We're Off To See The Wizard

I apologize for not posting for a couple of days.  I have been super busy due to extended family being in town and my being in rehearsal for "The Wizard of Oz" at a local children's theatre.  I am super excited to be playing the role of Dorothy, alongside a wonderful cast of young people and adults.  It is an absolute blast, but rehearsals are getting later and later.  I thought I'd keep you updated to show what goes into a professional theatre production leading up to the opening night, which for us is next Thursday!  Yesterday we worked Act I and today we worked Act II of the show.  At this point, we are able to run everything, but in the coming days we will be adding technical elements, and on Sunday we add the orchestra, so we are working to polish what we do so we can hand the show over to tech starting Thursday.  The theatre I'm doing the show with is the 3rd oldest children's theatre in the nation, and is the only professional children's theatre in our city.  It is super fun to be involved with them, and I love the atmosphere created by the people there.  I will continue to update, but for now, I'm off to see the wizard (or go to sleep, ya know...).  Goodnight, all!

VBS Part 4: Theme

Today's post is short and sweet: utilize the theme of the week to create one big experience, connecting all of the smaller portions of the week...aka the past 3 posts.

1. Music- Not only use the songs provided, but use music connected to the theme as kids come and go during check-in and check-out.  For example, we used spy music, such as Pink Panther songs, during Agency D3 week.  Use this throughout the whole week to backup any activity that may need a soundtrack.
2. Storytelling- As mentioned before, use the characters.  However, go a step further and give the characters fun, themed costumes.  Connect the Bible stories to the theme too!  Bring the theme back to the Bible days!
3. Games- Make the games related to the week, even if that means altering a version of tag or hide and go seek to become a "spy mission."  Games can even extend to walking in the halls.  For example, during Agency D3, I had my class sneak around the building like spies when we were changing activities.  During Journey Off the Map, we climbed/marched/sneaked through the jungle, using each staircase as a tree or mountain to climb.

As you can see, the littlest things can be used to enhance the theme and overall experience for the young people, making it more fun and a great big adventure.

(P.S. Many curriculum also provide room decor, or you can create your own...my church always has some super crazy fun room decorations that kids LOVE!!!)

Stories and Songs

Hi, all!  I don't know if it was senior year that got me all sentimental or if it is just my naturally reflective self, but I have spent a lot of time in the last few months thinking...about everything.  I have always loved writing, so I have decided to start this blog, entitled "Your Story, Your Song," for that is what my life (and yours too!) is made of.  At the end of each day, no matter how good or bad, you and I have a unique story to tell the world, a unique song to sing.  And that is a very beautiful thing.

This blog will reflect on many things.  I will be headed off to college in the fall, so college life will probably be a big topic, as will the arts, as my intended major is Arts Administration.  I will discuss music, theatre, friends, faith, and more as I journey through this next stage of life.  Because this next stage is a new chapter in my story and a new verse in my song.  Perhaps by sharing my own voice, I can inspire others to share theirs.  Because YOU have a story..a story worth telling.  YOU have a song...a song worth singing.  

Welcome to this story, this song.