Thanks to all!
Just a note to let everyone know that our evening show went off without a hitch! The students did very well and the community enjoyed the event.
Thank you Dean, Sherri and Anne for the support and help in developing all the aspects of these operas. We appreciate all the libretto, prop and staging ideas that you gave to help make this process successful.
Dean, best of luck with your summer operas! Have a good summer, Sherri and Anne!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Bravo tutti!
Today was a real rush! From the buzz in the gym before rehearsal right through this afternoon's shows. It amazes me how much was accomplished in such a short time. As well, I've never had the chance to sit back and enjoy the show. Extra kudos to all those talented students who took on the job of orchestra!
This was really something for you should all feel very proud about.
As well, it was a real pleasure working with Sherri. Thanks everyone for a great experience!
Dean
This was really something for you should all feel very proud about.
As well, it was a real pleasure working with Sherri. Thanks everyone for a great experience!
Dean
Bravo Everyone!
Congratulations everyone! John, Becky, Rob and Melanie, you all put in an amazing amount of work throughout the project. The quality of the Operas are testament to yours and the students commitment. This afternoon's performance was fantastic. I hope you can all find a moment to sit back, savour the success, and just relax!
I'd like to thank you and the students for such an enjoyable experience at St. Mark's.
Sherri
I'd like to thank you and the students for such an enjoyable experience at St. Mark's.
Sherri
Monday, May 4, 2009
Tomorrow's Music
Bravo on some wonderful scores, all. We have a few things to add to Ms. Moore's class, and I have written some additional music. We should try to find a bit of extra time to incorporate it. Excited to see the premieres!
Dean
Dean
The Final Day
Hi Everyone,
Wow, it's hard to believe we are already at the end of this project. I just wanted to let you know that I spoke with Zoe today and she let me know that Katherine Semcesen will be coming out to the school tomorrow to enjoy our final afternoon performances. Katherine will also be bringing a COC intern along with her.
Looking forward to seeing the final products!
Sherri
Wow, it's hard to believe we are already at the end of this project. I just wanted to let you know that I spoke with Zoe today and she let me know that Katherine Semcesen will be coming out to the school tomorrow to enjoy our final afternoon performances. Katherine will also be bringing a COC intern along with her.
Looking forward to seeing the final products!
Sherri
Monday, April 27, 2009
Design Day - WOW!
I just wanted to update you on the design elements for St Marks, sorry it is a little behind, I just haven’t had a moment to do it.
All in all it was a great day. I felt very welcomed by staff and students and even though the time was short we made a good start. They had a fairly good supply of materials, especially big pieces of cardboard, which was great, and everyone seemed willing to get their costume pieces and other props together.
I hope everyone feels confident with how to proceed but if they need I would happily correspond with anyone who would like any extra input with what we began. Several of the classes decided to continue making for the rest of the day which meant that they really got a lot accomplished.
So here is a breakdown of what we did
Good luck with it all.
Anne
Melanie Moore's grade 7 class
Ms Moore was away ... so I hope the students remember well enough how to proceed. The class started on the half masks and need to completely cover them in masking tape, making sure it is well pressed down and smooth, then paint, add hair etc and an elastic or string to hold them on. I suggested that the vampires have more geometric features and the zombies have rounder ones. They should also have a colour scheme for them to differentiate the two groups. They also began the work on the meteor which is made from sections of cardboard in a sphere to which they can attach things, join the sections with paper, cloth etc if they want to cover the gaps.
Rob Scicluna's grade 8 class
Child Soldiers – they had a great idea of making barbed wire and need to paint it
Child Labourers – they started on the oversized video game consoles, and hammers
Bonfire – they got a long way with this
John Kennedy's grade 7/8 class
We identified each group by colour and object and they all started making those items
Jocks & Cheerleaders – created a logo in different sizes to put onto hats and clothes (anything they can), they also made pom-poms, their colour scheme is light and dark blue
Artsy Kids – they will be more patterned in clothing, they made oversized paintbrushes, they need to cover them in tape and paint
Nerds – made glasses, (one made a bow-tie) and are in the brown/beige range
Popular Kids – red and pinks, made oversized props in their colour
Becky Sappong's class
Bus front – we got started on the cardboard cut-out with collaged décor and it identified much of the rest of the staging for their opera
They also made the coffin and started on hats for the driver, cops etc.
All in all it was a great day. I felt very welcomed by staff and students and even though the time was short we made a good start. They had a fairly good supply of materials, especially big pieces of cardboard, which was great, and everyone seemed willing to get their costume pieces and other props together.
I hope everyone feels confident with how to proceed but if they need I would happily correspond with anyone who would like any extra input with what we began. Several of the classes decided to continue making for the rest of the day which meant that they really got a lot accomplished.
So here is a breakdown of what we did
Good luck with it all.
Anne
Melanie Moore's grade 7 class
Ms Moore was away ... so I hope the students remember well enough how to proceed. The class started on the half masks and need to completely cover them in masking tape, making sure it is well pressed down and smooth, then paint, add hair etc and an elastic or string to hold them on. I suggested that the vampires have more geometric features and the zombies have rounder ones. They should also have a colour scheme for them to differentiate the two groups. They also began the work on the meteor which is made from sections of cardboard in a sphere to which they can attach things, join the sections with paper, cloth etc if they want to cover the gaps.
Rob Scicluna's grade 8 class
Child Soldiers – they had a great idea of making barbed wire and need to paint it
Child Labourers – they started on the oversized video game consoles, and hammers
Bonfire – they got a long way with this
John Kennedy's grade 7/8 class
We identified each group by colour and object and they all started making those items
Jocks & Cheerleaders – created a logo in different sizes to put onto hats and clothes (anything they can), they also made pom-poms, their colour scheme is light and dark blue
Artsy Kids – they will be more patterned in clothing, they made oversized paintbrushes, they need to cover them in tape and paint
Nerds – made glasses, (one made a bow-tie) and are in the brown/beige range
Popular Kids – red and pinks, made oversized props in their colour
Becky Sappong's class
Bus front – we got started on the cardboard cut-out with collaged décor and it identified much of the rest of the staging for their opera
They also made the coffin and started on hats for the driver, cops etc.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Onstage Rehearsals
This past Thursday was a very productive day. I'm very pleased with how well the Operas are progressing. Melanie, sorry to hear about your husband's accident. I hope the surgery went well. Thank you Becky for taking on helping to keep Melanie's class on track in terms of casting, etc.
I just wanted to review/confirm a couple of scheduling details and please correct me if I have any of them wrong.
I just wanted to review/confirm a couple of scheduling details and please correct me if I have any of them wrong.
- Tuesday April 28 - Rehearsals will all be held on the stage
- Tuesday May 5 - We will run through each of the Operas onstage in the morning. There will then be a Dress Rehearsal in front of the rest of the school in the afternoon. The students will then be presenting the Operas to parents and family members in the evening.
For the rehearsals on Tuesday, it would also be useful to have any of the big props (desks, chairs, etc) set up onstage. This will help to give us a clear idea of how much space is available.
Once again - excellent work everyone!
Sherri
Monday, April 20, 2009
Designer day directions!
Hi All,
I will arrive by GO train leaving Union 7.20 arriving Erindale Station at 8am. I hope that is the nearest one. Can anyone give me directions from there to the school?
I'd appreciate a direct email if possible or phone call at 416 898 0946.
Thanks,
Anne Barber
I will arrive by GO train leaving Union 7.20 arriving Erindale Station at 8am. I hope that is the nearest one. Can anyone give me directions from there to the school?
I'd appreciate a direct email if possible or phone call at 416 898 0946.
Thanks,
Anne Barber
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Design Day
Design plan for Create an Opera – St Mark’s School with Anne Barber
Tuesday April 21
Hi Everyone,
Here is the plan for Tuesday.
I will start each class with a brief Q and A on the students’ ideas and a design approach, then show maquettes of each element, discuss and demonstrate the techniques needed and get them started.
If there could be enough tools for the students (scissors, knives, tape, etc) that would be great, much of the rest can be found easily. If anyone has trouble getting enough materials before Tuesday please let me know by emailing me or calling 416 898 0946. I can pick up most things other than large items like cardboard. Also if you have any comments, questions, suggestions, ideas please email me at shadow@shadowlandtheatre.ca.
The list for each class are what I would love to have if possible for this first class but assumes that you will be able to carry on to complete at a later date which may require additional materials.
Look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday
Anne
Ms. Melanie Moore's grade 7 class - 9:00 - 9:50am
School of Freaks
1 A Giant Meteor – sphere made from cardboard slotted together (could be decorated with found materials
2 Half masks for the Zombies with fabric hair
3 Half masks for the Vampires with sculpted faces
MATERIALS: Bristol Board (1/2 a piece per student making a mask), masking tape (several rolls), fabric scraps (could also be tissue paper), large pieces of cardboard, staplers, craft knives, found materials for decor
Mr. Rob Scicluna's grade 8 class - 10:15 -11:30
Social Soldiers
• Bandannas for the Child Soldiers – Stencil logos on cloth, also print on strips of cloth for bullet belts
• Child Labourers – video game consoles, tools (2D or bas relief), chains
Bonfire – slotted cardboard bonfire with sculpted flames
Mugs as if for hot chocolate , become begging bowls
MATERIALS: Fabric, Bristol Board, masking tape, cardboard (from regular-sized boxes is fine), tissue paper, white glue, paint, brushes etc. masking tape, staplers, interesting found materials
Mr. John Kennedy's grade 7/8 class - 12:40 - 1:45
Romantic Conflict each group has their own colour scheme, could be a tie, hair ribbon, or bigger piece of clothing. Plus additional props, especially school logos
1 Jocks & Cheerleaders – create a logo and stencil and layered pin on patches
2 Artsy Kids - Some kind of headgear i.e. a beret or colourful scarf – create a pattern and stencil for fabric patches and scarves
3 Nerds – Ties (in one colour), glasses, a book
4 Popular Kids – props in their colour – cell phones, jewelery, etc
MATERIALS: Tissue paper, cardboard (from regular boxes), Bristol Board, paint, fabric in 4 main colours (could be old clothing, preferably that could be cut up) , masking tape, staplers, glue guns would be good if possible, found materials for decor
Ms. Becky Sappong's class - 1:55 - 2:55
Misunderstandings
• Bus front – cardboard cut out with collaged décor
• Props and colour scheme for each character groups – skateboards, luggage etc,
MATERIALS: cardboard (from regular boxes), Bristol Board, paint, masking tape, glue guns, brown kraft paper, white glue, found materials for décor, old clothes
Tuesday April 21
Hi Everyone,
Here is the plan for Tuesday.
I will start each class with a brief Q and A on the students’ ideas and a design approach, then show maquettes of each element, discuss and demonstrate the techniques needed and get them started.
If there could be enough tools for the students (scissors, knives, tape, etc) that would be great, much of the rest can be found easily. If anyone has trouble getting enough materials before Tuesday please let me know by emailing me or calling 416 898 0946. I can pick up most things other than large items like cardboard. Also if you have any comments, questions, suggestions, ideas please email me at shadow@shadowlandtheatre.ca.
The list for each class are what I would love to have if possible for this first class but assumes that you will be able to carry on to complete at a later date which may require additional materials.
