Relate theater to my life

Before understanding theater I would not be able to relate it to my life. I would just say I'm not an actress so theater has nothing to do with my life. But I learned that there is a lot more to theater then just acting. In my life I play many different roles, like an actor, I play the role of a friend, a student, a daughter, a sister, a listener, a talker. I use many emotions every day, I laugh, I cry, I get mad, and upset. I know that my past with cheerleading and coaching can relate to an actor and a director. Also my interest in fashion relates to costumes in a play. I think that without realized it theater can relate to anyone's life.
I can relate theater to my many years of dancing and cheerleading. I can relate to an actress with the preparation and hard work they put in to one performance. I practiced every day and trained outside of practice to make sure I was doing everything right. I know that like an actress goes over her lines, I went over my moves. I can remember a performance where I dropped my flyer in a stunt, I learned that if something goes wrong to keep going. So we played it off like nothing happened and kept going with the performance. Everything ended up going very well and we still placed. I know that in a performance if someone messed up their lines they play it off like nothing happened and would keep on going. Or if someone happens to get hurt they work with what they have to complete the play the best they can, just like in cheerleading if someone is sick or hurt we may have to work around that and plan something new. But in the end we know it was for the best. There were times when I was nervous to get up in front of a crowd, afraid something would go wrong. I can relate to stage fright, because even though I wasn't on a stage, I was on a mat in front of hundreds of people. The spotlight has been on me before and after I know how rewarding it can be. I know that a director is also like a coach, which I have been too. It takes a big responsibility to try and have everyone listen to you as well as perfect a performance. The director is in charge of putting everything together, they see what others might not see and try to fix it. Just like a coach who stands on the sidelines and watches the players, and is able to help fix what he or she might see that is wrong.
I am also interested in fashion and think it can relate to costumes in a play. There are days that I want to dress up and other days I just want to be casual. Sometimes I add jewelry to my outfit or fancy shoes. Just like in a play an actress can have many costumes and she changes her clothes with the mood of the scene, similar to me changing my outfit depending what mood I am in.
I think theater relates to everyone's life. Everyone goes through hard times and wishes they could get away, or be someone else for a day. I think that being an actress allows them to play another role and pretend to be someone else for a short time. I know that sometimes when I am upset I try to hide it and act like nothing is wrong, just like in a play.

Concluding Statement

Now that I have completed this class it's hard for me to write a concluding statement because I learned so much and my view was completed changed. Coming into this class I knew little about theater, and didn't really care to know just because I didn't think it would benefit me in life. I knew nothing about theater besides having seen a few plays before. I thought this class was going to be boring but easy, I was wrong on both. I found the class to be a lot more interesting and was not easy. With it being an online class I had to manage my time better because I wanted to space each assignment out so I wasn't doing all of them the last week of the semester. I found the quizzes took a long time and I took each quiz 4 times. The discussion boards were a lot easier and I enjoyed doing them. I have see a few plays on Broadway but they were easy to understand without the knowledge of theater. But now that I have learned what I did from this class, from the quizzes and discussion board posts I have a lot more knowledge. I can go see a play and understand the set, costumes, lighting, and techniques used to put a show together. I can see how theater can relate to everyone's life without them even being aware. That everyday people play different roles, and one can change the role they are playing and chose a new one. I learned about the history of theater and how it is different in other cultures. I learned a lot from the discussion board posts, because this was an online class and there were no lectures this came the most useful to me. I was able to research and do my own post, but also read other classmates posts which had different information and views that opened my mind to other things. I think each classmate shared their own opinion and were able to be create with the posts. I found them to be very helpful and that they taught me a lot. With my major being communications media and thinking about maybe working in advertising and public relations, I found this class useful because it allowed me to use my creative side with writing posts and blogs. I also learned about advertising through the theater field when I had to research popular theaters and shows, and learn how to persuade people to come see these plays. I found that taking this class really did benefit me with my major. And after reading everyone final post I found we can all relate, that we may have come into this class thinking it was going to be easy and that we wouldn't learn anything, but this class took a lot of time and thoughts. I think everyone walked away with more knowledge about theater, and many had little experience before taking this class which I liked because I knew I wasn't the only one. I enjoyed the discussion board posts that had you create your own play with two characters, and the one that was the creative interpretation because it allowed you to open your mind and write whatever you wanted. I found these posts more beneficial then the posts that you had to read and reflect on because I felt like I was just being very repetitive. There were only so many ways I could say I enjoyed reading other students discussion posts. I really enjoyed that seeing a play was mandatory because I like to see a play on Broadway whenever I can. I was able to write a review on a play I saw and enjoyed, I chose Wicked. But I was also supposed to write about the play I went to go see, Into the Heights. It was exciting to go to New York and see a professional play. Overall I am happy I chose intro the theater because I learned new things, it would have been easy for me to take intro to art because I have been taking art classes since I was 10. But I didn't want to learn things I already knew, and with the theater class I knew it was going to be a creative class.

