Scrooge changes his tune

Outstanding performance by a lively bunch of thespians! Played to a full house both nights to rave reviews. Many of these players had to be multiple characters. A challenge for both player and costumer. But the sets and costumes did the cast proud and I do believe the Christmas Ghosts finally helped Scrooge to change his tune from Bah Humbug to a Merry Christmas for all!

We move ahead to next week's audition schedule. Yes, no rest for the weary. Our next undertaking is Disney's Beauty and The Beast. A tale of romance and intrigue, filled with music and dance, this Broadway musical is filled with the Disney magic. Don't miss the audition date on Wednesday, December 17th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Everyone who auditions is guaranteed a part and no experience is necessary.

Ready to rumble

Ghosts are flying about and little Scroogians are getting decked out for this week's show. Dress and tech rehearsals all week, which can be grueling. Funny how things seem to go so wrong in rehearsal and somehow work out in show. Murphy's law, I suppose.

Speaking of which, Kudos to Forrest Wilcox for a great Murphy bed for Scrooge. And Alex has created a haunting masterpiece with sets. Stage Door Production team members are stepping in and helping backstage. What a great learning experience - working both sides of the stage!

Tickets on sale now.

Bah Humbug

Hard to be in a bad spirit with so many good spirits floating around the Studios. The cast for Scrooge is shaking off the humbug blues. Even Scrooge (Nick) seems to be having difficulty being a crusty old man. He has decided that working with a cane might help slow him down and age him up.

The opening scene with the bean counters is coming along great. Our youngest counter, Finney (Hunter) is doing a great job of keeping time and rhyme. And Carroll (Jona) got a hair cut, making him a dashing fellow employed by Master Scrooge. And Dickens (Ben Brown) always creates lively discussion. His dual role of Ghost of Christmas Future is dynamic...when he speaks, we all listen!

New kids on the block are doing an outstanding job! Mark your calendars for this holiday rebel - Scrooge!

Dance With The Stars Winning Couple!

Upstart Crow takes great pride in congratulating the Star teacher, Alison Bumstead from El Camino/River Road Elementary School and her dancing partner, Logan McGann from O'Hara Catholic School on their outstanding performance at the second annual Dance With The Stars gala event on Saturday, October 18 at the Richard E. Wildish Theatre in Springfield. Alison and Logan performed a swing dance to Do You Love Me by the Contours.

Competitors were local school teachers from the Eugene and Springfield school districts dancing with student partners from All That! Dance Company. The winning teacher receives a performance by Stage Door Productions for their school. Congratulations and thank you to all the teachers who participated! What a fun evening!

Disney Salutes Crow Family!

It was great to finally make the announcement about FamilyFun magazine grand prize winner - The Byrum family! They were one of five grand prize winners in the Family Volunteer contest sponsored by Disney and Points of Light Foundation. The Byrums handed us the GIANT check at the Dance With The Stars event last Saturday, October 18th. It will go a long way to help keep children involved in the arts. In this depressed economy we have more and more families in need. The arts are critical in these times of crisis and we are thankful to be have been the recipient, not only for the volunteer work the Byrum family offers so generously, but the $5,000 award money to help these families.

Thank you Byrum Family, FamilyFun magazine and Disney! It is fantastic to see volunteerism be rewarded in such a grand fashion!

Stellar Event!

Wow! The phone and emails have been flooding the Crow with kudos on the Dance With The Stars event last Saturday, October 18th. From the stars, local school teachers in Eugene and Springfield, to audience members and sponsors, there have been nothing but rave reviews. This is our second year with Dance With The Stars, and we look forward to the Third Annual, if we can ever get off the phone to get started!

Teachers are calling wanting to get on the list for next year already. Guess we will need to open this up to high schools and even the colleges (oh yes, they want in, too). We will get out the invites in April 2009 and have our list of Stars ready to go over the summer. Promises to be a great event for Upstart Crow!

Thank you to all who helped sponsor this event. It is wonderful to live in a community with so many dedicated business partners! These business partners are definitely where the Crow flies. Support them!

