Entries Tagged 'Maryland Ensemble Theatre' ↓
February 11th, 2010 — Maryland Ensemble Theatre
I’ve been costuming since I was in the eighth grade, when I helped my mother costume The Wizard of Oz. I’ve done shows ranging from Fiddler on the Roof to The Full Monty. I love dressing the actors, allowing the clothing to convey aspects of their personality and their psychology subtly to the audience. I also love a challenge, whether it be a period (such as Tommy, which ranged from the 1940s to the 1960s) a fantasy concept (Morgan le Fey’s gown in Camelot) or a really unique piece (like g-strings. I had to make seven of them for The Full Monty. No, I did not keep them).
The House of Yes offered me two distinct challenges. One: to recreate the iconic pink Chanel suit Jackie Kennedy wore when JFK was assassinated. Two: to capture the fashions of the 1980s without letting those costumes overwhelm and distract the audience from the performance. Because, let’s face it, people (even those considered highly fashionable), wore some pretty laughable things in the 1980s.
A dress worn by Jackie-O (Amber Levow). It may not look very impressive on the hanger, but on Amber, it is stunning. Very classy, very 'Jackie'. This is actually a Ralph Lauren dress I got for $20 at Chic Consignments on Patrick Street.
For the first challenge, I enlisted the help of MET company member, Julie Herber. Julie graciously agreed to help me recreate Jackie-O’s suit. I turned to the internet, where I found as many images as I could of Jackie-O in the suit, both before and after the assassination, as I could. This suit is part of American history and I wanted to recreate it as faithfully as possible. Most people just think that it is a pink wool two-piece ladies suit. In fact, it was made of pink boucle (a pill-y wool like fabric) with navy blue lapels and trim. Jackie also wore white gloves, navy blue pumps and the pillbox hat she made famous. (Interesting fact: The suit, glove and hat, currently reside in the National Archives in a climate controlled room. They have never been on display). I also needed to find another outfit for Jackie-O, something very simple, classy and well, something “Jackie”.
- Lesly’s suitcase. Please take note of the stylish Dyeable pumps (that I found at Goodwill) that match the blue dress. All these items come out of the suitcase and are seen by the audience, so they had to be character and period appropriate.
For the second, I had to work to create the feel of the 1980s fashions without making them look like a bad 1980s theme party. Although I’m sure I’ll get a few dirty looks, I was born in 1982, so the entire decade isn’t that clear in my memory. I looked for the cuts and silhouettes of the clothing of that era. I looked to people like Nancy Regan and Princess Diana, Michael Douglas in “Wall Street”, the girls of “The Facts of Life” and Alex P. Keaton of “Growing Pains”. For these looks, I spend several weekends trekking to Goodwills and consignment shops not only in Frederick, but in Germantown, Gaithersburg, Hagerstown and Charles Town, West Virginia.
- A dress worn by Lesly (Rebecca Goldstien). When I showed this dress to Gene, she swore she had a dress almost exactly like this when she was in high school!
In terms of preparation, I read the script and figured out the basics: year, place, the number o f days the show takes places over and if any specific costume items are mentioned. I made note of those and then sat down with Gené, the director, to see how she saw the characters and the overall look of the show. I firmly believe that it is the costumer’s job to help bring the director’s vision to life, so I wanted to make sure I understood how Gené saw the characters and the overall look of the show.
- A sweater worn by Anthony (Will Emory) which he wears with with a collared button-up shirt underneath. Izod sweaters were very popular in the 80s (though this isn’t an Izod, it does look like one) and I wanted this character look very straight-laced and sort of “Alex P. Keaton”-ish
Even after the costumes are on the actor’s, the job isn’t over. As rehearsals go on, Gené may think of something else she wants, that she isn’t crazy about a certain outfit, or that something just doesn’t ‘work’. In the case, I try to find something else. I also took care of any pieces of clothing that appear on-stage, such as the clothes that appear in Lesly’s suitcase. I also keep an eye on what I call “costume consistency”, meaning things like if a character falls asleep on the couch, would their shoes be on the next morning? I keep an eye on thinks like hair and make-up, making sure that the actors not only look appropriate to their character, but also the time period.
Once opening night arrives, I still have to do laundry at least once a week, as well as iron the costumes. I repair any damages that occur (lost buttons, etc.)
And that’s how I costume. Or at least, that’s how I costumed “The House of Yes”!
February 3rd, 2010 — Maryland Ensemble Theatre
Local Frederick band Trout Zilla will be playing this Friday, February 5th at MET, following the performance of “The House of Yes!”
