Homes for Wood Sprites and Woodland Animals

IMAG0346.jpg, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

This is just one of the many activities our MadCAPpers engage in during lunch breaks...

The set for "Once Upon a Dream" is ready for action!

The set for "Once Upon a Dream" is ready for action!, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

We are performing at MadCAP due to the fire at Webster and Mifflin. Join us at 6:30 on June 30 to see the show at 214 N. Henry Street, Suite 203.

, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Creative Messes.

, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Interpretive and Dramaturgical Displays

Join us for a performance on June 29, 30, or July 1 and take a peek at the displays our MadCAPpers are busy creating. We've got some interpretive displays, 3 dimensional posters, and other delightful fun to explain some of the various histories and cultural backgrounds of the Cinderella stories we have been reading.

Researching Cultural Influences....

, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Over the last week or so we have been reading a variety of Cinderella stories from a variety of cultures. Today, each person has chosen a story to research and the goal of our exploration is to discover why some stories feature a glass slipper and a fancy dress ball while others feature a golden sandal and family gatherings. The magic ranges from fairy godmother to earth mother to the music inside each person...and we will tell you more when we know more!

Visual representation of the various stories

Visual representation of the various stories, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Writing journal entries as the characters in " Once Upon a Dream"

Writing journal entries as the characters in " Once Upon a Dream", a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

The Royal Ball is just 15 minutes away!

Have a peek at what some of our characters are thinking today:
The King (Amina)

"Dear Diary, Since the ball is 15 minutes away, we are making sure everything is ready to go because the guests will be arriving soon.  I am curious to see what will happen at the ball.  I also can't wait for it to be over.  That way that job is done.  Well, I must get back to preparing for the ball.  Sincerely, The King"

Cinderella (Quillan)

"Sigh.  Now I am just plain bored.  I'm not necessarily sad, I'm more mad.  Now I am going to bed, I guess there is nothing better to do.  Humpf.  My mood is aggressive, frustrated, melencholy.  Sincerly, A just plain annoyed Cinderella.  PS, I really wish I could slap my step family when they get home.  Still, I can always hope, thank you very much!"

Fairy Godmother (Gaby)

"The wind whips my hair as I sit here and write.  I'm on my broomstick (which is on auto pilot) going to help my god daughter Cinderella.  Remember last time I wrote here I said that Cinderella wanted to go to the Prince's ball, but her awful step family wouldn't let her.  Well, now that they are on their way, I'm going to help Cinderella get to that ball."

 Parmelia, a Step Sister (Juliette)

"Dear Diary, I am going to the ball and the prince should dance with me!  only ME!!!  My dress is beautiful!  My hair it is the best looking hair in the world.  And my shoes were violet and silk.  There won't be a better looking girl in the world, besides my sister, but I am more beautiful!!"

 Juliet, a Villager (Sophie)

"Dear Diary, it was only 15 minutes until the ball and I was dressed in my new gown.  It had turned out perfectly.  I got into my coach, which I had decorated with blue flowers, as the coach started moving, I remembered Cinderella.  Would she be OK at home by herself?  Well, I'll ask her when I get back."

Working hard...what influences Cinderella stories from other cultures?

Working hard...what influences Cinderella stories from other cultures?, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Research @ Madison Public Library

Research @ Madison Public Library, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Today we took a field trip to Madison Public Library. Special thanks to Abigail Ryan who gave us a tour of the Children's Department resources.

Today's "Dear Diary" entries from the cast

Our Fairy Godmonther, Gaby B, reports this on the day of the announcement of the Prince's ball

"What a shock it was to hear that the prince will be throwing a ball and all of the lovely ladies in the kingdom will be invited...except my god daughter, Cinderella.  I'm confused of why she wants to go, but I know she does, for I saw her crying about it through my magic crystal ball a short while ago.  The last time I saw her, she was a tiny baby and her mother made me the godmother and I promised that if anything happened, I would be there for Cinderella.  So now that Cinderella's mother is dead, I'm determined to help Cinderella."

Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, has this to say

"Yawn.  Today was boring!  Since I already knew about the ball, there was no surprises so nothing new today.  Signed, Elizabeth Horten (PS, still fussing over what dress to wear)" 

One of the villagers, Juliet [played by Sophie M] is excited about the announcement of the ball!

