Event Stream
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a
human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” -- Oscar Wilde
human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” -- Oscar Wilde
AZ Seal Honors for 2021
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Congratulations to Natalie C. and Sophia H. for earning the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency in the theatre! We are proud to announce that in addition to completing theatre coursework and extra-curricular activities Natalie and Sophia created Capstone Projects that were adjudicated to be worthy of recognition from the Arizona Department of Education. The Arizona Department of Education "celebrates your commitment to arts education this 2020-2021 school year. We are incredibly proud of the creativity & dedication of the young artists who overcame immense challenges to receive this rigorous honor. We know the future holds wonderful things for this year’s 2021 State Seal of Arts Proficiency Graduates!”.
Check out their work on the Thespian Society YouTube Channel. HYSA Thespian Society - YouTube |
Thespian's Work Showcases AZ Seal Capstone Projects
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Since Spring of 2020, HYSA thespians have had the opportunity to earn the Arizona Seal of Arts Proficiency. A key facet of this elite program is a Capstone Project. A-Level theatre student and Thespian Society Executive Board member, Sophia H., decided to create a way to showcase the students' works. "My Theatre Practicum project is an artistic collection of HYSA’s Seal of the Arts Capstone projects. It is to be manifested physically as a series of booklets and online as a blog. Each blog/booklet is stylistically unique to the project. I hope this project inspires future HYSA Thespians and preserves the legacy of our current ones."
Take a moment to peruse her work and that of her peers. Home | CapstonePortfolio (wixsite.com) |
AZ Youth Arts Month Celebration Notes HYSA Thespian
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Congratulations to Thespian Society Executive Board member Danika B. for having the first episode of her "Behind the Black Box" series be featured in this year's ADE Arts Education and Arizona Art Education Association virtual celebration of Arizona Youth Arts Month. The episode focused on behind the scenes of the 2020 production of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible". The series can be found on the Thespia Society YouTube channel.
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Troupe Honored with Gold Award AND Honorable Mention for 2020 Work
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It was a year of great work! The troupe earned the performance ranking of Gold for 2020 and received a Honorable Mention for the work done during the pandemic. These awards are presented by the AZ Thespians under the auspices of the International Thespian Society. The awards acknowledge the year's work and highlight how the troupe inspired others during 2020.
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A-Level Thespian Wins State Runner-Up at the 2020 - 2021 AZ POL
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Congratulations to Sidney! This week, thespian and A-Level scholar, Sidney A., was named the State Runner-Up for the 2021 Arizona Poetry Out Loud State Finals Competition. The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation partner with the State Arts Agencies to bring the Poetry Out Loud (POL) program to all 50 states and US territories. In Arizona, POL is administered by the Arizona Commission on the Arts in collaboration with POL Regional Partners. This event is the culmination of months of participation by high school students and teachers from communities throughout the state of Arizona. Over 10,000 high school students participate in this yearly program.
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Friendship is the Focus for Lemonade Stand Theatre Production
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"Vanities" starts production week! Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1960s and 1970s this comedy drama provides a glimpse into a decade long friendship. Thespian Executive Board members Drew, Sidney, and Marydith make up the cast.
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March Musical Interlude Series Showcases Diverse Talents
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The March Musical Interlude Series showcased a wide array of fine arts. This month MIS featured both live and recorded performances. Dance, spoken word, piano, flute, cello, and guitar were artfully displayed. Black History Month was celebrated in art and voice. Original songs, poetry, and art were shared. While student stop motion and claymation works were also presented. Catch more pics on the Photo Gallery webpage.
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HYSA Thespians onto State POL
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Thespians Sidney and Chariot won at this weekend's Central Region Poetry Out Loud Competition! The A-Level and IGCSE scholars will go on to represent HYSA at the State Poetry Out Loud Competition on March 15th. The state and national competitions will be held virtually.
azarts.gov/programs/poetry-out-loud/ |
Comedy in the Courtyard
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"The Ugly Duckling" opens this week in the Black Box Theatre Courtyard. This A.A. Milne work has the flavor of a farcical Shakespearean romance with a hint of insight. The play offers a breath of laughter to all (cast and audience alike). Remember to check out the Mainstage webpage for more show photos.
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Drew and Sidney Win at Regionals
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Congratulations to Thespian Society Executive Board members Drew and Sidney! The A-Level duo earned three Superior awards at the AZ Thespian Regionals for performing a duet scene from "The Laramie Project". This means that they can compete in the International Thespian Excellence Awards Competition at the Virtual International Thespian Festival this June.
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"The Laramie Project" Launches Theatre 2021
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HYSA is so pleased to present a truly school-wide collaborative effort.
Set against the backdrop of the pandemic and diverse rifts within our world, we have staged the seminal work, "The Laramie Project". Confined by Zoom and the mores of Documentary Theatre, the production provokes conversations to inspire student action and reflection. The relevancy of the work is strengthened by a community-wide cast that includes students, faculty, parents, and alumni. We hope you will join us for "The Laramie Project" on Friday, January 29th at 8:30 am. |
HYSA Poetry Out Loud Webinar Competition
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The HYSA Poetry Out Loud competition was held virtually. The competition was conducted as a Zoom webinar. The top two winners will go on to represent HYSA at the Regional competition in February. This year's winners are Sidney, Chariot, Marydith, and Gia. This is the ninth year HYSA has participated in the Poetry Out Loud competition. |
AZ Thespian Regional Competition Goes Virtural
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HYSA Thespian Society members, Drew, Sidney and Gia, will compete at the Western Arizona Festival of Theatre (aka Regionals) this month. Regionals are an intense, one-day International Thespian Society event for high school students. Thespians, who earn a “Superior” rating, are eligible to compete at Nationals. This year the event will be held virtually.
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Check Out What's Happening in 2021
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January is filled with Thespian events to start the year off right! Join us for our two regular Thespian Meetings are on the 20th and 27th from 3:20 to 4:20. The meeting on the 20th is exclusively virtual due to HYSA’s current online learning status. On the morning of January 22nd, the HYSA Poetry Out Loud event will be held virtually. The first play of the year, "The Laramie Project", will be shown on the morning of January 29th and the evening of February 1st. Watch for more details about upcoming events. For now, check out the trailer for the show at www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ujX1h40tyw&t=18s
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Annual Winter Wrap - In-Person and Online - Gift Local Kids with Holiday Cheer
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Thespians added to joy of a few children's holiday. This year's annual Winter Wrap gifted presents to Toys for Tots. Thespian Society members were able to fill over six large bags of toys, games, and lunch boxes. A BIG Shout-Out to Eliana for all her work organizing the party.
Check out the Photo Gallery webpage for more pictures. |
Heartwarming Work Comes to BBT in December
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Courtyard performance slated for December 9th and 11th. The Directing in Action students have been workshopping "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" to select which heartwarming stories to incorporate in the final performance. These stories celebrate our existence, from the whimsy of childhood to the wisdom of old age. And it is still true -- no matter how old you are -- that when you go out into the world, it is best to stick together -- even six feet apart.
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HYSA POL Competition Will Be Held Virtually
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To ensure the safety and health of participating students and staff, the 2020-2021 Poetry Out Loud competition will be a video submission-based competition. This decision, to hold the competition virtually, is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and General Counsel for the National Endowment for the Arts. For additional details about the HYSA POL competition, contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing.
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"Story Staples" in November
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Kintsugi is the art of filling cracked pottery with gold dusted lacquer as a way to showcase the beauty of its age and loss, rather than hiding it. Wabi-sabi is understanding, appreciating, and embracing one’s life as a whole. We humans tend to feel the need to hide our cracks and missing pieces, instead of embracing them. Though it may not always seem like the best choice, embracing our whole selves is extremely important. On December 3 & 4 IGCSE & A-Level Storytelling & Stagecraft students will be practicing this by performing "Story Staples: An Evening of Personal Anecdotes", in both the Black Box Theater and virtually. This will be a chance for the students to perform a personal monologue they have written about a life experience. There will be some stories that are humorous, some that are sad, some about zits… (Foreshadowing!) Everything. The time has come to show ourselves for who we truly are: Cracks included.
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HYSA Offers Seal for Second Year
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HYSA theatre program has been awarded approval to adminster the 2020 -2021 AZ State Seal of Arts Proficiency. Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, participation in the State Seal of Arts Proficiency program in the state has grown in the 2020-2021 school year by 150 percent. Participating high schools have chosen to prioritize a pathway for students’ creative expression & the development of their artistic literacy as essential to their educational experience this school year. This year 39 Districts and Charters representing 134 schools across the state have chosen to provide this diploma pathway celebrating graduates who demonstrate mastery & sequential study in arts education.
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Former Thespian Society Co-President Highlighted
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Arizona Now highlights former Thespian Society co-president, Carly C., this month. Check out the article: "15-year-old student is beginning her academic journey at ASU" https://asunow.asu.edu/20201109-15-year-old-student-beginning-her-academic-journey-asu |
Eighth Annual Thespian Society Costume Party Goes Virtual & In-Person
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This week's 8th Annual Thespian Society Costume Competition Party showed how creative thespians could be with their mask AND still respect safety protocols. Check out some of the fun pics!
While every costume creation was welcome, the Ex. Board voted to highlight the following categories: Best Duo/Group, Best Homemade/Smarter Not Harder, Best Fictional, Best Monster Mask Mash, Most Halloweeny/Festive, Best at Home/Best On-Site, AND Best of Show. An additional 50 party pics are on the HYSA Thespian Society Photo Gallery webpage. |
October Musical Interlude
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October's Musical Interlude gave the HYSA community a glimpse into the diverse talent of its student body. From original music to dynamic dance to spoken word poetry brought to life through the ASL , the morning was alight with music and art. Want more? Go to the Thespian Society YouTube Channel. |
Check Out the Thespian Society Ex. Board
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The 2020-2021 Thespian Society Executive Board opted to create a little video magic and share the stage with one and all.
Take a peek! Go the Thespian Society YouTube Channel! www.youtube.com/watch?v=btvL_9FrEFg&t=16s |
"Flowers for Algernon" Opens
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Thespians have been hard at work on the one-act "Flowers for Algernon". This student-directed AZ Seal of Arts Proficiency Capstone Project production follows the story of an intellectually disabled man, Charlie, as he undergoes operations that allow him to function at a genius level. The director is Sidney A. . The cast includes: Arwynn, Sophia, Augie, Noah, and Morgan. For more information, contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing. “Flowers for Algernon” is adapted by David Rogers. From the classic novel by Daniel Keyes.
Check out the AZ Seal Showcase website for additional details. Sidney Ashby | CapstonePortfolio (wixsite.com) |
Thespians Welcome New Year & National Arts in Education Week
On the 16th the HYSA Thespian Society gave a "shout out" to National Arts in Education week with an in-person and online Welcome event. The Thespian Executive Board shared improv games and laughter. Want to share in the fun? Join us at this week's meeting on Wednesday, September 23rd at 3:25 pm. Contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing for the link. More fun pics can be found on the Thespian Society Photo Gallery webpage.
Ex. Board Prepping for the Thespian "Welcome"
September 16th will be the first Thespian Society meeting of the year, and we are so excited! There will be many fun games and activities to get to know one another in the Thespian Society and the Thespian Executive board. It will be virtual for all only-online and A-day students, but if you are a B student attending in person contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing about attending in person. The meeting will start at 3:30 and end at 4:30. If you are a new or returning student interested in joining Thespian Society, contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing to check it out! There will be a second regular Thespian meeting on September 23rd, which will be an in-person A-group day. Keep watch for the "Lemonade Stand Theatre” auditions.
Musical Interlude 2020
"A Thousand Cranes" Opens!!
Thespian Society Election Results
Congratulations to the New Executive Board!
Co-Presidents – Gia and Drew
Co-Vice Presidents – Molly and Carson
Treasurer – Nate
Secretary – Annika
MIC (Musical Interlude Coordinators) – Noah and Augie
SPEC (Service Project/Event Coordinator) – Sidney and Chariot
ACT (Artisan Crew Tech) – Natalie and Mattie
Press Writer – Morgan
Website Administrator – Kunal
Technical Director/TA – Royce and Adam and Joshua
Musical Outreach – Noah and Danika
Community Art Outreach – Tessa
House Manager Coordinator – Sophia
Makeup Coordinator – Marydith
Co-Presidents – Gia and Drew
Co-Vice Presidents – Molly and Carson
Treasurer – Nate
Secretary – Annika
MIC (Musical Interlude Coordinators) – Noah and Augie
SPEC (Service Project/Event Coordinator) – Sidney and Chariot
ACT (Artisan Crew Tech) – Natalie and Mattie
Press Writer – Morgan
Website Administrator – Kunal
Technical Director/TA – Royce and Adam and Joshua
Musical Outreach – Noah and Danika
Community Art Outreach – Tessa
House Manager Coordinator – Sophia
Makeup Coordinator – Marydith
Check out the "Behind the Scenes" Work on Cranes
Work continues for the upcoming production of "A Thousand Cranes". For a glimpse of some of the production efforts, check out the "Behind the Scenes" video on the Thespian Society YouTube channel.
The production is being staged as a part of the Wednesday Enrichment course. The Wednesday morning Fine Arts Enrichment Experience (WOW) is a window into a diverse group of works that have opened the door for society to a deeper awareness of the human condition. As both an audience member and an explorer students identify, and thus embrace, broader views and understanding within our global community. Additional WOW productions this year have included. "From the Globe, Around the Globe - Romeo & Juliet" and "The Crucible". More information about this shows can be found on the Mainstage webpage. "Behind the Scenes" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xeo_q533row&t=18s |
Theatre is Online! Rehearsals Underway!
Seal of Arts Proficiency
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Congratulations to Carly C. and Joseph N. for earning the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency in the theatre! This is the inaugural year for qualifying seniors to receive the Seal on their graduation diploma. We are proud to announce that in addition to completing theatre coursework and extra-curricular activities Carly and Joseph created capstone projects that were adjudicated to be worthy of recognition from the Arizona Department of Education. The Arizona Department of Education is “incredibly proud of the creativity & dedication of the inaugural cohort of young artists who overcame immense challenges to receive this rigorous honor. We can’t wait to see where their creative skills take them in life”.
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Artistic Community Service
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NHS member and thespian Tessa S. contributed community service by creating uplifting artwork and writing thank you cards and for the staff and patients, who are not able to have visitors, at Valleywise Health Medical Center-Maricopa County Healthcare. If you are interested in also helping to brighten their day, please contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing.
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MY Theatre Students Applies Makeup to Villainy
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Kudos to Marydith S., the Middle Year theatre student joined forces with her talented mom to offer a villainous virtual makeup tutorial for her peers -- complete with homemade bolts.
Check out the Thespian Society Photo Gallery for more fun pics. |
Thespian Elections Go Virtual!
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"All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts..." HYSA Thespian Society members are reminded that today is Election Day! A BIG round of applause to each of the candidates! Thank you for throwing your hat into the ring and running for office. Well done! Thespians watch your email box. Ballots will go out over lunch. All ballots must be returned by 12:50 pm.
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A Virtual Murder Mystery
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Foul deeds were afoot on the windswept isles of Llerp when an escaped murder suspect happened upon Albion Hall. IGCSE and Middle Year theatre students donned their 1920s best and poshest accents as they sifted through colorful suspects to deduce the criminal mastermind at Wednesday’s “Death on the Isle – A Virtual Murder Mystery”.
More pics can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Exploring Horticulture and the Fine Arts
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Recently, Wednesday Enrichment IGCSE and Middle Year students have had the opportunity to explore horticultural and the fine arts virtually. Gardening students learned the how-tos of making elderberry syrup and found plants that can be propagated by themselves (a la garlic and potatoes). In addition to rehearsing, theatre students created homemade gobo effects that represent “A Thousand Cranes”. Art students have been introduced to pop-art sculptures (including Robert Indiana's iconic work) in the Valley landscape and engaged in the national “Bear Hunt” to support social distancing.
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Making Masks
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Graduating A-Level thespian Claudia K. has been putting her artistic skills (and new sewing machine) to work, making masks for an underserved New York senior community. Her effort became a family endeavor as her sisters (including IGCSE Humanities student, Ava) joined in the project.
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March Musical Interlude
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Prior to spring break the HYSA Thespian Society's Musical Interlude Series shared an array of student talent, including AMC awards. Kudos to the dancers, singers, musicians, poets, composers, announcers, and tech crew!
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A Win at Regionals!
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This weekend HYSA Thespian Society Co-President Drew K. won at the Central Region Poetry Out Loud Competition. She will go on to represent HYSA at the State POL Competition on March 7th at the Burton Barr Central Library.
Poetry Out Loud uses a pyramid structure. Winners advance to a school-wide competition, then to a regional and state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals in Washington, D.C., where the Arizona state champion competes against students from across the country. |
Friendship is the Word of the Day!
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The HYSA Thespian Society hosted its annual V-Day and Friendship event yesterday. An array of sweet treats and friendship-themed improvisation games made it a fun way to celebrate Arizona's Birthday! Take a peek at a few of the party pics on the photo gallery webpage! Also, a BIG “shout-out” to the Ex. Board for writing personalized friendship notes to each thespian member!
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Welcome to the AZ Arts' Dialogue
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This week HYSA students, Augie, Drew, and Sophia, had the opportunity to contribute to the Arizona Arts Congress. Each year arts advocates, educators, and arts leaders gather at the State Capitol, while the Arizona State Legislature is meeting to converse with their state legislators and cultural leaders about the importance of supporting the arts in our state. Catch the rest of the event pics on the Photo Gallery webpage.
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Final Rehearsals Underway for Menagerie
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Mark your calendars! Reserve your seat now! One of the most significant plays in the American theater premiers at HYSA. Tennessee William’s “The Glass Menagerie” opens on Thursday, February 20th at 6:30 pm. Performances are the 20th and 21st of February. On Friday, the curtain is at 6 pm. There is no school performance. For reservations, contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing.
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Thespians Score at WAFT
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HYSA thespians score at the Regionals! Earning a “Superior” rating, Morgan T. took home the gold. Augie, Drew, and Gia, earned silver, with ratings of “Excellent". National Individual Events are a special program of the International Thespian Society which assess and recognize significant student achievement in theatre.
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"The Crucible" Set to Open
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As part of our Wednesday Morning Enrichment series, HYSA’s Humanities students will be performing Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” on Thursday, February 6, at 6:30 pm, and on Friday, February 7, at 8:30 am. Both performances will be in the HYSA Black Box Theater. Reservations are needed. Contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing for ticket details.
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HYSA Thespians Go To Regionals
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HYSA Thespian Society members, Augie, Drew, Gia, and Morgan, performed at the Western Arizona Festival of Theatre (aka Regionals) this weekend. Regionals are an intense, one-day International Thespian Society event for high school students. Thespians, who earn a “Superior” rating, are eligible to compete at Nationals.
