Archive for the ‘Theater’ Category

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Core Arts Theatre Standards

January 3, 2015

TYA/USA Professional Development
Screen Shot 2014-12-22 at 10.42.15 PMSpecial Guest James Palmarini, Director of Educational Policy for the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA)
Wednesday January 14, 2015 Noon to 1:15 CST

This session will present an introduction of the purpose, structure, web-based environment, and state adoption strategies of the new Core Theatre Standards. The presenter will offer an overview of the creation of the standards, the philosophy and framework elements behind it, a tour of the website, and future plans around standards-based professional development, instructional resources, and advocacy. The session will also include periodic and concluding Q&A opportunities.

By attending this workshop, participants will be able to….

1. Understand the structure and purpose of the new core standards and their applicability to in and after school theatre education programs taught by certified educators and/or teaching artists
2. Gain literacy around the web-based environment of the standards
3. Learn how the Model Cornerstone Assessments embedded in the standards can be used to create reliable standards-based measures of student learning in theatre
4. Discover what role they can play to support adoption in their state

REGISTER NOW (Visa/MC):
Click: TYA/USA MEMBERS – $5.75
Click: NON TYA/USA MEMBERS – $15.75

After payment, you will be redirected to the event registration page. If you are not redirected, email us, and we will send you the registration link.

Click here for further information on our Professional Development Webinars and to suggest topics and guests for future events.

Our Guest
Screen Shot 2014-12-22 at 10.40.06 PMJames Palmarini is the Director of Educational Policy for the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), a member of the Leadership Team for the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS), and executive editor of Teaching Theatre, the association’s journal for theatre educators that he co-founded in 1989. James was awarded EdTA’s Founders Award in 2005, and was recently inducted in the Ohio Educational Theatre Association Hall of Fame.

James has written extensively about arts education, including articles on methodology, standards, assessment, and a wide range of theatre-specific subjects. In 2013, he interviewed assessment expert Jay McTighe in for Teaching Theatre, and wrote articles focusing on the rise of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in theatre education and the new wave of teacher evaluation models and their impact on arts educators. Most recently, he wrote an overview of teacher evaluation strategies for the journal.

As EdTA Director of Educational Policy, James serves on the Arts Education Partnership Advisory Committee; the Washington D.C.-based Arts Education Working Group; and the board of the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education. He has led or participated in presentations addressing the new National Core Arts Standards at conferences sponsored by Americans for the Arts; the Kennedy Center; the Arts Education Partnership; and the National Guild for Community Arts Education, among others. He tweets regularly at @edtadvocacy and blogs occasionally at http://schooltheatre.org/advocacy.
Screen Shot 2014-12-22 at 10.33.12 PM

Posted in assessment, Communication, Curriculum and Instruction, Food for thought, Opportunity, Theater | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Maine Alliance for Arts Ed News

December 13, 2014

Building Community Through the Arts

In November the Maine Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE) brought five English classes from Bangor and Brewer high schools together for the performance of original works each class had created as part of Building Community Through the Arts (BCTA).  BCTA, the MAAE drama and dance artist residency program now in its fifteenth year, engages whole classes in the collaborative creation of an original play or dance piece, culminating in a regional public performance.

FullSizeRenderThe three Brewer High School groups, all creative writing classes of teacher Michelle MacDonald, worked with drama teaching artist Jeri Pitcher to create and perform works that were based on their self-identified social issues. These were compelling and in some cases darkly humorous plays of social criticism directed at such issues as persistent negative attitudes, social labels and intolerance of difference. Even online social networking came under criticism, for paradoxically encouraging a focus on self rather than on caring about others.

The two Bangor High School classes of teacher Angela Domina, both college preparatory classes in Junior English, worked with dance teaching artist Katenia Keller to create dances that expressed universal  themes, such as nature versus societal order, and loyalty versus betrayal that the students  had explored in their readings of medieval British literature.

FullSizeRender 4Initiated in response to the tragedy at Columbine High School, the collaborative process in the MAAE program helps to break down social barriers among students even as its classroom setting directly connects that process with academic learning. As one Bangor student remarked,  “just as we all have to work together to form a dance group, all the parts need to work together to form a story.”

For more on the November student performances and photos visit MAAE’s website, www.maineartsed.org.

Posted in Community, Dance, Opportunity, Theater | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Auditions for The Lonely Soldier

November 13, 2014

Looking for 7 actresses and technical assistance

Casting seven women, ages 19-47, for professional non-Equity production of The Lonely Soldier.

The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine, with support from the University of Maine at Augusta’s Veteran Achievement Project, the Maine Humanities Council, and the Maine Arts Commission is producing The Lonely Soldier: Women at War in Iraq, a documentary play by award-winning journalist and playwright, Helen Benedict.