Design costumes for Chicago

I chose the musical Chicago to design costumes for because it is very fun and colorful. The musical has a lot of dancing and signing, costumes range from dresses to corsets and fishnet stocking, high heels and pearls. The music made it easy to picture which costumes would go with each scene. I have been a dancer since I was little and enjoy the unique costumes we had, so I thought this would be a good play to chose costumes. Since the play has a sexy side, I chose costumes that showed off some skin, yet were classy. I kept the theme going of black white and red because they were easy colors to work with. And red is a fierce yet sexy color. I liked the idea of glitter and feathers to add to the costume to give it more of an effect. Jewelry and shoes were also very important to add to a costume, I chose pictures with high heels because their more eye catching. All the costumes are very form fitting so that the actresses are able to move around and dance easily. The theme that goes along with the costumes is a jazzy effect, flapper dancers, mixed with burlesque dancers. When choosing which play to design costumes for this was the first one that came to mind because it is very girlie which stood out to me. I am interested in fashion as well as dancing so this musical was a combination of both. I would add a few more sparkly dresses and more colors such as gold, silver, and white. Fishnet stockings add to each costume as well as lace. I think sticking to the same colors is a good technique. This musical has a dark side which is why some costumes are all black, while the louder scenes have louder colors such as bright red and silver.

Design a Set

I chose the design the set of the musical Wicked because of the different effects. Looking at pictures of the set really caught my eye because they were so different, there were dark sets as well as brightly lit sets. But each one really seemed to catch the audiences eye. Part of the story are dark and mysterious, while others are bright and fairy-like. I was interested in the lighting as well, there are many scenes with bright green lights for the OZ, and to go with the wicked witch. To design this play I would focus on the lighting and the backdrops. I would make sure the whole stage was being used so that the audience can get more involved. Also work with special effects for example, Glinda, the good witch floats in the air, and the wicked witch flies on her broom stick. I would make sure the backdrops match the mood of the scene. One background will be bright blue and white, to go with the good witch. The other background will be black and have some green and yellow spot lights to show a more dramatic effect. The colors blue and white remind me of the sky and how the good witch floats around and is happy, while the darker colors black and green resemble the wicked witches skin and costume. The background for the OZ will still be green and have bright lights, but i may add in a few more colors to make it stand out more. I would like to focus on brighter colors through the play too to add more of an effect. The props for the set are very unique, with gadgets and clocks, i would keep the same effect of older and antique looking.

Broadway

History of Broadway:
The theater of Broadway, in New York City goes all the way back to 1810. Most actors at this time were from European countries. The 1900s were the start of making Broadway big, shows were based on real life events during this time, for example the stock market crash and war. Some may call it "Great White Way" because of the 36 theaters located through out many streets.During the mid-19th Century, Broadway burlesque productions were extremely popular.
The show “Cats “was the first musical opened on Broadway in 1982
Broadway today:
Popular plays today are; Wicked, Hair, Chicago, The Lion King, Blue Man Group, and many others. To purchase tickets you can order them online from Broadway.com. You can also buy tickets in person at the box office of the theater, but tickets sell very fast so it is a lot easier and more reliable to order them online. Another option is to call ahead of time and order them. Ticket prices can range from 5$-$100 and are usually more expensive the closer you wait to the show. Depending on where your seat is also depends on the price of your ticket.
It is a good idea to read about a play before you go see it in case you are not interested in the story line. You can go on Broadway.com and there are lists of shows playing, the story line, photos, videos, reviews, and cast.
A popular show on Broadway now is Wicked, a piece I did my play review on. I read about another play that I would like to see; Mama Mia, which has recently become a popular movie.
I read some interesting facts about the longest running show on Broadway; The Phantom and the Opera. Each performance has 230 costumes, 14 dressers, 120 automated cues, 22 scene changes, 281 candles and uses 250 kg of dry ice and 10 fog and smoke machines.Each performance has 230 costumes, 14 dressers, 120 automated cues, 22 scene changes, 281 candles and uses 250 kg of dry ice and 10 fog and smoke machines. Original cast recording was the first in British musical history to enter the charts at number one. Since then it has gone gold and platinum in the UK and US, selling over 2 million copies. The Phantom's make-up takes 2 hours to put on and 30 minutes to take off.
The top 10 most popular shows as listed on the website include:
1. Wicked
2. The Addams Family
3. Chicago
4. Memphis
5. Promises, Promises
6. Million Dollar Quartet
7. South Pacific
8. The Lion King
9. Avenue Q
10. Blue Man Group

