The Best Bang For The Buck!

Brother, Can You Spare A Buck? was a huge success and one of the best buys for your entertainment dollar. Yes, Everything Was A Dollar and from the food to the Talent Show to the Live Auction, every minute of the event was fun.

The Talent Show cast demonstrated that Crows do everything better! We had singing, dancing, musicians, comedy and juggling. The winner of the Show - Simon Waddell. What a show man! Kudos to all who made this a great show. Tim Wilcox was impersonating a one man band as he accompanied and ran the lights for the show. Todd Waddell provided our sound system for the evening. When people ask how do you do that? I have a one word answer - Volunteers. It is amazing what we can do when we work together.

On to the Grinch...but keep a watchful eye. This event will be back by popular demand!

Oh Brother!

Brother, Can You Spare A Buck? benefit this Saturday, October 17th is about to explode with food, fun and entertainment - the area's first Everything's A Dollar event. Where else can you stretch your hard earned dollar than at the Crow! The biggest bang for your buck will happen this weekend at Upstart Crow Studios. And yes, it is true - everything is a dollar. Why go to fast food dollar menus when you can come to the Crow and get dinner and a show?

The Talent Show will feature our local community on stage in the Crows Nest Theatre. With our magnificent Tim Wilcox doing his impression of a one man band, we bring a whole new meaning to the words "Lights, Music, Action". In true vaudeville style, the eclectic mix of talent will include juggling, comedy, song and dance. Our lovely assistant, Gracie McKenzie, will pirouette across the stage to announce each new act as she changes the placard on the stage easel.

But wait, there's more! Grab an auction paddle and join the fun at the live auction! And yes, you bid for only a buck! From Duck tickets to gift cards, a troubadour and magician - all waiting to see who will be the highest bidder. This Depression Era event is filled with affordable fun from the moment you walk through the door and transport yourself to a time when a community came together to make fun cheap! With this Everything's a Dollar Event, Upstart Crow welcomes the down economy to turn up the smile on your face!

And wait there is still more! Bi-Mart members get free admission! Come join the fun! Our people have gone all out to create a fun family event with something for everyone and....drum roll, please - It's Only A Dollar!

Falling Into Step

As the weather cools and we find ourselves more indoors than out, classes at Upstart Crow challenge our creative instincts.

Mask Making by Dr. Hoolala is a number one pick this month. With Halloween around the corner, you can design and create a mask that will make you a hit during this ghoulish season. Have fun learning how to make a life mask you can use to make a mask that is true fit to your face. Working with the master, you will learn techniques and be inspired by the artistic masks that surround you and the magic of the master himself. Classes are available for adults and kids so spend October harvesting your creative side.

Project Voice with Alli Bach is singers dream. Alli comes with rave reviews to the Studios and will teach you how to use your voice wisely and learn habits on the care and feeding of your vocal cords. The play on words to project the voice as well as making your voice the project, speaks to how the class will help with communication, theatre and singing skills. We encourage kids interested in the theatre program to work with Alli this year in these exciting classes.

We are excited to bring to you the newest performance art opportunity at the Crow. Rhythms Recycled Ensemble will be a fascinating look at using recycled materials in a performance art project with percussion, dance and rhythm. Students will work to gather materials, make them into a work of art that is functional as a pitched percussive energy that will keep the dancers hearts and feet moving to the beat. 2010 performances in local venues, including the Eugene Celebration. Join this group for some hot nights in the cold winter months ahead.

Sign up for our e-newsletter and get all the latest details and updates. Whatever you are looking for, look to the Crow for the best in youth performing arts!

Eugene's Got Talent!

Eugene's Got Talent or at least we liked to see some of it. Upstart Crow Studios is hosting a Community Talent Show and we would like to invite everyone to come on down and show us what you got. Everyone who auditions is in, as is our policy, but we are looking for family oriented material for our audiences. And it's free!