Starbucks, Jerry's Hardware, American Girl Magazine, Wags, Canine Communications, Our Happy Hounds Organic Biscuit Bakery, Bello Spa, Footloose Massage, Beverly Soasey, Linda Hodgert, Ruthie B's, Albertson's, Sweet Life, Mr. Formal, Blue Moon Limo, Pump Cafe, Oil Can Henry's, Prime Time Sports Bar & Grill, Kristie's Barbershop, Kim McFadden of Chase Salon, Fred Meyer, Trader Joe's, Knight Communications, Hollie Haas - Keller Williams Realty Broker, MECCA, Coburg Car Wash, Putters, Lane Ice Events Center, Bounce Gymnastics, Mookie's Kabuki's and the Science Factory.

Putting on our dancin' shoes!

Lots to do before Saturday night's big benefit, Dance With The Stars but we have had such a wonderful response from teachers who are dancing to media, volunteers and patrons. It looks to be a fun evening. If you don't have a ticket, I highly recommend getting one now. We also have a very special presentation that night. A surprise you won't want to miss!

A big thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers and especially All That! Dance. Without them, none of this would be possible. The students who are dancing have volunteered their time and energy and the teachers are looking good! This is a great community event! Get ready to cheer on your favorite school, teacher or student this Saturday, October 18th at the Wildish Theatre. Be there early for the limo to arrive with the "stars" for the red carpet treatment. Reception begins at 6:30 p m. Ticket office opens at 6:00 pm or buy early online.

Dance With the Stars

In the countdown mode for Dance With The Stars. Teachers are practicing their moves and the schools are gearing up for the competition. Arriving by limo the stars will make a grand entrance to a reception hosted by Upstart Crow Studios. This is a guaranteed family friendly good time! Don't be left out - get your tickets now at www.upstartcrowstudos.com

Crow has been kidnapped!

Bad news, fellow Crows. Our beloved Crow has been kidnapped. The dastardly deed happened at the Eugene Celebration. Be on the look out for a miserable fellow with black feathers, yellow beak and feet. We have not received ransom demands but we realize how popular Upstart Crow is, so perhaps the scoundrels are determining the value of our Crow. Since his presence in the Studios is beyond dollar calculations, we are hoping to negotiate his return on more friendly terms.

Anyone spotting this bird, should call us immediately and we will send out a team to rescue his tail feathers! Do not attempt to rescue him on your own. The scoundrels may be dangerous and armed with bird seed. A reward of two tickets to Dance With The Stars for the Crow with information leading to the rescue of beloved mascot!

Dreaming of Eugenie

Great performance by our Crows at the Eugene Celebration this past weekend. Kudos to all the great kids and volunteer parents who came out and sat in the sun all talking crow and helping potential crows try out outlandish costumes. Had a suggestion by a couple of crows for a dunk tank next year! Any volunteers for that job? It would have been nice in the heat but it will probably rain next year - and we would be a bunch of soggy crows.

More Crows getting on board for the Stage Door Production Team. We are only taking 20 students this year, so if you want in, don't wait to call or sign up. Our first performance will be Dance With The Stars and The Festival of the Trees. Remember being a member of Production Team does not mean you can't audition for other theatre performances. Stage Door is to hone your skills, especially those of you who have demonstrated your passion for the art.

In case the news hasn't spread yet, we are unable to do Annie this season as anticipated. The national touring company has blocked any theatre groups from doing it within the area that they are performing. Since they are at the Hult Center in January, that knocked us out of the box.

We have decided to flip our season with next year's offering and do Disney's Beauty and The Beast instead and put Annie on next year's schedule. A bit disappointing, I know, but hopefully this is a good alternative and we will have a wonderful chorus of forks, knives and spoons - not to mention wonderful animated characters in the castle, through the woods and of course the townspeople! Lots of roles, music and dancing to tempt even the savage beast...Auditions will be in December so keep checking the web site.

Scrooge is next - get ready for Dickens of a twist to this tale. You know we just can't leave well enough alone! Music, dance and a delightful funny story...what a great way to spend the holiday! No auditions for this production. We begin on Oct. 20th with our regular theatre schedule on Mondays and Thursdays. Check the web site for details.

Coming right up - Dance With The Stars! This will be great fun with local schools competing for a chance to see Upstart Crow's production team perform for their school! Come cheer on your school or just to enjoy a great night of dance! Lots of fun for everyone. If you came last year you know we ain't lying, if you miss it this year, you will be cryin'!

