Blackfriars Theatre Organization

Friday, December 11, 2009

E-board Members Present:  Sarah Sterling, Erik Shuler, and Maura Koenig.

Members Present:  Josh Gadek, Courtney Bennett, Melisa Erwin, Robin Rubeo, Ryan Laughlin, Kate Boswell, Stephanie Martinez, Chris Walker, Todd Backus, Knate Roy, Aaron Londraville, Jessica Tetro, Jessica Quindlen, Kimberly Saunders, Keegan Bushey, Tess Kaczorowski, Natifa Adolphus, Rebeca Schretzlmeir, and Melanie Tarrant. 

Faculty Present:  None

Special Guests:  None

Motion to Open:  Josh Gadek

Second:  Kate Boswell 

 

Old Business:

Kate Boswell thanked members who have assisted or will be assisting in tomorrow’s Christmas Cabaret.  The show is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm in the lab theatre.  The show is free and a reception will follow.

 

Kate Boswell also discussed the upcoming trip to Shays Theatre in Buffalo to see the musical, In the Heights.  Members who were interested were told to stay after the meeting to discuss payment and transportation with Kate. 

 

Sarah announced that the t-shirts, with the slogan of “We don’t say Macbeth,” will cost about $5 each.  A list was passed around at the meeting.

 

New Business:

Sarah Sterling said that Todd Graber and Jessica Hester may be willing to host theatre related movie nights with discussions next semester.

 

Natifa Adolphus and Chris Walker discussed the progress of FAM.  They would like to collaborate with Blackfriars on productions next semester.  Auditions for the first show will be the weekend of January 28^th through the 31^st.  They are looking to produce something with lots of actor/audience interaction to see what multicultural theatre could be like on campus. 

 

An “Arts Alive” representative spoke about this organization to us.  They are in the process of applying for SA funding and seek to get the art department to work as a group.  They would also like to have a photo shoot with theatre students.  This could give theatre students headshots and art students full body pictures.  This would occur next semester.

 

Announcements:

Todd Backus announced that the directing scene final, which is open to the public, will occur on Monday the 14^th at 7 pm.  The musical theatre workshop final will occur on Wednesday the 16^th at 7 pm. 

 

Todd also suggested an evening on inappropriate songs.

 

Maura Koenig would like to skype into Blackfriars meetings next semester since she will be in London. 

 

Sarah announced that, due to Maura studying abroad, we will need a new parliamentarian.  Due to a tie between Maura and Knate last semester for this position, the position will go to Knate Roy. 

 

Keegan Bushey congratulated those involved with Blood Relations.  The show is an alternate for attending KCACTF.

 

Sarah Sterling congratulated those who were cast in Songs for a New World.   

 

Motion to Close:  Kate Boswell

Second:  Todd Backus 

 

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Friday October 30, 2009

3:15 pm-3:38 pm

 

E-board Members Present: Sarah Sterling, Erik Shuler, and Kim Greenawalt

Members Present:  Kim Saunders, Josh Gadek, Knate Roy, Kate Boswell, Sam Austin, Robin Rubeo, Bill Pastella, Jessica Tetro, Courtney Bennett, Todd Backus, Melanie Tarrant, Chris Walker, Stephanie Martinez, Charlie Smith, Zac Mackrell, Melisa Erwin, Crystal Blankenbaker, Teresa Kaczorowski, Aaron Londraville, and Keegan Bushey. 

Faculty Present:  Dr. Jessica Hester 

Special Guests:  None

Motion to Open:  Bill Pastella 

Second:  Kate Boswell 

Old Business:

Last week we discussed FAM.  Fashion Arts and Media.  It will start next semester.  Chris and Natifa briefly spoke about FAM again for those who were not here last week. 

Tomorrow is trick or treating for Unicef.  Meet in front of Culkin, in your costume, ready to go! 

We need to vote for t-shirts today.  A vote was held.  This year’s t-shirt design is “We don’t say Macbeth” with a list of this season’s shows on the back.   

