Author: Marilyn Mullan

Acting A&B Zoom on Monday – 10am

Posted on by Marilyn Mullan

Dear 25th Year Acting A & B,
I apologize that as the first group to Zoom – I was still working out some glitches. It took a while for us to go live and I think some people had given up.
Now that I have figure the system out, we’d like to schedule another Zoom session.
I would like everyone in Acting A & B to respond with whether or not you can make a Zoom rehearsal on Monday, April 6th from 10am to noon. If that time doesn’t work, is there another time on Monday that would be good?
We’d really like to have everyone participate because the goal is to get the delivery, vocal sound (accents), and pacing of the lines down. The last goal requires all the actors in the scene to be accomplished.
Thanks for your patience yesterday. We’ll get started on time on Monday and we’ll run through all scenes a couple times (we have 2 full hours since I’m scheduling different classes on different days.
Blessings, Mrs. Mullan

Audition Info

Posted on by Marilyn Mullan

Dear 25th Year HST Families,
The legacy of this year seems to be that nothing will be normal. In keeping with that trend – auditions will not be done normally. In fact – they won’t be done at all for returning troupe members. We need to use May to focus on getting our shows up, so we will limit auditions to what is absolutely needed. Since all our troupe directors are returning next year, they are already familiar with their current students. The real need is to focus on the new students.
Our Acting students (HST age 10 to 13 for ’20-’21) who are interested in JR or GB Troupe, will audition via Zoom on April 24th. All auditioning students will be accepted. The JR & GB directors divide everyone up between their troupes to keep the numbers as even as possible (total number in troupes, number of girls/boys, number of older/younger). They also take into consideration what troupes each student’s siblings are in. While we could do these assignments just based on numbers and stats, we would not accomplish the most important goal, which is to allow the directors to see the skills of their new students. They need this information so they can select a show that will work well for their troupe in our 2021 show season. So, Acting students will be given 4 monologues to select from and a couple songs (with recordings for practicing) next Monday. Each student will pick one monologue and one song to audition with. There will be a sign-up genius where students can select their audition time slot. When their time slot comes up on April 24th, they’ll be sent a link to a Zoom session with both directors.
As for the new students coming into SR & SH Troupe – there are 16 students in Theatricals who will be grade 10 & up next year (making them eligible to audition for SR or SH). When these students notified me concerning which troupe they were interested in, it was one of those amazing God-moments where I could clearly see His provision. The number of students interested in each troupe, *exactly* equaled the number of definite slots opening!! This wonderful gift enables HST to forego an audition for our Theatrical students moving into SR and SH. This will not be a problem for our directors because almost all of them auditioned last year for their respective directors (since we had not yet made the requirement that everyone must do a year in Theatricals before going into SR or SH).
God willing, we’ll go back to our normal audition procedures next year. For now, we’re just grateful that we can make a modified audition work for us. Blessings, Mrs. Mullan

2020/2021 Calendar & Survey Reminder

Posted on by Marilyn Mullan

Dear 25th Year Families,
Since our current year is on hold, I’ve worked out the calendar for next year. It is attached.
I also want to remind you that the two survey’s close tomorrow night. Right now, 66 families have responded. Moving all dance classes to Wednesday is currently the big favorite. The location of dance classes is less clear, but in the end, price will play a big factor.
Also – it will take me another day to get out the audition info. Blessings, Marilyn
Dance Survey: forms.gle/eFRg9b6WwXCicujr9
Pins Survey: forms.gle/xrz6agPepdDkS2iT8

doc icon 2020-2021-Key-Dates-Calendar.docx

HST Update #?????

