http://www.off-stage-right.com/2009/06/student-matinees-create-opportunities-for-all-students-they-are-important-and-have-a-huge-impact-when-done-well.html If we can’t make theatre relevant, why do it? If we can’t make it affordable, we won’t be doing it. Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:09:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 http://www.off-stage-right.com/2009/06/student-matinees-create-opportunities-for-all-students-they-are-important-and-have-a-huge-impact-when-done-well.html/comment-page-1#comment-54 Lauren Yarger Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:18:28 +0000 http://www.off-stage-right.com/2009/06/student-matinees-create-opportunities-for-all-students-they-are-important-and-have-a-huge-impact-when-done-well.html#comment-54 When I was 7. Our elementary school presented "The King & I" as its Spring musical and my second-grade class was cast as the children of the King. It was my first exposure to the world of the theater and I've never been the same since. My enthusiasm must have been noticed by my teacher as I was assigned one of three speaking parts given to the "Siamese" children. Near the end, when Mrs. Anna is preparing to leave Siam, I was to deliver the incredibly moving line, "Please do not go away." Finally the week of performances arrived and before a packed auditorium, I awaited my cue to get up from my cross-legged sitting position stage right center, walk up to Mrs. Anna, step out from behind her billowing dress, hit my mark and give my heart-wrenching plea for her not to leave us. My moment came and I delivered my line to uproarious laughter from the audience. I returned to my seat bewildered. "I must be a really talented actress." I thought, because I hadn't realized that line was supposed to be funny. Later I was told that my costume, hiked up to my waist to accommodate the cross-legged sitting position, had remained there when I appeared at center stage and that my line was delivered with my underwear displayed for all the audience and the court at Siam to see. I gave up thoughts of being a great actress, but went on on to produce, write and direct so that more deserving actresses can have their moment on stage. When I was 7. Our elementary school presented “The King & I” as its Spring musical and my second-grade class was cast as the children of the King. It was my first exposure to the world of the theater and I’ve never been the same since. My enthusiasm must have been noticed by my teacher as I was assigned one of three speaking parts given to the “Siamese” children. Near the end, when Mrs. Anna is preparing to leave Siam, I was to deliver the incredibly moving line, “Please do not go away.”
Finally the week of performances arrived and before a packed auditorium, I awaited my cue to get up from my cross-legged sitting position stage right center, walk up to Mrs. Anna, step out from behind her billowing dress, hit my mark and give my heart-wrenching plea for her not to leave us. My moment came and I delivered my line to uproarious laughter from the audience. I returned to my seat bewildered. “I must be a really talented actress.” I thought, because I hadn’t realized that line was supposed to be funny. Later I was told that my costume, hiked up to my waist to accommodate the cross-legged sitting position, had remained there when I appeared at center stage and that my line was delivered with my underwear displayed for all the audience and the court at Siam to see.
I gave up thoughts of being a great actress, but went on on to produce, write and direct so that more deserving actresses can have their moment on stage.

]]> http://www.off-stage-right.com/2009/06/student-matinees-create-opportunities-for-all-students-they-are-important-and-have-a-huge-impact-when-done-well.html/comment-page-1#comment-53 Lauren Yarger Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:44:03 +0000 http://www.off-stage-right.com/2009/06/student-matinees-create-opportunities-for-all-students-they-are-important-and-have-a-huge-impact-when-done-well.html#comment-53 I agree with you, Jodi. Student matinees are vital to expose many students, who wouldn't otherwise have access (even if free tickets to regular shows were provided becuse of the circumstances you describe) to the theater. I cannot tell you how many theater professionals over the years have shared with me that their love of the theater started at a performance which their class attended (or at a event brought to the school). And many peformers also have shared with me that student matiness are their favorites-- the kids don't hold back their enthusiasm, which fuels the performances. I agree with you, Jodi. Student matinees are vital to expose many students, who wouldn’t otherwise have access (even if free tickets to regular shows were provided becuse of the circumstances you describe) to the theater. I cannot tell you how many theater professionals over the years have shared with me that their love of the theater started at a performance which their class attended (or at a event brought to the school). And many peformers also have shared with me that student matiness are their favorites– the kids don’t hold back their enthusiasm, which fuels the performances.

]]>