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Thespians Score Big at HYSA POL Competition
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The winners of the Eighth Annual HYSA Poetry Out Loud Competition are Drew K., Gia D., and Riley L.! Congratulations to all the finalists! First Place winner, Drew K., will go on to represent HYSA at the Central AZ Region Poetry Out Loud Competition on February 15th.
Be sure and check highlights from this season's school competitions on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
State Seal of Arts Proficiency
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HYSA has been approved to administer the State Seal of Arts Proficiency in the 2019-2020 school year. The Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency celebrates students who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in the Arizona Arts Education Standards through personal expression and creative experiences in fine arts education programs. This year two graduating HYSA students are on the path to receive this award in the discipline of theatre.
"Thank you for taking this step to recognize student mastery and achievement in the arts. In 2017, Arizona was home to 14,522 arts related businesses employing 74,688 people. By providing students with a quality arts education, they will be prepared to enter the creative sector. Through arts education,students will also learn the 21st-century skills of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity that they need to be successful in their personal and professional lives." -- Arizona Department of Education |
Engineering and Improv Take to the Road
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Members of both HYSA Robotics Teams, the Howlers and Javelinas, shared robotics and a touch of live theatre with local first and second graders. The HYSA Thespian Society Performance Outreach event was a hit with the next generation of engineers and creative souls.
An additional 24 pictures can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage! Check it out! |
Theatre Runs in the Family
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Thespian, Marydith S., enjoyed sharing the spotlight with her thespian mom, Stacie, this holiday season. It is a tradition the ladies hope to continue as they explore more theatre opportunities this spring. "The Celebration of Christmas" played to sold-out houses with an estimated 50 thousand audience members enjoying this valley tradition.
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Service & Fun - Winter "Wrap" Party
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With ribbon and paper we made moments to savor.
Plus gifts under the tree to bring some needy kids glee. The HYSA Thespian Society's Annual Winter Wrap was a success! Nearly $500 of toys, lunchboxes, and books were wrapped and donated to the Phoenix Children's Hospital! An original holiday rap was performed by the Executive Board! Capped off by a visit from ole St. Nick! In short, the service project party was a great way to start the holiday break. Catch the rest of the pics on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
A Touch of Theatre Stagecraft Via a Dicken's Christmas
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Theatrical Analysis: Dinner & a Show students traveled to the Hale Center Theatre this weekend to catch the musical version of “A Christmas Carol”. The semester finale offered a taste of Dickens, exceptional technical production effects, a discussion of the elusiveness of time, unique staging techniques, and a lot of snow flurries!
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Middle Year Students Share "A Pinch of This & That" at Two Outreach Shows
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Last week, Sunburst Elementary School second and fifth graders had a morning of fun-filled poetry - compliments of the Middle Year theatre students. The thespians went on the road with the original Performance Outreach production, "A Pinch of This & That" and scored laughter, applause, and requests to return.
Check out more pictures on the Performance Outreach Webpage. |
Eighth Annual POL Underway
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Kudos to the HYSA POL semifinalists - Annika E., Drew K., Sophia H., Riley L., Danika B., Marydith S., Will M., Carson S., Chariot W., Gia D., Alexa, F., Noah B., Sidney A., Morgan, T., and Sean S.! For the eighth year, HYSA scholars have distinguished themselves in the art of spoken poetry at the school-wide Poetry Out Loud competition. The semifinalists will go on to compete in the final tier of the HYSA Poetry Out Loud on Friday, January 17th in the Black Box Theatre at 8:30 am.
Event pictures can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Theatre Fieldtrip Highlights National Inspirational Role Models Month
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Before break students from each cohort attended the Arizona Theatre Company’s production of “Silent Sky”. The play focused on Henrietta Leavitt’s discoveries in the field of astronomy and her personal story from 1900 to 1920. In addition to affording the cast and crew of HYSA’s production of “Silent Sky” the opportunity to see the play with state-of-the-art technology employed, the fieldtrip also acknowledged National Inspirational Role Models Month.
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Middle Year Theatre Students Perform Outreach Show -"A Pinch of This & That"
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Using poetry as the play's backbone, the Middle Years' theatre students will reveal childhood inner truths through fun-filled physical action and sound. The students will be presenting a series of poetic adaptions about . . . being eaten by fanciful creatures, somethings under the bed, and other childhood fancies in their fall outreach production, " A Pinch of This & That", on Wednesday, December 11th at 5:30 pm in the Black Box Theatre. On Tuesday, December 10th the cast will also perform for area second and third graders. |
IGCSE HALO to Offer Classic Comedy
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Nine o'clock! Nine o'clock in the village of Kulyenchikov and all's well!" But is it really? The people of Kulyenchikov live under a terrible haze - the curse of widespread stupidity. For two hundred years, hundreds of teachers have come, hoping to educate the villagers and free them from the curse of stupidity. Will the curse ever be broken? IGCSE Level HALO theatre students will be performing Neil Simon's comic fable, "Fools" about the curse of foolhardy mindsets. This is classic comedy, wherein zany, bold, and sheep rule supreme. The performances are on December 5th and 6th in the Black box Theatre. Reservations are needed. Contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing for details.
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HYSA Thespian Troupe Wins Two Awards at State!
Gold Troupe and Honorable Mention for High School Ranking!
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This is the second year in a row the HYSA Thespian Society has won Gold Honor Troupe at the AZ Thespian Festival. While at the festival HYSA thespians (Carly, Drew, Molly, Gia, Augie, Sydney, Mattie, Tessa, Joseph, Royce, and Carson) participated in a variety of workshops, caught a spine-tingling Mainstage show, enjoyed a variety of one acts, and danced at random moments.
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"From the Globe, Around the Globe - Romeo & Juliet" Opens
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"From the Globe, Around the Globe - Romeo & Juliet" offered audiences a glimpse into Shakespeare's world and pre-war America. The show played to full houses. Check out the HYSA Thespian Society Mainstage webpage for rehearsal and performance pictures as well as comments from the cast.
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Annual Fall Festival & Halloween Carnival Fun for All
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There were games aplenty! Fierce battles over chairs! Astonishing hula-hoopers! A Halloween Kahoot! And much more! Check out some of the highlights from the Fifth Annual HYSA Thespian Society Fall Festival & Halloween Carnival! Want more? Go to the HYSA Thespian Society Photo Gallery Webpage for additional fun-filled pics! Big "shout outs" to Sophia H. for capturing the fun and to the HYSA Thespian Ex. Board (and members) for their hard work.
Pssst! There are nearly 100 pics! |
Annual Costume Party Offers a Stage for Creativity
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From a Dalek to Marvel’s best, everyone was dressed up and ready to have a great time! Best Homemade Costume, Best Fictional Character, Best Parody/Comedy Costume, Best in Show aka "I'm Wearing THAT Next Year” were just a couple of the competition categories at this year's HYSA Thespian Society Seventh Annual Costume Party.
Catch additional party pics on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
"From the Globe, Around the Globe - Romeo & Juliet" Opens in a Week
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Opening night is just around the corner for the IGCSE STEM/HUM production of "From the Globe, Around the Globe - Romeo & Juliet". There will be two performances on Wednesday, November 6th. The evening curtain is at 5 pm and the school show will be at 9:30 am. Reservations are required. Seating is limited.
The program artist is Andy M.. |
"Macbeth" School-wide Outing Ushers in the Spooky
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On Friday it was "all aboard" as HYSA headed to the Mesa Arts Center to catch the Southwest Shakespeare Company's production of "Macbeth". This school-wide fieldtrip afforded students the chance to expand their understanding of Shakespeare’s language at a live performance and have a spot of lunch on a beautiful, sunny afternoon.
More pics can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Dinner & a Show Thespians Introduced to "The Diary of Anne Frank"
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"In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl, who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination. An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence—their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief. Each day of these two dark years, Anne's voice shines through: 'When I write I shake off all my cares. But I want to achieve more than that. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I've never met. I want to go on living even after my death!' This is a new adaptation for a new generation."
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"From the Globe, Around the Globe - Romeo & Juliet" Rehearsals in Final Weeks
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Friends, Veronans, scholars young and old, lend me your ears! As IGSCE STEM/HUM combines radio drama and live verse for their production of “From the Globe, Around the Globe - Romeo & Juliet" on Wednesday, November 6th in the Black Box Theatre. This will be first of the Wednesday Enrichment mainstage productions this year.
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October Musical Interlude Adds New Faces & Steps
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The October Musical Interlude offered a welcoming audience a diverse array of new and seasoned student talent. The Friday event marked the first time that dance - literally - took center stage. Highlights included flute, piano, violin, guitar, and harp with singers, poets, artists, a satirical musical duet, and bilingual singers rounding out a fun-filled morning.
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Talkback with Don Quixote
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Dinner & a Show students joined Don Quixote on his quest "to dream the impossible dream" as they experienced the classic musical, "Man of La Mancha" at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Following the performance, the class enjoyed a private tour of the raked set and a Talkback with both the lead actor and the show's director.
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HYSA Thespian Society Celebrates 7th Year as ITS Reaches 90th Milestone
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This October is a milestone for both the International Thespian Society (ITS) and the HYSA Thespian Society. ITS
now counts more than 2.4 million theatre students who have been honored since its founding in 1929. The HYSA Thespian Society marks its seventh year of existence. Current members are encouraged to take a look at the past membership throughout the site. “This ITS membership milestone, coming as it does in the midst of the 90th anniversary year of ITS, is a testament to the clarity of vision of the ITS founders: to ‘better high school dramatics’ and recognize participation in dramatics ‘as is true with high school athletics”.—EdTA Executive Director Julie Cohen Theobald |
Drive-in Movie Offers Family Fun to HYSA Community
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Friday night, HYSA students, families, and alumni enjoyed our Annual Classic Drive-in Movie Night! This year’s theme, "Blast to the Past, Flash to the Future" featured a showing a best-of montage of past middle years movie trailers. Students, also, enjoyed pizza and activities replicated in honor of past drive-ins.
Catch additional pics on the Photo Gallery Webpage. |
Classic Drive-in Movie Prep in Full Swing
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IGCSE level thespians are working on the final preparations for this Friday’s “Blast from the Past, Flash to the Future” evening of family-fun! It’s the Sixth Annual Classic Drive-in Movie event and everyone is welcome to share in the fun! Be sure and bring a blanket or folding chair to enjoy the movie. While the HYSA PTO will be supplying pizza (and there will be popcorn) feel free to bring along your favorite movie treat or healthy nibbles to enjoy while watching the student-created trailers and family-film. See this Friday at 4:30 pm in the La Sala Ballrooms!
Catch additional prep and event pics on the Interdisciplinary and Photo Gallery webpages. |
Thespians Support Local & National Theatre
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HYSA Thespians have been supporting local and national theatre groups this summer and fall. Take a quick peek at the 2019 Photo Webpage to see all the venues our troupe members go to catch great theatre throughout the year.
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Fall ITS Induction, Fun for All
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The HYSA Thespian Society welcomed 12 new 2019 members (eight are pictured here). The new members will also enjoy the benefits of being in the International Thespian Society. This month marks the troupe's seventh year of existence.
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National Arts in Education Week Outreach Offering
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"Different comes in all shapes!" "Lonely looks like this." "I turned blue once!" "Friends make everything okay!" These were some of the comments made by first graders when IGCSE level thespians recognized National Arts in Education Week with a literacy and creative drama outreach event at a local Title One elementary school.
More fun-filled pictures can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Talent Abounds at the Launch of the 2019 -2020 Musical Interlude Series
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The end of August marked the launch of the HYSA Thespian Society Musical Interlude Series in the Black Box Theatre. The series offers students the opportunity to share their musical and spoken word talents. Interested in sharing your talents? Contact Augie, Noah, or Mrs. Switzer-Wareing. The next Musical Interlude will be on Friday, October 11th.
An additional 32 event pictures can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
2019-2020 Outreach Kickoff
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Giants, dancing, and folktales! To kick-off this year, Musical Outreach co-coordinators Danika B. and Noah B., HSYA Thespian Society co-president Carly C., and the visiting DCU students, shared Irish culture with local Title-One elementary school students. The second, fifth, and sixth graders had a taste of Irish folklore, songs, dancing, and current culture. Comical stories were told! Energizing dances were taught! It was fun for all! Danika and Noah are so pleased that the first outreach of the year was such a success, and can’t wait to continue planning even more fun experiences for the elementary kids. It was amazing to work with the Irish students and to learn about their culture and we all can’t wait to work with more visiting students in the years to come. HYSA Musical Outreach has officially started! Remember to check it out!
Watch for more event pics on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Musical Outreach Co-Coordinator Accorded Honor
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IGCSE Level thespian, Noah B., has been selected as a member of the Phoenix Youth Symphony. Noah serves on the HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board.
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Ending the Year with Annual "Awards & Potluck" Event
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The HYSA Thespian Society held its annual "Awards & Potluck" event on Wednesday. The celebration was a fine way to end a busy year! For a full list of awards go to the Rank Roll webpage.
Photos from the event can be found on the 2019 Photo Gallery webpage. |
Middle Year "One Act Festival"
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Middle Year theatre students ended the year with the "Melodrama & Mystery One Act Festival". The one acts included original music, songs, and dialogue.
Check out the Mainstage webpage for more fun pics. |
New Executive Board Meets
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Last week the HYSA Thespian Society held its annual elections for the Executive Board. A SHOUT-OUT to each thespian who ran for office. Congratulations to the newly elected board members and to those who accepted project appointments! Co-Presidents are Carly and Drew. Co-Vice Presidents are Gia and Molly. Secretary is Annika E., Treasurer is Sidney. Troupe Photographer is Sophia. Web Administrator is Natalie. Co-MICs are Augie and Noah. Co-Technical Directors are Joseph and Robert. ACTs are Mattie and Tessa. Sound Director is Royce. Co- LTs are Adam and Joshua. Troupe Stringer is Beckham. Co-Musical Outreach Coordinators are Danika and Noah.
Finally, a BIG thank you to the outgoing and graduating 2019-2019 Executive Board members. Your time and energy made so many fun events possible! |
One Act Festival Highlights Comedy
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The Middle Year scholars will be exploring comedy this spring in the “Melodrama & Mystery One Act Festival”. Opening night is Wednesday, May 8th. For ticket reservations, contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing.
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HYSA Thespian Society 2019 Elections
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As April came to a close the HYSA Thespian Society held annual elections. The results will be announced on Friday, April 26th. The first Executive Board meeting will be held on the first Wednesday of May.
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"Our Town" Ends Well
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The audience comments say it all … "The performance was amazing!" "This was first rate theatre." "The kids really inhabited the roles." "You made me cry!" "I saw an appreciation of the many messages of the play." It was charming and wonderful to see and share in."
Go to the Mainstage Webpage to see over 100 photos from the production. Also, catch some candid pics on the Photo Gallery webpage as well. |
Opening Night Sold Out!
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As the final rehearsals for the IGCSE/A-Level production of "Our Town" continue, the last seat for the opening night performance is filled. If you would like your name on the waitlist for the Thursday, April 11th performance, contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing.
An additional 40 rehearsal photos can be found on the HYSA Thespian Society Mainstage webpage. |
Thornton Wilder's Classic Opens in April
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"We all know that something is eternal. And it
ain’t houses and it ain’t names, and it ain’t earth, and it ain’t even the stars . . . everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings. All the greatest people ever lived have been telling us that for five thousand years and yet you’d be surprised how people are always losing hold of it. There’s something way down deep that’s eternal about every human being.” – Stage Manager Mark your calendars, the clock’s ticking, join the IGCSE and A-Level thespians in the Black Box Theatre on Thursday, April 11th at 6:30 pm for the opening night performance of Thornton Wilder’s timeless classic "Our Town". For information about reserving tickets, contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing. |
Spring 2019 MIS Finale Hits a High Note
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A full house of students, faculty, and parents enjoyed a varied mix of music, original poetry, Shakespeare, and more at the spring 2019 Musical Interlude Series finale. This HYSA Thespian Society series highlights the diverse fine arts' talents of the HYSA student body.
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Middle Year Theatre Students Delve Into Facepaint
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The Middle Year (MY) theatre students have been getting a foundation in foundation as they delve into the art and science of makeup design. Check out all the abstract and character makeup designs on the HYSA Thespian Society Photo Gallery Webpage.
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Courtyard Shakespeare - Public Space Experience
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Middle Year theatre students, with the help of Mrs. Halden's IGCSE level Gardening Class, threw open the Black Box Theatre doors and offered "Courtyard Shakespeare - Public Space Experience" to a warm and welcoming audience. The multidisciplinary Shakespearean event included music, facepaint, glass art sketches, food, a student-docent botany tour, and snippets from Shakespeare's works. Students are encouraged to check out the courtyard throughout the spring as the lavender and rosemary continue to flourish.
Additional pictures can be found on the Interdisciplinary Learning Webpage. |
The Language of Shakespeare
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“The study demonstrated that there can be lasting and sustainable outcomes, educational outcomes that are produced through students participating in these one-time, culturally enriching experiences. These kinds of enriching experiences actually connect students and the school to the community in very meaningful ways.” – Arts Education Partnership, National Endowment of the Arts and the US Department of Education.
A school-wide fieldtrip afforded HYSA students the chance to expand their understanding of Shakespeare’s language at a live performance of the comedy "As You Like It". The production was staged by the Southwest Shakespeare Company at the Mesa Arts Center. Additional candid pics can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
African Folklore and Music Explored in Service
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With a dash of geography, theatre, and percussion Title One first graders were introduced to African folklore and music compliments of the HYSA Thespian Society Musical Outreach PlayMates. Executive Board members, Gigi and Danika, were joined by Noah as the trio spent the morning sharing their diverse musical talents with an eager audience comprised of swaying grass, laughing hyenas, elephants, and roaring lions.
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Ex. Board Share Good Thoughts with Membership at Annual Valentines Day Party
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Nibbling strawberries, frosting, and writing with Candy Hearts were all part of the HYSA Thespian Society's annual "Valentines Day & Friendship" party. Kudos to the Executive Board for taking the time to write "care" notes to all the members. Also, a "shout-out" to the supportive thespian parents for their party contributions.
More pics? Look at the Photo Gallery webpage! |
AM Dancing in the BBT
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Last Friday, students, from all cohorts, had the opportunity to enjoy an Arthur Murray dance lesson. The lessons featured foot work and focused on learning the merengue and the bachata.
Additional pics can be found the on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
BBT Hosts Central Region POL Competition
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For the second year in a row HYSA has had the honor of hosting the Central Region Poetry Out Loud event in the Black Box Theatre. Over fourteen high schools competed at this annual Arizona Commission on the Arts event. HYSA was well represented onstage and behind the scenes by HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board members Carly C., Royce R., Gigi R., and Robert D..