The Lonely Soldier features seven women, ranging in age from 19 to 47, who vividly tell the real life stories of military women who served in Iraq. Their stories focus on the challenges they faced from warfare, discrimination, to their own consciences.

The production will be directed by Jeri Pitcher, UMA Adjunct Drama Faculty, and will perform at the following locations:

  • March 12th through the 15th at Michael Klahr Center at the University of Maine at Augusta.
  • March 20th through the 22nd at Portland Ballet Studio Theater, 517 Forest Avenue in Portland.
  • March 27th through 29th at the Gracie Black Box Theater at Husson University, Bangor.

We are currently casting all seven roles.  Minority actors are strongly encouraged to apply. The complete non-Equity paid contract runs from February 1- March 29 with most rehearsals and performances falling on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Description of roles can be found at http://hhrcmaine.org/lonely-soldier/.

Technical Director, Lighting and sound design positions also available.

For further information and to set up an audition, please e-mail current head shot and resume to: jeri.pitcher@maine.edu or send by mail to:  Jeri Pitcher, PO Box 634, Readfield, ME 04355.

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Benefits of Field Trips

October 24, 2014


Study: Culturally enriching field trips increase knowledge, tolerance, and the ability to read emotions of other
This is reprinted from EducationNext

As schools narrow their focus on improving performance on math and reading standardized tests, they have greater difficulty justifying taking students out of the classroom for experiences that are not related to improving those test scores. Culturally enriching field trips are being cut in schools without a clear understanding of what students may be learning from those experiences.

In a new study, Greene examines the impact of assigning student groups by lottery to see high-quality theater productions of Hamlet or A Christmas Carol. This is the first randomized experiment to discover what students get out of seeing live theater.

The study, “Learning from Live Theater: Students realize gains in knowledge, tolerance, and more,” will appear in the Winter 2015 issue of Education Next is available now on http://educationnext.org.

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Beauty and the Beast

October 10, 2014

Readying for High School Plays

‘Tis the season when high school students are busy preparing for the fall musical in many schools across the state. Please join Medomak Valley High School and send me information at argy.nestor@maine.gov about your play. Please be sure and send images and/or your poster image that you are using to promote your plays.

Medomak Valley Players proudly presents

October 30,31

November 1,6,7,8 @7:30PM Matinee Sunday Nov 2nd @ 2:30 PM

Tickets $10.00 @ the door
FMI: 832-5389  or email: mame_waldo@yahoo.com

  • Disney- Beauty and the Beast Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman &
    Tim Rice Book by Linda Woolverton
  • Permission by:Music Theatre International 421 W. 54th Street, 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10019 
Licensing@MTIshows.com
  • Director: Nancy Durgin, Assistant Director& Choreographer: Dixie Weisman, Vocal Director: Aaron Robinson
  • Tech Director: Matthew Kopishke, Orchestra Director: Peter Stuart
  • Cast and crew members: Josh Beckett/Beast, Somerset Ganz/Belle, Aaron Smeltzer/Gaston, Christina McClure/ Babette, Ariel Haskins/Lumiere & Enchantress, Jacob Siegel/Monsieur D’Arque & Narrator, Claire Lupien/Mme DeLa Grande Bouche, Antyna Gould/Cogsworth, Julia Clark/Mrs. Potts, Finley Ganz/Chip, Micah Morin/Maurice, Juno Buendia/Le Fou, 6 Silly girls: Amber Hagin, Chelcie Luce, Ella Grant, Dacey Holland, Juliana Liberman, Hailie Brown. Filling out the many double roles are the following cast members: Caroline Dustin, Myles Frederick, Zoe Gammon, Sirenna Grabinski, Elizabeth Hopkins, Joel Morin, Breeya Myrick, Ilie Parmley, Elizabeth Prescott, Kaitlyn Schweiker, Delaney Strause, Wyatt Sykes, Zac Cushman, Rose Hickey, Alexia Hilt
  • Our Crew: Hope Lash, Abreilla Jordan. Sierra Miller, Hannah Smith, Tekia Cox, Hannah Anthony with help from several community members!
Babette,Christina McClure and Lumiere, Ariel Haskins

Christina McClure, Babette and Ariel Haskins, Lumiere

Based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over 13 years and was nominated for 9 TONY Awards including Best Musical.

“The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

This “tale as old as time” is filled with spectacular costume and set opportunities, or even more simply staged, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast offers a great opportunity to bring your entire community together for family theatre at its best. ”

Somerset Ganz, Belle and Josh Beckett, Beast

Somerset Ganz, Belle and Josh Beckett, Beast

A note from the Director, Nancy Durgin

I know everyone is stretched to the limit, and many of us are helping others already.  MVHS Players truly needs to purchase 6 body microphones for their upcoming smash hit production of Beauty and the Beast. We need between $3500-5000 for these new instruments. We currently have about 3k in sponsors and budget. Any thing would help. Checks made to MVHS Players. Please contact me at mame_waldo@yahoo.com for sponsor forms, and you will be listed in the program. We believe we will cover these costs in our gate receipts, and are even willing to take a loan, and pay you back. If we don’t, I will pay you back personally. Thank you for your support!

