Heathers The Musical callbacks

Thank you to everyone who came out to audition tonight. We were thrilled at the large turnout, and we are looking forward to beginning rehearsals!

If your name appears below, please attend callbacks for Heathers The Musical. They are from 4:00 - 7:00 on Friday, February 1 in the Saville Theatre; you'll need to stay for the entire time. Please be prepared to sing and dance, so wear clothes you can move in and jazz or ballet shoes if you have them. If not, something like lace-up Keds or Vans are fine.

If you are not going to be able to attend, or if you will need to arrive late or leave early, please let Katie Rodda know: krodda@sdccd.edu. 

(Apologies in advance for misspellings ...)
Brittany Armstrong
Nicole Buck
Victoria Bustillos
Roxanne Camargo
Veronica Cardenas
Justin Carr
Claire Christy
Heidi Dotimas
Vanessa Flores
Lizette Hernandez
Julia Hinkle
Kaitlyn Holloman
Arturo Ibarra
William James
Connor  Johnson
Margaret Jones
Yulin Luo
Noelle Manimtim
Joshua Maples
Josue Mares
Denise Martinez Lopez
Shane Mayer
Devin McKenna
Floribelle Ocampo
Christina Painton
Alan Ramos
Yasmin Ruiz
Genia Santini
Alyssa Salacup
Luis Sherlinee
Gary Talleksen
Angelica Tenorio
Pete Zanko

The callback lists for the New Play Festival and Six Characters are forthcoming.

Thank you all again!

--Katie, Kristin, and Michael

Auditions are around the corner!

Are you ready?

Please read the blurb below. This is part of  a larger article that we posted a few months ago; you can read the whole thing here.

 If you are going to school for theatre—that is, if theatre is going to be on your transcript as a major or a minor, ESPECIALLY if you plan to transfer or go into the industry, then you need to stay involved…ALL OF THE TIME.  You are paying for (or hoping to pay for) a degree in theatre.  That fact alone should NEVER be the deciding factor on whether you get the lead roles.  But what it SHOULD dictate is your willingness to fight to develop your resume.  I (We)  can’t program enough shows to ensure that everyone gets a lead role.  I (We) can’t promise you are going to love each and every production we do (I [we] hope you do, but make no guarantees).  There are plenty of opportunities to get involved…if you have enough drive to find them.  Too often, however, theatre students lose opportunities to build their resumes for the silliest of reasons…they, to paraphrase Hamilton, throw away their shot.

If a show comes along and you don’t audition, you’ve thrown away your shot.  If a semester happens and you don’t help on build days or work in the shop (if you are able—and in my [our] program ALL are welcome and encouraged), you have thrown away your shot.  If you get so upset at not getting the role you want, or about your boyfriend not getting cast, that you decline a role, you have thrown away your shot.  If you “don’t do musicals,” or “hate that play,” or “just don’t want to audition,” that’s perfectly fine—but you have thrown away your shot.  If you don’t work crew, hang and focus lights, sew costumes, help strike the set, play an ensemble role, or be in the chorus, then you have lost an opportunity to make theatre—and every opportunity lost is an experience missed…and it’s your own fault.  In most programs there is ALWAYS something you can do to get involved.

I’m (we're) going to be completely honest, if you don’t have the gung-ho drive to fight your way into every single opportunity that you can…you DO NOT have the drive to make a living in the theatre.  This industry takes constant work and steadfast tenacity.  There is little room for those who don’t know how to apply themselves…because there are dozens of others always waiting in the wings—to take your shot.

In other words, you should regard any chance to perform as an opportunity to learn. Bottom line: not everyone will get a lead role. Some people may get a lead role for the second or third time. Not everyone will get cast in the production of his/her choice. This is part of the process.

News flash: theatre isn't fair.