Can you juggle, sing, dance, do magic - how about comedy? Since the halls are full of laughter around here, there must be some talented people just waiting to strut their stuff. What about sword swallowing? Now that would be something different! Ask around and find out just who has talent among your crew and send them our way.

The Auditions are on October 5th in the Crows Nest Theatre from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. We want to see what kind of a line up we can present at our Brother, Can You Spare A Buck? event on October 17th. The talent show will be the headlining event along with "Everything's A Dollar". Yes, that's right - EVERYTHING is a dollar. From food to entertainment and auction items, this event is a one size fits all wallets. And the price of admission is ONLY A DOLLAR! Show us what you got and let the Crow put you on stage!

The 2009-2010 Stage Door Team!

Here it is. The moment you have all been waiting for...Upstart Crow proudly presents the Stage Door Production Team for the 2009-2010 theatre season!

Stage Door members have committed themselves to a year of study and performance. They start their season with an intense 2 day workshop with our professional instructors. This year's team will have an opportunity to work with Alli Bach, our vocal teacher, Rainey Taylor, a theatre professional from Los Angeles now residing here in Eugene and Brenda Cook, a movement artist and choreographer.

Cast members will work with each of these professionals during the year honing their skills and gaining a wealth of experience from these teachers. The workshops begin on November 7th and will be scheduled throughout the year to work on theatre skills and rehearse for upcoming performances.

This year's performances include Portland's Rave In The Nave, Little Shop of Horrors, Art In The Vineyard, Willamette Blues and Brew Festival, Hult Showcase and the Eugene Celebration. We will also be taking a group to see Disney's The Lion King in Portland. And all Stage Door members receive an additional 10% discount on any other theatrical productions they choose during the year!

Stage Door members are strongly encouraged to work more intensely with Alli Bach in our Project Voice class. Not only does this class help develop good posture, breathing and vocal techniques, it works on developing the power to project the voice enhancing volume and proper diction. Essential to all triple threat enthusiasts, this class will be offered on Mondays before the theatre production schedule on Monday nights. Perfect way to warm up the pipes!

All That! Dance Company, our resident dance company, also offers Musical Theatre class that develops the choreography and musical theatre dance steps basic to every theatrical production. These classes are available on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. You may register for this class through All That! Dance at their website www.allthatdancecompany.com

We still have ONE spot left as we limit this group to 20 students. Could it be yours?

The team stands - Stefhani Anderson, Ben Brown, Abby Cooper, Conner Criswell, Taylor Dalton, Taylor Doble, Ila Drumm, Charlie Emery, Holley Flora, Cortney Grant, Kevin Hagel, Diamond Huynh, Emma Mowry, Victoria Richards, Cassie Serra, Maggie Shidek, Courtney Volta, Sadie Waddell, Aidan Ziegler Hansen!

Young At Arts

As our children head back to school, we fill their backpacks with school supplies and healthy lunches. We drop them off at the school door step, wish them a great day and trust that once through that door, their minds will open up and absorb all that knowledge.

But like most things in life, it really depends on that first step. The joy of learning comes from a seed that is planted long before they walk through those hallowed halls of academia. From their earliest opportunities, children begin learning. Through melody, movement and creativity, the young mind opens to learning on so many different levels. 

Research shows the inclusion of the arts as a core creates more awareness, mental agility and academic achievement. Children who participate in the arts at least three hours, three days a week for a year are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, 3 times more likely to be elected to class office and 4 times more likely to participate in math and science fairs.

Upstart Crow Studios believes in the concept of arts as a core to academic development. That is the basis on which we were founded. At a time when cutbacks have become commonplace in the school budgets, UCS step up to keep the concept alive and well. This year we take it to the next level. Beyond the after school arts programming, we now offer Young At Arts, early childhood development through the arts.