Look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday
Anne
Ms. Melanie Moore's grade 7 class - 9:00 - 9:50am
School of Freaks
1 A Giant Meteor – sphere made from cardboard slotted together (could be decorated with found materials
2 Half masks for the Zombies with fabric hair
3 Half masks for the Vampires with sculpted faces
MATERIALS: Bristol Board (1/2 a piece per student making a mask), masking tape (several rolls), fabric scraps (could also be tissue paper), large pieces of cardboard, staplers, craft knives, found materials for decor
Mr. Rob Scicluna's grade 8 class - 10:15 -11:30
Social Soldiers
• Bandannas for the Child Soldiers – Stencil logos on cloth, also print on strips of cloth for bullet belts
• Child Labourers – video game consoles, tools (2D or bas relief), chains
Bonfire – slotted cardboard bonfire with sculpted flames
Mugs as if for hot chocolate , become begging bowls
MATERIALS: Fabric, Bristol Board, masking tape, cardboard (from regular-sized boxes is fine), tissue paper, white glue, paint, brushes etc. masking tape, staplers, interesting found materials
Mr. John Kennedy's grade 7/8 class - 12:40 - 1:45
Romantic Conflict each group has their own colour scheme, could be a tie, hair ribbon, or bigger piece of clothing. Plus additional props, especially school logos
1 Jocks & Cheerleaders – create a logo and stencil and layered pin on patches
2 Artsy Kids - Some kind of headgear i.e. a beret or colourful scarf – create a pattern and stencil for fabric patches and scarves
3 Nerds – Ties (in one colour), glasses, a book
4 Popular Kids – props in their colour – cell phones, jewelery, etc
MATERIALS: Tissue paper, cardboard (from regular boxes), Bristol Board, paint, fabric in 4 main colours (could be old clothing, preferably that could be cut up) , masking tape, staplers, glue guns would be good if possible, found materials for decor
Ms. Becky Sappong's class - 1:55 - 2:55
Misunderstandings
• Bus front – cardboard cut out with collaged décor
• Props and colour scheme for each character groups – skateboards, luggage etc,
MATERIALS: cardboard (from regular boxes), Bristol Board, paint, masking tape, glue guns, brown kraft paper, white glue, found materials for décor, old clothes
Friday, April 17, 2009
Sappong Libretto
Opening Scene: Funeral
Priest: Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to mourn over our friend Mr. Louis. He was a big part of our town, faithfully driving a bus for 42 years. He was a beloved model citizen, who worked diligently in our community, without one sick day… (Drones on)
[Amazing grace playing in background]
George the loner: What he’s saying isn’t HALF of what a good person Mr. Louis was…
Polish father: You are sooo right! He was a great friend to others; he wasn’t only loved because he was a good worker.
Hayley: Yes! If it wasn’t for him, I’d be DEAD right now!
Priest: (Talks Louder) …he has definitely made a grand impact in ALL of our lives and has changed us all as well as this community that we live in today… Now, if you would please come forward to say your goodbyes, and reflect.
(People go into small groups to share stories. Skaters, Polish family and George come together)
George the Loner: He helped me get my life back on track one day when I got on his bus.
Polish Mom: Byl nasz pierwszy kolega, tutaj w Kanadzie.
Polish Dad: He was our first friend here in Canada when we got on his bus.
Larry: Mr. Louis stood up for us on his bus the other day.
Song:
Welcome to my bus,
Welcome to my bus.
Big or small, short or tall,
I’ll accept you all
Welcome to my bus,
Welcome to my bus.
Come take a seat, new friends you’ll meet
Your ride ‘ll be a treat.
Welcome to my bus!
ACT 1 – GEORGE THE LONER
Underline - recitative/underscore etc.
(Ladies on bus casually talking)
Peacock lady: “Oh, that’s such a nice purse! Where did you get it?”
Lady 2: (gloating) “Oh, this old thing? I bought this yesterday at Coach. Where did you get those heels?”
Lady 3: “These are just something I had lying around… that I had designed by Chanel.”
(George the loner drags himself up the bus stairs; stumbling. He goes to sit in the middle and the ladies start whispering negative comments about him.)
Chorus:
Get off the bus! You’re not like us! X3
We don’t want you here.
Ladies: You can’t afford this (Lady 1 points at something)
You can’t afford that (Lady 2 points at something)
Chorus: You can’t afford this Gucci hat (point at rich lady)
Ladies: Your smell is rank, Fills us with dread (pinching nose)
Chorus: You’ve got no roof over your head
Chorus:
Get off the bus! You’re not like us! X3
We don’t want you here.
Mr. Louis: (yelling) Hey! (Music stops)
Lady 1: (loudly whispers - sung) Maria, hide your purse!
Peacock lady: Bus driver! Kick him off the bus! He smells so bad! Get him off or I’m leaving! (Talking over underscore)
Chorus:
He has no job. He has no friends.
When he gets off, our misery ends.
Ladies: (loudly) Just get off the bus!
Chorus:
Get off the bus! You’re not like us! X3
We don’t want you here.
(Music abruptly stops)
(The ladies move to the back of the bus, covering their noses; except the peacock lady. lady 1 and 3 hide their purses)
Mr. Louis: There’s nothing wrong with him. It’s a free country. Leave if you want. (Recitative) (Peacock lady leaves in a stuck-up manner, when “bus” stops)
Mr. Louis: “Come sit beside me.” (Spotlight goes on as others reset stage)
George: (moves to front of bus) “thanks, I guess you’re wondering how I ended up like this.”
Mr. Louis: a little, yes. (Mr. Louis& George walk offstage on stairs as spotlight follows them. Stage is dark as it is being re-set. Lights go on actors act on stage)
George: My parents died and I was in a foster home. Later in life I was accused of the murder of my love Sally. I was released from jail years later and no one would hire me.
Mr. Louis: it looks like you had a tough time
George: yes, I’m glad I got on your bus. I can’t make much out of my life, but you’ve definitely made something
Mr. Louis: yes it’s just like they say, when you have nothing, you can gain something.
(Mr. Louis gives George his coat)
Mr. Louis: Here you can have this. It’s cold outside.
George: Thank you. It’s my stop. Thanks again Mr. Louis.
(George puts on coat and walks off bus)
ACT 2 – THE POLISH FAMILY
(Bus door opens, family steps in.)
Mr. Louis: Welcome to the bus.
(Family sits down, speaking talking with each other in polish. English family moves away and starts to stare and whisper.)
Canadian child: Dad, who are those people?
Canadian dad: They are another one of those immigrants stealing our jobs in a town that already has very little!
Canadian child: Why are they stealing the jobs?
Polish child: Hey stop criticizing our parents!
Song:
Polish Mother: Dla czego wszycy pascza sie Na nas.
Na autobusie to jest nasz pierwsy ras
(dla chego lshist-tsi pachshau sheau na nas
na owto-busheh toh yest nash pierfsheh ras.)
English Family: Hey family, why are you stealing our jobs?
You belong on the streets with the dirty dogs.
Polish Kids: We’re not stupid we know what you said.
We’re not imbeciles, but different instead.
Although our parents don’t understand,
They were doctors in the homeland.
(Music gets tenser by the line.)
(Kids whisper to parents, Parents look shocked and upset)
Polish Dad: Wiesz co, wy—
(viesh tso, vy)
Mr. Louis: Whoa! What’s going on?!
(Bus is already pulled over)
Polish Kids: (Pointing at the English family accusingly) They are being mean! They are saying our parents are dumb!
Mr. Louis: These people aren’t dumb, they are greatly educated!
English Family: We don’t care, these people are idiotic and badly mannered!
(Both dad’s get up in slow motion)
(Music is slowed)
(English dad punches and [Fast motion] Mr. Louis blocks the punch.)
(English family leaves the bus with sneers and obnoxious expressions on their faces.)
All Passengers:
We’re sorry for what had just occurred,
They don’t understand, that’s why they’re disturbed.
We hope these people will learn one day.
Mr. Louis:
I’ll give you a gift that will help on your way.
A dictionary is just what you need,
You’ll soon be able to write and then read!
Polish Kids: Thank you so much, we hope to meet you again!
(Mr Louis gives them their gifts.)
(Curtain closes)
Scene 3
(Mr. Louis sings welcome to my bus song) (Skateboarders walk on eating)
Allen: Get off the bus, you criminals! I saw you steal that food! They probably stole those skateboards too!
Matszuzaki: No way! We bought these skateboards to give to the poor kids who can’t afford to buy them.
Patricia: There was a beer store robbery last week, it was probably you guys!
Hayley: What makes you think is was us? You have no proof!
Allen: You guys are thugs on the street. You guys are the reason our streets aren’t safe.
Song:
Take away the clothes and the shoes We’re misunderstood
And then you’ll see we are pretty cool dudes We’re actually good
If you look inside, you will see that we’re kind These boards are for kids to have fun
People these days are judged all the time To get them out of the slums
There’s so much pressure to perform and be Taken away from my family
There’s so much I can’t breathe properly We started to skate so we could be free
You see my clothes you don’t like what you see There’re so many problems today
So you accuse me of a store robbery That kids can’t afford to buy skateboards and play
(Police come in bus)
Police 1: Why hello, we’re just on our break
Police 2: Isn’t there a doughnut shop nearby?!
Police 1: That doesn’t matter right now…though I do like doughnuts
(Matsuzaki smirks)
Police 1: What are you laughing at?
Matsuzaki: Nothing
Peacock Lady: Officer, those skaters stole food from that grocery shop back there
Larry: What? We didn’t steal anything
Allen: We saw them just take the food without paying
Hayley: We are sponsored by that grocery store don’t you understand?
(Police take out handcuffs)
Larry: What are you doing? We aren’t lying! We have proof!
(Smiles at Hayley)
Hayley: Oh yeah! We do! Here it is
Peacock Lady: Oh lord! She’s got a gun
Police 2: Freeze! Now!
(Skaters are forced to freeze) (Hayley doesn’t)
Hayley: You have no right to push us around like this! We’ve got proof! (Police motions to shoot. Mr. Louis jumps in front)
Mr. Louis: Stop this nonsense! (Mr. Louis falls to ground
Larry: Oh no, don’t die (Skaters surround Mr. Louis)
(Side) Police uses radio to get help
CLOSING
George: This is for Mr. Louis, since he gave it to me in the first place…
(George hangs Mr. Louis’ coat on his grave)
Polish Mom: Yes. These are for you Mr. Louis… they helped us all the way through out lives…
(Polish parents drop the dictionaries into Mr. Louis’ grave)
Hayley: Mr. Louis, you rock. I mean… you saved my life. That’s why we saved a board for you…
(Larry drops a skateboard into Mr. Louis’ grave)
Polish Mom: Thanks, Mr. Louis.
Matzuzsaki: Thanks, Mr. Louis.
George: Thanks, Mr. Louis.
Refrain: Oh, Mr. Louis, you were our driver, but now you rest in peace. X2
Verse 1: It was cold at night,
There wasn’t a light,
And I needed to get home.
People think I’m a slob,
I can’t get a job,
But I will prove them wrong.
(Refrain)
Verse 2: They misunderstood as much as they could,
But we were like the rest.
You gave us hope,
Like a priest,
Or a pope and now we are the best.
(Refrain)
Verse 3: Fightin’ for a cause,
That they reject because,
We wear different clothes.
Gotta get kids off the street,
Got a deadline that’s hard to meet,
But they still drive us down.
(Refrain)
Priest: Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to mourn over our friend Mr. Louis. He was a big part of our town, faithfully driving a bus for 42 years. He was a beloved model citizen, who worked diligently in our community, without one sick day… (Drones on)
[Amazing grace playing in background]
George the loner: What he’s saying isn’t HALF of what a good person Mr. Louis was…
Polish father: You are sooo right! He was a great friend to others; he wasn’t only loved because he was a good worker.
Hayley: Yes! If it wasn’t for him, I’d be DEAD right now!
Priest: (Talks Louder) …he has definitely made a grand impact in ALL of our lives and has changed us all as well as this community that we live in today… Now, if you would please come forward to say your goodbyes, and reflect.
(People go into small groups to share stories. Skaters, Polish family and George come together)
George the Loner: He helped me get my life back on track one day when I got on his bus.
Polish Mom: Byl nasz pierwszy kolega, tutaj w Kanadzie.
Polish Dad: He was our first friend here in Canada when we got on his bus.
Larry: Mr. Louis stood up for us on his bus the other day.
Song:
Welcome to my bus,
Welcome to my bus.
Big or small, short or tall,
I’ll accept you all
Welcome to my bus,
Welcome to my bus.
Come take a seat, new friends you’ll meet
Your ride ‘ll be a treat.
Welcome to my bus!
