I am offering prizes to anyone who checks this blog still. I miss all of you! MjB

Tonight's Notes

Really good start...great timing

7:25

Camera
Frightens me
Walnut
I was
Violin
Mountains
World
Husbandry
Timber
Electricity
Hyphenated. Mikaela to landing
God was quick
                           Zach's hair
                           Jakes stage hand
Savage sit down
Mrs entrance
Magic music
And I'll tell you
Pirates
Cocoanut
Goes with everything
Hello
It's alive 
Bark
                        Lauran's hair
Lent
Bear
                       Cover your face
Son

Own
Years
Baby carrying
I do 
Leave here
She paints
Not much
Fight the night


One/two. 7:49

Playing
Oh I heard it 
Gentlemen
Blood
Red cross
Luck
Couch crush
Matinees
40 years
Mediocrity
Taste
I hampered
                      We're only trying to help
                     Jordan Superman
Cold
Enchanting
Experience
Keep out 
Circles anyway
Someone told you
Wish I were dead
Flies adore her
How did you guess
              Cairo Mandalay knees
Burn down
              They asked me to confine
Dollar and a half
16 minutes

8:06

                Wait Fairy...lights
Third sigh
Big sigh
What else
Good seat
Loves me
Loves me
Mathematics
Week
High strung
           Happy day went to school ever since too
French
Congress
Asset
State
Prudence
Lauran's face
Mean to her
Sensitive
Cradle
Lauran
              Watch blue curtain
Carry fairy
Lines
Ground
Forget
Blow
Help
             Becca angle when returning bear
              Teeth marks
Afford anything
              Chair angle
Science
Money
A thing
             Better be careful Titus
Will you
Everyone
I'll
            Weird Jake exit
Past
            Titus...not me
Mattress
Porpoise
Scotch tape
           Center stage light
Titus returns
            Zachary...fat
Where
I do
Pearl harbor
Weight
        Missed the head turn
A lie

17 minutes


Two:two. 8:26

              First joke/ Jordan see me

Look other way and liten
10 minutes
Profound
            Jordan earring
            That's ancient
            Five
Not a thing
No
            Jillian...dive on couch
50 years
             Newspaper
             Oh oh Fairy outfit change
After that
In the way
Middle class
You may not
Enormously
Bricks you know
Shouldn't they
Frighten Fairy
Bites police
           For my memorial fund
          Savage third entrance too slow
Chance
            The actress
             Bear on table
             Fingerprinted
             Where is my money
Grant's tomb
Elbow jake.      (reaction)
               Where are you now?
               Don't have me followed
               Broken arm????
               Change the vial
               Doctor may I say something?
               Ask Jenny

And youuuuuu
Good chaos
Ryan behind couch
           Undress
              Must give Jeff a covert there
18 minutes

Act Three.   8:45. Farce

            Ryan coverts
             React to being hit
There's room
Glasses too
Don't like you
           Butts
Politicians
She mean
         The backup
              Would you be kind enough?
Thinker
Tubes
               Said nothing of the sort
               Lauran...face then arms
Draw straws
Elks
                Lauran head shake
India
After effect
Bathtub
                 Jake's reaction
Brianne ad lib
                  Fairy's lines better, but
Fire upstairs
          I was nowhere near
          Smell out of light
           High time
           Aurelie miss paddy
Lauran
Senator
Savage exit
           Tub cracked tone
            Aurelie should move the stool
Part of you
Feel my heart
            Fairy's reaction
Wasn't that lucky
            Brianne pitchy at gift
Salt shaker
It's raining
Lifespan of ape
Angry heart

         Polite upstage

Break neck
Good seat
         She wears her plainness

Never had before
Great reaction Jillian
Good Jenny
Much better
          Jillian coverts 
Great Jenny
Play it
Light switch

19 minutes

Epilogue

               Loves eat position

                 Couch position

NOTES FROM TONIGHT

7:21 Start

Brianne wait for the music to be lower…can’t hear first line.
Ryan--Stop stumbling on the expensive camera line
Ryan—enunciate
Fairy—when I was a child, like it’s a mystery.