Compliments to Robert D. for his photos. azarts.gov/news/2019-arizona-poetry-out-loud-regional-finals/ |
Thespian Society Prez Earns Eagle
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Graduating A-Level student Mathew S. received his Eagle Scout Award at his Eagle Court of Honor this week. His Eagle Scout project focused on renovating the Camelback Cemetery Veterans Memorial. In addition to his current position as co-president of the HYSA Thespian Society, Matthew has held leadership roles in several HYSA clubs.
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2019 Sparky Slam at Black Box Theatre
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The Herberger Young Scholars Academy was well represented at the 2019 ASU Sparky Slam. Drew, Carter, and Mischa all made it into the top six with Gia taking home a Third Place win. Robert and Royce provided technical support for the slam. This intercollegiate and valley-wide event offers middle school and high school students the opportunity to share their original spoken word poetry.
Additional event pics can be found on the 2019 Photo Gallery webpage. A thank you to Lindsey Wolf for sharing a couple of her pictures. |
2019 Graduation Ceremony Around the Corner
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Thespians are getting ready for graduation! Eleven of the twelve 2019 HYSA students. who will be graduating this spring, have been long term members of the HYSA Thespian Society. Eight have served on the Executive Board (not pictures Liv, a former co-president of the HYSA Thespian Society will also be graduating).
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Thespian Applies Artistry to Support Wildlife
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By creating and designing the art for a 2019 calendar HYSA thespian, Annika S., has put her love of art and wildlife to practical use. With the proceeds of the sale of her calendars, Annika has, thus far, raised over $800 to benefit the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. SWCC rescues and rehabilitates wildlife that has been injured, displaced, and orphaned. Once rehabilitated the animals are returned to the wild. Sanctuary is provided to animals that cannot be released back to the wild.
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HYSA Thespians Earn "Superior" Rating at Regionals
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HYSA thespians, Carly and Gia, earned a "Superior" rating at the Central Arizona Regional Theatre Festival in January. National Individual Events are a special program of the International Thespian Society which assess and recognize significant student achievement in theatre.
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Winners of the Seventh Annual HYSA POL Competition
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The winners of the Seventh Annual HYSA Poetry Out Loud Competition are Carly, Annika E., and Laird. Congratulations to all the finalists. First Place winner, Carly, will go on to represent HYSA at the Central AZ Region Poetry Out Loud Competition on February 9th. The event will be held in the Black Box Theatre at HYSA.
Be sure and check highlights from this season's school competitions on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Theater Talks Offers Spoken Word Tips
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HYSA theatre students and Poetry Out Loud finalists enjoyed a spoken word mentoring session with teaching artist and poet, Myrlin Hepworth. In addition to performing, the artist offered students the opportunity to share and receive feedback on their POL poem performances.
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Troupe 7850 - Well Represented at Regionals
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HYSA thespians, Carly, James, Gia, Sophia, Sidney, and Mattie, performed at the Central Arizona Regional Theatre Festival. The festival was an intense, one-day International Thespian Society event for nearly 600 high school students. Sponsored by the Arizona Thespians and the AIA Theatre Advisory Committee, the festival featured events that stress theatre skills in acting, musical theatre, and technical production.
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Reminder - ASU Sparky Slam on February 2nd in the BBT
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Registration is open for the 2019 ASU Sparky Slam, which will be held at the Herberger Young Scholars Academy on Saturday, Feb. 2. This is a spoken word poetry competition for youth poets in grades 5-12. Space in the event is limited, and registration is required. The ASU Sparky Slam competition will begin at 6 p.m. Youth poets must arrive by 5 p.m. There will be a 5-5:45 p.m. workshop, during which ASU Writing Mentors (ASU faculty, graduate/undergraduate students, and recent graduates) will meet with youth poets to provide feedback on their poems. ASU's Sparky Slam is sponsored by the Herberger Young Scholars Academy of ASU's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College and by ASU's College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
Additional information can be found on the ASU Sparky Slam website: https://cisa.asu.edu/Sparky-Slam |
Final Preparations for "Silent Sky"
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As production week begins the final preparations for the opening night performance of "Silent Sky" continue. For ticket information, contact Carly or Mrs. Switzer-Wareing.
"The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth." - Dramatist Play Service, Inc. |
Outreach Builds on Literacy and Robotics
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"Who likes to build?" Second graders quickly raised their hands, eager to share their stories with the visiting HYSA thespians and robotics team members. The January outreach built on literacy and robotics to introduce the young audience to the fun of "constructing" one's ideas.
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"Silent Sky" Opens Next Week
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Join us in the Black Box Theatre on Thursday, January 17th at 6:30 pm for the opening night performance of "Silent Sky". For information about tickets, contact Carly or Mrs. Switzer-Wareing.
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Thespians Donate to Phoenix Children's Hospital
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For the second year the HYSA Thespian Society has nibbled on a cookie or two as they gathered and wrapped items to donate to the Phoenix Children's Hospital's annual Toy Drive. The donations will be distributed to patients and families who find themselves at PCH over the holiday season. They will also help sustain the hospital's ability to give toys to children in the hospital throughout the year. A "shout-out" to the kindness of these scholars and their families.
More event pics can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Final Tier for POL Will Be Held in January
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For the seventh year, HYSA scholars have distinguished themselves in the art of spoken poetry at the school-wide Poetry Out Loud competition. Semifinalists will go on to compete in the final tier of the HYSA Poetry Out Loud on Friday, January 25th in the Black Box Theatre.
Event pictures can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Secondary Students Share LWW with Second Graders
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Secondary One scholars ended their run of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by sharing the show with local second graders.
Additional photos can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
LWW Opens the Door to Narnia
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With hours of hard work and dedication "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" enjoyed a great opening night performance. Kudos to everyone for a job well done!
For additional pictures and comments, check out the HYSA Thespian Society Mainstage webpage as well as the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Seventh Year HYSA Promotes Poetry via the National Poetry Out Loud Competition
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This week HYSA will hold its SEVENTH annual school-wide Poetry Out Loud Competition. The competition will be held this Friday, December 14th, in the La Sala Ballroom at 8:30 am. Family and friends are encouraged to attend! Twelve students will be chosen to compete in the final HYSA tier on Friday, January 25th. The winner of the final tier of the HYSA competition will go to the Central AZ Regional POL competition on February 16th. Last year, Carly Cairns competed at Regionals and took home a First Place win for HYSA.
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Stagecraft for LWW
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Stagecraft for "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" continues as all cohorts lend an artistic hand to create set pieces, props, and scenery. Opening night is Thursday, December 6th. For reservations, contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing.
Be sure and see the rest of the talented artists who have shared their talents to support the production on the Photo Gallery Webpage. |
Dinner & a Show Course Explores History and Theatre
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"Inherit the Wind" and "It's a Wonderful Life" were the final Theatrical Analysis: Dinner & a Show productions. The finale dinner discussion topics included faith, science, ethics, historic significance, theatre highlighting an issue, and the high cost of dessert.
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Save the Date! LWW Opens Next Week!
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Save the date! "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" opens on Thursday, December 6th in the Black Box Theatre. Seating is limited! Contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing to make ticket reservations.
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Secondary Thespian Plays Mr. Banks
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Kudos to Secondary One thespian Carter K. who is performing in "Mary Poppins Jr" as Mr. Banks at the Desert Stages Theatre. The show runs until December 23rd.
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Long Time and New HYSA Thespian Society Members at the AZ Thespian Festival
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Matthew, Carly, Angelina, Gia, Drew, Mattie, Sidney, and Jared represented the HYSA Thespian Society at the Arizona State Thespian Festival this weekend. The thespians accepted the troupe’s state Gold Honor Troupe Award, which recognized the HYSA Thespian Society for its work in the community and consistent commitment to theatrical excellence in education and performance. While at the festival, the students also saw two full length productions and participated in an array of workshops; including dance, acting, writing sonnets, arts advocacy, and others. A big "shout-out" goes to Mattie D. for performing at the "Open Mic" event and to Dr. Ryan for helping chaperone.
Catch more candid pictures from the festival on the Photo Gallery 2018-2019 Webpage. |
Troupe Awarded Gold Honor Distinction
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The HYSA Thespian Society has been awarded Gold Honor Troupe distinction by the Arizona Thespian Society, a Region I Chapter affiliated with the International Thespian Society and the Educational Theatre Association. To be recognized, as a Gold Honor Troupe a troupe must demonstrate excellence in high school theatre by achieving high standards within a school year in each of the following categories: five or more public productions, twenty or more thespian activities, and six or more school and community service activities.
Congratulations to the membership of the HYSA Thespian Society and its Troupe Director, Mrs. Switzer-Wareing, for all their hard work! |
HYSA Thespians Perform Poetry at Veterans Day Tribute
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Four HYSA Thespian Society members performed at the Goodyear Veterans Day Tribute this weekend. The HYSA IGCSE and A-Level thespians performed a compilation of poetry honoring past and present veterans for their sacrifice and service. Thank you Emily, Matthew, Carly, and Gia for sharing your talents in honor of those who have served our country!
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Fall Finale of Musical Interlude
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The artists at the fall finale of the Musical Interlude Series shared their musical talents, vocals, artwork, and personal monologues to a standing room only audience. All cohorts were well represented, both onstage and behind the scenes. Additional photos can be found on the Photo Gallery Webpage.
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Dinner & a Show Scholars Evening of Riveting Theatre Sparks Conversation
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Dinner & a Show students had an absolutely great time last Friday! They caught the Southwest Shakespeare Company's original production of "Frankenstein" and enjoyed an evening of riveting theatre. Everyone could not stop taking about the show! We closed the Mesa Center for the Arts. The ushers had to throw us out! If you have free time, the class says "get a seat, before it closes" on the 10th.
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IGCSE & A-Level Theatre Students Launch "Story Staples"
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On Thursday, November 8th, the IGCSE/A-Level theatre scholars will be sharing "Story Staples: An Evening of Personal Anecdotes". The performance will be in the Black Box Theatre. Curtain is at 6:30 pm.
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Fourth Annual HYSA Thespian Society
Halloween Carnival & Fall Festival Service Made Fun
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The HYSA Thespian Society Halloween Carnival & Fall Festival provides members of the Executive Board (and a few dedicated thespians) with the opportunity to offer community service in the form of fun fellowship. For many of the Executive Board members this is the fourth year they have retrieved beanbags, held limbo ropes, set-up chairs, and handed out prizes. Kudos to old and new thespians for a fun-filled evening of spiders, assorted games, and a Halloween Kahoot! And a BIG "thank you" to parents for kindly contributing tasty treats!
To see an additional 100 event photos, go to the 2018-2019 Photo Gallery webpage. |
Bravo! Annual HYSA Thespian Society Costume Party Rousing Fun!
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Creativity was in fine fashion at the Sixth Annual HYSA Thespian Society's Costume Party. From marshmallows to wizards to pugs to fictional characters and games the Black Box Theatre was filled with an array of costumed thespians. The winners of the costume competition included the following: Christmas Tree, Flex Seal, Fortnite Bush, Fortnite Llama, Seseame Street & Friends, and the Penguin.
For an additional fifty party pics, go to the Photo Gallery Webpage. |
HYSA Thespian Society PlayMates Introduce First Graders
to Brazilian Music and Folktales
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"Who sings throws sadness away". -- Brazilian Proverb
Graduating thespians Gigi and Tim were joined by Secondary One students Noah and Danika on a music and literacy outreach. The HYSA Thespian Society PlayMates introduced first graders to a taste of Brazilian music and folklore. The first graders enjoyed hearing and playing an array of instruments (drums, maracas, a rainstick, a wooden fish, and a flute) as they laughed away the morning. For additional outreach pics, check out the 2018 Photo Gallery webpage. |
Dinner & a Show Thespians Seek the Pimpernel
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"They seek him here,
They seek him there, They seek him everywhere . . ." The "Dinner & a Show" thespians caught up with "The Scarlet Pimpernel" at the Hale Centre Theatre this weekend, wherein they enjoyed a musical romp of hidden identity and heroic escapades against the backdrop of The French Revolution. Following the show the class had a lively discussion about the production over a tasty dinner. |
Graduating Thespian Plays Carnegie Hall
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Graduating five-star honor thespian-scholar, Angelina T., performed at the Carnegie Hall "Winner's Recital" for the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition. The competition is designed to afford young musicians, actors, and singers opportunities to create a path to a successful career. She was awarded two Honorable Mentions for her performances on both the guitar and piano.
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HYSA Thespian Society's Musical Interlude Series Marks
National Arts & Humanities Month with Music & Watercolors
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The October Musical Interlude marked the start of National Arts & Humanities Month with an array of artistic talent gracing the Black Box Theatre. HYSA Thespian Society scholars shared their musical talents on the flute, piano, harp, and guitar. Spoken word and vocal performances rounded out the morning event. New to the Musical Interlude Series was the inclusion of a watercolor painting by Don N. The event concluded with the audience lending a hand to strike the stage and share a moment with friends. Kudos to the performers (Danika, Noah, Sean, Gia, Drew, Tessa, Julian, Matthew, Carly, Gigi, Yasha) and the tech crew.
Additional MIS pics can be found on the 2018 Photo Gallery Webpage. |
Secondary Thespians Mark the date for "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
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This week Secondary One theatre students will conclude the audition process for the December mainstage production of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" with a final set of callbacks.
The opening night performance will be in the Black Box Theatre on Thursday, December 6th at 6 pm. Save the date! |
Long-time Thespian Performs in Unique Interactive Piece at Theatre Works
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Gia DeYoung, long-time HYSA Thespian Society member, finished the run of Theatre Works' production of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" this weekend. The play invited audiences to "run through the hallways, backways, stairways and sneaky ways on a unique, immersive top-secret adventure/mission to infiltrate an enemy submarine and capture a deadly foe".
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The"Silent Sky" Cast and Crew Commence Rehearsals
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"When I heard the learn’d astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me, When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them, When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room, How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick, Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself, In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars." -- Walt Whitman Costumes, schedules, and stars were among the topics discussed at the initial rehearsal of the January mainstage production of "Silent Sky". Remember to mark your calendars for the January 17th performance in the Black Box Theatre. Curtain is at 6:30 pm. |
HYSA Thespian Society Welcomes New Members at the Fall Induction Ceremony
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"Act well your part; there all the honor lies."
-- ITS Motto Nineteen new thespians were inducted this week at the HYSA Thespian Society's annual fall Induction Ceremony. The new HYSA thespians also joined the ranks of the International Thespian Society. |
Auditions for Secondary One Theatre Students Winter Production Continue
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This week the Secondary One theatre students held auditions for the winter production of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe".
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Fifth Annual Classic Drive-in Movie Event Goes "Above and Beyond"
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The reviews are in for the Fifth Annual Classic Drive-in Movie Event: "We had a wonderful time." "The evening was so warm and friendly." "Loved the activities!" "Best trailers ever!" "This was one of our favorite events."
To see all 90 of the event pictures, go to the HYSA Thespian Society 2018 Photo Gallery Webpage. |
Annual HYSA Thespian Society Halloween Carnival & Fall Festival
Marks its Fourth Successful Year
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! “Do you have your costume?” "Do you know how to limbo?" “Do you live for spookable mazes?” The Fourth Annual HYSA Thespian Society Fall Festival & Halloween Carnival is the place for you AND it is just one month away! This school-wide/family event is fun for all ages. HYSA thespians "man" the carnival games AND play. Everyone is welcome! Everyone comes in costume, plays games, and earns tickets to "cash in" for silly prizes. Start digging through your closet for the perfect costume (grown-ups, too). Start texting your friends the invite so they can join us for some carnival fun!
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Storytelling & Stagecraft Students Construct the Perfect Touch of Whimsy & Warmth to the Annual Classic Drive-in Movie Event
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Kudos to Storytelling & Stagecraft theatre students for the final touches and long-term efforts to make Friday's Annual Classic Drive-in Movie event an evening for all ages (AND a special "shout out" to Dr. Ryan for creating an incredible hot air balloon).
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Final Touches for the Classic Drive-in Movie Event
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Print your boarding passes! We are only 24 hours away from the Fifth Annual Classic Drive-in Movie. Final preparations for this "Above and Beyond" evening of family-fun are in full swing so grab your travel gear and join us in the ASU La Sala Ballroom. Arrival time is at 4:30 pm! Don't forget your passport! The adventure awaits!
Over 25 additional fun prep snapshots can be found on the Photo Gallery Webpage. |
Storytelling Outreach - The Language of Theatre Brings Words to Life
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Cowgirls imagining bikes into horses. T-Rexes learning to curb their appetite for classmates. First graders flying like dragons and much more. HYSA thespians asked a local class of first graders to use their imaginations as they listened to the scholars share prose and poetry. The HYSA Thespian Society literacy outreach offered scholars, from each HYSA cohort, the opportunity to improvise quirky works into a delightful morning of fun and learning.
Thespians who are interested in participating in one of the HYSA Thespian Society outreaches should contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing. To see the full outreach in pictures, go to the 2018 Photo Gallery Webpage. |
Take to the Skies!
Go "Above & Beyond" at the Classic Drive-in Movie Event
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Hello, this is your Captain speaking. We are presently flying at thirty-five thousand feet on our flight to the "5th Annual Classic Drive-In Movie Night". We are expecting clear skies and anticipate an on time arrival, on September 21st from 4:30 pm to 7 pm in the La Sala Ballroom.
Prior to arrival, please familiarize yourself with the in-flight reading on such diverse topics as paper airplanes, Secondary One student created film trailers, hot air balloons, space exploration, and rocket ship travel. In the unlikely event of a water landing, members of the HYSA Thespian Society CANNOT be used as flotation devices. But executive board members should prove helpful, if you are seeking additional information about the event. Remember to watch for more in-flight updates! |
Musical Interlude Series Opens Second Year with Diverse Artistic Offering
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Thespians from each HYSA cohort shared their talents this last Friday at the HYSA Thespian Society Musical Interlude. The event was a wonderful launch to the second year of the Musical Interlude Series. Remember to check out the pics on both the HYSA Thespian Society Photo Gallery webpage and the HYSA Facebook page.
If you are interested in sharing your musical or spoken word talent, please contact Jason, Yasha, or Mrs. Switzer-Wareing. The next Musical Interlude is on Friday, October 5th. All parents and friends are welcome to attend. |
Thespian Society Annual Event "Welcomes" New Members
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The Annual HYSA Thespian Society “Welcome” offered the Executive Board a chance to introduce themselves and share theatre anecdotes with an audience of both new and veteran HYSA scholars. Highlights from the “Welcome” included a co-prez rap, an array of cookies, and theatre games. The next regular meeting is on Wednesday, September 19th in the Black Box Theatre.
