Movin' On Up!

WOW! It's been a heck of a hectic week! What with costumes, and fundraising and all the little bits and bobs that take a surprising length of time, none of us have had even a minute to sit still! Add to that the general hustle and bustle of the Christmas season and I'm amazed any of us are still standing!

Rehearsals have been specTACular! I couldn't be prouder of ALL of the young people who have really shown commitment and true dedication. I know I speak for the whole team when I say that we are incredibly impressed with their growing talent, and they never cease to impress us with their capacity to learn and to REALLY make us laugh - this is SUCH a great show!

When they're rehearsing, our young theatricals are kept on their toes from beginning to end with all the musical numbers and routines. The dialogue is coming along nicely too - time soon to discard those comfort-scripts! Oooooo..! Here are the first batch of photos to look at and enjoy...

Festive, festive, festive!!

Epic! It's a good job we have that table with snacks.....healthy snacks.....*ahem*

......healthy.......snacks....... I promise there ARE healthy snacks - this was just the only photo I got on the day! haha.  The tuck shop is SO vital - not only for keeping all of us from flaking out but ALSO as a means of fundraising - every penny counts!

I'll be back soon with updates on costumes and on our splendid fundraising events. In the meantime I would like to wish ALL our members, teachers and helpers a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Love and hugs all round! See you soon xxx

A Little More Action!

We've had one of those intensive rehearsals this week - you know the ones.... The scenes are mostly set so now it's aaaaall about the practise! I have to say that the actor have already rounded their characters superbly well and the interraction has been SO impressive so far. I look forward to each new rehearsal as I can't wait to see how they're going to develop - and they DO have us all HUGELY entertained with the comedy aspect of the show!

* Happy Birthday Brenda! Where would we be without you, birthday girl? *

It's not just the lines, though - it's the DANCING! This is a really fun show to choreograph and it affords EVERY member involved a real opportunity to shine.

Our principal characters have had their work cut out as well - and given that we've had to find a couple of stand-ins, thanks to the 'cold & flu season', they're doing an exceptional job, coached by our talented choreographer, Allison.  Hats AND canes this week - well, hats and a temorary improvised brush handle....did I not say it was a week for stand-ins?!

All that practise DOES require some down time ...

And where would ANY of us be without our splendid tuck shop? Passed-out in a heap in the corner - that's where! Toast, anyone?

We love you! Thank you for keeping us alive!!! Speaking of refreshment, I'm off for a well-earned brew before I carry on with those costumes! Oh - and token counting for that 'Wish' capaign! Exciting! Keep checking back for updates and please leave comments to keep us motivated! See you soon xxx

We're Raising Funds ..!

We've had some splendid support this year from friends and families, helping us collect the 'WISH' tokens to send away to the Liverpool Echo. The final count is just around the corner, and I'll be able to let you know just how many we've been able to hoard - exciting eh?

In the meantime, I'd LOVE to thank all the lovely, gorgeous, fabulous and amazing people who've collected - all of you .....yes, ALL of you! You're ALL incredible! xxx

We've also had some help from Morrisons in Seacombe, who have kindly agreed to host a fund-raising bag-pack in their wonderful superstore - details of that to come. Thank you Morrisons! After all the floods we've had this week, thanks to a HUGE Atlantic storm, we wish everyone at Morrisons - especially the New Brighton branch - all the best in the world - and good luck for the clean-up after the deluge. If you want to see the storm, just get a  load of this wave -

Now that's what I CALL a wave!

We're also hosting one of our OWN fund-raisers on 22nd December - a swap-meet and fabulous party for our members, their families and friends, including yummy food, a superb raffle with great prizes, and lots more besides.  Entry is just £3 and for that, there'll be vouchers for a free drink and a free treat, the chance to win cool stuff, and the swap-meet itself, which is great way to treat yourself or loved ones at this festive time of year.  Here's the flyer we handed out today:

All items brought to the swap have to be in full working order - no broken bits or nasty scratches - so that they can be given as gifts.

We've also received some wonderful donations from businesses so that there will be extra items for the kids and parents to choose from. Anything left over will be sold to raise funds or donated to worthy charities. 

A swap-meet works in almost any situation and is a great fund-raiser (especially when money's tight), allowing EVERYONE to benefit and have a really wonderful time in the process. I know our members will support us fully and participate to the full, and go home with full tummies, arms full of cool stuff and a happy smile on their faces. I'll let you know how it goes!

Remember - you can leave a comment or email us, and if you'd like to help with a donation please let me know.  Now wrap up toasty warm and snuggle down for a lovely Sunday evening and I'll see you soon! xxx

You SHALL Go To The Swamp!

It's a successful week for costumes, what with the hats and the fabric and I've now finished Wraith's black and red dress - at least to the point of final fitting. 

