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Allan Dodson

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RE: Public Speaking

Posted By Allan Dodson 06-14-2017 08:06
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Hi Susan - I've taught public speaking and communication skills for fifteen years, and I added something about four years ago that has dramatically improved the progress my students have made. Toward the end of the semester, I have them all do an evening of speeches (time limit 3:00), and we invite ...

RE: High School Production of Chicago

Posted By Allan Dodson 04-19-2017 09:13
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We did Chicago this year at a conservative Catholic high school and it was a huge success.  Not one complaint.  The key was preparing our community ahead of time and staging the show so that some of the more provocative elements were downplayed (without changing the script!).  If you'd like more details, ...

RE: Kissing Scenes

Posted By Allan Dodson 03-02-2017 08:52
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Hi folks - I don't mean to sound like "the guy with the answer" to this question, but I have a technique for this, and I've never had ANY problems with kissing scenes. My rule is: If you have a kiss, you have to do it at the first blocking rehearsal and every rehearsal thereafter (unless someone is sick, ...

RE: Overtime

Posted By Allan Dodson 02-21-2017 12:18
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Several years ago, my principal put me on the "Fargo Scale," a scale used to determine a coach's stipend. It's based on the amount of hours you put in and the number of students you "coach." While we'd all like to be paid more, I felt that my stipend was very fair after going on Fargo. If you're not ...

RE: Casting my own daughter

Posted By Allan Dodson 01-28-2017 06:14
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Both my daughters came through my program, and I can tell you that there's no way to completely quiet the discontent. When things don't go people's way, they look for something to blame. When my daughters came through, our program was in a fledgling state. We hadn't really developed a talent base yet, ...

RE: When students you count on quit....

Posted By Allan Dodson 11-01-2016 09:45
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My advice is to find someone else and move on. Of course you'd want to be sure that there's nothing serious going on in the student's life, but if she's just dropping out for no good reason, I wouldn't try to force her to do the part. Personally, I'd rather send a kid on stage with script in hand than ...

BIG: The Musical

Posted By Allan Dodson 09-16-2016 01:47
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Anyone done "Big"? Thoughts? Good things? Things to watch out for? I'm considering it for this spring. Any info would be appreciated. If you're at the conference right now and you've done the show, look me up! Allan -- Allan DodsonFine Arts DepartmentBlessed Trinity High School

RE: Classroom Creativity

Posted By Allan Dodson 05-19-2016 12:34
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Wow - I'm glad I asked! There are a lot of great ideas here. Of course I'm doing many of the things mentioned in this thread, and I think it's very interesting how we come to so many of the same ideas independently. I too use blindfolds (they're great for beginning movement) and I also teach that ...

Classroom Creativity

Posted By Allan Dodson 05-17-2016 07:24
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Hi Everyone - I was wondering if some of you might share some best practices on spurring creativity in your classroom environments. If you're like me, your classes are made up of a different group from your theatre kids, and they're not always as willing to be out there. I'm interested in things like ...

RE: Female-Heavy Musical

Posted By Allan Dodson 05-03-2016 07:17
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We just closed 9 to 5: The Musical, and it was very successful. I had essentially the same requirements you have. Three GREAT female parts. You do need a boy that can pull off Hart (the boss), but it's more of a character thing than a lead. The romantic lead is a relatively small part. It's a pretty ...

Old Fashioned Comedy

Posted By Allan Dodson 04-15-2016 10:57
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Hi Everyone - I know these requests come up all the time, but I'm looking for some help with a play selection. I'd like to do an old fashioned comedy this fall - something family friendly. I have a decent number of boys, but they're an inexperienced lot. Given that, I'd like to get them on stage, but ...

RE: Musical with Male Lead

Posted By Allan Dodson 03-13-2016 08:43
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Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. I'll definitely explore a few of these titles. Allan ------------------------------ Allan Dodson Roswell GA

Musical with Male Lead

Posted By Allan Dodson 03-10-2016 08:21
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Hi everyone - I'm looking for a musical with a strong male lead that's not necessarily a typical leading man. I have a very good group of girls as well, but the rest of my guys are less experienced (though I have some very talented ones). My main boy is a smallish, very young looking kid that sings and ...

RE: Thriller or Horror Plays

Posted By Allan Dodson 02-20-2016 07:30
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We did The Bad Seed several years ago and it was really creepy. It also has a lot of interesting characters. I highly recommend it. -- Allan DodsonFine Arts DepartmentBlessed Trinity High School

RE: school schedule

Posted By Allan Dodson 11-14-2015 07:24
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We're on an alternating block schedule. 90 minute blocks, we see each class every other day (8 total classes). No one teaches more than 6 blocks, so we all have at least one planning block every day. It's great. I mean, EVERYONE here loves it. When former students are surveyed about the school, the number ...

RE: 9 to 5

Posted By Allan Dodson 08-27-2015 15:03
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That's a great suggestion, Jennifer. Thanks! I guess that's what this forum is for! ------------------------------ Allan Dodson Roswell GA ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-27-2015 08:09 From: Jennifer Jordan Subject: 9 ...

RE: The Perfect Musical for This Year

Posted By Allan Dodson 08-26-2015 08:30
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These are all great suggestions, folks. I appreciate it. Allan ------------------------------ Allan Dodson Roswell GA ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-25-2015 20:46 From: Michael McDonough Subject: The Perfect ...

RE: 9 to 5

Posted By Allan Dodson 08-26-2015 08:27
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Hi Carolyn - I was looking at 9 to 5, but I'm a little troubled by the marijuana use. Seems a little freaky to put teenagers on stage smoking pot. Other than that, I think the show might be a good choice for us - how are you handling the marijuana? Thanks, Allan ------------------------------ ...

RE: The Perfect Musical for This Year

Posted By Allan Dodson 08-24-2015 07:46
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I teach high school, Jennifer. BTW, thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Unfortunately, I've done many of the shows listed in the last few years. Also, I guess I should have mentioned that my casts (and my school) are not particularly diverse. I can't do anything that requires a racially mixed ...

The Perfect Musical for This Year

Posted By Allan Dodson 08-16-2015 07:03
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Hi everyone - I'm looking for suggestions for the perfect musical for my program for this year. Here are my parameters: Most of my talent and experience this year is among the girls. I do have a couple of boys who are very solid, but I have several really talented girls. I have a lot ...