Remember to check out the HYSA Thespian Society Photo Gallery webpage for additional photos. |
Visiting DCU Students Lend a Hand with Musical/Improv Outreach
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What better way to anticipate National Arts in Education Week than to share a bit of music, laughter, and storytelling with local elementary school students. Visiting DCU students joined Gigi, Carly, and Alexa on this HYSA Thespian Society music and improv outreach. Over the course of the morning, the scholars introduced sixth, fifth and second grade students to a taste of Irish music and folklore compliments of the HYSA Thespian Society's Musical Outreach, PlayMates.
An additional 30 outreach pictures can be found on the 2018 Photo Gallery webpage. For additional information about the HYSA Thespian Society Musical Outreach, go to the Service Project webpage or talk to the Student Coordinator, Gigi. |
International Thespian Festival 2019
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"There’s nowhere else like it. International Thespian Festival, where 4,500 high achieving high school theatre students and their teachers experience a full-week of immersion in the theatre arts and emerge with the glow of achievement… the warmth of the spotlight…radiant from applause and acknowledgement… with bright smiles, sparkling eyes, high fives, and hugs….and sparks of imagination and understanding ignited in workshops.
The 54th International Thespian Festival, produced by the Educational Theatre Association, showcases outstanding school theatre productions on four professional stages, and extraordinary opportunities for learning and presentation encompassing all theatrical disciplines." Save the date - JUNE 24-29, 2019 - Registration Feb. 1st |
HYSA Thespian C0-Prez Finalist
for International Thespian Society Officer Position
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A-Level student Carly C. represented the HYSA Thespian Society at the 2018 International Thespian Festival. She was selected as one of nine International Thespian Society student-thespians to achieve the honor of IT Officer Candidate. As an IT Officer Candidate Carly served as a student leader for several ITF sessions. ITS Officers are elected to be the voice of the student membership of the International Thespian Society. In addition, Carly is co-president of the HYSA Thespian Society.
Produced by the Educational Theatre Association the International Thespian Festival provides a week-long immersion in the theatre arts for high-achieving drama students and their teachers. For over 50 years the ITF has set the standard for participatory educational theatre experiences which encompass all theatrical disciplines. Students interested in participating at the ITF should contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing. |
Thespian Ex. Board Member Trods the Boards in Australia
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This summer HYSA Thespian Society A-Level Musical Interlude Series Coordinator, Jason A., had the opportunity to share his passion for music in Sydney. The Australian tour was part of the Phoenix Children's Choir 35th Anniversary celebration. The 12-day tour culminated with a performance at the renowned Sydney Opera House.
For additional information, check out the news coverage of the PCC tour at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_p5qVlWKOQ&feature=youtu.be |
Ex. Board Members Meet in Times Square
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HYSA Thespian Society President and Musical Interlude Coordinator caught a couple Broadways shows and shared a few smiles in Times Square this summer.
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Graduation Highlights Thespian Talents
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The HYSA Thespian Society was well represented at the 2018 Graduation Ceremony. The memberships' performance and technical talents provided innumerable highlights throughout the evening. In addition, 2018 HYSA Valedictorian, Keaten W., was the second HYSA Thespian Society president to achieve the honor of Valedictorian. To date, all Herberger Valedictorians and Salutations have been thespians -- most having served as executive board members of the HYSA Thespian Society.
Catch additional pics on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Secondary Outreach Experience Highlights Interdisciplinary Theatre Arts
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Secondary Theatre of the Mind students enjoyed a grand finale to their "My Word! Our Stories!" performance outreach project. Nearly 150 second grade students and their teachers walked to the HYSA Black Box Theatre to see the production and take part in eight multidisciplinary theatre arts projects. The projects explored Foley SFX, Puppetry, Shakespearean Food, Lighting Effects, Facepaint, Theatre History, Stop Motion, Sculpture, Masks, and Art.
Take a moment to see all the elements of the outreach experience on the HYSA Performance Outreach Program webpage. The "My Words! Our Stories!" section includes over 60 photographs! |
Annual Thespian Awards & Potluck Party
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This Wednesday the HYSA Thespian Society held its annual Awards & Potluck Party. Twelve HYSA thespians received honors for their work in the theatre. The recipients included Keaten, Victoria, Carly, Matthew, Alexa, Gigi, Emily, Meredith K., Tim, Joseph, Angelina and Liv.
Remember to check out the Ranking webpage to see the achievements of the entire Thespian Society. Also, don't miss the additional 35 party pictures on the HYSA Thespian 2018 Photo Gallery webpage. |
Opening Night for Secondary One Original Production
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The Black Box Theatre was jammed-packed for Secondary One theatre students' opening night of "My Words! Our Stories!" The original production was developed for the Performance Outreach Program. "My Words! Our Stories!" focuses on how many ways you can "reimagine" a story to make it your own. The production featured music and lighting effects using shadow puppets.
This week the production will be performed for visiting second graders. It will be the first onsite outreach show performed in the Black Box Theatre. |
Fantasy and Science Fiction Author Talk
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IGCSE level theatre students were joined by Secondary One and Coding students to listen to New York Times best-selling author, Michael A. Stackpole. The author focused on how to develop a short story and the importance of being able to write to be successful in any given profession.
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IGCE Level Theatre -- "Comedy Hour" Finale Performance
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With a couple surprises - including an "extra" cream pie "moment" the "Comedy Hour" finale was well received by peers and family alike. For some student-actors the curtain came fifteen minutes after sitting for the IGCSE Math exam. Fun Fact: When polled the IGCSE level class - for the most part - declared that comedy was easier to stage than tragedy.
Check out the Mainstage webpage for show pics, backstage shots, and student commentaries on the elements of comedy. |
New Ex Board Meets to Plan Fall and Spring Finale
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With a few serious and fun pics to mark the occasion, the new HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board and Project Chairs set to work on next year's agenda.
If you are interested in working with the board, contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing by May 11th. |
Special Event - Best-Selling Author to Offer Expertise to Thespians
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On May 9th the HYSA Thespian Society will be hosting multiple New York Times bestselling science fiction and fantasy author, Michael A. Stackpole.
Stackpole is the author of over forty fantasy and science fiction novels, his best known books written in the Star Wars® universe, including I, JEDI and ROGUE SQUADRON, as well as the X-Wing graphic novel series. He has also written in the Conan, Pathfinder, BattleTech and World of Warcraft universes, among others. Currently the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at ASU Distinguished Writer-in-Residence, Stackpole’s other honors include: Induction into the Academy Gaming Arts and Design Hall of Fame, a Parsec Award for “Best Podcast Short Story,” and a Topps’s selection as Best Star Wars® Comic Book Write Stackpole is the first author to sell work in Apple’s App Store, and he’s been an advocate for authors taking advantage of the digital revolution. Photo credit: Andrew Guyton |
HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board 2018-2019 Elections
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This week the HYSA Thespian Society
held its annual elections for the Executive Board. A shout out to each thespian who ran for office. Congratulations to the newly elected board members! Co-Presidents are Matthew and Carly. Co-Vice Presidents are Royce and Drew. Secretary is Annika. Treasurer is Alexa. Web Administrator is Tim. Historian is Robert. Co-MICs are Jason and Yasha. Thank you to the thespians who have accepted project and event appointments: Gigi, Joseph, Alexa, Robert, Emily, Tessa, Annika, and Katelyn. Finally, a BIG thank you to the outgoing and graduating 2017-2018 Executive Board members! |
District 1 Winner for Contributions to Valley Youth
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Gigi was recognized at the 32nd Annual Phoenix Outstanding Young Men/Young Women of Year Awards Luncheon today. The HYSA Thespian Society Musical Outreach Student Coordinator was the 2018 District 1 Young Woman Honoree for her community service contributions to valley youth.
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HYSA Thespian Society Co-President Named 2018 Valedictorian
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Keaten has been named the 2018 Valedictorian, As a long-time member of the HYSA Thespian Society Keaten has appeared in numerous productions. This year he served as co-president with a focus on improvisational theatre. In addition to ITS, Keaten is also a member of the National Honor Society and the HYSA Robotics Team.
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HYSA Thespian Society Elections
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The HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board Election will be held on Wednesday, April 25th. If you are interested in running for a position, please contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing by Monday evening.
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Thespians Support a Fellow Thespian's "Trod the Boards"
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HYSA Thespian Society members enjoyed seeing Co-Vice President, Carly, appear as Helen Keller's mother in the Fountain Hills Theater production of "The Miracle Worker." The production was a part of the Young Actors Benefiting Other Youth Productions. Proceeds from the show were shared with the Arizona Foundation for the Blind.
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Thespians Catch a Show at SCC
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In support of local theatre, HYSA Thespian Society members caught a matinee performance at Scottsdale Community College's Performing Arts Center.
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IGCE Level "Comedy Hour" Spring Mainstage
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This Thursday is the IGCSE level "Comedy Hour" performance. The curtain is at 5:30 pm in the Black Box Theatre. Tickets are $2.00. Family and friends are encouraged to attend and enjoy a laugh or two!
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Script Competition Opportunity
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Are you interested in getting your script produced and published? Check out the American Association of Community Theatre's AACT NewPlayFest, a national play festival that takes place over a two-year period. Selected theatres produce the winning scripts in their local communities and AACT spreads the word with nationwide promotion--plus the winning plays are published in an anthology by Dramatic Publishing Company. Scripts that make it to the final round will be submitted to the Producing Theatres, which will select the winning shows to produce. Scripts are accepted until April 30th. Here is the link: https://www.aact.org/newplayfest-2020
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HYSA Thespians Share Performance Tips with Barrett Honors Students
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After performing poetry and a monologue, Matthew S., Carly, and Drew shared presentation tips with Barrett honors' students. The HYSA Thespian Society members were selected to offer polished examples of "How to Tell the Story of What You Know" and how to effectively address stage fright to the Honors Special Topics' students. The three scholars were also this year's winners of the HYSA Poetry Out Loud competition.
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Thespian Trivia Challenge Event
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This spring the HYSA Thespian Society had its first Trivia Challenge event. While nibbling on tasty sweet and savory treats, teams competed for bragging rights and a couple thespian points. The winning team, Tommy Wiseau Appreciation Party, brought the team home with a solid victory. Additional pics can be found on the 2018 Photo Gallery webpage. |
Thespian Society Musical Outreach Student Coordinator Honored for Her Efforts
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The HYSA Thespian Society Musical Outreach Student Coordinator, Gigi, has been selected as a district finalist for the Arizona Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman (OYMYW) of the Year. The OYMYM program recognizes and honors the achievements of young people who have made positive contributions to the youth of their community.
Each year, 16 high school students are selected as council district winners and recognized. District winners have an opportunity to participate in citywide programs and special appearances to promote youth issues. From the district winners, two overall OYMYW winners will be selected. Each will receive a cash award. |
HYSA Thespians Salute National Reading Month
with a Laughter-Filled Literacy Outreach
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“As our children grow and learn in this digital age, literacy remains the foundation for their individual life journeys. With more than 25 million U.S. children not reading proficiently, we need creative solutions that engage young learners and the adults who support them.” - Alicia Levi, Reading Is Fundamental President & CEO.
March is National Reading Month so under the guise of eliciting belly laughs and escaping giggles, HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board members read stories that taught simple life lessons to local first graders. In return each thespian received lots of hugs, high fives, and requests to return. More giggles can be found on the HYSA Thespian Society 2018 Photo Gallery Webpage. |
Thespian Sisters Perform at Music Festival
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HYSA A-Level and IGCSE HUM thespians performed at the annual West Valley Fair and Music Festival. The two long-term thespians are also sisters. They have been playing with their band for nearly three years.
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Parkland Students are Remembered by Members of the HYSA Thespian Society
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“…flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
- Shakespeare On Wednesday, March 14th HYSA students remembered Parkland students. With the gentle chime of a bell, each Parkland student was named and honored. Empty chairs commemorated the loss. |
March - HYSA Thespian Society Actively Supports TIOS Month
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March is the official Theatre in Our Schools (TIOS) month. The Educational Theatre Association and the International Thespian Society have partnered with the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE) to sponsor TIOS to raise public awareness of the impact of theatre education and draw attention to the need for more access to quality programs for all students.
The HYSA Thespian Society's has a long-term and ongoing commitment to bring diverse outreach opportunities to area school children. Check out the HYSA Thespian Society Performance Outreach Program and Service Project webpages for additional information and pictures. |
Thespian Prez Competes in Acting Competition
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Fresh from his run as the lead in Valley Youth Theatre's production of "The Hobbit," HYSA Thespian Society co-president, Matthew Syms, competed in the Arizona Young Artists' Competition. The competition is a collaboration between the Herberger Theater Center and Center Dance Ensemble to showcase the diverse and emerging talent of young Arizona artists, introduce them to the audition process, and provide them with an opportunity to interact with highly-regarded arts professionals.
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Musical Interlude Series Ends on a High Note of Music & Spoken Word
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The HYSA Thespian Society Musical Interlude Series' Finale performance, for this academic year, included students from all cohorts. A mix of piano, drums, guitar, and vocal performances showed the diversity of the HYSA thespians. Original poetry performances beautifully rounded out the morning event.
For additional pictures of the featured musical artists (Gigi, Ben, Drew, Jason, Victoria, Angelina, Sean, Carly, Joseph, and Yasha) go to the 2018 Photo Gallery Webpage. |
State Finals to be Broadcast on April 6th
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First Place Central Region winner, Carly Cairns, represented HYSA at the Arizona Poetry Out Loud State Finals on March 3rd at the Arizona PBS. The event was recorded and will be broadcast on Arizona PBS on Friday, April 6, at 7:30 pm.
Poetry Out Loud, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry—recitation and performance. Poetry Out Loud invites the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, and theater into the English class. Through Poetry Out Loud, students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage. HYSA has supported the program for six years. For pictures of all the school winners, go to the HYSA Thespian Society Competition Webpage. Catch the PBS promo with Carly at http://www.pbs.org/video/arizona-poetry-out-loud-2018-zgtzhp/ |
Thespians Take the Tech Challenge
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"The true spirit of Tech Challenge is to offer a fun, competitive, educationally sound environment that showcases the skills and talents of young theatre technicians. Each event is designed to demonstrate as closely as possible the techniques and practices used in the professional theatre industry." - International Thespian Society, Tech Challenge Guidelines
HYSA Thespians held a mini-Tech Challenge event. Members of the HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board acted as team captains and judges. The competition included Prop Shift, Costume Quick Change, Cable Roll-up Relay, and Drop Fold. Theatre techies can experience this daylong competition at State and National Thespian Festivals. This competitive event allows Thespians to demonstrate their accuracy, speed, and efficiency as well as creativity, ingenuity, and teamwork in executing technical theatre skills. The photo features winning team members from the "Seven Girls and a Tim" Tech Team. Additional competition pics can be found on the Photo Gallery Webpage. |
HYSA Thespian Society - Musical Interlude Series Spring Finale
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"Music is the universal language of mankind.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow The 2017 - 2018 HYSA Thespian Society Musical Interlude finale will feature an array of instruments, rich vocals, and the music of original poetry. The event will be in the Black Box Theatre on Friday, March 2nd at 8:30 am. |
Thespian Vice-President, Carly Cairns, Wins First Place at Regional POL
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HYSA Thespian and scholar, Carly Cairns, took First Place at the Central Region Poetry Out Loud Competition. She will go on to represent HYSA at the State POL Competition this weekend.
The 2018 finals will be held in the downtown Phoenix studios of Arizona PBS. High school students from all across the state will step onto the stage and into the spotlight to recite poems for a live audience and Arizona PBS’s TV cameras. In April, Arizona PBS and Arizona Public Media will televise a half-hour special featuring highlights from the competition. |
HYSA Thespians Host Central Region Poetry Out Loud Competition in the BBT
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"Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history."
– Leonardo da Vinci The Black Box Theatre was standing room only as the audience savored an afternoon of diverse and brilliant poetry performances at the 2018 Central Region Poetry Out Loud Competition. Over twenty schools were well-represented at the annual event. The event was hosted by Tomas Stanton, artistic director of Phonetic Spit. "Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance." – Carl Sandburg |
Thespian Society Outreach Focuses on Robotics
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Last week the HYSA Thespian Society outreach event focused on robotics. In anticipation of their pending competition, the Herberger Howlers introduced robotics to first and sixth graders at a Title One school. The first graders truly enjoyed learning about the interdisciplinary "art" form known as robotics. The young students learned a bit about coding and the many pieces it takes to construct a competition robot.
Seven members of the team are also HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board members (Gigi, Ethan, Alexa, Joseph, Jason, Emily, and Keaten). Catch additional pics on the Photo Gallery Webpage. |
A-Level & Humanities - Theatre Fieldtrip
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“I am looking for someone to share in
an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone.” - The Hobbit This week A-level and IGCSE Humanities students/thespians headed to downtown Phoenix to catch HYSA Thespian Society co-president, Matthew S., in Valley Youth Theatre's production of The Hobbit. |
A Taste of Shakespeare
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Secondary One scholars enjoyed a Shakespearean Era feast - of their own making.
For a complete project description (and additional photos) go to the HYSA Thespian Society Secondary One -Exploring Shakespeare Webpage |
2018 Graduate Pics Feature Two Long-Term Thespians
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Long time thespians, Victoria and Keaten, donned their caps and gowns to join fellow 2018 graduate Noah for an early am graduation photography session.
All three of the graduates have "trod the boards" in HYSA main stage and/or outreach productions. Additional candid pics can be found on the 2018 Photo Gallery webpage. |
Friendship and Laughter Highlight the Annual Thespian V-Day Party
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"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud.' - Ralph Waldo Emerson Go to the HYSA Thespian Society 2018 Photo Gallery Webpage to catch the full array of party pics. |
HYSA Thespian Share Poetry at Sparky Slam
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While Sparky got the audience smiling, it was the young poets who brought the crowd to their feet. Fourteen valley schools competed in the 2018 Sparky Slam, This intercollegiate event included faculty members from
Barrett Honors College, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (and the Institute for Humanities Research), College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, New College, WP Carey School of Business, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and MLF Teachers College. The HYSA Thespian Society was well represented at the competition. Executive Board members, Carly and Ben, and Secondary One thespian, Drew, offered their unique poetry to the event. Offstage the poets were supported by the technical production team of Joseph, Robert, and Royce. In addition, HYSA alumni and 2016-2017 Thespian Society co-president Isabel Greenberg acted as one of the ASU undergraduate Writer's Workshop mentors. |
February 14th - HYSA Thespian Society V-Day Party
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The HYSA Thespian Society will be hosting its annual Valentine's Day party on February 14th. An array of sweet treats and friendship-themed improvisation games are sure to make the party a fun way to celebrate Arizona's Birthday!
