I made a horrible mistake on Saturday, October 11, 2008 when I went to see the musical "Blood Brothers" at the Open Space Cafe Theatre: that was the show's final performance. And that meant that I wouldn't have an opportunity to see it a second time. I enjoyed it so much that I would have seriously considered seeing it a second time, and I definitely would have tried to talk others into seeing it. I did get together a group of 12 others to see "Blood Brothers," and every one of us thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the show. We laughed out loud in parts, and by the end, I'm guessing that I was not the only one whose eyes became a little moister.
If you missed "Blood Brothers," you missed an incredible show. Two friends who saw it with me here in Greensboro had seen it in London two summers ago, and they both had liked it enough that they wanted to see it again. They also told me that an even tougher audience--the high school students with whom they were traveling--had also cited "Blood Brothers" as one of their favorite experiences while traveling overseas. Beyond telling a highly engaging story, Willy Russell's musical also confronts some of the issues of class and economics that have become even more timely here recently.
I'm definitely hoping that "Blood Brothers" will return to the area in the not-too-distant future.
In the meantime, the Open Space Cafe Theatre has a new-and-improved website for you to check out.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
An Easy Early-Voting Maze at Bur-Mil Park
Earlier this evening, I decided to vote early. The only thing that took a long time was driving from High Point Central High School to Bur-Mil Park.
Arriving some time after 6:00 PM, I parked and walked toward the building that I believe is referred to as the clubhouse. As I got closer, I stopped to take a card from a man seated out front. It was a business card for Teresa Sue Bratton, MD, the only candidate represented by more than a sign stuck in the ground. (I didn't take time to count, but there were a lot of signs lining the path to the clubhouse.)
Catching up with the one lady in front of me, we both ventured to the right toward the front entrance, only to be greeted by a sign indicating that we needed to go around to the back. I voted at Bur-Mil once before, and if I remember correctly, I entered the front way the last time. While there were signs pointing to the left of the building, some signs seemed to be pointing toward the front entrance also, so for a brief moment, one lady and I were briefly confused. Once we figured out that we needed to follow the path to the left, we headed that way and walked around to the back. We bypassed the entrance that was set up for handicapped individuals. We then walked up the stairs and followed a mini-maze that was set up for us to follow. I'm guessing that there have been or will be times when the line meanders back to the back of that maze, but she and I just moved forward because there were no people in front of us.
Once we arrived at the large voting room, we were led to a long table behind which a few workers awaited to verify our voting status. I gave a gentleman my name and address, and then he gave me a form to sign. I then gave the form to a lady who escorted me to one of several voting machines. While I didn't have to wait in line, there were about 8-10 voting machines with individuals behind each one using the push-screen to cast their votes. I voted at the one nearest the door, so I lifted up the left side of the machine to keep my votes a secret from anyone entering while I voted. (Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one or two more people enter the voting room while I voted.) I skipped the straight-ticket option, and I voted for some Democrats, and I voted for some Republicans, but not in equal numbers. I chose not to vote for one candidate who didn't have any competition, but had there been another name on the ballot, I would have voted for his opponent. I didn't keep track of how long the entire process took, but I definitely didn't need to warm up my car by the time I returned to it. And I didn't have time to read a single word of the newspaper I carried inside in case I did have to wait in line.
Now, I just have to wait two weeks to find out if my picks win. I only voted for the best candidates, so I sure hope they win.
Arriving some time after 6:00 PM, I parked and walked toward the building that I believe is referred to as the clubhouse. As I got closer, I stopped to take a card from a man seated out front. It was a business card for Teresa Sue Bratton, MD, the only candidate represented by more than a sign stuck in the ground. (I didn't take time to count, but there were a lot of signs lining the path to the clubhouse.)
Catching up with the one lady in front of me, we both ventured to the right toward the front entrance, only to be greeted by a sign indicating that we needed to go around to the back. I voted at Bur-Mil once before, and if I remember correctly, I entered the front way the last time. While there were signs pointing to the left of the building, some signs seemed to be pointing toward the front entrance also, so for a brief moment, one lady and I were briefly confused. Once we figured out that we needed to follow the path to the left, we headed that way and walked around to the back. We bypassed the entrance that was set up for handicapped individuals. We then walked up the stairs and followed a mini-maze that was set up for us to follow. I'm guessing that there have been or will be times when the line meanders back to the back of that maze, but she and I just moved forward because there were no people in front of us.
Once we arrived at the large voting room, we were led to a long table behind which a few workers awaited to verify our voting status. I gave a gentleman my name and address, and then he gave me a form to sign. I then gave the form to a lady who escorted me to one of several voting machines. While I didn't have to wait in line, there were about 8-10 voting machines with individuals behind each one using the push-screen to cast their votes. I voted at the one nearest the door, so I lifted up the left side of the machine to keep my votes a secret from anyone entering while I voted. (Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one or two more people enter the voting room while I voted.) I skipped the straight-ticket option, and I voted for some Democrats, and I voted for some Republicans, but not in equal numbers. I chose not to vote for one candidate who didn't have any competition, but had there been another name on the ballot, I would have voted for his opponent. I didn't keep track of how long the entire process took, but I definitely didn't need to warm up my car by the time I returned to it. And I didn't have time to read a single word of the newspaper I carried inside in case I did have to wait in line.
Now, I just have to wait two weeks to find out if my picks win. I only voted for the best candidates, so I sure hope they win.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Just For You, A Wonderful Opportunity Extended
If you didn't get around to seeing the Open Space Cafe Theatre's production of "Crowns," two shows have been added for August 23 and 24. Call 336-292-2285 for more information and to purchase tickets.
When you visit the theatre's website, a slideshow provides a glimpse of scenes from this highly entertaining musical. In addition to great music and all-around impressive performances, you'll also learn about the diverse culture of hat-wearing among some African-American women. Bennett College and the Greensboro Sit-Ins are a part of the historical snapshots revealed.
More here and here.
When you visit the theatre's website, a slideshow provides a glimpse of scenes from this highly entertaining musical. In addition to great music and all-around impressive performances, you'll also learn about the diverse culture of hat-wearing among some African-American women. Bennett College and the Greensboro Sit-Ins are a part of the historical snapshots revealed.
More here and here.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Will Strom Thurmond Speak Out About John Edwards's Confession?
On 101.1 WZTK, I've had the pleasure of hearing Strom Thurmond come on the show and pass along some of his wholesome, conservative values.
I'm hoping Thurmond, a true conservative who has always stood up for family values, will be able to visit "Brad and Britt Show in the Morning" and provide much-needed commentary about that lousy, stinky Democrat John Edwards and his finally-confessed lack of marital faithfulness.
I'd be most curious to hear Thurmond's comments about the two quotes I found most fascinating from John Edwards's statement:
"But being 99 percent honest is no longer enough." (I just wondered if his calculation of 99% might be just a tiny-bit high in this particular instance. Edwards might need to tweak his calculating methods a little.)
"In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic." (I'd love to hear from Senator Thurmond if he ever found himself guilty of feeling that way about himself. I doubt it because I certainly don't like to think anything negative about the Good Senator, but I'd appreciate hearing from the man himself.)
I'm hoping Thurmond, a true conservative who has always stood up for family values, will be able to visit "Brad and Britt Show in the Morning" and provide much-needed commentary about that lousy, stinky Democrat John Edwards and his finally-confessed lack of marital faithfulness.
I'd be most curious to hear Thurmond's comments about the two quotes I found most fascinating from John Edwards's statement:
"But being 99 percent honest is no longer enough." (I just wondered if his calculation of 99% might be just a tiny-bit high in this particular instance. Edwards might need to tweak his calculating methods a little.)
"In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic." (I'd love to hear from Senator Thurmond if he ever found himself guilty of feeling that way about himself. I doubt it because I certainly don't like to think anything negative about the Good Senator, but I'd appreciate hearing from the man himself.)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Aggies Strut Their "Crowns" at the Open Space Cafe Theatre
If you enjoy theatre and music, you should definitely make plans to attend Regina Taylor's "Crowns" at the Open Space Cafe Theatre. Beyond the pleasures of listening to beautiful music and witnessing great performances, seeing this musical is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the popular custom among some African-American women of wearing hats, particularly to church.