Instead of being upset that you didn't get what you were hoping for, you should reframe your thoughts to recognize that you have an opportunity to perform, to be on a beautiful set, wearing  a beautiful costume, under beautiful lights, breathing life into a role. Not many people get that opportunity. Be grateful. Don't be a diva, and don't throw away your shot. 😤

Breakdown of Show and Roles for the New Play Festival

As an actor is in exciting and challenging and exceptionally rewarding to create a character for the very first time. This is a unique experience. The playwright is right there in the rehearsal room as you are working together to create a unique piece of living, breathing art!

10 minute SHOW BREAKDOWN

Hermanas by Lizette Hernandez 

SYNOPSIS: After stepping away from the party, Lila and Andrea catch up after being away from each other for some time... 

Character Breakdown:

LILA: Just turned 21.

ANDREA: Her sister with some advice.

It Doesn’t End Well or Tinseltown by Aisleigh Harvey

SYNOPSIS: A train station in Tinseltown creates a platform for one woman’s creative struggle. It doesn’t end well.

Character Breakdown:

KATE: woman, mid-thirties, very type A. She is also very busy and very important.

JENNA: woman, early twenties, wearing all black and a hideous work vest. Hates her job. Dropped out of college and is now trying to make it as an actor in LA.

Extra Life by Carly Stacey

SYNOPSIS: A break in results in a very unexpected friendship between two people from very different walks of life.

Character Breakdown:

MIKE (20’s) High School jock.

TIMOTHY (20’s) Spends way too much time gaming.

Growing Pains by Joseph B. Staszak

SYNOPSIS: Growing up and growing old.

Character Breakdown:

BEN: is an intelligent stoner without a care in the world. He is 23 years old with no ambition, working as a manager of a juice bar. Many people say he is wasting his talents, but Ben is happy and having fun with life so he doesn’t mind the negative view they have.

JOE: is a wise and experienced young man despite only being 28 years old. He is driven, motivated and excels in everything he does. He is blunt and outspoken and practices constructive criticism because he cares about people. He will be almost yelling and talking as if to put Ben in his place.

One Last High by Elise Grant

SYNOPSIS: Lily and Justin have been together for the past 2 years. They are in an abusive relationship physically and emotionally and can’t seem to kick heroine

Character Breakdown:

LILY: A 21-year-old Caucasian female that is 30lbs underweight because she has been strung out on heroine for the last two years.

JUSTIN: A 21-year-old Caucasian male that is also underweight and has been strung out on heroine for the last 3 years.

Blue Line Home by Devin McKenna

SYNOPSIS: Gary finds solace in the past and the future as he waits for more than just the BART train.

Character Breakdown:

GARY: Early 40’s. Always looks tired and worn. He has the tendency to become highly motivated, but than gives up on the first or second hurdle. When things go wrong, they’re “never” his fault. It must be said that he is, for all intents and purposes, a good man. He was once a pillar of promise, and an honorable man. He has become the product of unfortunate circumstance, and these qualities have become his last line of defense. But he is now lost. He has become beaten, and broken. He is hopeless. 

ATTENDANT: She is somewhere between real, and automated. She is not imagined by GARY. She is very real, and not at the same time. She should start sounding very manufactured, gradually moving to a more organic speech.

Heathers The Musical casting breakdown

We are looking for actors of all races, ages, gender identities, and body shapes.

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

VERONICA SAWYER

17. Burns to be both cool and kind, but doesn’t yet know how to be both at the same time. Fierce sense of right and wrong, keen sense of ironic humor. Thinks she’s an old soul, but she’s still innocent enough to be blindsided by love or shocked by cruelty.

JASON “J.D.” DEAN

17. Darkly charismatic, compelling, attractive. Charming on the outside, damaged on the inside. Keen smarts, savage wit.

HEATHER CHANDLER

17. The richest, hottest, cruelest girl in town. Relishes power and wields it without fear, patience, or mercy.

HEATHER MCNAMARA

17. Beautiful, innocent, stupid. Can be mean on command if Heather Chandler orders it, but actually quite vulnerable and fearful.