A "Shout-Out" to newly-minted HYSA Thespian Society member, Katelyn, for the V-Day Party Poster. |
Thespians Sharing Theatre Events
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Take a few pics if you go to see a play!!
Include fellow thespians, similar to below, the Honors title, we will receive—yo! Remember at the end to keep your pro-gram, Send pics to me, it won’t go to my spam! At the end of the year, you’ll get points for the show, the pics will help our title and make our club grow! In case you’ve missed what’s trying to be said, sending in your pictures will get us street cred! Thespian Society Vice President, Carly Cairns |
HYSA Co-Hosts Intercollegiate Poetry Event
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Arizona State University’s Sparky Slam is a valley-wide spoken word poetry contest featuring original work by students in grades 5–12.
The purpose of the Sparky Slam is to welcome young people onto a college campus, celebrate youth voices and provide young artists with writing support from ASU faculty and students. This year, a writing workshop for the youth performers will take place right before the slam. ASU students will work with these performing poets in small groups to offer encouragement and advice. ASU's Sparky Slam is sponsored by the Herberger Young Scholars Academy of ASU's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College and by ASU's College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. cisa.asu.edu/Sparky-Slam |
Winners of HYSA 2018 School POL Competition
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Carly, Matthew, and Drew were the winners of the HYSA 2018 Poetry Out Loud Competition. Carly will go on to represent HYSA at the Regional Competition on February 24th.
Additional event pictures can be found on the 2018 Photo Gallery webpage. |
Teaching Artists Coach POL Finalists in BBT
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Teaching artists and co-founders of Phonetic Spit, Tomas Stanton and Myrlin Hepworth, spent the afternoon coaching the HYSA Poetry Out Loud finalists. At the end of the session IGCSE level theatre students enjoyed a poetry performance by Hepworth.
Phonetic Spit promotes leadership, conscious community engagement, and aesthetic excellence. |
A Morning of Shakespeare
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HYSA students enjoyed a morning of Shakespeare at the Mesa Arts Center, where the Southwest Shakespeare Company performed a nontraditional production of "Romeo and Juliet." Following the performance everyone caught a bit of sunshine and lunch.
The theatrical field trip supported all grade level curriculum. In addition, the event actively promotes ASU's support of diverse culture community arts. |
The Black Box Theatre & The Design Lab
Welcome the First On-site Outreach to HYSA's New Building
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What do improvisational theatre and robotics have in common? According to a visiting second grader, "They are both lots of FUN!" Last week, the HYSA Thespian Society and the Herberger Javelinas' Robotics Team welcomed one hundred and twenty second graders to the Black Box Theatre and The Design Lab. This service learning outreach offered the young visitors an opportunity to learn the basics of improvisation and robotics.
Check out the 2018 Photo Gallery webpage for more pictures. |
Thespians "Wrap" and Give
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“We make a living by what we get.
We make a life by what we give.” -Winston S. Churchill At the Annual Winter "Wrap" Party, thespians laughed a little, rapped a bit, nibbled a lot, and gave a touch of holiday cheer to nearly fifty kids. Take a peek at the rest of the Winter "Wrap" pictures on the Thespian Society Photo Gallery webpage. P.S. A shout-out to Carly for taking and sending the pictures! |
Annual HYSA Thespian Society Winter "Wrap" Party & Service Project
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In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, the 2017 HYSA Thespian Society's annual Winter "Wrap" Party will include a service opportunity to benefit children twelve and under. HYSA thespians will be supporting the Phoenix Children's Hospital toy drive. The cost of the gift should be under fifteen dollars and appropriate for a child somewhere between the ages of three and twelve. Thespians will wrap the donations with holiday ribbons and notes during the party. All HYSA scholars are encouraged to donate a gift and drop it off in the gingerbread house just outside of the BBT this week. Party events will include games and Best Wrapping/ Unwrapping Speed Competitions!
All Thespians are REALLY encouraged to grab a friend or two and create a Winter “Rap” to share at the event. |
Long Time HYSA Thespian and Musician Plays Carnegie Hall
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December 16th marked the Carnegie Hall debut of graduating HYSA thespian, Victoria Tran. Tran performed at the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition. American Protégé is designed to afford young musicians, actors and singers opportunities to create a path to a successful career. Tran was awarded an Honorable Mention for her performance.
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STEM and HUM Students Collaborate on Classic Theatre
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“In a circle of light on the stage in the midst of darkness, you have the sensation of being entirely alone. . . . This is called solitude in public. . . “ -- Stanislavsky This week's first technical rehearsal brought a new dimension to the STEM and HUM students' classic scene work efforts. Additional photos can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
HYSA POL Finalists Slated to Compete in January
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The first tier results of the Sixth Annual Poetry Out Loud were announced following the Friday competition. Students presented a diverse list of poetry. The thirteen finalists will compete on January 26th to represent HYSA at the Regional Poetry Out Loud competition in February.
For additional competition (and candid) photos, please see the Photo Gallery webpage. |
IGCSE Level Performance Preps for Final Week of Rehearsal
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Arthur Miller wrote about The Crucible, "I suppose, that the play reaffirms the ultimate power of courage and clarity of mind whose ultimate fruit is liberty." The "Page to Stage Experience" is a diverse group of dramatic works that have opened the door for society to a deeper awareness of courage, mind, and liberty. As both audience and actor, we identify and thus embrace broader views and understanding by sharing such works,
Mark your calendars for the December 14th evening performance. See you there! |
Sixth Annual POL is This Week
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This week HYSA will hold its SIXTH annual school-wide Poetry Out Loud Competition. The competition will be held this Friday, December 8th, in the La Sala Ballroom. Family and friends are encouraged to attend! Twelve students will be chosen to compete in the final HYSA tier on Friday, January 27th. The winner of the final tier of the HYSA competition will go to the Regional POL competition on February 24th. Last year, Drew Kolber competed at Regionals and took home a Second Place win for HYSA.
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Rehearsals for IGCSE Level "Page to Stage" Continue
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IGCSE level theatre students move into the final weeks of rehearsal for the upcoming production, "Page to Stage." This will be the first IGCSE level production performed within the HYSA Black Box Theatre.
Check out the Photo Webpage for additional photos. |
Musical Literacy Outreach Focus: Peru & Improvisation
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Fifth and second graders welcomed the HYSA Thespian Society community outreach with hugs and outcries of "I know you" and "Drums!" Five A-Level students, led by HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board member and PlayMates coordinator, Gigi Ruiz, shared Peruvian music and an Andes' origin folktale with over two hundred Title One students. The group's improvisation skills were applied as the assorted characters came to life amid giggles and an array of delighted commentary.
For an additional 20 pictures of the outreach event, check out the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Essay Competition Opportunity - Due by February 1st
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The Educational Theatre Association's 10th annual Democracyworks essay competition is currently accepting applications. The winner will receive $1,500 toward expenses to attend Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., March 12-13, 2018, plus $250 cash.
Students are asked to respond to this question: "How can theatre and other arts help to nurture dialogue and understanding between individuals with differing points of view? The prompt was inspired by 2017 EdTA Conference keynote speaker Patricia Raun who spoke passionately about the role of empathy in our society and the need for students to develop “muscles of empathy, authenticity, trust, awareness, and flexibility.” Noting the decline in public civility and the rise of narcissism in recent years, Raun went on to say, “There are many challenges we face as a society but in my opinion, few tools are more important to our survival than the desire to see through someone else’s eyes. The most important ethical choices of our time require us to understand the experiences of other people, and the willingness to put the well-being of others above our own desires. This requires a balance between analytical thinking and empathetic thinking.” For more information, contact Mrs. Switzer-Wareing |
HYSA Thespian Society Fall 2017 Induction Ceremony
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Twelve new thespians were officially inducted into the HYSA Thespian Society and the International Thespian Society. The ITS has been honoring student achievement since 1929. The HYSA chapter includes students from each cohort.
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HYSA Theater Educator Honored with Teacher of the Year Award
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Mrs. Switzer-Wareing, the HYSA Thespian Society troupe director, was recognized as an Outstanding Theatre Educator with the 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year Award. Arizona Thespians recognizes an individual who has dedicated himself or herself to the cause of theatre education and the promotion of the fine arts in his or her community.
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HYSA Thespians Represent Troupe at ITS State Festival
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IGCSE Drama students represented the HYSA Thespian Society at the Arizona Thespian Festival. The annual festival is an opportunity for International Thespian Society members to attend professional theatre workshops and compete with high school thespians from around the state. HYSA Thespian Society Vice President Carly Cairns attended as the Executive Board representative. In addition to attending the conference, Gia DeYoung competed in the AZ Festival PlayWorks writing competition along with fellow IGCSE level student, Annika Erickson.
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Secondary One Prep for November Main-Stage Original "Radio" Show
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Secondary theatre students continue to rehearse their original show within a show, "H-Y-S-A Radio Broadcasting Network 'Bringing You the World Today, the 1940s Way.'" Black Box Theatre audiences will get a glimpse of a small 1940 radio station as it broadcasts its evening line-up - complete with vintage Foley-style sound effects and commercial breaks. The main-stage performance will be on Thursday, November 16th. Curtain is at 6 pm.
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HYSA Thespians at ASU Tempe Gammage Theatre for a School to Work Experience
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HYSA thespians worked with ASU Gammage personnel and other valley high school thespians at the ASU Tempe School to Work series. During this interactive workshop students were “hired” to work within the various "behind the scenes" Gammage theatre departments and then present their observations. School to Work provided an opportunity for students to explore non-performing career paths in the world of professional theatre and to get an insider's viewpoint of touring with a Broadway show from the stage manager of "Something Rotten".
See the Photo Gallery webpage for more pics. |
Rehearsing for Musical Performances is Half the Fun
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"Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has
played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art."— Frederic Chopin Deriving pleasure from practice is one of the essential ingredients in artistic achievement and sometimes it happens when you least expect it. |
Professional Dance Lesson
Incorporates the Art of Physical Expression into the Musical Interlude Series
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"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful.. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking."
-- Agnes de Mille, Professional Dancer and Choreographer Audience members, at the recent Musical Interlude, had the fun opportunity to partake in some artistic physical expression as the MI series incorporated dance in its second offering. All the HYSA students took to the black box theatre's specially designed dance floor to learn a few dance moves compliments of a professional Arthur Murray dance instructor. The 2017 Photo Gallery webpage has additional dancing and Musical Interlude pics! Check it out. |
Annual Carnival & Fall Festival One Terror-ific Way to Celebrate Halloween
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Spider Web Walk, trivia, Twister, Limbo, Facepaint and an array of Ball Toss booths offered costume-clad families an opportunity to enjoy some "spookable" Halloween fun. The thespian community displayed their artistic bent with creative costumes choices and tasty treats. Young Time Warp dancers took to the floor as parents watched and remembered their own day's of "jumping to the right." A new ticket winning record was set (beating Evan T.'s last year record of 246) by Michael with 249 tickets earned and claimed. Natalie and Evan B. won the Musical Chair competitions. The Musical Chair tradition allowed thespians to display good sportsmanship, running skills, and how well they can "share" a chair.
Photos can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Fifth Annual HYSA Thespian Society Costume Party
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First Witch: When shall we three meet again, in thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second Witch: When the hurly-burly's done, when the battle's lost and won. Third Witch: Where's the place? The Answer: The HYSA Black Box Theatre Laughter and loads of sprinkles filled the BB when witches, wizards, dinosaurs, princesses, and an array of wonderfully costumed HYSA Thespian Society members gathered to partake of treats and party with peers for the Fifth Annual HYSA Thespian Society Costume Party. Don't forget to check out the nearly 70 party pics on the HYSA Thespian Society Photo Gallery webpage. |
Annual Fall Festival Fun is on the Way
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“Do you have your costume?” "Do you know how to limbo?" The Third Annual HYSA Thespian Society Fall Festival & Halloween Carnival is just around the corner. This school-wide/family event is fun for all ages. HYSA thespians "man" the carnival games AND play. Everyone is welcome! Everyone comes in costume, plays games, and earns tickets to "cash in" for silly prizes. Grown-ups are encouraged to come in costume as well.
Start inviting your friends and loved ones to join in the carnival fun! Calling all bakers and cooks! This is your chance to be creative and "scare" up some fun food to share at the Carnival. |
HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board Meets to Prep for October Events
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With the Sixth Annual HYSA Thespian Society Costume Party and the Third Annual HYSA Thespian Society Fall Festival & Halloween Carnival just around the corner. The HYSA Thespian Society Ex. Board met to tweak a few details. The Costume Party will be in the bb during the regular meeting time (3:15 pm to 4:45 pm) on the 18th of October. The "little" extra time is so thespians have a moment to don their costumes. The Ex. Board's costume competition categories are as follows: Best Group Costume, Best Homemade Costume, Best Villain (aka antagonist), Number One in Innovation (aka most creative), Best Disney Costume, Most Recognizable Fictional Character, AND The GRAND PRIZE "I'm Wearing THAT Next Year" Costume Award.
Watch for more info on the Halloween Carnival & Fall Festival. |
Thespian Musical Outreach "PlayMates" Promotes Polynesian Theme
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When bird whistles, ocean waves, and swaying palm tress combined to create a living orchestra an entire Title One PE classroom was transported to the Polynesian jungle compliments of the HYSA Thespian Society Musical Outreach, PlayMates. Recently, HYSA thespians introduced sixth, fifth, and second grade classes to Polynesian music and folklore through song and dance, a trio of ukuleles, and enthusiastic drum circles.
For additional event pictures, see the thespian 2017 Photo Gallery webpage. Also, for more information about the HYSA Thespian Society Musical Outreach program, check out the Service Project webpage. |
Multidisciplinary Experience Creatively Reflects Current Coursework
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"The ability to solve problems is more than just accumulating knowledge and rules; it is the development of flexible, cognitive strategies that
help analyze unanticipated situations to produce meaningful solutions.” - California State University and San Diego State University After the black box theatre was transformed to a 1940s mystery-site (complete with vintage props) HYSA students were challenged to decipher a kinetic interactive puzzle or as it is universally known solve an "escape the room" (ETR) experience. The multidisciplinary experience was designed specifically for the HYSA community by Time Bandits to creatively reflect the current curriculum. ETR projects combine elements of the theater with gameplay and special effects. ETR put into practice active problem-solving techniques, which in-turn promote and produce independent life-long learners. Additional pictures can be found on the HYSA Thespain Society Photo Gallery webpage. |
Annual Event Entertains & Educates Multiple Publics
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Three cheers to the Secondary students and the HYSA Thespian Society for a "Whodunnit?" well done. Chalk outlines and mug shot photo-ops, crime scene clues, and tasty thumbprint cookies all added to an evening of detective fun for HYSA families, thespian society alumni, ASU West students, and local Girl Scout Troops.
Take a peek at the 2017 Photo Gallery webpage to catch a glimpse at all the super fun event pics from this annual multidisciplinary experience. |
"Whodunnit?" Fourth Annual Classic Drive-in Movie Event
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There was no shortage of suspects. But no one was talkin’. It wasn’t adding up. Before the trail goes cold, grab your hat and favorite gumshoe and take in the Fourth Annual Classic Drive-in Movie Night in the La Sala Ballroom on Friday, September 29th. All private eyes and suspects should arrive by 4:30 pm and expect to leave by 7:30 pm.
Student created film trailers (inspired by classic 1940s detective movies) will highlight this evening of "Clue" forensic crime scene scenarios (designed by Kim Kobojek), "Find the Footprint" and Laser Maze games, chalk outline and mug shot photo-ops, fingerprint cookies, and much more. The evening will culminate with a showing of a vintage detective movie on large in-door screens. Families are encouraged to dress in costume, bring a blanket, and share the evening with their favorite young detectives. Individual photos (and additional pics) can be found on the Photo Gallery webpage. |
Secondary Student Hard at Work on Movie Trailers
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Secondary students have been fine tuning their film making skills as they develop their 1940s detective-style film trailers. The trailers will debut at the Fourth Annual Classic Drive-in Movie event.
For additional pictures, check the 2017 Photo Gallery webpage. |
Preparations for the 4th Annual Drive-in Movie on September 29th
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As the final week approaches, preparations for the "Whodunnit" Fourth Annual Classic Drive-in Movie are in full swing. Thespian Society members, Carly and Jane, have been putting the final touches on raffle baskets and
"Welcome" table decorations. This will be the third year the ladies have successfully manned the welcome desk and orchestrated the event's raffle. |
HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board Members Share Stories and Robotics
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The first and second graders, at an area Title One school, were introduced to robotics HYSA-Thespian-Society-style! Members of the HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board and the HYSA Robotics Team integrated theatre, literature, and robotics to create an opportunity for service learning. More than a 130 giggles and high fives were exchanged, while learning how easily love and acceptance can create understanding (even for robots). After saying "goodbye" the young audience members were challenged to help someone have a "perfect" day by sharing something positive with them.
For more fun pictures, check out the 2017 Photo Gallery webpage. |
New Secondary One Thespians Fieldtrip for Costumes
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In anticipation of the 4th Annual Classic Drive-in Movie Event, newly minted HYSA Thespian Society members went on a fieldtrip to Goodwill with Mrs. Switzer-Wareing. Their mission was to collect costumes for their peers to use in shooting "whodunnit" movie trailers to showcase at the September 29th event.
For additional photos - check out the 2017 Photo Gallery webpage. |
HYSA Thespian Board says, "Whodunnit?
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It was another baffling case, but the HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board doesn't take the easy ones . . . "Whodunnit?" You may have a hunch, but to find out you will have to mark your calendars for the Fourth Annual Classic Drive-in Movie Night, La Sala Ballroom on Friday, September 29th. All private eyes and suspects should arrive by 4:30 pm and expect to leave by 7:30 pm.
Keep your eyes peeled for more clues... |
Inaugural "Musical Interlude" Performance Launches HYSA Black Box
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A dash of theatrical lighting, sixty black chairs, a grand piano, and the musical talents of HYSA students made Friday's first "Musical Interlude" performance a wonderful way to launch the HYSA black box.
HYSA Thespian Society members should watch their email for the link to video excerpts from the event. |
HYSA Thespian Society Fall "Welcome" Introduces Laughter & Ex Board
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Old and new members joined in the fun as the new HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board introduced themselves and gave everyone a taste of the HYSA Thespian Society.
For more pictures, check out the 2017 Photo Gallery Page. |
Visiting DCU Students Join Music & Literacy Outreach Event
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This year the HYSA Thespian Society's music and literacy outreach, PlayMates, will be promoting multicultural awareness. What better way to launch the year than to include the visiting Irish DCU students! Both fifth and second graders enjoyed a taste of Irish language, learned a folk song and dance, and participated in a mini-performance of the Giant's Causeway myth. The young audience members and the DCU students exchanged suggestions of things to try and places to visit while in Ireland and Arizona. As the second graders departed, they called back, "Come back soon!"