SUSARY…higher stack for yellow book

Jordan…it’s the yellow one is wrong
Ryan…I’ll get Jeff’s book
Lauran..entrance too late
LIGHTS! Not loud or crazy enough
Cover mistakes
Aurelie…you must bring your pitch down
Lauran…wake up
Aurelie…looking upstage at Parcheesi portion
Aurelie…she would if I knew her….I’m sorry…forgive me.
Hannibal is crossing in front of Fairy because she’s waiting too long to get on platform
RYAN!!!! Killing the laughter
Aurelie…volume upstage
Jake…notatall…..that’s what it sounds like
SAVAGE VOLUME and ENERGY IS LACKING
Kevin…a postman, a veterinarian, line needs fixed
Becca…if she was talented or even vain line needs to be fixed
Becca…imitate Kevin….of course Kevin should do something better there
Jake…too late with the laughter
Savages…post BYRON comment…too slow on the next lines
Becca…gets up too soon to ask the doctor to go.
Kevin…and we have to give her more time to get over…too low and underneath….
Jillian…the fireflies line is too fast…indistinguishable
Kevin…blocking Jake on “she’s determined to take….)
Savage Turn…JAKE LATE
SUSARY…sew bear’s head on
BRIANNE…don’t eat so much.
THE GUESTS….your entrance with Mrs. Savage is HORRIBLE! You don’t look excited.
MIKAELA…Madeleine was laughing.
LAURAN…act through your forgetful moments
RYAN doesn’t allow Lauran a chance to respond.
BRIANNE talking through laughter
BRIANNE…turn down the anger a hair more….two tones….”I do hope you don’t catch them” sweetly.
JORDAN…looking upstage after “our’s is not the reason to wonder…..”
LAURAN…good huff….
RYAN…enunciate….
RYAN…the cross during “Which is odd because she’s never seen the sea.” Is awkward.
RYAN…I am in spirit…you’re looking upstage.
AURELIE…your hands during Mrs. Savages message about her husband….uggh….
ENDING TIME: 7:46 (two minutes over)

ACT I. Scene ii. ```’STARTED AT 7:47
Ryan…good violin play…very accurate to script.
Ryan…BACH is pronounced differently than you’re saying.
Ryan…I’m afraid my education was wasted.
MAT: Lights on the back wall…time change…etc

JORDAN: Angle on “why did it cost you anything?”

BRIANNE; What part did you play….you’re covering Fairy
JILLIAN:…two matinees a week is not different enough anymore.
JILLIAN; you get a little slow after the telling of your play.
MIKAELA….it looked like you fell right before the newspaper line….did you?
JORDAN…peace of mind…too fast…again….and again…just add some “ums”
BRIANNE…the cross at “we’re only trying to help” is too slow.
BRIANNE…we don’t know her well enough to be rude.
RYAN…it isn’t here…I don’t know….VOMIT!
LAURAN…great coverts during the “tubes” section.
MAT: Center Stage Light
RYAN…birdseed joke…you talked over the laughter again.
MIKAELA….oh someone told you is the wrong tone.
AURELIE: The other stairs do need the runner….sorry….
AURELIE AND JILLIAN: The bribe scene was horrid.
RYAN…when the door shuts…SHUT UP!
I can hear ALL OF YOU TALKING when gardening
MAT: The light on the garden door needs repositioned.
JENNY…the lines when they’re gardening were VERY weak and ineffectual. Quiet again.
RYAN…the big speech WAS HORRIFIC beyond compare.
RYAN: You’re saying lines…not acting.
ENDING TIME: 8:03 (16 minutes) Steven: Why did scene change music start in the middle?
ACT II. Scene 1. Started 8:04
The sighs are too similar and become redundant and tedious
Fairy: Looking upstage too much
SUSARY: Mrs. Paddy’s painting????

