is always a crowd-pleaser for the grade school set.
Pyramus tragically kills himself as the chorus of volunteers wail in grief...
... or is it barely concealed laughter?
Thisbe mourns for her lover Pyramus...
... or is it barely concealed laughter?
A quiet moment for Thisbe after she has stabed herself.
The cast after the show, taking questions from the audience.
Valerie plays Lion. Behind her, a greek-like chorus of volunteers watch the action.
The scene is always a crowd-pleaser for the grade school set.
Pyramus tragically kills himself as the chorus of volunteers wail in grief...
... or is it barely concealed laughter?
Thisbe mourns for her lover Pyramus...
... or is it barely concealed laughter?
A quiet moment for Thisbe after she has stabed herself.
The cast after the show, taking questions from the audience.
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