A unique pre-school model for Kindergarten readiness, this program will use the arts as a core to bring music, art, dance and theatre to young eager minds. The arts core will help develop language, reading, math and science skills. The program runs September through June and will feature a three day week, three hours a day. The perfect healthy snack for those eager, hungry minds!

Moving Words

As part of the All That! Dance Company Bunhead Boot Camp this past July, the young prima ballerinas reflected on the themes of acceptance and letting go. These themes were based on Bill T. Jones ensemble piece, Still/Here - a mix of choreography and spoken words from people dealing with death and terminal illness. The study of this unique and moving piece brought the young dancers to conclusions of their own through the thoughts and words of others. During the finale of their performance there was a moment of silence as they sat on the edge of the stage and shared these thoughts with their audience.

We find by losing. We hold fast by letting go. We become something new by ceasing to be something old. This seems to be close to the heart of that mystery. I know no more now than I ever did about the far side of death as the last letting go of all, but now I know that I do not need to know and that I do not need to be afraid of not knowing. God knows. That is all that matters.   - Frederick Buechner

The hardest part of faith is the last hour. - David Wilkerson

Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go. - Sylvia Robinson

Forgotten? No, we never do forget. We let the years go;wash them clean with tears. Leave them to bleach out in the open day or lock them careful by, like dead friends' clothes, till we shall dare unfold them without pain. But we do not forget. - D.M. Mullock Craik

For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity. - William Penn

This summer our dear, sweet Fa, grandfather to Dance Director, Sarah Beth Byrum and father in law to Executive Director, Eularee Smith passed away from this life and into that place of loving memory. He ventures into eternity with us strongly tied to him and he to us. As the spoken words moved gracefully through each dancer and across the floor, his spirit smiled on.

Be Careful What You Wish For

It began as an idea behind the walls of the costume room. The topic was how to make things easier for the costume crew and the cast when sorting, transporting and putting costumes in order for a show.

The solution seemed simple enough. Garment bags that could hold the costume and accessories. We didn't find anything suitable, let alone affordable while letting our fingers do the walking online. So we did the next best thing and invented the wheel...or the garment bag as it were. 

Mandi Bussell, our cupcake costume designer, offered to help design a pattern. We spent the afternoon putting together ideas of what we wanted, what was practical and what we could actually pull off. She plotted out a pattern on newsprint and left it with me to put the pieces together and make a working model. 

Meanwhile our trusty Board member, Stephen Brainard, talked to his mom about making a "few" garment bags. She was visiting Eugene from Colorado and eagerly raised her hand to work on the project. Unable to make a working model in the time she was here visiting, I handed her the untested pattern. 

A week later, Stephen brings in a finished product. Although she only sews in white thread (we love white thread but hate white socks!) she did a bang up job. A few weeks later, we now have almost half of the amount we were hoping for. The woman is a sewing machine addict! She must be chained to her machine to do this many so fast.

Laurie Brainard, you are an amazing woman and dedicated volunteer. There is no way to tell you how much this means to our kids. Laurie says she volunteered because Upstart Crow Studios is a good organization and it helps her grandkids even though she lives in a different state. 

It is nice to know that volunteers come in all shapes, sizes, ages and apparently from Colorado! 

Artists Come In All Sizes

The August Last Friday Artwalk signaled an intent on the part of Upstart Crow to add something new. The Crow is working on hosting youth band concerts. We found a couple of worthy candidates on the stage (indoor and out) this month.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory (T.S.F.) took the stage to crowd of fans last night at the Artwalk. Concerned about the acoustic nature of the group, not to mention Mother Nature's unexpected rain shower, they opted to perform

inside in the Crows Nest Community Theatre. The group had a wonderful mix of harmonies and personalities that jumped out on stage. With limited instrumentation - a guitar and a set of drums, the group had almost an acappella style. An impressive set of hand crafted drums was played by a remarkable young drummer who rivaled Kings of Perscussion like Ginger Baker. What a great group and they are on the list for upcoming events.