Tall, thin, and tough, Yolanda (Whitney Chamblee, a rising senior at the Weaver Performing Arts Academy) walks and talks with an attitude, and she opens the show by explaining why: her brother Teddy was shot and killed, and she's been forced to move from her beloved Brooklyn, NY to the South and live with her grandmother, Mother Shaw
Mother Shaw (Sandra Jones) and four other African-American women take turns trying to convey to Yolanda why their hats are such an important part of their identities, hoping that she'll develop the same respect and appreciation for their hat-wearing traditions. While they share a love for hats, these five women each have different lessons and experiences to share, and their diverse personalities are reflected in the different colors and styles of their hats. After these women are first introduced under dim lights wearing only slips, background screens are turned to reveal individual closets in which we get to see the vividly colored outfits they will change into. As we listen to them tell their background stories one by one, we watch the others change into their full attire. Mother Shaw ends up wearing white; Mabel (Jamilla Curry) red; Velma (Tennille Foust) purple; Wanda (Melanie Matthews) orange; and Jeanette (Randi Martin) blue. All five of these actresses are graduates of N.C. A & T State University, and their performances only take Aggie Pride to even higher levels.
Tall, thin, and tough, Yolanda (Whitney Chamblee, a rising senior at the Weaver Performing Arts Academy) walks and talks with an attitude, and she opens the show by explaining why: her brother Teddy was shot and killed, and she's been forced to move from her beloved Brooklyn, NY to the South and live with her grandmother, Mother Shaw
Mother Shaw (Sandra Jones) and four other African-American women take turns trying to convey to Yolanda why their hats are such an important part of their identities, hoping that she'll develop the same respect and appreciation for their hat-wearing traditions. While they share a love for hats, these five women each have different lessons and experiences to share, and their diverse personalities are reflected in the different colors and styles of their hats. After these women are first introduced under dim lights wearing only slips, background screens are turned to reveal individual closets in which we get to see the vividly colored outfits they will change into. As we listen to them tell their background stories one by one, we watch the others change into their full attire. Mother Shaw ends up wearing white; Mabel (Jamilla Curry) red; Velma (Tennille Foust) purple; Wanda (Melanie Matthews) orange; and Jeanette (Randi Martin) blue. All five of these actresses are graduates of N.C. A & T State University, and their performances only take Aggie Pride to even higher levels.
Yolanda listens as these women tell their stories, but she is not always excited about or interested in what they have to say. There is a generational gap, and it takes time for her to gain the appreciation and enthusiasm they have for hats. A baseball cap turned sideways works for her throughout much of the play, and it is only with time that she embraces a hat that her elders might regard as more fitting and dignified.
These women have a full arsenal of approaches for sharing their love for hats: they tell stories, they pass along sayings (hatisms), they teach lessons, they sing, they dance, they provide both serious and humorous reenactments, and above all else, they model the hats they cherish. As if in a pageant, there is a competitive spirit among the women, but while there is a sense of wanting to wear and show off the best hat, there's also a respect and appreciation for seeing other women wear the beautiful hats they choose to wear. It wouldn't be as beautiful a world for any of these women ever to find herself alone as a hat-wearer.
While "Crowns" celebrates women, it does not ignore the role that men can play in women's hat-wearing customs. Joseph Level, a widely acclaimed radio personality with 1510 Big WEAL Gospel, plays the all-purpose Man for this show, and he adds a wonderful voice, diverse personalities, and his own collection of hats. (You can see him become a different character just by changing of hats.)
Director Donna Baldwin-Bradby, an Adjunct Professor and Director of Marketing and Publicity for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at North Carolina A & T State University, follows up her wonderful job directing Triad Stage's "From the Mississippi Delta" in the spring.
Darrell J. Hunt, a senior professional theatre major at North Carolina A & T State University, serves as the Stage Manager.
Stephanie D. Gray, a member of the Theatre Faculty at North Carolina A & T State University, serves as the Musical Director and Keyboardist. In her bio on the program, she expresses appreciation for "working with her favorite collaborator, Donna Bradby."
While I've tried to use words to capture some of the essence of "Crowns," none of what I've written comes close to capturing the actual experience of viewing this musical in person. You need to see it for yourself. There was a good crowd for the opening show, but there was room for more to attend. It's a show that deserves an audience, and if you're around and have the time, you really should make plans to attend.
Here's information about the seven remaining shows, how you can get tickets, and where the Open Space Cafe Theatre is located:
- Friday, August 8 at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, August 9 at 8:00 PM
- Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 PM
- Thursday, August 14 at 8:00 PM
- Friday, August 15 at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, August 16 at 8:00 PM
- Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 PM
Call 336-292-2285 for tickets. If the answering machine answers, just leave a) your name, b)phone number, c) the number of tickets you need, and d) the date you wish to attend.
Tickets are $20.00 per person; $17.00 each for senior citizens; $10.00 for students 17 years old and younger. If you have a party of 8 or more, you will receive a $2.00 discount per ticket.
The Open Space Cafe Theatre is located at 4609 W. Market Street in Greensboro. It's a small, intimate theatre, located across from Bert's Seafood Grille and next door to a Public Storage facility. Directions can be found here.
The show is approximately 1 1/2 hours, and there is no intermission. Drinks and desserts may be purchased before the show begins, and you sit at tables at which you can enjoy your refreshments during the performance.
Be sure to spread the word about this show.
And I hope you'll enjoy "Crowns" as much as I did.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
8 Chances for You to See "Crowns"
Inspired by a book about the hats that some African-American women are famous for wearing, the musical "Crowns" opens at the Open Space Cafe Theatre on Thursday, August 7, 2008 and runs through Sunday, August 17, 2008.
Beloved by readers, "Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats" (by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry) moved playwright Regina Taylor enough to create a gospel-style tribute to these women and their hats.
The synopsis from the OSC Theatre website: "A musical tribute to the fabulous church hats and the African-American women for whom they are symbolic crowns, a means to express themselves in the presence of God. The story of a Brooklyn girl, staying with her grandmother in the South following a tragedy, is a springboard for an exploration of black cultural history and identity."
Receiving positive reviews in Orlando, New York, and San Francisco, "Crowns" will be directed locally by Donna Baldwin-Bradby, a North Carolina A&T State University adjunct professor and the recent director of Triad Stage's "From the Mississippi Delta."
If you haven't seen a show at the Open Space Cafe Theatre yet, this would be a great chance to see your first performance there. It's a small, intimate theatre, and since I first discovered the OSC Theatre a year ago, I've thoroughly enjoyed every production they've done. (The only show I've missed was "Godspell," and that's because it sold out before I was able to get tickets for the night I could have attended.) Knowing what an amazing job Baldwin-Bradby did with "From the Mississippi Delta," I'm looking even more forward to seeing "Crowns."
Here is all the information you should need to get your tickets and attend, and be sure to spread the word among your friends and family members:
Beloved by readers, "Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats" (by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry) moved playwright Regina Taylor enough to create a gospel-style tribute to these women and their hats.
The synopsis from the OSC Theatre website: "A musical tribute to the fabulous church hats and the African-American women for whom they are symbolic crowns, a means to express themselves in the presence of God. The story of a Brooklyn girl, staying with her grandmother in the South following a tragedy, is a springboard for an exploration of black cultural history and identity."
Receiving positive reviews in Orlando, New York, and San Francisco, "Crowns" will be directed locally by Donna Baldwin-Bradby, a North Carolina A&T State University adjunct professor and the recent director of Triad Stage's "From the Mississippi Delta."
If you haven't seen a show at the Open Space Cafe Theatre yet, this would be a great chance to see your first performance there. It's a small, intimate theatre, and since I first discovered the OSC Theatre a year ago, I've thoroughly enjoyed every production they've done. (The only show I've missed was "Godspell," and that's because it sold out before I was able to get tickets for the night I could have attended.) Knowing what an amazing job Baldwin-Bradby did with "From the Mississippi Delta," I'm looking even more forward to seeing "Crowns."