The Alliance Theater

The Alliance Theater in Atlanta is one of the leading theaters in America. Since 1968, the theater has been local national, and international communities. The alliance theater recently won the Regional Theater Tony Award. The mission of this theater"As the premier theatre of the Southeast, the Alliance Theatre sets the highest artistic standards, creating the powerful experience of shared theatre for diverse people".
The Alliance Theater is popular for two tony awards winner that were sent to Broadway. The Color Purple and Alda (Elton John's). The alliance has produced over 65 productions, and originated the national tour of the tony award winning; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The artistic directory, Susan V. Booth brings everything together in one of the nations best theaters. The theater serves almost 200,000 people a year. Not only being a great theater, the alliance also serves as an entry to art for children and adults. For example, the alliance's children theater is one of the nation's oldest program that targets young people. First annual Alliance Theatre National Graduate Playwriting Competition, a national program introducing student playwrights to professional networks while producing the world premiere of the winning student’s work on the Hertz Stage. More than 45,000 students experience productions. The alliance also has classrooms to teach art, which connects it to the community. The acting program educates students in acting, film, and production. Every summer since 2002, 15-20 Metro Atlanta teens have taken part in Collision Project, spending a three-week summer workshop “colliding” with a classic script to create a six-person play that tours to high schools the same year.
The alliance theater is different from other theaters because it has two stages, for adult productions and childrens theater. The theater sits 770. Today, the popular play is Looking Glass Alice, a young girl who travels through a looking glass to become a queen. Ticket prices are $20-50.
I found this theater interesting because I have never been to Atlanta and it would be a place i would like to visit if i ever go. The fact that there is a stage for not just adults but children makes it unique. I also like that there are many classes offered and a different times through out the year, so if you work all year there are summer classes as well as classes during spring and winter break.

Play Review: Into the Heights

I saw a musical play on broadway; Into the Heights. I was not familiar with the play before time, which was a good and a bad thing. It was good because I was going to be surprised and I was very interested in it, but bad in the sense that I was not able to read about the play or look at reviews to see if the play was written up well.

The play was with a lot of young actors and actress's probably around the same age as me which was very interesting because you wouldn't think that they were going to be that talented, I was wrong. The only name I recognized was Corbin Blue, who was in some disney movies. There were a few older actors who played the parents, and the grandma. The actors really seemed to know the script as well as get in their character and know what the play was about. The story was taken place in Washington Heights, Brooklyn, a poor neighborhood where everyone is working trying to get by. Some have dreams to get away but others are almost afraid to see what else is out there in the world. The main character (Corbin Blue) connected very well with his character it was easy to tell that the was perfect for the part. Another character that really stood out was Sonny, played by a younger actor. It was amazing to see such young kids on broadway acting just as well as adults could. They connected very well with the audience, you could tell this by how everyone clapped and cheered when there was something exciting happening, or how they sighed when something sad happened. It does seem that Corbin's Blue character is "hogging" the spotlight, but this didn't seem to bother the audience because all the girls loved him. 

The plot was very well written and the characters were chosen to fit the parts. The story was well developed and flowed from each scene. I was very interested throughout the play which is always important to keep the audiences attention. There were many little conflicts in the play with each character that all seemed to come together through out the play. The genre of the play was a musical, it had lots of singing and dancing, as well as acting. There was drama and a love story involved, so there is no actual genre. 

Another aspect to look at it is directing, the vision seemed very clear for what the director wanted out of the play. The concept was very well to understand from each point of view. The rhythm and pace was set very well, there was never a time that was "boring" or slow. Since it was a musical the choreographing was very really good, there was many different types of dancing that went with the mood of the scene. It really helped the play that there were speaking parts as well as singing and dancing.It helped keep the play flowing as well as keep the audience's attention. 

The next aspect is technical, the lighting was very well. The scenery was on the streets so there were street lights as well as spot lights. The sound and music were really good too, it was clear to see that the music and songs went with the play and what was going on. The sound was loud and able to hear from the back seats. The costume and lighting matched the story very well, since they were supposed to be teens working and living in a poor neighborhood. I think because the lighting, costumes, and music were really well made it played a big role in how well the play was. I really enjoyed the music because it was dancing music and upbeat, it had a very latin vibe because it fit with the ethnicity of the play and each character. 