Outside, under the stars and along a fence of paintings of musicians, Angel Torres Mann took her guitar in hand and sang heartfelt melodies, including one that was written for her brother who died tragically earlier in the year. Her sweet voice and melodious guitar touched those gathering around for the acoustic calm of the evening. You had only to look to the art hanging along the fence for the inspiration of blending art and music. She was one of the models for the artist, Erin Bucklew, in a series of paintings created on Monday nights at Allann Brothers Coffee House in Eugene. Erin, along with other artists, use their artistic talents to capture the soul of the musicians who play there on Monday nights. It was wonderful to see Angel perform to the backdrop of these paintings and the mural, all capturing the winged spirit of Upstart Crow Studios.

The Flying Crow

The summer is winding down but it seems the crow is flying high. Mural artists Erin Bucklew and Kari Johnson started on the mural project this year thanks in part to a grant from the Lane Arts Council. It was unveiled at the Last Friday Artwalk in July, but this Friday, August 28th it will be revealed in all its glory.
Erin, along with some of our young crows, have added bits and pieces to make the Flying Crow a symbol for all the arts, young people and most of all to the power of creative expression within all of us. It celebrates the artist within each of us and the imagination that inspires us. A tribute to the collaborative energy in the Studios, this project has evolved into a master work with new something to discover each time you look at it.
Come join us at the final summer Artwalk and see other works by Erin Bucklew and Alex D'Souza. Come dance the night away with our eclectic youth bands playing in the parking lot from 6 to 9 pm. Come see why Upstart Crow Studios is the best kept secret in Eugene!

Making A Difference

"This place must be the best kept secret in Eugene", says Lane Arts Council Director, Douglas Beauchamp. What is not a secret is the difference Upstart Crow Studios is making in the lives of the young people who come to the Crow.

This summer we have been hard at work making the power of creative expression a reality for a talented young artist. Joel Fish knocked on the door asking what he could do to make a difference. His vision began on a blank wall on the catwalk over the main dance studio. It was there he found a canvas that awakened his power to express a powerful message to all who pass through. 

Two simple words now grace the catwalk wall. Pursue. Passion. From vision to execution, Joel captured the essence of the energy in this building. The small addition of motivators - "if you can dream it, you can do it" and "the power of creative expression" boldly speak to what happens at the Crow. 

Upstart Crow Studios proudly joins the Last Friday Artwalk in the Whiteaker neighborhood. Artwalkers are compelled by the message and at once engaged in the possibilities. Becoming less of a secret and more the talk of the town, Upstart Crow Studios looks forward to another outstanding season.

Edgar Allen Crow Honored

It was our distinct pleasure to bestow Upstart Crow Studios highest award to Edgar Allen Crow on Saturday, June 20th. The lovely Edgar turned the ripe old age of 21 years and despite her tragic beginnings, she has managed to fly above her circumstances making her the perfect Upstart Crow.

Stage Door cast members put together a small tribute on Edgar's behalf, as well wishers gathered at her birthday party at the Cascade Raptor Center in south Eugene. Edgar is the darling of the Center and greets visitors with her infectious laughter (caw, caw, caw) and her easy going "oh well". From the time she crawled across the highway to an elementary school in Veneta, she has adored children and become a human imprint. The children fed her leaves of bugs and worms and she even had her very own cupcake.

Edgar was presented with a certificate declaring her an honorary Upstart Crow. Signed, sealed and delivered this certificate bears witness that anyone (or any bird) can rise above their circumstances and use their strengths to overcome their weaknesses and truly become someone to crow about!

Happy Birthday, Edgar!

Acting Out!

What a fun week with a wonderful group of artistic kids! Act Out camp is a series of classes and workshops in the arts. It offers an opportunity to explore different mediums of performing and visual arts. Campers experienced theatre, dance, music, sculpting and set painting. 