Here is all the information you should need to get your tickets and attend, and be sure to spread the word among your friends and family members:
- The Open Space Cafe Theatre is located at 4609 West Market Street/ Greensboro, NC 27407 (across from Bert's Seafood Grille; directions here).
- Call 336-292-2285 for tickets.
- $20.00 per ticket; $17.00 for seniors; $10.00 for students, 17 years and younger. (Groups of 8 or more receive a $2.00 discount.)
- Desserts, coffee, sodas, and wine may be purchased before the show and enjoyed at the tables that are a part of the theatre's cafe-style seating.
These are your 8 chances to see "Crowns":
- Thursday, August 7 at 8:00 PM
- Friday, August 8 at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, August 9 at 8:00 PM
- Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 PM
- Thursday, August 14 at 8:00 PM
- Friday, August 15 at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, August 16 at 8:00 PM
- Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 PM
The Odd Couple of Movie Criticism
Roger Ebert writes about the end of the show that he and Gene Siskel started 33 years ago, reflecting on the relationship they shared and some of the memories. Ebert describes the nature of their relationship:
I can't recall when or how, but by the time I discovered their show, Siskel and Ebert were already pretty well established. When he worked at the old movie theatre next to Four Seasons Town Centre, my brother told me that one of his managers had told him that Siskel and Ebert had at one point had the power to make or break movies simply by giving them their thumbs up or a thumbs down. Apparently that level of influence went back to their early days on PBS. (By the time I stumbled across their show, it was on one of the other networks.)
As movie fans, my brother and I, like many other people, developed a respect and appreciation for the reviews Siskel and Ebert gave. They didn't influence all of our movie-going and movie-viewing habits, but they definitely contributed to us being more or less enthusiastic and open-minded about certain movies. Hearing their passionate recommendations made me excited about seeing movies I otherwise wouldn't have considered (or, in some cases, even known about). And in reverse fashion, they sometimes made me less interested in seeing movies I had previously thought were must-see movies. It was always fascinating to find out what one or both noticed about the movies they watched. They made me more aware of things that were worth paying attention to while watching a movie, and they revealed the different ways and multiple levels by which a movie could be enjoyed and appreciated.
What took the show to an even higher level was the entertainment value of not only their reviews but also their interactions with one another. While they shared a love of movies, Siskel and Ebert couldn't have looked any more different physically nor could they have possessed less similar personalities. Their differences added a dramatic tension that made watching them more entertaining and even more suspenseful. By watching them, you learned a bit about their individual tastes and idiosyncrasies, but they also always maintained a level of unpredictability. You never knew for sure how they would feel about a movie or what they might say next.
At some point, I discovered that Ebert also wrote reviews, and I enjoyed reading his writing as much as I enjoyed watching him talk about movies. For as many reviews as he has written all these years, Ebert hasn't run out of the words necessary to write fresh, entertaining reviews.
It made me sad when I learned that Siskel had passed away. After having different critics take turns sitting in Siskel's chair alongside Ebert, Richard Roeper ended up with the uneviable task of trying to replace Siskel in the balcony. More recently, Ebert has suffered problems with his own health. It's good that he's back to writing, and even though it sounds like big changes are in store, it's comforting to know that the show might still survive "in a new venue."
Thanks, Siskel and Ebert and Roeper, for sharing with us your love for the movies!
"Did Gene and I hate each other? Yes. Did we love each other? Yes. Somehow an outtake from a promo session has found its way on YouTube, where in a single take you can see us bitterly sniping at one another and then happily joking together. It was like that. 'You have the entire staff in terror of you,' I told him. 'That's funny,' he said. 'That's what they tell me about you.' We were both terrible to work with. And great to work with."
I can't recall when or how, but by the time I discovered their show, Siskel and Ebert were already pretty well established. When he worked at the old movie theatre next to Four Seasons Town Centre, my brother told me that one of his managers had told him that Siskel and Ebert had at one point had the power to make or break movies simply by giving them their thumbs up or a thumbs down. Apparently that level of influence went back to their early days on PBS. (By the time I stumbled across their show, it was on one of the other networks.)
As movie fans, my brother and I, like many other people, developed a respect and appreciation for the reviews Siskel and Ebert gave. They didn't influence all of our movie-going and movie-viewing habits, but they definitely contributed to us being more or less enthusiastic and open-minded about certain movies. Hearing their passionate recommendations made me excited about seeing movies I otherwise wouldn't have considered (or, in some cases, even known about). And in reverse fashion, they sometimes made me less interested in seeing movies I had previously thought were must-see movies. It was always fascinating to find out what one or both noticed about the movies they watched. They made me more aware of things that were worth paying attention to while watching a movie, and they revealed the different ways and multiple levels by which a movie could be enjoyed and appreciated.
What took the show to an even higher level was the entertainment value of not only their reviews but also their interactions with one another. While they shared a love of movies, Siskel and Ebert couldn't have looked any more different physically nor could they have possessed less similar personalities. Their differences added a dramatic tension that made watching them more entertaining and even more suspenseful. By watching them, you learned a bit about their individual tastes and idiosyncrasies, but they also always maintained a level of unpredictability. You never knew for sure how they would feel about a movie or what they might say next.
At some point, I discovered that Ebert also wrote reviews, and I enjoyed reading his writing as much as I enjoyed watching him talk about movies. For as many reviews as he has written all these years, Ebert hasn't run out of the words necessary to write fresh, entertaining reviews.
It made me sad when I learned that Siskel had passed away. After having different critics take turns sitting in Siskel's chair alongside Ebert, Richard Roeper ended up with the uneviable task of trying to replace Siskel in the balcony. More recently, Ebert has suffered problems with his own health. It's good that he's back to writing, and even though it sounds like big changes are in store, it's comforting to know that the show might still survive "in a new venue."
Thanks, Siskel and Ebert and Roeper, for sharing with us your love for the movies!
Positive Communication from GCS School Board Member Amos Quick
Using the Chalkboard as a communication tool, Guilford County School Board Member Amos Quick expresses assorted thoughts (comment at 1:26 PM on August 5, 2008) that are well-worth reading. A great example of a leader acknowledging fellow citizens' concerns, while also raising the level of the conversation. Exactly what we need to witness more often at all levels of our society and our government. Thank you, Mr. Quick!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
GCS Training Session Inspires Educational Synergy
The past two days, I attended a "Foundations of Cooperative Learning" workshop at the Guilford County Schools' Washington Street Annex (across the street from Weaver Center). The workshop is required for all Mission Possible teachers, and since I decided in April to teach English at High Point Central High School for the 2008-2009 school year, I now fall into that category.
After teaching for 12 years, I've now attended my fair share of workshops, some great, some so-so, and some not-so-great. There are several variables that come into play, but two big factors in determining the quality of a workshop are the presenter(s) and the participants. People matter, and we can't help but be affected by them, for better and for worse. A poorly prepared, disrespectful presenter or even just one participant with a poor attitude can negatively affect a workshop and ultimately leave a bad taste in the mouth. A well-prepared, sincere presenter and enthusiastic, ready-to-be-actively-engaged participants can leave you feeling refreshed and encouraged about teaching.
I thoroughly respected, enjoyed, and appreciated both the presenter and the participants whose company I shared the last two days. The workshop was an all-around great experience that was well-worth our time. Our students will benefit if we take back into our classrooms what we experienced and learned through this session.
I finally met Randy Shiflett. (Randy has a superior first name, but a teacher long ago ruined it for him, and like other teachers with whom Randy has shared his secret name, I'm sworn to secrecy. I'll just say that I'm a HUGE fan of that name that Randy can't stand.) I had heard his name before and had heard positive things about him, but I had never attended one of his workshops before. He did a great job, and my impression was that all of my fellow participants felt the same way. During our time with him, Mr. Shiflett provided us a wealth of information, but even more crucially, he engaged us in the very process that we are being encouraged to use with our students: cooperative learning. And throughout, Mr. Shiflett modeled for us as well as any model could ever hope to model.