Posted on by Marilyn Mullan

Dear 25th Year HST Families,
I feel like we’re living in a soap opera and I’m bringing you a new episode every couple days. Of course there are some key differences. One, we are not writing the script – in fact we have no idea what’s coming next – so I guess it’s actually a hybrid genre – improved soap opera theater!
The second difference – and this one is huge – is that God is the director. There aren’t too many theater programs that can claim that fact, but *HST has always claimed God as our head.* Therefore, we can rest in the assurance that God is not surprised by any of the this and He already has it all figured out. I used to wish that God would just show me the whole plan, but years of HST has taught me that it’s far better to just let things evolve. Being human, I might have run in the other direction if I’d had a clear picture of the challenges before they happened. However, that didn’t happen because God only let me see one step at a time. When the challenging time was over, we were always amazed at how much we were able to handle. Why? Because God was giving us the strength/grace for each step when we needed it.
Another way of looking at this is that we’re all on a journey to heaven, on a path laid out for us by God. Sometimes it’s easy flat terrain and sometimes it’s a very steep mountain. No one climbs massive mountains by carrying all their food supplies for the entire trip (you’d collapse under the weight). Ms. Steffi can tell you that when she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro (the year before she got cancer), the climb was done in stages and there were people who resupplied them along the way. The climbers had to trust in the team that was guiding and supporting them. In the same way, we need to trust God as He guides us on our life’s journey. If he showed us the height of our mountains or the number of miles to get over them, we’d be tempted to turn back – or we’d weigh ourselves down with “extra” supplies. That’s why I’m grateful that God guides us one step at a time. It saves me from trying to take control and messing things up. All I have to do, is deal with today’s challenges with the grace/strength that God gives me today, and trust that He’ll give me what I need for tomorrow’s challenges – tomorrow. *It’s that easy. *
Soooo, what do I know today and what is the current plan?
– With the shelter-in-place mandate for April, we have to put production tasks on hold. However, we will utilize zoom rehearsals and fully expect our students to be working hard at home to keep dances, songs, blocking, lines, etc. – fresh and polished. – We will take this time off from production to get next year’s calendar, class schedule, and auditions done. Look for an email tomorrow that will explain how we are handling auditions. – We will restart production at full-speed when May hits with one of the following plans (whichever applies). Note: We now have the week of May 3 through 9 reserved at the FSF Theater. 1. If the theater opens in May without any restrictions we will produce our shows as follows: – JR Troupe will film at theater Monday daytime & Tuesday daytime (hours TBA). – GB Troupe will film at theater Wednesday daytime & Thursday daytime (hours TBA) – JR & GB films will be shown at FSF Theater on May 31st. GB – 1pm & 4pm. JR – 2:30pm and 5:30pm – SR & SH troupe will hold rehearsals in the evenings – Tues. night SH on stage, Wed. night Sr on stage, Thurs. dress, – Fri. 6pm SH performance, 8ish SR performance – Sat. 5pm SH performance, 7:30ish SR performance – We will not have awards because both these shows have longer run times & because JR & GB will not be able to have awards. – Showcase is still scheduled for week of May 18th – Mon., Tues, Thurs rehearsals – Fri – 7pm performance & Sat. 2:30 and 7pm performances – Coffeehouse is still scheduled for May 30th – 11am, 1pm, 3pm shows. – Load in and dress rehearsal – evening of Friday, May 29th 2. If theater will open for us in May with the restriction of no audience, we will follow the above schedule except for: – SH will film show Friday May 8th – 9am to 7pm – SR will film show Saturday May 9th – 9am to 7pm – SR & SH films will be shown on Sunday. May 31st. SH – 1pm & 6pm SR – 3:30pm & 8:30pm – JR & GB films will be shown on Sat. May 23rd – GB – 3pm & 6pm. JR – 4:30pm and 7:30pm – Showcase will be rehearse Monday & Tuesday and Film on Thursday & Friday (daytime) – Showcase film will be shown on Friday, May 29th – 3pm, 5:30pm, 8pm – Showcase film will be shown on May 31st 3. If theater will not open in May we will set up a filming schedule to film all six shows at locations TBA. Filming schedule will likely go into June. – Viewing of shows will happen on the evenings of June 22, 23, 24, 25 – schedule TBA
Now you know what I know. Please be praying everyday that HST will have the opportunity to give God glory by producing our shows. I’ve learned that all things are possible with God and I would love to witness to this truth by putting up all of our shows.
Many thanks for your prayers, patience, and hard work (when we are finally able to work again…we’ll have a LOT to do in a very short time!!). Blessings, Marilyn

Let’s Zoom this Friday!

Posted on by Marilyn Mullan

Dear 25th Year HST Actors,
We are going to hold Zoom rehearsals this Friday!
We are not assuming families have more than one computer/device that they can devote to Zoom – so we are staggering rehearsals.
Rehearsal times are shorter than normal because we are mostly trying to run lines. Some directors may also try to practice songs with individuals but group singing really isn’t effective over Zoom.
Please let me know if your student will not be able to participate in their Zoom session.
NOTE: JR Troupe will get a specific schedule for when students are to sign in. That will come in a separate email.
Acting – 9am to 10am
Theatricals – 10:15am to Noon
GB – 12:15pm to 1:45pm
JR – 2pm to 3:30pm
SH – 3:45pm to 5:45pm
SR – 6pm to 8pm
Each group will be sent a link that they will click on to join the Zoom session. If you have any trouble getting in, you can call me 240-997-5796 and we’ll troubleshoot.
Blessings, Mrs. Mullan