Erin (bass), Janelle (vocals), and Kevin (guitar) have been playing together for 2 years. They met Chris (drums) in the fall of 2008 and recently added Adam (trumpet) and Jamie (flute) to the mix. The 6 piece has settled on the name TROUTZILLA. Rumors of a bizarre noodle fishing accident, tales of mythical trout, and good old fashioned innuendo are some of the meanings behind the name. Indie Funk-ish-ness straight to the gullet!!!!!
Trout Zilla will start playing around 9:30 on February 5th and your ticket stub for “The House of Yes” gets you in. February 5th also happens to be $5 First Friday, so you can see two fab shows for just 5 bucks! Our bar will be open, so you can enjoy $3 Flying Dog beer all night!
Learn more about Trout Zilla and listen to their music here. Purchase tickets here.
February 2nd, 2010 — Maryland Ensemble Theatre
The Amazing Interactive Adventureopens next Saturday, February 13th! Creators Allison Lepelletier and Jon Paul Duval have been hard a work with a great cast putting together a show where the audience helps decide the outcome!
Rehearsal photos:
A treasure map points the way to Black Beard’s gold!
Will the giant sea monster make off with the underwater scientist played by Vanessa Strickland?
Karli Cole as Alex, the girl that gets whisked away to far-off lands, rehearsing with Michelle Simms, playing a fire-breathing Dragon (one of her many characters)
Stuck aboard a pirate ship, Alex is caught in the middle of the action with Matt Baughman as Pirate “You’ll-have-to-come-to-the-show-to-see-what-his-name-is”!
February 1st, 2010 — Maryland Ensemble Theatre
Bette is a new Ensemble School faculty member this semster! She is teaching our first ever stage combat class: Jedi Knights, Pirates and Princesses (ages 7-12).
EDUCATION: Bette began her stage combat training at age 13 at a workshop at Round House Theatre. For several years, she studied under Brad Waller at The Shakespeare Theatre. Since then, she has trained with many teachers and fight masters from all over the world, including legend Paddy Crean (Errol Flynn’s stunt double and fight choreographer). Bette is a member of the Society of American Fight Directors.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE: While still a teenager, Bette served as a teaching assistant to Brad Waller at several places including New York University, The Kennedy Center, George Mason University, and The Virginia Tea Party stage combat workshop. Going solo, Bette has taught all over the Washington DC area including The Shakespeare Theatre, Catholic University of America, and Adventure Theatre as well as having served as a guest artist at many venues.
PERFORMANCE CREDITS: Bette has served as fight director for dozens of shows. She has performed fights all over the area including: The Kennedy Center, The Shakespeare Theatre, The Folger Shakespeare Library, and The Women in the Arts Museum. She has done stunts for America’s Most Wantedand two feature films. She has fought with lightsabers at The Kennedy Center, The Folger Shakespeare Library, and to advertise the Hasbro Force FX Lightsabers and the Saber Practice Bokkenfor ThinkGeek.com.
As an actor, Bette has performed on stage, television, film, and is currently in her third season of the webseries Reservation. She has appeared with the MET in The Cripple of Inishmaan, Incorruptible, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (as well as choreographed the fights in all three). Most recently, Bette has gotten to combine acting with fighting on stage in The Prisoner of Zenda with 1st Stage (Princess Flavia got to wield a sword and cloak) and in The Three Musketeersas D’Artagnan.
Next, Bette will be appearing in What Ho, Jeeves! at Round House Silver Spring with Lumina Studio Theatre January 29 – 31, and the US Premiere of The Red Balloonat Adventure Theatre April 30 – June 13.
Classes begin February 8th.
January 28th, 2010 — Maryland Ensemble Theatre
The parade of Ensemble School teachers marches on! Next we have: Gené Fouché! Gené will be teaching one of our Performance Skills (ages 10-12) classes.
Gené is one of MET’s Associate Artistic Directors and the Director of The Ensemble School, as well as a founding member of the MET!
Education:BA in Theatre from West Virginia University, MFA in Theatre from Towson University
Teaching Experience:As a founding member of the MET, Gené has been teaching at The Ensemble School since the very first class – in 1994. Gené has taught at Frederick Community College, Mount Saint Mary’s University and McDaniel College.
Performance Credits: Gené has been performing around the region for the last 15 years. Recent MET credits include: “Exuviae,” “A Christmas Carol” and ”A Doll’s House.” She is currently directing MET’s next mainstage show “The House of Yes.”
Classes begin February 8th.
January 26th, 2010 — Maryland Ensemble Theatre
Ashley is teaching one of our Performance Skills (ages 10-12) clasess
Ashley is a former Ensemble School student herself, and has been performing and teaching in the Mid-Atlantic for many years.
