A note from our "Christmas Shorts On-Line" Co-Director, Mrs. Jill Farrell:
The directors met via zoom, in the early Spring to discuss and decide on the shows for the 20-21 season, but little did we know the pandemic would be here in the fall and cause for many regulations. After several discussions, the directors decided to do something for our theater students and began looking into virtual shows. Choosing two virtual plays, gave all students who auditioned a chance for a role in the productions and some flexibility. We began with video auditions which were different, but it was so nice to see our students step up to the challenge and do well. The directors then had the hard decision to make their cast lists, and I wanted to make sure everyone was included in the "Christmas Shorts On-Line", because of so many roles in the 11 scenes. After the cast lists were posted it was time to dive into creating these shows.
Rehearsals were very different, but the students did a great job joining their team meetings at their scheduled time in order to rehearse and perfect their characters. It was very interesting to see the student's homes and practice spaces, but even with the many different spaces, internet speeds, and technology challenges we still were able to have great virtual rehearsals. After only two weeks of rehearsals, began the real challenge of putting the show together with costumes, props and filming. Filming of "Christmas Shorts On-Line" was recorded both in person and through Teams. The students were very flexible and came prepared with props and even their own costumes. Some costumes were created by Mrs. Harris, but others the students created themselves, which gave them another aspect of their character to think about. After only one week of filming, the show turned into a technology challenge for Mr. Clark taking all the various films and turning it into one show. The fall plays may have been different for our students this year, but they rose to the challenge and did a great job, we are so proud of their hard work!
Behind every show there is a team of hardworking directors that make it a success. Mrs. Harris did the costuming with students she never got to see, but with her creativity and the use of the costume rack in the band hallway, students were able to get their needed props and costumes. Mr. Larrabee was our connection to the students, assisting with getting information to them as well as taking care of the money aspect for the shows. Mr. Schrodt worked diligently on his production of "Whodunnit", as well as creating the cast shirts and assisting with technology. Ms. Wallace was a great assistant to me this year as she helped with rehearsals, dance routines, filming and support. Mr. Clark’s knowledge of filming and video editing are something remarkable to watch. I am very thankful for his talent and time he spent in making our shows come to life in our videos. Thank you to all the parents, custodians, administrators and community members for their support in our first ever virtual play productions. I also need to thank my family for their support during the creation of these plays. It takes a team of hardworking directors and students to create two virtual shows under these trying times, but it is no surprise that the Alden directors and students did it!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Farrell