The Crow is dreaming of Eugenie

Last call for all crows who would like to be part of the Eugene Celebration...if you are within the sound of my caw, head on down to the Studios on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 - 1 for a rehearsal of the performance for the Eugene Celebration. We will be doing reprises of Cinderella, Grease, Wizard of Oz and Music Man! If you would like to volunteer to man the booth at the Kid Zone on either Saturday or Sunday at the Celebration, call the office. We are looking for a parent and two kids to volunteer 2 hours. All volunteers get a Celebration bracelet to enjoy the rest of the Eugene Celebration so it is a great way to be a part of the fun!

Come by and see everyone as we gear up for the new season at the Open House on Saturday, Sept 6 from 1 - 3 pm. We will have registration available for the new Production Team - Stage Door Productions and for Scrooge, which starts on October 20th. Hear all about Dance With The Stars and

We perform on Saturday, Sept 13 at 1:30 pm. on the KidZone stage. If you can't be part of the show or volunteer, then come down and watch! The KidZone is free!

Just Flew In!

Just got back in on the tail of Hurricane Gustav after being bounced around a bit by Hurricane Fay! Wild couple of weeks in Florida but the creative juices are flowing and we are ready to hit the ground running!

Open House on Saturday from 1 to 3 pm. Come on down and see what the crow is up to. More information will be available about our upcoming theatre schedule, events and the new Stage Door Production Team. There will be free dance classes and a preview of our Eugene Celebration show! You won't want to miss this.

Speaking of Eugene Celebration, come out to the KidZone on Saturday and Sunday and make some fun with us. We are looking for volunteers to man the crow booth - hoping to get kids involved since they really know the ropes around here. We will be performing from 1:30 to 2:00 pm on the corner of 8th and Olive. Volunteers get a bracelet so they can enjoy the rest of the festivities. The KidZone is a free area so bring the family and enjoy!

If you would like to be a part of the performance or can volunteer, give us a call!

Open House

Hey, come on down to Upstart Crow Studios on Sept. 6 - going to have a great open house. Lots of fun - free dance lessons, theatre performances. And all the latest info on the upcoming season for Scrooge and Annie. Information will also be available for our new youth production team - Stage Door Productions - ages 5 to 16 years. So much is going to be worth crowing about you don't want to miss a minute!

Crow is flying south for a couple of weeks so see you in September!

Marching On

Congratulations to the cast of The Music Man. It was phenomenal! We had so many kudos from the audience saying it was amazing! From the choreography to the music and acting, everything was top notch! Cast party tonight - does the party every stop at Upstart Crow?

Music Man Camp

Great job today by the little ones in The Music Man. With separate rehearsal times for the younger cast, we will be working them everyday this week. Songs and dances from The Music Man and they will also be Entra Acts - a key element for those of us backstage trying to change sets, costumes and quiet the riot! Super bunch showed up today and have already learned Wells Fargo Wagon...its a comin' down the street and stopping right here at Upstart Crow Studios. I hope Mayor Shinn is aboard, because he is the last piece to this puzzle. But having a fun time putting it all together. Don't miss this show!

We Got Trouble

The trouble is right here in River City, we are having WAY too much fun at rehearsals. The cast seems to be enjoying the fact that our very own Harold Hill, Chas King, is a billiard playing hustler and proud of it! The Ladies Society is all but faint from his captivating and charming snake oil ways of shaking things up in their quiet little town of River City. Marcellus, the infamous Ben Brown, is trying to keep Marian the librarian, the formidable Helene Morse, from poking too far into Professor Hill's questionable past. But the burning question is...can Amaryllis, the sweet Taylor Dalton, play that note on the piano right? Yes, she may!

Right Here In River City

The Upstart Crow Symphonic Band has been practicing for the upcoming event - Right Here In River City! An old fashioned concert in the park. Everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch, family and friends and head down to Skinner Butte Park at River Play and spend a sparkler afternoon of fun and music. Admission is free so come join the crows and win a chance to conduct the orchestra...that is if you can wrangle the baton away from Tim!

Hurray for Iowans!

