The Call BoardHere Comes... Thoroughly Modern Millie Now!

The winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie was the 2002 Broadway season’s most awarded new show! Based on the 1967 Academy Award-winning film, Thoroughly Modern Millie takes you back to the height of the jazz age in New York City in 1922, when “moderns”—including a flapper named Millie—were bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, entering the workforce, and rewriting the rules of love and marriage. This high-spirited musical romp is a delightful valentine to the long-standing spirit of New York City and those who seek to discover themselves against its sparkling skyline. Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of young hopeful, Millie Dillmount, who comes

from Kansas to New York City in search of a new life for herself. Her grand plan is to find a job as a secretary for a wealthy man and then marry him. However, the owner of her dingy hotel kidnaps young girls to sell to the Far East; her wealthy boss is slow in proposing marriage; and the man she actually falls in love with doesn’t have a dime to his name (or so he tells her). Filled with frisky flappers, dashing leading men and a dragon-lady of a villainess audiences will love to hate, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a perfectly constructed evening of madcap merriment. From explosive tap numbers to a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers-style routine, this is the perfect show for those who love a great show-stopping number. In Millie

Dillmount, musical theatre has found a new heroine for the ages. Performances are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Chevrolet of Warren (see article, Page 7) and will take place at 7:30 PM in the WCS Performing Arts Center on May 15 & 16. Tickets are available in advance online, and all seating is reserved. Visit WCSPA on the web at www.wcskids.net/wcspa for information.

You Can’t Take It With You

November 21 & 22

Chicagothe Musical

February 6 & 7

Honk, Jr.!March 20 & 21

Thoroughly Modern MillieMay 15 & 16

By: Erin Michon Level 2, SHHS

(Contunued on page 2)

2014-15Season:

Spring 2015 Edition

Where Are They Now? WCSPA Alumni

Miranda Wilking as Millie Dillmount Christopher Kaifesh as Trevor Graydon

Page 1

Photo by Renee Burch

UP NEXT!

Kellyn Uhl: Past and PresentKellyn Uhl, a Sterling Heights High

School graduate and a Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts Alumni, has recently traveled back to her home state of Michigan to take up a job offer as a dance teacher at Michigan State University. The young woman is a very sweet person, and wants to see the arts bring happiness back to humanity.

I was offered the chance to interview Ms. Uhl, and I’m very glad I accepted. She had a lot to tell about herself and her jour-ney through life with performing. Kellyn has been a dancer all her life, starting from a

very young age. In her seventh year of school, a woman named Stacy Cleaveland came to her dance studio and offered acting classes, in which Kellyn decided to partake. She instantly fell in love with the world of acting and the-atre. She went on to participate in musicals that Mrs. Cleaveland produced in the summer, and when it was time for high school, Kellyn decided to audition for the Warren Consoli-dated School of Performing Arts, where she really honed in her talents. With her drive and passion for the theatre, she became one of

BUY TICKETS

Page 2 The Call Board

and interest in photography as well.The day after she threw her college

graduation cap in the air, Kellyn packed her suitcase and migrated to New York. She worked on various projects, took and taught a multitude of dance classes, and worked as a photographer. Her photography landed her a home in India for three months, where she taught people in leprosy camps how to dance and simply enjoy life. It was there that the young woman realized how powerful the arts were, and just how much happiness they could bring people. After living in the big city for five years, the head of Michigan State University’s program called Kellyn to offer her a job as a dance teacher. Ecstatic, she

accepted the job offer and is currently in her home state of Michigan as an Alumni of MSU teaching fresh faces.

Interviewing Ms. Kellyn Uhl was a spectacular moment, one that gave me insight on another performer’s views about things near and dear to them. It was such a pleasure to get to know Kellyn, and her story really is captivating. Now that she is back in Michigan, I sincerely wish to get the chance to meet one of WCSPA’s best in the flesh. From dancing in a little studio, to teaching it at a fantastic university, luck sure has smiled upon Kellyn, past and present.

