You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile - for reference purposes only

First Annie and Principle Orphan Rehearsal

Last night we had our first rehearsal with Annie and the two teams of principle orphans - it was SO MUCH FUN! We discussed my vision for the show, went through some 1930s slang so that when the girls ad lib on stage they don't let contemporary slang creep into their character's language, I also had them work on their character's background when I gave them a break. They came up with some very tragic and gruesome ends to their character's parents! Molly's mama ends up dying from hypothermia after she fell off the ferry into the frigid water! Oh My! I'll try and add more orphan stories as the rehearsal process continues.

We bocked and ran through Act I Scene 1 through the song "Maybe". It's a pleasure to see the two teams of orphans watch and learn from each other as they go through the dialog. I can't wait until we have their beds so that they can play off of those. Getting up and down from the floor just doesn't quite make the picture right - but they're so good going with what we have right now.

Sandy Rehearsals

Sandy rehearsals have been going well - the dogs are slowly learning what they need to do when Annie tells them to. We had Lt. Ward a couple of nights to start rehearsing the scene as well. Last night was a night for the dogs. Buddy & Honey each had a half hour session where we just walked them through their paces. They're so cute, each one has a strong point and their weak moments too(a little bit of doggie ADHD going on), but I have no doubt they'll be ready by opening night. I think next time we have Sandy reharsals we'll work for an hour with each dog. Right now Honey has a strong entrance going to Annie, but lying down for her is a challenge, the same with Buddy. Once we've got them lying down, both will stay as long as Annie keeps giving them attention. Last night Buddy did well staying down and going on his cue to go to Annie when she called him Sandy - he seems to want to stop two paces before he gets to her, so we'll have to work on that. Last night Honey wanted to go into the house when called Sandy, poor thing had had enough of rehearsal. Last time it was Buddy who was a little hyper.

Still no scripts and I've been told we might push back opening night one week just so we can have the Empire space for tech week and performances. The way it was set up before, we would have one day in the Empre before opening night - not good.

Tonight: First rehearsal with Annie and the Principle Orphans. We'll go over the rules for rehearsals, my vision for the show, who their characters are, some slang from the 1930s for them to use when they ad lib and we'll start blocking Act I Scene I. Then the last half-hour they'll be fitted for their costumes. I'm so excited!

Props & Set Pieces List

Met with Jeff last night to go over the props & set pieces lists. We spent two hours talking - mostly reminicsing about past years productions and the various people who've performed and worked at the Firehall. It looks like we only need to build just a few set pieces - so I'm feeling pretty good about that area. I also sent Ben my wish list for the pit - wonder how much I'm pushing the budget for music.

First Rehearsal

First rehearsal last night consisted of a quick meet & greet between Annie & Sandy. We Blocked Act I Scene 2 and ran through it a couple of times. Sandy didn't want to go to Annie. With me being his owner/trainer, he wanted to hang out with me. He did do well on his stays though. Next time we're bringing treats since he's very motivated by food.

Also got word that we have the rights secured to do the show - yay!!! Still no scripts.

Meeting with Jeff tonight to go over Props & Set Lists.

Annie Cast List Posted Today

Last night we had callbacks for Rooster and Lily and now have most of the characters in the show filled. We still have a few TBAs, but I'm not too worried about those. The cast is being posted today and now all I have to do is wait for confirmations to come in. All confirmations have to be in by Wednesday, December 2nd.

Last night was fun seeing a rough performance of the Easy Street scene - over and over again. I can't wait for rehearsals to start so we can really flesh out those characters.

Second Night of Auditions

On Tuesday we held the second night of auditions. About 20 kids showed up that night and a good number of adults. We will be calling back a few adults on Sunday afternoon and hopefully we'll have the cast list fleshed out completely. We're posting it on Monday the 30th! I don't want to get into specifics since the list isn't finalized or made public yet, but I'm very excited about the caliber of talent we have.

Auditions - Day 1

Wow! One day of auditions are now completed. What a great turnout for the kids auditions, we saw 31 local children and expect the numbers to be high again tonight. I would like to see more adults though, especially the guys - male actors, where are you??!!??

Most of the kids had prepared songs - all had to sing Happy Birthday. I had them sing the song in a style opposite of what there first song was, to see if they could take direction and could perform different emotions. I loved hearing Maybe and Tomorrow performed quite a few times. I also had an auditioner perform Johnny One Note. I don't think she had any idea that Andrea McArdle had auditioned for Annie with that song, but it gave me a nice touch of nostalgia. After all had sung, we had them do a movement audition. I'm loving my choreographer, Jenny Morris. She's got a firm grasp of the style of the show, knows the style of the 1930s and I can't wait to see her dances. She' also a huge fan of the show.

I'm excited for tonight's auditions. Sing for me!

First Meeting

Whew! I met with Jeff, Ben and Mare on Tuesday to go through some ideas and have my questions answered. Things have changed since the last time I was involved in any Firehall production - for the better. I'm so glad I have people to help out with this production. It's going to be GREAT! I can't wait to have auditions and have the show cast. I want to be so organized so I don't drive myself crazy come the week we go into the Empire. Wish we had the scripts, but I'll just have to be patient and wait.

One thing we decided is we are going to have one Annie and double cast the orphans and the rest of the children. We're also going to involve the kids who aren't cast as orphans in the Hooverville, NYC and New Deal for Christmas scenes so they will have an opportunity to shine as well. It'll also be great for them to perform with seasoned adults so the kids can learn from them.

Well, now to break down the character list and be prepared for the auditions Monday & Tuesday.

Jumpin' Grasshoppers!

I'm directing "Annie the Musical"! This will be the place for me to express ideas, thoughts, activities and keep track of the progress on this wonderful new journey I've begun.

Tonight a meeting with Jeff & Ben to discuss auditions, set design and dozens of ideas and questions floating through my head at this time.

Here's a list of questions so far:

1. Orphan Cast - should I have two teams of the principle orphans, an Annie understudy & two swings, or just one cast of the main orphans - all of these include masses of orphan extras to give as many kids as possible the exposure to the wonderful world of theatre

2. Can I include these questions on the audition sheet:

Are you willing to shave your head (for Warbucks)

Are you willing to cur & dye your hair (for Annie)

3. When do we have Sandy auditions? Can we involve the humane society to provide walk -on roles for dogs up for adoption in the dogcatcher scene?

4. Will the principles have mics?

5. Musical director at the auditions?

6. No fly-loft in our venue. Can have one backdrop. How about wagons? Grand Staircase - do we have a budget for it?

7. Scripts - are they in? Have we secured the rights?

8. Tech week - when do we get to move into the Empire?

9. Collection Display?

10. When should the cast list go up?

11. When should 1st rehearsal start?

12. Do I need to include behavior guidelines when handing out the audition forms?

13. Suggest "Annie Warbucks" for next year

14. Casting myself into the show?

15. Start a contact list of the creative team

16. Who will do marketing, media, publicity, promos, fundraising?

This is just a start - many more to come.