At some point today, Mr. Shiflett took the time to play a brief video clip for us from a movie I'd seen before, "In Good Company." I'd forgotten the scene, but it was one that fit perfectly within the scheme of our workshop. A recently hired boss who is younger than most of the men and women he supervises stands in front of his employees, trying to inspire them to do and be more. He enthusiastically preaches about the virtues of corporate synergy. But he's speaking to people who are not so eager to embrace his enthusiasm, possessing a rather synergy-inhibiting spirit from the get-go. The young boss pushes forward anyway, seemingly oblivious to any resistance or negativity. And slowly but surely, even though perhaps not completely sincere, his employees give in a little, showing signs that they might actually be willing to follow.
By the time he shared the video clip with us, Mr. Shiflett had already synergized us. By cooperatively learning about cooperative learning, we had developed positive relationships with one another, and our entire class of teacher-students benefited from that. As a diverse group of educators, we were openminded to the possibility of a positive learning experience during our summer vacation, and Mr. Shiflett helped ensure that by providing us a comfortable, welcoming environment.
It makes sense that that is also part of our challenge as educators: we have to figure out ways to help create and develop synergy in our classrooms. I've been lucky to have taught some classes that developed beautiful synergy, and I've had other classes that, at best, had momentary glimpses of something remotely resembling synergy. It's not an automatic given, and sometimes, even our most sincere efforts can't guarantee that synergy will develop.
Mr. Shiflett had a positive effect on us teachers as learners. His more profound effect may come by way of the trickle-down effect that will occur if we're able to transfer his positive energy and at least some of what he taught us into our own classrooms. That would be the ideal hope for any meaningful training for teachers.
After teaching for 12 years, I've now attended my fair share of workshops, some great, some so-so, and some not-so-great. There are several variables that come into play, but two big factors in determining the quality of a workshop are the presenter(s) and the participants. People matter, and we can't help but be affected by them, for better and for worse. A poorly prepared, disrespectful presenter or even just one participant with a poor attitude can negatively affect a workshop and ultimately leave a bad taste in the mouth. A well-prepared, sincere presenter and enthusiastic, ready-to-be-actively-engaged participants can leave you feeling refreshed and encouraged about teaching.
I thoroughly respected, enjoyed, and appreciated both the presenter and the participants whose company I shared the last two days. The workshop was an all-around great experience that was well-worth our time. Our students will benefit if we take back into our classrooms what we experienced and learned through this session.
I finally met Randy Shiflett. (Randy has a superior first name, but a teacher long ago ruined it for him, and like other teachers with whom Randy has shared his secret name, I'm sworn to secrecy. I'll just say that I'm a HUGE fan of that name that Randy can't stand.) I had heard his name before and had heard positive things about him, but I had never attended one of his workshops before. He did a great job, and my impression was that all of my fellow participants felt the same way. During our time with him, Mr. Shiflett provided us a wealth of information, but even more crucially, he engaged us in the very process that we are being encouraged to use with our students: cooperative learning. And throughout, Mr. Shiflett modeled for us as well as any model could ever hope to model.
At some point today, Mr. Shiflett took the time to play a brief video clip for us from a movie I'd seen before, "In Good Company." I'd forgotten the scene, but it was one that fit perfectly within the scheme of our workshop. A recently hired boss who is younger than most of the men and women he supervises stands in front of his employees, trying to inspire them to do and be more. He enthusiastically preaches about the virtues of corporate synergy. But he's speaking to people who are not so eager to embrace his enthusiasm, possessing a rather synergy-inhibiting spirit from the get-go. The young boss pushes forward anyway, seemingly oblivious to any resistance or negativity. And slowly but surely, even though perhaps not completely sincere, his employees give in a little, showing signs that they might actually be willing to follow.
By the time he shared the video clip with us, Mr. Shiflett had already synergized us. By cooperatively learning about cooperative learning, we had developed positive relationships with one another, and our entire class of teacher-students benefited from that. As a diverse group of educators, we were openminded to the possibility of a positive learning experience during our summer vacation, and Mr. Shiflett helped ensure that by providing us a comfortable, welcoming environment.
It makes sense that that is also part of our challenge as educators: we have to figure out ways to help create and develop synergy in our classrooms. I've been lucky to have taught some classes that developed beautiful synergy, and I've had other classes that, at best, had momentary glimpses of something remotely resembling synergy. It's not an automatic given, and sometimes, even our most sincere efforts can't guarantee that synergy will develop.
Mr. Shiflett had a positive effect on us teachers as learners. His more profound effect may come by way of the trickle-down effect that will occur if we're able to transfer his positive energy and at least some of what he taught us into our own classrooms. That would be the ideal hope for any meaningful training for teachers.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Obama Cartoon Takes Me Back to 1990
This cartoon controversy reminds me of one that visited Page High School during my senior year (1989-90). I wish I had a copy of the cartoon, but at least the News & Record archives reminded me of some of the details.
"The student walkout came after a cartoon appeared in the school newspaper depicting a black student wearing a basketball uniform and holding a watermelon and a chicken leg. The cartoon also depicted stereotypical images of an Asian and a Hispanic student." (I had forgotten that there had been a student walkout.)
If memory serves me, that description captures the first three frames of a four-frame cartoon. In the fourth frame, I believe a teenager expressed something like, "Do you actually know anyone like this?" The intended message was that stereotyping is not a positive thing to do, but many individuals chose to interpret it differently. You could say that that was because high school students were involved. But that doesn't account for reactions to the New Yorker's cartoon.
In both cases, sensitivity is probably greater because we know that there are individuals out there who do see things almost precisely as illustrated in the cartoons. Some of us don't care to be reminded of that.
When I became a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, another stereotype-based controversy erupted because of a new statue that I believe was called "The Student Body." It included about five or six students in different poses. The one who appeared to be an African-American male had one finger up, balancing a basketball. There was also a couple, with the male holding a book and the female leaning into him. (I think she might have been holding an apple.) And there was an African-American woman with several books balanced on her head. Ancient history, but I believe that statue is still there, minus at least the basketball scholar--someone kept knocking the ball off his finger. (As an additional sidenote and reminder of how twisted politics can be, that same year, the KKK endorsed Harvey Gantt, hoping that he'd win, serve horribly, and forever ensure that no other blacks would ever be elected again--I believe that was KKK members' expressed logic. And NORML--the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws--endorsed Jesse Helms, believing his pro-tobacco views gave them some sort of shot at gaining his support for marijuana legalization.)
"The student walkout came after a cartoon appeared in the school newspaper depicting a black student wearing a basketball uniform and holding a watermelon and a chicken leg. The cartoon also depicted stereotypical images of an Asian and a Hispanic student." (I had forgotten that there had been a student walkout.)
If memory serves me, that description captures the first three frames of a four-frame cartoon. In the fourth frame, I believe a teenager expressed something like, "Do you actually know anyone like this?" The intended message was that stereotyping is not a positive thing to do, but many individuals chose to interpret it differently. You could say that that was because high school students were involved. But that doesn't account for reactions to the New Yorker's cartoon.
In both cases, sensitivity is probably greater because we know that there are individuals out there who do see things almost precisely as illustrated in the cartoons. Some of us don't care to be reminded of that.
When I became a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, another stereotype-based controversy erupted because of a new statue that I believe was called "The Student Body." It included about five or six students in different poses. The one who appeared to be an African-American male had one finger up, balancing a basketball. There was also a couple, with the male holding a book and the female leaning into him. (I think she might have been holding an apple.) And there was an African-American woman with several books balanced on her head. Ancient history, but I believe that statue is still there, minus at least the basketball scholar--someone kept knocking the ball off his finger. (As an additional sidenote and reminder of how twisted politics can be, that same year, the KKK endorsed Harvey Gantt, hoping that he'd win, serve horribly, and forever ensure that no other blacks would ever be elected again--I believe that was KKK members' expressed logic. And NORML--the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws--endorsed Jesse Helms, believing his pro-tobacco views gave them some sort of shot at gaining his support for marijuana legalization.)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Hardy's Anime
For several of the 32 area high-school students traveling with us through the People to People Student Ambassador Program, Japan represented a dream destination, in part because of their love for Japanese anime and manga. We adults on the trip were less familiar with these artforms, but we too partipated in an anime seminar on our second day in Tokyo, where our journey began.