ACT 1 – GEORGE THE LONER
Underline - recitative/underscore etc.
(Ladies on bus casually talking)
Peacock lady: “Oh, that’s such a nice purse! Where did you get it?”
Lady 2: (gloating) “Oh, this old thing? I bought this yesterday at Coach. Where did you get those heels?”
Lady 3: “These are just something I had lying around… that I had designed by Chanel.”
(George the loner drags himself up the bus stairs; stumbling. He goes to sit in the middle and the ladies start whispering negative comments about him.)
Chorus:
Get off the bus! You’re not like us! X3
We don’t want you here.
Ladies: You can’t afford this (Lady 1 points at something)
You can’t afford that (Lady 2 points at something)
Chorus: You can’t afford this Gucci hat (point at rich lady)
Ladies: Your smell is rank, Fills us with dread (pinching nose)
Chorus: You’ve got no roof over your head
Chorus:
Get off the bus! You’re not like us! X3
We don’t want you here.
Mr. Louis: (yelling) Hey! (Music stops)
Lady 1: (loudly whispers - sung) Maria, hide your purse!
Peacock lady: Bus driver! Kick him off the bus! He smells so bad! Get him off or I’m leaving! (Talking over underscore)
Chorus:
He has no job. He has no friends.
When he gets off, our misery ends.
Ladies: (loudly) Just get off the bus!
Chorus:
Get off the bus! You’re not like us! X3
We don’t want you here.
(Music abruptly stops)
(The ladies move to the back of the bus, covering their noses; except the peacock lady. lady 1 and 3 hide their purses)
Mr. Louis: There’s nothing wrong with him. It’s a free country. Leave if you want. (Recitative) (Peacock lady leaves in a stuck-up manner, when “bus” stops)
Mr. Louis: “Come sit beside me.” (Spotlight goes on as others reset stage)
George: (moves to front of bus) “thanks, I guess you’re wondering how I ended up like this.”
Mr. Louis: a little, yes. (Mr. Louis& George walk offstage on stairs as spotlight follows them. Stage is dark as it is being re-set. Lights go on actors act on stage)
George: My parents died and I was in a foster home. Later in life I was accused of the murder of my love Sally. I was released from jail years later and no one would hire me.
Mr. Louis: it looks like you had a tough time
George: yes, I’m glad I got on your bus. I can’t make much out of my life, but you’ve definitely made something
Mr. Louis: yes it’s just like they say, when you have nothing, you can gain something.
(Mr. Louis gives George his coat)
Mr. Louis: Here you can have this. It’s cold outside.
George: Thank you. It’s my stop. Thanks again Mr. Louis.
(George puts on coat and walks off bus)
ACT 2 – THE POLISH FAMILY
(Bus door opens, family steps in.)
Mr. Louis: Welcome to the bus.
(Family sits down, speaking talking with each other in polish. English family moves away and starts to stare and whisper.)
Canadian child: Dad, who are those people?
Canadian dad: They are another one of those immigrants stealing our jobs in a town that already has very little!
Canadian child: Why are they stealing the jobs?
Polish child: Hey stop criticizing our parents!
Song:
Polish Mother: Dla czego wszycy pascza sie Na nas.
Na autobusie to jest nasz pierwsy ras
(dla chego lshist-tsi pachshau sheau na nas
na owto-busheh toh yest nash pierfsheh ras.)
English Family: Hey family, why are you stealing our jobs?
You belong on the streets with the dirty dogs.
Polish Kids: We’re not stupid we know what you said.
We’re not imbeciles, but different instead.
Although our parents don’t understand,
They were doctors in the homeland.
(Music gets tenser by the line.)
(Kids whisper to parents, Parents look shocked and upset)
Polish Dad: Wiesz co, wy—
(viesh tso, vy)
Mr. Louis: Whoa! What’s going on?!
(Bus is already pulled over)
Polish Kids: (Pointing at the English family accusingly) They are being mean! They are saying our parents are dumb!
Mr. Louis: These people aren’t dumb, they are greatly educated!
English Family: We don’t care, these people are idiotic and badly mannered!
(Both dad’s get up in slow motion)
(Music is slowed)
(English dad punches and [Fast motion] Mr. Louis blocks the punch.)
(English family leaves the bus with sneers and obnoxious expressions on their faces.)
All Passengers:
We’re sorry for what had just occurred,
They don’t understand, that’s why they’re disturbed.
We hope these people will learn one day.
Mr. Louis:
I’ll give you a gift that will help on your way.
A dictionary is just what you need,
You’ll soon be able to write and then read!
Polish Kids: Thank you so much, we hope to meet you again!
(Mr Louis gives them their gifts.)
(Curtain closes)
Scene 3
(Mr. Louis sings welcome to my bus song) (Skateboarders walk on eating)
Allen: Get off the bus, you criminals! I saw you steal that food! They probably stole those skateboards too!
Matszuzaki: No way! We bought these skateboards to give to the poor kids who can’t afford to buy them.
Patricia: There was a beer store robbery last week, it was probably you guys!
Hayley: What makes you think is was us? You have no proof!
Allen: You guys are thugs on the street. You guys are the reason our streets aren’t safe.
Song:
Take away the clothes and the shoes We’re misunderstood
And then you’ll see we are pretty cool dudes We’re actually good
If you look inside, you will see that we’re kind These boards are for kids to have fun
People these days are judged all the time To get them out of the slums
There’s so much pressure to perform and be Taken away from my family
There’s so much I can’t breathe properly We started to skate so we could be free
You see my clothes you don’t like what you see There’re so many problems today
So you accuse me of a store robbery That kids can’t afford to buy skateboards and play
(Police come in bus)
Police 1: Why hello, we’re just on our break
Police 2: Isn’t there a doughnut shop nearby?!
Police 1: That doesn’t matter right now…though I do like doughnuts
(Matsuzaki smirks)
Police 1: What are you laughing at?
Matsuzaki: Nothing
Peacock Lady: Officer, those skaters stole food from that grocery shop back there
Larry: What? We didn’t steal anything
Allen: We saw them just take the food without paying
Hayley: We are sponsored by that grocery store don’t you understand?
(Police take out handcuffs)
Larry: What are you doing? We aren’t lying! We have proof!
(Smiles at Hayley)
Hayley: Oh yeah! We do! Here it is
Peacock Lady: Oh lord! She’s got a gun
Police 2: Freeze! Now!
(Skaters are forced to freeze) (Hayley doesn’t)
Hayley: You have no right to push us around like this! We’ve got proof! (Police motions to shoot. Mr. Louis jumps in front)
Mr. Louis: Stop this nonsense! (Mr. Louis falls to ground
Larry: Oh no, don’t die (Skaters surround Mr. Louis)
(Side) Police uses radio to get help
CLOSING
George: This is for Mr. Louis, since he gave it to me in the first place…
(George hangs Mr. Louis’ coat on his grave)
Polish Mom: Yes. These are for you Mr. Louis… they helped us all the way through out lives…
(Polish parents drop the dictionaries into Mr. Louis’ grave)
Hayley: Mr. Louis, you rock. I mean… you saved my life. That’s why we saved a board for you…
(Larry drops a skateboard into Mr. Louis’ grave)
Polish Mom: Thanks, Mr. Louis.
Matzuzsaki: Thanks, Mr. Louis.
George: Thanks, Mr. Louis.
Refrain: Oh, Mr. Louis, you were our driver, but now you rest in peace. X2
Verse 1: It was cold at night,
There wasn’t a light,
And I needed to get home.
People think I’m a slob,
I can’t get a job,
But I will prove them wrong.
(Refrain)
Verse 2: They misunderstood as much as they could,
But we were like the rest.
You gave us hope,
Like a priest,
Or a pope and now we are the best.
(Refrain)
Verse 3: Fightin’ for a cause,
That they reject because,
We wear different clothes.
Gotta get kids off the street,
Got a deadline that’s hard to meet,
But they still drive us down.
(Refrain)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Libretto (April 16/09)
I've cut and paste our script into the blog. I'm thinking this may be best sent as an attachment. Also, we need to firm up on the music side of things. As a group, we've cancelled rotary over the next two weeks to help prepare.
Social Soldiers
SCENE 1 -- Opening
Actors The entire class
Stage Direction: Kids sit in their seat and start watching a moviePSA – Child Soldiers on large screen for audience to watch
Movie finishes, kids turn to each other and start talking
Dialogue: Simon: “So what did everyone think?”
Song Lyrics: That movie was so pointless
I wasn’t even sad
Who cares of those in Africa
Their lives don’t seem so bad
Dialogue: Simon: “Everyone quiet down!”
Simon: “Do you see how fortunate we are to be here at school and to have a roof over our heads and have food in our fridge?
Jesse: So who cares, it’s just a stupid movie.
Song Lyrics: How can we make a diff’rence
You’re asking way too much
For they are way too far away
And we can’t get in touch
Dialogue: Simon: “Stop being so selfish! You guys have everything!”
Stage Direction: Bell rings, kids start walking out of the classroom
As kids are walking out of the classroom they start singing
Song Lyrics:
Our minds are stuck one thing
And that thing is ourselves
Why should we care for Africa
Why can they help themselves
Why should we care for Africa
Why can they help themselves
SCENE 2 - (Hockey Scene – Child Soldiers)
Actors: David, Alex P., Alex T., Jordan, David, Brittney, Mitchell, Klaudia
Stage Direction: group of kids playing hockey and talking
Dialogue: David: “That movie was a waste of time.”
Jordan: “Why should we care about child soldiers.”
Brittney: “Africa is so far away.”
Mitchell: “They don’t have it that bad.”
Transition Phrase: David: “It would be cool to be in Africa and have a gun and stuff.”(convention)
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes (Tableau like).
People from off stage come and replace sticks with guns.
Take away nets (or make into barbed wire) .
Dialogue: Alex T. (Boss Man): “Grab your guns, you have your mission. It’s to check the battlefield for bombs. There are no more kids from the last group, so you’re it!”
Song Lyrics: Boom, bang the noise is insane
The gun is heavy, and the killing inhumane
14 years old is too young to die
It’s too much to witness before my eye
Dialogue: Alex T.: “Get going, stop standing around – who do think you are!!!”
Song Lyrics: Grabbed from safety and expected to fight
Not knowing if I’ll make it through the night
A child soldier’s life is not what it seems
It’s just cruel and bloody and down right mean
Stage Direction: While song is playing some war stuff in background (possible)
Dialogue: Jordan: “Man I was wrong about what I said earlier”
Brittney: “This is a terrible way to live.”
Mitchell: “I can’t believe we take what we have for granted.”
Transition Phrase: David: “Man I wish I was back in Canada.”
Stage Direction: Curtains close
SCENE 3 (Video Game Scene – Child Labour)
Actors: Barlow, Matt, Michael, Austin, Freddy, Colin, Brian, Zack
Stage Direction: There are a group of kids playing video games at a classmate’s house
Dialogue: Colin: “That movie was a waste of time.”
Brian: “I almost fell asleep during the movie.”
Zack: “It’s not our fault that there are sweatshops in Africa.”
Barlow: “Why should we care about stuff that’s going on all the way in Africa.”
Transition Phrase: Colin: “It would be cool to have a job at such a young age and make some money.”
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes.
The game consoles are taken away and all of a sudden they are in a sweatshop in Africa.Big Boss Man is walking by – angry, bitter, tyrant
Dialogue: Austin: “Do you think you’re getting paid to sit around. Well you’re not! Get to work, or I’ll have to resort to having you whipped. Who do think you are – important? Please keep dreaming.”
Song Lyrics:
I must work hard, sweat is dripping
If not quick enough, comes another whipping
We were playing video games
Just having care free fun
But now if we don’t work
We’re threatened with a gun
I must work hard, sweat is dripping
If not quick enough, comes another whipping
We didn’t know this life was toughIt isn’t even fair
We’ve to accomplish much
We didn’t even care
Dialogue: Austin: “That’s it, you aren’t nearly working quick enough.” (ready to hit the kids)
Transition Phrase: Colin: “Man I wish we were back in Canada.”