You may remember that this is what the base of the dress looked like at the time of purchase -

And now? We decided that we wanted Wraith to look floaty and spooky (as her name implies) but also a LITTLE like she's been dragged through the swamp backwards! A bit of flamboyant wildness in the hair and the frock will make the character really stand out on stage...

...you get the idea...

So BOY did I have some fun with all that gorgeous net I bought! Here's the result thus far, as modelled by Bettie, my dressform dummy!

Once it's fitted on our lovely Wraith, stitched and finished it'll look quite splendid, I'm sure. I'm not 100% sure about the flower - I think it should be something more spooky there at the waist to match whatever equally creepy hair adornments are added.

Anyway - I'll add updated pictures as I go along, and next week I should be able to show you the preview (pre-final fitting pinned-on-Bettie) version of Wraith's green swamp dress.  I'm really quite looking forward to that!

Don't forget to check back for updates here and on the other blog pages - more photos to come! I'd welcome your comments and input so please feel free to comment below and add this blog to your favourites.   See you soon! xxx

Puttin' On The Glitz!

We have HATS in the house! Oh yeah! Sparkly ones too....FABULOUS!

Don't we all know how long it takes to rehearse a routine with hats? I'm relieved that they're here nice and early so that everyone can get the hang of them. I'm more than confident that the actors will have NO problem - and once their full costumes are all sorted they'll look amazing! Not going to let you into THOSE costume secrets just yet though!

Of course, these awesome hats of sparkly splendidness will have to live in the boot of my car for a while as my house is FULL of fabric and net - nothing new there! I also have the (OH so gorgeous) fabric for Wraith's swampy costume and it's LOVELY -

I'll be back in no time with costume updates - in the meantime, you may want to take a peek at some of the other pages on this blog as I'm adding pictures all the time. Thank you so much for visiting - I'd love to hear your comments and ideas! See you soon :) xxx

Choreographing The Undead!

It's been a BUSY week! We've been working VERY hard at our rehearsals, which are going well. It's been the week for solving problems, finding solutions and fixing things - there's always one week like this! But we've risen to the challenge and, actually we're further ahead than we thought! Hurrah!

 

*  'Drac' and 'Wraith' rehearsing their characters *

* the resident 'undead' prepare for 'The Rhesus Negative Rock'! *

There's also been some excellent progress with costume and props. I've been working on the dresses for 'Wraith', which obviously MUST be fabulous - floaty as well! This is the base for one costume:

....and this is the fabulous fabric that will transform it from basic to splendid! Out with the sewing machine again! I'll have this pinned and fitted soon so check soon for updates! See you soon xxx

We're Well On Our Way! - Rehearsal Update

I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of our group of incredibly talented young people! Even after the busiest of weeks, when I'd otherwise find degrees of tiredness drain me, a morning at one of our rehearsals revives me more than any mere tonic! The sheer enthusiasm and energy buzzing around the room is enlivening beyond belief!

Our rehearsals for the next Stage One 2000 show - The Dracula Spectacula - are progressing wonderfully, with most of the first act set and many numbers and scenes from the second already nearing that initial step that lets us all know we're well on our way.

 The actors playing the main rolls are developing their characters quickly, and we're all enjoying their interractions as this is such an excellent showcase for young comedy talent.

... 'Dracula' and 'Genghis'  - an hysterically funny scene which calls for some high energy action from our young actors!

This week we're hoping to organise some fundraising events to help us cover the costs of putting on our latest show - so keep checking back for rehearsal updates and notifications of any events!

See you soon!

A Roaring Success!

This year's production of 'Seussical The Musical' was a roaring success! We had the greatest fun rehearsing and producing the show, and that enthusiasm really brought the production to life. On a shoe-string budget we achieved what had seemed impossible initially, creating costumes out of nothing and making use of the exceptional lighting technology available at The Little Theatre to create impressive sets and effects which transported the audience into the magical world of Dr Seuss!

We've watched so many children hone their skills in such shows, becoming promising young talents, and 'Seussical' is an excellent show for such a group, affording each cast member a genuine chance to shine and make an impression. Watching the blossoming comedy talents of our young actors really helped us make the decision to choose 'The Dracula Spectacula' for our next production in 2014. It calls for true comic ability often beyond the ability of very young performers, but we know that the members of Stage One 2000 are incredibly gifted in this arena and we can't WAIT to see how they interpret their roles!

Below, you'll find the review given on the performance by Budge Grounsell on behalf of N.O.D.A. We were thrilled by his comments and I, personally, would like to thank Mr Grounsell and N.O.D.A. for their invaluable and ongoing support.