The theatre class worked on a readers theatre version of the Frog Prince Continued. They even had a chance to experience what the phrase "the show must go on" means when one of the cast was sick on the last day and we had to quickly change the blocking and dispense the lines among the remaining cast. 

The STOMP class began their Friday showcase with a rousing chant of "Let's go, Upstart Crow". Their class focused on music literacy through the use of rhythmic chants and creating music from objects on stage. Between feet, hands, chairs, boxes and sticks the music was engaging and fun for the youngest to the oldest in the group. 

The African drumming group was superb. The dancing was tuneful in and of itself, with the steady undertones of the drum. They delighted their parents with their ability to stay on their feet through some pretty tricky dance steps.

The sets were designed and painted as a backdrop for their Friday showcase. The sets complimented the Frog Prince, while adding character to the African dance and the STOMP of the Crow!  The fairytale forest was filled with charm and whimsy with polka dot trees, a gingerbread house and firebreathing dragon. 

And I am sure that breakfast will bring hold more than cereal for them come next week, as they eat from their glazed bowls and spoons from the sculpting class. The work was beautiful and sparked by the creativity of each individual. You will certainly never find two of a kind in this group of talented young artists.

With more summer camps to come, I look forward to the next group of young people to add their voice and creative expression to the Crow!

Dynamic System Rocks The Crow

Great concert at the Crow and no one was sitting still as Dynamic System rocked the Crow's Nest Theatre for two hours Friday, June 12th. Nathan Grant, drummer extraordinare, along with Josh Lambe, on bass, and Patrick Dodd, guitar and lead singer took the stage and didn't let go as the audience listened to the group's mix of some phenomenal covers of rock and roll greats like Zepplin, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Hendrix among others. The hard core drumming, tight leads and vocals make this group a fun experience.

You may know Nathan, as the drummer for the Upstart Crow Symphony Orchestra, and Josh Lambe, who also plays viola for the Orchestra. Tim Wilcox conducted the light show. The Crow congratulates Dynamic System for an evening of great music. Free CDS were given out to all the concert goers.

Hoping to add a few more concerts at the Crow this summer. But we hear that Dynamic System will also be performing at Sam Bond's. Stay tuned and pump up the volume as this young group turns up the heat this summer with their hard rock style and crowd pleasing shows.

You can contact Dynamic System at dynamicsystem53@gmail.com.

What is an Upstart Crow?

We had the good fortune to receive a grant to produce television commercials for the Crow. It has been a fun experience for the Stage Door team, who were the on air talent. The question that the commercial poses is "What is an Upstart Crow?"

Although we know the answer to the question, we had the opportunity to see it in action. Several of the kids in the theatre and dance program volunteered their time to produce a short cabaret show for a group of 3rd graders at Ridgeline Montessori School. They wrote the script, selected the music, directed and choreographed a musical theatre cavalcade of song and dance.

The show began as a gift from the teachers. They are moving and wanted to create a special gift for the class they were leaving behind. Their daughter contacted other theatre kids and presented the idea of putting together a show in 2 weeks. Reminiscent of the Little Rascal theatrical extravaganzas of my childhood, I watched these young people carry the torch.

This is an Upstart Crow. An individual who uses their talents and energy for the purpose of positive creative expression. The collaborative effort of these crows produced a powerful message for these 3rd graders - be the best that you can be.

The crow is not the most beautiful bird, quite common, ordinary if you will. Perhaps that is the best part of my job. To see these common birds find ways to give flight to their imaginations and become extraordinary through the process. And then to share that with other young people is exactly what every teacher hopes to inspire. As a teacher, I am always striving to work myself out of a job.

Ironically, the stage they performed on was the same one that Upstart Crow performed its first musical theatre production of Beauty and The Beast. We refurbished the stage area in a closed school cafeteria. We worked with a group of teenagers from the Lane County Juvenile Justice Department almost 10 years ago. Those teenagers worked long hard hours to make that theatre space accessible. More Upstart Crows.