Dr. Jessica Hester spoke about the Alternative Spring and Winter break programs in which students work with Habitat for Humanity.  Participants build homes for people who wouldn’t have one unless Habitat for Humanity volunteered to help them.  Theatre students would be very qualified to do something of this nature because of their experience in the scene shop.  There are groups going to West Virginia and New Orleans.  Participants don’t have to worry about transportation, food, and housing.  A lot of Oswego students really enjoy this program and the people from the host town are incredibly hospitable.  Talk to Jessica Hester if you have any questions.  She also said that a lot of students in the fine arts don’t think of civic engagement as part of their careers; however, this is really what theatre is about.  Sarah mentioned that the program costs 300 dollars for New Orleans and about 800 dollars for Jamaica.  This covers the initial cost to get there.  As our advisor, Jessica encourages us to think about this program. 

New Business:

Contact Sarah Sterling if you are interested in going to KCACTF.  You do not need to be certain if you are going or not.  This is just to gauge how many are interested in attending.  E-mail her at ssterlin@oswego.edu  by Tuesday. 

Our Halloween Costume contest was held.  Keegan, Sam, and Stephanie were voted as having the best costumes.

Announcements:

Kate Boswell announced that Christmas Cabaret act and crew sign ups will be posted on November 2^nd.  Remember that the dress rehearsal is on Saturday December 13^th during daytime hours.  Sign ups will close before Thanksgiving Break. 

Sarah Sterling spoke of dining hall fliers and door hangers being used to advertise Blackfriars and Blood Relations.  There will eventually be posters that we could give to local businesses.  There will be a popcorn sale.

Josh Gadek is stage managing Allan and Lawrence this year.  The crew is not large but since the stage manager console is not onstage, Josh is looking for an ASM.  Rehearsals are the week of the performance of Blood Relations.  The show will be held on the following Monday.  Josh may be able to give you community service if you live in Hart or Johnson Halls.

Motion to Close:  Kate Boswell

Second:  Todd Backus

 

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October 23, 2009

3:15-3:40pm - Room 102, Tyler Hall

 

E-board Members Present:  Sarah Sterling, Kevin Hollenbeck, Kim Greenawalt, and Erik Shuler.

Members Present:  Ben Harrison, Kim Saunders, Stephanie Martinez, Keegan Bushey, Chris Walker, Sarah Long, Sam Austin, Todd Backus, Tom Steckler, and Courtney Bennett.

Faculty Present:  None 

Special Guests:  None 

Motion to Open: Courtney Bennett 

Second:  Todd Backus 

Old Business:

T-shirts:  Sarah discussed prices.  It costs a total of $6.23 for one color shirt and one color print.  However, it only costs $3.50 per shirt if SA funded.  We are unsure if there are enough people here to vote so we will vote next week.  We will also take and place t-shirt orders at next week’s meeting. 

Trick or treat for Unicef:  This is happening on Saturday, October 31^st.  Sign up if interested on the sign up sheet that is posted in the basement outside of the costume shop.  We will meet outside of Culkin at 5 pm.

Drag Ball Makeup workshop:  The makeup workshop was successful.  Stephanie and Sarah did makeup for all of the nonprofessional participants.

Blood Relations:  Crew members are needed.  The crew list should be going up Monday.  There are enough people to fill crew, but the more the merrier!  See Chris Verschnieder if you want to help focus lights. 

Halloween Costume contest:  Our next meeting, Friday October 30^th, is a Halloween costume contest.

New Business:

Christmas Cabaret:  Sign ups for acts will be posted in the beginning of November.

Play Selection Committee:  Todd spoke about Play selection committee.  They are looking for plays that students are interested in performing.

