#jtfwest

[thespiannation]

Photos of JTF West by Marcus Woollen.

[thespiannation]

The Educational Theatre Association partnered with iTheatrics, which runs a successful Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta. The two organizations jointly conducted JTF West, a new theatre festival for middle school students, at the Sacramento Convention Center February 10-12, 2017. The new event began with a day of activities exclusively for Junior Thespian Troupes. They participated in Junior National Individual Events (NIE), workshops, and other Thespian-only activities with Friday evening culminating with the showcase of the top NIE participants and will be attended by all JTF participants. Additionally, all student groups had the opportunity to present 15 minutes from a musical in Music Theatre International’s Broadway Junior library of titles for adjudication by a panel of leaders in education and theatre. They received feedback on their connection to the material, storytelling, movement, music, acting and ensemble work.

Photos by Marcus Woollen.

[hellaboujie]

I’m having a blast at #jtfwest! #Repost from @timmcdonaldnyc because he caught the moment better than I did 😂 ・・・ @lindsaymendez singing her face off at #jtf #jtfwest (at Broadway At Music Circus Wells Fargo Pavilion) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtuoZ6ghPpt/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=13wjg8har1fvd

[hellaboujie]

#JTFwest is almost under way! (at Wells Fargo Pavilion) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtpVgC1h7AY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2r0e3hfok63i

[itheatrics-blog]

Meet Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School, EPMS – Wolfpack Performing Arts!

Name:  Micaela Muro Dimos

Location: Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School, Elk Grove Unified School District, Elk Grove, CA.

What show will you be bringing to JTF West? Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.

What inspired when you directed your very first musical?

I have loved and been involved with musical theatre since my teens and earned both my BA and MA in theatre arts. I directed my very first musical in San Diego in 1987, the spring of my first year of teaching, so I could share my love of musical theatre with my students. I taught high school theatre arts for eight years, then became a mom and took time off from directing school shows so I could be fully present for my daughter during her young years. Four years ago, I began teaching acting, acting coaching, and directing for Musical Mayhem Productions (MMP), and two years ago transferred to EPMS to begin their theatre program. 

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

Working from a perspective of a coach, cultivating team-spirit from day one, and helping the students recognize their important place on our team. Also keeping humor and fun alive throughout our rehearsal process.

Tell us a little bit about your theater!

EPMS opened in 2008, but has only offered theatre arts since I was hired to start the program there in fall 2015. This will be our third year offering theatre arts classes and fall productions on our site. We join forces with our sister high school, Cosumnes Oaks High School, in the spring, and produce full-length Wolfpack Performing Arts musicals with cast and crew from both the middle and high school campuses. 

We are fortunate at EPMS to have wonderful students who are hard working and excited to be involved in our iTheatrics JR. productions. 

Is this your first time attending JTF West? If so what are you looking forward to?  

I attended the PD Track in February, but the 2018 JTF West will be my first time with a group of students. I'm looking forward to witnessing my students experience all the many fabulous layers of creative learning and overall fun throughout our JTF West weekend. 

[kidsaliveokc-blog]

Last night we completed the first draft of our cuts to James as we attempt to get the show down to 15 minutes for #jtfwest. People always ask about our process. Well, this year it involved Chinese food, frozen coffee, and the warm glow of a palm tree. #kapeach #jtf18 (at Cafe Oasis)

[itheatrics-blog]

Meet GADA Playhouse!

Name: Sally Reyes

Location: Round Rock, TX

Social Media Handles: #greateraustindance #gada10 #gada #musicalmayhem

What inspired you when you directed your very first musical?

The magic that happens when the lights go down and the story begins. 

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

Be open to always trying new things and thinking outside the box.

Tell us a little bit about your theater!

The Greater Austin Dance Academy (GADA) serves serious dance students grades 3- 12 who want to push their singing and acting as well as dancing potential. Students work on productions, mini-revues and other material while performing many times throughout the season. GADA emphasizes the experience of dance as an art form and strives to teach students to dance expressively from the heart, while also encouraging them to improve their technique and overall skill as a dancer.

If you have been before, what is your favorite part of JTF West?  

We LOVED the Pasek and Paul performance of course - BUT overall the feedback and pod morning was such a great, growing experience. We can't wait for my kids to experience that again!

[itheatrics-blog]

Meet Christian Arts and Theatre (CAT)!

Name: Cyndi Monroe

Location: Corona, CA

Social Media Handles: CAT of Corona, CATCorona

What show will you be bringing to JTF West? Disney’s The Lion King JR.

What inspired you when you directed your very first musical?

I was inspired by an utter and complete fear of failure. Every rehearsal, every production meeting, every dress rehearsal I was certain it was going to be the worst show ever produced in the history of time but I just kept going. The best thing I can say is that it wasn't completely terrible.

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

I learned to live by the phrase, "Its just the way we like it!" Sets aren't done? Its just the way we like it. Lead has Chicken pox? Its just the way we like it. Show opens in 2 days and we haven't sold any tickets? Its just the way we like it. No matter what, nothing that happens in a staged musical production, especially one involving youth, is going to change the history of the world. The attitude I show the cast, the parents, the volunteers can have a long term effect. Staying calm, kind and optimistic despite all odds has proven to be a winning combination with long term benefits.

Tell us a little more about your group!

Christian Arts and Theatre of Corona (CAT) is an after-school theater and visual arts educational program for students ages 5-18. CAT is committed to building up kids through excellence in the arts. CAT’s aim is to enrich the life of individuals, families, and the community through experiences in the arts within an atmosphere of positive Biblical values.

At the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival West, Christian Arts and Theatre won a Freddie G Excellence in Music group award, and student Josh Higbee won a Freddie G Excellent Individual Performance by a Male award.