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The Steward School Unique and Unusual: The Fine Arts of The Steward School Whether setting the stage, striking a chord, creating a masterpiece, or simply exploring the talents of the individual, students of Steward's Fine Arts program gain an insight into themselves unlike any other students in the Richmond area. Professionalism and pride In work are the primary goals of the department. Students are given full responsibility for their work from matting their pictures or being prompt for rehearsals to practicing music or lines at home. Furthermore, a conscious effort is made to give each child a chance to have his/her "moment in the sun." All art students have art work displayed in the halls; all students are considered for roles in lower school music productions (an attempt is made not to use the same children in major roles); all students in lower school theatre classes have a speaking part in the class play; all students in Grades 6-12 who audition for plays are offered technical roles if they are not cast as characters; and all students have the opportunity to appear on stage four or e times per year. Interdisciplinary teaching Is an Integral part of the Fine Arts. Music, art, and theatre classes explore many of the same cultural or historical themes currently being studied by each grade level. For example, during the study of the Rainforest in Grade 3, the theatre teacher wrote and staged a play based on "The Great Kapok Tree," music classes listened to and re-created Brazilian music, and art classes made colorful parrots that were used as part of the set of the class play. Another example is the eighth grade English class study of The Diary of Anne Frank, which used computer-aided design in theatre class to create the set for a play based on this autobiography. The Fine Arts faculty ensures students' work receives proper representation both Inside and outside of the school community. Not only is student work proudly displayed in the halls and office areas of Steward, but student art is also displayed in art shows, such as the recent Signet Bank show and the current show at the airport. Student artists interested in having their artwork critiqued by professionals are invited to partici- pate in college Portfolio Day. Kindergarten students present their class play to prospec- tive kindergarten students and their parents, and fourth grade students take their class play "on the road." In addition, music students participate in holiday concerts at Regency Mall, at nursing homes, and The Steward School. Choir members audition for regional and district choir festivals. The Fine Arts Department sponsors an annual Fine Arts Ban- quet, which recognizes the varied accomplishments of students throughout the year. Artists·in·resldence are used to supplement classroom leaming. Theatre profession- als, portraitists, and visiting artists in music and dance have also been incorporated into school program for roundtable discussions and performances of art and plays. Continued on page 2 CONNECTION In this issue March 1995 Art for All ......................... 3 A Busy Year for the Fine Arts ................... 4 : A Sign of the Times ........ 4 Youth Art Month ............. 5 A Teacher's Point of View ................... 5 : ''The World's : Largest Concert" ............ 5 "Composer of the Month" ; Returns ............................ 5 : Stunt Talent Night ........... 5 ; What Is Theatre? ............ 6 : "The Coarse ; Acting Show" .................. 7 . What Is IMPACT? ............ 8 Theem_Goki Connection IS published monthly tOf The Sie-Naro School commumty Hel!dmaster Steve Slackhouse Editor UzShupe

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Page 1: Blue & Gold March 1995 I

The Steward School

Unique and Unusual: The Fine Arts of The Steward School Whether setting the stage, striking a chord, creating a masterpiece, or simply exploring the talents of the individual, students of Steward's Fine Arts program gain an insight into

themselves unlike any other students in the Richmond area.

Professionalism and pride In work are the primary goals of the department. Students are given full responsibility for their work from matting their pictures or being prompt for rehearsals to practicing music or lines at home. Furthermore, a conscious effort is made to give each child a chance to have his/her "moment in the sun." All art students have art work displayed in the halls; all students are considered for roles in lower school music productions (an attempt is made not to use the same children in major roles); all students in lower school theatre classes have a speaking part in the class play; all students in Grades 6-12 who audition for plays are offered technical roles if they are not cast as characters; and all students have the opportunity to appear on stage four or e times per year.

Interdisciplinary teaching Is an Integral part of the Fine Arts. Music, art, and theatre classes explore many of the same cultural or historical themes currently being studied by each grade level. For example, during the study of the Rainforest in Grade 3, the theatre teacher wrote and staged a play based on "The Great Kapok Tree," music classes listened to and re-created Brazilian music, and art classes made colorful parrots that were used as part of the set of the class play. Another example is the eighth grade English class study of The Diary of Anne Frank, which used computer-aided design in theatre class to create the set for a play based on this autobiography.

