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  • 1.  The Cappies

    Posted 02-23-2016 07:01
    Has anyone been, or presently involved in the "Cappie" program? I've been approached to come on board to the program in my area. This is something new to us here. I've seen other regions in the country participate, and am curious for feedback, good, bad, or indifferent!
    Robert J. Putka
    Stow-Munroe Falls High School


  • 2.  RE: The Cappies

    Posted 02-24-2016 07:31

    I've been part of the CAPPIES since its inception 16 years ago. The National Capital Area chapter now has 56 schools in it. Many chapters are much smaller. It's a terrific program. Kids are trained to be positive theatre critics, see each others' shows, write/publish reviews vetted by adult mentors (who also monitor the intermission & post-show discussion)  and vote on Tony-style awards presented at a very Tony award style gala at year's end. 

    Student critics learn tons from seeing each other's shows and build a strong community throughout the chapter's schools. The bar does get raised on production values when the lure of being nominated or winning a Cappie award is possible. When the program catches on it becomes a win-win for cast/crew/principal and the local political and educational mucky-mucks who present the awards at the gala, and revel in the positive press coverage. 

    Unlike the Jimmys, all decisions about critics choices, nominations and awards are made by students. it's really their program, buttressed by clear, detailed training sessions for both critics and mentors, and a sophisticated computer system to balance out and tally the voting for awards  

    The tricky bits are that although it takes little teacher time during the year (one training session, see two shows, and select one of your own shows for review), the setup does happen alongside all the other start-of-the-year obligations.  Kids can have their competitive buttons pushed too hard, so monitor that. But lots of help is available rom Cappies for all the logistical bits. 

    On balance, Cappies is a wonderful enhancement to your theatre program that brings with it opportunities for writers, cameraderie for critics, and recognition for your actors, techies, program, principal, school and community. Give it a try!

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    Douglas Rome
    Director of Theatre Arts
    Fairfax County Public Schools
    Burke VA

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: The Cappies

    Posted 02-24-2016 08:49

    Hi Robert,

    I'm another original Cappie Sponsor. I would echo all of Chip's positives, but I would also like to point out that I have seen students get over competitive (as he noted) and parent groups go completely off the deep end. It's nice to welcome the Cappie Critics, feed them, and let them know you value them; however, I've seen parent groups go to the level of decorating the Cappie Critic area with themes from the show (Sometimes it looks like an entire additional set.) and give them show related tchotchkes. I don't believe this contributes to the process.

    The Cappies Gala in the Washington area takes place at the Kennedy Center and is a really wonderful event. I think you would probably find the Cappie experience a good one as long as you manage student (and parent) expectations and keep focused on the celebration of the great work being done by your theatrical community, rather than the "win."

    Regards,

    Bob

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    Robert Smith
    VA Co-Chapter Director
    James Madison High School
    Vienna VA

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: The Cappies

    Posted 02-24-2016 12:39

    Is the program limited to the capitol area?

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    Phillip Goodchild
    Theatre Arts Instructor/Assistant Department Head of English
    Ruskin FL

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: The Cappies

    Posted 02-24-2016 12:47

    Sorry about the previous question, I just did some research and found some information. Looks pretty cool!

    If anyone else was interested, the website took some digging to find:

    http://www.cappies.com/Home.aspx

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    Phillip Goodchild
    Theatre Arts Instructor/Assistant Department Head of English
    Ruskin FL

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: The Cappies

    Posted 02-24-2016 14:41

    We have a Cappies Chapter here in El Paso, Tx.  It is a great organization that lets your students meet theatre kids from other schools, see their shows, write critiques on them, and learn a lot more about their craft.  At the end of the year they vote on lots of different categories for acting and tech awards.  We have a fancy Gala at on of the schools at the end of the year and give awards that gives the accolades to theatre kids that aren't normally given by the schools.  The online support is very good.  The critiques are submitted online.  It is a really great program and was started to honor the thespians in our schools.

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    Helen Anderson
    El Paso TX

    Original Message