Fun Things for HST Families

Posted on by Marilyn Mullan

Dear 25th Year HST Families,
After two weeks of being quarantined we are thinking that you’d enjoy some creative ideas of things to do.
First, there is a gift from Ms. Steffi for younger children – a recording of one of her Physical Fairytales stories. I encourage our older students to listen as well because it is an outstanding example of vocal acting. Without any sets, props, costumes – this story creates a very clear “picture” of the characters involved and what is happening.
Second, there is an attachment of a neighborhood scavenger hunt that Ms. Phillips put together.
Finally, there is a list of online resources of fun things to do that Ms. Phillips forwarded.
I hope everyone finds something to enjoy! Blessings, Mrs. Mullan
Below is a link to some fun, interesting, enjoyable things to see (for those who love travel) or do while staying at home. Here are just a few:
1. A virtual tour of Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland
2. Take a virtual tour of the geological landmark of the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
3. A virtual walking tour of five National Parks
4. A digital tour of some of the most theaters in the world
5. Metropolitan Opera House streaming operas at 7:30 PM EST every night they are closed
6. Virtual roaming of Disneyland and Disney World
7. A virtual ride on the Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure Park
8. Live streaming from Monterey Bay Aquarium
9. Guggenheim Museum virtual tour of al of its galleries
10. Take clear views of renowned spots around the world like the Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House
11. See several 360 degree exhibits from the National Museum of Natural History in D.C.
12. Live and archived videos from the San Diego Zoo
13. Enjoy an interactive tour of the British Museum in London
14. A virtual walk through of one of the Exhibits and select photos of permanent exhibits at MoMA
15. Videos of the buildings of the Metropolitan of Museum of Art
16. Take a virtual stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens in London
17. Virtually explore the Dali Museum
18. Go on a virtual reality experience of NASA’s Space Center in Houston
19. Take a virtual tour of the courtyards of the Picasso Museum along wit the history of Barcelona history
20. A 360 degree tour of The Louvre as well as a few virtual exhibit tours
21. Digitized pictures of ancient artifacts from the Acropolis Museum and virtual views of Athens, Greece
22. Visit several exhibits from the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery

*https://www.insider.com/museums-theme-parks-offer-virtual-tours-ideal-for-social-distancing-2020-3* <url1690.associationvoice.com/ls/click?upn=l-2Bpytmc1k48b0oKFuKk2Co-2F-2Bv8PuOshyI4epGVFOailMB2tyAFwSDUsZpxkJI2aaN3ZzFqInH0u2ueN95XuEcnsisiPrQ6lE-2BUFY35unfSs-2BhYQlKWvrsVIwtwXxlF3ndSF4k5j5zCJHxcYnA…>

23.Live streaming YouTube shows “Stars in the House” at 2 PM and 8 PM EST from Broadway: Click on link immediately below:

www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-stars-in-the-house-broadway-show-actors-singers-raise-money-covid-19/

24. Live-streaming fitness classes including: High Intensity Classes, Toning, Dancing, Yoga, Celebrity Training (click on ling immediately below for 25+ places for these offering:

www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/fitness/a31792038/coronavirus-live-stream-workout-classes/

25. 15 Broadway Plays and Musicals you can watch from Home

www.playbill.com/article/15-broadway-plays-and-musicals-you-can-watch-on-stage-from-home

26. For Sports Fans:
– *Sports Movies to watch*: www.cbssports.com/general/news/coronavirus-sports-movies-to-watch-while-quarantined-during-covid-19-outbreak/ – *Classic and Replays of many sports*: lifehacker.com/how-to-watch-sports-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown-1842377742
27. *How to get or sign up for free music concerts:*

– *https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown <www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown>* – *https://www.glamour.com/story/coronavirus-all-the-artists-offering-free-online-concerts-while-youre-stuck-at-home <www.glamour.com/story/coronavirus-all-the-artists-offering-free-online-concerts-while-youre-stuck-at-home>* – *https://www.iheart.com/content/2020-03-17-chris-martin-pink-more-give-free-online-concerts-amid-coronavirus-crisis/ <www.iheart.com/content/2020-03-17-chris-martin-pink-more-give-free-online-concerts-amid-coronavirus-crisis/>* – *Living Room Concerts**: * www.broadwayworld.com/topic/LIVING-ROOM-CONCERTS

ff-selfish-giant-2020.mp3
doc icon HST-Neighborhood-Scavenger-Hunt.docx