HEATHER DUKE

17. The whipped beta dog of the three Heathers. Deeply insecure. When she finally becomes Queen Bee, she wields power like a bulldozer.

MARTHA DUNSTOCK

17. Nicknamed “Martha Dumptruck,” the opposite of confident and popular. Huge and beautiful soul, optimistic even in the face of rejection. (Although this character is traditionally played by a plus-sized actress, we are open to all casting opportunities.)

RAM SWEENEY

17. Linebacker. Big, insensitive to the feelings of others, ruled by appetites.

KURT KELLY

17. Quarterback and captain. Chiseled, rude, entitled, cocky. He’s the brains in the friendship with Ram.

RAM’S DAD

40-45. Former football player turned suburban dad, has never outgrow his high school glory days. Hates weakness, but capable of soul-searching when tragedy strikes.

BIG BUD DEAN

40-45. J.D.’s single dad. Big jolly personality that barely conceals the enormous rage bubbling just below the surface. Quite possibly a serial bomber.

COACH RIPPER

40-45. Stalwart, man’s man; quick to defend his players.

MS. FLEMING

45 – 50. Aging hippie teacher, still yearning for the day the Age of Aquarius reaches Ohio. Resentful of today’s entitled youth, protective of the underdogs. Despite a penchant for self-promotion, genuinely cares about the students in her charge.

VERONICA’S MOM

45 – 50. Easygoing, distant, yet capable of laying down the law.

KURT’S DAD

30 – 45. Straight-laced, very conservative, also former football player. A simple guy, not book smart, you’d be happy to share a beer with him.

VERONICA’S DAD

30 – 45. Easygoing and distant.

PRINCIPAL GOWAN

30 – 45. Rumpled, burned out, hates conflict.

ENSEMBLE

Students from Sherwood, Ohio. Some archetypes include Beleaguered Geek, Preppy Stud, Hipster Dork, New Wave Girl, Stoner Chick, and Young Republicanette

Some of the adult characters and ensemble members will most likely be double-cast.

City College float designed by Professor Duane Gardella

This article is on the City Times website.

Dream of MLK lives on in City College float

City College looks to make an impact at the annual MLK Day Parade with a larger-than-life float.

Brian Mohler

Student volunteer Christian Sin works in the theater on set designs when he is not working on City College's MLK Day Parade float. Photo by Brian Mohler.

Brian Mohler, Arts & Entertainment Editor
January 20, 2019
Filed under LIFE, TOP STORIES

Marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of this country’s most significant historical events. A modern-day chance to march with MLK will be available in downtown San Diego during the MLK Day Parade tomorrow.

Brian Mohler
Dean Marciano Perez demonstrates the metal body that will bring the giant MLK Mojiganga to life. The metal body will allow parade participants to move the arms and legs so it appears that the giant MLK is walking. Photo by Brian Mohler.

San Diego City College will be participating in the 39th annual MLK Day Parade with a float that will be larger than life.

Numerous volunteers have spent over 100 hours creating the City College float, which will feature a 14-foot moving MLK figure.

Professor Duane Gardella, who has helped design the City College float the past six years, is excited to see the crowd’s reaction to this year’s giant MLK.

“It’s not a float, per se,” said Gardella. “It should be like nothing else and look like it is walking with the people.

“Kids in the crowd might be frightened or amazed.”

Gardella taught a drama class last fall in which students came up with the idea, but he admits he helped steer them in the direction.

“It’s based on the giant puppets from San Miguel de Allende … the Mojigangas,” said volunteer and Dean of Student Affairs Marciano Perez.

The tradition was brought to San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico by the Spanish. Costumed figures called gigantes y cabezudos (giants and big heads) are still part of festivals throughout Spain.

Brian Mohler
Volunteer Dora Meza shows off the graduation gown used to design Dr. King’s giant attire. Photo by Brian Mohler.

City College’s MLK Mojiganga will wear a gigantic doctoral gown, which was sewn by numerous volunteers like Dora Meza, who also works as an admissions supervisor.