Ticket prices range from $40-$170 depending on where your seats are located how far in advance you order tickets. I think these prices are reasonable. The theater was very nice and clean, easy to get to if you live further away there are trains into new york as well as parking near the theater. The audience was big, all of the seats were filled. They played a big part of the production by dancing along and cheering for the characters.

I would suggest that you go see this play, it is very fun and easy to follow. There is no age limit I think parents as well as kids would enjoy it. The characters were very fun to watch as well.

Wicked

Wicked; the untold story of the witches of oz. The story of two girls who meet, one is green, angry, and bitter while the other is beautiful smart and friendly. A musical about the wicked witch of the west, and Glinda the good witch, two complete opposites who try to find something in common and get along. The music and lyrics were written by Stephen Schwartz who also did music for the popular Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, and Godspell. The book Wicked, was written by Winnie Holzman. Wicked is directed by Joe Mantello who won the Tony- Award 2003 and 2004. After reading the book by Gregory Maguire, Stephen sat down at his piano and started writing songs for his new musical. The themes of this story if friendship, and it's okay to be different.

Wicked has been showing in major citites all of the world, besides on Broadway in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, London's West End, Tokyo, Stuttgart, Sydney, and Denmark. Wicked was nominated for ten of the 2004 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Orchestra and twice for Best Leading Actress. "Defying Gravity" was covered in the TB series Glee.

After the large success of the musical, an auxiliary show was made, Behind the Emerald Curtain. The show has 90 minutes of behind the scene of the props, masks, costumes, and sets. It was led by cast members who do an interview session. Behind the Emerald Curtain is part of the Wicked productions running in NYC and San Francisco.

Elphaba, the wicked witch of the west and the good witch Glinda are college roomates. They have nothing in common. Because Elphaba is green she is very misunderstood. Glinda stays by her side and tries to help her become "popular", in one of the songs Glinda starts off by saying now that we are friends, you are going to become my new project! She sings a song talking about everything she thinks Elphie should be good at so that she becomes popular. 

I chose this play because I have seen it, and really enjoyed it. I like that it is relatable, not in the sense that they are witches, but they are opposites and try to become friends. "Together were unlimited, together we'll be the greatest team" Elphie sings the song defying gravity, saying how if they can work through everything and become friends they can be the best of friends. I think this story can teach kids a lot about friendship and how everyone is different. It's also a fun play because of all the music, and that it is almost based around the popular movie The Wizard of Oz.

I personally relate to this story because I know what it's like to be different, and not always want to fit this mold of popular. I was "popular" in high school and had a lot of different groups of friends, but my closest friends were not what others would say popular; they were however most trust worthy and loyal then the other girls I were close with. I found in the musical the lesson was not to be popular, but to find good friends who you can rely on. Elphie and Glinda made a strong bond throughout the play. I also find it hard to sometimes communicate and say what I want to say, so I the fact that most the play was in song was easy to relate to. It spoke to me and I would see it again or suggest others to see it. The fact that Glinda stood up for Elphie while refused to give her the time of day, really taught a good lesson to everyone. The musical is very uplifting and fun. I think people of all ages would enjoy this play.Friendship is very important. And it's not how many friends you have, it's how true your friends really are. 

Distance

When two people find each other so young, it's hard to break them apart. But when they both have to make a decision that will effect the rest of their lives, it seems to only tear them apart.

Jenna: The day we met was a complete accident, it was one of those moments where we were just there at the right time. I can remember exactly what he spelled like, what he was wearing, and how every time our eyes met he looked away.

Shane: I met her at a party, I went out because I had been sitting around thinking about my ex girl friend and my friends were annoyed. They told me I needed to get out my house and do something.

Jenna: I was so excited to go to the party, I spent all day thinking about what to wear and who would be there, I had a crush on Shane for awhile now but he had always had this skinny blonde attached to his arm. The rumor around school was they broke up, so many tonight he would actually notice me.

Shane: A girl from class had came up to me at the party trying to talk about sports and what college I would be going to, I didn't pay much attention but the second I met her eyes I got all nervous and these funny feelings in my stomach.

Jenna: I knew the second our eyes met he felt what I felt.