SCENE 4 Camping song
Actors: Alejandra, Nikki, Veronica, Chiara, Sarah, Martina, Cass, Chante, Claudia, Megan, Nicole, Arthel
Dialogue: Cass: “I hate it here out in the cold dark woods.”
Martina: “We have nothing to do or play with.”
Chante: “You think those kids in Africa have it bad”
Transition Cass: “It would be cool to go there were its nice, sunny and warm every day!”
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes, people come from off stage and remove all the food, drink and other accessories (image of having nothing).
Dialogue: Sarah: “I’m so thirsty. Where are the juice boxes we brought?”
(someone is walking by, students ask them)
Martina: “Can you tell me where I can get a drink?”
Alejandra: “The closest well is three miles away, and even if you get a drink it may make you sick.”
Song Lyrics: It is so very hot.
How did we end up here?
There’s nothing we can eat,
We’re only full of fear!
All are bones are aching,
from all this lack of sleep
There’s nowhere we can rest,
We’ll be six feet deep
Dialogue: Sarah: “This place really does stink”
Chante: “Sure it’s nice to be warm but not this warm!”
Martina: “We don’t even have anything to drink or eat, and we we’re complaining at home of how our cool-aid tasted funny?”
Cass: “Guys I wish I was back in Canada, where we have, food, drinks, and a nice bed to sleep in!”
SCENE 5 Close
Actors The entire class
Stage Direction Curtains open, students are all back in the classroom (same class as in the first scene)
Lots of chatter, more excitement than in scene one.
Dialogue: Simon: “Good morning students, I hope you thought about the movie from last class.”
David: ”You’ll think I’m crazy but a group of us were playing hockey and all of a sudden we became child soldiers.”
Colin: ”That’s not so crazy, we were playing a video game and all of a sudden we were in a sweatshop.”
Cass: ”We were sitting around a camp fire when all of a sudden we were sitting around with NOTHING.!”
Song Lyrics
The people in the other places,
barley had a dime,
We really need to help them,
not to would be a crime.
Dialogue: Simon: ”Good! You’re angry and aware, but what are you going to do about it!”
Song Lyrics
The people here in Africa
don’t have a single dime
We really need to help them out
We’re running out of time
We start with some donations
Then start to spread the news
They’d be Social Soldiers too.
Please help them if you choose.
Social Soldiers
SCENE 1 -- Opening
Actors The entire class
Stage Direction: Kids sit in their seat and start watching a moviePSA – Child Soldiers on large screen for audience to watch
Movie finishes, kids turn to each other and start talking
Dialogue: Simon: “So what did everyone think?”
Song Lyrics: That movie was so pointless
I wasn’t even sad
Who cares of those in Africa
Their lives don’t seem so bad
Dialogue: Simon: “Everyone quiet down!”
Simon: “Do you see how fortunate we are to be here at school and to have a roof over our heads and have food in our fridge?
Jesse: So who cares, it’s just a stupid movie.
Song Lyrics: How can we make a diff’rence
You’re asking way too much
For they are way too far away
And we can’t get in touch
Dialogue: Simon: “Stop being so selfish! You guys have everything!”
Stage Direction: Bell rings, kids start walking out of the classroom
As kids are walking out of the classroom they start singing
Song Lyrics:
Our minds are stuck one thing
And that thing is ourselves
Why should we care for Africa
Why can they help themselves
Why should we care for Africa
Why can they help themselves
SCENE 2 - (Hockey Scene – Child Soldiers)
Actors: David, Alex P., Alex T., Jordan, David, Brittney, Mitchell, Klaudia
Stage Direction: group of kids playing hockey and talking
Dialogue: David: “That movie was a waste of time.”
Jordan: “Why should we care about child soldiers.”
Brittney: “Africa is so far away.”
Mitchell: “They don’t have it that bad.”
Transition Phrase: David: “It would be cool to be in Africa and have a gun and stuff.”(convention)
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes (Tableau like).
People from off stage come and replace sticks with guns.
Take away nets (or make into barbed wire) .
Dialogue: Alex T. (Boss Man): “Grab your guns, you have your mission. It’s to check the battlefield for bombs. There are no more kids from the last group, so you’re it!”
Song Lyrics: Boom, bang the noise is insane
The gun is heavy, and the killing inhumane
14 years old is too young to die
It’s too much to witness before my eye
Dialogue: Alex T.: “Get going, stop standing around – who do think you are!!!”
Song Lyrics: Grabbed from safety and expected to fight
Not knowing if I’ll make it through the night
A child soldier’s life is not what it seems
It’s just cruel and bloody and down right mean
Stage Direction: While song is playing some war stuff in background (possible)
Dialogue: Jordan: “Man I was wrong about what I said earlier”
Brittney: “This is a terrible way to live.”
Mitchell: “I can’t believe we take what we have for granted.”
Transition Phrase: David: “Man I wish I was back in Canada.”
Stage Direction: Curtains close
SCENE 3 (Video Game Scene – Child Labour)
Actors: Barlow, Matt, Michael, Austin, Freddy, Colin, Brian, Zack
Stage Direction: There are a group of kids playing video games at a classmate’s house
Dialogue: Colin: “That movie was a waste of time.”
Brian: “I almost fell asleep during the movie.”
Zack: “It’s not our fault that there are sweatshops in Africa.”
Barlow: “Why should we care about stuff that’s going on all the way in Africa.”
Transition Phrase: Colin: “It would be cool to have a job at such a young age and make some money.”
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes.
The game consoles are taken away and all of a sudden they are in a sweatshop in Africa.Big Boss Man is walking by – angry, bitter, tyrant
Dialogue: Austin: “Do you think you’re getting paid to sit around. Well you’re not! Get to work, or I’ll have to resort to having you whipped. Who do think you are – important? Please keep dreaming.”
Song Lyrics:
I must work hard, sweat is dripping
If not quick enough, comes another whipping
We were playing video games
Just having care free fun
But now if we don’t work
We’re threatened with a gun
I must work hard, sweat is dripping
If not quick enough, comes another whipping
We didn’t know this life was toughIt isn’t even fair
We’ve to accomplish much
We didn’t even care
Dialogue: Austin: “That’s it, you aren’t nearly working quick enough.” (ready to hit the kids)
Transition Phrase: Colin: “Man I wish we were back in Canada.”
SCENE 4 Camping song
Actors: Alejandra, Nikki, Veronica, Chiara, Sarah, Martina, Cass, Chante, Claudia, Megan, Nicole, Arthel
Dialogue: Cass: “I hate it here out in the cold dark woods.”
Martina: “We have nothing to do or play with.”
Chante: “You think those kids in Africa have it bad”
Transition Cass: “It would be cool to go there were its nice, sunny and warm every day!”
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes, people come from off stage and remove all the food, drink and other accessories (image of having nothing).
Dialogue: Sarah: “I’m so thirsty. Where are the juice boxes we brought?”
(someone is walking by, students ask them)
Martina: “Can you tell me where I can get a drink?”
Alejandra: “The closest well is three miles away, and even if you get a drink it may make you sick.”
Song Lyrics: It is so very hot.
How did we end up here?
There’s nothing we can eat,
We’re only full of fear!
All are bones are aching,
from all this lack of sleep
There’s nowhere we can rest,
We’ll be six feet deep
Dialogue: Sarah: “This place really does stink”
Chante: “Sure it’s nice to be warm but not this warm!”
Martina: “We don’t even have anything to drink or eat, and we we’re complaining at home of how our cool-aid tasted funny?”
Cass: “Guys I wish I was back in Canada, where we have, food, drinks, and a nice bed to sleep in!”
SCENE 5 Close
Actors The entire class
Stage Direction Curtains open, students are all back in the classroom (same class as in the first scene)
Lots of chatter, more excitement than in scene one.
Dialogue: Simon: “Good morning students, I hope you thought about the movie from last class.”
David: ”You’ll think I’m crazy but a group of us were playing hockey and all of a sudden we became child soldiers.”
Colin: ”That’s not so crazy, we were playing a video game and all of a sudden we were in a sweatshop.”
Cass: ”We were sitting around a camp fire when all of a sudden we were sitting around with NOTHING.!”
Song Lyrics
The people in the other places,
barley had a dime,
We really need to help them,
not to would be a crime.
Dialogue: Simon: ”Good! You’re angry and aware, but what are you going to do about it!”
Song Lyrics
The people here in Africa
don’t have a single dime
We really need to help them out
We’re running out of time
We start with some donations
Then start to spread the news
They’d be Social Soldiers too.
Please help them if you choose.
Design Day Information
Hi again,
I've just been in contact with Anne , our designer for the project, and she has provided a list of materials that will be needed for Tuesday. If you foresee any difficulties in obtaining any of the materials please post it on the blog ASAP so that we can work to solve the problem.
Materials List
Anne will probably be in touch with any further information regarding Tuesdays class.
Sherri
I've just been in contact with Anne , our designer for the project, and she has provided a list of materials that will be needed for Tuesday. If you foresee any difficulties in obtaining any of the materials please post it on the blog ASAP so that we can work to solve the problem.
Materials List
- Bristol Board
- Cardboard (especially one big piece for the bus)
- Fabric scraps and strips
- Brown paper
- Masking tape
- White glue
- Staplers and staples
- Coloured tissue paper
- Scissors, glue pots, brushes etc
Anne will probably be in touch with any further information regarding Tuesdays class.
Sherri
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Things to Work on
Hello Everyone,
The following is a list to help you remember what needs to be worked on between now and next Thursday (April 23):
The following is a list to help you remember what needs to be worked on between now and next Thursday (April 23):
- Casting - this should be done as soon as possible
- Learning Lines - once the casting has been established, the students need to start working on their lines
- Learning Lyrics
- Music - the students that are responsible for creating the music should carry on with the writing and rehearsing of the music pieces
- Post Final Versions - please post your final versions of the Opera as soon as they are complete. This helps us to plan ahead for the next session.
Thanks for all your hard work so far - the Operas are really taking shape!
Sherri
Information for Ann
Hi Ann,
The work at St. Mark's has been going very well and the classes are all anticipating your visit next Tuesday (April 21). We discussed possible design ideas yesterday with each class and below are some notes which will hopefully help you prepare for your visit. Also, there are brief synopses of each of the four Operas on the blog under the March 26th posting titled Week One Summary.
Ms. Melanie Moore's grade 7 class - 9:00 - 9:50am
School of Freaks
The main characters in the Opera are Vampires and Zombies. There is also a giant meteor which plays an important role. We discussed the possibility of the students working on creating:
Romantic Conflict (title still to be determined)
This Opera has a lot of conflict between four rival cliques. We discussed the idea of creating some object, article of clothing, or accessory that would immediately help to define each of the specific groups. The following are the different groups and some ideas that the students came up with:
The bulk of this Opera takes place aboard a city bus. We discussed the idea of creating some kind of set that can be placed near the front of the stage which looks like the front of a bus.
The work at St. Mark's has been going very well and the classes are all anticipating your visit next Tuesday (April 21). We discussed possible design ideas yesterday with each class and below are some notes which will hopefully help you prepare for your visit. Also, there are brief synopses of each of the four Operas on the blog under the March 26th posting titled Week One Summary.
Ms. Melanie Moore's grade 7 class - 9:00 - 9:50am
School of Freaks
The main characters in the Opera are Vampires and Zombies. There is also a giant meteor which plays an important role. We discussed the possibility of the students working on creating:
- A Giant Meteor
- Half masks for the Zombies
- Half masks for the Vampires
Mr. Rob Scicluna's grade 8 class - 10:15 -11:30
Social Soldiers
This Opera contains three distinct sections; Child Soldiers, Child Labour, Child Poverty. Some of the ideas which were suggested were to create the following:
- Bandannas for the Child Soldiers (to be worn either across the face, around the head, or around the neck)
- Child Labourers - we weren't as definite on what could be created to help depict these characters. Perhaps something that would identify them as all being the same and all being oppressed.