The sequence where Mrs. Savage talks about the kids is too stationary. I thought we moved Florence to the chair with Mrs. Savage….needs action.
This section is slow.
SUSARY: Am I ever going to get a Lilly Belle picture?

LAURAN: Slow down and wait for the finger in the mouth….there too soon.
RYAN: That dress is cut low…look upstage at Jeff.
JILLIAN: I need exercise, my dear.
LAURAN…better coverts
JAKE: I like in the ground.
BECCA: Tomorrow….face making day!
SAVAGES are too quiet compared to previous scene, especially Kevin.
BECCA: Hands should be on hips more, not clasped in front of you.
BECCA: The squeal when you see your picture….make it the same as the bite sound.
BECCA: Rant at the voodoo, volume up and down
JILLIAN: In Boston is always too quiet and indistinguishable.
KEVIN: You get the prescription filled. Same as Beccca
SUSARY: The books on the platform are dangerous.
JILLIAN: Pounds sound too seriously dramatic…fluctuate their volume and intensity.
BECCA: Mother please….reminder
BECCA: Well…..
JILLIAN: A razorblade…and scotch tape…too fast.
KEVIN: Pause…you bit Lilly Belle
KEVIN: Too freaking slow at the door…you always grab the door before she even says the line.
(THIS SCENE IS DRAGGING AGAIN)
REMEMBER: We’re near intermission. Folks are getting restless. Keep your pace. You’ll kill the middle school with this pace.
KEVIN: I’m coming….like when she said, “Let him honk.” Push her out of the way.
RYAN: Cut off Madeleine’s laughter again.
ENDING TIME: 8:22 (18 minutes)
STEVEN (I need two more songs.)
ACT II. Scene ii. Start Time: 8:25
Jordan: But I am a professional…like “duh.”
Jordan: Tones here are wrong still….too angry…you should be insecure.
Jillian: NO…Hannibal can’t play.
Jordan: Sometimes I wish I …..wrong….
Mikaela: I’ll make candles…faky pivot
Aurelie…stop fixing your hair please.
Aurelie…kneel down next to Jeff during the “you’re annoyed…” “I’m so tired.”
Mikaela….Five…and pins section…too fast and not accurate.
PACE…PACE…PACE…..
Ryan….man was made….nyah….
Jordan: I think you left him on the phonography…reassured.
FAiRY: may I stay…no you may not…not enough contrast.
JENNY: I’ve just been talking to him…he’s exceedingly angry. TONE
JILLIAN: Heiress bites police line is wrong.
JENNY: The tones here are sounding too similar. Exaggerate them more., that’s all.
JAKE: Arm in sling?????
JAKE: Angle…at you tried to kill me. Get behind the chair.
TITUS: Still too small….honestly…that’s why I made you “big.”
LILLY: I was fingerprinted. TONE
JAKE: Your arm is injured!
PACE IS HORRIBLE…keep it moving….
THE SAVAGES JUST CAN’T BE DRAMATIC…OVERDRAMATIC……melodramatic, but not just dramatic
DR. EMMETT’s REENTRANCE after the sodium pentathol… coverts…you need to look toubled….move faster…something.
JENNY: You need a prop in this scene. Should we have a vial?
RYAN: Moved faster, but not loud enough at “We’ll stand behind you.”
SAVAGE REACTION and DIVE
TOO MUCH POUNDING OR FOOT STAMPING.
Aurelie’s angle…after blackout.
