Still haven't seen Scrutiny? Then you definitely don't want to miss it! Check out this article posted by the Berkshire Eagle and see what the hype is all about. Remember, our last show is tonight at 7:30pm. We will see you here!
-Jeff Erazo
"Scrutiny" on the Berkshire Eagle!
Hi everyone!
Still haven't seen Scrutiny? Then you definitely don't want to miss it! Check out this article posted by the Berkshire Eagle and see what the hype is all about. Remember, our last show is tonight at 7:30pm. We will see you here!
Still haven't seen Scrutiny? Then you definitely don't want to miss it! Check out this article posted by the Berkshire Eagle and see what the hype is all about. Remember, our last show is tonight at 7:30pm. We will see you here!
Scrutiny Second Performance
Last night was our second performance of Scrutiny! I can't explain how exhilarating it is to perform a show that was created by such a highly talented group of people who all love and treat each other with high respect. We have gone through tough struggles and have had amazing moments of success; through it all I don't have any regrets. Last night, I had a realization of how lucky I was to get to spend my days and nights with people who have extremely high expectations and always follow through.
On another note, on show nights the entire casts gets ready in what we call the Green Room. The green room is a place where the casts hangs out on our off time, and where we get dressed on show nights. The energy in the Green Room is kind of a controlled chaos. We are all focused and locked in on what we are about to do, while we are trying to get all of our make-up and hair ready; it's definitely a bonding moment. All in all last night was definitely a success and I can't wait to put on one last show! Come out tonight for our final performance November 1st at 7:30!
On another note, on show nights the entire casts gets ready in what we call the Green Room. The green room is a place where the casts hangs out on our off time, and where we get dressed on show nights. The energy in the Green Room is kind of a controlled chaos. We are all focused and locked in on what we are about to do, while we are trying to get all of our make-up and hair ready; it's definitely a bonding moment. All in all last night was definitely a success and I can't wait to put on one last show! Come out tonight for our final performance November 1st at 7:30!
- Amani Bethea
Real Talk with Jeff
Salutations, my friends! Welcome to another Real Talk with me this week. So, for those of you who have done improv before, how often have you come up with a cool idea that you wouldn’t have come up with without improv? There’s something amazing that happens when you’re put under pressure to think of scene ideas on the spot. And for those of you who don't know what I am talking about, improv is essentially acting without a script and relying on creativity.
This is exactly what happened during one of our rehearsals. Jake Diamond, through improv, created a new card game for Scrutiny, called Red Card. How does it work? Come to see Scrutiny to get a better idea of how this new fad works!
This is exactly what happened during one of our rehearsals. Jake Diamond, through improv, created a new card game for Scrutiny, called Red Card. How does it work? Come to see Scrutiny to get a better idea of how this new fad works!
Light Booth
While actors demonstrate their best care and effort on stage, many people work offstage to create the play. Some people may not realize the importance of light on stage. However, without different colors and brightness of light, important characters and moments cannot be emphasized in various scenes. Mr. Howard and several actors worked together on light cues to make the play even more awesome!
- Lily Jeong
Set Build!!!!!!
Last Saturday, we had a huge set build in Allen Theater. Several of the members of the theater department (plus one mini-Graham, Hayden's sister.) We all gathered in the theater and began setting up the stage for the upcoming performances. We put up the new judges' podium as well as the Host's stand, and we had lost of fun doing it. Though quite a few of us went back home or to the dorm covered in paint and chalk, it was a great time spent with fellow cast members. The stage is really looking amazing!!
-Allie Kohlkins
And Let Me Introduce....
When I found out I was going to
be playing the host for our game show, Scrutiny, I was very excited. Making it even better was the fact that I would be joined by my co-host Sherry played by my friend
Amani Bethea. I was glad to be assuming this role in a style much like a
slightly sinister Dick Clark. Within days I began researching famous TV Game
Show moments, and hosts to find how one sculpts the show into an
entertaining evening. I see my character as a seasoned host who omnisciently
commands the contestants with stern and sometimes purposefully unclear directions.
