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Lisa Dyer

J. R. Tucker High School

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J. R. Tucker High School
Bronze Member

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RE: How to hire and work with a music director (and "how to direct a musical 101"!)

Posted By Lisa Dyer 12-29-2018 08:00
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First, you CAN do this!   Here are some things you might want to think of before the kids come back: 1. Ask your choir director if he knows of any local accompanists you could contact to help 2. Ask a local church or private school music minister/teacher if they might be interested 3. Ask other schools ...

RE: What are your lighting challenges?

Posted By Lisa Dyer 12-01-2018 12:19
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To echo Kevin, I know enough to be dangerous.  Nothing at my school works like it is supposed to.  And, nothing is user-friendly.  We don't have enough dimmer modules or fixtures to fully-illuminate our stage, so that's a fun challenge.  I purchased a super-cheap LED system that we use for color wash ...

RE: Planning Ahead

Posted By Lisa Dyer 11-22-2018 18:55
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Have you considered The Boys Next Door?  A while back, I had a similar situation, and this show allowed for 5-6 guys to bring the house down!  The show is a comedy, but it has a serious message.  We added some students in the dance scene.  It's a challenging show, but the students I had totally understood ...

RE: Round Robin/Classroom practice?

Posted By Lisa Dyer 10-05-2018 08:28
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Hello, I've got similar class structure in that students rehearse scenes during class time.  And, with a circus happening in their pockets as well as a 1:1 laptop, it's a challenge to get kids OFF their technology.  But, here's how I get them to focus (most of the time! ;)): 1. students have to turn ...

RE: Microphone Frequencies in Schools

Posted By Lisa Dyer 10-02-2018 08:46
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My school is in the same scenario where we don't have $10,000 to replace our wireless microphones and the receiver.  I have told my administration several times over the past three years about this impending change, and they said that we're exempt because we're a public school.   I feel that asking ...

RE: Graduate Degree/Masters in Theatre

Posted By Lisa Dyer 09-25-2018 11:08
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To back up the issue, Last year, I had a sort of professional breakdown.  After 14 years in the classroom, I was feeling stuck and at a crossroads.  I sincerely want to grow and learn as an educator, but was struggling (and continue to struggle) with finding a path that not only allows for that but ...

RE: Building Enrollment Numbers

Posted By Lisa Dyer 07-18-2018 06:57
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Hi, Recruitment is something so many of us struggle with.  I'm not sure if these ideas will help, but sometimes anything is worth a shot! 1. Ask your admin to get kids out of study halls.  Kids need credits to graduate and study halls don't help with anything.  Kids think they need them, but more often ...

RE: Aida

Posted By Lisa Dyer 07-15-2018 07:16
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Hello, I highly recommend Aida!  I did it about 7 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long!).  But, my students were sold from the moment it was announced.  It was a huge success with audiences, too.  People were weeping and it's such an emotional show that allows a good handful of kids to shine.  ...

RE: Ticket Prices for Your Shows...

Posted By Lisa Dyer 06-20-2018 09:13
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Hello, I teach at a blue collar school surrounded by some more affluent high schools. Our district doesn't yet allow online ticket sales (we're working on it, though). So, we charge: $6 in advance/$8 at the door for the musical and the play Our One Act Festival (which is all student-written work) ...

RE: Plays to read in class

Posted By Lisa Dyer 06-15-2018 09:28
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Hello, I have been reading Anna Devere Smith's Fires in the Mirror since I started teaching 14 years ago.  It chronicles the reaction of Crown Heights, New York residents to the death of an African-American boy.  There are questions regarding who is truly responsible; was the reaction of the Lubavitcher ...

RE: Good drama for female heavy cast

Posted By Lisa Dyer 05-07-2018 13:31
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I'll vouch for Decision Height.  It was FANTASTIC!  Very well received by both the students and audiences.  A story worth telling!  We did it with only 8 girls and it was just a beautiful production.  STRONGLY RECOMMEND! ------------------------------ Lisa Dyer Henrico VA --------------------- ...

RE: Drama Showcase

Posted By Lisa Dyer 05-02-2018 08:29
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Hello, For the past 15 years, we have a "One Act Festival" where every theatre student presents or performs their final project.   Drama I students perform original 5 minute skits Drama II students perform original 10 minute plays Drama III students perform original activist plays Drama IV students ...

RE: Quantitiy vs. Quality: Choosing your next production

Posted By Lisa Dyer 04-27-2018 09:45
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This issue is truly something that I struggle with ALL the time!  How to select a show that caters to the students who you know are going to audition but that leaves room for new students to get involved?  I prefer smaller shows, as I feel I can give students more individual attention and they actually ...

RE: Award Name Suggestion

Posted By Lisa Dyer 04-20-2018 13:34
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Hi, Each year at our banquet, we give 2 best supporting actor, 2 best actor, 2 most valuable crew trophies, we give 2 most valuable Thespian medallions that the students wear at graduation.  We've started two additional awards: a rising star award given to a 9th or 10th grade student who is doing great ...

RE: IB Theatre and Theatre Curriculum

Posted By Lisa Dyer 04-10-2018 18:17
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Hello, I was teaching for about 4 years before my school started an IB programme.  I wasn't sure what to expect or if I would need to change everything I was already doing.  I agree with the other teacher who wrote that it's more about philosophy than content.   I have combined Gen. Ed. theatre with ...

RE: Expanding Theatre Curriculum

Posted By Lisa Dyer 04-07-2018 08:14
Found In Library: Open Forum

RE: Expanding Theatre Curriculum

Posted By Lisa Dyer 04-07-2018 08:14
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Hello, What a fantastic opportunity to get to expand your program!  Our county offers 4 years/4 levels of theatre arts.  I've got both gen. ed. and IB theatre courses, but all my students do the same stuff.  After about 6 years, I got all 4 levels separated!  So, I've been working with 4 distinct levels ...

RE: Senior Directed Shows- Casting

Posted By Lisa Dyer 03-22-2018 10:36
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Hello, My senior Drama IV students must direct a show as their final project.  They do a comprehensive design portfolio as their final exam.  Right before spring break, they hold open auditions for their "10 minute one acts".  Many students write their own or do snippets from full-length shows.  Each ...

RE: Advice on straight shows

Posted By Lisa Dyer 03-15-2018 08:29
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Hi, I've got some similar experiences and some unique ones: 1. Our musical is the largest extracurricular activity on our campus.  With cast, crew, and orchestra, there's over 100 kids involved, so the ticket sales for musicals are always much higher than our play.   2. For straight shows, I've really ...

RE: (Prop) Tommy Gun for CHICAGO

Posted By Lisa Dyer 03-14-2018 10:14
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Hi, we just did Bonnie & Clyde in December, and we MADE our own Tommy Guns out of foam, cereal boxes, and PVC pipe.  With some paint and black duct tape, they looked SUPER real on stage.  They cost next to nothing to make, the kids enjoyed making them, and they looked great!  They are a bit light, so ...