Ryan’s clothes should be much more messed up….tone of that line is wrong too.
RYAN: The card flipping is to calm your nerves.
Flip them near the chair.
While walking on the carpet…we need to make a noise.
ENDING: 8:42 (17 minutes)
ACT III Start 8:43
STEVEN GOOD FADE
Kevin…looking too far upstage during phone call.
Jenny: Good tone…”we’re taking every possible precaution.”
Mikaela: Oh…she’ll probably eat them. Not effective
Lilly Belle…STOP SELF-HUGGING….
RYAN…THE CARD FLIPS ARE BEYOND BAD!!!!!! ARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!
Fairy: Excuse me…I’m upset.
I shouldn’t have to wait for the stool to arrive.
SUSARY: At the scene change, move the stool closer.
LAURAN: After the list, (politicians), calmly return to seat.
KEVIN: The backing up is worthless. Do it right, or don’t do it.
JENNY: Cutting off the laughter of audience.
JAKE: The tubes/bonds…no reaction.
AURELIE: I said nothing of the sort.
FAIRY: This restores my faith in witchcraft
LAURAN: Have this woman searched.
JENNY: For sightlines, stay near the stool in this scene whenever near center stage.
LAURAN: Head shake on “wouldn’t you like to help us.”
JENNY: Losing pace here…on a plane.”
THIS SCENE HAS TO BE FAST!!!! It’s a classic mystery ending….COVERTS!!! Please!
TALKING OVER THE LAUGHTER JENNY AGAIN
Parcheesi…will cause a delayed response….prepare for it.
Fairy: I can’t…I’m full of pins lightning fast…yuck…and delays on the fire lines.
BECCA Coverts during Ryan’s speech.
Fairy’s Coverts during Ryan’s speech.
Jordan’s coverts during Ryan’s speech.
STOP SELF-HUGGING UNTIL HE STARTS SMELLING
SUSARY: FOG MISTAKE? Did you seal the bag?
SAVAGE DESPERATION TOwARds the bonds is REALLY LACKING
TITUS: When you yell at Mrs. Paddy, it must be much larger….turn on her.
TITUS: Nothing, I hold you completely responsible.
TITUS: I am still senator.
JAKE: We are SAVAGES….we’re wasting that line.
JENNY: And who are those fools of good heart? It’s a test to see if she can be freed. It explains your next line.
MIKAELA: Long cross to Mrs. Savage. You hate us..not right. Then, Jordan, Then Brianne…all slow.
FAIRY: Find your windows when going to get the gift. And “GIT”
JILLIAN: It’s too much Hannibal. You have to be touched.
FAIRY: Reaction after he says 104 beats per minute.
FLORENCE: Oh..it was nothing…it was nothing…you stole it.
SUSARY: I need a different yellow book. LIFESPAN…
LAURAN your angle while delivering gift.
JILLIAN MORE TOUCHED DURING HER GIFT…LESS HAPPY
GOOD JOB IN THE HUG And EXTRAS
Ryan’s last line and you have a good seat. Ask me how to say them.
GREAT COVER JILLIAN
Don’t slow down now!!! It’s too near the end. Go….go…go….!!!!
Too long of a pause at “What Jeff might think.”
Jillian…reaction to learning that she’s Jeff’s wife.
Ending scene between you too is not overly effective. Aurelie too low key and unemotional.
Jillian…the ending with Dr. Emmett isn’t right….talk to me about it. I know exactly how to do this, and you’ll get it quickly.