"The moment I found out about the ball, I was very excited.  I knew I had to get ready right away.  I grabbed a basket and set off.  First I went and I bought blue silk, satin, and velvet.  Then I went to the jewelry store and bought a necklace and a bracelet.  Next I went home.  Then I got out some paper and drew what I wanted my dress to look like.  Then I set out to town and went to the sewing store and asked them to make a gown out of what I gave them.  I hope my dress turns out good.  But now I have to go to the salon and get my hair done! From, Juliet"

Cinderella herself [played by Quillan T] is worried, and shares this

"Dear Diary, for a moment today the sun shone bright above the gloom and the dark grey sky of my life, but then it was ruined.  You see, the prince is holding a ball, and I'd really enjoy going, but I'm not allowed.  My evil Wickedly Evil stepmother won't let me go.  Instead, I have to stay home and clean.  Every other girl of age in the kingdom is going.  I don't necessarily want to get wedded, but I want to go.  Oh well, it doesn't matter.  It's just a silly party, I guess.  Sincerely, Cinderella"

 Another village girl [Izzy S-L], who is obsessed with clothing, writes this ode to fashion:

"Dear Diary, the moment I found out about the ball, I had to hire a dress designer, then hire a make up artist and a hair stylist.  Back to my dress, it's pink and beautiful!  Wait till I tell Esmerelda about my dress!  Thanks Diary, Margaret"

Another of our acting troupe is covering two parts and writes from both perspectives [Amina]

"Dear Diary, When I found out about the ball, I wasn't surprised because I am the king so I was planning so I expected it to happen.  But, as the Narrator, I guess I am a little astonished that there is a ball that will be held.  Especially since every girl in the kingdom was invited!"

 We hope you are enjoying the photos and writings of our students as we plan and prepare for our summer production of "Once Upon a Dream".  Visit our website at www.madcap.org for performance information.

Story telling and more....

Story telling and more...., a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Journals and story writing tools... @MadCreativeArts

Journals and story writing tools... @MadCreativeArts, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Rehearsals for fairy tale theater

Rehearsals for fairy tale theater, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Diary entries on the first day...

As part of our dramaturgical research, actors are creating diaries from the point of view of the characters they will be playing.  Today's entries take place before the ball is announced...just another day in the life!

Dear Diary,
Today was the same thing.  All I did was work, work, and more work, but I enjoy hearing the gossip of the gown.  But everyone's buzz is always about the prince!  I wonder why  I can only hear snippets of gossip at a time because I am always getting pushed around by my stepmother and step sister.  They are so selfish!  I'm ravenous & I don't get much to eat.  I wonder what it would be like to live in a palace.  Knowing a day of grandeur ahead and the sun shining on my face in an entirely different way...not with worry and pain and frustration at the day ahead.  Everyone thinks I am just a mess and of no use...I'd like to slap them, thank you very much!  But I know I can hope.  Now I am finally going to sleep after a long day of work.  Please, I wish to wake up in a different way.  Now I suppose I must go for real...goodbye, I guess.
Sincerely,
Cinderella

(Cinderella is played by Quillan T in our production.  This was the diary entry she wrote today)

Well!  My my my...where should I start?  OK, well, I started out visiting Briar Rose (or Sleeping Beauty).  Oh, my, she is so much bigger than when I last saw her on her 16th birthday!  Did you know that she will be married to the prince in just 2 months?!?
After that I went swimming with Arial and her new husband.  They do make a fine couple.  Then I after washing sand out of my ears I went to lunch a fish, peas, and freshly baked bread with my friend who is a genie.  He brought his friend Aladdin with him.  (I ate quite a bit, for I had skipped breakfast) 

(The Fairy Godmother is played by Gaby B in our production.  The above is her imagined diary entry, assuming she is the only Fairy Godmother for all of the princesses in the land of Fairy Tales)

This week at MadCAP...

This week at MadCAP marks the final performance of our academic 2010-2011 season, and we have a wonderful performance to cap off the year!  Join us this Friday, May 20 at 7 PM for a Company M show to finish the year in style.

While we're talking about HAPPENINGS, invite a friend or two to join us in the studios on Tuesday, June 7 for an open house & registration Q & A with me to get set for summer fun.

While talking with our Intermediate Ensemble this year, I discovered that they are concerned not everyone knows some important things about MadCAP, and here's what we came up with for our TOP FIVE things we wish people knew.

1.  MadCAP is a great place to meet new friends, sing, have a fun time, and put on a show!  MadCAP hosts students from around the city and the county.

2.  Everyone who wants to be a part of MadCAP gets a part, and not just a little teeny-tiny part.  MadCAP makes sure everyone is on stage singing & acting as much as they want to be!

3.  You don’t need to have lots of experience.  MadCAP is a school of the arts, and the main focus is on EDUCATION!  It’s OK if you haven’t already done a bunch of musicals...MadCAP staff is here to teach you!

4.  There is something for EVERYONE.  MadCAP teachers and staff work with individuals to make sure that they are appropriately challenged, but that the experience is something to be proud of.

5.  MadCAP is a place to feel good about yourself.  MadCAP staff works hard to make sure that all students and staff can work in a safe and positive environment, and that joy & confidence shines through in MadCAP’s public performances and events

Something Fun for Monday

A pretty good start to the day..., a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Hi all!

