February 2006 - drama-alumni@lists.redbrick.dcu.ie

[Drama-alumni] This Week: TechWeek / Workshops / Other great stuff :)
by Roibeard O Mhurcu 27 Feb '06

27 Feb '06

Ahoy Campers! We had a great week last week performing The Merchant of Venice over in the Helix, thanks a million to all who came to the show! And after 6 exhausting performances in just 4 days, we fully deserved the after-show party from Hell. See what it was like at http://www.dcudrama.ie/gallery/v/merchant-party Coming up this week: Lots of stuff! TECH WEEK & WORKSHOPS: It's Tech Week this week, and a whole load of societies are getting involved! DCU Drama are doing their bit to contribute, with a technical workshop in the Venue this Wednesday. It's a SOUND & LIGHTING workshop, and anyone who is interested is welcome to attend! It will be run by our own Technical Officer, Eoghan Gaffney and will run from 4.30 to 6pm. Interested in helping out with the technical aspects of DCU Drama productions? Come along and learn more...Contact tech(a)dcudrama.ie or atlas(a)redbrick.dcu.ie for more details. ...and the best part? It's FREE. Yay! THE MUSICAL: A brief note from our producers... Hi all, Musical rehearsals are going really well and the show is really starting to shape up. One week into rehearsals and the production crew are all really excited about seeing this show onstage! Just a couple of notes and updates for everyone: - We know that last week The Merchant of Venice was running and so we made allowances for certain members of the cast missing rehearsals last week. However as of this week it is vital that *ALL CAST MEMBERS *attend rehearsals! Please make every effort to attend. - Also during the course of the week all cast will recieve their own copy of the script/vocal book. When you recieve your copy please put your name on it and keep it safe as if you lose yours it will be your responsibility to photocopy a new one. - I'm sure you all recieved the email regarding *backstage crew*. If you are talking to anbody or know of anybody who would be interested in helping out, *please please please encourage them to get involved!!! *We have had a fair response so far but the bigger backstage crew we have the better *YOUR SHOW* will be! - Also we are at the moment looking for a decent carpenter. If any drama memebers know a good carpenter we'd appreciate if you'd drop us a line and let us know. - We sent out an email last week looking for cast members clothes sizes. So for Guys thats trousers, shirt and shoe size. And for girls general dress size and shoe size. If you haven't already mailed us back these details then can you please do so asap! - We are looking for someone who would be interested in showing up to some rehearsals and backstage at some shows and taking photo's for us to be used on the website and for the program. Interested??? Let us know. - Finally, all cast members should now be recieving weekly cast emails inclucluding a rehearsal timetable. If you are not recieving this email then please email us and let us know as you address may be wrong or u may not be on the mailing list!! To contact us or for more info please email musical(a)dcudrama.ie or dcu.musical(a)gmail.com BUI BOLG & ST. PATRICK'S DAY: Well, St. Paddy's Day is fast approaching, and our friends at Bui Bolg will be coming this week to have a bit of a rehearsal session with our volunteers. We also have to correct some erroneous information released in the last announce-drama email. We had previously told you that Bui Bolg would be paying 20 euro per hour. ...which is what they normally pay their puppeteer staff. BUT our participation in the St. Patrick's Day Parade will be on a VOLUNTARY basis