Last night's rehearsal was outstanding in its field - corn fields, that is! Just a little Iowan humor and a great big howdy to all our cast members. Great song and dance numbers. Marion the Librarian (Helene Morse) was not one bit amused by the wiles of the crafty Harold Hill (Chas King), although Marcellus Washburn (Ben Brown) did try to warn him. Still room for some Iowans in the corn field if you think you'd like the pickin'!

Quick Sale!

Are you a quick talker? Ever tried to make a quick buck? If you have ever wanted to be in theatre but just can't find the time - how about joining The Music Man cast as a salesman. We need 5 guys to play the jive talking salesman in the opening scene. This is a fun, fast paced bit that would require a few rehearsals but not everyday like the rest of the cast. Once a week and then homework, dress rehearsals and show nights. Think about how much fun you could have...not enough? Then think about how much we need you...not enough? How about $9.95...but wait - there's more! Your name in the program and if you have a business card, we will put a free ad in the program. Now what salesman can resist that! Give us a call and let's make this deal happen!

Romeo, Romeo

Where for art thou? We need four male roles for Music Man. Anybody out there have any resources for tall, dark and handsome men? Okay, we will settle for short, light and good looking but we NEED four guys to kick start this play. We have a strong cast but believe it or not these four roles are pivotal to the play. If you have a friend, dad, brother, uncle, neighbor, co-worker - call them up and tell them how much fun they can have working with us! Get out there and crow!

Theater camps

Lots of fun ways to spend the summer here at the Crow! Check out our theater camps, dance camps - yes, even a pirate camp!

76 Trombones

We are gearing up for Summer Stock production of The Music Man. Tomorrow, July 1, we will be hosting auditions beginning at 6 pm. Come on down if you want to have a fun three weeks of intense theater work. No experience necessary - 12 through adult, so Mom and Dad, this is your turn to get in on the fun.

The Wall is Down

With Secret Garden done, we look ahead to Music Man. Open Call Auditions begin next Wednesday at 7:00 pm at Upstart Crow Studios. So many parts to fill! This is our summer stock production, which means we include ages 12 through adult. Yes, kids, your parents could be on stage! Many parents have requested an opportunity to join in the fun. Here it is. Rehearsals begin on July 7th from 6 to 9 Monday through Thursday. It is a LOT of work, but it is also a LOT of FUN! No experience necessary, people, so come on down and audition!

Singing a sweet tune!

Thanks for answering the call for the orchestra. Filled all the vacancies but the keyboard player. If you know an advanced keyboard player, have them give us a call.

We are also looking for singers for the ghostly dreamers in The Secret Garden. Interested? Not much in the way of rehearsal but sure could use your pipes. Looking for 4 to 6, male or female, middle school and older. Choir experience helpful but certainly not necessary. You don't even need to read music. A couple of one hour rehearsals and show dates of May 31st and June 1st. Come by and check out a rehearsal - Monday or Thursday from 6:30 - 8:00 pm and see if you'd like to warble with with us.

Stay cool, be hot!

Looking for Marion and Harold. Have you seen them? If you do, will you send them to Upstart Crow Studios on May 21st between 7 and 9 pm? Tell them they have to be at least 16 years old and have to be able to sing. Cold reads are a nice way to stay cool and make a hot impression. Try out for our Summer Stock production of The Music Man. Three weeks of the hottest thing to do with your summer vacation! Rehearsals begin in July!

Will Play For fun!

Looking for something to fill those empty hours? Upstart Crow Studios needs you! Do you play an instrument? We are looking for musicians for the Upstart Crow Symphony Orchestra - the only balcony orchestra in the WORLD! Middle School (8th grade) and up are encouraged to call us and come play in the orchestra. Secret Garden needs more orchestra members. Rehearsals will begin this week. High school students - this does count for community service hours! A two-fer! Have fun and get credit. You know you want to...there is safety in numbers and we just have a lot of fun. So give us a call. We need a violin, french horn, cello, clarinet, keyboard and trumpet. Call our music director, Tim Wilcox (now there is a fun guy!) at 554-5267 or email twilcox@uoregon.edu. You can call the office, too - 688-8260. Fiddle around, toot your own horn, but whatever you do - come play with us!