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Midcoasts Actors’ Studio

October 4, 2014

2015 season open auditions

Where: Waterfall Arts, 256 High St. Belfast
When: Saturday, November 1
Time: 12:00-4:00 (email midcoastactors@gmail.com to sign up for specific time)

2015 Season
Venus in Fur – 1 Male (30-40’s), 1 Female (20’s)

Skylight – 2 Males (17-22, 50+), 1 Female (late 30’s-40’s)

Servant of Two Masters – many roles for men and women ages 20-70

Good People – Margaret, about 50, Stevie, late 20’s, Dottie, mid 60’s, Jean, about 50, Mike, about 50, Kate, African-American, early 30’s

NEW ACTORS TO MAS: Research the plays/characters. Email to reserve an audition time and tell us which role(s) you are interested in reading for. When you arrive bring in a headshot or picture, resume, and a prepared monologue if you choose.

Returning MAS Company members, no headshot/resume or prepared monologue required – just email for a time and let us know what role(s) you want to read for

Any questions please feel free to email midcoastactors@gmail.com

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Maine Educational Theatre Conference

September 15, 2014

Calling all Thespians

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Friday, October 10, 2014
9:00 am to 5:15 pm
Russell Hall, University of Southern Maine
37 College Ave., Gorham, ME 04038

The Maine Educational Theatre Conference will be a full-day event (9:00am to 5:15pm) on Friday, October 10th held on the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine. All high school theater groups in Maine are welcome to attend, and groups of all sizes can attend, whether you’re bringing 2 students or 25 students! It’s a day for high school students and high school theater directors to attend workshops led by professional theater-makers and meet and share ideas with groups from other schools. Workshops include sessions on playwriting, vocal technique in musicals, stage combat, makeup design, and much much more.

Information available at http://www.northeastedta.org/Maine.html

Posted in Curriculum and Instruction, Opportunity, Professional Development, Theater | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

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In Today’s News

August 14, 2014

Just out from the Maine Department of Education, Commissioner’s Update

August 14, 2014

FEATURED DISPATCH

Maine Arts Assessment Initiative hosts New England Summit on Arts Education

The Maine DOE joined over 90 educators, teaching artists, and interdisciplinary teams at the New England Summit on Arts Education, July 29-August 1, at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. This three day professional training opportunity was coordinated by the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative (MAAI) and provided participants with a collaborative approach to explore methods of teaching, learning, and assessment in arts education.

Jeff Poulin, Arts Education Program Coordinator for Americans for the Arts, delivered an important message about the critical role of arts education in developing essential knowledge, skills and creative abilities needed for success in school, work and life. During the Summit, educators developed individual action plans focused on essential components of student learning and proficiency including arts integration, studio habits, technology and assessment.

Veteran teacher-leaders and educators new to MAAI joined together to learn from each other through numerous presentations, workshops and lectures. Over the past year, the MAAI teacher-leaders have developed standards-based units, including assessments, lesson plans and resources, and have provided guidance on how to select appropriate tools for classroom assessment. These materials are now available for review and use on the MAAI Resource Bank.

Representatives from the Department and arts organizations and institutions from across New England were in attendance at the Summit, including Lesley University, Lincoln Street Center and Northland Village Foundation, Maine Art Education Association, Maine Music Educators Association, Maine College of Art, New England Institute for Teacher Education, Portland Ovations, Portland Museum of Art, Portland Symphony Orchestra, and the Art Education and Music Education Departments of the University of Maine.

The Maine Arts Assessment Initiative was an initiative established in 2011 to create an environment in Maine where quality assessment is an integral part of the work of all integral part of the work of all arts educators in order to improve student achievement through teaching and learning. The initiative builds capacity through collaboration and the development of professional practices designed by teachers, for teachers.

For more information about MAAI, contact the Maine Arts Commission’s Director of Arts Education, Argy Nestor at argy.nestor@maine.gov or 207-287-2713.

For more information about arts integration, contact the DOE’s Visual and Performing Arts Specialist, Kevin Facer, at kevin.facer@maine.gov or 207-624-6826.

To read the above article on the Department’s website please click here.

Posted in assessment, Communication, Community, Creativity, Curriculum and Instruction, Dance, Food for thought, Integration, Leadership, Media Arts, Music, Opportunity, Professional Development, Standards, Standards Based Education, Technology, Theater, Visual Arts | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

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Maine Arts Assessment Initiative – NEW Website!

August 12, 2014

Created for you!

