Lost Warbucks

It has been a long month of cast members coming in and out of roles. Last night we had the final straw. Both Daddy Warbucks were unable to take on the role! Yikes! How do you do Annie without Daddy Warbucks? These are the headaches of theatre directors.

A serious search and rescue began looking to fill the missing Warbucks' shoes. Who to call and how to convince them that this bald headed role was for them? With only six weeks left until the curtain goes up on this show, it seems a daunting task. Most of our good people are in the play already, or had other commitments and were unable to take part this year.

For "non-theatre" types, I suppose this seems like a simple problem to resolve. Any guy can play Warbucks, shaved head or not. Put a guy in a tux, let go his bravado and before you stands Daddy Warbucks. But this character reaches beyond the shiny dome and flashy duds. Can he carry a bu-bu-bu bathtub tune? Or step lightly across the NY streets with Grace dancing in his arms? And does he like dogs and orphans?

Out come the resumes and the rolodex...

The Road To Annie

Suzi Steffen, Performing Arts Editor for the Eugene Weekly, is writing a series on our Winter Production of Annie from auditions to final curtain. She sat through the parade of over 80 children singing and acting their way on to the stage anxiously wishing to be Annie but excited about being part of the theatre experience. She came to the first rehearsal and is patiently waiting as we finalize the casting.

She asked me a question in an interview today. Suzi asked what prompted me to do this kind of work. I told her the first time I realized I wanted to work in theatre was watching Ted Neely play Jesus Christ Superstar under the stars in Hollywood over 30 years ago. The magic of the cool evening and the dramatic presentation on stage still brings chills.

A year ago, we took Stage Door Production Team to see Wicked in Portland. I had seen the show a few years before, so I wanted to sit behind the kids and watch them have that same experience. Live theatre, is a powerful medium. It moves through you like a tsunami, with such force and energy that you are at once consumed. When the final curtain comes down, those on stage and those in the audience are forever changed.

To share that magic, the suspension of belief, a giant leap into imagination and watching it transform a child's self esteem - that is why, I do this work. Priceless! Thanks, Suzi, for reminding me.

Now let's get to work!

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!