The Fine Arts faculty ensures students' work receives proper representation both Inside and outside of the school community. Not only is student work proudly displayed in the halls and office areas of Steward, but student art is also displayed in art shows, such as the recent Signet Bank show and the current show at the airport. Student artists interested in having their artwork critiqued by professionals are invited to partici­pate in college Portfolio Day. Kindergarten students present their class play to prospec­tive kindergarten students and their parents, and fourth grade students take their class play "on the road." In addition, music students participate in holiday concerts at Regency Mall, at nursing homes, and The Steward School. Choir members audition for regional and district choir festivals . The Fine Arts Department sponsors an annual Fine Arts Ban­quet, which recognizes the varied accomplishments of students throughout the year.

Artists·in·resldence are used to supplement classroom leaming. Theatre profession­als, portraitists, and visiting artists in music and dance have also been incorporated into

• school program for roundtable discussions and performances of art and plays.

Continued on page 2

CONNECTION

In this issue

March 1995

Art for All ......................... 3

• A Busy Year for the Fine Arts ................... 4

: A Sign of the Times ........ 4

Youth Art Month ............. 5

A Teacher's Point of View ................... 5

: ''The World's : Largest Concert" ............ 5

~ "Composer of the Month" ; Returns ............................ 5

: Stunt Talent Night ........... 5

; What Is Theatre? ............ 6

: "The Coarse ; Acting Show" .................. 7

. What Is IMPACT? ............ 8

Theem_Goki Connection IS published monthly tOf The Sie-Naro School commumty

Hel!dmaster Steve Slackhouse

Editor UzShupe

Page 2: Blue & Gold March 1995 I

Uniqueness of the Art Department

Ms. Rugene Paulette gives individual at­tention to each student who is encouraged to develop his/her own abilities in numer­ous ways. Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers making individual chioces. They are to spend 15-20 minutes per night in middle school and 30 minutes per night in upper school working in their sketchbooks. Another method used to de­velop talent is c lass critique sessions which provide student artists an opportunity to dis­cuss their work with their peers and to learn from listening to critical evaluations . Al­though computerized art is slowly being in­troduced to the art curriculum, CD-ROM art museum tours and drawing programs are ready for use by students .

For individuals who have a particular inter­est in art, Art III, Art IV and Art V are available; these classes are invitational classes, however. Summer work is required for admission, or a portfolio must be pre­sented to Ms. Paulette if the student is new to Steward. Throughout the year, students in Art III-V are required to build a portfolio and are required to enter their work in com­

munity art shows.

Theatre and music departments reap the benefits of the art students who not only paint but design sets created by the the­atre department for theatre or music pro­ductions. The position of "artistic coordi­nator" (usually held by the art teacher) has been held by students with the guidance of Ms. Paulette.

Uniqueness of the Music Department

Unlike most public and private schools who employ part-time music teachers, The Stew­ard School Music Department has a full-time teacher K-12, Ms. Bonnie Anderson. Stu­dents in Grades 1-5 have two class periods weekly; Kindergarten has three weekly mu­sic periods. The music curriculum is struc­tured developmentally from K-5 with new skills added at each level. Additionally, Grades 3,4,5 may elect to join Lower School Choir, which meets once a week. Students in Grades 6 & 7 may take a begin­ning music theory class which studies the five elements of music and culminates in a

PAGE 2

performance on the soprano recorder. Pu­pils in Grade 8 and Upper School may join Middle School Chorus or Upper School Ensemble. Computerized music writing and research programs also are available for use by students.

Students have numerous vocal and instru­mental opportunities in musical perfor­mances throughout the Steward years. For example, every music student per· forms on stage for the "Holiday Music Program" and the "Grandparents' Day/ Spring Music Program." Opportunities also exist for students to go off-campus for mu­sical performances such as the MCV trauma unit, Make a Wish Foundation's "Wonder­land," Ginter Hall West, Lakewood Manor Nursing Home, Regency Mall 's "Sounds of the Season," District I Choral Festival.

Ms. Anderson coordinates the acts for the annual Stunt-Talent Night, which is spon­sored by the Fine Arts Department. All stu­dents are encouraged to participate in some manner whether on stage, backstage, or helping their friends with their "act."