Blessings In Honk’s BackpackBy: Celestina Barash, Level 2, SHHS

There are about 20 million children in this country who are at risk of hunger. The consequences of hunger are much more than a growling stomach. Poor nutrition can result in a weaker immune system, hospitalization, lower IQ, shorter attention span, and lower academic achievement. The Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts is trying to do their part in the banishment of child hunger. This year’s children’s musical “Honk! Jr.” donated 90 percent of the profit made on the Saturday performance to Blessings in a Backpack, a program trying to prevent students and their families from going hungry.

WCSPA helps the community to help young students who are struggling by donating to Blessings in a Backpack.

Many of the WCSPA students are very excited and eager to lend a helping hand to the community.

“It makes me proud to be a part of such a compassionate, charitable theater program!” says Alina Zhuravel, Level 2.

Erin Michon, another Level 2 exclaims, “It’s awesome! Knowing that makes me even more proud to be part of such a world-changing program!”

All WCSPA students are ecstatic about this generous donation and they can’t wait to hear more about the progress that Blessings in a Backpack will make for these kids!

At any given time, over 19.5 million children (2011 statistic) cannot access food and have to reduce food intake, eat poor diets and often go without any

food. While it seems unlikely that children would go to bed hungry on weekends, in reality about 20% of children are at risk. Blessings in a Backpack works with schools to put an end to this issue. If all students were well fed and healthy, then attendance would increase, as well as the education level of “at risk” children. With as many children as possible sitting in the classroom there is a better chance the state percentage of standardized tests would also increase, being very beneficial to the state of Michigan. None of this would be possible without the help of Warren Consolidated Schools and WCSPA’s sponsor, the Extra Credit Union (see article, Page 7).

While children are still struggling, WCSPA and Blessings in a Backpack is doing their best to ensure them a sound food source. It may seem hard, but they will try—one backpack at a time.

(Kellyn Contunued.)the program’s best triple threats. During her senior year, Kellyn

auditioned for many theatre programs and searched for a college that would fit her needs. After graduating high school, she accepted an offer from Michigan State University for their theatre program. In her first year at Michigan State she auditioned for everything possible. Kellyn’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as she performed in three shows that very first year. She went on to major in Acting, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in the Fine Arts. It was around this time that she discovered her talent

To the left is Kris in his last year of WCPSA. To the right is a current photo of Kris.

To the left is Kellyn in her last year of WCPSA. To the right is a current photo of Kellyn.

Page 3Spring Issue

WCSPA Alumni: Kris O’NeilBy: Grace Marchionda Level 2, WMHS

Kris O’Neil, a Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts alumni, graduated from the program in 2002. After he graduated he did just about the opposite thing a theatre guy could do and joined the United States Marine Corps. He says he doesn’t really know why he signed up.

“Maybe I felt I had something to prove to myself, maybe it was September 11th, maybe it was to prove something to my father (he was in the Army in Vietnam).”

Later he found out that he has a long male lineage that served in the military. Kris went to boot camp in Paris Island, South Carolina, for three months.

“It wasn’t as bad as the movies made it out to be – it was worse.” He says it was the hardest thing he has done in his life. “I used to get yelled at by Mr. G at times and we would joke that he helped me prep for it. That man was beyond a mentor to me and I miss him a lot.” Kris wrote.

After that, Kris was in another month of combat training in North Carolina followed by Military Police School, which was a three month school in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

“It was here that my life was set on a truly awesome journey,” he said, “not awesome in the sense that the word

is over-used today, but in its most literal definition.”

Two and a half months into the schoolhouse, three recruiters came to see everyone there. They said they were recruiting for HMX-1. Kris said at the time he didn’t know what that was, but everyone was “voluntold”, (the opposite of volunteering), to try out. They did things like physical fitness tests, checked their rifle and pistol scores, and had to take a four hour long psychological test, and then had to stand in front of a board of three men as they questioned him.