FAM:  Fashion, Arts, and Media group:  Chris Walker spoke about this SA recognized organization.  They want to bring multicultural arts to Oswego.  The organization is beginning with multicultural theatre.  Want to bring in productions that are different from what is being performed in the main stage season.  Examples of multicultural productions include plays with female casts, plays written by Latino or Latina playwrights, etc.  As of right now, the organization wants to have weekly meetings.  Contact Chris or Natifa Adolfus if interested.  One production is planned for next semester; it may consist of a night of monologues. 

Broadway Backwards:  if you are interested in participating please email Erik Shuler at shuler@oswego.edu.  He would like to begin planning the event now. 

Announcements:

Keegan:  We are trying to promote Blood Relations with door hangers and triangle pamphlets.  Keegan is also taking t-shirt orders for Blood Relations shirts.  All profits will go to send KCACTF nominees to KCACTF.  The colors are navy blue and red. 

Motion to Close:  Courtney Bennett 

Second:  Kevin Hollenbeck 

Friday, October 9, 2009

3:15pm - 3:42pm- Room 102, Tyler Hall

E-board Members Present:  Sarah Sterling, Kevin Hollenbeck, Erik Shuler, Kim Greenawalt, and Maura Koenig.

Members Present:  Ryan Laughin, Jess Quindlen, Melanie Tarrant, Jess Quindlen, Kim Saunders, Aaron Londraville, Sarah Long, Keegan Bushey, Craig Lenzi, Teresa Kaczorowski, Melissa Erwin, Josh Gadek, Todd Backus, Stephanie Martinez, Becca Schretzlmeir, Knate Roy, Robin Rubeo, Jessica Tetro, Courtney Bennett, and John McCoy.

Faculty Present:  none

Special Guests: none

Motion to Open: Stephanie Martinez

Second:  Todd Backus

 

Old Business:

Todd presented his t-shirt designs.  They do not reflect the colors of the shirts.  The fonts may have to be changed.  We are going to look into prices.  Josh told us that we already have a setup fee and that we do not have to pay to put the Blackfriars logo on the t-shirts.  Keegan suggested another company to order through.  We will be voting at the next meeting.  If you have suggestions about fonts or still want to submit a design, send it directly to Todd and he can help you edit it. 

The Meet and Greet was cancelled because we thought load in would go into Sunday.

The popcorn sales in the campus center never happened because no one signed up.  However, some people have expressed interest in volunteering on Tuesday/Thursdays.  Keegan suggested raising money for those going to ACTF with the money raised from the popcorn machine.

Erik spoke about Broadway Backwards.  Due to a lack of location, Erik has decided to plan the event for next semester.

Sarah Long spoke about the Drag makeup workshop.  Sarah Long and Stephanie Martinez will be heading this up. 

Directing Scene Auditions were discussed.  Melanie told the group that the class will be directing scenes from Wit and Doubt.  Auditions are Sunday, October 11^th  from 1-4 pm.  Scripts are in the theatre office but cannot be removed.  The full performance will be during finals week and there will be some times when you will have to attend the directing class, which meets from 2:20 to 3:40 on Tuesday/Thursdays. 

 

New Business:

War of the Worlds:  strike is on the 18^th of October.  Theatre majors and minors are encouraged to attend.  The show runs from the 13^th to the 18^th

There will be a costume contest on the 30^th  of October.  The prize for winning is candy.  Come dressed up the Blackfriars meeting on that day.

On the 31rst, Sarah would like to trick or treat for Unicef.  Maura spoke about this.  We trick or treat and request donations for Unicef.  Unicef is a charity that helps feed children in third world countries.  We will have to acquire donation forms.  The majority of the group was interested in this.  Maura will send out an e-mail with more information over the Blackfriars list serve. 

Theatre Tea:  Wednesday October 21^st at Fallbrook from 4-6pm.  Please send your RSVP’s to Pam Lavalee. 

Announcements:

Kim Saunders: Auditions are occurring from 1-2:30 for a movie in Seneca Hall.  If you cannot attend, auditions may be held again on Monday.  1 boy and 3 girls are needed.  Contact Kim Saunders if you are interested.  (ksaunder@oswego.edu) Kim is also in need of people for her own movie. 