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HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board Plans for the New Academic Year
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With the annual HYSA Thespian Society Welcome and the Classic Drive-in Movie just around the corner, the HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board met to discuss the myriad of details involved in creating successful thespian events. The new board consists of the following members: Matthew Syms, Keaten Wood, Liv Johnson, Carly Cairns, Alexa Twibell, Ethan Miller, Ben Weinstock, Tim Tran, Emily Tenaglia, Gigi Ruiz, Royce Russell, and Joseph Norman.
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Save the Date: National Arts in Education Week is September 10–16
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"Arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines including dance, music, theatre, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, is a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students." - U. S. House of Representatives, Resolution
The arts are an essential part of a complete education, no matter if it happens in the home, school, or community. Students of all ages—from kindergarten to college to creative aging programs—benefit from artistic learning, innovative thinking, and creativity. Celebrating National Arts in Education Week is a way to recognize this impact and share the message with friends, family, and communities. |
New and Graduate Thespian Members Havin' Fun 'n the Sun
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The final day of school has the tradition of cleaning, yearbook signing, and swimming. With the Arizona temps rising upward it is both a fun and a welcome tradition. This year afforded several thespian society members the chance to show-off their aquatic skills as they took a breath from testing and enjoyed the cool blue of the ASU West Fitness Center - some for the last time.
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HYSA Thespian Society Inaugural Year Members Among 2017 Graduates
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Madison Kuhler and Angela McChesney have been members of the HYSA Thespian Society since its charter year. The two actresses started their thespian turn at HYSA with Dorothy's Parker's "A Minor Key" and Anton Chevhov's "The Bear." Each year has brought a variety of unique performances from the young thespians. It is only fitting the two shared the stage for the final time at HYSA in the January main stage production of "Life in Shelley, Shadows of Frankenstein" as their first ASU outreach production was "Realizing Mary Shelley's Frankenstein".
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HYSA Thespian Society Members Shine as 2017 HYSA Scholar Speakers
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The HYSA Thespian Society is proud to say that - for the third year in a row - all the HYSA Scholar Graduation Speakers were members of the thespian society. Each academic year HYSA Scholar Speakers are recognized for the following attributes: demonstrating a passion for a discipline, sharing that passion with the community. consistently working toward academic achievement, and having an active and positive voice within their peer community.
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HYSA Thespian Society Ends the Year with Gusto
and Honors Graduating Thespians for Theatrical Excellence
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With graduation just around the corner, the HYSA Thespian Society took a moment to honor graduating thespians with well earned praise and "bling." IGCSE level thespians were also honored for academic and artistic achievement (See the Rank Roll Page for specifics).
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IGCSE Level Outreach Focus: Nothing is Impossible & Accepting Others
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With the help of light-up shoelaces, a sherbet colored quilt, two fables, and an Australian folktale, IGCSE level theatre students prompted three first grade classes to giggle and to consider "nothing is impossible" and to "accept our differences." To illustrate how to see the "possible" in impossible, HYSA students shared personal anecdotes. This literacy outreach was the final Performance Outreach event of the year.
"When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” ― Maya Angelou |
Newly-Minted Thespian Honored with Writing Award
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"To write is to fill your paper with the
breathings of your heart." ~William Wordsworth Secondary One student, Lia Wight, was honored with an "Excellence in Writing" Award from the 2017 Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards and Young Authors of Arizona. |
The Mélange Theatre Showcases Secondary's Original Folktales & Myths
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On Tuesday evening Secondary One students shared original folktales and myths with a warm and welcoming audience. The performance experience was a culmination of four weeks worth of effort to create works that were both touching and humorous. Costumed in red shirts and black pants, the young students showcased their strengthened stage presence skills and embraced the collaborative spirit of true thespians as they took the stage for the final time.
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Thespians Show-Off Dance Moves
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"Students learn theory and apply it
immediately. Students assess their own bodies and adjust to find better balance and higher elevations. Goals are immediate, concrete, and progressive. This translates to stronger academics." -- National Dance Education Organization A final school-wide Arthur Murray dance lesson offered an opportunity for A-Level and IGCSE students to share what they had learned earlier in the semester. |
HYSA Thespian Performs Poetry with Center Dance Ensemble
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Secondary One thespian and POL Regional winner, Drew Kolber, shared in the Center Dance Ensemble’s annual celebration of National Poetry Month. American Voices was performed at the Herberger Theatre Center on April 23rd.
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Service Learning & Outreach Benefit Audience and Performers
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“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of
others cannot keep it from themselves.” -- Sir James M. Barrie Arts Education Partnership studies suggest schoolchildren who perform drama, music and dance are more proficient in all academics. In countries with the highest rankings in math and science, such as Japan, Hungary and the Netherlands, arts and music education are a mandatory part of the school curriculum. |
School Trips to Live Theatre Vital to a Well Rounded Learning Experience
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Recently, the Shakespeare's Globe theater conducted a survey of the students attending educational performances and found that nearly 45 percent had never been to the theatre. This sparked a series of responses from the professional and educational theatre community as to why school theatre trips are "vital" to truly understanding the text of a play. "A play script simply isn't a finished work. It would be like studying sheet music instead of actually hearing Beethoven. Shakespeare performed is an awful lot easier to understand. There's an emotional connection. Some of the jokes are even funny."
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HYSA Thespian Society Director Honored with Spotlight Award
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Congratulations to Mrs. Switzer-Wareing for her AACT Spotlight Award which recognizes her for her outstanding contributions to community theatre. AACT's chief goal is to "enable theatres across the country to become the cornerstones of the creative life of their communities—to provide quality entertainment, intellectual stimulation, challenge and opportunity, and to be worthy contributors to an improved quality of life for the communities which they serve."
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Secondary's Mélange Theatre Experience in Rehearsal
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The Mélange Theatre is an opportunity for students to perform original Oral Traditions. During the oral interpretive theatre rehearsal process, students realize the fundamentals of theatrical action and how to communicate meaning through the dramatic use of voice and body. By reflecting on cultural diversity and historical patterns through Folklore an appreciation of oral interpretative storytelling is also cultivated.
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April is National Poetry Month
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“This month, as we celebrate National Poetry Month, we need to remember that poetry needs to flow freely at home and in the classroom year-round. One of the richest gifts we can give children is the gift of poetry,” as stated by the great children’s poet/anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins Sharing poetry is such an easy thing to do, but many times neglected by individuals who believe they have to “teach” poetry and therefore feel inadequate to do so. However, they are mistaken. We need to share poetry with children, introduce them to the sound, language, and fun of poems, no strings attached." -- Susan Knell. Pittsburg State University
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"Snapshot" by HYSA Thespian and 2017 Graduate, Karaline Petty
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"Since last October, Mrs. Sabrina Switzer-Wareing and Josui Maruno having been working to write an original musical for HYSA students to perform, and it was nothing short of spectacular. An inspiring collection of music, performed by students and written by the Herberger’s own Josui Maruno, accompanied soliloquies that thoughtfully detailed the tumultuous and contemplative emotions that accompany any high school graduation. As the end of the school year approaches, the writing was especially inspiring to this year's graduates, many of whom performed in the show. The Herberger’s first original musical was nothing short of incredible, and promises great things for the program’s future."
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The First HYSA Original Musical in Rehearsal
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Rehearsals continue for “Snapshot,” the first HYSA original musical.
With music and lyrics by HYSA student Josui Maruno and book by Sabrina Switzer-Wareing, this memory musical shares a snapshot of graduating seniors reflecting on their final year. Students from each grade level are performing in the production and the band is comprised of Yasha Broderick, Seth Gibson, and Josui Maruno. The show premieres on Wednesday, March 22nd, at 5:00 pm in the ASU West La Sala Ballroom. |
Oral Traditions: A Pop Quiz in the Art of Making Facepaint Characters Come to Life
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“Believe in your character. Animate
(color or write) with sincerity.” ― Glen Keane, Disney Supervising Animator It was a day of color, thought, and intensity as Secondary students rose to the challenge of creating folktale characters and fairytale design elements on both a partner and themselves. |
Prepping for "Patchwork" ... a play of old fashioned fables & contemporary foibles
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IGCSE Mainstage actors are in rehearsals to perform Carol Lauck's "Patchwork." The play, with its collection of humorous and wise scenes, or patches, offers actors the opportunity to portray over 41 characters. Lauck's work has been described as "fast paced, funny and thought provoking."
The production date is Tuesday, April 18th. |
The Obvious "A" in STEAM
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Georgette Yakman, a graduate student at Virginia Polytechnic and State University, developed a framework that took the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) acronym one step further. Her STEAM framework incorporated the arts into the traditional STEM curricular areas. Yakman, who holds a BS in Clothing and Textiles, has also worked as a middle and high school engineering and technology teacher and was named NCTC's STEM Teacher of the Year. The connection is obvious for anyone who has ever worked in any traditional STEM career. Everyone from software engineers and aerospace technicians to professional mathematicians knows that building great things and solving real problems requires a measure of creativity. In addition, more and more, professional artists are incorporating technological tools and scientific processes to their art." -- George Lucus Educational Foundation
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Long Time HYSA Thespian to Compete
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2017 graduating A-Level student and long time HYSA thespian, Angela McChesney, will be competing in the first tier of the Arizona Young Artists’ Competition over spring break. The competition offers young artists, ages 15-19, with an opportunity to compete in the disciplines of Acting, Dance and Voice. The winner in each category will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help further their education. The audience also has a chance to participate and vote for their favorite performer in the People’s Choice Awards. In addition, Arizona Broadway Theatre is partnering with the Herberger Theater to sponsor an additional $1,500 scholarship and an opportunity to perform with the ABT professional cast in a Main Stage production.
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School-Wide Trip to See Childsplay's Revival of "The Yellow Boat" at TCA
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HYSA students journeyed to the Tempe Center for the Arts to see the revival of "The Yellow Boat." Based on a true story, “The Yellow Boat” tells the story of a young artist named Benjamin. Born with hemophilia, Benjamin died of AIDS-related complications in 1987 at the age of 8. The play celebrates the creative spirit of all children. Through his art, Benjamin is able to express his joys and his fears. In doing so, he navigates his journey, leading his family, friends, doctors, and the audience through this amazing, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, always heartfelt experience. This iconic, multi-award-winning play was first produced by Childsplay in 1992 and changed the face of children’s theatre across America. HYSA Secondary oral tradition student comments:
“The play was nicely put together. It was also sad and made me really think about life."- Gia DeYoung "One of the oral tradition styles that is represented in "The Yellow Boat" is once and future king, because even though Benjamin dies, he lives on both in his friends and parents' hearts and in our minds." -Annika Erickson "Everything Benjamin saw he could place in his art. He had a vast imagination and loved to use it. He made sure every part of his drawing was alive. And it was all centered on a yellow boat." - Robert Dykes |
International Leaders in Education JAM with HYSA Thespians
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"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” – C.S. Lewis The HYSA JAM session shifted its traditional "gathering around the grand piano" venue to the La Sala ballroom foyer to share poetry, music, and dance with ASU's International Leaders in Education. |
Outreach Combines Literacy, Theatre, and Robotics to Exuberant Appreciation
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Incoming and outgoing HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board members (and members of the HYSA High School Robotics Team) enjoyed combining literacy, improvisational theatre, and robotics for a fun-filled performance outreach opportunity. After reading a tale of a "not so perfect" robot, HYSA thespians took on the role of robot to introduce the young audience to robotics. Second graders were delighted to try their hand at programming "theatre" style as each group tried to get their "robot" to pick up a marker by following assorted verbal commands. The second graders ended the event by watching robots, Dot and Dash, at work and play.
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Voters Gather for the 2017 HYSA Thespian Society Election Day
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This week the HYSA Thespian Society’s weekly meeting came with a twist- the annual election for the Thespian Society governing board. All, but a few, of the current board will be graduating in the spring. The transitioning students will be mentoring the upcoming Thespian Society leadership board until the end of April.
After every member submitted his or her ballot, the thespians celebrated with some favorite (classic) improvisation games: party quirks, doctor’s office, and janitor. |
Graduating Thespians Share Smiles & Anticipation as
School Photos “Focus” on 2017 HYSA Graduates
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"Do not worry if you have built castles in the air.
They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." -- Henry David Thoreau "It’s hard to imagine what graduation will be like until you’re walking across the stage, but standing on the ASU lawn in my cap, gown, and heels made my upcoming graduation feel like a true reality, and as exciting as that was, it was a bit sad, too. I was not the only student in my graduation gown, surrounding me were friends who after their graduation will leave Phoenix, friends who I will miss dearly when they go. Thankfully, today was only photos, and at the end of the day our caps did come off, but it was still a reminder that the future is coming, and quickly. During this great change, the Thespian Society gives them good wishes for their way." -- Karaline Petty |
Drew Kolber Winner at Central Region Poetry Out Loud Championship
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HYSA Thespian, Drew Kolber, won Second Place at the Central Region Poetry Out Loud Championship. The top four students will move on to compete in the State Finals on March 11th. The State Finals will be held at the Arizona PBS station.
"Reciting poetry fills my heart with happiness. Poetry out loud has been an exhilarating experience full of surprises. I love being able to move people with my words." - Drew Kolber |
Creatively Exploring Arizona's Stories at the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park
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"History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future."
- Robert Penn Warren HYSA students spent the morning at the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park exploring some of the notables of Arizona history. In addition to creatively exploring history, students had the opportunity to delve into the state's colorful and unique oral traditions. The trip supported the Secondary curriculum. "Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results." - Machiavelli |
New Research Shows Improvisational Theatre is
"Technology for Human Connection and Communication"
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"If children improvise different situations, think about their emotions and how they show them, then they'll be able to communicate more clearly in life."
- National Public Radio. February 2017 "What improv really does is create a safe and fun and authentic environment in which to practice, where mistakes really don't matter." - Jim Ansaldo, Indiana University |
HYSA Thespians Celebrate Valentine's Day and
Friendship with a Liberal Mix of Laughter & Sprinkles
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“All you need is love. But a little
chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” - Charles M. Schulz It was a Wednesday well spent as thespian members (and a few friends) decorated cookies, offered compliments, counting jellybeans, and improvised a few laughs. The Annual Valentine's Day Party was hosted by executive board vp/treasurer, Keaten Wood (with a little help form his friends). |
HYSA Goes Goodwill Hunting
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It was time for a unique theatre mini-fieldtrip - costume hunting at Goodwill. Members of the IGCSE level Mainstage Production course set out to find costumes for the upcoming April production. A wealth of treasures and laughter made the adventure both fun and productive.
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Oral Traditions Starts Facepaint/Character Exploratory
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Oral Traditions are filled with vibrant characters, whose outer appearance does not always reveal the truth within. Exploring Facepaint within the context of Oral Traditions is a not only a fun reason to paint Dragon scales and add fifty years worth of wrinkles, it is
an opportunity to explore one's face as well as transform oneself based on character need. The art and science of Facepaint requires a combination of discipline, technique, and imagination to effectively construct and deconstruct one's face. |
HYSA POL Winners
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"Creativity takes courage."
-- Henri Matisse The final round of the HYSA Poetry Out Loud Competition culminated in a poem tie breaker. The winners of the HYSA 2017 Poetry Out Loud Competition were Carly Cairns, Drew Kolber, and Keaten Wood. |
Leading Poetry Coaches Come to HYSA
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"Encouraging our audiences to develop an ethic
towards reciprocity and a sincere appreciation for the lives and stories of others." - Phonetic Spit In anticipation of the upcoming 2017 Poetry Out Loud Competition, Tomas Stanton, Myrlin Hepworth and Sean Medlin shared their original poetry and expert performance advice with the HYSA Secondary students. Tomas Stanton and Myrlin Hepworth are co-founders of Phoenix’s premiere literary arts and youth development organization, Phonetic Spit. |
Final Tier of HYSA 2017 POL Competition
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The final tier of the HYSA Poetry Out Loud (POL) Competition will be held on the morning of Friday, January 27th. The winner of the competition will represent HYSA at the Regional Competition on Saturday, February 18th.
"Poetry is the universal language of mankind.” In partnership with the Arizona Commission on the Arts, POL seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry – recitation and performance. The program builds on the resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement and the immense popularity of rap music among youth. POL invites the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, and theater into the English class. Through POL, students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage. |
"Frankenstein" Interactive Exhibit and Performance Experience
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"And now, once again, I bid my hideous
progeny go forth and prosper." ~ Mary Shelley In celebration of the Bicentennial anniversary of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," Mrs. Switzer-Wareing and HYSA thespians brought Shelley's seminal story and creature back to life. Prior to the theatrical performance, the audience explored the nature of the Creature’s humanity through IGCSE level Theatre Arts and Humanities multidisciplinary STEAM projects. The captivating production guided its audience through the story of Mary Shelley's life by highlighting the autographical nature of her novel. The performance was further enhanced by Carly Cairns and Isabel Greenburg’s poetry performances. |
Friday, the 13th - A Perfect Day to Explore Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"
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Mark your calendar! On Friday, January 13th, A-Level and IGCSE HYSA students will commemorate the upcoming bicentennial of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" with an exhibit in the La Sala Ballroom from 8:30 am to 10 am. Live performances begin at 9 am.
Check out ASU "The Frankenstein Project" at http://frankenstein.asu.edu/. |
Honors Theatre Arts - Frankenstein Projects Deliver Art & Science
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“Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.”
― Jonathan Swift This week the culmination of a nearly month long exploration into the inner workings of Mary Shelley's Creature was revealed. Theatre Arts students have served Shelley's vision of imagination well, both in homage to her masterpiece "Frankenstein" and to her era's Romantic views on the need to apply imaginative thought to achieve unique dramatic art. |
Service Opp Brings Good Cheer to All
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"It is one of the most beautiful compensations
of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself… Serve and thou shall be served." -- Raplh Waldo Emerson On Wednesday, the HYSA Thespian Society truly enjoyed the gift of giving. The Winter "Wrap" Party afforded members the opportunity to donate to the valley-wide Toys for Tots organization. By combining the fun of wrapping and rapping thespians captured the true spirit of the season. |
Eight out of Ten of the 2016 Poetry Out Loud Finalists Thespian Society Members
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HYSA Thespian Society was well represented at the Fifth Annual HYSA Poetry Out Loud Competition. The finalists include: Gigi Ruiz, Alexa Twibell, Karaline Petty, Beckham Vogel, Tom Johnson, Drew Kolber, Ethan Miller, Liv Johnson, Emily Tenaglia, and Carly Cairns.