Dr. Emmett…you’re not strong or convincing enough at the end. It’s late. We have to do this quicker.
Jenny. The door IS open. MAKE your peace with LONELINESS.
Ryan…Oh no..you couldn’t play it.
LAURAN…don’t ever flip switch upward to shut lights off. You can’t see it from far away anyway!

SUSARY..the light switch was backwards again.
Pound that fog before her entrance….aim it at the door.
ENDED 9:06

Mat…keep lights on everyone until the bear….that fade is too fast.

THE STATE OF THE DRAMA NATION “The Curious Savage” Spring 2012

OK...after typing for an hour, the Colossus crashed, and I lost it all. Sorry....this will be the shorter version. If you want to know what I had said in the longer version, I’ll be happy to tell you. The family is not going to tolerate me being at the computer all afternoon, and I don’t blame them.
ACTING
Any time I find myself repeating directions, it’s both good and bad. It’s good because it means that I’ve covered everything that I think needs to be covered. It’s bad because it means that you haven’t made the adjustments yet.
In some cases, like Samuel and Mrs. Paddy, the plan was to wait until the last ten days and hit you hard. That started this week and will continue into the next. Mrs. Savage and Miss Willie were my focal points this week, and we made a dent. The guests have had EVERYTHING made clear to them, and now, they need to make the adjustments.
We have a good show on our hands. We really do. We know what we’re supposed to do. We have talent and ability. Honestly, it’s going to be a question of whether you will continue listening to the direction, and if you continue to make the changes that must occur. It’s not often in life you get the chance to control your own destiny. This is your chance.

STAGE CREW/PROPS
As I’m typing, I’m trying to think of all the items we’re either missing or forgetting. As of this moment, I know we need a “seascape”, which ironically, we were missing the last time we did this play! We’re also missing an effective radio, even though I gave you something to use for now. It seems like there is something else, but I can’t think of it off the top of my head. Oh yes...pictures of Lilly Belle.
I’m a bit concerned about the middle school performances here. I’m not sure who you need, how many you need, and all the rest of the assorted details. I trust you to take care of it. I really do. Take care of it. Oh...and give me a list please so I can send the e-mail this evening.

LIGHTS/SOUNDS
In terms of lights, I think you have a plan, and after yesterday, everything looks better. Again, you have the independent study, so I’m trusting you. If you need something, let me know. I do need cues created because I need to run lights on Thursday. Unless.....do you want to run them on Thursday or Friday for the middle school? Please advise.

Sound is pretty much taken care of, except for one song I don’t like. I am confused as to why you keep missing that one sound? Are you OK? Do you need anything? I’ll assume all is well unless you tell me. Thanks.

COSTUMES: OK...we’re fine in the big picture, but I have some concerns in the particulars: the dress for Fairy at the end, the right hat for Mrs. Savage, any boy’s socks. Accessories, bow ties, belts, and other items would bring me some comfort too. Just say, “it’s all good”, and I’ll be quiet.

ART: Ahh.....Madame Feng Shui.....where do I begin? Keep dreaming. It’s all good with me. I appreciate all of you who have helped with painting, but alas, there’s more. Honestly, if you can stay and help paint tomorrow, it would be great. I really want to put the brushes down for good. Aurelie should be focusing on acting at this point. Help....

MAKEUP: OK....this week, we’ll actually practice some of the makeup. Morgan, you really need to check with me on the extra supplies. Wigs, hair, and the rest need to become a focal point immediately.

TICKETS and USHERING
I know nothing. Do I need to know something? Do we have adults to help with tickets?

CONCESSIONS
I know nothing here either. Do I need to know something? Is Mrs. Newton in the loop still?

PHOTOGRAPHS
Jake....oh Jake......yoohoo......do we have a plan?

RANDOM CONCERNS and NEEDS

I need videographers, photographers, workers, helpers, sleep, rehearsal time, an unlimited spending account at Newegg, a fishing trip, and HELP! Oh...and buy another t-shirt while you’re at it!
P.S. Yeah....I’ll revise this later if necessary. The first one was so much better. Sigh...

The State of the Drama Nation

The State of the Drama Nation

"Twelve Angry Men"

  For those of you new to this, on the Sunday before we open, I post an honest assessment of where we are as a production.  It is my hope that this will serve as an honest evaluation of where we are and where we're going.  

ACTING

    I have alreAdy honestly expressed my concerns here.  In simple terms, we have to get through this from start to finish before we can address  the rest of the concerns.  I do know all of the following are true:

1.  We're not loud enough.

2.  We're not fast enough.

3.  We are not interesting and/or consistent enough.

    We'll know more tomorrow.,..

MAKEUP

     Earlier this week, I expressed my lack of contentment with this group, and since then, they have really turned it up a notch.  I started last week being highly concerned, and I'm ending the week feeling very confident about where we're going.

PUBLICITY

    I don't have concerns here, but I do have questions.