- Child Poverty - One of the scenes has a bonfire in it. The students suggested creating an imitation bonfire that could easily be removed from the scene.
Mr. John Kennedy's grade 7/8 class - 12:40 - 1:45
Romantic Conflict (title still to be determined)
This Opera has a lot of conflict between four rival cliques. We discussed the idea of creating some object, article of clothing, or accessory that would immediately help to define each of the specific groups. The following are the different groups and some ideas that the students came up with:
- Jocks & Cheerleaders - Pom Poms, School Letters (like the ones worn on High School jackets)
- Artsy Kids - Some kind of headgear i.e. a beret or colourful scarf
- Nerds - Ties, glasses, pocket protectors
- Popular Kids - this one was more of a challenge and the ideas were much more concrete like cell phones, jewellery, personal electronic devices
Ms. Becky Sappong's class - 1:55 - 2:55
MisunderstandingsThe bulk of this Opera takes place aboard a city bus. We discussed the idea of creating some kind of set that can be placed near the front of the stage which looks like the front of a bus.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Nitty-Gritty
Session Three - done. Now we are getting serious! I am pleased with the fact that every group has managed to craft a clear libretto from their various themes. We have discussed some possible cuts in each group to keep things clear and to the point. Bravo to all, though, on keeping things (mostly) to a page a scene.
This will be a short work week, with the Easter Holiday, and then the choir group gone to Florida next week.
SHERRI, we considered casting next week, but everyone agreed that it wouldn't be a good idea, as so many would be absent. So we should arrange to do it at another time.
MUSIC!!! Thanks to all the students who had actually thought of musical material in advance. Their talents will be fully used. As far as the works of this week. The librettos should be tightened and typed into one document which is (ideally) posted here.
Encourage the students to continue with the music on their own or in groups. The more material we have, the better, but don't feel it has to be a finished product at all for next week.
Have a great long weekend, and we'll see you back (along with Sherri) next Tuesday.
This will be a short work week, with the Easter Holiday, and then the choir group gone to Florida next week.
SHERRI, we considered casting next week, but everyone agreed that it wouldn't be a good idea, as so many would be absent. So we should arrange to do it at another time.
MUSIC!!! Thanks to all the students who had actually thought of musical material in advance. Their talents will be fully used. As far as the works of this week. The librettos should be tightened and typed into one document which is (ideally) posted here.
Encourage the students to continue with the music on their own or in groups. The more material we have, the better, but don't feel it has to be a finished product at all for next week.
Have a great long weekend, and we'll see you back (along with Sherri) next Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Sappong libretto - Act 3
Okay, here is Act 3...
Act 3; Skateboarders
(Mr. Louis sings welcome to my bus song)
(Skateboarders walk on eating)
Allen: Get off the bus, you criminals! I saw you steal that food! They probably stole those skateboards too!
Matzsuzaki: No way! We bought these skateboards to give to the poor kids who can’t afford to buy them.
Patricia: There was a liquor store robbery last week, it was probably you guys!
Hayley: What makes you think is was us? You have no proof!
Allen: You guys are thugs on the street. You guys are the reason our streets aren’t safe.
Song (Skateboarders Sing):
Take away the clothes and the shoes We’re misunderstood
And then you’ll see we are pretty cool dudes We’re actually good
If you look inside, you will see that we’re kind These boards are for kids to have fun
People these days are judged all the time To get them out of the slums
There’s so much pressure to conform and be (only Larry: ) Taken away from my family
There’s so much we can’t breathe properly I started to skate so I could be free
You see our clothes you don’t like what you see (together: ) There’s so many problems today
So you accuse us of a store robbery That kids can’t afford to buy a skateboard and play
(Police come in bus)
Police 1: Why hello, we’re just on our break
Police 2: Isn’t there a doughnut shop nearby?!
Police 1: That doesn’t matter right now… although I do like doughnuts…
(Police see skateboarders) (Background starts)
Police 1: Hey you! You skaters! Get down! Now!
(Police tackle skaters) (Background stops)
Matzsuzaki: Hey? What’s the big idea?!
Police 2: Well, you are skaters, you have to be up to something!
(Skaters stand up)
Hayley: No, wait! We’re good! We’re running a charity to raise money to get skateboards to kids! Look!
Police 1: Hey! Don’t you take out any weapons!
(Police take out guns)
Mr. Louis: (Recit.) No! Don’t shoot those children, shoot me instead!! Noooooo!
(Louis dives in front of Hayley) (Police shoot, not being able to adjust to the scene)
Police 2: Oops.
Larry: (Mini Aria) I thought I was done with deaths in my life. I guess I was wrong. (starts crying)
(Flyer falls out of Hayley’s Hand) (Skater’s drop to knees around Mr. Louis)
(Police 1 sees flyer-picks it up)
Police 1: I guess we were wrong about these kids after all… sorry… our bad… (Calls ambulance)
Lights Fade, End Of Scene
Act 3; Skateboarders
(Mr. Louis sings welcome to my bus song)
(Skateboarders walk on eating)
Allen: Get off the bus, you criminals! I saw you steal that food! They probably stole those skateboards too!
Matzsuzaki: No way! We bought these skateboards to give to the poor kids who can’t afford to buy them.
Patricia: There was a liquor store robbery last week, it was probably you guys!
Hayley: What makes you think is was us? You have no proof!
Allen: You guys are thugs on the street. You guys are the reason our streets aren’t safe.
Song (Skateboarders Sing):
Take away the clothes and the shoes We’re misunderstood
And then you’ll see we are pretty cool dudes We’re actually good
If you look inside, you will see that we’re kind These boards are for kids to have fun
People these days are judged all the time To get them out of the slums
There’s so much pressure to conform and be (only Larry: ) Taken away from my family
There’s so much we can’t breathe properly I started to skate so I could be free
You see our clothes you don’t like what you see (together: ) There’s so many problems today
So you accuse us of a store robbery That kids can’t afford to buy a skateboard and play
(Police come in bus)
Police 1: Why hello, we’re just on our break
Police 2: Isn’t there a doughnut shop nearby?!
Police 1: That doesn’t matter right now… although I do like doughnuts…
(Police see skateboarders) (Background starts)
Police 1: Hey you! You skaters! Get down! Now!
(Police tackle skaters) (Background stops)
Matzsuzaki: Hey? What’s the big idea?!
Police 2: Well, you are skaters, you have to be up to something!
(Skaters stand up)
Hayley: No, wait! We’re good! We’re running a charity to raise money to get skateboards to kids! Look!
Police 1: Hey! Don’t you take out any weapons!
(Police take out guns)
Mr. Louis: (Recit.) No! Don’t shoot those children, shoot me instead!! Noooooo!
(Louis dives in front of Hayley) (Police shoot, not being able to adjust to the scene)
Police 2: Oops.
Larry: (Mini Aria) I thought I was done with deaths in my life. I guess I was wrong. (starts crying)
(Flyer falls out of Hayley’s Hand) (Skater’s drop to knees around Mr. Louis)
(Police 1 sees flyer-picks it up)
Police 1: I guess we were wrong about these kids after all… sorry… our bad… (Calls ambulance)
Lights Fade, End Of Scene
Sappong libretto - Act 2
Okay here is the second act...
Act Two
(Bus door opens, family steps in.)
Mr. Louis: Welcome to the bus.
(Family sits down, speaking talking with each other in polish. English family moves away and starts to stare and whisper.)
Polish Mother: Dla czego wszycy pascza sie Na nas.
Na autobusie to jest nasz pierwsy ras
English Family: Hey family, why are you stealing our jobs?
You belong on the streets with all the dirty dogs.
Polish Kids: We are not stupid we know what you said.
We are not imbeciles, but Polish instead.
Although our parents don’t understand,
They were doctors back in the homeland.
(Music gets tenser by the line.)
(Kids whisper to parents) (Parents look shocked and upset)
Polish Dad: Wiesz co, wy—
Mr. Louis: Whoa! What’s going on?! (Bus is already pulled over)
Polish Kids: (Pointing at the English family accusingly) They are being mean!
Mr. Louis: These people aren’t dumb, they are greatly educated!
English Family: We don’t care, these people are idiotic and badly mannered!
(Both dad’s get up in slow motion)
(Music is slowed)
(English dad punches and [Fast motion] Mr. Louis blocks the punch.)
(English family leaves the bus with sneers and obnoxious expressions on their faces.)
All Passengers: We apologize for what had just occurred,
They don’t understand, that’s why they’re disturbed.
We hope that these people will learn better one day.
Mr. Louis: I’ll give you a gift that will help you on your way.
A Polish- English dictionary is just what you need,
You’ll soon be able to write and then read!
Polish Kids: Thank you so much, we hope to meet you again!
(Mr Louis gives them their gifts.)
(Curtain closes)
Fin.
Act Two
(Bus door opens, family steps in.)
Mr. Louis: Welcome to the bus.
(Family sits down, speaking talking with each other in polish. English family moves away and starts to stare and whisper.)
Polish Mother: Dla czego wszycy pascza sie Na nas.
Na autobusie to jest nasz pierwsy ras
English Family: Hey family, why are you stealing our jobs?
You belong on the streets with all the dirty dogs.
Polish Kids: We are not stupid we know what you said.
We are not imbeciles, but Polish instead.
Although our parents don’t understand,
They were doctors back in the homeland.
(Music gets tenser by the line.)
(Kids whisper to parents) (Parents look shocked and upset)
Polish Dad: Wiesz co, wy—
Mr. Louis: Whoa! What’s going on?! (Bus is already pulled over)
Polish Kids: (Pointing at the English family accusingly) They are being mean!
Mr. Louis: These people aren’t dumb, they are greatly educated!
English Family: We don’t care, these people are idiotic and badly mannered!
(Both dad’s get up in slow motion)
(Music is slowed)
(English dad punches and [Fast motion] Mr. Louis blocks the punch.)
(English family leaves the bus with sneers and obnoxious expressions on their faces.)
All Passengers: We apologize for what had just occurred,
They don’t understand, that’s why they’re disturbed.
We hope that these people will learn better one day.
Mr. Louis: I’ll give you a gift that will help you on your way.
A Polish- English dictionary is just what you need,
You’ll soon be able to write and then read!
Polish Kids: Thank you so much, we hope to meet you again!
(Mr Louis gives them their gifts.)
(Curtain closes)
Fin.
Ms. Sappong's Opera - Act 1
Hi,
Here is our Libretto...we still need the beginning and the ending.
Act 1 Loner: Script and Song underline - recitative/underscore etc.
(Ladies on bus casually talking)
Peacock lady says, “Oh, that’s such a nice purse! Where did you get it?”
Lady 2 gloats, “Oh, this old thing? I bought this yesterday at Coach. Where did you get those heels?”
Lady 3 answers, “These are just something I had lying around… that I had designed by Chanel.”
(George the loner drags himself up the bus stairs; stumbling. He goes to sit in the middle and the ladies start whispering negative comments about him.)
Chorus: Get off the bus! You’re not like us
Lady 1: You can’t afford this (point at something)
Lady 2: You can’t afford that (point at something)
Chorus: You can’t afford this Gucci hat (point at rich lady)
Lady 3: Your smell fills us with dread (pinching nose)
Peacock lady: You can’t even afford a roof over your head
Chorus: Get off the bus! You’re not like us!
Mr. Louis (yelling): Hey! (Music stops)
Chorus: (softly, then crescendo music starts again)
He has no job, he has no friends.
When he gets off the bus, he’ll make amends.
Peacock: (yells) Just get off the bus
Chorus: (decrescendo chanting)
Get off the bus! You’re not like us, Get off the bus, you’re not like us…
(music abruptly stops)
(The ladies move to the back of the bus, covering their noses; except the peacock lady. lady 1 and 3 hide their purses)
Lady 1 swiftly whispers “Maria, hide your purse!”
