List of Contributions

Jodi Improta

Theatre Arts Instructor

Contact Details

Theatre Arts Instructor

My Content

1 to 20 of 29 total

Sweeney Todd Barber Chair

Posted By Jodi Improta 04-01-2024 03:17
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Does anyone know of a place in Southern California that has a barber chair for rent that drops people down a trap door? Our source fell through and the show opens in two weeks! Sent from my iPhone

Backdrop rentals

Posted By Jodi Improta 12-28-2022 20:18
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
I am always looking to rent backdrops that are 12' by 40' but nobody carries them. We do not have fly space, and our stage is wide but only 12' tall. I have rented 17' by 40' drops and rolled them at the bottom, but then I lose part of the picture. Does anyone know of a company that rents this size? ...

RE: after school stipends and pay

Posted By Jodi Improta 03-04-2022 13:49
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Hi Gai! I became a union rep for 4 years to do just that. Unfortunately, whenever money comes up, the union is more interested in raising the percentage for all teachers than for the few who receive stipends. All negotiations and changes move at a glacial pace. I retired before changes were made. - ...

RE: after school stipends and pay

Posted By Jodi Improta 03-04-2022 10:57
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Our district pays about $2000 for a play and the same for a musical. There is no budget for productions or extra compensation for a choreographer, musical director or tech director. The fees have only been raised once in 15 years. The football coaching staff received $20,000 for a varsity coach and 6 ...

RE: Thespian Point Stars and Honor Bars

Posted By Jodi Improta 03-31-2021 10:51
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Same! I also need to order certificates. Our students have lost so much this year, I would like to be able to keep some traditions! ------------------------------ Jodi Improta Fine Arts Department Chair Whitney High School ------------------------------

PE credit for Dance

Posted By Jodi Improta 03-12-2021 12:38
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Hello Friends- Does anyone in California know if their school gives PE credit for a dance class? We are looking to hire a new theatre/dance teacher, and the PE credit incentive would help jumpstart the program. Jodi Improta Whitney High School Cerritos, CA ------------------------------ Jodi ...

RE: Drama Stipend Negotiations

Posted By Jodi Improta 09-19-2019 13:50
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Robin, I am so glad you brought this to our attention! In my district, the total stipends for a varsity football coach and his/her 6 assistants add up to $20,000 for one season. That is more than 10 times what a play director makes (with no assistants). I actually became a union rep just to have some ...

RE: Stained glass windows

Posted By Jodi Improta 03-07-2019 20:43
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
We taped a colored picture to the back of a piece of plexiglass, then outlined the front of the plex with black glue. Lit from behind, it worked fairly well.it worked fairly well. The black glue is white glue with black paint added. ------------------------------ Jodi Improta Fine Arts Department ...

RE: Desperate

Posted By Jodi Improta 03-07-2019 20:36
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
I used The Theatre Company in Upland...excellent service and beautiful costumes! ------------------------------ Jodi Improta Fine Arts Department Chair Fullerton CA ------------------------------

RE: Set Build Time

Posted By Jodi Improta 03-02-2019 12:18
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
I also request 2 weeks to build the set, but my stage craft class gets started weeks before that so some of it is prepared in the shop ahead of time. For me, 2 weeks is a luxury because before I had my own theatre I only had the weekend before the show to prepare everything! ------------------------------ ...

Theatre/Dance credentials in California?

Posted By Jodi Improta 02-18-2019 15:23
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Does anyone know of a college in Southern California that offers a credential program in theatre and/or dance? Legislation was passed for these two years ago, but I have not found a school that offers one.

RE: Minimalist Plays

Posted By Jodi Improta 07-03-2017 20:32
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Juvie would work too... ------------------------------ Jodi Improta Fine Arts Department Chair Fullerton CA ------------------------------

RE: Minimalist Plays

Posted By Jodi Improta 07-03-2017 20:30
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
You could do 12 Angry Jurors with just a table and chairs, or Love, Death and the Prom, with just a few pieces of furniture since the scenes are in different places. I really like Almost, Maine because the set is minimal and it is easy to rehearse since the acts all have different performers unless you ...

RE: Ticket sales? Where do they go?

Posted By Jodi Improta 01-23-2017 08:49
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
I am an activities director and drama teacher, and I know that in our district, all of the ticket sales have to go into our ASB drama account. Booster clubs are supposed to be a separate entity with their own account and non-profit status. I also have a small budget provided for teaching drama, but I ...

RE: Sewing Project?

Posted By Jodi Improta 01-11-2017 21:28
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
I have my stagecraft student use sewing machines to make aprons each year. They are super simple to make and I have used the aprons for several shows. This year we are producing Fiddler on the Roof, so they made aprons and scarves. One year we made poodle skirts with felt and elastic. We have a dozen ...

RE: The Man Who Came to Dinner

Posted By Jodi Improta 03-03-2016 18:04
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Look at "The Curious Savage." It is funny and endearing and a great vehicle for an eccentric old lady character. ------------------------------ Jodi Improta Fine Arts Department Chair Fullerton CA

RE: Parent Appreication Night

Posted By Jodi Improta 08-23-2015 16:50
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Wow! After 31 years of teaching theatre, I can count (and name) every parent volunteer I have had on two hands. There are some great suggestions in these responses, I only wish I had some parents to use them on. Be grateful for them! Appreciate them to excess! ------------------------------ Jodi ...

RE: Costume Organization

Posted By Jodi Improta 06-10-2015 23:36
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
Another tip: when people borrow costumes, I just take a photo of them holding the piece with my cell phone. It helps identify the exact item and borrower, and I just delete the photo when it is returned. ------------------------------ Jodi Improta Fine Arts Department Chair Fullerton CA ---- ...

RE: Gift ideas for troupe director

Posted By Jodi Improta 05-10-2015 00:22
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
As a director, I appreciate gifts that remind me of the plays from that year. A favorite gift was a personalized director's chair signed by the cast (Oriental Trading Co.). ------------------------------ Jodi Improta Fine Arts Department Chair Fullerton CA ------------------------------ - ...

RE: Into the Woods accompaniment tracks

Posted By Jodi Improta 05-06-2015 14:04
Found In Egroup: Open Forum \ view thread
I recommend The MTPit tracks...I used them for "Into the Woods" and was very pleased with their price and their quality. ------------------------------ Jodi Improta Fine Arts Department Chair Fullerton CA ------------------------------