The crazy adventure/uncharted territory known as the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative (MAAI) is now 4 years old. During that time, over 1,000 Arts educators have participated in MAAI activities, including workshops, state Conferences, Webinars, courses, and on and on. One of the unforeseen benefits of all this professional development has been the excavation of vast amounts of materials and documents to further our understanding and our work. From rubric construction and advice on implementing standards, to blogs, publications, and web resources, it seems that there’s little out there that hasn’t been unearthed in the process of working as colleagues in this state. Along those lines, it has been a bit of a pipe dream to create a web site that actually stores all of these resources in a user friendly format; “one stop shopping” for all things Arts Assessment. Being unveiled here is the manifestation of that goal, maineartsassessment.com.

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The website is split into easily searchable topics: Assessment Documents, Helpful Videos, “tons” of Web Links and Advocacy. We also decided to make this site the home page for MAAI, so there is a link there giving the mission, history and present day activities for educators to plug themselves into. Also featured is a “Proficiency Toolkit”, providing a step-by-step process by which Arts educators can move forward in their work to meet local and state requirements, adopting standards work in their own programs/schools/classrooms in ways that make sense to them.

All of us in MAAI are extraordinarily proud of the work that’s going on across the state. But it’s all for naught unless the work continues. Here is a way to access all the amazing resources out there in the world that will help us do so. Take a peek at the website when you get a few minutes, and hop onto the areas that resonate the most with your own professional needs. We welcome feedback and suggestions as this site continues to spring to life, and hope you will utilize it as a favorite “go to” site in the months and years to come.

A GREAT big thank you to Rob Westerberg for his numerous hours of work bringing together all of the information and creating the new website!

Posted in assessment, Communication, Community, Creativity, Curriculum and Instruction, Dance, Food for thought, Integration, Leadership, Media Arts, Music, Opportunity, Professional Development, Research, Resources, Standards Based Education, Theater, Visual Arts | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments »

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What are the Summit Participants Saying?

August 9, 2014

Summit on Arts Education, July 29-August 1, 2014

If you follow the Maine Arts Ed blog you are aware of all the posts during the last several days that have to do with a component of the Summit. You might be wondering: What are the participants saying about the Summit?”

Summit_photo1

Summit on Arts Education participants

Soooooo…. here is some of the feedback that was collected electronically from teachers at the conclusion of each day:

Overall comments:

  • I have not had a professional development in assessment before and it was great!
  • Plenty of opportunities to meet people and collaborate
  • There was an incredible diversity of knowledge, and information that was shared continuously
  • Everyone was full of energy and ideas. It made me really excited to start integrating what I’ve learned!
  • This week, I was able to take all the various pieces I’ve worked with (from over the past couple years) and consolidate them into a plan that fits my teaching style and my curriculum!
  • Every conversation I had was meaningful

What did I learn (on specific topics) on the first day:

  • Student-centered classroom, assessment and classroom strategies
    • I learned about backward design
    • Student-centered learning is the foundation of a standards-based classroom.
    • “I Can” statements for standards, how others are assessing successfully
  • How do I organize information
    • I learned that I can only absorb so much. There is a lot to absorb here!
    • That my brain is still very much in summer mode.
    • Self and educational discovery takes time and is hard work
  • Advocacy
    • Arts assessment is in part, advocation for our art programs.
    • The webinar with Washington was very interesting and enlightening, I had no idea about what happens at that end of the spectrum. Wonderful to see how people are advocates.
  • MAAI and teacher leaders
    • That Maine has a dedicated group of professionals united in working on assessment to improve teaching and learning.
    • I learned about the responsibilities of a teacher leader.
    • How a visual arts teacher went through the process of becoming a teacher leader
    • MAAI is there to support my art ed learning that meets my needs. I felt like I should have been involved in MAAI sooner!
  • Collaboration
    • Everyone can be a resource in areas they are passionately curious about
    • The need to collaborate is essential!
  • Standards and proficiency
    • The idea of “Power Standards” seems like a good place to start
    • Using Standards-based assessments involves working towards clear goals or ‘big ideas’& communicating those goals to students, empowering students to take ownership of their progress towards these goals, and giving feedback along the way.
  • Technology
    • New resources are available in a variety of media, which will help inform my teaching and assessment practices
    • I learn that digital portfolios are something several of us are working on.
  • Teaching Artists
    • I learned what a teaching artist is.
    • Good inquiry about the role of the teaching artist
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Sarah Gould and Michaela Digianvittorio, Gray-New Gloucester High School visual art teachers

I will share more participant feedback in the future. Thanks to Jeff Beaudry for collecting the information and sharing it with participants each morning during the Summit!

Posted in assessment, Communication, Community, Creativity, Curriculum and Instruction, Dance, Food for thought, Integration, Leadership, Media Arts, Music, Opportunity, Professional Development, Standards Based Education, Technology, Theater, VPA, YAHOO | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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