Today, instead of an article about MadCAP summer programs, I thought i would share something fun with you. Occasionally the students and I organize ourselves into a "Secret Santa" kind of thing where we exchange low cost or home-made gifts.

This year, I was the lucky recipient of a poem which now hangs on my office wall for all to read. It is decorated with doodles, and I LOVE it. Claire Wisniewski wrote it for me, and I thought I'd share it here today, because it seems like a nice thing to share on a rainy day.

KJERSTIE
The sky is dark, with bright shrinky dinks lighting the night,
Until an invisible hand waves an air gun, shrinking them out of sight.
In a Disney-land, two princesses toss a yellow ball of yarn into the sky,
Becoming the sun.
Against a blue curtain, it hangs.
Stray threads wind down to rest in several knitting baskets,
Lighting the colorful fields of skeins.
Tiny buildings down below bend into musical notes that sing into the clouds.
When the music stops, the sky becomes black,
MAD clouds start to rain, dropping CAPS to the ground.
The yarn is whisked away, once again bringing out the shrunken stars.

I love my students, and I'm so lucky to get to work with them and know their families!

What makes it so much fun?

Well, it's difficult to say...what does make summer at MadCAP such a special experience?  Some would say it is because school isn't in session, so they have more time to concentrate fully on the experience of performing in the musical.  Some might say it is because they get to spend their time at a safe place where they have a feeling of BELONGING doing what they love.  Some might say it is because the staff and intern staff is fantastic.

 Even others might tell you that summer at MadCAP is special because of the new friends they meet from different schools and different communities in and around Madison.

 Of course, the performances are always fun...some might tell you that they love summer at MadCAP for the chance to perform in community venues for so many folks that are around looking for fun things to see and do.

I guess the final answer here is that summer at MadCAP is great for a million different reasons, and the greatness is individual to each and every person participating, from student to teacher to volunteer intern staff.


Why don't you join us this summer and find out what makes summer at MadCAP great for you!  Register online today.

A few more FAQs

OK, so I know MadCAP is different from other programs in a lot of ways, but what are the top three things that would make this a valuable experience for my family?

First of all, every MadCAP experience is different.  However, as the Artistic Director and a teacher that has seen a lot of students come through MadCAP programming, here are three things I value highly about our educational philosophy and approach:

• MadCAP strives to create a strong, consistent, nurturing community.  Our students are mutually supportive, work together well, and we have very little tolerance for unkind or disrespectful behaviors. Our older students model this for our younger students by working well together, attending and cheering for performances and activities involving all ages, and our staff models this in every teaching and non-teaching moment.  Our strong community is evidenced by the high retention rates of participants in our program and the consistently positive feedback from parents and families.
• MadCAP students will inevitably meet NEW friends from OTHER schools.    So often in communities that are larger (like Madison), students make friends within their school, neighborhood, and perhaps church or faith-based group.  At MadCAP, students from around the city and surrounding neighborhoods work together.  Students who sometimes struggle to find their niche in the school communities where they study can reinvent themselves, discover new friends, and meet other friends with similar interests...sometimes when they least expect this.  Every session is the genesis of new friendships and unexpected happy discoveries.
• MadCAP students are PROUD of their accomplishments, and we are PROUD OF THEM.   MadCAP is a completely PROCESS-BASED program.  Our emphasis is NOT on the final product or performance, but the product (performance) is inevitably great, and this is reflected in the pride our students feel after weeks of hard work.  We work hard together, but we also play hard.  Our staff assembles casts (gives out parts) & presents curriculum in a way designed to challenge each and every student to meet their individual highest potential while also encouraging group collaboration.  Our students are proud of what they accomplish, and this JOY is evidenced on stage.

What if I've already done a few summers with MadCAP, I've finished fourth or fifth grade, and I want to be in the "big kids" group?

Great!  There is an age guideline, but that's just what it is...a GUIDELINE.  We welcome all ages and ability levels, so if you (or your child) would like to bump up to the older kids' group, just e-mail Kjerstie to make arrangements.  The only thing to note is that the older kids are allowed open campus lunch (though encouraged to join the group for a picnic).  If parents prefer lunchtimes be supervised, it is the students' responsibility to let the staff know about that plan.

Does MadCAP offer Financial Aid?

MadCAP does offer tuition waivers to families that qualify on the HUD guidelines.   Financial aid forms are available by contacting our office.  Applications are approved by a committee of Board and community representatives.  *Please note, MadCAP has received a large number of financial aid requests this year, and may not be able to fill all of them.*

Now, about this "Dinner Theatre" thing....

Lots of folks have wondered just what we mean when we say that our THROUGH THE DECADES series will perform in a Dinner Theatre setting.  Well, just that.