only. You won't be getting paid, but still have the opportunity to not only participate in the Parade, but LEAD it! All in the name of DCU Drama! (and Bui Bolg too, I guess). Still interested? Good. We need about 60 intrepid volunteers to meet for rehearsals this Thursday evening. Contact Eoin at sec(a)dcudrama.ie to get the exact details. You've never had so much fun standing up... HOODIES: Gorblimey. Some of you may have noticed several DCU Drama hoodies being sported by our members around campus. (They are naturally ultra-stylish, after all). We are pleased to offer our hoodies to all of our members at the ludicrously cheap price of just 30 euro. At the moment we only have Medium & Large sizes available, but will be ordering more small ones soon (depending on demand). Contact chair(a)dcudrama.ie to order yours today! On a related note, there are quite a few DramaHeads who already have hoodies and haven't paid us for them yet. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! Contact Shane at treasurer(a)dcudrama.ie to make amends....hoodies ain't free, y'know. UPCOMING EVENTS THAT SHOULD BE A LAUGH: BARBIE & ACTION MAN NIGHT: Our lovely friends in DCU Dance our throwing a "Barbie vs. Action Man" themed bash in The Pod this Thursday, 2nd of March. Never ones to turn down an invitation to partay, Drama have agreed to help them out - hurrah! Everything kicks off at 11pm with Sumo Basho (basically people running at each other in padded sumo suits), Barbie and Action Man themed rooms, as well as prizes for best dressed male, best dressed female and least dressed person. There shall also be drinks promotions a-plenty(€6 for double vodka and red bull **AND** there'll be €3 drinks vouchers for anybody that dresses up as Barbies/Action Men). The highlight of the night looks likely to be the ultimate showdown between Barbie and Action Man in the form of a dance-off (this'll be quite late on in the night which should make things all the more interesting...) Tickets are a steal at only €5 for Drama members (they're €6 for everyone else and €8 at the door). They'll be on sale in the hub all week. Bring everybody! For more details contact Joey Kavanagh at elo(a)dcudrama.ie or on 0857322505. Hope to see y'all there! LGBT / STYLE SOC DRAG BALL: We are DCU Drama and will therefore get into bed with anybody. Yayness! Tuesday 28th of Feb: The DRAG ball will take place in the Old Bar. Its Pancake Tuesday that day so plans are to have pancakes, the usual cheap 3euro drinks, entertainment and general merriment until the wee hours of the morning. Its a celebration of sexuality and the theme is to dress up. Boys dress as girls, girls dress as boys. And sure why not? Any brave souls wearing drag get in for free, but the chickens without have to pay three euro! So dress up! It's in conjunction with Style Soc, and there's prizes for best (or least?) dressed on the night. HENRY GRATTAN BUILDING BIRTHDAY PARTY: While it may not be as prestigious as the DCU 25th anniversary birthday party, the Grattan is 25 years old too! And we are having a day of fun and randomness to celebrate. It's scheduled for the 15th of March and DCU Drama will be taking part in the festivities. But the Union need volunteers to help out on the day, so contact Alan at humanities(a)dcusu.ie to volunteer your services! Jesus Christ, I'm going to bed. Have a great week! Bob -- Roibeard O Mhurcu # 54144094 CS2 Class Rep. DCU Drama, Chairman (Chairperson/Chairthing, y'know like, whatever). www.dcudrama.ie "Joey, you ever been in a cockpit before? Ever seen a grown man naked? Ever hang around the gymnasium?" "Joey, do you like movies about... Gladiators?" -Capt. Clarence Oveur-