After some discussion and demonstrations on a dry-erase board, we each were provided a chin-and-nose template and markers on which to create our own anime character. As a non-artist, I was unsure of myself and intimidated by the assignment, but ultimately, I jumped in and produced my own creation.
One of the other adults told me that my creation reminded him of the Joker. I still haven't come up with a name for my character, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
After some discussion and demonstrations on a dry-erase board, we each were provided a chin-and-nose template and markers on which to create our own anime character. As a non-artist, I was unsure of myself and intimidated by the assignment, but ultimately, I jumped in and produced my own creation.
One of the other adults told me that my creation reminded him of the Joker. I still haven't come up with a name for my character, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Mouths Wide Open in Japan
As I prepared to enter a store in Japan, I saw a nest of baby birds above what I believe was a light fixture. Not long after I first saw them, the mother bird flew over, and the babies' mouths excitedly flew open as they anticipated receiving food.
My camera wasn't ready to capture that moment, but hoping for a second chance, I waited with camera ready and was lucky enough to witness an encore performance soon after.
That experience was one of many pleasures while visiting Japan for two weeks with thirty-two high school students and three fellow adult leaders.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Middle-School Students Enjoy "Bloody Blackbeard"
Earlier this evening, I got together with seven current students, six of their family members, two former students, and a fellow teacher to see Triad Stage's "Bloody Blackbeard."
The verdict? Everyone enjoyed the show. The setting, the costumes, the music, the special effects--all are very impressive.
One student wondered if Poor Margaret's wooden face really looked that way in person. I told her that Kaleigh Kathleen Malloy benefited from at least a little make-up for the part.
There's a scene in which Blackbeard's bad side wins over, and to prove this point to the good-and-decent wife (Mary Ormond, played by Isabelle Gardo) he's most recently added to his less wholesome collection of wives, Blackbeard gives in to the pirates' way of sharing his wife with his crew (without her consent). It's not a graphic scene, but it doesn't have to be to get the point across. One of my students leaned over and whispered, "Mr. Floyd, you didn't warn us about that!" While I don't think it was ultimately too much for my students to handle, that's the one part I definitely would have prepared them for.
After the performance, some of my female students were interested in seeing and perhaps meeting young Blackbeard ("Neddie," played by Chris Wright) in the lobby. We saw some of the other actors, but if Wright came out, we missed him. He gained some female fans on opening night, partially for his performance and partially for his appearance.
I was disappointed when I found out that this show was going to open the last week of school, without any student matinees in its opening days. But I think it ended up working out for the best. For young people (such as my eighth-grade students), I'm not sure that "Bloody Blackbeard" would have ended up having as much universal appeal as Triad Stage's "North Star" and "The Diary of Anne Frank" had when we took our entire team to see them as field trips. I gave out letters and permission slips for "Bloody Blackbeard" to all of my students (about 96), and 9 of them ended up being interested and free for either the June 8th or June 10th performances. I'll also be seeing "Bloody Blackbeard" Tuesday night with two of my current students and one of their mothers. I think they too will enjoy it. If it had been a whole-team field trip, at least some students probably would not have appreciated the performance. This way, I think the students who signed on to attend will end up having a positive experience.
Thank you to the cast and crew of "Bloody Blackbeard" for doing such a great job. We had a really good time tonight, and I'm looking forward to seeing the show again Tuesday and Saturday. (22 friends and family are getting together to see it on Saturday.)
And a special thank you to Sherry Barr, Triad Stage's Director of Audience Services, for working with me to reserve seats ahead of time for my students to attend. She has helped me set up our past field trips, and she is my primary contact for setting up group reservations for friends and family to attend Triad Stage productions. She is always great to work with, and I thank her for everything she does--Triad Stage is lucky to have her!
The verdict? Everyone enjoyed the show. The setting, the costumes, the music, the special effects--all are very impressive.
One student wondered if Poor Margaret's wooden face really looked that way in person. I told her that Kaleigh Kathleen Malloy benefited from at least a little make-up for the part.
There's a scene in which Blackbeard's bad side wins over, and to prove this point to the good-and-decent wife (Mary Ormond, played by Isabelle Gardo) he's most recently added to his less wholesome collection of wives, Blackbeard gives in to the pirates' way of sharing his wife with his crew (without her consent). It's not a graphic scene, but it doesn't have to be to get the point across. One of my students leaned over and whispered, "Mr. Floyd, you didn't warn us about that!" While I don't think it was ultimately too much for my students to handle, that's the one part I definitely would have prepared them for.
After the performance, some of my female students were interested in seeing and perhaps meeting young Blackbeard ("Neddie," played by Chris Wright) in the lobby. We saw some of the other actors, but if Wright came out, we missed him. He gained some female fans on opening night, partially for his performance and partially for his appearance.
I was disappointed when I found out that this show was going to open the last week of school, without any student matinees in its opening days. But I think it ended up working out for the best. For young people (such as my eighth-grade students), I'm not sure that "Bloody Blackbeard" would have ended up having as much universal appeal as Triad Stage's "North Star" and "The Diary of Anne Frank" had when we took our entire team to see them as field trips. I gave out letters and permission slips for "Bloody Blackbeard" to all of my students (about 96), and 9 of them ended up being interested and free for either the June 8th or June 10th performances. I'll also be seeing "Bloody Blackbeard" Tuesday night with two of my current students and one of their mothers. I think they too will enjoy it. If it had been a whole-team field trip, at least some students probably would not have appreciated the performance. This way, I think the students who signed on to attend will end up having a positive experience.
Thank you to the cast and crew of "Bloody Blackbeard" for doing such a great job. We had a really good time tonight, and I'm looking forward to seeing the show again Tuesday and Saturday. (22 friends and family are getting together to see it on Saturday.)
And a special thank you to Sherry Barr, Triad Stage's Director of Audience Services, for working with me to reserve seats ahead of time for my students to attend. She has helped me set up our past field trips, and she is my primary contact for setting up group reservations for friends and family to attend Triad Stage productions. She is always great to work with, and I thank her for everything she does--Triad Stage is lucky to have her!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Anticipating a Bloody Beautiful Performance
You can still purchase tickets for 24 of the 28 scheduled performances of Triad Stage's "Bloody Blackbeard."
In our popular culture, it's more common for us to get excited about an upcoming movie ("Indiana Jones IV"), but for about a year, I've anxiously awaited the third collaboration between two of our area's greatest artistic creators, Preston Lane and Laurelyn Dossett. "Bloody Blackbeard" follows two amazing Lane-Dossett productions, "Brother Wolf" and "Beautiful Star."
The three preview performances (June 8, June 10, and June 11) are sold-out, and a corporate sponsor has all the tickets for June 28, I believe. I'm getting together with some current and past students, as well as some of their family members, to see "Bloody Blackbeard" on two of the preview nights. On June 8, 18 of us will see the show, and on June 10, 4 of us will. A group of 22 friends and family members will also see the show on June 14. With plans to see "Bloody Blackbeard" three times myself, it's obvious that I'm optimistic enough to believe that it will be worth seeing that many times. If I can commit to seeing it three times, you might consider committing to see it at least once.