Upstart Crow Studios is becoming a legacy. Something to truly crow about.

One Last Song and Dance

Stage Door Productions performed one last time at River Road/El Camino School today. The performance was a part of the winnings of a third grade teacher, Alison Bumstead, at the school for her winning dance number in Dance With The Stars, the annual fundraiser at Upstart Crow Studios.

Stage Door has performed several venues since September and each time has left the crowd wanting more. One little boy stopped me in the hall and said "this was the most awesome assembly we ever had!" Sure, getting out of school is fun but he was impressed with kids his own age performing live theatre.

I was impressed with the ability of these young people to ensure that the show go on. Several team members were unable to make it to the performance today. Quickly the team had to determine who would pick up the lines, change the choreography and vocal parts in a matter of about 10 minutes before the curtain literally went up. Though the audience had no idea how many cast members should have been performing, the Stage Door team made the performance a flawless execution. 

The theme of the show is about the unique qualities we all possess and how important it is to celebrate those unique talents rather than hide them or try to pretend we are other than who we truly are. The message came across loud and clear as these young thespians did their very best to communicate through song and dance with a dash of humor in the mix. 

The last show, yes, is always bittersweet. Done are the long rehearsals, the nagging directors, the lights, fatigue and dialogue you could say in your sleep. But so are the funny moments, the awkward pauses, the tripping over each other's lines or forgotten dance step. Hopefully in their place are confidence in tight situations, pride in accomplishment and friendships that will last a long time. Texts, tweets, emails and Facebook walls filled with a job well done and the anticipation of what next season will bring. 

Crows Have Heroes, Too

It was with great pride that I sat in a room filled with heroes on Thursday, April 23rd. In all, the United Way Volunteer luncheon had 25 tables making this a room of 250 people who volunteer in their community an extraordinary amount of hours. They came from all walks of life, some professionals, others were teenagers and young children, many were seniors. The oldest volunteer of the bunch was 93 years old! 

Their pictures went up on the screen as the emcee spoke briefly about the service these volunteers had done over the past year. The number of hours that some had volunteered was staggering. From 3 - 20 hours a week, for most and some were even higher. These are individuals who dedicated time from their busy lives to work for the greater good in their community. It really was an impressive event.

What made it even more special, was that our own Timothy Wilcox was nominated for the Arts and Culture Volunteer of the year. I don't know that many people know the amount of hours this young man gives to Upstart Crow. He works tirelessly to bring a level of music accompaniment that most youth performing arts programs do not have. He receives no pay for his countless hours of rehearsal with the orchestra, accompanying the cast at rehearsals and working with them on the their vocals as chorus and soloists. He is pretty handy with the tool box, not to mention the tech service to get the wireless up and running in the building and networking the printer in the office. And he has been seen in the hallways, vacuuming! Is there nothing this Super Hero can't do?

We have a wonderful organization, here at Upstart Crow Studios. But what makes it truly remarkable is the level of volunteerism that keeps us running. Thank you to all those who believe in the vision of keeping the arts alive and accessible to our community and especially to the children we serve. And a big round of applause for Timothy! 

Happy Birthday!

Today is a unique day in history and one that obviously speaks to all Crows. Happy Birthday, Shakespeare and oh by the way, bon voyage.

William Shakespeare's birth is not officially recorded but his baptism is dated on April 26th. It is commonly accepted that his birthday was April 23rd and that he was born in a house on Henley Street in Stratford, Englan. Much of what is known about the man remains in court documents and church records and most significantly from his rivals.

To be sure, that is how Upstart Crow Studios, gained its name. From the penned hand of one of Shakespeare's critics, Robert Greene, came these words, which seemed to fit our intent and mission at Upstart Crow.

Greene disparages Shakespeare, an actor who fancied himself a playwright. Greene writes this about Shakespeare.