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[Drama-alumni] This Week: Merchant of Venice! Musical Rehearsals! etc!
by Roibeard O Mhurcu 20 Feb '06

20 Feb '06

Ahoy gang, Much ado this week...we are getting into the spirit of Shakespeare because from Monday to Thursday night in the Space at the Helix (doors 7pm) we have The Merchant of Venice! Matinees at 2pm Tuesday and Wednesday (although the Wed matinee is sold out...) The Story… Bassanio, a noble but impoverished Venitian, asks his friend Antonio for a loan of 3,000 ducats to impress the beautiful heiress Portia. Antonio agrees, but in turn is forced to borrow the sum from the cynical Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Antonio signs a chilling contract to honour the debt with a pound of his own flesh. A complex and controversial "comedy," *The Merchant of **Venice* is a unique exploration of prejudice and the true nature of justice. Our Treatment… DCU Drama, after the success of our production of *Macbeth* last year, have continued our tradition of performing Shakespeare in a modern setting, while retaining the original sparkling dialogue. A completely amateur production, the cast, directors and producer are all students here at DCU. The unique configuration of the Space in the Helix allows us to perform in an intimate setting - "in the round," allowing the cast to develop a bond with the audience, allowing for an increased emotional impact. MUSICAL REHEARSALS: Yup, it's that time of the year again, and well done to all those who were cast! This week's schedule is: *Rehearsal Timetable for Guys & Dolls (20th-26th February)* ** *Monday * Olga 6pm-9pm Venue TBC (Will be confirmed on the website) *Tuesday* Iain, Alan & Olga 6pm-9pm XG14 & XG01 *Wednesday* Iain & Alan 1pm - 8pm XG14 & XG01 *Thursday * Iain 6pm - pm XG14 & XG15 *Friday * *No rehearsal* *Saturday* *No rehearsal* *Sunday* * No rehearsal* As this is the first week of rehearsals their are no groups organised yet so could *all cast members* please attend at the times given above. Please note as well that this Schedule is not fixed and will change from week to week. A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT (NOT VON PRON, BUT THE DCU DRAMA PRESIDENT...) Marie-Louise O Donnell, our erstwhile president (as some of you may know) has left her position in the Helix and has returned to DCU to lecture. She also has a grand vision and and a plan to put on a vocal chorus-type show that was written by a student some years ago. The student in question was a paraplegic and spent several years writing this piece (his thesis) one letter at a time. It is an intriguing proposal, and will require a chorus of about 50 and at least a year to prepare. I think it has the potential to be an absolutely unique production and is the sort of thing that could catapult DCU Drama into the realms of national exposure, which is never a bad thing... We will be holding a General Members meeting in week 4 where Marie-Louise wants to come and meet members of DCU Drama and further expand on her ideas, and recruit volunteers. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of something special! BUI BOLG/ST. PATRICK'S DAY: Our Wexford-based puppet friends need about 115 (yes, 115) volunteers for paid work for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Bui Bolg are headlining the parade, and DCU Drama hava a chance to be part of that. Wanna get paid 20 euro and hour to wear a giant puppet suit and lead the St Patrick's Day parade? Contact sec(a)dcudrama.ie for more details... Have a good week! And don't miss The Merchant of Venice! Bob -- Roibeard O Mhurcu # 54144094 CS2 Class Rep. DCU Drama, Chairman (Chairperson/Chairthing, y'know like, whatever). www.dcudrama.ie "Joey, you ever been in a cockpit before? Ever seen a grown man naked? Ever hang around the gymnasium?" "Joey, do you like movies about... Gladiators?" -Capt. Clarence Oveur-

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[Drama-alumni] Ooops! Musical Callbacks...
by Roibeard O Mhurcu 15 Feb '06

15 Feb '06

Ahoy gang, I made a slight goof regarding the musical callbacks... Some of you have received emails inviting you to come to callbacks today at 6pm. I had previously said that if you didn't receive an email, then you weren't in the show. Ooops. Some parts have in fact already been cast! Those lucky few who have been cast already have NOT been informed by email. This is because we want to post the entire cast list at the same time. ..which means that if you didn't receive an email you either didn't make the show OR you have definitely been cast! Eeek. The full cast list will be posted on the announce-drama mailing list by the end of the week :) BUT if you have not been cast in a definite role, fret not! We will be needing extras, chorus members and backstage help, as well as set painters, promotional helpers, makeup people, band members, prop helpers, and all manner of randomness. So take advantage of the opportunity to be a part of DCU Drama's Musical Extravaganza! ...and best of luck! Bob -- Roibeard O Mhurcu # 54144094 CS2 Class Rep. DCU Drama, Chairman (Chairperson/Chairthing, y'know like, whatever). www.dcudrama.ie "Joey, you ever been in a cockpit before? Ever seen a grown man naked? Ever hang around the gymnasium?" "Joey, do you like movies about... Gladiators?" -Capt. Clarence Oveur-

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[Drama-alumni] This Week: Clubs & Socs Day 2 & more...
by Roibeard O Mhurcu 12 Feb '06