Keegan Bushey:  Crew members are needed for Blood Relations!  Talk to Aaron Londraville or Johan if interested.  Keegan is planning on doing a chalk drawing in the quad.  Volunteers will be asked to lie on the ground and we will be drawing “crime scene” outlines of bodies.  Talk to him if interested.  On October 17^th, The Stanley Theatre in Utica is doing a midnight showing of Rocky Horror. 

Kim Greenawalt:  There will be an open house for potential students on October 12^th from 10:15 to 12:00 in the campus center.  If you want to come talk to potential students, feel free to come sit at the Blackfriars table. 

Maura Koenig:  Jonel Langenfeld-Rial is having a Halloween Party on October 30^th.  If interested, contact mkoenig1@oswego.edu.  This is not a Blackfriars related event.  RSVP to Maura if you are coming.

Knate Roy:  APO is starting a mentorship program.  Peer to peer, advised through the faculty, student will be matched with student mentors in the same discipline. 

Motion to Close: Keegan Bushey

Second:  Courtney Bennett 

Friday, September 28, 2009

E-board Members Present:  Sarah Sterling, Kevin Hollenbeck, Erik Shuler, Maura Koenig, Kim Greenawalt

Members Present:  Aaron Londraville, Becca Schretzlmeir, Ben Harrison, Courtney Bennett, Josh Gadek, Kate Boswell, Kenny Eng, Kim Saunders, Knate Roy, Stephanie Martinez, Steve Handzel, and Todd Backus.

Faculty Present:  None

Special Guests:  Suzayn Mackenzie

Motion to Open:  Stephanie Martinez

Second:  Josh Gadek

Old Business:

Tshirts:  Sarah discussed that only one t-shirt design has been submitted, this particular design also being something that is not very appropriate and is overdone.  Knate said that he has ideas and will give them to Sarah.

The Meet and Greet is next Sunday, October 4th.  If load in is extended into or scheduled to occur on Sunday, we will change the time to work around load in. 

Play Selection Committee:  We technically have to vote even though we have the required number of people.  Candidates spoke about why they should be on play selection committee.  All are in favor of the committee:  Kate Boswell, Todd Backus, Becca Schretzlmeir, and Courtney Bennett

 

New Business:

There will not be a meeting next Friday due to the meet and greet.

On Thursday, October 8^th, Sarah would like to set up the popcorn machine in the campus center

Broadway Backwards:  Erik presented info on Broadway Backwards:  Broadway stars singing songs that are to be sung by the opposite gender.  On November 7^th, Erik would like to present our own version here at Oswego.  Erik would like to use Steeper Bell auditorium in the top of Hewitt Union.  We will be asking for our own funds or for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids.  If you are interested, please email shuler@oswego.edu with how you would like to help.  Depending on how many people are interested, there could be full cast numbers. 

A Drag Ball Makeup workshop will be forthcoming.  Sarah Long has agreed to lead this event.

 

Announcements:

Kim Greenawalt reminded the group that light hang is tonight.

Kate Boswell announced that Blackfriars could help pay for a subscription to Variety Magazine.  Steve and other professors would like to use this magazine for their classes.  She also reminded the group that Christmas Cabaret is on December 12^th. 

Directing class auditions are tentatively scheduled for Sunday October 11^th from 1-4pm in room 103.  Some directors are working on Doubt and others are working on Wit.  There will be a cold reading.  You should probably dress appropriately for an audition.  A 30 second to 1 minute monologue may be required.

Knate announced that he lost his i-pod in the Lab theatre.  If you find it, please return it to Knate.

Sarah Sterling announced that if you are interested in doing the drag ball, Liz Enwright is willing to play piano if you need to hear the music you would be lip syncing.  People are looking for others to collaborate with.  If you are interested, send your questions to backus@oswego.edu or ssterlin@oswego.edu. 

War of the Worlds is coming up. 