During this episode I’m pleased to announce some new games to challenge the
unsuspecting teenage guests on the show. Being one of the few characters with a
mic you’ll be sure to hear the clearly games and their rules (plus some shrewd
commentary here and there.)
This role gives me a unique
chance to show some real theatrical presentation towards the audience. The
contestants and the bulk of our characters are staying inside the fourth wall,
meaning they act as if the audience isn’t there. As the host I need to play for
the audience and keep each viewer engaged in the show.
Working with Amani and the judges
is a ton of fun and we get to bounce off of each other a lot during scenes. Sherry is the one able to directly come in contact with the
contestants and is equally pleased by their nerves being on the Game Show. Sharing the podium
we’ll be judging and snickering at the contestants noble attempts at these nearly impossible challenges. Our panel of judges will be right next to us adding
their opinions and picking each games winner.
So join us October 30th, 31st and November 1st. I’m your host, James
Sapphire, and Welcome to Scrutiny!
-Peter Bahr
New Developments
As Scrutiny gets closer and closer
to opening night (3 weeks to go!!) the development of characters and of the
plot is becoming clearer and more resolute. Many decisions are made through
experimentation and testing of ideas and often, after a change is made, we
discover something new about the original plan for the play
that we might not have known beforehand. This strategy strengthens the quality of
the play and makes for even more interesting ideas. Additionally, tech crews continue to meet
(including blog, costumes, props, publicity, etc.) really spinning the play in
motion as all of the wheels are turning and things are clicking rapidly into
place. The show is are coming up fast and there is tons of excitement in the air! Everyone
is hunkering down getting ready to present what is going to be a great show!
Until next time,
New Develoments
Hello, people of the Blogopshere. As Scrutiny gets
closer and closer to opening night (3 weeks to go!!), the development of
characters and of the plot is becoming clearer and more resolute. Recent
character choices about one character have sent the play into a different, and
much better, direction. Jeff Erazo, a fellow member of the blog crew and a
seasoned Berkshire theater veteran, made the decision to spin his part around
in a new way, changing quite a bit about the play. While we are losing what
could have possibly been a very interesting character, we are gaining a new
Scrutiny contestant who will add new components to the story. Many decisions are made like this, as we rely heavily upon improvisation and love to experiment. Additionally,
tech crews continue to meet (including blog, costumes, props, publicity, etc.),
really spinning the play in motion, as all of the wheels are turning and things
are clicking rapidly into place. The shows are coming fast, and there is tons
of excitement in the air!
-Allie Kohlkins
Real Talk with Jeff
Howdy everyone! Welcome to the first Real Talk with Jeff. Get ready to get the latest scoop as to what’s happening in Allen Theater!
To begin today’s topic, I first want to prompt you with a question: How often do teachers ask you for your input in school? Aside from class participation, I don’t know of many teachers that allow their students to dictate what happens in class. This is what makes working on Scrutiny a rewarding experience. Not only are we revamping an old version of the script, but WE have a huge say in what direction we want to take this play in.
Most of the rewriting of the script happens through improvisation. Yes, you read right! During rehearsals, Mr. Howard, our director, gives us an idea to work with and our job is to create a scene (through improv) that captivates the idea of the theme. For those of you that have taken improvisation, you know that improv can take a scene in a million directions.
This, of course, requires us to trust each other, have vision, and accept failure. Unlike in other aspects of life, failure is completely embraced in theater. Not only does it enable us to learn from our mistakes, but it helps us create better art. And theater is all about trying to convey human emotions through art.
With three weeks to go before opening night, I can say that all of us have thoroughly enjoyed this challenging, yet gratifying experience. In life, it’s pretty rare to become part of an amazing process like this one, so we make sure to make every second count.
Until next time!
Jeff
To begin today’s topic, I first want to prompt you with a question: How often do teachers ask you for your input in school? Aside from class participation, I don’t know of many teachers that allow their students to dictate what happens in class. This is what makes working on Scrutiny a rewarding experience. Not only are we revamping an old version of the script, but WE have a huge say in what direction we want to take this play in.