Uniqueness of the Theatre Department

The Steward School is the only school in the area that employs a full-time, K-12 the­atre teacher. The current theatre program, directed by Mr. Ryan Imlrle, is diverse, challenging , and exciting. What better way to reach the whole child than through the­atre? The child uses written and spoken English , learns new vocabulary, applies geometric and simple mathematics con­cepts in set construction, and may use com­puters to design. Students are transported (sometimes) into another time period within a play and learn to recreate emotion, to use time efficiently and productively, and to work collectively in a group while striving for in­dependence of thought and creativity.

Grades K-5 have approximately five weeks of theatre class every year. The program in­corporates improvisations and creative dra­matics and culminates in a production for the Lower School and parents. Plays writ­ten or adapted by Mr. Imirie give all children a speaking role and incorporate subject matter, skills, developmental learning pre­sented in the academic classroom. For in­stance, emphasis is placed on repetition, numbers, and manners in Kindergarten and

First Grade and on stage presence and memorization in Grade 5. The Grade 4 class play is designed to go "on the road" to nurs­ery schools, elementary schools, and nurs­ing homes and is used as a marketinQ_ and as an opportunity for students to a_ organizational skills since students are re­sponsible for most aspects of the produc­tion, such as set-up and take down, props, and costumes. Furthermore, students de­velop an awareness of their community.

Grades 6 & 7 are reqUired to take one-se­mester electives in the arts (and computer) which allows them the opportunity to expe­rience all areas of the arts. Grades 8-12 the­atre classes place an emphasis on techni­cal theatre, including stagecraft, woodwork­ing, and special effects. Computer-aided design programs are used to teach set, lighting, and program design. Acting expe­rience is gained through three MainStage theatre productions. Finally, Independent Study in Theatre is offered to those students who have completed a basic theatre course and who wish to study a particular aspect of theatre in depth.

Upper School students are eligible to ,oln Theatrics (The Theatre Arts Club of The Steward School), an honorary • which uses a point system based on -ticipation as a requirement for induction. MainStage theatre auditions are open to all students (Grades 6-12 and occasionally Grades 2-12 for a musical) whether or not they take a theatre class. All MalnStage productions are student·run. Faculty members and adults, however, are present to assist with crowd control, costumes, and prop construction.

Since the theatre department has total ar­tistic control over productions chosen, shows which tap the abilities of current stu­dents can be selected. Schools with less artistic control do not have this privilege. Theatre rehearsal schedules are carefully worked around students' personal conflicts so that each student who wishes to partici­pate may do so. Fine Arts faculty work closely to ensure quality productions while maintaining professionalism and decorum by all those involved in the program.

The Theatre Department has presentecA Summer Community Theatre productio. the past. Steward students and others from the community were able to take part in the

MARCH 1995

Page 3: Blue & Gold March 1995 I

productions. The program was very suc­cessful and may be revived in the future.

The Fine Arts Department at Steward plays

fUniQUe role in the development of the ole child." At a time when funding for

e arts is being eliminated, The Steward School is committed to preserving and nur-turing the Fine Arts.

Mark Your Calendar ...

"Steward and the Independent

School World." A Presentation

by Don Fudge of Independent School

Management

Monday, March 20

7:00 in the library

Open to all current parents and inter­ested families. Come join us in a dis­cussion about The Steward School and trends in independent school education.

Art for All From February 16 through March 2, 75 pieces of art­work created by 20 Stew­ard artists representing grades 8-12 were dis­played at the Gayton Crossing branch of Signet Bank . A "Steward Art Show Opening Night" reception was hosted by the bank for

Rugene Paulette, Jenny McComas, Rose Wolff and Mr. McComas at the the exhibitors and patrons Signet M Show of the School. Approxi -mately fifty were in attendance to preview the excellent works.

The show consisted of a wide variety of me­diums, showing diversity in the students' in­

ous statements about life in Alex Rojas' "Without Feelings. " Some were fantasy­based as in Brannan Heywood's "Tinkerbell ", while Camberly Pearson's

terests and styles. Bran· nan Heywood displayed works in oil pastel, water­color, charcoal, graphite pencil, photography and clay sculpture while Lalnle Haskell showed mixed­media paintings with an emphasis on collage along with mixed-media sculp­tures . While Jenny McComas enjoys paint­ing European street scenes with acrylic paint, she also displayed a beautiful wooden box illustrating her

Rugene Paulette, Brannan Heywood and Sara Rossmoore at the Signet MShow

interests and heritage by utilizing enamel paint.