Peacock lady yells, “Bus driver! Kick him off the bus! He smells so bad! Get him off or I’m leaving!” (Talking over underscore)
Mr Louis replies “there’s nothing wrong with him. It’s a free country. Leave if you want.” (Recitative) (Peacock lady leaves in a stuck-up manner, when “bus” stops)
Mr. Louis: “Come sit beside me.” (Spot light goes on as others reset stage) George: (moves to front of bus) “thanks, I guess you’re wondering how I ended up like this.”
Mr. Louis: a little, yes. (Mr. Louis& George walk offstage on stairs as spotlight follows them. Stage is dark as it is being re-set. Lights go on actors act on stage)
George: My parents died when I was three. It was really hard on me, and my bad attitude moved me from foster home to foster home. I was kicked out at 18: I had no job, no education and no future. I dropped out of high school. Then I met Sally, and she was the love of my life. She died under mysterious circumstances and I was confused. I was accused of the murder. I was innocent & released 6 years later but it was too late. No one would hire me (lights go off & rearranged to bus scene) I lost everything; and now I have nothing (spotlight follows Mr. Louis & George back on stage lights on)
Mr. Louis: but when you have nothing, you can gain something. (Mr. Louis gives George his coat) Mr. Louis: Here; you can have this. It’s cold outside.
George: Thank you. It’s my stop, thanks again Mr. Louis. (George puts on coat and walks off bus)
(Ladies on bus casually talking)
Peacock lady says, “Oh, that’s such a nice purse! Where did you get it?”
Lady 2 gloats, “Oh, this old thing? I bought this yesterday at Coach. Where did you get those heels?”
Lady 3 answers, “These are just something I had lying around… that I had designed by Chanel.”
(George the loner drags himself up the bus stairs; stumbling. He goes to sit in the middle and the ladies start whispering negative comments about him.)
Chorus: Get off the bus! You’re not like us
Lady 1: You can’t afford this (point at something)
Lady 2: You can’t afford that (point at something)
Chorus: You can’t afford this Gucci hat (point at rich lady)
Lady 3: Your smell fills us with dread (pinching nose)
Peacock lady: You can’t even afford a roof over your head
Chorus: Get off the bus! You’re not like us!
Mr. Louis (yelling): Hey! (Music stops)
Chorus: (softly, then crescendo music starts again)
He has no job, he has no friends.
When he gets off the bus, he’ll make amends.
Peacock: (yells) Just get off the bus
Chorus: (decrescendo chanting)
Get off the bus! You’re not like us, Get off the bus, you’re not like us…
(music abruptly stops)
(The ladies move to the back of the bus, covering their noses; except the peacock lady. lady 1 and 3 hide their purses)
Lady 1 swiftly whispers “Maria, hide your purse!”
Peacock lady yells, “Bus driver! Kick him off the bus! He smells so bad! Get him off or I’m leaving!” (Talking over underscore)
Mr Louis replies “there’s nothing wrong with him. It’s a free country. Leave if you want.” (Recitative) (Peacock lady leaves in a stuck-up manner, when “bus” stops)
Mr. Louis: “Come sit beside me.” (Spot light goes on as others reset stage) George: (moves to front of bus) “thanks, I guess you’re wondering how I ended up like this.”
Mr. Louis: a little, yes. (Mr. Louis& George walk offstage on stairs as spotlight follows them. Stage is dark as it is being re-set. Lights go on actors act on stage)
George: My parents died when I was three. It was really hard on me, and my bad attitude moved me from foster home to foster home. I was kicked out at 18: I had no job, no education and no future. I dropped out of high school. Then I met Sally, and she was the love of my life. She died under mysterious circumstances and I was confused. I was accused of the murder. I was innocent & released 6 years later but it was too late. No one would hire me (lights go off & rearranged to bus scene) I lost everything; and now I have nothing (spotlight follows Mr. Louis & George back on stage lights on)
Mr. Louis: but when you have nothing, you can gain something. (Mr. Louis gives George his coat) Mr. Louis: Here; you can have this. It’s cold outside.
George: Thank you. It’s my stop, thanks again Mr. Louis. (George puts on coat and walks off bus)
Monday, April 6, 2009
SCENE 1 -- Opening
Stage Direction: Kids sit in their seat and start watching a moviePSA – Child Soldiers on large screen for audience to watch
Movie finishes, kids turn to each other and start talking
Song Lyrics: That movie was so pointless
I wasn’t even sad
Who cares about those in Africa
Their lives don’t seem so bad
Dialogue: Teacher: “Everyone quiet down!”
Teacher: “Do you see how fortunate we are to be here at school and to have a roof over our heads and have food in our fridge?
Student: So who cares, it’s just a stupid movie.
Song Lyrics: How can we make a diff’rence
You’re asking way too much
They are way too far away
We can’t get in touch
Dialogue: Teacher: “Stop being so selfish! You guys have everything!”
Stage Direction: Bell rings, kids start walking out of the classroom
As kids are walking out of the classroom they start singing
Song Lyrics:
Our minds are around one thing
An that thing is ourselves
Why should we care for them
They can help themselves
SCENE 2 - (Hockey Scene – Child Soldiers)
Stage Direction: group of kids playing hockey and talking)
Dialogue: “That movie was a waste of time.”
“Why should we care about child soldiers.”
“Africa is so far away.”
“They don’t have it that bad.”
Transition Phrase: “It would be cool to be in Africa and have a gun and stuff.”(convention)
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes (Tableau like).
People from off stage come and replace sticks with guns.
Take away nets (or make into barbed wire) .
Dialogue: “Grab your guns, you have your mission. It’s to check the battlefield for
bombs. There are no more kids from the last group, so you’re it!”
Song Lyrics: Boom, bang the noise is insane
The gun is heavy, the killing inhumane
14 years old is too young to die
Too much to witness before my eye
Dialogue: “Get going, stop standing around – who do think you are!!!”
Song Lyrics: Grabbed from safety and expected to fight
Not knowing if I’ll make it through the night
A child soldier’s life is not what it seems
It’s just cruel and bloody and down right mean
Stage Direction: While song is playing some war stuff in background (possible)
Dialogue: “Man I was wrong about what I said earlier”
“This is a terrible way to live.”
“I can’t believe we take what we have for granted.”
Transition Phrase: “Man I wish I was back in Canada.”
Stage Direction: Curtains close
SCENE 3 (Video Game Scene – Child Labour)
Stage Direction: There are a group of kids playing video games at a classmate’s house
Dialogue: “That movie was a waste of time.”
“I almost fell asleep during the movie.”
“It’s not our fault that there are sweatshops in Africa.”
“Why should we care about stuff that’s going on all the way in
Africa.”
Transition Phrase: “It would be cool to have a job at such a young age and make some money.”
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes.
The game consoles are taken away and all of a sudden they are in a sweatshop in Africa.Big Boss Man is walking by – angry, bitter, tyrant
Dialogue: “Do you think you’re getting paid to sit around. Well you’re not! Get to work, or I’ll have to resort to having you whipped. Who do think you are – important? Please keep dreaming.”
Song Lyrics: We were playing video games
Just having care free fun
But now if we don’t work
We’re threatened with a gun
I must work hard, sweat is dripping
If not quick enough, comes another whipping
Dialogue: “That’s it, you aren’t nearly working quick enough.” (ready to hit the kids)
Transition Phrase: “Man I wish we were back in Canada.”
SCENE 4 Camping song
Dialogue: “I hate it here out in the cold dark woods.”
“We have nothing to do or play with.”
“You think those kids in Africa have it bad”
Transition “It would be cool to go there were its nice, sunny and warm every day!”
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes, people come from off stage and remove all the food, drink and other accessories (image of having nothing).
Dialogue: “I’m so thirsty.”
“Where are the juice boxes we brought?”
(someone is walking by, students ask them)
“Can you tell me where I can get a drink?”
“The closest well is three miles away, and even if you get a drink it may make you sick.”
Song Lyrics: It is so very hot.
How did we end up here?
There’s nothing we can eat,
We’re only full of fear!
Our bones are aching,
from all this lack of sleep
There’s nowhere we can rest,
soon we will be six feet deep
Dialogue: “This place really does stink”
“Sure it’s nice to be warm but not this warm!”
“We don’t even have anything to drink or eat, and we we’re complaining at home of how our cool-aid tasted funny?”
“Guys I wish I was back in Canada, where we have, food, drinks, and a nice bed to sleep in!”
SCENE 4 Close
Stage Direction Curtains open, students are all back in the classroom (same class as in the first scene)
Lots of chatter, more excitement than in scene one.
Dialogue: Teacher: “Good morning students, I hope you thought about the movie from last class.”
Student raises their hand. ”You’ll think I’m crazy but a group of us were playing hockey and all of a sudden we became child soldiers.”
Another student, ”That’s not so crazy, we were playing a video game and all of a sudden we were in a sweatshop.”
Another student adds, ”We were sitting around a camp fire when all of a sudden we were sitting around with NOTHING!”
Song Lyrics
The people in the other places,
barley had a dime,
We really need to help them,
not to would be a crime.
Dialogue: Teacher ”Good! You’re angry and aware, but what are you going
to do about it!”
Song Lyrics
We can start with some donations
Then begin to spread the news
If all the other people heard
They’d be Social Soldiers too.
Stage Direction: Kids sit in their seat and start watching a moviePSA – Child Soldiers on large screen for audience to watch
Movie finishes, kids turn to each other and start talking
Song Lyrics: That movie was so pointless
I wasn’t even sad
Who cares about those in Africa
Their lives don’t seem so bad
Dialogue: Teacher: “Everyone quiet down!”
Teacher: “Do you see how fortunate we are to be here at school and to have a roof over our heads and have food in our fridge?
Student: So who cares, it’s just a stupid movie.
Song Lyrics: How can we make a diff’rence
You’re asking way too much
They are way too far away
We can’t get in touch
Dialogue: Teacher: “Stop being so selfish! You guys have everything!”
Stage Direction: Bell rings, kids start walking out of the classroom
As kids are walking out of the classroom they start singing
Song Lyrics:
Our minds are around one thing
An that thing is ourselves
Why should we care for them
They can help themselves
SCENE 2 - (Hockey Scene – Child Soldiers)
Stage Direction: group of kids playing hockey and talking)
Dialogue: “That movie was a waste of time.”
“Why should we care about child soldiers.”
“Africa is so far away.”
“They don’t have it that bad.”
Transition Phrase: “It would be cool to be in Africa and have a gun and stuff.”(convention)
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes (Tableau like).
People from off stage come and replace sticks with guns.
Take away nets (or make into barbed wire) .
Dialogue: “Grab your guns, you have your mission. It’s to check the battlefield for
bombs. There are no more kids from the last group, so you’re it!”
Song Lyrics: Boom, bang the noise is insane
The gun is heavy, the killing inhumane
14 years old is too young to die
Too much to witness before my eye
Dialogue: “Get going, stop standing around – who do think you are!!!”
Song Lyrics: Grabbed from safety and expected to fight
Not knowing if I’ll make it through the night
A child soldier’s life is not what it seems
It’s just cruel and bloody and down right mean
Stage Direction: While song is playing some war stuff in background (possible)
Dialogue: “Man I was wrong about what I said earlier”
“This is a terrible way to live.”
“I can’t believe we take what we have for granted.”
Transition Phrase: “Man I wish I was back in Canada.”
Stage Direction: Curtains close
SCENE 3 (Video Game Scene – Child Labour)
Stage Direction: There are a group of kids playing video games at a classmate’s house
Dialogue: “That movie was a waste of time.”
“I almost fell asleep during the movie.”
“It’s not our fault that there are sweatshops in Africa.”
“Why should we care about stuff that’s going on all the way in
Africa.”
Transition Phrase: “It would be cool to have a job at such a young age and make some money.”
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes.
The game consoles are taken away and all of a sudden they are in a sweatshop in Africa.Big Boss Man is walking by – angry, bitter, tyrant
Dialogue: “Do you think you’re getting paid to sit around. Well you’re not! Get to work, or I’ll have to resort to having you whipped. Who do think you are – important? Please keep dreaming.”