Shane: I wanted to ask her if we could go somewhere more quiet to talk but I didn't want her to think I was just sweet talking to her. So we sat in the noisy kitchen making small talk, I couldn't hear her too well, but I wasn't really listening I was just staring into her eyes.

Jenna: I felt like I was talking too much but he kept asking me questions so I just answered them. I wanted to go somewhere more private but I didn't want him to think I was fast... time had gone by and I looked at my cellphone, I was going to be late if I didn't leave now. 

Shane: She said she had to go, I asked if I could call her sometime and she came close to me, telling her phone number to me into my ear, I could smell her perfume and I wanted to just kiss her.

Jenna: I looked up and the next thing I knew, we were kissing.

Jenna (talking to herself )That was the night we met. We have been together for 4 years, all through high school. It was almost to good to be true because the next time we had to have a serious talk, it was about our future. I was going to NYU for acting, and he was going to UCLA for football. Millions of miles away. He was coming over, like he had done every other night, but this time we might not be leaving as a couple. I was nervous. 

Shane (talking to himself) I knew next year was going to be hard, we were going to completely different schools but I cared about her, I want to make it work. I got in my truck and drove over to her house, we were gonna have a talk. But I'm sure everything will be fine we always work it out.

Jenna: Hey, let's go sit out back and talk.

(Shane walked slowly behind neither spoke on the walk)

Shane: Let me go first, I know we wont be close to each other next year, but I think we can do it. We know each other well enough and don't need to be with each other to know we care about each other. I don't want this to end.

It was silent. Shane waited for Jenna to agree with him, and then the talk would be over.

Jenna: That's really nice of you and I do care so much about you, but I don't see how this is going to work. It doesn't seem fair for either of us, we want to experience college, I don't want to be calling you asking where you are at all times, and I don't want you to be waiting for me to call you with the time difference.

Shane: wait are you saying..

Jenna: I guess I am

Shane: But this isn't how I want it to be

Jenna: Me either but it seems like the best thing

 Shane just got up, and began walking back on forth with his head shaking

Jenna: Sit down come here

Shane: No! How could you do this to me? After everything we have been through.

Jenna: I know, I want to be with you, but if were meant to be then it will work out.

Shane: We are meant to be, what dont you get? 4 years together that doesn't say enough to you?

Jenna: Of course it does, but it's only going to be harder saying goodbye at the end of the summer and seeing you on holidays then saying goodbye again. I'm looking out for both of us.

Shane: I can't talk to you right now I'm leaving.

Shane just got up and left, I sat there in shock, we have always been able to talk things out. Thats what I loved about him, if there was ever a problem he came to me and we talked it out. But this time was different, he just got up and left. I went to bed with a bad feeling in my stomach, Shane still hadn't called.

Shane- I dialed her number like 20 times but hung up before she could answer, I didn't know what to say to her. How could I be so upset with someone I love? And why can't we be together? I need some time to think, if were just going to say goodbye at the end of the summer, why not just say goodbye now. Why should I act like everything is ok when it's not. That's it. I need to talk to Jenna.

Jenna answered her front door, and there he was. As pretty as he has always been.

Shane: can we talk?

Jenna: yeah, do we you to come in?

Shane: no, it will only talk a few minutes.

Jenna: ok.

we walked to the wooden chairs on the front porch and sat down.

Shane: I agree, we won't be able to make things work next year being so far away

Jenna: Oh i'm so glad you understand

Shane: Yeah, sure, alright well i think we need to say goodbye now

Jenna: Now? Why would we do that we still have the whole summer together

Shane: Look Jenna, I am doing this for you, because you want this

Jenna: And you dont?

Shane: Hell no, I don't want to lose you but if this is want you want then this is what your going to get

Jenna: But.. wait.. what is going on?

Shane: Have fun at NYU, I love you.

Shane stood up to give Jenna a hug, she had nothing else to say so she stood up and put her arms around his neck. She closed her eyes and just held on tight. 

He smelled her hair trying to hold on to the scent for as long as he could, he never thought this day would come.

They both let go, tears filled both of their eyes, but Shane wiped his away so she couldn't see.

Jenna lightly closed her eyes letting the tears fall down her cheeks.

Shane: You will be fine. I'm always here for you, and when you feel lonely look outside at the moon and know that where ever I am I will be looking at the same moon, and maybe then we won't seem so far apart.

Jenna: All I know is I love you

Shane: I love you too

He gave her one last hug, a peck on the cheek and began to walk away. He turned around once to look back at her.

She wiped her tears away and forced a smile because she knew he was watching.

And that was it. They both had something so special that they know no distance will change this.