Motion to Close:  Stephanie Martinez

Second:  Kate Boswell

Friday, September 18, 2009

Room 102, Tyler Hall 3:12-3:26pm

E-board Members Present:  Sarah Sterling, Kevin Hollenbeck, Erik Shuler, Kim Greenawalt, and Maura Koenig

Members Present:  Todd Backus, Stephanie Martinez, Tess Kaczorowski, Jessica Quindlen, Kim Saunders, Robin Rubeo, Crystal Blankenbaker, Will Smith, Melanie Tarrant, Knate Roy, Courtney Bennett, Steven Handzel, Melissa Krug, Aaron Londraville, Keegan Bushey, Jessica Tetro, and Ryan Laughlin.

Faculty Present:  None

Special Guests:  None

Motion to Open:  Stephanie Martinez 

Second:  Melanie Tarrant 

Old Business:

Sarah Sterling has established next week as the deadline for t-shirt designs.

The meet and greet with APO has been planned for Sunday, October 4^th from 11 am to 2 pm in Tyler Hall.  There will be pizza and soda.

Sign up to audition for Blood Relations!

Sign up to volunteer at the Blood Drive or to give blood.  The blood drive is occurring next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  All blood donors will be entered into a raffle for Blood Relations tickets and swag.

There are currently three publicity committee members.  If you are interested in joining, please talk to Sarah Sterling.

Split Britches is coming to Oswego.  Their show is occurring in the Campus Center Auditorium on September 22^nd.  They will be holding a workshop on September 23^rd. 

 

New Business:

Maura discussed the idea of having quad programs.  These activities don’t have to relate to theatre but they serve to provide Blackfriars members and other students on campus with stress relief.  Ideas for activities include painting and human games:  Mario Kart, mouse hunt, and fuseball. 

Sarah mentioned that Blackfriars could have a stand at the Halloween Fair and window painting event.  All money raised would be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network

Sarah also discussed the alternative winter break program.  At least five members from an organization are needed.  The program consists of going to either New Orleans or Jamaica to work on projects like Habitat for Humanity.  New Orleans costs $300 and Jamaica is more expensive.

Kim Greenawalt announced that it is time to start applying for play selection committee.  Play selection committee is the group of people who choose the plays that will be performed next season.  Two acting/directing/music theatre students and two tech/history and criticism students are elected to the committee. Sophomores and juniors are preferable.  Transfers may apply.  Freshmen are not eligible.  Those interested in applying are encouraged to post a document on the Blackfriars bulletin board stating the following:  name, year (sophomore, junior, etc.), concentrate, and why you believe you should be elected to the committee.  The deadline for posting these documents is next Friday.  If you do not have this document posted by next Friday, you will not be eligible for the committee.

 

Announcements:

Kim Saunders is filming a documentary and is in need of actors and interviewees.  Her documentary is about people who aren’t sexually active as opposed to people who are.  She is also in need of actors.  If you are interested, please e-mail her at ksaunder@oswego.edu. 

Sarah Sterling announced that the Shaun Cassidy Improv. Troup is looking for new members!  Practices are on Sundays at 6 pm in 205 Campus Center.  Shows are on Saturdays in the Campus Center auditorium at 8 pm. 

Knate Roy announced that APO is having a Stage Management workshop with Oswego grad Suzayn Mackenzie.  It is this Sunday from 1-2 pm in the lab theatre.  Come if you are interested in stage management or if you have questions about theatre in the professional world. 

Motion to Close:  Stephanie Martinez

Second:  Todd Backus

 

 

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Friday, September 11, 2009

Room 102, Tyler Hall

12:40-1:04pm

E-board Members Present:  Sarah Sterling, Kevin Hollenbeck, Erik Shuler, Kim Greenawalt, Maura Koenig

Members Present:  Melanie Tarrant, Jess Quindlen, Nick Pike, Knate Roy, Todd Backus, Liz Enwright, Stephanie Martinez, Bill Pastella, Teresa Kaczorowski, Becca Schretzlmeir, Crystal Blankenbaker, Brittany Slingerland, Colin Holmes, Ryan Laughlin, Courtney Bennett, Steven Handzel, Danielle Jewis, and Jessica W. 