Kris was one of the ten or so selected to serve with Marine One or HMX-1. Kris explained that Marine One is a green helicopter with a white top that also travels with the President everywhere like Air Force One. Kris traveled the world with the President of the United States – President George W. Bush for three and a half years.

“It was incredible, I was able to see thirty eight of the fifty states, as well as many countries too.”

Kris attended global events such as the G-20 summit, and the 60th anniversary of D-Day in France. After his tour of service for the White House, he was called into the Oval Office to meet the President before he left. He received what is called a “grip and grin” which basically is a brief conversation, a handshake, and a photograph.

“Aside from the photo, the unit gave me one other invaluable gift - the

security clearance that came with it. It is a requirement if you are going to be standing next to the President with a loaded firearm and are supposed to protect the helicopter if anyone should try to attempt anything”.

Kris says that getting that clearance paved the way for the career that he has today. He is now a supervisor in the National Operations Center for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Kris works at the headquarters in D.C.

On the more personal side of things, Kris was married in September of 2013 to his wife who he has been with for over five years.

“She is my rock,” Kris says. Kris now has a baby boy arriving

sometime in July. He says he is scared and excited for this next adventure. He is also going back to college.

“Life today is not what it was in the past, when my dad went through military. It used to be that you could go to college or go to the military and be just fine, but in today’s job market everyone has a degree, so even with the experience I have, if I am going to further my growth, I need a degree.”

He is studying to get his degree in Computer Science, with a minor in cyber-security. Kris has done some amazing things since he graduated. He misses the WCSPA teachers and wishes them the best.

“D’Armond Stands For Excellence”By: Isabelle Wither Level 2, CHS

“D’Armond stands for excellence,” says Mr. Jonathan Gillespie (Artistic Director, Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts). Betti D’Armond was a Drama/English teacher at Cousino High school. She won multiple teaching awards during the 60’s -70’s, and later retired in the 80’s. She also directed many community theatre productions. Because of her dedication to and passion for the arts and a long history of commitment to her students that the WCSPA program

has become what it is today.In 1990, Betti later returned to Cousino

to write the curriculum for the Theatre Arts Performance Program—then known as TAPP (an early form of WCSPA). In 1995, Mr. Gillespie took over the program. When TAPP began to grow, it was moved to Sterling Heights High School, and the program’s name was changed to the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts.

In 1997, at the first ever TAPP banquet, Betti D’Armond came and was surprised

to find that a new award for excellence in Theatre had been given in her name. The D’Armond Award is given to an outstanding graduating senior—one senior who embodies the dedication and passion of Betti D’Armond. It consists of a trophy, plaque, and scholarship money. It is considered the most honorable award you can receive at banquet.

Unfortunately, Betti D’Armond recently passed away at the age of 88. We thank her for her extreme dedication and amazing love for the arts. WCSPA would definitely not be celebrating its 25th Anniversary without her contributions and her commitment to the future. She may be gone, but her memory lives on.

BettiD’Armond

The Call Board

The Waiting GameBy: Halle BurkeLevel 2, CHS

Patience and perseverance: from a young age, children are taught that to live a good life, those are two vital virtues to have. ‘Good things come to those who wait,’ right? If you don’t believe that, just ask the creators of the 2002 musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. The Original Broadway production was the recipient of 6 Tony awards (including Best Musical!) How exactly did that happen? Through persistence, that’s how.

Thoroughly Modern Millie began as a vehicle to enhance the now legendary Julie Andrews’ budding career. The year was 1967 and Julie was fresh off of the set of a little film named The Sound of Music. Now, Hollywood knew that she was unstoppable, so they wanted

to create something tailor-made for her that would remind the world just how talented she was. The end result? Thoroughly Modern Millie, of course! The film opened to good reviews and a decent box office. It would be remembered as a nod to the delightful 1920’s with jazzy dance sequences, lovable characters, and catchy original songs. In short, Millie had all of the makings of a good musical, but the movie’s potential went untapped for decades.