I missed out on far too many Triad Stage shows before finally seeing "Dracula" in 2004. Even since then, there were still seasons when I would miss some of the shows. But I didn't miss a single show during the 2007-2008 season, and there hasn't been a single production that I didn't enjoy. As busy as work and life usually are for me, I've finally realized that I have to make plans to attend plays or I won't end up seeing them. It's not enough to think in the back of my mind, "I'd like to see that play. I'm going to be sure to see it." Even more definite plans have to be made, and tickets have to be purchased, or it will be too easy to find excuses to postpone my attendance. Suddenly, I'll discover that time has passed, the last show's ended, and at no point did I ever make it to a show. Not having seen the show, I of course don't know what I missed, but knowing that I've enjoyed and appreciated every Triad Stage show I've ever seen (for different reasons and to different degrees), it's very safe to assume that if I end up not seeing a show, I certainly missed SOMETHING. And when I allow that to happen, I always end up suffering the regret that I allowed time to pass wihtout following through. Almost all of us need to work on keeping this from happening to ourselves.
As loyal fans return and as word spreads, I have faith that "Bloody Blackbeard" is going to do very well, and I suspect that many more shows will ultimately sell out. I suggest that you pick a date as soon as possible (June 6-July 8, excluding Mondays), that you pick your date(s) with whom to attend (family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc.), and that you order your tickets now. Don't forget that gallery seats are only $10.00 each, and remember that educators receive half-price discounts on all tickets. (You can't beat such deals!)
If you've never seen a Triad Stage production, this show is the perfect one to choose for your first Triad Stage experience.
Order tickets on-line. Or call the box office at 336.272.0160 between 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. Or just drop by Triad Stage during those hours. And after you've seen the show, let me know what you think of Triad Stage and this particular production. I hope you'll end up falling in love like I have; it's a wonderful feeling!
Please don't forget: the time is now.
In our popular culture, it's more common for us to get excited about an upcoming movie ("Indiana Jones IV"), but for about a year, I've anxiously awaited the third collaboration between two of our area's greatest artistic creators, Preston Lane and Laurelyn Dossett. "Bloody Blackbeard" follows two amazing Lane-Dossett productions, "Brother Wolf" and "Beautiful Star."
The three preview performances (June 8, June 10, and June 11) are sold-out, and a corporate sponsor has all the tickets for June 28, I believe. I'm getting together with some current and past students, as well as some of their family members, to see "Bloody Blackbeard" on two of the preview nights. On June 8, 18 of us will see the show, and on June 10, 4 of us will. A group of 22 friends and family members will also see the show on June 14. With plans to see "Bloody Blackbeard" three times myself, it's obvious that I'm optimistic enough to believe that it will be worth seeing that many times. If I can commit to seeing it three times, you might consider committing to see it at least once.
I missed out on far too many Triad Stage shows before finally seeing "Dracula" in 2004. Even since then, there were still seasons when I would miss some of the shows. But I didn't miss a single show during the 2007-2008 season, and there hasn't been a single production that I didn't enjoy. As busy as work and life usually are for me, I've finally realized that I have to make plans to attend plays or I won't end up seeing them. It's not enough to think in the back of my mind, "I'd like to see that play. I'm going to be sure to see it." Even more definite plans have to be made, and tickets have to be purchased, or it will be too easy to find excuses to postpone my attendance. Suddenly, I'll discover that time has passed, the last show's ended, and at no point did I ever make it to a show. Not having seen the show, I of course don't know what I missed, but knowing that I've enjoyed and appreciated every Triad Stage show I've ever seen (for different reasons and to different degrees), it's very safe to assume that if I end up not seeing a show, I certainly missed SOMETHING. And when I allow that to happen, I always end up suffering the regret that I allowed time to pass wihtout following through. Almost all of us need to work on keeping this from happening to ourselves.
As loyal fans return and as word spreads, I have faith that "Bloody Blackbeard" is going to do very well, and I suspect that many more shows will ultimately sell out. I suggest that you pick a date as soon as possible (June 6-July 8, excluding Mondays), that you pick your date(s) with whom to attend (family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc.), and that you order your tickets now. Don't forget that gallery seats are only $10.00 each, and remember that educators receive half-price discounts on all tickets. (You can't beat such deals!)
If you've never seen a Triad Stage production, this show is the perfect one to choose for your first Triad Stage experience.
Order tickets on-line. Or call the box office at 336.272.0160 between 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. Or just drop by Triad Stage during those hours. And after you've seen the show, let me know what you think of Triad Stage and this particular production. I hope you'll end up falling in love like I have; it's a wonderful feeling!
Please don't forget: the time is now.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Almost Ready for "Almost, Maine"?
Look at your calendar, and see which of these dates will work for you:
Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 1 at 8:00 PM
Friday, May 2 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 3 at 8:00 PM
Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 PM
Friday, May 9 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 10 at 8:00 PM
Thursday, May 15 at 8:00 PM
Friday, May 16 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 17 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 PM
These are your 11 opportunities to see the Triad premiere of "Almost, Maine" at the Open Space Cafe Theatre.
In its second season, the OSC Theatre offers a completely unique play-viewing experience. Located at 4609 W. Market Street in Greensboro, you could ride by every day without noticing it. But once I found it, I fell in love and have been back to see every show since. I've thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated every experience I've had at the OSC Theatre, and I'm constantly recommending that others give this theatre a shot. I highly recommend that you consider setting aside a day to visit the OSC Theatre too--I don't think you'll be disappointed, and you might become as big a fan as I've become.
Expect intimacy. At the top of this link, you'll get a slight sense of what to expect. But those photos only begin to capture the atmosphere that's been created for your enjoyment. Small tables are set up throughout the theatre, and as you're seated, your hosts will come around and light candles at each table. Playbills adorn the walls, with the OSC Theatre's own posters being added to the collection. Back at the entrance, you can purchase yummy desserts and drinks to take back to your table and enjoy. As mentioned, it's a very different experience.
Once the plays begin, you're likely to fall in love with the performers. On the stage, they're up-close-and-personal, and in some instances, they even come out into the audience. Come to enough shows, and you'll see some of them again, taking on new roles, sometimes dramatically different ones from their previous roles. During intermissions, you have another chance to purchase some refreshments, and on one recent visit, an actor from a previous show was serving up cake and other treats. You'll feel as if you've entered someone's home and are being welcomed into an extended family.
This is the description for the current offering, "Almost, Maine":
Again, these are the steps I'd suggest taking:
1. Select one of those dates I mentioned earlier.
2. Call the box office at 336-292-2285. You'll probably get voice mail, but just leave your name and phone number and indicate which day you'd like to attend and how many tickets you want. The OSC Theatre staff members are great about getting back in touch.
3. If you choose to attend between April 30 and May 3, be sure to say "W-1", and you'll receive $5.00 off the normal price of $20.00. (That $15.00-$20.00 investment has always gotten me my money's worth, and I'm hoping you'll be equally satisfied.)
4. For all the other dates, the cost is $20.00. Tickets are only $17.00 for senior citizens and college students. Children who are 17 years old and younger can get tickets for $10.00. Students can also get $10.00 tickets a half hour before performances, if tickets are still available.
5. Invite your friends, family members, and co-workers. If you get together 8 or more people, everyone will save $2.00 off their ticket prices. (I don't think this applies for the already-discounted $15.00 tickets.)
6. Determine a place to meet and enjoy dinner before the play. I'd suggest getting together between 5:30-6:00 PM at a close-by restaurant. (My parties have gotten together at Elizabeth's Pizza a few times. Bert's Seafood Grille is also a good option (right across the street from the OSC Theatre--if you're careful, you can just walk across the street instead of getting back in your car), not to mention countless others in the area.)
7. Plan to get to the theatre between 7:30-7:45 PM, particularly your first time.
8. Enjoy!
9. Let me know how your experience goes.
10. Assuming that you had a great time, make plans to attend the next show.
From the Open Space Cafe Theatre's website:
About the OSC Theatre
Group Sales and Rentals
Photo Gallery (scroll down to see photos from a couple of the theatre's previous productions)
Directions (If you have time and are in the area before you're scheduled to attend, seek out the theatre ahead of time so that you're not stressing to find it the day of the performance.)
