I really enjoyed working on The Curious Savage and I think it's an excellent choice if you have some females to showcase. It is one of the shows that I would like to do again somewhere down the line (If I stick with theatre education). I did ask if I needed to cut the scene in Almost, Maine, but I was told it would be fine and later realized that a southern Baptist church went a little overboard with their concerns. It is truly sad that our adults cannot be as open minded as our students. I mean gay people doing theatre??? That never happens. I was then told not to cast Mrs. White as a male in Clue- because we would get complaints about cross-dressing.. so I do feel your pain. This year I have really good male actors, so I just want to pick something that would not just highlight the females.
------------------------------
Samantha Roop
Theatre Teacher/ Play & Musical Director/ Head Coach
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-27-2015 10:19
From: Steve Skelcey
Subject: Fall Play & Spring Musical suggestions
Samantha,
I feel your pain. I did "City of Angels" last year, received violent threats against me, and since then I no longer have final say on which shows I produce. My administration are supportive, just scared for their own jobs, as they are the ones who get in trouble when I get complaints. I did "She Kills Monsters" for a One Act Festival, won the festival, but it wasn't allowed to be performed on the mainstage because of all the controversial subject matter (gay characters, Dungeons & Dragons being "evil," etc). I am trying again with the playwright's newest high school version of the show, which is much less controversial. We'll see how it goes. If that doesn't work, I am going with "The Curious Savage (which is a great show with no controversy, and can be done with a simple set, and has more girls than guys in the cast)."
The only way I would be able to do "Almost, Maine" would be to cut out the "Falling" scene entirely from the show.
I can't even do "Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon" by Don Zolidis because the second act has the Devil and a Witch. Even mentioning those subjects is taboo around my community, even if they are hilariously portrayed.
------------------------------
Steve Skelcey
Colorado Springs CO
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2015 08:33
From: Samantha Roop
Subject: Fall Play & Spring Musical suggestions
In this unique situation with Almost, Maine they had the choice to withdrawal which they most certainly did, then it was there goal to get the production cancelled and when the BOE reviewed it and did not cancel the show... They then went to the news and local paper which gave the story enough attention that I am being told I have to either A-pick the safest shows possible and B- they would like to start a selection committee to prevent this from ever happening in the futur. It was one of the most ridiculous things I have ever been a part of and now they are more picky about what I select when they never payed attention until now.
2- elaborate sets- I am just trying to select something I can do well bring a one person ran operation. Since basketball season and gym classes use the faculty during the day and right before we use it for rehearsal it is hard to utilize the gym floor or anything that is not part of the stage. We do have lights and a sound system and a tiny stage in the gym. It's kind of hard to explain... If you see our amazing football field or state of the art basketball gym you might be able to understand the priorities more.
This will be my fifth year in the district and we have new administration, so I've been told no more than I ever have, since the Almost, Maine complaint... My class enrollment is up 400 percent and my program went from non-existing to having I think around 75 ITS members, so I'm just riding it out until the auditorium is built by trying to select shows with under 20 cast size and a one unit set, so we don't interfere anymore than we have to the 2-3 weeks we share the gym with sports and PE classes.
------------------------------
Samantha Roop
Theatre Teacher/ Play & Musical Director
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-25-2015 01:13
From: Jake Dreiling
Subject: Fall Play & Spring Musical suggestions
Just a few things to think about:
1. There will always be someone complaining about something content
-wise. Have a mandatory parent meeting right after casting and lay it all out. Those who object to the material can opt out at that time.
2. Who says you can't have elaborate sets in a gymatorium? Put some tarps down if they're afraid of marring the floor if you have to. Any space can be a fabulous venue. If you have the means, you can even create your own stage floor from platforms. Hang lights from the basketball goals (who hasn't?)
3. Almost Maine is not that controversial. Your community needs to wake up to the 21st century. Homosexuality is more accepted now
------------------------------
Jake Dreiling
Atlanta GA
------------------------------
Original Message:i
Sent: 05-23-2015 06:18
From: Samantha Roop
Subject: Fall Play & Spring Musical suggestions
I would really like some suggestions on plays and musicals that don't require elaborate sets (we are performing in a gymatorium and I'm a one person ran program). As far as talent goes I have really attracted and build the program enough to attract amazing male and female actors and our auditorium is now in the process of being built. The ideal show would be 12-20 characters. Recently, I received a little direction from our administration, because even though our production of Almost, Maine was a hit, some went to great lengths to get the show cancelled due to the scene that suggested homosexuality. So I am being advised to not pick any heavy topics or controversial ideas, because now we have more attention drawn to the program.
Fall plays that have worked well with our small stage are: The Curious Savage & Almost, Maine. I have been looking into 12 Angry Jurrors (I'm just afraid it ma seem boring), and Harvey (but I'm worried this won't showcase very many people).
Musicals- we are looking at 7 Brides for 7 Brothers & She Loves Me, but I have never seen She Loves Me (just read it was suggested on here) and the more I look into 7 Brides I dislike the idea that only 1 male and 1 female are showcased & the elaborate dancing...however I lost my big help musically and so I need to can consider shows that I can make work knowing we have limited time, limited help, limited staging, and most likely 10 snow days to work around. I would prefer not a tiny cast, because I don't want to lose the guys or even the large amount of interest we currently have (since that is the only thing working for me).
------------------------------
Sam
Theatre teacher/Drama Director
------------------------------