This is a summer program that kids from around the country go to attend.--Tabbi
We're All in This Together!
High School Musical's Effect on Live Theater
No one can deny the phenomenon that is "High School Musical." What started as a Disney Channel TV movie has grown into an Emmy winning hit, an equally successful sequel (with a third on the way) a concert tour, and countless merchandise. But HSM has also opened the world of performing and live theatre to a whole new generation. Disney has reported that there have been over 2,000 productions in the year that rights have been available.
Dramabiz magazine interviewed a high school cast of HSM about the show and why it is so popular. Members said that the movie's success made it okay and even popular to audition for the show. " The score is contemporary music that you'd hear on the radio now...it speaks to what is contemporary music for kids today."
People have likened it to the popularity of Grease for the same reasons. When Grease was released, the music was current and allowed people to enjoy theatre because it wasn't something old fashioned or dated.
Regardless of why High School Musical has had such a large impact on today's youth, hopefully it will inspire another generation to appreciate and enjoy the future of live theatre.
Can You Feel the Love Tonight?
Famous Love Songs in Opera
February was the month of love, valentines filling every card store, pink and red hearts in every store display, and everywhere you go love songs playing. However, there are some love songs you're not likely to hear, namely the ones found in opera.
Operatic songs of love are some of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. Here are a few of the classics for you to investigate.
Oh! Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicchi by Puccini
Nessun Dorma from Turandot by Puccini
Caro Nome from Rigoletto by Verdi
Voi Che Sapete from Le Nozze di Figaro by Mozart
Celeste Aida from Aida by Verdi
These are guaranteed to get you in the mood to fall in love.
On the Other Side of the Stage
Many people aspire to be actors or singers, but there are roles even more important to theatre than those played on the stage. I am talking about theatre management and administrators.
These professionals are responsible for marketing, accounting, fundraising, and managing for theatres across the country. They are even responsible for a lot of public policy on the state and federal level. Without them, theatres would likely go out of business or suffer small houses.
However, in order to be competitive in today's job market even these highly skilled professionals are finding that is necessary to obtain a master's degree in their field. Many students in this field began by pursuing a performance degree for their undergraduate work. This allows them to better understand both sides of the business and shows them opportunities a performance degree can offer students other than just being on the stage.
There are several different degrees offered around the country including M.F.A., M.A. and M.B.A. in arts or theatre management. Many of these degrees offer extensive internships at regional theatres and give students the opportunity to do some crucial networking to help them find a position after graduation.
Several schools report that theatre companies will often hire graduate students right after graduation. Graduates of these programs can even find themselves working at institutions such as Metropolitan Opera Guild, New Dramatists, and the Baryshnikov Dance Foundation.
These unsung heroes "save" the show every time and will never see their name on a marquee, so the next time you're at a show applaud a little louder for the management that helped make the performance you just enjoyed.
Music-ally Speaking
The Romantic Period ca. 1820 - 1910
A period in music known for it's expressive nature, use of extreme dynamics and emphasis on composition for the pianoforte, known today as the piano. This era of music followed the growth of Romanticism in both literature and art in Europe. There is a large amount of lied, German art song, set to poems of poets of the time. Themes of these songs included the supernatural, unrequited love, and nature/pastoral settings.
Famous Romantic Composers:
Schumann, Schubert, Chopin, Berlioz, Wagner, Liszt
Upcoming Auditions for Summer Programs
We only have one more audition coming up this spring for our summer programs.
March 28th-29th Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, OK
Don't forget you can always submit a DVD if you can't make it to one of our live auditions. Find audition information and deadlines at www.okcu.edu/music/academy.
Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime chance to prepare for the life of a performing major!
Dates for Summer Programs
Our 2008 OCU Summer Programs Are:
High School Musical Theater Program (Session I) June 14 – July 5 (Session II) July 12 – August 2
Junior High Musical Theater Program (Session I) June 14 – 28 (Session II) July 12 – 26
Summer Percussion Program (High School) June 23 – 27 (Junior High) June 16 - 20
Vocal Arts Institute June 28 – July 12
New Programs for Summer 2008:
High School Theatre Institute June 28 – July 19
High School Technical Theatre Program (Session I) June 14–July 16 (Session II) July 5 – 26
We are still accepting applications and auditions for all programs.
2008 Summer Program Shows Announced
We just announced this month that our Jr. High Musical Theater Program will be performing the famous Fiddler on the Roof Jr.
Our High School Musical Theater Program will be performing Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd fresh from the silver screen.
Also our High School Theater Institute will be concluding their program with a performance of Shakespeare's classic A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Stay tuned for the announcement of our Vocal Arts opera.
That’s the news for this month! Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with us by e-mailing jmoad@okcu.edu. We always like to hear from our members!
JoBeth Moad
Oklahoma City University
Performing Arts Academy & OCU Summer Music Programs
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