We start each rehearsal with a focus dance (cast, crew, me, everyone) in a circle.We "leave the problems of school, boyf/girlf issues, homework, tests, everything" outside of the rehearsal area. It really does focus us together and we have a better rehearsal. I create it, pick the music (usually slow and calming) and then the stage manager and AD set it up each day and run it - sometimes with me and sometimes I am doing other things. I really believe it "joins" us (cast/crew) together. I have found the kids doing it on their own in small groups, and even at the cast party.
We also rehearse in multiple places -usually not on Saturdays. However, I occasionally call a Sat music rehearsal in the music room, dancing in the cafeteria, and staging/blocking in my classroom. I have crews building on stage, usually from 9:00 - 12:00 on Sat too. There is a lot going on! We all get together for lunch provided by parents from 12:00 - 12:45. Everyone eats together so cast and crew members are seen as equally important. We do this a couple of times during the rehearsal period. Crew positions have become as envied as the lead roles. I have 120 actors audition for about 40 roles, and even more than that for a crew position. I have to cut people, so the kids who get in know they are valued. And then to be included in a warm up dance and have lunch provided where they get to be with their friends on crew, or in the cast, is a big deal. They look forward to it.
Just FYI - this is middle school (grade 6,7,8). It's really easy to have kids break off into cliques. This seems to avoid that altogether.
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Ron Wells
Lawton C Johnson Summit Middle School
Summit New Jersey
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2015 14:39
From: Josh Belk
Subject: Cast/crew Bonding Activities?
Two easy things that we do in our company:
1. Snack time. The first 10-15 minutes of rehearsal are snack time for the cast, crew, and orchestra and directors; and it is mandatory. We have a signup for the parents to bring snacks. Snack are not extravagant, but the time together is great.
2. Company time. About every 2 weeks we forgo one day of rehearsal and schedule company activites that are NOT rehearsal related. In the past we have played ultimate frisbee, participated in the ice-bucket challenge, watched movies (sometimes the movie of the play we are working on, sometimes not), played improv games, etc.
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Josh Belk
Director of Theatre
Monument CO
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2015 09:08
From: Denise Connor
Subject: Cast/crew Bonding Activities?
I am looking for cast/crew bonding activities that don't involve me staying up all night to chaperone a lock-in. I teach AP and Honors English in addition to drama electives, plus I have three small children. I just can't pull an all-nighter this year. Haha.
I see the value in getting my cast and crew of Shrek together to bond, especially since it's a fairly large cast (for our size of school), and I have 2 ensemble groups (fairy tale creatures and Duloc dancers) plus leads.
Thanks for any suggestions!!
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Denise Connor
English/Drama Teacher
Montoursville PA
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