Education:Bachelors of Art in Theatre with studies in Voice, Dance & Theatre for Youth from Shenandoah Conservatory. Teachers: Lara Teeter (1982 Tony Nominee for “On Your Toes”), Dr. Wade Fransen, Susan McCormick-Pike, Gene’ Fouche’ & Julie Herber.
Teaching Experience:
- The Fun Company’s Fun Camp (2002 to 2009)
- Workshops at: The Old Opera House, 24/7 Dance Studio, the Musical Theatre Factory and Shenandoah University
- Member of the Shenandoah Showmakers, an educational touring troupe for 2 years
- Taught creative movement and choreographed the entirely movement based production of “Johnny Moonbeam and the Silver Arrow” at Shenandoah Conservatory in 2005.
- Worked with The Ensemble School to present “The Jungle Book” at Monocacy Elementary School last year.
- Taught Acting Out! in the TES Fall 2009 semester.
Performance Credits: This was Ashley’s 11th (!!!!) year performing in the Fun Company’s “A Christmas Carol,” which we do every year at the Weinberg. Other MET shows include: ”The Threepenny Opera” (Dolly), “Planet Claire” (Greek Chorus/Alien). Fun Company: all “Mother Goose” productions (Jill, Little Bo Peep, Little Miss Muffet), “Ma Lien & The Magic Paintbrush” (Ma Lien), “No Bullies Allowed” (Theo). Other credits include: Madge in “Picnic”, Hunyak in “Chicago”, Pam in “The Full Monty”, Cassie in “Rumors”, Virginia in “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” & Mollie in “The Mousetrap”.
Meet Ashley, and the rest of the TES faculty at our open house on Wednesday, January 27 from 4:30-6pm. Classes begin February 8th.
January 25th, 2010 — Maryland Ensemble Theatre
We had a work call on Sunday – it was like spring cleaning day at MET! There was a lot of cleaning, sorting, organizing and ladder climbing:
Tad Janes and Gené Fouché go thru cable bins
Mak Nichols coils cable
Ken Poisson pulls out all the bins from under the tech booth.
Former MET intern and recent Hood College graduate Doug Grove hangs a light for “The House of Yes.”
”The House of Yes” lighting designer Jen Dobbins hangs lights for the show.
Jen would only let me take a photo of her on a ladder if I promised not to post one showing her behind. But when you have a lighting designer that’s this attractive, that’s a hard promise to keep!
Brian Irons sorts gels. (Gels are thin pieces of colored plastic that are put in frames and inserted in a lighting instrument to give the light color).
The gel sorting project was a pretty big task. So reinforcements were called in: you know it’s serious when a clipboard comes out! Ashley Hall helps Brian with the sorting.
Ashley continues to sort…..
Matt Baughman joins the gel sorting team. Each yellow folder holds a different color gel.
James “Jiggy” McGarvey gets in on the action.
Kayte Williams and Gené clean the concessions room. We took EVERYTHING out of this room and scrubbed it from top to bottom. We also reorganized the space – hopefully it will be a better place for our volunteers to work in.
Ken cleans up the tech booth.
Reiner Prochaska sweeps the Greene Room, getting it ready for Ensemble School classes, which start in a week!
James paints the theatre floor. The light blue from “All Lit Up” is completely gone – the entire room is black again
More sorting projects in the costume shop - Julie Herber supervises.
Joann Lee labels a box in the costume shop
Lorrie Tripp organizes Fun Company craft supplies
We turned a nook in the office into a much needed supply closet. Joe Williams puts together one of the new shelving units for the space.
Reiner puts together the other shelving unit, and reads the directions first!
Mark Barnhart fits the new door on the supply closet.
And of course, a work call alone wasn’t enough fun for the day! We had rehearsals for “The Amazing Interactive Adventure” and “The House of Yes.” Above, costume designer Ashley goes over some items with “House of Yes” cast member (and also a recent Hood graduate!) Will Emory.
A HUGE Thank you to all the MET ensemble members, associate artists and volunteers who spent Sunday at MET! I tried to get photos of everyone who was there, but I missed a few people: Rona Mensah took on the organization of the supply closet (it looks awesome!), Allison Lepelletier and Jon Paul Duval helped in the theatre and with the reorganization of the concession area. Karen Paone worked on cleaning and reorganzing concessions, Apple Reese helped with costume shop organization, Tom Majarov took care of some sound system/tech booth stuff and Sarah Shulman worked on lighting projects – including repairing instruments and cables.