1.  We should start selling tickets tomorrow.  Are we?

2.  We should start running the morning announcement on Tuesday. Is it ready?

3.  Are concessions plans in place and ready?  Mrs. Newton contacted me about helping.

4.  Do I have ticket sellers and ushers ready?

5.  Did we e-mail the final progrAm changes?

6.   Am I forgetting something.....ah yes...are the royalties paid?

LIGHTS and SOUNDS

     Well...in general, we're ready.  However, I often wonder if I'm the only one who has noticed that my actors continue to act in dark spots and shadows.  I know you're waiting for art to finish the back wall, but the far stage left and right corners are not lit well.  Do we need to add fresnels?  Why is the orange cord on the stage left extension not taped down?  I do have some small additions, but those delays are the fault of the cast and me.  We'll work on that tomorrow.  

   As for sounds, we have them, but we need to discuss who is running them and HOW to run them!

ART

      Well, Aurelie, bless her heart, came in and mixed the paint to the proper shades.  The entire set is coated once at this point, but much of that credit belongs to upper level Dramas late night painting.  We'll talk tomorrow about what else needs done, and much else needs to be done.

COSTUMES

    I think we're ready.  We'll find out tomorrow.  I always worry about boys and their footwear and socks.  I also wonder about jewelry and accessories.  I'll withhold judgment until tomorrow.

PROPS

    It seems like all is there, but I have detail questions to share with you.  I think we're OK here.

CONSTRUCTION

    OK....everything is built.  Right?  Well...I would prefer to build a water cooler instead of using mine.  I would prefer to straighten the wall closest to the audience, and I would like to get the blinder in place.  I would like to create baseboards.  We're done, but I'm hoping we're not done.  How about you?

  The bottom line is that we embarked on this journey hoping to complete this on our own.  We are going to have to admit that it has taken the help of many others to make it happen.  However, it's really up to our cast at this point.  Honestly, there are so many unknowns on the acting side.  I do know that by the end of this week, we will know what the future is and where we're heading.  It's rare in life when you have control of your immediate future.  Let's see what your legacy will be.

MjB

P.S.  I typed this on my phone because I have a terrible headache and stomach ache.  I get a mulligan on typos!

THIS WEEK IN BOONSBORO HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA

Well, we turned over a new semester, and as usual, it was a little slow. It was particularly slow for me because of my wretched health, but I did make the week. By Friday though, it felt like all of us were starting to find that new rhythm that occurs after a week of being together. There are changes on the horizon, some of which will be discussed her, but some of which will have to wait until final details have been actualized.
DRAMA II: For me, the biggest adjustment here was to stop calling them Drama I’s! Oy vey! The week was spent defining the difference between the two. Then, we prepared and performed a short scene from “Oh Dad….” and “Oedipus Rex” to see how rusty everyone was. We also began the Drama “I Spy” project to assist individuals in identifying those typical behaviors of which he/she is unaware of.
From there, we segued to the always popular Drama Mask Activity. After exploring the historical meaning and uses of magic, we began the process of creating the Drama Masks for presentation. Those will occur on Monday, which is when the mask is due…hint…hint…. We also have a short writing to complete on it.
All in all, it was a good week, and the room does have a different feel from last semester. I didn’t say that was good or bad. It was just different. We voted on some tough decisions, and it’s looking like this group will be forging their own path in the very near future.

CINEMATOGRAPHY II: Knowing that the first week would be a large amount of review, I chose to create assignments that would force you to recall concepts learned in Cinematography I. I know…I know…the class is called Digital Photography II, but that’s only because the BOE doesn’t have a course entitled “Cinematography.” Regardless, I was more than pleasantly surprised when it appeared that even the most rusty were quickly recalling the major concepts learned.
I would like to thank all of you who took Cinematography last semester for your patience and help this week. It was a large amount of material that you had just experienced, but instead of whining, you helped those who needed a refresher course. I could be wrong, but it did look like you enjoyed yourself too! Who would have thunk it! Coming right up….new material on Monday.

