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Laura Russo

Teacher/Director of Theatre Arts,
Chatham High School

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Teacher/Director of Theatre Arts,
Chatham High School
Bronze Member

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1 to 20 of 50+ total
Posted By Laura Russo 11-15-2023 07:53
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Peter and the Starcatcher ------------------------------ Laura Russo Teacher/Director of Theatre Arts Chatham High School NJ ------------------------------
Posted By Laura Russo 11-05-2023 16:19
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Hi Jordan, I did the show two years ago and it's DELIGHTFUL (although quite challenging). I'm happy to chat and share video & photos. You can email me at lrusso@chatham-nj.org. -- Laura Russo (she/her)Theatre Arts/English Chatham High School This electronic communication, including any attachments, ...
Posted By Laura Russo 06-04-2023 16:52
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We did PUFFS in November and it has been one of my favorite shows in 20 years of directing! The students and community loved it--even those who were not Potter fans. We expanded to a cast of 32. It is technically very challenging so give yourself much more time with sound, lights, props, and costumes. ...
Posted By Laura Russo 06-04-2023 16:48
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We just did BATB in March to sold out audiences who raved about it. I know a lot of people are complaining that several numbers are cut from the latest version but if you did not know the show well you would not really notice. The best part of this version is it is under two hours. We got approval from ...
Posted By Laura Russo 02-07-2023 12:49
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Yes this is quite problematic for schools. I recently had to purchase 20 scripts for Almost Maine. I have a cast of 13 and the play was written for FOUR actors. SMH... ------------------------------ Laura Russo Teacher/Director of Theatre Arts Chatham High School NJ ------------------------------
Posted By Laura Russo 11-29-2022 09:04
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That is a lot but is not unusual. Four preps is pretty normal in the Arts. As for the extracurricular--are you being compensated for each position individually? We have a separate stipend for Director and Choreographer so I hope you are boing paid for both. If it were me I'd let go of the choreography ...
Posted By Laura Russo 11-20-2022 10:49
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One of my all-time favorites! I've directed it twice and I teach it in English class. You need some VERY strong actors and I would not attempt it unless you have a John Proctor, Hale, and Danforth. You can do the set simply and probably find costume rentals. I did not cast any females in the male parts ...
Posted By Laura Russo 11-17-2022 08:17
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I am not using it yet but am starting a Tech class next year so I'm interested! ------------------------------ Laura Russo Teacher/Director of Theatre Arts Chatham High School NJ ------------------------------
Posted By Laura Russo 11-14-2022 07:27
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This sounds amazing!!! Is it recorded by any chance? Are the lesson plans available? I’m starting a Tech class next year and would love to look at this! Sent from my iPhone -- This electronic communication, including any attachments, contains information from the School District of the Chathams ...
Posted By Laura Russo 10-12-2022 06:10
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I absolutely LOVE this idea and will be doing it with my advanced class next semester. Thank you so much for sharing! -- Laura Russo (she/her)Theatre Arts/English Chatham High School This electronic communication, including any attachments, contains information from the School District of the Chathams ...
Posted By Laura Russo 10-01-2022 09:42
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I have every actor do character background/development work--even if it is an ensemble role. It is several pages long and students work on this when they are not on stage. This would take up several classes and also makes those smaller roles feel validated. ------------------------------ Laura Russo ...
Posted By Laura Russo 08-25-2022 07:29
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I do a play analysis assignment. I let them choose from 3-5 plays to read and give them a document that outlines the analysis work. Happy to share if you send me your email. Sent from my iPhone -- This electronic communication, including any attachments, contains information from the School District ...
Posted By Laura Russo 08-18-2022 08:09
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Radium Girls Sense & Sensibility (Kate Hamill’s) Both can be as small as you’d like with doubling. Sent from my iPhone -- This electronic communication, including any attachments, contains information from the School District of the Chathams (SDOC) that may be legally privileged, confidential, ...
Posted By Laura Russo 08-10-2022 06:54
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We are doing Puffs in the fall, Beauty and the Beast in the spring and I’m still searching for our Theatre Studio class production. Sent from my iPhone -- This electronic communication, including any attachments, contains information from the School District of the Chathams (SDOC) that may be ...
Posted By Laura Russo 08-10-2022 06:53
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You are not alone—both my vocal director and myself can’t stand Mama Mia. Just can’t get over the book. Our kids are always begging to to it. Sent from my iPhone -- This electronic communication, including any attachments, contains information from the School District of the Chathams (SDOC) that ...
Posted By Laura Russo 06-27-2022 12:22
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We are doing Puffs in the fall. I needed something for a cast of 25-30 and Puffs can be expanded. It serves my mostly comedic actors very well. We are doing Beauty and the Beast in the spring. We chose it mainly to serve our students. And we have a fantastic costume designer. Sent from my iPhone ...
Posted By Laura Russo 05-18-2022 11:11
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Hi All, We are holding our first Theatre Banquet in June. I would like to hand out some awards for students (especially seniors) who have excelled on and off the stage and who have shown unwavering dedication. I was wondering what awards you typically give out? I already plan on doing: Rookie of the ...
Posted By Laura Russo 04-29-2022 10:04
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We have an Auditorium Coordinator in our district who essentially is responsible for all school events held in the high school auditorium. This includes two full-length productions where he builds the set (separate set designer), designs the lights and sound, and runs the student production crew. He ...
Posted By Laura Russo 03-06-2022 10:40
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Yikes! We have a PAC who is salaried and receives benefits for all of the events in the auditorium. Granted, he also does set construction, lights, and sound for our productions but it is still a huge discrepancy. For my productions, I usually rehearse between 10-15 hours a week--more during the last ...
Posted By Laura Russo 03-04-2022 10:46
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I am so fortunate to teach in a school district that values the arts equally to sports. I am paid the same, if not more, than most coaches for my productions. I receive approximately $7500 for the Fall Production, $7500 for the Spring Musical, and $2500 for our Winter Competition that I prepare the actors ...