“Freedom through education is this year’s parade theme,” said Perez. “The need to be educated is not necessarily about a degree but about knowing what’s happening in society.”

“Dr. King’s message was about unity,” said Perez. “That’s what the float and parade are all about.

“You’ve got students, faculty, staff and family coming together and united around creating something … living out (MLK’s) message about giving back and serving others.”

There will be dozens of floats, marching bands and drill teams, but Perez expects City College to stand out this year.

“Some groups use the same float each year, but every year we do something different,” said Perez. “A couple years ago we made a replica of the MLK memorial monument in Washington D.C.  

“(The replica) is now in the student affairs office if anyone wants to see it. It was 12 feet tall so we had to cut it down to fit it in the office.”

Schools, churches and community organizations make up a list of almost 100 participating groups.

Each San Diego Community College District college will feature a unique float. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, family members and the community are invited to partake in the event.

The parade starts at 2 p.m. on the southwest corner of Waterfront Park (near Ash Street and Harbor Drive) and travels past the B Street Pier. It turns left on Broadway Street for one block, turns right on Pacific Highway for two blocks and ends at G Street.

Brian Mohler
A limited number of City College MLK long sleeve t-shirts will be handed out in the staging area. Photo by Brian Mohler.

Those wishing to participate in the City College section of the parade are asked to arrive at the staging area in front of the County Administration building near Grape Street and Harbor Drive at 12:30 p.m.

Commemorative City College MLK long sleeve t-shirts will be distributed at the staging area while supplies last.

Parking is available under the County Administration building for $10 between Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive on Ash Street. Paid parking is also available near the cruise ship terminal on Broadway.

Classes may be cut!

We wanted to make you aware of four great classes at City College that are in jeopardy of being cut. Administrators will be making decisions on which classes to cut on Friday, January 18, so don’t delay!

• ·  Beginning Costuming, DRAM 143, TTh 12:45 – 3:55 taught by Elisa Benzoni. In this class you will learn basic sewing techniques, and you will help on the construction of the costumes for the spring shows (Festival of New Plays and Heathers The Musical). Your final project will be constructing a garment of your choice; in the past, students have made pajama pants, Harry Potter robes, and more complex outfits. Elisa is one of San Diego’s busiest and most gifted designers. This class is required for drama majors, and if you are planning to transfer to SDSU or UCSD, this class transfers. Ebenzoni211@gmail.com. Please note that even though this class ends at 3:55, students will still be able to participate in the musical (if cast)--you can arrive at 4:00 on T/Th, no problem.
•  
• ·  Beginning/Intermediate Acting, DRAM 132/133, MW 2:20 – 4:50 taught by Annie Hinton. Annie is one of San Diego’s most well-regarded acting teachers and actors, and directors. These classes are required for majors, but you can’t take Intermediate until you have completed Beginning. City College is lucky to have the award-winning Annie Hinton on its faculty—you will learn a TON from her. annie@olanskey.com
•  
• ·  Study of Filmed Plays, DRAM 107, T 2:20 – 5:30 taught by Carol Whaley. This class fulfills a GE requirement for Area 3, Arts and Humanities. Professor Whaley has taught this class numerous times and is an awesome professor. You will view and critique some of the most interesting and compelling films ever produced. And it meets only one day/week—what could be better than that?? cwhaley@sdccd.edu
•  
• ·  Introduction to Stage Movement, DRAM 165, MW 9:35 taught by Terry Wilson. Terry is one of San Diego’s best known dancers and choreographers. This class is required for drama majors, and it is only offered in the Spring semester. (In other words, if you were planning to wait until Fall to take it, you’ll be out of luck.) In this class you will learn various movement styles including Viewpoints, Feldenkrais, Alexander, yoga, and many others. Learn how to use your body without tension to its intended purpose while onstage. Twilson@sdccd.edu

If you were debating whether you should take any of these classes, please don’t wait any longer. And please share this with someone who needs classes!!.

Thank you!