Auditions
Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 1 at 8:00 PM
Friday, May 2 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 3 at 8:00 PM
Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 PM
Friday, May 9 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 10 at 8:00 PM
Thursday, May 15 at 8:00 PM
Friday, May 16 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 17 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 PM
These are your 11 opportunities to see the Triad premiere of "Almost, Maine" at the Open Space Cafe Theatre.
In its second season, the OSC Theatre offers a completely unique play-viewing experience. Located at 4609 W. Market Street in Greensboro, you could ride by every day without noticing it. But once I found it, I fell in love and have been back to see every show since. I've thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated every experience I've had at the OSC Theatre, and I'm constantly recommending that others give this theatre a shot. I highly recommend that you consider setting aside a day to visit the OSC Theatre too--I don't think you'll be disappointed, and you might become as big a fan as I've become.
Expect intimacy. At the top of this link, you'll get a slight sense of what to expect. But those photos only begin to capture the atmosphere that's been created for your enjoyment. Small tables are set up throughout the theatre, and as you're seated, your hosts will come around and light candles at each table. Playbills adorn the walls, with the OSC Theatre's own posters being added to the collection. Back at the entrance, you can purchase yummy desserts and drinks to take back to your table and enjoy. As mentioned, it's a very different experience.
Once the plays begin, you're likely to fall in love with the performers. On the stage, they're up-close-and-personal, and in some instances, they even come out into the audience. Come to enough shows, and you'll see some of them again, taking on new roles, sometimes dramatically different ones from their previous roles. During intermissions, you have another chance to purchase some refreshments, and on one recent visit, an actor from a previous show was serving up cake and other treats. You'll feel as if you've entered someone's home and are being welcomed into an extended family.
This is the description for the current offering, "Almost, Maine":
"The Triad premeire of a new romantic comedy. The citizens of the little, remote town of Almost find through trial and error that the warmth of love can melt the cold snows of Maine . . . sometimes. 4 actors/ 18 characters. Funny, clever, full of laughs and ahh's!"
Again, these are the steps I'd suggest taking:
1. Select one of those dates I mentioned earlier.
2. Call the box office at 336-292-2285. You'll probably get voice mail, but just leave your name and phone number and indicate which day you'd like to attend and how many tickets you want. The OSC Theatre staff members are great about getting back in touch.
3. If you choose to attend between April 30 and May 3, be sure to say "W-1", and you'll receive $5.00 off the normal price of $20.00. (That $15.00-$20.00 investment has always gotten me my money's worth, and I'm hoping you'll be equally satisfied.)
4. For all the other dates, the cost is $20.00. Tickets are only $17.00 for senior citizens and college students. Children who are 17 years old and younger can get tickets for $10.00. Students can also get $10.00 tickets a half hour before performances, if tickets are still available.
5. Invite your friends, family members, and co-workers. If you get together 8 or more people, everyone will save $2.00 off their ticket prices. (I don't think this applies for the already-discounted $15.00 tickets.)
6. Determine a place to meet and enjoy dinner before the play. I'd suggest getting together between 5:30-6:00 PM at a close-by restaurant. (My parties have gotten together at Elizabeth's Pizza a few times. Bert's Seafood Grille is also a good option (right across the street from the OSC Theatre--if you're careful, you can just walk across the street instead of getting back in your car), not to mention countless others in the area.)
7. Plan to get to the theatre between 7:30-7:45 PM, particularly your first time.
8. Enjoy!
9. Let me know how your experience goes.
10. Assuming that you had a great time, make plans to attend the next show.
From the Open Space Cafe Theatre's website:
About the OSC Theatre
Group Sales and Rentals
Photo Gallery (scroll down to see photos from a couple of the theatre's previous productions)
Directions (If you have time and are in the area before you're scheduled to attend, seek out the theatre ahead of time so that you're not stressing to find it the day of the performance.)
Auditions
Fun Acts: Stirring Up Drama for Your Friends, Family, and Co-Workers
My parents did me a wonderful favor when I was a child by exposing me to plays and musicals. Sure, I didn't always appreciate it back then, but today, I couldn't be more grateful that they planted the seeds for me appreciating drama as an adult.
Still, for a period of time, I wasn't proactive enough about making plans to attend plays. And without definite plans, far too many plays came and went without me being in the audience. I still don't find or make as much time as I'd like to take advantage of all the wonderful theatrical experiences our area provides, but I've gotten a lot better. I've also gotten into the habit of inviting others to join me. In the past year particularly, I've created a system that works well for me and others too, I think.
These are the steps I follow:
1. Find a theatre or two (or more) that you enjoy. I've fallen in love with three local theatres particularly, though I've also enjoyed plays at other venues. I fell in love with Triad Stage with the first show I saw there: "Dracula." I had read about it before then and heard positive things about it, but on my part, there was no follow through, so I missed out on seeing all the great performances that came before "Dracula." Even since "Dracula," I've missed out on seeing plays there, and I deeply regret having allowed those opportunities to pass me by. In the past year though, I've focused and planned better, and I haven't missed a show this season. (I even went back for seconds and thirds of Preston Lane's simply amazing "Beautiful Star.") I already have plans to see "Bloody Blackbeard" two or three times. At least. (It's a world premiere, and it doesn't open until June 8th, but I know in my heart that I will enjoy seeing it each time and gain something new from each viewing.) I've been glad that I've made the time to see each play that I've seen there. The same has been true with the Open Space Cafe Theatre. I have to thank Leslie Mizell for her review of "The Mystery of Irma Vep"--that's what led me to discover the OSC Theatre. What a wonderful find! Since then, I haven't missed any of its offerings either, and I've thoroughly enjoyed every visit there. I'm also a fan of the Broach Theatre--I absolutely loved "Always . . . Patsy Cline," and for his birthday, I took my brother there to see "Intimate Apparel," another great performance. The Broach Theatre is now in its 21st season of providing great entertainment for our region.
2. Make plans to attend. Sometimes, with our busy schedules, this is the hard part, but for follow-through and actual attendance to occur, you can't be half-hearted about this. You have to keep up with when plays are running, and you have to figure out a time for you to see them. Keep your calendar handy. Figure out which days of the week the play is being performed, and then determine which of those days will work best for you. If you make plans to see all the plays that a theatre has to offer, you have to stay committed to making that actually happen. Otherwise, the days will pass, and you'll discover that a play's come and gone without you witnessing the performance. (If you plan to see more than one theatre's plays, you have to plan even more ahead so that you can fit in everything that you want to see.)
3. Find out if tickets are available for the date you select. Call the box office--these theatres that I've mentioned have wonderful people waiting to work with you. They're genuinely interested in making sure that they take care of you and your needs as much as possible. When you tell them that you're hoping to bring a group of people, they'll appreciate your additional support.
3. Invite your friends and family members and maybe even some strangers to join you. To do this, you have to figure out all the information to share. Which play and what theatre? What's the theatre's address, phone number, and website address? When (date and time)? How much (including discount options)? Will you get together for dinner beforehand?--If so, where, and at what time? I've created a "Play-Goers" e-mail distribution list so that I can easily send potentially interested friends, family members, and co-workers invitations that include all the details.
4. Reserve the tickets. I sometimes have had to pay ahead of time, even before I've collected people's money. If you're able to do that, just let the people planning to attend know when they need to pay you. Once you've established a relationship with the theatre's staff members, they will often work with you, and sometimes, they'll allow individuals in your group to pay as they arrive for the performance. (Different theatres have different policies--just ask.)
5. Remind everyone who's planning to attend of all the details a few days before the performance. Again, e-mail works well for this communication. Make sure people have all of your contact information. When necessary, provide directions. If you are planning to meet to eat before the play, let the restaurant know how many to expect. (Backing up a little, it's often a good idea to select eating establishments that are in the vicinity of the theatre.)
6. Enjoy! Have a great meal! Enjoy the precious time you have to socialize with your friends and family members, and if lesser known guests attend, take advantage of the opportunity to get to know them. Enjoy seeing the fantastic performances you'll almost undoubtably witness.
7. Make plans to see the next play on your list.
8. Spread the word! Tell others about your experiences. Invite them to join you. Create your own e-mail distribution list, and create an invitation system that works best for you. Ask people in person also--sometimes, a more personal touch is even more persuasive.