DRAMA IV: Well…I go out of my way to make the first day of Drama a fun and motivating experience. I failed miserably this year. OK….it wasn’t fun, but perhaps it was motivational. We completed an activity on Tuesday whereby we visualized where everyone’s mindsets were concerning the state of the Drama nation. No…not the State of the Drama Nation, but the state of the Drama nation.
On Tuesday, we defined some terms that define the Drama experience, and we did some soul-searching about where we’re failing as a group and where we’re succeeding. We then constructed twenty some statements of what we “MUST” do to right this ship. While the two days could not be called “fun” by a standard definition, I honestly thought they were critical to the program being able to move forward. From my perspective, a large amount of the “weight on my shoulders” felt lifted. Everyone else will need to chime in to determine the accuracy or inaccuracy of that. Anyone have a thought?

By Thursday, we were establishing our Drama homes, and we began working on some advanced scenes that came with very little background. We will perform those on Monday, and we’ll see where we’re heading from there. Like Drama II, I sensed a better routine and flow by the end of the week. Ultimately, I think this will be a great class once we “clear the air” completely.
NOTES OF RELEVANCE:
1. Drama I masks are due Monday.
2. Independent Study Contracts are due Monday.
3. All class contracts are long past due.
4. If you haven’t completed a Facebook form yet, you need one.
5. I ordered thumb drives on Friday, and depending which one you bought, you owe me $21, $14, or $12. Please give me cash, not a check. If you give me a check, have it made out to Michael J. Bair, not BHS. I paid for them out of my checking account.
6. The photographs from Cinematography II are due on Monday, and that is a grade.
7. The prints from last semesters Best of Shows have arrived and will be posted Monday.
8. Some of you STILL owe me work from LAST SEMESTER. If you had an INCOMPLETE on your report card, all work is DUE by THIS WEDNESDAY, FEB 1st.
More to follow….

MjB

THIS WEEK IN BOONSBORO HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA

We’re back! Like it or not, we’re back. In reality, it’s the process of “coming back” that causes all the stress. Once you’re back a couple of days, the rhythm of education takes over, and that comfy old blanket of Drama swarms your heart again. OK…enough with the metaphors….

DRAMA I: We are very near the end of our academic portion of the program. We are within ten minutes of finishing “Oh Dad….”, and as always, it has been a crowd favorite. We have a couple of quick assessments, and then, it’s on to the music video.
For once, this group will actually have the time to finish their project with limited stress. Honestly, I’m guessing that most of these young ones would tell you that they can’t believe their Drama I experience is down to nine days. It is.


DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Well, we watched two of the super hero flicks, and we’re still waiting for the others. We have experienced the usual technical issues that plague the inexperienced when they tackle a real film project. All that I have taught on the technical end has come into play in some sort this week. You should never question me….
We did move forward with our education though. This week, we learned the PAN, CROP, and EDIT windows, and we also covered MASKING and COOKIE CUTTING. We have a bunch of class assignments dangling in the wind, and they will have one more major film project before this class ends and DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY II is unveiled. I am very excited about that.


DRAMA III. The week started with a bunch of ????....what the????....where are you going with this???? type of reactions. (Remember, it’s hard to keep a class focused the first day after a break. I had to start with shock and awe.) However, as the week progressed, it became clear that we were on the road to understanding communication in a much better way. We covered the rarely covered “subliminal” unit of Drama, and there was a large amount of psychological theory and facts associated with communication and the brain this week.
Now….don’t be too blinded by this week’s material. Any time I cover this material, it’s a precursor for some serious Drama building behind the scenes. It’s coming. Be patient. In the meantime, we will attempt to complete two quick video projects by the end of the semester. That’s what’s next on your horizon.


As for the world, you’ll catch wind of our upcoming plans very soon. My class rosters for next semester are changing daily, so my plans cannot be etched in stone at this point. That will change shortly. Word up to you and yours.

MjB