Most of the rewriting of the script happens through improvisation. Yes, you read right! During rehearsals, Mr. Howard, our director, gives us an idea to work with and our job is to create a scene (through improv) that captivates the idea of the theme. For those of you that have taken improvisation, you know that improv can take a scene in a million directions.
This, of course, requires us to trust each other, have vision, and accept failure. Unlike in other aspects of life, failure is completely embraced in theater. Not only does it enable us to learn from our mistakes, but it helps us create better art. And theater is all about trying to convey human emotions through art.
With three weeks to go before opening night, I can say that all of us have thoroughly enjoyed this challenging, yet gratifying experience. In life, it’s pretty rare to become part of an amazing process like this one, so we make sure to make every second count.
Until next time!
Jeff
Tech Day!
Here at Berkshire Theater we consider ourselves a varsity activity because we dedicate ourselves as actors and as tech members as you would any varsity sport. On Saturdays we take time to create the set for Scrutiny we call these days Tech Days. This weekend, some members of the cast built pieces that will be used for the show.
On our Tech Days we also work on other tech activities that don't include drills. We have tech crews for cast bios, costumes, props, publicity, and blog! Spotted in the picture below is the hard-working blog crew, as they find new ways to enhance the blog even more.
As always thanks for reading.
-Amani Bethea
On our Tech Days we also work on other tech activities that don't include drills. We have tech crews for cast bios, costumes, props, publicity, and blog! Spotted in the picture below is the hard-working blog crew, as they find new ways to enhance the blog even more.
As always thanks for reading.
-Amani Bethea
Mountain Day!
On Monday the Berkshire theater group participated in the
Mountain Day festivities with a team hike up to Black Rock. The trail
goes up to a vast open space with a beautiful view of Berkshire and the surrounding
town of Sheffield. We set out from Allen Theater at 9:45 sharp and set upon the
mountain. After a good hike, we reached Black Rock, where we played several
theater games, such as Questions a game that requires the competitors to
have a conversation using only questions and The Manner of the Word which
is an interpretation game in which one player has to guess what word another
player is acting out based on actions they do. Between games there were many
pictures taken, sword fights fought, and lots of fun had for everyone who
participated. After some time spent up high, we headed back down the somewhat
precarious trail and all sat and relaxed during what was
definitely a well-deserved lunch.
-Allie Kohlkins
-Allie Kohlkins
The Game Is On....
Here at Berkshire school we are off to a
great start with the upcoming show of Scrutiny. This is another unique and spectacular
show to be performed on Berkshire campus October 30th, 31st and November 1st. This play is similar to the Fall original play last year, Plans. Just like that show this piece is an original play written by Mr.
Howard and his students that we’re presently hard at work reconstructing. The play is now set on a game
show called Scrutiny, one in which no contestant can ever hope to win! The
eight contestants on the show go through some very emotional, strenuous, and
ridiculous games as we paint a picture for you of adolescent life. Along with the
contestants is Mr. R, the father of one of the teenagers and also a former contestant himself. Also, onstage is a trio of harsh judges meticulously grading
the student contestants’ every move. Lastly, there is a duo of hosts guiding you
through the entire night’s episode, one of which is played by myself.
Being a new student here at Berkshire I can say without
bias that the process in Berkshire’s theater department is professional, fun,
and creative. We are enjoying ourselves every day of rehearsal as we go through
the script and scenes putting together these pieces in an
entirely new and unforgettable way.
-Peter Bahr
Scrutiny, an original play
We are so excited to be back in the Berkshire Theater. This fall the Theater Department is working on an original play called Scrutiny. This play was produced at BCD over 10 years ago and we are not only bringing it back but working hard at re-writing and re-constructing the play to be performed October 30, 31st and November 1st. Your current bloggers Lily Jeong, Amani Bethea, Peter Bahr, Allie Kohlkins and Jeffrey Erazo will be keeping you updated every step of the way, so keep checking in!
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