12 Feb '06

Ahoy all you intrepid DramaHeads! ALL MY SONS: ...was performed on three nights last week to great critical acclaim in the Venue. Fantastic performances were turned in by the entire cast, and the audience loved it. Given that Arthur Miller plays tend not to be the happiest, it was a testament to the talent of the cast and the vision of director Fiona Colhoun that the show was so well received... Loads of stuff going on this week... MUSICAL CALLBACKS: First off, well done to all those who came over to the auditions for this year's musical, "Guys and Dolls." The turnout was massive! Unfortunately, not all of those who tried out were successful in getting a callback. We would love to put all of you in the show, but that would necessitate a stage the size of Texas. Those of you who got a callback have already been informed via email. Those of you that did not, I'm sorry :( Callbacks will be held on Wednesday (15th) evening at 6.00pm in XG14. Good luck! THE MERCHANT OF VENICE: Ha! Just when you thought that you were safe from another DCU Drama production, we come out with a little Shakespeare! The Merchant of Venice will run during week 3 from Monday 20th - Thursday 23rd at 7.00pm in the Space, the Helix, with matinees at 2pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets are a bargain bin price of 5 euro for DCU Drama members and 7 euro for anybody else. After the runaway success of our production of Macbeth last year, "Merchant" promises to continue DCU Drama's budding infatuation with the great Bard of Avon. Don't miss it! Watch out for our ticket stand in the HUB this week! Speaking of ticket stands, we need volunteers to man the aforementioned ticket stands, and to help out with promotional duties during next week. Contact me at chair(a)dcudrama.ie or our directors and producer at sec(a)dcudrama.ie, hickeys6(a)mail.dcu.ie <selina.hickey6(a)mail.dcu.ie> and dugganj5(a)mail.dcu.ie <jessica.duggan5(a)mail.dcu.ie> to lend your expertise! CLUBS AND SOCS DAY II: THE REVENGE! Yup, that's right. As if you didn't have enough back in October, with Clubs and Socs Day, it's back! We'll be setting up our recruitment stand in the Venue on WEDNESDAY 15th and need a selection of rabid volunteers to come and help sign up the last few students in DCU who haven't already joined Drama. Drop me a line at chair(a)dcudrama.ie to lend a hand... WORKSHOPS: Bob will be holding an informal VOCAL PROJECTION AND DICTION workshop in the Space, the Helix at 1pm on Sunday the 19th. While this is primarily for the cast members of The Merchant of Venice, all who are interested are welcome to attend. Cost: FREE. This workshop will be invaluable to any budding actor - projection and diction are the two most important attributes you can have. You can know your lines backwards and have great presence and movement, but if no-one can hear you / understand what you're saying, you're outta luck. Another similar and larger workshop will be held in week 6 by our friends from the Gaiety School of Acting, prior to the Musical. Watch this space... We will also be holding a MAKEUP workshop in the next few weeks, again prior to the musical. One of our members, Liana, has kindly agreed to offer a quick course in stage makeup for anyone that is interested. Once more, watch this space! RedBrick Tech Week is coming, and because DCU Drama love getting into bed with RedBrick, we will be jointly offering LIGHTING and SOUND workshops for any budding techies out there. Come along and see how the magic works! Details soon. Enough! Have a great Rag Week folks! Bob -- Roibeard O Mhurcu # 54144094 CS2 Class Rep. DCU Drama, Chairman (Chairperson/Chairthing, y'know like, whatever). www.dcudrama.ie "Joey, you ever been in a cockpit before? Ever seen a grown man naked? Ever hang around the gymnasium?" "Joey, do you like movies about... Gladiators?" -Capt. Clarence Oveur-

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[Drama-alumni] This Week - back to reality...
by Roibeard O Mhurcu 04 Feb '06