Song Lyrics: We were playing video games
Just having care free fun
But now if we don’t work
We’re threatened with a gun
I must work hard, sweat is dripping
If not quick enough, comes another whipping
Dialogue: “That’s it, you aren’t nearly working quick enough.” (ready to hit the kids)
Transition Phrase: “Man I wish we were back in Canada.”
SCENE 4 Camping song
Dialogue: “I hate it here out in the cold dark woods.”
“We have nothing to do or play with.”
“You think those kids in Africa have it bad”
Transition “It would be cool to go there were its nice, sunny and warm every day!”
Stage Direction: Everyone freezes, people come from off stage and remove all the food, drink and other accessories (image of having nothing).
Dialogue: “I’m so thirsty.”
“Where are the juice boxes we brought?”
(someone is walking by, students ask them)
“Can you tell me where I can get a drink?”
“The closest well is three miles away, and even if you get a drink it may make you sick.”
Song Lyrics: It is so very hot.
How did we end up here?
There’s nothing we can eat,
We’re only full of fear!
Our bones are aching,
from all this lack of sleep
There’s nowhere we can rest,
soon we will be six feet deep
Dialogue: “This place really does stink”
“Sure it’s nice to be warm but not this warm!”
“We don’t even have anything to drink or eat, and we we’re complaining at home of how our cool-aid tasted funny?”
“Guys I wish I was back in Canada, where we have, food, drinks, and a nice bed to sleep in!”
SCENE 4 Close
Stage Direction Curtains open, students are all back in the classroom (same class as in the first scene)
Lots of chatter, more excitement than in scene one.
Dialogue: Teacher: “Good morning students, I hope you thought about the movie from last class.”
Student raises their hand. ”You’ll think I’m crazy but a group of us were playing hockey and all of a sudden we became child soldiers.”
Another student, ”That’s not so crazy, we were playing a video game and all of a sudden we were in a sweatshop.”
Another student adds, ”We were sitting around a camp fire when all of a sudden we were sitting around with NOTHING!”
Song Lyrics
The people in the other places,
barley had a dime,
We really need to help them,
not to would be a crime.
Dialogue: Teacher ”Good! You’re angry and aware, but what are you going
to do about it!”
Song Lyrics
We can start with some donations
Then begin to spread the news
If all the other people heard
They’d be Social Soldiers too.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Libretto Day!
Another great day the the St, Mark's CAO!
As you work on creating your librettos, keep in mind the different elements involved
CHORUS - the bigger songs where everyone sings. Particularly good for the moments of high emotion.
ARIA - A solo section or song
DUET - A section for two singers
DIALOGUE - Spoken words
UNDERSCORE - Music that is played under dialogue
MOVEMENT - sections of dance or choreographed movement, with or without music
STAGE DIRECTIONS - markings listed in brackets to tell actions.
And here's a list of everyone's CHORUSES/ARIAS/DUETS
Ms. Moore's Class
Just An Ordinary Day
Meteor Song
Transformation
The Battle (Zombies vs. Vampires)
Finale
Mr. Scicluna's Class
Whiny Complaining Song
War Song
Labour Song
Poverty Song
Understanding
Mr. Kennedy's Class
Mocking Song
Shock and Dismay
We did what we wanted/What did we do?
Finale
Ms. Sappong's Class
Funeral for Mr. Louis
Loner, get off the bus!
Disagreement Song
We're not so bad
FInale: Celebrating Mr. L
MUSIC
So for next week, get those solid one-page librettos ready to go. If ANYONE has musical ideas over the next week, we'll listen and work on them when I'm in solo next Tuesday.
Thanks everyone. Another great class.
Dean
As you work on creating your librettos, keep in mind the different elements involved
CHORUS - the bigger songs where everyone sings. Particularly good for the moments of high emotion.
ARIA - A solo section or song
DUET - A section for two singers
DIALOGUE - Spoken words
UNDERSCORE - Music that is played under dialogue
MOVEMENT - sections of dance or choreographed movement, with or without music
STAGE DIRECTIONS - markings listed in brackets to tell actions.
And here's a list of everyone's CHORUSES/ARIAS/DUETS
Ms. Moore's Class
Just An Ordinary Day
Meteor Song
Transformation
The Battle (Zombies vs. Vampires)
Finale
Mr. Scicluna's Class
Whiny Complaining Song
War Song
Labour Song
Poverty Song
Understanding
Mr. Kennedy's Class
Mocking Song
Shock and Dismay
We did what we wanted/What did we do?
Finale
Ms. Sappong's Class
Funeral for Mr. Louis
Loner, get off the bus!
Disagreement Song
We're not so bad
FInale: Celebrating Mr. L
MUSIC
So for next week, get those solid one-page librettos ready to go. If ANYONE has musical ideas over the next week, we'll listen and work on them when I'm in solo next Tuesday.
Thanks everyone. Another great class.
Dean
Answer to Blogging problems
In answer to the blogging question - YES you can copy and paste into the blog. So if you do up the information on a word document you can then just copy the whole thing and paste it in.
Hope that helps.
having trouble...
Help!!
Can we copy and paste into this blog or does everything have to be typed directly?
Ms. Sappong
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Schedule Update
Below is an updated schedule showing the change in dates:
Tues. April 7 - Dean
Tues. April 14 - Sherri & Dean
Tues. April 21 - Ann (Designer)
Thurs. April 23 - Sherri
Tues. April 28 - Sherri & Dean
Tues. May 5 - Sherri & Dean
Also just a reminder - if any questions arise during the week, please feel free to post them on the blog. We check the blog on a regular basis and can therefore address the questions as quickly as possible.
Tues. April 7 - Dean
Tues. April 14 - Sherri & Dean
Tues. April 21 - Ann (Designer)
Thurs. April 23 - Sherri
Tues. April 28 - Sherri & Dean
Tues. May 5 - Sherri & Dean
Also just a reminder - if any questions arise during the week, please feel free to post them on the blog. We check the blog on a regular basis and can therefore address the questions as quickly as possible.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Short Story
Here's goes... Below you will see a working draft of the opera for Scicluna's class. It contains little to no dialogue, but should prepare us for tomorrow.
Opera – Social Justice (Scicluna)
Beginning
Come back from recess
Watches a movie about children and our social justice
As the time goes by, the children change positions showing how bored they are
We make the movie and it is shown on the projection screen, but the students are looking at their own TV
After the movies finishes, the teacher asks the class to go home and think about the movie
(Bell rings, kids are happy)
Scene II - Hockey Scene
· there are 8 kids playing hockey
· they are talking about how the movie was a waste of time and how they don’t care about the use of child soldiers
· the kid then scores a goal
· he puts his stick in the air to celebrate
· one of the kids says, “It would be cool to be a child soldier and have a gun and stuff.”
· all of a sudden the stick turns into a gun
· all the kids that were playing hockey are somewhere in Africa in the middle of a war
· They’re “boss” comes in and tells them to grab they’re guns. They are about to go fight. They are told they are going on a mission to check if there are bombs on the field. As they are going one kid says…..“This is horrible, I don’t want to die. I was wrong, it isn’t better here in Africa. These kids have it WAY worse than us. “Man I wish I was back in Canada!”
Scene III - Video game scene
Playing a video game in someone’s room. They start talking about how dumb the video was from class, and how child labour isn’t that big of an issue. They continued to complain and say, ‘It will be cool to have a job at such a young age.’ Then they are in a sweatshop in Africa. The boss starts barking orders at them, and they were dazed and didn’t know what was going on. They then kept on working, they didn’t work fast enough, which made their boss threaten to beat them. They were so scared and ‘Man I wish I could be back in Canada.”
Scene IV - Camping Scene
It all takes place at a campsite that evening. That night, the kids complain about the bugs and how cold it is all the time there. “It’s so cold here, in Africa it’s always warm. They don’t have it that bad, it would be cool to live in Africa.” The kids, as opposed to roasting marshmallows (water, food, supplies, etc.), which they had, these are all removed. They are now complaining about how hot it is, and they go for a drink and nothing is there. They ask someone walking by for water, they reply the nearest well is three miles away, but that water may be contaminated. Someone begins to feel ill, but they are no means to help, including cell phone. One student says, this really stinks, we have nothing to drink, no supplies, and someone who is really sick and there’s nothing we can do. ‘Man I wish I could be back in Canada.”
Scene V – The End
Kids come back to school from the weekend and they are talking to each in the classroom
Teacher asks them what they did over the weekend, and was their anything special they’d like to talk about.
They discuss their stories (optional), but they tell the teacher they want to make a difference, and choose to do a fundraiser to support the abolishment of child soldiers, child labour, and child labour.
Opera – Social Justice (Scicluna)
Beginning
Come back from recess
Watches a movie about children and our social justice
As the time goes by, the children change positions showing how bored they are
We make the movie and it is shown on the projection screen, but the students are looking at their own TV
After the movies finishes, the teacher asks the class to go home and think about the movie
(Bell rings, kids are happy)
Scene II - Hockey Scene
· there are 8 kids playing hockey
· they are talking about how the movie was a waste of time and how they don’t care about the use of child soldiers
· the kid then scores a goal
· he puts his stick in the air to celebrate
· one of the kids says, “It would be cool to be a child soldier and have a gun and stuff.”
· all of a sudden the stick turns into a gun
· all the kids that were playing hockey are somewhere in Africa in the middle of a war
· They’re “boss” comes in and tells them to grab they’re guns. They are about to go fight. They are told they are going on a mission to check if there are bombs on the field. As they are going one kid says…..“This is horrible, I don’t want to die. I was wrong, it isn’t better here in Africa. These kids have it WAY worse than us. “Man I wish I was back in Canada!”
Scene III - Video game scene
Playing a video game in someone’s room. They start talking about how dumb the video was from class, and how child labour isn’t that big of an issue. They continued to complain and say, ‘It will be cool to have a job at such a young age.’ Then they are in a sweatshop in Africa. The boss starts barking orders at them, and they were dazed and didn’t know what was going on. They then kept on working, they didn’t work fast enough, which made their boss threaten to beat them. They were so scared and ‘Man I wish I could be back in Canada.”
Scene IV - Camping Scene
It all takes place at a campsite that evening. That night, the kids complain about the bugs and how cold it is all the time there. “It’s so cold here, in Africa it’s always warm. They don’t have it that bad, it would be cool to live in Africa.” The kids, as opposed to roasting marshmallows (water, food, supplies, etc.), which they had, these are all removed. They are now complaining about how hot it is, and they go for a drink and nothing is there. They ask someone walking by for water, they reply the nearest well is three miles away, but that water may be contaminated. Someone begins to feel ill, but they are no means to help, including cell phone. One student says, this really stinks, we have nothing to drink, no supplies, and someone who is really sick and there’s nothing we can do. ‘Man I wish I could be back in Canada.”
Scene V – The End
Kids come back to school from the weekend and they are talking to each in the classroom
Teacher asks them what they did over the weekend, and was their anything special they’d like to talk about.
They discuss their stories (optional), but they tell the teacher they want to make a difference, and choose to do a fundraiser to support the abolishment of child soldiers, child labour, and child labour.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Day One!
Well, I've been at St. Marks' for three years with this program, and I'd have to say that the first sessions were some of the most productive and enjoyable to date. Everyone is getting really savvy about what works on stage and I think the story ideas have an incredible amount of dramatic potential.
To All Musicians ( and I know there are a lot of you.) Start thinking about the kind of music that would best tell your stories. If you would like to play anything for us all next week, that might get the creative juices flowing. And don't worry about writing it down if you can't. Play it by ear!
Looking forward to next week, Great work yesterday!
Well, I've been at St. Marks' for three years with this program, and I'd have to say that the first sessions were some of the most productive and enjoyable to date. Everyone is getting really savvy about what works on stage and I think the story ideas have an incredible amount of dramatic potential.
To All Musicians ( and I know there are a lot of you.) Start thinking about the kind of music that would best tell your stories. If you would like to play anything for us all next week, that might get the creative juices flowing. And don't worry about writing it down if you can't. Play it by ear!