Fast forward almost 40 years to 2002. The musical version of the film is the talk of the town (New York City, that is) and is selling out shows right and left. Some of the more unknown cast members will soon shoot up to superstardom, namely one, Miss Sutton Foster. The show is wowing audiences

and critics alike. Finally someone has unlocked all of “Millie’s” potential! Want to know how? Not with any Broadway secret, not with heaps of money, but with perseverance! Yes, just as though it was ripped straight from a children’s book, the creators of the show had to wait for 30 years to obtain the rights to the story of Millie and the gang. When they finally got the rights, magic was made. A Tony for Best Musical just doesn’t win itself, you know.

Once again we fast forward, and the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts is planning to end their 25th Anniversary season with a bang. What show are they planning? You guessed it, Thoroughly Modern Millie! What is up their sleeve? I am not one to tell you, you’ll just have to come to the shows on May 15th or 16th to see for yourself. What I can tell you is that the students are buzzing with excitement. Don’t wait to pick up your seats in advance, you can purchase tickets online and plenty of information is available on the WCSPA website. For sneak peeks and more, Friend us on Facebook & On Instagram!

We’re In The MoneyBy: Kevin Mazur Level 2, SHHS

Thespian Festival is an amazing experience that Michigan theatre students look forward to every year. It not only gives students the opportunity to hone their craft and learn new techniques in both performing and technical theatre, but it is also a great opportunity for seniors to compete for scholarships. Many seniors from our program received scholarships for their technical and acting abilities. However, receiving these scholarships is just the first step in their long, awaited journey to the college of their dreams.

“It makes you feel so good when they call your name for scholarships”, says Natalie Gault, a Level 4 who received scholarship offers for not only her acting abilities, but also for her costume designs/constructions. “Not gonna lie, I almost started to cry when they announced my name.”

When you audition for scholarships, there is no limit to the amount of offers you are allowed to get, and considering the fact that there are 25 different colleges to audition for, it is common for students who receive scholarship offers to receive them from more than one school. Sam Boida, another talented senior, was offered scholarships from 6 different schools. Sam and Natalie look forward to attending Wayne State University in the fall to study Theatre.

Carson Killmar, a senior at Sterling Heights High School, competed for scholarships in stage management and performance. She received over $140,000 in offers at Thespian Festival. Killmar did accept one offer and is excited to say that she will be attending Michigan State University to study Stage Management.

Theatre is a tough business to get into, but many people agree that it is worth the risk. Thankfully, Michigan

colleges are kind enough to offer students scholarships to allow these students to pursue their passion. If you are interested in making a career in the theatre, keep working hard; there is no reason that it cannot be you one day receiving those scholarships!

Senior Samantha Boida shows off one of her costumes that helped her earn mulitple college

scholarships at Thespian Festival 2014

Page 4

Page 5Spring Issue

“Everything Today Is Thoroughly Modern…”By:Rebekah Coy, Level 3, SHHS

As for the singing, the show is packed with songs that range from jazz to classical and not one has gone untouched. In the hallways and in class, the students are heard singing or humming to their favorite songs from the show. Even after auditions, the students have been working with the program’s musical director, Mrs. Stacy Cleveland, on all of the songs, whether it is in class or in a private lesson.

“My favorite song in the show is ‘What Do I Need With Love’ by the leading male character of Jimmy Smith,” Erin Esser, Level 2, said. “I love it because it is a changing moment in the musical for Jimmy...not to mention, it’s a catchy, swingy song.”

Sure, the singing and dancing are a big part of musical theatre, but theatre lives off of the actor’s ability to play someone other than themselves, and this show is packed with characters that the students and audience will love. All of the students have been learning about these characters in class by reading through the script with

the show’s director, Mr. Jonathan Gillespie. Reading the script has not only given the students an opportunity to learn all of the songs, but to hear Mr. Gillespie’s take on each of the characters as well. He has also told the students about what he has envisioned for the show. But the fact that he has the students reading for each of the characters allows the director to not only hear the student’s take on a character, but it is entertaining for the students.