The finalists will compete for the opportunity to represent HYSA at regionals on Friday, January 27th. |
Fifth Annual HYSA Thespian Society Winter "Wrap" Party Plans are Happening
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In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, the HYSA Thespian Society's Winter "Wrap" Party will include a service opportunity. The thespians will be supporting Toys for Tots. The cost of the Toys for Tots' gift should be under fifteen dollars and appropriate for a child somewhere between the age of five to twelve. The donations will be wrapped during the party. Party events will also include Best Wrapping and Unwrapping Competitions, Holiday Minute Games, Best Wrapping Paper Outfit, and others. Thespians are encouraged to create a Winter Rap to share at the party.
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Democracyworks Essay Competition
Opportunity for International Thespian Society Members to Win Cash
Opportunity for International Thespian Society Members to Win Cash
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The Educational Theatre Association’s ninth annual Democracyworks essay competition is now accepting entries. The winner will receive $1,500 toward expenses to attend Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., March 20-21, 2017, as well as $250 cash. This year’s prompt asks students to address STEAM education: “Why do you think STEAM education is important to the well-rounded education of all students?”“In STEAM, creativity is the central focus. It not only expands STEM, it actually addresses real-world projects and issues,” said James Palmarini, EdTA director of educational policy. “In theatre, for instance, think about David Auburn’s Tony Award-winning play Proof, in which a woman seeks to prove the authorship of a ground-breaking math equation, or the creation of a light plot, or an automated set of computer-generated sound cues.”
The submission deadline for essays is February 1, 2017 |
Honors Theatre Arts is Reimagining Mary Shelley's Creature
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"Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay To mould me Man, did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me?" -- John Milton, "Paradise Lost" Group brainstorming continued as Honors Theatre Arts students finalized how to reimagine and construct a three dimensional Creature inspired by Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." The final projects will be dsiplayed on Friday, January 13th. |
Open Mic/Jam Session Offers Poetry and Music
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With a touch of poetry, piano, ukelele, guitar, drums, and vocals, the final Jam/Open Mic session of the fall semester offered both a great way to end the week as well as show the versatility of the HYSA student community. Performers included Isabel Greenberg, Jessica Gibson, Yasha Broderick, and Carly Cairns. Gigi Ruiz and Emily Tenaglia acted as Jam MCs. In addition, Ruiz gave her peers a taste of the HYSA Musical Outreach Program, which gave audience members a chance to get into the act.
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Performance Outreach Program Explores Civil War Eloquence
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" . . . the Gettsyburg Address, whose first sentence
is about the past and whose second sentence is about the present, is really about the future. It calls upon our better angels, our better selves. It's really a remarkable piece of prose." - - Ken Burns HYSA thespians donned 1860s apparel and stepped out of the classroom to introduce area students to Sullivan Ballou and The Gettysburg Address. This Civil War outreach experience was an enrichment opportunity for audience and performers alike. |
Preparations for the Fifth Annual HYSA POL Competition Commence
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In two weeks HYSA will hold its fifth school-wide Poetry Out Loud Competition. The competition will be held on Friday, December 9th in the La Sala Ballroom. Nine students will be chosen to compete in the final tier on Friday, January 27th. The winner of the final tier of the HYSA competition will go to the Regional POL competition in February at the ASU Tempe Memorial Union. The Regional POL winner will compete at the state level in March. This event will be broadcast on PBS.
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Service Learning On-site Outreach Event "Speaks the Speech" to
Over 130 Community Members
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The final moments before the Service Learning On-site Outreach Event "curtain" were filled with adding addition seating and cautioning the young audience members "an actor may talk to you during the show." For all the fourth graders this was the first time they had ever seen Shakespeare performed. Following the show, many of the young audience members revealed they were surprised to learn they had quoted Shakespeare. HYSA Thespian Society members and "Blending the Bard" actors, Drew Kolber and Robert Dykes shared their responses to the event. “For our younger audience, our production introduced the kids to Shakespeare, and possibly even drama. Hopefully, we showed them acting can be great fun, that we can all step out of ourselves and become someone else for a little while, like trying on new clothes." "I felt empowered, and like I was bringing them into the world of Shakespeare."
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HYSA Thespians Strut Their Robotics at Arts & Science Outreach Event
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Over 120 fourth grade students (with their teachers and chaperones) walked to ASU West to get a taste of Shakespeare and Robotics. Secondary theatre students provided the Shakespeare, while the HYSA A-Level Robotics Team shared their robotics expertise. The team created a ballroom filled with obstacles and opportunities.
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Opening Night for "Blending the Bard" a Success
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During Shakespeare's time, theater companies' would perform two or three different plays a day. Thus, actors boasted an extensive repertoire of characters they could present at will. This was especially useful when outbreaks of the plague would close performing houses sending the players "on the road." These traveling troupes would create makeshift theaters within each township. Then, with no set pieces, a few props, and assorted odd garments to suggest their characters; they would present Shakespeare’s plays for the welcoming townspeople. Recently, the young "Blending the Bard" actors enjoyed just such a performance opportunity and enthusiastic audience welcome.
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Secondary Theatre Students Prepare to "Trod the Boards" with the Bard
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"Good my lord, will you see the players well
bestowed? Do you hear, let them be well used; for they are the abstract and brief chronicles of the time: after your death you were better have a bad epitaph than their ill report while you live." -- "Hamlet" The final rehearsals are underway for the Secondary performance of "Blending the Bard," The production is part of the coursework for the Shakespeare: Illuminating the Human Experience class. The class offers students a taste of what it was like for 16th century actors to tour the countryside and perform new works. |
Tolstoy and Mime Enjoy the Spotlight
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Greasepaint, gaffer's tape, and quick changes were some of the "behind the scenes" highlights to Wednesday's finale performance of "Friends" and "Tolstoy's Three Questions." IGCSE Level Theatre Arts students had the pleasure of enjoying the theatrical magic of make-up mirrors, gobo effects, and splendid acoustics as they shared their finale performance with family and peers. In addition, the evening's event allowed audience members to get a glimpse of how a youth theatre performance outreach event works. For additional pictures, see the Performance Outreach Program and Photo Gallery webpages. |
IGCSE Level Performance Outreach Event: The Joy of Visual Storytelling
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“Educating the mind without educating
the heart is no education at all.” -- Aristotle Three hundred elementary school children gathered to enjoy two performances of "Tolstoy's Three Questions" and "Friends." The stories revolve around two very different boys and their quest to discover what is important to making one's life mean something. One uses mime to communicate his joy, while the other ponders the daily import of mindfulness. Each unique story supposes a world where imagination gives voice to intellect and action. Performance Outreach Productions are an opportunity to learn and explore theatre arts while contributing and serving the community. |
Theatre and Social Issues
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"You've got to be taught
To hate and fear, You've got to be taught From year to year, It's got to be drummed In your dear little ear. You've got to be carefully taught." -- Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific Theatrical Analysis aka Dinner & a Show students continue to examine the concepts of prejudice and bias: "The Laramie Project" and "South Pacific." |
Service Learning Outreach Starts Rehearsals
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“When young audiences connect with a
play about a particular time period, they’re hungry to learn, they’re driven to learn.” --Peter Brosius Artistic Director Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis In December IGCSE level students, James Logan, Angelina Tran, and Carly Cairns will be introducing young audiences to the words of Abraham Lincoln and Sullivan Ballou. This Civil War service learning outreach is designed to stimulate questions regarding one's sense of duty, personal honor, and the significance of the Gettysburg Address. |
Thespians Enjoy Spooky Fun at the Second Annual Halloween Carnival
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The HYSA Thespian Society’s biggest event of the year absolutely outdid itself this year. From gaming tricks to gooey and sweet treats, thespians of all ages and the greater ASU community all had something to enjoy. Highlights of the night included fan-favorite “Keaten in a Box” and a new addition to the lineup, a terrifying haunted labyrinth. All sorts of monsters came together for some group games, including limbo, and the worlds’ most dangerous game of musical chairs. All around it was a terror-ific time!
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Friends and Tolstoy's Three Questions in Rehearsal
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As a teenager Leo Tolstoy started his first diary. In it he wrote: "This is the entire essence of life: Who are you? What are you?” IGCSE level theatre students enter the final week of rehearsal for two works which explore these concepts -- youth theatre style. The one acts -- one of which is based on Tolstoy's Three Questions' short story -- will be performed in outreach and at ASU West Second Stage West in November.
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Final Preparations for the Second Annual
HYSA Thespian Society Halloween Carnival & Fall Festival are Underway
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"Do you have your costume?" The HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board wants to remind everyone this Thursday (October 27th) is the annual Fall Festival & Halloween Carnival from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the La Sala Ballroom.
The whole family is welcome! Don't miss the fun! |
Dinner & a Show is "Carefully Taught" Rogers & Hammerstein Style
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Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1949 groundbreaking American musical, "South Pacific," was the second evening outing for the Theatrical Analysis students. Prior to attending the area production, students explored the concepts of prejudice introduced in both "South Pacific" and "The Merchant of Venice."
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Seeing Live Theatre - Expanding the Human Experience
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“Theatre as we have known and practiced it – the staging of written dramas – will be the string quartet of the 21st century." - Keynote Address at the Association of Theatre in Higher Education A school-wide fieldtrip afforded HYSA students the chance to expand their understanding of Shakespeare at a live performance of "The Merchant of Venice" as well as enjoy several spins in the exterior Public Art chairs. |
Fifth Annual HYSA Thespian Society Costume Party
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At this year’s 5th Annual Herberger Thespian Society Costume Party, thespian’s of all grade levels gathered to celebrate the upcoming Halloween season and the many theatrical aspects of the holiday. Food was served while a variety of characters mingled -- everybody from cartoon to political figures attended. Costume winners included the Totoro crew, a gaggle of Disney princesses, Donald Trump, and a giant green sumo wrestler. Afterward, the partiers took on another role in games of Party Quirks and Late for Work.
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Mime Work Prep for a Fall Outreach Performance
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“I taught for 17 years and I’ve seen first
hand that theater makes for smarter, braver, human beings. Theatre helps connect the head to the heart." -- Linda Hartzell, Artistic Director Seattle Children’s Theater In preparation for one of this Fall's Youth Outreach shows, IGCSE Level Theatre Arts' students are exploring the world of mime. The art of mime not only allows an actor to expand on improvisational skills. It also develops an actor's ability to reveal emotion through physical expression. |
International Thespian Society Scholarships for College
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The International Thespian Society offers several scholarships to ITS members. Scholarship opportunities are available for students who are looking to pursue theatre in college as well as for members who are intending to study non-theatre disciplines. Awards are varying amounts. The majority tend to hover around $1000. The overall deadline for applications is usually the first of April.
This year the deadline is April 1st, 2017. https://www.schooltheatre.org/programs/ags/scholarships |
Open Mic/JAM Session Brings Music to the HYSA Lobby
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The HYSA Friday Open Mic/JAM Session welcomed voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, beatboxing, and bass to the mic. "Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." -- Charlie Parker |
A-Level & IGCSE Thespians Shared a Tango Lesson with Classmates
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“We should consider every day lost on which
we have not danced at least once.” -Nietzche This year’s IGCSE Humanity and A Level students returned to the dance floor for fun and self-expression. They started their Friday morning by expanding their Latin dance repertoire with the addition of the fat fast paced merengue and bachata and a rhythmic tango. The Arthur Murray Dance Studio provided excellent instruction. It was great to have them back again! |
Robotics & Theatre Join Forces to Go "On the Road"
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"Broadly speaking, robots are moving out of
highly controlled and structured environments ...this robot migration requires not only new engineering and computing ideas, but also meaningful connections with psychology, economics, public policy, and even the arts." -- Magnus Egerstedt Combining the duel interests of robotics and theatre arts, A-Level students introduced fourth graders to the pleasure of interdisciplinary learning -- HYSA style. |
It's a Double Feature!!
HYSA Thespian Society Combine Music & Literature for Joint Outreach Experience
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On September 23rd, the HYSA Thespian Society Literacy and HYSA Musical Play Mates teams piled into the "clown car" and returned to Sunburst Elementary School for another outreach event. The Literacy crew shared wild stories of jungle giraffes and fierce dragons, with excited first grade classes. Meanwhile, HYSA Musical Play Mates shared the joy of rhythm and percussion while reading the story “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” and “Hear That?” The HYSA group was glad to continue bringing music and art education opportunities to the community.
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It's Time to Catch "Dinner & a Show"
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A-Level and IGCSE Theatrical Analysis students enjoyed sharing "dinner and a show" this week. Everyone agreed it was fantastic reliving HYSA's production of "You Can't Take It With You" and seeing the show produced from a different perspective. In addition, HYSA cast members had the chance to chat with their Hale Theatre counterparts.
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Interdisciplinary Fieldtrip to Downtown Phoenix
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"Real education should consist of drawing
the goodness and the best out of our own students. What better books can there be than the book of humanity?" -- Cesar Chavez Secondary One and IGCSE theatre and foreign language students attended a bilingual production of "A Boy Named Cesar" at the Herberger Theater Center's Lunch Time Theater located in downtown Phoenix. The original play creatively explored highlights in the life of Cesar Chavez. This interdisciplinary fieldtrip added to ASU's ongoing Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. |
HYSA Students Embrace the Art and Effort of Dance
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"The dance is over, the applause subsided but
the joy and feeling will stay with you forever." Compliments of the Phoenix Arthur Murray Dance Studio, HYSA students had a taste of salsa to start the day. The morning event proved to be a fun-filled workout for all. "Do it big, do it right and do it with style." -- Fred Astaire |
The "Musical" Debut of the HYSA Thespian Society PLAY MATES
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"What does a swarm of bees sound like?" "Let's sizzle popcorn on a drum." September 2016 marked the debut of the HYSA Thespian Society's Play Mates music/literacy outreach program. The pink shirted thespian team of Olivia Johnson, Madison Kuhler, Karaline Petty, and Alexa Twibell were led by Musical Play Mates' student coordinator, Gigi Ruiz. With hours of pre-production planning -- including the construction of ten colorful drums -- Gigi orchestrated a delightful lesson to an appreciative audience of nearly one hundred second graders.
HYSA Musical Play Mates is a continuation of the highly successful and ongoing HYSA Thespian Society theatrical outreach and service project efforts. |
3rd Annual Classic Drive In Movie Was A Rootin’ Tootin’ Time
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The ASU community joined HYSA students and families to two-stepping, cow-wrangling, and enjoy “High Noon.” Students and guests were dressed ace-high, with boots, Stetsons, and belt buckles the size of Texas. Attendees enjoyed laughing, dancing, and wrangling the cows before the movie. Everyone made sure to remember the night by posing for their own wanted posters and making paper stallions to ride off into the sunset. The students enjoyed a chili cookout alongside cow spotted cake-pops and barbecue. The event showcased the HYSA Secondary students’ movie trailers, which showed tragedy, friendship, and even Pokemon in the Wild West setting.
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HYSA Thespian Society Announces New Musical Outreach Program
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Preparations are going well for the new musical outreach program, Play Mates. On September 9th, HYSA thespians will introduce local elementary school audiences to the joys and insights of combining literature and music.
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” ― Victor Hugo |
High Noon Preparations are Underway
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“Tall boots, tall hats, and tall tales.” -- Cowboy Sayings Raffle baskets, movie trailers, and old western street fronts are getting the finishing touches in anticipation of a rip roaring evening of "ole" style Western fun. |
HYSA Thespian Society Promotes a Growth Mindset
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The HYSA Thespian Society meetings often focus on playing improv games. Improvisational games and activities help to cultivate a growth mindset. In improv one must follow some simple (and useful) rules: actively listen, contribute in a positive way, do not be judgmental, seek the truth, be yourself, and be present. These are some good "rules" to play, work, live, grow, and (of course) laugh by.
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Technology and Theatre Unite for Facepaint Vlogs
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Where would Elphaba be without her green face? How magical would those Jellicle cats be without such elaborate whiskers and fur? Theatrical characters are often remembered by the makeup which transforms them from the imagined to the real. While shooting the first in a series of theatre Vlogs, the HYSA IGCSE level Theatre Arts students delved into the unique combination of art and science that is theatrical makeup (aka Facepaint) this week.
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Thespian Ex Board Says "Ta Dust Off Yer Boots and Stetsons" for this Annual Event
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Yippee!! The "ole" west is comin’ to HYSA and the Thespian Society Executive Board is invitin' ya to join in the fun! Weathered saddles, cowboy hats, and a bale of hay or two are bein’ wrangled for the September 9th HIGH NOON at HYSA Classic Drive-in Movie Event in the La Sala Ballroom at ASU West.
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For the Third Year HYSA Thespians Share Books with Nearly 300 Students
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“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”
-- Stephen King Squeals of delight announced the return of the HYSA Thespian Society to Sunburst Elementary School. This fall marks the third year thespians have been reading at the local Title One Elementary School. Promoting literacy through creative voice and play are two facets of this on-going service-focused project. “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ― Charles William Eliot, 21st President of Harvard |
2016 HYSA Thespian Society Welcome Event
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“Small cheer and great welcome makes
a merry feast.” -- William Shakespeare The annual HYSA Thespian Society Welcome Event was a great way to launch the HYSA Thespian Society's fifth year. Student newcomers, DCU guests, and HYSA alumni shared cookies and laughter while learning about thespian opportunities. |
- Service Learning Thespian A-Level Student Style -
Sharing Bilingual Oral Traditions & Original Music with Young Audiences
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A-Level theatre students, Madison Kuhler, Isabel Greenberg, Karaline Petty, Angela McChesney, Kyle Johnson, and Sumaita Mulk, brought to life a bilingual production of the Brothers Grimm's Hansel & Gretel. Nearly two hundred young audience members enjoyed the experience of hearing the story in German and discussing the "wicked" consequences of nibbling on gingerbread houses. Liv Johnson joined fellow thespians in the post- show talkbacks. One of the highlights of the unique Performance Outreach Event was the delightful music composed by theatre student Seth Gibson.
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Stagecraft Engages in Service-Learning
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Here are highlights from the Secondary One Stagecraft service-learning outreach project. HYSA students presented theatrical production exhibits to nearly one hundred fourth grade students and performed an original, contemporized version of The Billy Goats Gruff" to support the fourth grade folklore curriculum. The show featured a well-received troll rap written by IGCSE level student Jason Amoako-Agyei. "
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1937 Radio Broadcast & You Can't Take It With You
Transport the ASU West La Sala Ballrooms to the 1930s
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In April, IGCSE Level students took to the stage with Hart and Kaufman's perennial favorite, "You Can't Take It with You." In addition to performing this classic American play, the multitalented cast created original radio spots for the "1937 Radio Broadcast" production, and student Josui Maruno composed original songs to highlight the shows' themes.