Seussical the Musical

Stage One 2000 Musical Youth Theatre 

 23 February 2013
 Little Theatre, Birkenhead

Review

Author: Budge Grounsell

To all those who say today’s youth are not interested  in such things, I am delighted to say that youth theatre is very much alive and well and  had you  been with me at the Little Theatre, Birkenhead  to see Stage 1 2000’s production of Seussical the Musical I doubt you could give me an argument on that.  A strong team led by Director Brenda Davies, strongly abetted  by  Choreographer Allison Bentley-Jones, Musical Director Nikki Molley  and Assistant  Director  Ryan Radley-Lawley  combined to mould a wonderful cast of young players from 6 to 19  into a great evenings entertainment.   With such a multitalented group it would be great to single out every individual, alas that is not possible so I must content myself with mentioning a few. Marc Smith (the Cat) gave a stunning performance; seemingly ubiquitous, he sang, danced  and exercised strong comedic talents; what a bright future in the theatre he has;  it must run in the family as his sister Laura showed her talent too as the Mayoress.  Ed Mawdsley as Horton did extremely well  and maintained the right demeanor  necessary in his part throughout. Gertrude played by Caitlin Lee carried off her part with style, loved the various tail feathers and Aisha Stalker brought Mayzie to life and believability. Do Tranmere Rovers know how good she can kick.  Of course  every cast member made a major contribution  like six year old  Ruby Dilworth and Lola Bradley her friend who described herself in the programme as a show girl, quite right too.  The costumes  were excellent,  devised and created by Jenny King and Beryl Cross. Sound, Lighting  and  Stage Management  can never be overlooked;  often taken for granted but never  to be taken lightly. Of course  we must not forget the ladies who do the rehearsal snacks  especially when such a young cast are involved and who are no doubt always hungry. We are hungry too for your next performance.

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A good review is such a wonderful motivation - for everyone! On that note, it's off to rehearsals!

See you soon! x

Making A Wish!

We were THRILLED to have our efforts rewarded recently with a full page article in the exceptional Liverpool Echo newspaper.  The Liverpool Echo's Wish 2013 Campaign  offers non-profit groups and organisations a superb opportunity to raise much-needed funds by collecting tokens (published daily). In return for the tokens we - along with other deserving applicants - receive valuable contributions which help to support our work for another year. 

It was so encouraging for adults and children alike to feel the support from The Liverpool Echo, and we know that the advertising that it gave our theatre group will help make our next production - 'The Dracula Spectacula' - a success. I thought you'd like to see the article and the picture too, which shows the group in costume at a rehearsal for 'Seussical The Musical', performed to great acclaim at The Little Theatre in Birkenhead, Wirral in February 2013.

Kids set stage for biggest Wish ever   

Wirral theatre group can't wait to get started

A youth theatre group from Wirral is setting the stage for their best Wish campaign yet.
Jenny King, one of the original founders of Stage One 2000 Musical Theatre, says their children are starting to collect tokens and persuading mums, dads, aunties and uncles, friends and neighbours to get behind their drive.

She said: “We are doing everything we can to make this our biggest Wish yet. We’ve entered the past two years. Last year we got around £200 which we spent on costumes for our Seussical the Musicial performance.

“We’ve got children collecting from everyone they know and they are asking their schools to get involved too.”

Jenny said the money they get from this year’s entry would be put towards production costs.
To encourage children to join, the group only charges a small weekly fee – enough to cover their costs.

They fundraise by holding bag packs and by putting on productions. This year’s is a spooky comedy called Dracula Spectacula which will be shown in February at the Little Theatre in Birkenhead.
If you would like to support Stage One 2000, send your tokens to Jenny, 13 Lancaster Avenue, Wallasey, CH45 7LP.

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Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome!

Hello and WELCOME one and all to our BRAND NEW blog!

Stage One 2000 Musical Youth Theatre is a long-running (now independent) theatre group for talented young people. We're based on the Wirral Peninsula here in the UK, rehearsing on Sundays and performing one complete show in February every year.

This year, we are proud to announce that we will be performing 'The Dracula Spectacula', a musical comedy which is guaranteed to please! It allows ample opportunity to showcase the talents of our young perfomers, with great music, song lyrics and some scenes which will have the audience rolling in the aisles!

My name is Jenny King, and I am the chairman of the society. Along with a small group of incredibly talented, theatre-experienced adults we will be keeping you up-to-date with the highs and lows and general excitement that come with 'putting on a show'. We'll have LOTS of fabulous pictures, some lovely memories, and some interesting history too. No doubt there'll be obstacles to overcome, but that's part of the fun, so come along for the ride - add us to your favourites and join the charabanc of giggles, traumas and many, MANY sparkly things that is the latest production by STAGE ONE 2000 MUSICAL YOUTH THEATRE!

See you soon! x