List of Contributions

Benjamin Cossitor

Drama Director,
Altoona Area High School

Contact Details

Drama Director,
Altoona Area High School

My Content

1 to 20 of 28 total

RE: Radio Show

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 08-02-2020 16:40
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Most of the radio scripts are public domain because up till 1976 authors and estates had to renew their copyright after 28 years. Many didn't bother, so they were already public domain when Congress extended copyright in 1975. Some scripts, like Sorry Wrong Number, were renewed and are still copyrighted ...

RE: Radio Show

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 07-30-2020 19:25
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Hi Gai,       Is there a way to verify which of the scripts on simplyscripts is actually in the public domain? For example, I saw Sorry, Wrong Number on the site and know that the performance rights for that script are held by Dramatists (and that they unfortunately will not allow streaming). ...

RE: changing script lines in shrek junior w/o permission

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 02-06-2020 11:32
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It's also illegal. I would highlight the language in your contract that says you cannot change the script without approval, and then attach your correspondence with MTI forbidding the changes. Give that to your principal and explain how this could result in the school being in legal/financial jeopardy. ...

RE: Costumes

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 11-17-2019 10:09
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There’s two steps to this: 1. Ask your actor why they don’t feel comfortable in the outfit you’ve provided. Sometimes it really is a legitimate concern and it helps if they feel they’re being heard. If your actor feels uncomfortable onstage, it will impact their performance. 2. When (9 times out of 10) ...

RE: Plays With Fluid and Open Staging

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 06-04-2019 08:04
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Peter and the Starcatcher is a great example of creative open staging. -- Mr. Benjamin CossitorEnglish/Gifted Support/DramaAltoona Area High School1415 6th AveAltoona, PA 16602(814) 505-1510 ext. 8822bencossitor@altoonasd.com

RE: Little Shop of Horrors

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 05-02-2019 12:27
Found In Library: Open Forum

RE: Little Shop of Horrors

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 05-02-2019 12:27
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Just closed this show actually. It's a lot of fun. I applied for a grant through our district's alumni foundation and was given the money. I highly encourage going that direction, because it is an additional cost above and beyond what you normally budget for (I also hired a puppet artist that knew what ...

RE: Survey of school previews

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 04-20-2019 08:42
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We have done full preview shows in the past, but only in certain circumstances. Our fall play this year was The Crucible and we were able to arrange a full 2.5 hours in the afternoon for english teachers to voluntarily bring their classes down that were studying the play in class. Because the play was ...

RE: Sound Editing Software

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 03-31-2019 10:55
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Audacity is a free download and offers pretty much everything you’d need for basic effects and splicing. Mr. Benjamin Cossitor Instructor of English/Drama Altoona Area High School 1415 6th Ave Altoona, PA 16602 (814) 327-9076 bencossitor@altoonasd.com

RE: Hairspray effect..

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 03-29-2019 09:09
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I have the same problem with fog machines and our fire alarm system. I used these for our show a few years ago and had no issues. They dissipate pretty quickly. -- Mr. Benjamin CossitorEnglish/Gifted Support/DramaAltoona Area High School1415 6th AveAltoona, PA 16602(814) 505-1510 ext. 8822benc ...

RE: Female Jesus in Godspell

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 03-16-2019 14:08
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I didn't mean to come off as shutting you down, but there are some in my community that have a strict interpretation of the bible, and any show veering from that would bother them (e.g. the huge backlash that came from our community theater doing Jesus Christ Superstar a while ago). However, reading ...

RE: Female Jesus in Godspell

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 03-16-2019 11:54
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Although the entire show is essentially an improv on parables, I would be careful of messing with genders. Even in a progressive community, you would most definitely have some offended Christians. Mr. Benjamin Cossitor Instructor of English/Drama Altoona Area High School 1415 6th Ave Altoona, ...

RE: Play Suggestions Needed Again!

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 01-31-2019 12:44
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Almost, Maine by John Cariani sounds perfect based on your description. It's a really clever play that my kids loved when we did it a few years ago. -- Mr. Benjamin CossitorEnglish/Gifted Support/DramaAltoona Area High School1415 6th AveAltoona, PA 16602(814) 505-1510 ext. 8822bencossitor@altoo ...

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

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 12-29-2018 10:59
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I think the first thing you need to do is just calm down and take it a step at a time. Musicals are more complicated, yes, but the basic structure of rehearsing is the same. (Everyone has their own idea of what that is, so I’ll give you mine.) I only rehearse 2 hours after school, 4 days a week until ...

RE: Choreography for Musical Theater

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 10-11-2018 09:01
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I always meet with my choreographer beforehand to talk through where my blocking has characters at the start of the song, blocking needs during the song, and where I need them to be at the end of the song. If you are having concerns that your choreographer isn't coming in properly prepared, insisting ...

RE: Into the Woods Questions

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 10-09-2018 13:24
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I love Sondheim and his music in this show, but I always forget how loooonnnnggggg this show is until I get into rehearsals. It was funny after producing this show two years ago, I did Drowsy Chaperone which is only 90 minutes last year. I was in shell shock. 1. I agree with what was already said - ...

RE: combined classes

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 08-05-2018 09:56
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I have the same set-up. I’ve found it easiest to put the class on a two year rotation of units so I’m not constantly having to teach two lessons. Throughout the year, I’ll also give the students acting projects where the level 2 students get a leadership role/direct. This has worked well for me so far ...

RE: Two Drowsy Chaperone Questions

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 07-31-2018 09:16
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I just did this show last April and it was VERY well received. Everyone will tell you they’ve never heard of it but then come up to you after to say it’s their new favorite show. Plus I move for all shows to be cut down to 90 minutes haha. It gave us time for so much more polishing than we usually have. ...

RE: have you done "Hair"? or other ideas ...

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 04-26-2018 08:27
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Hair, Rent and Spring Awakening are all shows that would raise some eyebrows in most school districts. Since you're mentioning them, I am assuming that you have a very open-minded, progressive community, which is awesome.  In my opinion, I think Godspell is your best bet for a first show. It can be ...

RE: musical theatre course

Posted By Benjamin Cossitor 04-24-2018 08:19
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Sorry for coming onboard late, but would you share with me as well? I'm in the same boat, about to write this type of course.  Thanks! Ben ------------------------------ Ben Cossitor Drama Director Altoona Area High School Altoona, PA ------------------------------