Rehearsal

I have a big weekend ahead of me. Tomorrow I drive up to Boston with my director and cast to film the first episode of my Rogers project. Very fortunately, I have so many people who have been helping me along the way and contributing in various forms. I especially could not do this project with my mother, Arlene. Arlene has been my mom, personal assistant, therapist, and cheerleader as I transition from step to step throughout the creation process. Gracias, mama!
As a creative team, we are ready for this weekend! I met with my director (Blake McCarty) and cast (J'nelle Bobb-Semple and WT McRae) on Monday night to rehearse at 440 Studios. I had an unbelievable night! Blake was able to create a warm environment where J'nelle and WT felt comfortable enough to experiment and create. So many special, small moments happened within this very simple script. It was magical. I am grateful for their artistry and abilities.
Although it will be a while before I can post specific details about the program or pictures, I'm hoping to write a reflection piece about this weekend. I'm also looking forward to sharing my costume decisions: from sketches to camera-ready.

BRILLIANT marketing

Cheers, Ralph Lauren, on your new shopable children's book! Check it out...

http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=4357818&camp=KidsStorybook_NYTimes

Dramatic Play

Last year, I had the great fortune of working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Eliot-Pearson Children's School. While there, I learned about dramatic play. As a theater artist, this was so new to me! What was the difference between dramatic play and drama in the classroom? That is a topic I hope to write about in the future and will not dive into right now, BUT I did learn about how important and empowering it is for children to experiment with roles and status through their play.

While strolling around the Times Square Toys 'R Us (yes, I realize what an insane idea that was), I came across some children's television merchandise. I was so excited to see the Super Why! character costumes called "role play kits." I have always been a big fan of the show and of the company that produces it, Out of the Blue. The founder, Angela Santomero, comes from both a production and research/education background, something I aspire to. Seeing this merchandise made me feel as if someone out there is making sure that licensing is happening AND it's also quality play materials for children. Bravo!

To buy yours:
http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Curve-Brands-Super-Why/dp/B0024FW7LO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1282163548&sr=1-5

Backpack, Backpack!

I'm spending my summer at Nick, Jr. this year, and today is a big day. We're celebrating Dora's birthday. With a new TV special on Nick next week, we are very excited! Times Square is filled with advertisements for the special that commemorates Dora's 10th year on television. Below is a really interesting article I found on the NY Times site...enjoy!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/09/business/media/09dora.html