Each artist has his/her own distinctive style which made the show enjoyable for all in attendance. Tara Garner has a direct

graphic style with her col­ored pencil drawings while Michael Mas· zaros enjoys cross­hatching in graphite pen­cil. Shawn Lewis is successful with his geo­metric designs , and George Cauble works with mixing collage and graphite pencil.

"Spring", Sara Rossmoore's "Leisure Time" and Corbin Adamson's ':An After­noon Down South" depicted garden scenes. Landscapes of the present and the future further diversified the show that of­fered something for everyone.

Additional students displaying outstanding works were Parke Rhoads, Shannon Meade, Dickie Haskell, Catherine Beil, Brandon Sullivan, Chris Hagy, Fahad Qureshi and Taylor Collier.

Chris Hagy shows his artwork to Ed Rossmoore & Mrs. Hagy at the Signet MShow

The works ranged from the humorous, as dis­played in Rose Wolff's "Dog Power", to the seri-

The representatives of Signet Bank report that the customers thoroughly enjoyed the show and shared many positive comments with bank personnel. SpeCial thanks to Cecelia Fitzgerald and Paul Bishof of Sig­net. Because of the continuing success of the show, plans are already in the works for next year's exhibit! Well done Steward!!!

Blue & Gold CONNECTION PAGE 3

Page 4: Blue & Gold March 1995 I

A BusyVear for the Fine Arts In case you missed something, this is the Fine Arts Calendar for 1994-1995. Items in bold are things yet to come!

October 1 ...... ...... .. . Fine Arts Fair, Grades 4-8

October 5,6 ............ Grade 5 play: "Columbus'

November 3,4 ...... Grade 1 play"How Reading Came Back to Nowhere"

November 18,19,20 ...... ........ ............. Fall Play: "Cheaper By The Dozen"

November 23 ... ........... Thanksgiving Assembly Choirs and Instrumentalists

November 29-Dec 9 ....... . Choir performances Regency Mall,

Nursing Homes, etc.

December , ,2 ... ..... Grade 2 play:"Quiliworker: A Cheyenne Legend"

December 1 0 ..... ....... ... ............... Portfolio Day in Washington D.C.

December 15 ..... ......... Holiday Music Program "Rudy's Place"

January 19,20 ......... Grade 4 play:"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

January 23-31 ...... .. ...... Grade 4 play travels to nursery schools,

nursing homes, etc.

February 11 ......... .... ... District Chorus Festival

February 17,18 ...... ..... .. ............. One-Act plays: "The Coarse Acting Show"

Feb. 22-March 8 ... .... ... Signet Bank Art Show

February 23 ........... .. .... ........ Stunt-Talent Night

March 8. April ......... Airport Art Exhibit

March 9,10 ..•..•..•••••• Kindergarten play "The Little Engine That Could"

March 30, 31, April 1, 2 ............ Musical: "The Adventures of

Mary Poppins"

April 27,28 ....................... Grade 3 play to be announced

April 29 •................ Grade 4 play travels to Children's Museum

May 11,12 ..•..... Spring Music Program! Grandparents' Day Program

May 24 ...................... Fine Arts Banquet Grades 6·12

June 7 .................................. Graduation Choir sings

PAGE 4

A Sign of the Times The Steward School Art Department encour­ages students to "relive'''' history through art. Entering Dixon Hall on any given day gives one a view of "The sign of the times" as interpreted by the Lower School. In

As students in the fourth grade compare the Venus of Wi/lendorf (the oldest sculpture known to man) to modern day sculptures, the fifth grade examines the Parthenon and the Porch of Maidens. The most reA project for the fifth graders is "to ima" themselves as Michelangelo" and to create their own Sistine Chapel!

The art history time line that stretches across the front of lower school art room edu­cates the students to the time and types of art created throughout history. The stu­dents explore, discuss and recreate their impressions of the art of the time.

Come visit our world through the eager eyes and talented hands of the students in grades K-5 by walking Dixon Hall.

First grader Bailey Coggin creating a wonderful casr/e and even incorporating a Padow's sandwich box in her artwork.

by Lynn linder

March , the Lower School students are recreating ancient Egyptian hieroglyph­ics, cave paintings dating back to 15,000 BC, and portraits of King Tut. Throughout the year, Dixon Hall serves as the display area for many out­standing Lower School art projects

Kindergarten and first grade ch ildren en­hance their curriculum by creating art works about the diverse things they study in the classroom. The sec­ond grade develops a sense of design by studying units on un­derstanding lines , shape, color and tex­ture. Third grade recre­ates the styles of Mexi­can, African and An­cient Egyptian CU l­tures.