Birds don't sing as sweet

Cast sang confidently through vocal rehearsal last night. Colin, despite the character's weakness, warbled beautifully. Now if I can get him to sing like a flock of birds maybe he will be heard over the orchestra! Good job, people!

Hard to keep a secret

Last night's rehearsal was full of giggles. Dickon and Mary had a hard time keeping a straight face and Dr. Craven did his best to keep Colin quiet with his impression of a mad doctor! Colin, fortunately, used his volume to shout "NO" as the Mad Doctor approached him with the needle...oh, you want details? Guess you will have to come and see for yourself. Tickets will go on sale next week! Great job, Cast!

The Wall Is Going Up!

Our set designers for Secret Garden met last Friday and got right to work on creating the magic. The wall surrounding the garden is up but don't think you can get in without the key...and only the robin knows where it is! So read the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett and find out about the secrets that lie in the garden. Good book, great play. Stay tuned. On Monday we search the racks of the UO Costume Department - who know what magical costumes we will find!

Action, Lights, Camera

Want to get in on the excitement of theatre but not sure standing on stage is your thing. There are lots of fun things to do behind the scenes - today we will be working on set design for The Secret Garden. This will be a challenge because there is a Student Showcase happening the night before. The sets will need to be all black for the Showcase and a garden and library for Secret Garden.

We are always looking for people to run lights, work on sets, costumes, the program - lots to do in a theatre. If you are in high school these hours count as community service but mostly they count as a great way to kill time and have fun. Interested? Call us- there is always room for one more at the Crow's Nest!

Ongoing Classes

Along with our production of The Secret Garden and class offerings from All That! Dance, Upstart Crow Studios hosts several classes open to the community.

Iwalani Chafran teaches the expressive art of hula to students of all ages through Island Arts Productions. Hula classes currently meet in Studio 1 on Tuesdays 6pm-7pm. Call or email Iwalani for more details. 541-688-6585 iwalani1@msn.com

On the other side of the expressive dance spectrum, Tobey Johnston offers a breakdance class open to ages 10 and up. Classes meet in the Crow's Nest Theater on Tuesdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Call Tobey Johnston at 541-953-5102 to sign up.

These two amazing instructors have taken full advantage of our beautiful studio spaces. Imagine what you might teach. Send your class proposals to info@upstartcrowstudios.com

Great Rehearsal

What a fantastic group of cast members we have for this musical production of The Secret Garden. We did character studies last night and it was obvious that everyone had some wonderful insights into their character. It was fun to write up on the board all the ideas the group had to share. Becca Morris came in for the choreography and worked with a few cast members on the ballroom scene. There are ghostly figures in the background that we still need to add to the scene but the dancers worked through the awkward moments and were becoming quite graceful by the end of rehearsal. Kudos! Better get tickets now for this one!

The Secret Garden

This is a wonderful Tony award winning Broadway play with an all youth cast. With haunting music and story, it is a delightful family show. Based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the story is about an orphaned girl who comes to live with her uncle in Yorkshire, England. Poor thing has a broken heart and finds her young cousin suffering from an illness he has had since birth. Both find happiness in the garden that heals both their spirits and bodies. Tickets are on sale now for performances May 31th and June 1st.

What's going on this Summer

You ready for Summer? We are. Check out what we have going on.

Upstart Crow blogs!

Hello and thanks for visiting our blog. We're exciting to be here and look forward to using this venue to share information about our programs, the community, the industry and whole lot more.

Wondering who we are?

Upstart Crow Studios was founded in February 2000 in Eugene, Oregon, working in humble, nomadic ways — school gyms, church basements, private studios, and retirement community centers. In February 2002, and after many months of working with a student volunteer program to refurbish the stage at Willard Elementary School, the curtain opened on our first stage production, Beauty and the Beast.

From that first production, and only a handful of students, we have literally grown by leaps and bounds each year. Realizing the need to find a permanent home for our expanding program, we opened the doors of Upstart Crow Studios School of the Arts in September 2006. Our dedicated staff, enthusiastic parent volunteers, local community leaders and hardworking Board of Directors have generated the energy and support to make this dream possible.

The vision of Upstart Crow Studios has always been to seek out the everyday child. The child that doesn't know they have talents and gifts and to demonstrate the power of creative expression.

From our early days, to the opening of our new facility, our vision remains constant.