"...for there is an upstart crow, beautified with our feathers, that with his tigers heart wrapped in a players hide, supposes he is well able to bombast out a blank verse as the best of us.."

From these words, Robert Greene gained fame. Shakespeare, on the other hand, is legend. His final enigma was to die on the day he was born, 52 years later. 

We wear the term "upstart crow" with great pride. We are unique individuals with dynamic voices. All crows are welcome here. Let us celebrate the individual today in honor of this worthy playwright, Shakespeare. We all have something to crow about!

Wicked in Portland!

There is nothing better than taking your kids to Disneyland for the first time UNLESS it is taking your theatre kids to see Wicked! What a great show, great day and the joy of watching their faces as they saw the magic unfold on stage was the highlight of my week, month, year!

The powerful message and music in this touring Broadway production in Portland, OR is phenomenal. The sets are well used throughout the production with Galinda's bubble being used to levitate Elphaba is just a small example. The clock opening to reveal scenes at Shiz, the Emerald City and Monkey cages was brilliant. The costumes were stunning. They captured the magic of the Land of Oz from the stylish uniforms at Shiz to the stunning gowns of Emerald Citizens - every costume change was so integral to the sets and scenes to create an overall look and feel to the piece.

Vocals and choreography were outstanding. Since the Stage Door team is performing some of these numbers in their show, it was a wonderful opportunity for them to see the energy of the music on stage. From a flip of the wrist or foot movement or "Swish, swish" of the hair, it opened up a new perspective to their interpretation within their own characterization on stage. And of course, as they file away this extraordinary musical theatre production, they are looking ahead to the time when they will be performing this play on their home turf, Upstart Crow Studios.

Yes, much to crow about yesterday. How lucky am I to have such a great job - mentoring some of the greatest kids in the world! We Defy Gravity everyday!

The Cupcakes Are All Put Away

After two weeks of show shut down, the final cupcake was stacked along the wall, the floor was vacuumed and the benches arranged in a row in front of the costume racks. I have spent the last couple of weeks putting away the tea cart, packing away the Beast and his paws and trying to find a place big enough to store Mrs Potts hoop skirt...she was a VERY big woman!

There is always something bitter sweet about closing a show. By the time you get to the end of the run, everyone has nailed their part so well. They all begin to mesh as a cast and the stress of opening night is far behind them. Everyone is eager to go another weekend. The cast party and then its over. You are standing in the middle of a volcanic mass of costumes, shoes, props and scripts that need to sorted, cleaned and put away. The scripts have to be boxed up and shipped back to New York. I am never sure if it takes more time to put the show together or to put it all away.

I do enjoy the quiet. I like to take a day to sort through the costumes slowly, looking for tears, cleaning, finding the container they came from and a place to put the container back when you are done. We are getting quite the collection. With each show, I try to clean out unusable items and pull some for the next show. I remove the cast member's name and for a moment remember something unique or special about them. The little cupcake girls may have been costumed the same but each of them added their own brand of icing to the cake.

Cogsworth's cap and clearing the drawers of the Wardrobe. Babette's hat didn't make it, but Mrs Potts hat should go in the Upstart Crow Studios Hall of Fame. I was thinking how fun it would be to have a case where you could point to such things and remember the story behind it. Each show has its own memories, stories, inside jokes and energy. So putting it all away is time spent savoring the remnants of 60 kids who were beauties and at times, beasts, but were always something to crow about!

Beast, Beast, Where For Art Thou?

It never ceases to amaze me what talents lie in the hearts of our volunteers. Forrest Wilcox is an absolute genius craftsman and has once again outdone himself. From my crude drawing on the back of an envelope and awkward description of impossible scene changes, this master designed and built our balconies for Beast to cry out in despair, our battle to ensue and our townspeople to herald crazy old Maurice.

Add to this genius the set design and painting by our talented Alex D'Souza, Laura Emery, Noel McKern, Doug Fuerst, and Maya Curtinzupan and you will find a magical place to suspend not only your belief, but your worries.