MARCH 1995

Page 5: Blue & Gold March 1995 I

Youth Art Month

.. celebration of Youth M Month, several ~ward art students will exhibit their work

with students from area schools at the Rich­mond International Airport from March 7 through April 4. A reception for exhibitors will be hosted by the Richmond International Airport and the Virginia Art Education Asso­ciation on Tuesday, March 7 at 5:00 p.m.

A Teacher·s Point of View On February 10 and 11, I spent an amazing weekend at Hermitage High School. Over 200 students and their music directors as­sembled to participate in the 1995 District I Choral Festival sponsored by The Virginia Music Educators Association. The students were selected by a very competitive audi­tion process. The District Chorus was un­der the direction of Dr. Marvin V. Curtis, the Founder and Director of the Richmond Fes­tival Chorus. Dr. Curtis, Associate Profes­sor of Music at Virginia Union University, is

_ educator and composer of choral mu­~. He has the distinction of being the first

African-American composer commissioned to write a choral work for the Inaugural Cer­emony of President Clinton. "The City on the Hill" is one of many that he has pub­lished. "Hymn of Consecration" and "The Praising Song" performed by the District I Chorus were written by Dr. Curtis.

Dr. Curtis rehearsed the students for two days. The concert took place at 5 p.m. on Saturday delighting the audience who filled the auditorium to full capacity. The students gave a magnificent performance, bringing heartfelt tears to many listeners, including this director who was totally inspired by the evening.

I watched Kate Hulcher put her best ef­fort into a difficult choral program, and was proud to be recognized as one of the sixty directors participating in this extraordinary evening. This was music education at the pinnacle! I look forward to next year when

.4IIIIIIIIIiteward will also participate in the District I

. rkshop Chorus for Middle School stu­dents.

- Ms. Bonnie Anderson, Director of Music

Blue & Gold CONNECTION

"The World's Largest Concert" The month of March has been designated as "Music To Our Schools Month" by the Music Educators National Conference. The month begins March 2, 1995 at 1:00 p.m. with "The World's Largest Concert: Music Means the World to Me" broadcast on PBS. The concert origi­nates from Kansas City, Missouri featur­ing the Lawrence (Kansas) Children's Choir and the Youth Symphony of Kansas City, Missouri.

This year's theme reminds us of the many benefits of music education including the way music introduces children to worlds beyond their own. This nationally televised sing-along unites eight million students across the nation and around the world through music. The program is a multi­cultural repertoire including a Kenyan lullaby, ':t\biyoyo", a Tahitian Folk Song, "Hoe Ana Te Vaka" and an orchestral arrangement of "The Hungarian March" by Hector Berlioz.

The Steward School Students in grades 3-5 and the grade 8 music class are partici­pating in the concert and will be listed in the national registry of partiCipating schools.

Winner of "Best Act in Show"-Ben Wolff (partner Aimee Bolton, not shown)

"Composer of the Month" Returns The hectic fall music schedule postponed the "Composer of the Month" series. How­ever, it is back with two composers instead of one being introduced monthly. Frederic Chopin and Yanni were the January com­posers followed by Johann Sebastian Bach and Scott Joplin in February.

The students look forward to the lessons that accompany a brief synopsis of the compos­ers' lives. The interest generated by these studies has preCipitated the purchase of CD's and tapes by our students and their families . Yanni is a favorite among our stu­dents. "Yanni-Live at the Acropolis" was ac­cepted by all with fascination and delight­even our young students in kindergarten and first grade. We can't begin too early to cultivate a love and appreCiation for fine mu­sic!

Stunt Talent Night "A Star is Born", the annual Stunt Talent Night, sponsored by the Fine Arts Depart­ment, took place February 23 in The Stew­ard School Auditorium. One highlight of the twenty-four acts was the "Miss Steward Pag­eant" where 13 "lovely Steward ladies" (up­per school gentlemen) competed for the title. After a very competitive question and answer session, 'tlohanna" Carrington was voted the loveliest of the evening with a close second place awarded to "Bonnie" Wilton.

