Willy Wonka Jr: Week 4
Commitment, Passion, Practice
Rehearsals this Sunday were fantastic! It was so nice to be back together again after the snow and ice. Both casts and crews expressed their enthusiasm. Our actors are now in the thick of it and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and commitment. Hearts were pumping, feet were moving, and they did great! We are super impressed with everyone’s progress.
This week for our JPAS mindful moment, our focus was on kindness. Taking a few grounding breaths, we envisioned sending bursts of kindness to each other throughout the room. Using our meditation “Kindness is my superpower. I spread it everywhere I go” we encouraged our actors to bring kindness and positivity throughout our rehearsal!
Both casts also dug deeper into their blocking as they continued working on Act 1 and started to break into Act 2. In addition, they were also given an “off-book” date. As the weeks continue, it will be super important that our actors practice at home. Practice, practice, practice. Retention between rehearsals is key.
A shout-out to our actors for bringing their best selves each week. We commend our actors for their determination and dedication; it is admirable. At JPAS we believe every individual has the capacity to do anything they put their mind to as long as they believe in themselves!
Electronic Resource Library
PLEASE share with your actor. This section is designed to assist them between rehearsals. Our team has done a great job of uploading all the music and dance videos for each week in their respective weekly folder, i.e, this week’s dance video will be in week 4.
Parents can help by setting some time aside each week encouraging and helping their actor to use the dance videos and MP3 files. This is a great way to bond too! Happy practicing!
Golden Ticket Highlights
- This week our Award of the Day went to Sarit for not only staying on top of her characters, but also for advocating for herself!
- We started working on Act 2 as we blocked the number There’s No Knowing and several of our actors were also given dance solos!
- Our Oompa-Loompas continue to grow more in sync as they not only learned the dance to Oompa-Loompa 1 and 2, but also started to develop ways they can move in unison on stage.
- We discussed what it means to be “off-book” and set an off book date for February 15th!
- We all came together as a cast to celebrate Jonah’s birthday, and shared some cookies that he brought in. Yum!
Pure Imagination Highlights
- Today we introduced new backstage lingo as we talked about answering calls (i.e. “Five Minutes!” “Thank you five!”)
- Our actors brought extra energy to rehearsal and so we were able to channel it into a productive rehearsal.
- A big shout out to The Bucket Family who is on stage throughout much of Act 1. They were very respectful while scenes took place on other parts of the stage.
- Our Oompa-Loompas got really creative while working on words and phrases for their own Oompish language
- The Oompa-Loompas and Oompas did great learning their choreography today as we reviewed Oompa-Loompa 1 and 2 and taught Oompa-Loompa 4.
Rehearsal – Sunday, February 8th
- Everyone should arrive promptly for drop off at 1:30 pm
- Golden Ticket Cast will meet in the Zale
- Pure Imagination Cast will meet upstairs in the Mankoff room.
- Pick-up will be at 5:30 pm in the lobby.
- Please remind our performers to bring their scripts, rehearsal folder, pencil, and a highlighter to every rehearsal.
- Please pack a healthy snack and a water bottle.
- Wear clothes you can easily move in with sneakers or bring your jazz/dance shoes.
Mark Your Calendars – Costume Fittings
Friendly reminder, we have an early costume fitting this week for our Golden Ticket Cast before rehearsals. I will send one more reminder email regarding assigned and agreed-upon time slots on Thursday.
- The Pure Imagination Cast – will have costume fittings on Sunday, February 15 PRIOR to rehearsals. I sent an email with specific time slots for each cast member. Uncertain? Email me.
Please remember to bring your actors base layers/added items to their fittings.
How to Bring Items
Please have each item labeled with your actor’s name; the BAG needs to be clearly labeled with your actor’s name, character, and what cast they are in. This is super important so we can stay organized!
Marketing Materials – Digital Marketing & Social Media Kit
On Monday, you received a parent digital marketing kit email full of awesome information and digital assets designed for social and email engagement! In addition to reaching out to family and friends, I can’t wait to see everyone engaging on social, using what was provided or developing your own, to help us create a buzz about our fantastic upcoming performances promoting tickets sales. Please join the conversation on our Facebook and Instagram pages too! . If you missed the email and would like access to the parent digital marketing kit, you can click the link below. I can’t wait to fill the theater for our actors.
Parent Digital Marketing Kit Link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qnhmQMRueqkTXxBk-pLpAD771TUBRCFW
Next Sunday, February 8th, we will be handing out marketing flyers to both casts. We do this so our actors can hand them out to friends, teachers, and family – you name it – to promote all their hard work! I love watching our actors have an opportunity to feel empowered by handing out their flyers! The response from doing this year after year has been very positive – the actors love it. After this Sunday’s rehearsal, be sure to ask them about it and encourage your actor to bring them to school, give them to their friends/teachers, or hand them out to your neighbors or at another one of their after-school activities. This exercise is beyond marketing performances. This small act teaches our actors to take ownership of their “work”, to speak out when otherwise shy, to learn a “behind-the-scenes” skill, and ultimately, foster a sense of pride in something they are committed to.
Purchase Your Tickets – Buy and Save!
Have YOU purchased your tickets yet? Please spread the word about Willy Wonka Jr.. to friends and family! Please note, all our families will receive 1 complimentary ticket per actor which can be used at any performance. Purchased tickets and complimentary tickets will be available for pick-up at will-call on the day of the performance.
Reminder About Healthy Snacks
Please continue to do your best to provide healthy snacks, low in sugar. Healthy, low-sugar snacks help to keep our performers engaged, focused, and on task. Actors will not be allowed to use the vending machines.
What’s the Best Camp At the J?
Never been to Camp StarQuest, Camp StarPower, or a One Weeker?! Want to learn more? Call me at 214-239-7140 or email arobinson@jccdallas.org.I would love to tell you all about it. Please register today to save your spot.
- Click here to learn more about StarQuest. StarQuest has an official waitlist.
- Click here to learn more about StarPower. Only a few spots left!
- Click here to learn more about our One-Weekers, one week boutique specialty camps.
- Global Gourmet, July 20 – July 24 Has an official waitlist
- Whisk and Wonder July 27 – July 31 Only a few spots left!
- Creative Fusion, August 3 - August 7 Only a few spots left!
This is How We Do It At JPAS
Looking forward seeing everyone this Sunday!
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