Faculty Present: none 

Special Guests:  none

Motion to Open:  Melanie Tarrant

Second:  Knate Roy

Old Business:

No old business at this time

New Business: 

"Blood Relations" auditions were outlined by Teresa Kaczorowski.  They will be occurring next weekend in Room 103.  More information can be found in Room 105.  Prepare 2 monologues, any style.  There may be sides. 

Sarah Sterling suggested that we can sell popcorn to raise money for student theatre.  However, money not spent would have to be returned to SA. 

We would like to work with the Rainbow Alliance this year.  We could assist with their drag ball by contributing to makeup, lights, costumes, and performance numbers.

Café nights could be held once every two weeks.  You can perform or contribute technically.  We can use the Downtown Oswego space.  Arrangements may be made with Dunkin Donuts for coffee. 

Van trips to see shows were discussed.  Kate Boswell is interested in going to Buffalo.  Syracuse is also an option.  Avenue Q is coming in 3 weeks and we could get discounted tickets and qualify for group rates.  We have full use of the vans if we pay for gas.  If we wanted to go to New York City, we would have to stay in a youth hostel which would cost $35 per person.  Tickets would also be more expensive there.

Publicity Committee/Party planning committee will be formed.  Sarah mentioned publicity ideas which included collaborating with Toilet Talk and WYNO/WTOP or posting signs in the bathroom.

Tess Kaczorowski spoke about offering students headshots.  She is charging $30. 

Sarah Sterling mentioned that several groups on campus are looking for photos of organizations.  Sarah believes they are being submitted by the Oswegonain office.

 

Announcements:

Liz Enwright:  "If you say so" is a new play first produced in Rochester by Adam Sweeny, an Oswego alum.  Liz wants to bring it here.  Crew and stage management will be needed and the play will be performed during the college hour.  It is comparable in length to a one act.

Split Britches needs money to get here and money must be submitted by student groups through SA.  Blackfriars is contributing as much as they can at this time.

Beginning directing will be holding auditions which are TBA.  This years plays are "Doubt" and "Wit". 

Phil Marcus:  STG has a literature committee and is planning a writing contest.  Humans vs. Zombies will be held in October with the money going to a good cause. 

Kim Greenawalt:  Greg Salmon will be holding an audition workshop for camera and soaps on Monday September 14^th in the Lab theatre.  If you are interested in mock auditioning, contact Jonel Langenfeld-Rial and dress appropriately.  Bring headshots and resumes if you have them.  He will also be visiting the beginning directing class on Tuesday, September 15^th from 2:20 to 3:40 in the Lab Theatre. 

In addition, Blackfriars members were asked to vote on providing a $100 purchase order for a reception for Christmas Cabaret.  This was voted upon and approved by members. 

Tess Kaczorowski:  Sept. 22, 23, 24 are the dates for a campus wide blood drive.  The drive is running from 11:30 to 5:30.  Donors can walk in or make appointments.  Tess is recruiting volunteers to hand out cookies and juice.  Volunteers sign up for 2 hour blocks.  If you donate blood, for every pint of blood you could win t-shirts or free tickets for Blood Relations. 

Knate Roy:  Alpha Psi Omega is setting up workshops.  A stage management workshop will be occurring in the next two weeks.   

Todd Backus:  New Voices is a playwrighting contest.  Be aware that plays are due in the fall. 

Sarah Sterling:  We would like to do a meeting every week, but it may be difficult for everyone to meet.  We can no longer meet during college hour.  If you are interested in PR committee, talk to Sarah.  Play selection committee will be discussed at the next meeting.  At some point, we would like to hold a meet and greet.  Bring your T-shirt ideas and designs to the next meeting.

Motion to Close:  Stephanie Martinez 

Second:  Todd Backus