“My favorite character in the show is Jimmy,” Level 4 student Julia Parsina said. “I love the fact that he is a round and complex character who changes throughout the course of the play. We can see how once he meets Millie, he undergoes a profound change and develops into a completely different person.”

The show promises to be mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, and will leave audience members humming the tunes for days. All of this is possible because of the excitement and dedication of WCSPA’s actors, actresses and teachers.

Anticipation is building in the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts. The students have been preparing since the beginning of the school year for the program’s spring musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

There are three major factors that make this musical (or any musical), which are the dancing, singing, and the acting. Ms. June Wygant, the dance instructor and choreographer of WCSPA, gave the students two short dances to perform at auditions. These dances gave the students a taste of what to expect in the show. One of the two dances was tap, and the other was jazz. Though they were short, the dances packed a punch, and the students practiced both of them until their feet hurt. The dancing in Thoroughly Modern Millie promises to be dazzling.

“I love the rhythm of the jazz dance piece,” says Level 3 student Shelby Eppich, “It is just so syncopated and fun to dance to.”

Practice Makes Perfect! - “Millie” Rehearsals & Photo Call

One Door Closes, Another OpensBy: Carmela Tomassini Level 4, CHS

“What do you even do in WCSPA?” is a common question asked by outside students. The Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts is packed with curriculum, and always is in full speed. Every year the program puts on four shows: one play, a dance produc-tion, a children’s show, and a spring musical. Although the amount of pres-sure is very high, each and every show is successful without a doubt-and great success calls for a celebration. At the end of each school year, each WCSPA level comes together to celebrate the success of the shows, and success of individual students at a banquet.

The banquet, usually held at the Royalty House, begins with food, pic-tures, and friends. Students like to dress up for the special occasion. Next is the recognition of students officially becom-ing members of the International Thes-pian Society. This begins the student’s adventure into Troupe 1000. Shortly after, the award ceremony begins, and

each student is recognized for their con-tribution to the program and is awarded a medal. Following this is the individual award ceremony, where the teachers recognize the specialized participation of individuals. Some of the awards include “Most Improved Dancer” and “Best Actress” for each level of the program. At the end, one special graduating senior is awarded a high level honor called the D’Armond Award for their time spent in WCSPA. The teachers give this to an in-dividual they feel has helped the program positively using leadership strategies. The teachers also recognize the parents who contribute their time and effort to the program. Lastly, Mr. Gillespie wraps up the banquet with the anticipated announcement of the shows for the fol-lowing year.

Brittany Tanner, a Level 4 says, “The Banquet brings everyone together for the last big bang.”

Each student feels a sense of happi-ness, especially the seniors.

Speaking of seniors, they may have had it easy this year, but they aren’t quite done yet! Next up is Senior Showcase, the last big performance done by seniors

before their show hits the road. “It may be far away, but in a blink of

an eye tomorrow will be Senior Show-case,” says Carson Killmar, Level 4.

During this performance, students choose from acting, singing, or dancing, and can perform any piece, theatrical or not.

“Senior Showcase is the last big hoo-rah to show what you love to do most,” says Sandy Kue, a previous Level 4.

Students also have the choice to participate in group or duet numbers. Senior Showcase highlights the senior’s experiences in their time at WCSPA, and most performers attempt to show themselves through the choice of their selection. Once showcase is over, seniors kiss WCSPA goodbye.

Whether it’s a celebration or a last goodbye, WCSPA creates memories that are remembered forever. Seniors should celebrate their time in WCSPA and the progress they’ve made, opposed to the sadness of leaving. Whether or not a student has theatre in their future, WC-SPA prepares students for the real world. Here we are; it’s the end of the road and time to move onto a new beginning. This year’s Senior Showcase is June 2nd in the Little Theatre at no charge.