Stunt Talent Night has become one of the most popular school events of the year. Stu­dents create acts, practice daily in the mu­sic room during lunch or recess, or at home and then "strut their stuff" to show their hard work. The panel of judges consisting of Mr. Hotchkiss, Mr. Ritte nhouse, Ms. Shaw, Ms. Shupe, and Ms. Dunville worked diligently to select the winners among a talented group of student perfor­mances. The diverse acts included students of all ages in karate routines, singing , danc­ing, musical instruments and magic! Win­ners were rewarded with prizes donated by Eskimo Pie, Cliff Weil, Inc .. FFV Interlake

PAGE 5

Page 6: Blue & Gold March 1995 I

Foods, Hardees, TCBY, and The Steward School Store and are listed below:

Best Act in the Show ................. Ben Wolff and

Most talented

Aimee Bolton tap dance duet.

Lower School student ...... Ida Henley-Karate

Most talented Middle School student ..... . Romaine Hunkeler

Piano Solo

Most Creative Lower School Group ............ "Show Me Love"

with Leigh, Anne Claibome, and Jacqueline-Paige Shelton,

Jennifer Gray and Sara Kornblau

Most Creative Middle School Group ........... M.S. Chorus with

"Rock and Roll is Here to Stay"

Most Original in Show ...... "Young and Proud" Ida Henley, Missy Jacobsen,

Amy Strickland, Ambika Bedi, Ali Pittman, Jamie Satterfield,

Shannon McCarthy

Best Instrumental in Show .......................... Mary Ashley Stanton

violin

Best Vocal in Show ..... .. "A Whole New World" Allison Strickland and Austin Pittrnan

The high point of the evening was an energetic performance by the "Mecca Motown Mamas" making their appearance after a twelve year hiatus from the Steward Stage . Showing that one "doesn't get older, just better, "the group pre­sented a precision rendition

of The Supremes "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". The "MMMs" were led by the irre­pressible Ms. Rice joined by Ms. Griffin, Ms. Harbaugh, Ms. Paulette, Ms. Turner, and Ms.Woodle.

Mary Ashley Stanton performs "Humoresque" by Dvorak

The Girls' Ensemble show a teachets nightmare

PAGE 6

It was through the efforts of many people that the evening was such a success. Ms. Anderson coordinated the program with the help of Mr. Imlrle and the technical crew of Adam Graves, Chris Dr~ Becky Meyerhoff, Stephen Paulet'" Matt Gottwald and Chad Whitten. Frazer Orgaln was a wonderful Master of Ceremonies ably assisted by Mistress of Ceremonies Emily Rose Wolff. Congratu­lations to all the performers!

What is Theatre? Theatre is a word with a magic ring . It calls up a bright and exciting picture. It may be of people in holiday spirit streaming down the aisles of the playhouse. It may be of the wonders hidden behind the folds of the front curtain . Or it may portray the hushed and eager audience, waiting for the house lights to dim.

Theatre magic also works its spell on the other side of the curtain, behind the foot­lights. Anyone who has ever been a part of this world knows the thrills of life backstage. No one can forget the excitement that mounts steadily until the moment when the stage manager finally signals, "Curtain go­ingup!" •

There are many different kinds of theaP performances. Circus, carnival, night club, fair, vaudeville, musical comedy, ballet, modern dance, opera, and operetta are all forms oftheatre. Motion pictures, television, and radio present all these forms.

The term legitimate theatre is commonly used to describe theatre with live actors to set it apart from theatre with pictures of ac­tors, as in movies or television. The term originally meant any drama (serious play) produced at London's Covent Garden, Drury Lane, or other legitimate theatres as opposed to those produced in the unli­censed playhouses that were becoming popular in the 18th century.

Some people go to the theatre to laugh, to relax, to escape from their everyday worries and cares. Others go to be emotionally stirred. to live (in a second-hand way) through the troubles and crises of the characters on the stage. Still others seek adventure and excite­ment. Some are curious to find out how other people live. Some go to learn, to be taug_ moral lesson. As French actor Louis Jou. said, "Faced with the mystery of life, men in­vented the theatre."

-Ryan Imirie

MARCH 1995

Page 7: Blue & Gold March 1995 I

STEWARD THEATRE PRESENTS

"The Coarse _cting Show"

The lights came up. The actors stared at one another-it seemed that someone for­got to place the dead body on stage. The lights went down. The play continues with a hitch-everything that can go wrong does ... and more! The second play finds two actors stuck in a giant salt shaker. The third play contains lines and scenes that must have been on Shakespeare's "cutting room floor." An hour and a half later, the plays were over, and the audience left, hold­ing their sides which ached from laughter. Thus was the scene at Steward Theatre's Evening of One-Act Plays enacted this time from the viewpoint of so-called "bad actors" or, in this case, "coarse actors."