Madison has some great favorite summer activities involving the arts...Concerts on the Square and Opera in the Park are a few of them.  What we aim to do with this performance series is to offer our MadCAP families & friends the chance to some see an interactive musical theatre show in an informal and immersive space.  We invite folks to bring a picnic dinner, and we'll provide beverage and dessert in the ticket price.

This is our studio in its "rehearsal" ready mode.  Pretty empty, not too exciting.  I did stick one of our cafe tables in there, though, and that's what we use to set up for our Company M After Dark performances and other cabaret set ups.

It looks much different in performance light, though, doesn't it?

The audience set up will include tables and chairs for those folks who would like to dine with us.  We'll even help you get your dinner ordered and delivered here if you don't have time to create one for yourself.  All in all, it's a beautifully intimate setting, not weather dependent, and has excellent acoustics.  Previous productions with audience seating in this style include "Intervention", "Macbeth", and "Middle School Madness".

I think it's going to be great, and I look forward to the "dinner theatre" style performances this summer!  Keep an eye on the blog and our website for more ticket information.

Dramaturgical Research? Hmmm.

Lots of folks have questions about just what this means.  Last time I posted, I linked to a site that explains a little more about the importance of this research, but today I'm going to give some real-life examples of the kind of research we'll be doing together at MadCAP this summer.

Each of our shows is set in a specific time and/or place (real or imagined) and each of those times & places have specific cultural, social, and political structures.  We'll be travelling on foot around the downtown area to explore and learn more about these times and places.

For example, for the show "Go West!" we'll be exploring natural building techniques and visiting the frontier cabin at Madison Children's Museum.
  In addition to visiting the cabin and learning about the building methods at MCM, we'll take a trip to the Wisconsin Historical Museum to explore a little of what real people in our state were experiencing, thinking, and living like during the time our story is set.  

We'll gather the information, images, sketches, thoughts, and ideas of each person in sketch journals.  Armed with colored pencils, writing instruments, and a glue stick, we'll gather ideas and knowledge...

Journals and other research information will be on display at final performances for the audiences to check out, and every student will keep their own book creations, which we will learn to bind at the beginning of the session.

Go West! will also include sessions on these activities:

• Vocal techniques (singing, vocal production, diction, elocution)
• Movement (dance, physical characterization)
• Knitting & needlework around the home or wagon
• Foods of the time

A typical day at MadCAP during the Summer Sessions...

What might you find at MadCAP during a typical summer day?

• A fantastic INTERN STAFF
• Energized ARTISTS and PERFORMERS
• Exciting new things to learn and do every day
• A slight mess (because creative work can leave detritus!)

But that doesn't really clarify a typical day too much, does it?  Here is a typical schedule for someone in our "Page to Stage" performance series with a complete timeline:

8:20 AM  ::  Arrive at MadCAP, check in with the intern staffer at the front door, put your things away, and get ready to join the group for morning activities & group warm ups

8:30 AM  ::  Group warm ups lead by staff and/or INTERNS with full group of "Page to Stage" actors and full day "Through the Decades" actors

8:45 AM  ::  Begin rehearsal for "Page to Stage" production with Directors, Intern Staff, and the full "Page to Stage" acting group.  

10:30 AM  ::  Short break for a snack, quiet time, and writing any notes down from the first part of rehearsal.  Interns are on hand to help younger ones with note-taking.  Break is usually concluded with a picture book or story about the time period or culture in which the musical is set.

12 NOON ::  Both groups break for lunch, all students gather their things, use the restroom, and refill water bottles before lunch.  As a large group, we will head to Capitol Square on most days (weather permitting) for a picnic lunch on the lawn.  *Production-Only students sign out with Intern Staff and head home for the day*

1:00 PM ::  Group returns from lunch and "Page to Stage" folks begin their afternoon activites.  These will vary every day, but generally will include some acting/movement/vocal technique and some DRAMATURGICAL RESEARCH.  Dramaturgical research is the act and study involved in "consulting sources outside the script is to help expand our understanding of the play and to enrich our range of options for bringing that play to life in the theatre" (taken from http://pages.towson.edu/quick/dramaturgresearch.html)  

We will do this by visiting local experts such as Madison Children's Museum, the Wisconsin Historical Museum, resources at the Wisconsin Historical Society, and most importantly, the Madison Public Library.  All of these places are within walking distance, and groups will travel with MadCAP Staff and Intern Staff with a ratio never to exceed 8 students to 1 staff member.  Older students are paired with younger students within the group to mutually support these endeavors.  We will be creating projects determined by the group to illustrate our research and these will be displayed at performances.

4:15 PM  ::  Wrap up from the day's activities and sign out with Intern Staff to head home with parents

(MadCAP does offer supervision for an additional hour.  This is a fee-based service, and registration for After Care is available in June 2011)