Dr. Hoolala will bring his own brand of magic to the stage as he costumes the wardrobe and makes Cogsworth tick. Lumiere will shine and Cupcakes will giggle in the hands of Seamstress Extraordinaire, Mandi Bussell.

Beauty and her Beast, along with an enchanted castle filled with clattering objects will bedazzle, bewitch and befuddle you as to "how did they do that?"

Come see how we put all these pieces into "play" and create our own very special Upstart Crow Magic! Tickets are disappearing!

Human Again

Working the choreography for Be Our Guest proves challenging when so many cast members are out sick. This always seems to be the problem with calling for rehearsals and only some of the cast shows up. The real challenge is the short rehearsal schedule. We can't go back to teach those who missed the choreography creating more demand on those who are there to KNOW what they are doing.

Some of the cast members are also dancers, which helps. The steps are simple enough but learning to sequence them, let alone remember the sequence often confuses the novices. We have a great team, though, and they work patiently with the novice dancers. Those who are involved in dance as well, also "step up" and lend needed support to their fellow cast members.

Hopefully we can get over this sick stretch and make the most of the rehearsal time we have left. Only three weeks to show! The cast will be surprised on Monday when they see what we have in store for them!

Cupcakes, Napkins, Sporks - oh my!

Working our volunteers hard on measuring and designing cupcakes, napkins and utensils for the big chorus number Be Our Guest! WIth our Lumiere shining a spotlight on the enchanted characters in the castle we are looking to find interesting costumes. The cupcakes are quite adorable with berets of whipped cream and the magic carpets look adorable waving golden tassels. Our own Dr. Hoolala is madly whipping up a cup of tea for Chip and a place for the fancy bloomers of the Wardrobe. Tick Tock, Cogsworth will butle his way onto the stage as the enchanted butler. And all for the love of a rose.

Tickets go on sale soon. Great Valentine Gift! Check the web site on February 9th. Order early!

Tea With Tights

Stage Door Productions Team took the stage this weekend at Tea With Tights, an annual fundraiser for the All That! Dance Team. We were invited to be a part of the cabaret style show served up to audience members along with a full tea service. There were 23 dance numbers with dancers ranging in age from itty bitty 3 to 5 year olds to teens and every age between.

Stage Door performed You Can't Stop The Beat! one of the 5 numbers from their latest stage production. They have performed at Festival of The Trees at the Valley River Inn and will be performing at The Studio in the Hult Performing Arts Plaza in a Youth Performing Artists Celebration on April 5th. Next stop is a performance for a local school, River Road School, winner of the Dance With The Stars competition last October.

Great group of performers! Our youngest member was a shining definition of the show must go on. She performed on Saturday despite being sick for the past few days and feeling feverish at the show. She was rewarded with a few cookies and hugs all around (with the exception of her older brother) from her team mates. Bravo to one and all!

Call to Musicians

Looking for something to do on a cold winter night? Warm up with the orchestra at Upstart Crow Studios. We are looking for a French Horn, Cello, Stand-up Bass and Keyboard player. Rehearsals at the Studios for Disney's Beauty And The Beast. Performances are March 12 - 15th at Upstart Crow and Wildish Theatre. You even get a t-shirt! Call Upstart Crow 688-8260 for rehearsal days, music and information.

This Provincial Town

Rehearsals for Disney's Beauty and the Beast have begun and what a great cast it is! This production will be double cast which means a bit of split personalities and chaos but everyone seems enthusiastic and up to the challenge. Today I spent the day rummaging through North Eugene High School's costume and prop department in the hopes of finding something from their 2005 production of B&B. Found Chip's tea cart, Mrs. Potts' skirt and the terrifying Beast's head. Looking for a hoop skirt to attach Mrs. Potts' skirt and fancy butler type suit for Cogsworth.

It is so fun to go on the hunt for costumes!