Looking forward to next week, Great work yesterday!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Planning for Session Two
The following are just a few reminders for next week:
- Everyone is to come prepared with their finished written version of their story so that we can begin the task of writing the lyrics
- We will be starting the first session at 9:00 next Tuesday
- We will work out an alternative date(s) for the week of April 14
Week One Summary
Well we had a fantastic first day. All of the classes had great energy and amazing ideas for their Operas. Dean and I were both thrilled with how well everyone participated in all aspects of the session. What a great start to the project!
The following is a brief summary of each of the classes Operas.
Ms. Moore's class
Theme/Working Title: School of Freaks
This story takes place in a school. One day the school is hit by a meteor which results in the girls becoming Vampires and the boys turning into Zombies and the school going into lock down. There is a great deal of conflict between both of the creature groups. Eventually, one of the Zombies and one of the Vampires re-kindle their best friend relationship that they had prior to turning into the creatures. This change in relationship acts as the catalyst for bringing the rest of the creatures together and becoming friends once again.
Mr. Scicluna's class
Theme: Social Justice
The story opens with a class sitting and watching a video illustrating the plight of many people in Africa. While watching the video the students express their disinterest, lack of connection, as well as a lack of understanding with those that are seen suffering, by complaining and expressing how useless they think the video is. The school day ends and the students leave for the day.
We then see three different scenarios in which the students are transported from their conventional, privileged lives into those of the children from the video. The three scenarios are:
The following is a brief summary of each of the classes Operas.
Ms. Moore's class
Theme/Working Title: School of Freaks
This story takes place in a school. One day the school is hit by a meteor which results in the girls becoming Vampires and the boys turning into Zombies and the school going into lock down. There is a great deal of conflict between both of the creature groups. Eventually, one of the Zombies and one of the Vampires re-kindle their best friend relationship that they had prior to turning into the creatures. This change in relationship acts as the catalyst for bringing the rest of the creatures together and becoming friends once again.
Mr. Scicluna's class
Theme: Social Justice
The story opens with a class sitting and watching a video illustrating the plight of many people in Africa. While watching the video the students express their disinterest, lack of connection, as well as a lack of understanding with those that are seen suffering, by complaining and expressing how useless they think the video is. The school day ends and the students leave for the day.
We then see three different scenarios in which the students are transported from their conventional, privileged lives into those of the children from the video. The three scenarios are:
- Kids playing hockey transformed into Child Soldiers
- Kids playing video games transformed into Child Labourers
- Kids on an outdoor adventure transformed into Children suffering from illness due to lack of Health Care
The final scene of the Opera illustrates the students coming back together with a new understanding of the plight of others and a determination to do something to help out.
Mr. Kennedy's class
Theme: Romantic Tragedy (almost)
This story takes place in a High School which is rife with cliques. The four cliques which play a roll in the Opera are the Nerds, Artsy Kids, Popular Kids, Jock/Cheerleaders. All of the groups only socialize with "their own kind". One day, however, a Nerdy boy and a Popular girl are made to work together on a school project. The boy and girl eventually find that even though they are from opposing cliques, they actually like each other. The rest of the members of the groups are surprised and angry and become set on finding ways in which to break up this relationship.
As the tension between the groups escalate, the Popular Kids and the Jock/Cheerleaders form an alliance as a way of pooling their strength. As well, the Nerds and the Artsy Kids form their own alliance. While the anger amongst the two bigger groups build, the Nerdy boy and Popular girl begin to question whether they should maintain their relationship. Eventually the anger reaches a breaking point in which there is a "face off" between the groups. The result is the injuring of both the Nerdy boy and a Popular girl.
All of the students are put into detention. While there, they have a chance to reflect on the damage that their actions caused. As they sit in despair the Nerdy boy and a Popular girl return. It is at this point that the cliques realize they must set aside their differences and learn to get along.
Ms. Sappong's class
Theme/Working Title: Misunderstanding
This story begins in the present day at a funeral of a public bus driver; Mr. Louis. The funeral attendees are a very strange mix of people. Each of the people in turn places what appear to be very strange items upon Mr. Louis's grave. As the story unfolds we are taken into the past and the connection between these people and Mr. Louis is revealed. We are taken aboard Mr. Louis's bus route and discover how he came to know each of these people and how each of these people had been misunderstood in some manner.
The Loner - This is a guy who spent time in prison, he is currently homeless and he can't get a job because no one is willing to give him a second chance. When he enters the bus the other passengers respond with whispers, finger pointing, and moving as far away from him as possible. Mr. Louis is the only one to show any compassion to him. He does so by talking to The Loner and giving The Loner his own coat.
The Skateboarders - As soon as this group of skateboarders enter the bus the passengers respond to them very aggressively. They shout out things like "Get a proper pair of pants" and wrongly accuse The Skateboarders of misdeeds like graffiti. Mr. Louis intervenes by asking The Skateboarders what they were doing and discovers that The Skateboarders had been putting up posters to help raise money for cancer. Mr. Louis then gives them a donation/donation box.
The Immigrant Family - This is a family that is newly arrived from the Middle East. They enter the bus carrying luggage. The immediate response of the passengers is to call them Terrorists and accuse them of having a bomb in their cases. Once again, Mr. Louis begins to speak with the family and learns that they share a common language. As a way of helping out the family Mr. Louis gives them an English dictionary.
The story ends back at the funeral with each of the people expressing their gratitude to Mr. Louis and remarking on how it just takes one person to strongly impact your life.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Introducing your designer!
A warm welcome to the designer for your Create an Opera project, Ann Barber.
Ann is the founder of Shadowland Theatre, an incredible organization based on the Toronto Island. The work is phenominal and incorporates mask, puppetry, collaborative creation, stilts, boats, lights, politics, communities, history and more!
She will be keeping track of your operas on the blog and will be in your classes on April 21st.
Ann is the founder of Shadowland Theatre, an incredible organization based on the Toronto Island. The work is phenominal and incorporates mask, puppetry, collaborative creation, stilts, boats, lights, politics, communities, history and more!
She will be keeping track of your operas on the blog and will be in your classes on April 21st.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Project Schedule
Hello Everyone,
Below is a very brief outline of how Dean and I plan on organizing our time during the project. It lists the date, which artists will be present at the school, and an overview of what we aim to focus on. The focus of each session may change depending upon the needs of each individual class and what they accomplish within each session. As well as the primary focus for each session, we are also aiming to include general exercise/activities exploring vocal and movement work.
Below is a very brief outline of how Dean and I plan on organizing our time during the project. It lists the date, which artists will be present at the school, and an overview of what we aim to focus on. The focus of each session may change depending upon the needs of each individual class and what they accomplish within each session. As well as the primary focus for each session, we are also aiming to include general exercise/activities exploring vocal and movement work.
- Thursday March 26th - Dean & Sherri - focus on story writing
- Tuesday March 31st - Dean & Sherri - focus on converting story into lyrics
- Tuesday April 7th - Dean - focus on music
- Tuesday April 14th - Sherri - focus on movement/drama blocking, Character development through movement
- Thursday April 16th - Dean & Sherri - focus on starting to bring all the elements together & identifying any gaps/missing pieces, preliminary discussion on design ideas
- Tuesday April 21st - Designer (to be determined)
- Tuesday April 28th - Dean & Sherri - focus on 'smoothing out the edges', run through the pieces
- Tuesday May 5th - Dean & Sherri - Informal sharing of the Operas (if we're at that stage) or putting on final touches where necessary
Friday, March 6, 2009
Artists for 2009
Meet your Director:
Sherri Brass-Haas holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance and a Bachelor of Education degree. Her professional dance career spans more than 20 years. Included in Sherri’s work as an Artist-Educator is that of founder and Artistic Director of Movement Makers, Creative Movement artist for Arts for Children of Toronto, Ontario Arts Council funded Artist in Education, and Dance Lecturer at the City of Liverpool Community College in England. In addition to her work as an educator Sherri has worked as an independent dance artist, founding and performing with a United Kingdom-based company called The Moving Co. 2008 is Sherri’s first year as an Artist-Educator with the Canadian Opera Company.
Meet your Musical Director:
Dean Burry was born in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1972, but grew up in the town of Gander. Following high school, Burry began studies as a saxophone major at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. In seeking ways to combine his love of theatre and music, he began composing operas and musicals. In his firsts three years at Mt.A, he wrote, produced and conducted three major dramatic musical works:Dean Burry was born in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1972, but grew up in the town of Gander. Following high school, Burry began studies as a saxophone major at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. In seeking ways to combine his love of theatre and music, he began composing operas and musicals. In his firsts three years at Mt.A, he wrote, produced and conducted three major dramatic musical works: The Resurrection, Joe and Mary Had a Baby and Unto the Earth: Vignettes of a War.
In 1998, while working as an educator with the Canadian Opera Company he was commissioned to write The Brothers Grimm. The opera has been seen by over 100,000 children across Canada since 2001 and has been produced in Toronto, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Calgary and Edmonton. The Brothers Grimm is believed to be the most performed Canadian opera ever.
Other major works include Under the Night and Home and Away for Live Bait Theatre, Isis and the Seven Scorpions for the Canadian Opera Company and The Vinland Traveler for Newfoundland’s Opera Road Show. Burry’s operatic adaptation of The Hobbit, commissioned by the Canadian Children’s Opera Company in 2004 recently received its American premiere with a production by Sarasota Opera, and is being translated for an upcoming production in Hamburg, Germany.
Burry is currently working on Children of the Moon, a lost opera libretto written by Robertson Davies in 1983, but never set to music, The Mummers Masque for Toronto Masque Theatre, A Creature of Habit for Rising Tide Theatre in Newfoundland and Baby Kintyre a serial opera for CBC Radio.
Sherri Brass-Haas holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance and a Bachelor of Education degree. Her professional dance career spans more than 20 years. Included in Sherri’s work as an Artist-Educator is that of founder and Artistic Director of Movement Makers, Creative Movement artist for Arts for Children of Toronto, Ontario Arts Council funded Artist in Education, and Dance Lecturer at the City of Liverpool Community College in England. In addition to her work as an educator Sherri has worked as an independent dance artist, founding and performing with a United Kingdom-based company called The Moving Co. 2008 is Sherri’s first year as an Artist-Educator with the Canadian Opera Company.
Meet your Musical Director:
Dean Burry was born in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1972, but grew up in the town of Gander. Following high school, Burry began studies as a saxophone major at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. In seeking ways to combine his love of theatre and music, he began composing operas and musicals. In his firsts three years at Mt.A, he wrote, produced and conducted three major dramatic musical works:Dean Burry was born in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1972, but grew up in the town of Gander. Following high school, Burry began studies as a saxophone major at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. In seeking ways to combine his love of theatre and music, he began composing operas and musicals. In his firsts three years at Mt.A, he wrote, produced and conducted three major dramatic musical works: The Resurrection, Joe and Mary Had a Baby and Unto the Earth: Vignettes of a War.
In 1998, while working as an educator with the Canadian Opera Company he was commissioned to write The Brothers Grimm. The opera has been seen by over 100,000 children across Canada since 2001 and has been produced in Toronto, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Calgary and Edmonton. The Brothers Grimm is believed to be the most performed Canadian opera ever.
Other major works include Under the Night and Home and Away for Live Bait Theatre, Isis and the Seven Scorpions for the Canadian Opera Company and The Vinland Traveler for Newfoundland’s Opera Road Show. Burry’s operatic adaptation of The Hobbit, commissioned by the Canadian Children’s Opera Company in 2004 recently received its American premiere with a production by Sarasota Opera, and is being translated for an upcoming production in Hamburg, Germany.
Burry is currently working on Children of the Moon, a lost opera libretto written by Robertson Davies in 1983, but never set to music, The Mummers Masque for Toronto Masque Theatre, A Creature of Habit for Rising Tide Theatre in Newfoundland and Baby Kintyre a serial opera for CBC Radio.
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