Above: Class of 2014 perform at Senior ShowcaseBelow: Good times at WCSPA Banquet 2014

Don’t Miss your chance to RSVP for Banquet, May 27!

The Call BoardPage 6

Hamilton Chevrolet cares about Family and Future!

Does managing your finances often feel like drama? If so, you’re like most of the people who walk through our doors. From staying on top of your checking account transactions to digging your way out of debt, knowing just what to do to make ends meet can be difficult if you’re going it alone. So don’t. Extra Credit Union has an open door policy when it comes to helping people in our community navigate the ups and downs for managing money.

That’s right, we even help you when things aren’t so great—including your credit. If you are struggling with debt, stop by and talk to an Extra Credit Union lender. We’ll sit down and talk with you using an open ear and an open mind to see if there is something we can do to help get you on track. For many people, we have paid off credit cards, bill collectors and medical debt to give them one affordable payment—and a little less stress. It’s called Debt Consolidation and it can be just the

Bank with Extra Credit Union & Leave the Drama to the Actors!By: Amy Persyn - Extra Credit Union Marketing Manager

answer for those juggling too many bills at various interest rates.

You might be thinking, “Well, my situation isn’t that simple.” If we can’t help you get back on track with a loan, we’ll get you in touch with our partner, Accel, for counseling on budgeting, housing and foreclosure prevention, debt management plans and more. If you are not sure where to turn, let us advise you—after all, we’re right down the street.

If you aren’t sure where you stand with your credit, we have the answer to that, too. Knowing your score and what’s on your report are half the battle when it comes to your credit. The other half is making a plan to improve it. Our

advisors can pull your credit report, review it with you, and even give you some tips on how you can increase your score—and it’s all free. The service is one of the many ways we’re fulfilling our mission to educate people on their finances.

If you are managing your budget just fine, there are still a few ways we can probably help you with your family budget so you’ll have a little extra cash in your rainy day fund every month.

Finances don’t have to make you feel like you’re “caught without your lines” … just ask for help. Take your “cue” from us at Extra Credit Union—we’re here to help your family no matter your circumstances.

Extra Credit Union is a proud supporter of

WCSPA’s Honk Jr! -A Fundraiser for

Blessing in a Backpack (see article, Page 2)

Page 7 Spring Issue

www.hamiltonchevy.com

WCSPA’s Jonathan Gillespie expresses our deepest gratitude to Hamilton Chevrolet for their continued sponsorship from 2009-2015. David Hamilton (pictured left) and his family of employees are proud supporters of the arts, the WCS Community, and the families they serve.

Hamilton Chevrolet is proud to be the top sponsor of WCSPA’s 25th Anniversary season! From our founding, Gene Hamilton was a dedicated member of the Warren Rotary club—as well as being involved in many other community events and programs. Hamilton Chevrolet continues to lead today through community involvement & investment.

Hamilton’s second generation of owners (Don Hamilton, Sam Cupp & Mike Boguth) continue in Gene’s footsteps with supporting the Make-A-Wish foundation, Winning Futures Mentoring, Michigan Sting Hockey club, American Cancer Society, Gleaners food bank, Warren Jets football, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts.

“Our community is our reason for being. It is the reason we have been in business for 59 years, and the reason we continue to serve!” - David Hamilton

Page 8 The Call Board

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDSTERLING HIEGHTS, MI

PERMIT NO. 212

Warren Consolidated School Of Performing ArtsSterling Heights High School12901 15 Mile RoadSterling Heights, MI 48312

Current resident or

This newsletter was published with the generous support of the WCS Print Shop & Mr. Bill Shreeve.

Up Next… Thoroughly Modern Millie

WCSPA - Meetings & Events:May 12 at 8:00: Little Theater - Booster Meeting

May 27 - Banquet

June 2 - Senior Showcase

June 5 & 8 - WCSPA Finals

Find us on Facebook and Instagram!Search: “The Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts” (Facebook)

& “WCSPA” (On Instagram)

We’re on the Web! www.wcskids.net/wcspa