Some words about Coarse Actors. Why write plays for them? It all began with a book by the real Michael Green, The M of Coarse Acting, a sort of text-book of stage disaster and moronic performance. It seemed to strike a chord with many stage people, both amateur and professional.

«re are several definitions of a Coarse or: one who can remember the pauses,

ut not the lines; one who can remember the lines but not the order in which they come, or one who addresses the scenery, or stands behind a lamp to deliver lines. But these only describe one facet of the Coarse Actor-his carelessness and incompe­tence . There is more to being a Coarse Actor than just being a bad actor. One of the things that distinguishes him is his de­sire to shine. The Coarse Actor always man­ages to push others out of the way so that he is seen behind every conversation which takes place on stage. Another strong char­acteristic is to be totally undirectable. De­terminedly undirectables insist on standing in front of the action so that the audience can't see what is taking place. Laziness in leaming lines, or inability to do so, is an­other characteristic of a Coarse Actor. This often leads to originality in hiding crib sheets (i.e.writing the lines inside a stage newspa­per only to find that the props people have switched papers one night!)

However, no matter what disasters occur,

Coarse Actor believes it is all for the best. really does think he-or she-is help­

Ing the show along. A good example of this occurs in Streuth , where the inspector who believes himself to be the best actor on the

Blue & Gold CONNECTION

stage, is responsible for the play's downfall when he keeps repeating a cue resulting in the play going around in circles-merci­fully concluding by the blacking-out of the lights . The collapse of the set or the failure of someone to appear on stage never fazes the Coarse Actors­they firmly believe that no one noticed!

In addition to Coarse Act­ing, there is Coarse Direc­tion (or production) re­vealed in ghastly group­

The head from the dead body and an oversized birdcage keep the cast of 'Streuth" busy. From lett: David Ryder, Andy Stilt, Usa McComas, Taylor Collier, Chris Drzal, Aaron Payne, and Camberly Pearson.

ings like a chorus line, and cliched movement: Coarse Stage Manage­ment may force itself into the attention of the audience by a set piece which is nearly impossible to move, or (as in All's Well ... , a bucket used in place of a misplaced stump!). Coarse Set De­sign is readily apparent in all three plays!

Lastly, remember this: it takes one to know one; it takes a smart blond to playa dumb blond; it takes a good actor to playa bad actor! In a scene lrom 'Airs Well That Ends As You Uke n,' Corbin

Brierre, Taylor Col/ier, and Chris Drzal discuss a wedding while Aaron Payne tries to get a stuck lute off 01 his hand.

What is IMPACT? INVOLVED Music PATRONS' Art COMMITIEE Theatre

Involved Patrons' Committee lor Music, Art and Theatre

IMPACT is being formed as a support! booster club for The Steward School's Fine Arts Department to ensure that the Steward and Richmond communities are aware of our school's unique strength in the Fine Arts. Recent studies by the Virgin ia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and the In­dependent School Marketing (ISM) program highlighted the Fine Arts program as a unique asset to the school. Its program is one of which the students and parents can be proud.

Much hard work goes on "beh ind the scenes", and there is much that IMPACT can do to contribute to the ongoing success of

the program. Certain needs have been iden­tified including publicity for coming events and arranging locations for art exhibits , plays or concerts. Additionally, we want your ideas.

We all enjoy the final product... student art­ists' display at The Signet Bank ... enjoying the beautiful holiday performance that has become a Ste-ward tradition ... or watching a "first-rate" pro­duction such as the upcoming Mary Poppins . Be a part of the excitement!

Call Sue or Mike Drzal, Fine Arts Uai­sons for the Parents' Association, at 747-6724 or notify any of the Fine Arts Depart­ment faculty of your interest. We Will invite interested individuals to an organizational wine and cheese party In the near future .

Come join in the fun!

PAGEl

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e

Steward Theatre presents

THE ADVENTURES OF

5Wjlgzrt dPOPP]JrS .-. {])irected 6y CRyan Imirie

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Friday, March 31 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday matinee, April2 at 3:00 p.m.

Admission Prices: $4.00 adult, $2 .00 student, $1 .00 under 12 if accompanied by a paying adult.

Tickets are available at the door.

For more information, please call the School at 740-3394

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