List of Contributions

RE: Managing 31 G1-6 Students

Posted By Laura Butchy 02-21-2024 08:28
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I usually have 30+ students in my show, mostly middle schoolers. Chunks are key! I work on everything in 30-minute sections to keep groups/everyone engaged. Identify props/sets/costumes tasks that can be done by small groups early. Also have a sense of how difficult each is for the appropriate age since ...

Matilda special effects for students

Posted By Laura Butchy 01-04-2024 08:47
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Hello! I have a small group of seniors interested in building the special effects for our production of Matilda, and I have been looking through the forum for ideas. They have a good start on plans for the cake and cup but are struggling with the chalkboard. We would love to give them the chance to create ...

RE: Best 10 minute play collections for high school students

Posted By Laura Butchy 10-19-2023 08:10
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I always need 10-minute plays! Consider some pieces from A Simpler Time and Scared Silly (both Playscripts) and Lit on Fire and And Hilarity Ensued (both YouthPlays). ------------------------------ Laura Butchy BASIS Independent McLean VA ------------------------------

RE: How do I get permission for a dog in LAUSD...

Posted By Laura Butchy 08-23-2023 07:45
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I'm not sure about the Annie rights specifications, but we did Annie Jr. with a younger student as the dog. Everyone loved it, and it might avoid some extra logistical challenges depending on how important the live animal aspect is for your production. ------------------------------ Laura Butchy BASIS ...

RE: Musical

Posted By Laura Butchy 06-26-2023 12:15
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Hello! We did Annie this spring and are doing Matilda next year. We also did Into the Woods Jr. with mostly women. ------------------------------ Laura Butchy BASIS Independent McLean VA ------------------------------

RE: Book on Dramaturgy

Posted By Laura Butchy 06-08-2023 08:32
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I just ordered this one, so I haven't read it yet, but it was recommended to me: Dramaturgy: The Basics by Anne M. Hamilton and Walter Byongsok Chon ------------------------------ Laura Butchy BASIS Independent McLean VA ------------------------------

RE: Light for Shadow Play

Posted By Laura Butchy 05-03-2023 08:09
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We worked on a shadow puppet piece with small LED high-lumen flashlights. They aren't expensive, and the type we have can zoom in and out for narrower or wider beam. The key is not looking right at them, of course! ------------------------------ Laura Butchy BASIS Independent McLean VA ----------- ...

Matilda Jr. sets, props, costumes

Posted By Laura Butchy 04-16-2023 22:19
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We are planning to do Matilda Jr. next year, so I thought I would check in to see if anyone has sets, props, or costumes they are ready to pass on. If you are doing Matilda in the DC metro area this spring, please let me know if you have a magic chalkboard, rolling desks, or other sets or props to rent ...

RE: Marketing your Theater/Tech class

Posted By Laura Butchy 03-01-2023 08:08
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I'm working on this as well. Are you marketing to students or parents? That affects my selling points and handout designs. For students, make sure to ask current students the best parts of taking theater! ------------------------------ Laura Butchy BASIS Independent McLean VA --------------------- ...

RE: Wigs vs temporary hair color

Posted By Laura Butchy 01-12-2023 11:02
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Thank you for the response. We are rehearsing Annie with a diverse cast, and we are looking for something less bright-red than usual. We are checking out a wide array of wigs, but the students have asked about the dye as well! ------------------------------ Laura Butchy BASIS Independent McLean VA ...

Wigs vs temporary hair color

Posted By Laura Butchy 01-07-2023 09:29
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Has anyone used temporary hair coloring products instead of wigs? We are preparing for Annie, and with the support of our performers and their parents, I am investigating this option for Annie and Grace. I'd be interested in any recommendations! ------------------------------ Laura Butchy BASIS Independent ...

RE: Play Needed for large cast

Posted By Laura Butchy 01-07-2023 09:08
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With about 50 performers in our fall play the last two years, I did A Simpler Time (Playscripts) and Shakesplosion!!! (YouthPlays). They have really flexible casts, lots of opportunities for students to play different characters in different scenes, and my students who did not want large parts enjoyed ...

RE: Making Something Fall - Help!

Posted By Laura Butchy 10-04-2022 07:31
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Yes, I also need help making something fall with no fly space! On a related note, any suggestions for the best way to create a small table that collapses on demand to spill its contents would be great. Thank you, Laura ------------------------------ Laura Butchy BASIS Independent McLean VA ---- ...

RE: Classroom Management

Posted By Laura Butchy 10-01-2022 09:37
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Quiet(er) games can help a lot! -Wax Museum / Sneaky Statues, which I call Security Guard so we can create different types of museums. Description here: https://www.aiwcamp.com/wax-museum-a-k-a-sneaky-statues/ -Stage Direction Elimination (4 corners) Description of 4 corners here: https://www.pla ...

RE: Basic Rehearsal Question

Posted By Laura Butchy 09-30-2022 08:37
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I second all of those ideas! -Add extras to scenes when possible to keep everyone engaged. -Have students fill out a quick survey of interest for helping with directing, props, costumes, sets, whatever you need. -Plan set/prop/costume-making projects that can be done by others. -Have a strong student ...

Music teacher job opening, Virginia

Posted By Laura Butchy 08-17-2022 08:11
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Hello, everyone. Unfortunately, we lost our elementary music teacher last minute and are searching for someone. The music teacher works with us on theater productions, so I thought I would share this in case you know anyone who might be interested. Please feel free to contact me individually if you have ...

RE: Shakesplosion! questions

Posted By Laura Butchy 06-03-2022 10:13
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This year we did A Simpler Time for our play and Into the Woods, Jr. for our musical, and both were fantastic! ------------------------------ Laura Butchy BASIS Independent McLean VA ------------------------------

Shakesplosion! questions

Posted By Laura Butchy 06-01-2022 23:07
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Hello, all! We are trying to select our fall play, and a top choice is Shakesplosion! by Andrew Geha. For anyone who has done it, do you have thoughts on the following? -What age range would you recommend for performers? Our drama club includes middle school as well as high school. -Will students with ...

Covid and audience rules and capacity

Posted By Laura Butchy 02-25-2022 10:12
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We are counting down to our first musical since Covid - hooray! As we get ready to sell tickets, I would like to know how others are handling audience seating this year. We require everyone attending to purchase tickets in advance and wear masks at all times. Do you sell a certain percentage of seats? ...

RE: Script Suggestions with flexible casting

Posted By Laura Butchy 02-19-2022 09:19
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You may want to take a look at A Simpler Time from Playscripts. It is sort of a collection of one-acts with time travelling guides. Some are sillier than others, but I only had three seniors and they enjoyed it. Stronger students can play multiple roles in different scenes, and younger students can learn ...

Laura Butchy

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