04 Feb '06

...and so we all made it back from New York in one piece, thank (insert deity of your choice here). It was a mindblowing experience, and as soon as I get around to it, there'll be a write-up going onto the website, complete with about 400 photos! Yay! THIS WEEK: ALL MY SONS: ...will be showing in the Venue in the HUB, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 7.30pm this week (7/8/9th Feb). Arthur Miller's angst-ridden family drama, set in the 1940's Midwest America, features some astounding performances and is not to be missed! Tickets 4 euro or 5 for non-members of DCU Drama. Don't miss it! MUSICAL AUDITIONS: This year it's GUYS AND DOLLS and will be going on in the Venue in week 8, starting 27th March... The audition times and venues are as follows: - *Tuesday 7th Feb XG14 & XG15 from 6.00pm-8.30pm* - * Wednesday 8th Feb CG02 & CG03 from 3.00pm-7.00pm* * * All the audition information is available at http://dcudrama.ie/musical2006/and on the forum boards at life.dcu.ie So come out and show us what you can do! MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD: We are still trying to cast this 4-person all female show, so come along to XG16 on tuesday night from 6-8pm for Auditions!! ...thery're right beside the Musical, so why not audition for both at the same time... SHAG WEEK: Monday night in the Old Bar, there's going to be a few "fake weddings" to promote Shag Week, and we need nutty DramaHeads to volunteer to get hitched for a good cause! Contact Deirdre at welfare(a)dcusu.ie for details - it'll be fun! MINI BROTHER: For Rag Week, week 2, the Union are locking 4 students into a Mini Cooper for a week - there'll be spot prizes and randomness (yay!) galore! Wanna fly the flag for DCU Drama? Head along to auditions at 1pm, Wednesday in the Seminar Room (upstairs in the HUB, beside the SU reception). Right, that's it, I'm outta here, Bob -- Roibeard O Mhurcu # 54144094 CS2 Class Rep. DCU Drama, Chairman (Chairperson/Chairthing, y'know like, whatever). www.dcudrama.ie "Joey, you ever been in a cockpit before? Ever seen a grown man naked? Ever hang around the gymnasium?" "Joey, do you like movies about... Gladiators?" -Capt. Clarence Oveur-

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[Drama-alumni] Broadway Baby!
by Roibeard O Mhurcu 02 Feb '06

02 Feb '06

Hi All, Just a quick note to say that we are all having a ball here in New York! (please try not to be jealous)... if we could, we'd have brought EVERY member of DCU Drama with us, although we might not have all fitted on the same plane :( There'll be loads of photos on the website soon and we'll tell y'all how we got on! COMING IN WEEK 1: ALL MY SONS: The Venue, the HUB, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Arthur Miller's tour-de-force, set in 1940's America - a fantastic show, not to be missed! MUSICAL AUDITIONS: Guys & Dolls! - *Tuesday 7th Feb XG14 & XG15 from 6.00pm-8.30pm* - *Wednesday 8th Feb CG02 & CG03 from 3.00pm-7.00pm* * * All the audition information is available at http://dcudrama.ie/musical2006/and on the forum boards at life.dcu.ie Can't wait to see you all there!!! More news as I get it, Bob! -- Roibeard O Mhurcu # 54144094 CS2 Class Rep. DCU Drama, Chairman (Chairperson/Chairthing, y'know like, whatever). www.dcudrama.ie "Joey, you ever been in a cockpit before? Ever seen a grown man naked? Ever hang around the gymnasium?" "Joey, do you like movies about... Gladiators?" -Capt. Clarence Oveur-

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[Drama-alumni] omigod!!!!
by Aideen 02 Feb '06

02 Feb '06

>Hello lovelies! >Hope all is well? >I'm lovin 2006, just got a call this morning about a job with STOMP!!! You >know the bin beating posse... oooh I'm so excited!! > >I'm gonna do a weeks training with the London company to get familiar with >all the routines, then travelling across the UK teaching workshops in primary >schools. And the money is cool! Hurrah!! > >Sorry- can't help telling everyone... I'm so feckin excited! It like Jim >came along and Fixed It for me... >He he he!!! >Aideen :)

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