I already have plans to see at least three plays over the next couple months. These are plays I think you too might enjoy, at theatres I highly recommend. Next week, "Almost Maine" opens at the Open Space Cafe Theatre, and I'm planning to get together with at least 8 friends and family members for dinner-and-"Almost Maine." (If you haven't seen a play at the OSC Theatre yet, now's the perfect time to start. I really think you'll enjoy this uniquely intimate theatre and its productions.) At the same time, "From the Mississippi Delta" opens at Triad Stage. At least four of us are looking forward to seeing that play. And as I've already mentioned, I'm planning to see Triad Stage's "Bloody Blackbeard" at least 2-3 times when it opens. At least 24 of us are planning to see it one evening, and I'm trying to get others to join us as well. (I love everything about Triad Stage, including its commitment to constantly evolving excellence.) The Broach Theatre is also offering "The Dixie Swim Club"--if I can fit it in, I'll be there too, with at least a friend or family member or two. Care to join us?
Still, for a period of time, I wasn't proactive enough about making plans to attend plays. And without definite plans, far too many plays came and went without me being in the audience. I still don't find or make as much time as I'd like to take advantage of all the wonderful theatrical experiences our area provides, but I've gotten a lot better. I've also gotten into the habit of inviting others to join me. In the past year particularly, I've created a system that works well for me and others too, I think.
These are the steps I follow:
1. Find a theatre or two (or more) that you enjoy. I've fallen in love with three local theatres particularly, though I've also enjoyed plays at other venues. I fell in love with Triad Stage with the first show I saw there: "Dracula." I had read about it before then and heard positive things about it, but on my part, there was no follow through, so I missed out on seeing all the great performances that came before "Dracula." Even since "Dracula," I've missed out on seeing plays there, and I deeply regret having allowed those opportunities to pass me by. In the past year though, I've focused and planned better, and I haven't missed a show this season. (I even went back for seconds and thirds of Preston Lane's simply amazing "Beautiful Star.") I already have plans to see "Bloody Blackbeard" two or three times. At least. (It's a world premiere, and it doesn't open until June 8th, but I know in my heart that I will enjoy seeing it each time and gain something new from each viewing.) I've been glad that I've made the time to see each play that I've seen there. The same has been true with the Open Space Cafe Theatre. I have to thank Leslie Mizell for her review of "The Mystery of Irma Vep"--that's what led me to discover the OSC Theatre. What a wonderful find! Since then, I haven't missed any of its offerings either, and I've thoroughly enjoyed every visit there. I'm also a fan of the Broach Theatre--I absolutely loved "Always . . . Patsy Cline," and for his birthday, I took my brother there to see "Intimate Apparel," another great performance. The Broach Theatre is now in its 21st season of providing great entertainment for our region.
2. Make plans to attend. Sometimes, with our busy schedules, this is the hard part, but for follow-through and actual attendance to occur, you can't be half-hearted about this. You have to keep up with when plays are running, and you have to figure out a time for you to see them. Keep your calendar handy. Figure out which days of the week the play is being performed, and then determine which of those days will work best for you. If you make plans to see all the plays that a theatre has to offer, you have to stay committed to making that actually happen. Otherwise, the days will pass, and you'll discover that a play's come and gone without you witnessing the performance. (If you plan to see more than one theatre's plays, you have to plan even more ahead so that you can fit in everything that you want to see.)
3. Find out if tickets are available for the date you select. Call the box office--these theatres that I've mentioned have wonderful people waiting to work with you. They're genuinely interested in making sure that they take care of you and your needs as much as possible. When you tell them that you're hoping to bring a group of people, they'll appreciate your additional support.
3. Invite your friends and family members and maybe even some strangers to join you. To do this, you have to figure out all the information to share. Which play and what theatre? What's the theatre's address, phone number, and website address? When (date and time)? How much (including discount options)? Will you get together for dinner beforehand?--If so, where, and at what time? I've created a "Play-Goers" e-mail distribution list so that I can easily send potentially interested friends, family members, and co-workers invitations that include all the details.
4. Reserve the tickets. I sometimes have had to pay ahead of time, even before I've collected people's money. If you're able to do that, just let the people planning to attend know when they need to pay you. Once you've established a relationship with the theatre's staff members, they will often work with you, and sometimes, they'll allow individuals in your group to pay as they arrive for the performance. (Different theatres have different policies--just ask.)
5. Remind everyone who's planning to attend of all the details a few days before the performance. Again, e-mail works well for this communication. Make sure people have all of your contact information. When necessary, provide directions. If you are planning to meet to eat before the play, let the restaurant know how many to expect. (Backing up a little, it's often a good idea to select eating establishments that are in the vicinity of the theatre.)
6. Enjoy! Have a great meal! Enjoy the precious time you have to socialize with your friends and family members, and if lesser known guests attend, take advantage of the opportunity to get to know them. Enjoy seeing the fantastic performances you'll almost undoubtably witness.
7. Make plans to see the next play on your list.
8. Spread the word! Tell others about your experiences. Invite them to join you. Create your own e-mail distribution list, and create an invitation system that works best for you. Ask people in person also--sometimes, a more personal touch is even more persuasive.
I already have plans to see at least three plays over the next couple months. These are plays I think you too might enjoy, at theatres I highly recommend. Next week, "Almost Maine" opens at the Open Space Cafe Theatre, and I'm planning to get together with at least 8 friends and family members for dinner-and-"Almost Maine." (If you haven't seen a play at the OSC Theatre yet, now's the perfect time to start. I really think you'll enjoy this uniquely intimate theatre and its productions.) At the same time, "From the Mississippi Delta" opens at Triad Stage. At least four of us are looking forward to seeing that play. And as I've already mentioned, I'm planning to see Triad Stage's "Bloody Blackbeard" at least 2-3 times when it opens. At least 24 of us are planning to see it one evening, and I'm trying to get others to join us as well. (I love everything about Triad Stage, including its commitment to constantly evolving excellence.) The Broach Theatre is also offering "The Dixie Swim Club"--if I can fit it in, I'll be there too, with at least a friend or family member or two. Care to join us?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Mixing Races Led To Mixing Animals
I don't think this school's mascot would fly now. (No wonder kids used to think smoking was cool!)
Today, Rocky Mount High School's mascot is the Gryphon.
A little history to explain why the school's mascot changed:
My Dad and his siblings were Blackbirds, and in their lifetimes, the world sure has changed a lot. I wonder if current students know and appreciate the history behind their mascot.
Today, Rocky Mount High School's mascot is the Gryphon.
A little history to explain why the school's mascot changed:
The Rocky Mount High School of today actually took its present form in the 1968-69 school year. By then the decision had already been reached to close Booker T. Washington and to educate all of Rocky Mount’s high school students at an enlarged RMSH facility. If the actual merger in the fall of 1969 was to be a marriage of two fine traditions into a new entity, the 1968-69 school year was the engagement period. Significant construction took place at RMSH to accommodate the influx of students from Booker T. Also, student, faculty and community committees from both schools worked hard to meld the two into one new school while preserving the best of each. The old mascots, the Blackbirds and the Lions, were not cast off or discarded; rather they were reverently retired in favor of a new mascot – part bird, part lion – that symbolized the continuation, rather than the termination, of both hallowed traditions. The royal blue and gold of Booker T. Washington and the black and gold that Rocky Mount Senior High had inherited from the old Rocky Mount High School on Marigold Street were combined, not discarded. The color “blue-black” (actually, dark navy blue) was adopted by the student body to go with the gold that was already common to both schools. Student government, cheerleading, and similar activities were to be shared between students from the predecessor schools by a formula that strove for equitable apportionment. The principalship was to be shared and the faculties combined. The stage was well prepared for a merger that incorporated, respected and preserved both traditions.
My Dad and his siblings were Blackbirds, and in their lifetimes, the world sure has changed a lot. I wonder if current students know and appreciate the history behind their mascot.
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