Willy Wonka Jr:
Week 6
Come With Us to a World of Pure Imagination
Our actors have been working hard and we are super proud of them. Their bonds are flourishing, and their collaboration and teamwork are really taking shape. We are well past the halfway mark in our rehearsal journey and in three short weeks, our Golden Ticket cast will take the stage for their first performance.
What does this mean? A few things…a lot of things actually! Tons of excitement is starting to brew, nerves will come into play soon, self-care becomes very important, and REHEARSING AT HOME is key! During our last rehearsal, we encouraged all of our actors to be off book, and we were so proud to see how well they did! However, now is the time to dig deeper into their characters and the only way to get there is by continuing to practice, practice, practice!
I strongly urge you to ask your actors to practice their lines, sing their songs, and review the choreography videos at least three times during the week. This week our meditation theme was all about being true to yourself. We reminded them that there is only one YOU in the world and that is your greatest gift. This show has so many moving parts, and each one of our actors is an incredible part of that process. Each of them are so vital to the success of the show and now is the time for each of them to show up prepared and ready throughout these last few rehearsals.
So, encourage them! Perhaps provide a little pep talk before rehearsals this Sunday. It is in the next few weeks as we continue our stumble throughs that we begin to put all the pieces of the performance together; it’s a wonderful time. In addition to the amazing progress they are making with the actual show and the performance skills being learned, it warms my heart to see the friendships being made and the social/emotional development taking place that only theater magic can do!
Friendly Reminder
It is important that our actors don’t miss rehearsal. We are at a critical point in the show process where everyone’s participation is needed. Remember: acting is a team sport.
Electronic Resource Library
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE share this with your actor. This section is designed to assist them between rehearsals. Happy practicing!
Golden Ticket Highlights
- This week our Award of the Day went to Henry for his awesome character choices. Every time we review scenes, he’s always in character and brings his A-game!
- Our Golden Ticket award winners and Willy Wonka got to explore the factory as we blocked a large portion of Act 2.
- Our Oompa Loompas, Squirrels and Veruca had a great time dancing as they learned the choreography to I Want It Now and Oompa-Loompa 3.
Pure Imagination Highlights
- This week our actors got a chance to practice some movement exercises as they worked on sitting and moving like older people
- Each of our kids got a chance to dive deeper into each of their characters as we continued to focus on character development
- Our actors started off the day with their costume fittings and most of or kids were able to try on their costumes for the show!
Rehearsal – Sunday, February 22nd
- 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.
Digital Marketing Kits & Tickets
It’s time to SELL, SELL, SELL. Two weeks ago, I emailed everyone our digital marketing kit. I’ve seen some of you already starting to share and comment on social media – rock on! Word-of-mouth is the ultimate marketer! THANK YOU! Can’t wait for our actors to slay the stage!
Can’t wait for our actors to slay the stage!
Kids Are Marketers Too!
Please ask your actors if they gave out the marketing flyers that we provided. If they have not yet, please encourage them! If they want a few more, I might have some extras. Just have them ask me.
Complimentary Tickets
Every actor receives one complimentary ticket. Additionally, those of you who sent me their bios early, will receive another complimentary ticket. All complimentary and purchased tickets will be available at Will Call on the day of the performances and your complimentary ticket can be used toward any performance.
Costume Fittings
This week we had our costume fittings for our Pure Imagination Cast and they look absolutely fantastic! Our team has been working behind the scenes to bring the world of Willy Wonka JR. to life.
Friendly reminder: If you haven’t already, please bring your actor’s base layers as requested this Sunday (each item labeled with your actor’s name and in a bag labeled with your actor’s name and what cast they are in on the outside of the bag) that was sent in the costume fitting email.
NOTE: This Sunday, we will be having a second fitting for several actors prior to rehearsal. An email from me has already been sent. Please check your inbox. Thank you!
Set, Projection, and Lighting Design
We have been busy finalizing all the projection designs. Several set pieces have already been painted and constructed. Over the next few weeks, the lights will be programmed! It looks so good. Combine that with our amazing costumes and our actor’s hard work… and boom! We will have a show! 😊
Volunteering. Need Your Help!
Thank everyone who has signed up! 😊 ALL OUR SPOTS ARE FULL. I may have a few new front of house opportunities available. If you're interested in helping,please email me! For those of you who signed up to be in the dressing rooms –, you should have received an email from me with an additional, yet mandatory sign-up for tech week rehearsals. For those who are on the food committee, I sent an email to you as well. Again, a huge big THANK YOU!!!! Can’t do it without you and I am so excited for each of you to be a part of our theater magic!
Galleria Preview Showcase
Friendly reminder, we have a late rehearsal this Sunday, February 22nd and Sunday, March 1st from 5:30 – 6:30 pm for those actors selected to be performing in the Galleria Showcase. I emailed you yesterday some specific details regarding pick up and performance day needs. Please check your email.
Also, we would love all our actors to please come out and support your fellow castmates at the showcase on Wednesday, March 4th from 6-6:30 pm. We are performing at Level 1, near Banana Republic.
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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