The productions were part of a semester long interdisciplinary course, which focused on developing all facets of theatrical performance and stagecraft. |
A-Level Herberger and ASU Students Launch
the HYSA Spring Reparatory Shows with Theatre Favorite "Almost Maine"
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“You'll never really be great unless you
aim high.” ― Stella Adler, The Art of Acting Spring was a busy time for the HYSA thespians. Two full length plays were produced in repertory. "Almost Maine" was the first show to premier. Current A-Level students were joined by HYSA alumni thespians. The thespians showcasing their comedic and dramatic talents were aptly supported by a production team who -- among other things -- created a unique aurora borealis. As actor, composer, and sound tech, Seth Gibson donned both production and performance hats. |
PlayBack Theatre Rehearsals Spark Laughter
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"As near as I can see, the only thing
you can take with you is the love of your friends." -- Grandpa Martin Vanderhoff IGCSE Level thespians apply Grandpa Vanderhoff's sage advice as they rehearse for the April mainstage performances of "1937 Radio Broadcast & You Can't Take It With You". |
Third Year HYSA Competes at the State Level NSC
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"Totus mundus agit histrionem"
(means all the world's a stage and was the motto for the Globe Theater's first acting company) HYSA thespian Jason Amoako-Agyei presented Shylock and Sonnet 55 at the Phoenix Branch 2016 ESU National Shakespeare Competition. Event Coordinator and Southwest Shakespeare Company's Associate Artistic Director, Kent Burnham, described the high school level competition as a "celebration of Shakespeare, students, educators, and written verse." This is the third year HYSA Thespian Society members have competed in this annual state competition. |
Over 100 Elementary School Students Attend
the 2016 HYSA Winter Student Showcase
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“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember.
Involve me and I learn.” -- Benjamin Franklin Over 100 fourth grade elementary school students visited ASU West and partook of the Second HYSA Winter Showcase Event. Over the course of the day long event, HYSA students explained, shared, and performed a wide array of multidisciplinary projects. "Can we come back? This is the best field trip ever!" -- Fourth Grader |
Book Pals Celebrates Dr. Seuss's 112th Birthday
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"Play is the highest form of research." - Albert Einstein Members of the HYSA Thespian Society spent Friday morning at a local elementary school playacting fun ways to stretch imagination and silly ways to release frustration. In anticipation of Dr. Seuss' upcoming birthday the young audience members also enjoyed a taste of "Green Eggs and Ham" in Mandarin. This is the second year HYSA Thespians have participated in the National Education Association"s "Read Across America" project. |
The 2016 Poetry Out Loud Regional Competition Focuses on Cultivating New Talent
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Following the 2016 Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition HYSA Thespian Society Co-President Isabel Greenberg and Tomas Stanton, Co-Founder and Executive Direct of Phonetic Spit, took a moment to celebrate the end of the event. POL combines two of Isabel's long time interests -- poetry and theater. This is Isabel's third year of competing in the POL competition and her first as the HYSA school winner.
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Fourth Annual Poetry Out Loud Competition
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This January marked the fourth year HYSA has participated in the National Poetry Out Loud Competition. The National Endowment for the Arts and ASU's School of Film Dance & Theatre, along with Phonetic Spit, Inc., are the hosts for this year's event. Each year the HYSA student body competes in two tiers of competition to arrive at a school winner. Nine finalists were selected to via for first, second, and third place. The final three were Isabel Greenberg, Jason Amoako-Agyei, and Carly Cairns.
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Inaugural Thespian Halloween Carnival and Fall Festival Loads of Fun
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Face painting, limbo, balloon modeling, rocket launching, Twister, musical chairs, and so much more made last night's Thespian Society Halloween Carnival and Fall Festival a big success! A huge thank you to everyone who taped and toted to ensure a fun time for all. To see more pics check out the HYSA Thespian Society Photo Gallery.
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Literacy and Language Elicit Laughs
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On October 2nd the HYSA Thespian Society returned to Sunburst Elementary School for another BookPALS outreach event. While the outreach readers prepared for a fun and rewarding community service event, Mrs. Switzer-Wareing shuttled the crew over. Madison Kuhler and Karaline Petty, the BookPALS' student co-chairs, presented along with the HYSA Thespian Society webmaster, Kyle Johnson, who read bilingual poetry from " If I Had a Paku." Johnson taught eager young audience members Mandarin words and phrases. In turn, audience members shared Korean, Spanish, and German words with group. Alexa Twibell, Carly Cairns, and Olivia “Liv”Johnson also joined in the literacy fun. In keeping with the October Spirit, monster-themed books were read: “Max the Brave,” “Room on the Broom,” and “Troll, Two, Three, Four.” Last month's animal-noise craze continued with “Sick Days with Amos McGee” and “There’s a Tiger in my Soup!” After piloting their planes and growling their terrible growls, the athletic thespians returned to the HYSA to enjoy the rest of the school day.
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Classic Sci-Fi Drive-In Movie Event Garnered a Large and Happy Audience
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HYSA, the ASU community, and valley members donned their vintage best to enjoy the multidisciplinary 1950's Sci-Fi Drive in Movie Night. Poodle skirts and leather jackets met "The Iron Giant" as friends gathered to chat and laugh for a few hours of fun. The successful event included swing music, dancing, and alien themed food. In addition, to watching the movie, attendees were encouraged to take photos in the cardboard cars on Route 66 and with large scale robots designed by HYSA students. One of the evening's highlights was watching the vintage movie trailers produced by HYSA's own Secondary One students. The trailers featured alien invaders, experiments gone awry, terrifying robots, and true love. What better way is there to sum up the 1950s?
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Come On Baby, It's Time To Twist!
Sneaking a Peak at Preparations for the Classic Sci-Fi Drive-In Movie Event
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Hula hoops, poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and aliens are being dusted off in anticipation of the upcoming Classic Sci-Fi Drive-in Movie Event on September 18th in the La Sala Ballroom at ASU West. This multidisciplinary event will be a culmination of a three-week collaboration between the disciplines of engineering, theatre, history, and technology.
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September Smiles Start the Thespian Society Service Project
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Moon-bound rockets, unusual barking dogs, soft-hearted monsters, and the quest for the perfect bath sparked over one hundred young imaginations in the Sunburst Elementary School classrooms as the HYSA Thespian Society launched its 2015 BookPALS service project. On a monthly basis HYSA thespians share their talents and love for the printed word with second graders and kindergartners. This is the second year HYSA and SAG have teamed up to actively promote literacy in the Valley of Sun, and it promises to be just as much of a successful pleasure as last year.
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HYSA Thespian Society and SAG BookPALS
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HYSA Thespian Society BookPALS student co-chairs, Karaline Petty and Madison Kuhler, participated in the Arizona BookPALS fall kickoff event for the Screen Actors Guild's national literacy program. The diverse outreach efforts of the HYSA Thespian Society were again recognized by the AZ BookPALS director.
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2015 HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board Sparks Inspiration
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The HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board opened the 2015 school year by symbolically walking onto a stage. The executive board’s speeches offered information concerning upcoming events. Some of the events include the HYSA Thespian Halloween Carnival & Fall Festival and the Annual Costume Party. Expressing encouraging hopes for the upcoming year, these speeches were followed by a variety of improv games in which new thespians and veterans alike participated with alacrity and aplomb. The opening event promises an incredible year.
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SAG BookPALs Year End Wrap Up Makes Note of HYSA Thespian Service Efforts
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Co-student BookPALs chairs, Karaline Petty and Madison Kuhler joined HYSA Thespian Troupe Director, Sabrina Switzer-Wareing at the BookPALs Appreciation Luncheon and Year End Wrap-Up where classroom highlights were shared by an array of talented Arizona volunteers. The successful and diverse service efforts of the HYSA Thespian Society were noted by Ellen Dean, Arizona BookPALS Director and National Director, Robin Roy. The twenty year old Screen Actors Guild (SAG) signature literacy program has been active in Arizona since 1998. The HYSA Thespian Society has been enthusiastically invited to continue its service efforts and asked to broaden its outreach to include the fourth grade at Sunburst Elementary School.
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Honors Actors Lab and Outreach
Presents a New Spin on a Traditional Cumulative Folktale
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“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears,
however measured or far away.” --Thoreau HYSA's Honors Actors Lab actors combined drums and stylized performance movement to create a unique interpretation of a traditional cumulative folktale in their recent outreach service project. The rhythmic demands of the show provided actors with a physically demanding opportunity for ensemble performance. Over one hundred elementary school students gathered to enjoy the final performance of "Tanggu to Riki Tiki Tembo."
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Technical Theatre Outreach Offers
Puppetry, Horses, and Set Design to Young Audiences
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Using the "powerfully moving and imaginative drama" "War Horse" as inspiration, HYSA Technical Theatre students went on the road to share their varied interests. One hundred and twenty two second graders participated in the center-based learning service project. While AJ Diedtrich introduced the marionette "Joey" to one group, Talia DeBrigida shared her vast horse knowledge via a musical power point. Ryan Graham demonstrated a lighting and set design. The HYSA students had studied the play, "War Horse," prior to constructing the puppet and the set.
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New Executive Board Announced at Thespian Finale Event
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HYSA Thespians gathered outdoors on the ASU West campus for the Thespian Society's 2015 Finale Event. While members enjoyed a tasty array of treats, the new HYSA Thespian Society Executive Board was announced. In addition, graduating thespian seniors, many of whom were founding members of the society, were presented with International Thespian society awards of scholarly distinction. The new Executive Board members included students from each Wave: Madison Kuhler, Isabel Greenberg, Jasmine Amoako-Agyei, Jessica Gibson, Keaten Wood, Cait O'Brien, Marc Silverman, Grace Ruiz, Karaline Petty, Carson Breus, and Kyle Johnson. Creative and diverse improvisation performances added to the success of the end of the year gathering.
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Wave One and Two Tour Perform for Three Hundred Elementary School Students
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"Spoken word poetry is the art of performance poetry. I tell people it involves creating poetry
that doesn't just want to sit on paper, that something about it demands it be heard out loud or witnessed in person." -- Sarah Kay, Director of Project V.O.I.C.E First, Second, and Fourth Graders were treated to a special performance by the Wave One and Two Performance Outreach Program students. The original piece, "Patchwork Poetry Play", offers young audiences an opportunity to explore the world of poetry through theatre. For many of the young HYSA actors this was the first time performing "on the road."
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Performance, Math, and Foreign Language Share the Stage
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The combining of three disciplines offered students a unique service learning outreach opportunity. HYSA Thespian, Karaline Petty, presented a bilingual math lesson to two Pueblo Elementary School fourth grade math classes. The young students were challenged to explore the concepts of proportion, fractals, and Koch's Snowflake. As part of the school's Foreign Language Immersion Program option, fourth graders study mathematics in Spanish.
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POP and HALO Student Rehearse Spring Outreach Shows
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This year's final outreach productions are in the last stages of rehearsal. Wave One and Two students are working on a poetry based piece called, "Patchwork Play." While the Wave Three and Four HALO students are rehearsing the original percussion piece, "Tanggu to Riki Tiki Tembo." Both shows are scheduled to tour in May to area elementary schools.
For over three years, the HYSA theatre outreach program has been engaging young audiences and actively promoting literacy education through performance to valley elementary schools and nonprofit community organizations. In the coming year, the program will continue to broaden its community service mission throughout the area. |
Graduating Thespians Trod the Boards for a Final Time
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On the second day of the HYSA Spring Student Showcase, graduating HYSA Thespian Society members and fellow Wave Five thespians shared their acting and musical abilities with an appreciative crowd. The monologues and scenes ranged from comedic to Shakespearean. The final performance brought tears to many audience members as the iconic song, "Defying Gravity," was sung; Wave Five students took the stage for a final bow.
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HYSA Thespian BookPALS Continue to Serve
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"BookPALS don’t teach students to read.
They teach them to learn to LOVE to read." -- BookPALS, Screen Actors Guild On April 17th a new group of HYS Thespian Society readers introduced themselves to the Sunburst Elementary School kindergarten and second grade. The HYSA students were joined by the Arizona BookPals Executive Director, Ellen Dean, who congratulated them on a job well done.
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"The Giving Tree" Welcomes Arizona BookPals Director to Finale
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"There is a great benefit to having middle school
and high school students read aloud in elementary schools because they serve as role models for the younger kids and make reading cool. I've even heard little ones say, 'I want to be a BookPAL when I grow up.' The collaboration with the HYSA Thespian Society is icing on the literacy cake! The actors bring their expressive and acting skills to the reading experience. The little kids learn the importance of reading with expression and fluency." -- Ellen Dean, Arizona BookPALS Director, SAG ASU West's Second Stage West was the venue for the final performance of "The Giving Tree." The invited audience included BookPALs members, Hope Women's Center, and the St. Vincent de Paul community. "The Giving Tree" concluded its five month run having performed before 1,300 area school children and parents.
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Thespians Show Off Facepaint Skills
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"Perhaps imagination is only intelligence
having fun." -- G. Scialabba In the class, Facepaint: A Foundation in Foundation. a pop quiz is different from any other course! Students draw and paint on peers to demonstrate the art and science of makeup design. While exploring Character and Abstract makeup necessitates discipline and focus, the class also offers plenty of chances for fun. |
HYSA Thespian Society Gathers En Masse
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"The word theatre comes from the Greeks. It means the seeing place. It is the place people come to see the truth about life and the social situation."
-- Stella Adler The HYSA Thespian Society gathered on the steps at ASU West to capture a grand yearbook picture as well as to commemorate the third year anniversary of the HYSA International Thespian Society troupe. With over forty thespians in attendance the group marked the anniversary well. |
HYSA Thespian BookPALs Commemorate Read Across America Celebration
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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
-- Dr. Seuss Read Across America's celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday was duly noted when students from all five waves of the Herberger Young Scholars Academy read at Sunburst Elementary School. The event was part of the ongoing HYSA Thespian Society's BOOKPALs outreach program.
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Zweygardt and McChesney Represent HYSA at State and Regional Competitions
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February 28th was a busy day for two talented HYSA Thespians. Graduating senior, Tyera Zweygardt, represented HYSA at the State National Shakespeare Competition in the morning. While Wave Four student, Angela McChesney, competed in the Central Regional Poetry Out Loud at the ASU Tempe campus in the afternoon. Zweygardt performed Rosalind's epilogue from "As You Like It" and Sonnet 116. McChesney presented the poems, "Double Dutch" and "Every Single Day." Over twenty Arizona high schools competed at the annual events.
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Successful Interdisciplinary Exploration Event Applies Critical Thinking Skills
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A four week collaboration of the disciplines of Theatre, Engineering, and History was successfully realized on February 26th and 27th via a live theatrical performance and a live audio broadcast of WOTW. To create a realistic radio broadcast from the 1930s HYSA Wave One and Two students had to research the era, design effective sound effects, and develop authentic characterizations. Audiences were simultaneously delighted and impressed by the multitasking young ensemble.
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New Thespian Readers Share Time with 150 Young Audience Members
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Kindergartners and Second Graders enthusiastically welcomed Jessica Gibson, Kenna Basteyns, Isabel Greenberg, Gigi Ruiz, Joshua Grosso, and Jasmine Amoako Agyei to their classrooms with laughter and high-fives. Over the course of the morning the HYSA Thespian Society BookPAL readers shared six books The stories about Goldilocks trapping dinosaurs, jeep driving sheep, and an overburdened broom sparked giggles and diverse audience imitations. While "The Nevergreen," "Gigi and Lulu's Gigantic Fight," and "You Are Special" asked the young audience to explore how important it is to be kind to one another and to be true to oneself. The HYSA thespians departed with rounds of applause echoing in their ears.
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Post-Valentine Party Chance to Display Improv Knack
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"One of the things I learned from improvising is that all of life is an improvisation, whether you like it or not. Some of the greatest scientific discoveries of the 20th century came out of people dropping things." -- Alan Arkin
Sweet treats and laughter were served in heaping portions at the HYSA Thespian Society Post-Valentine Improv Party. Invited guests joined HYSA Thespian Society members in the Kiva Hall audience as peers shared their diverse improvisation performance talents. "I'm very comfortable improvising. If I have just two or three ideas and I know how the character feels, what the character wants, everything in between is like trapeze work." -- Stephen Colbert |
HSYA 2015 Poetry Out Loud Champion Announced
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"Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history." -- Plato
"Poetry brings together communities, is an excellent form of self expression, and an admiration for the art of literature and language is very important,"said Angela McChesney, the winner of the HYSA Poetry Out Loud 2015 Competition. McChesney will be representing the Herberger Young Scholars Academy at the regional Poetry Out Loud competition on Saturday, February 28th at ASU Tempe. Second and Third place winners, Marc Silverman and Jasmine Amoako-Agyei, dynamically performed Golden Retrievals and Ozymandias for the competition. Silverman will be the HYSA regional alternate.
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Final Tier of Competition Offered Diverse Voices
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The January event marked the third year HYSA has actively participated in the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation competition. Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allen Poe, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow were some of the poets whose words found a new voice in the talented HYSA POL finalists: Jasmine Amoako-Agyei, Angela McChesney, Caitlin O'Brien, Karaline Petty, Marc Silverman, Emily Tenaglia, Alyssa Unell and Tyera Zweygardt. While Accuracy Judges (and graduating seniors) Joshua Grosso and Javier Urcuyo bid goodbye to their long held positions, the new Masters of Ceremonies quartet of Isabel Greenberg, Jason Amoako-Agyei, Ryan Graham, and Kenna Basteyns also presented themselves with confidence and presence at the 2015 POL competition.
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Student Showcase Event Highlights Thespian Efforts
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HYSA Thespian Society members demonstrated their performance and technical production skills at the December 12th interdisciplinary Student Showcase Event. For this unique collaborative gallery and performance occasion, Arizona State University's La Sala Ballroom was transformed into a mini-amphitheater. Throughout the day audiences were afforded varied opportunities to experience characterizations of Hypatia, Archimedes, Plato's Allegory of the Cave, and a host of Shakespearean characters. Original poetry, Youth Theatre, and edgy contemporary monologues and scenes were well represented as well.
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HYSA Students Present a Unique BookPALs Event
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In anticipation of the coming holiday season, the Sunburst Elementary School kindergarten and second graders were treated to a special BookPALs performance of The Giving Tree. The young audience members followed their laughter and enthusiastic applause with such comments as, "Why did the tree give so much? Why didn't he say thank you? He should have said thank you. When are you coming back? Please come back soon!"
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HYSA School-Wide Poetry Out Loud Competition
November marked the first tier of the Third Annual HYSA Poetry Out Loud (POL) National Recitation competition. POL was developed through a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. According to studies,"poetic or verse memorization provides one with knowledge of a qualitatively and physiologically different variety." Additionally, presenting poetry enhances students' speaking skills, self-confidence, and literary heritage knowledge. These are some of the goals of POL. The pictured twelve HYSA semi-finalists will compete at the final school tier on Friday, January 16th. The winner will be considered the school champion and go on to represent HYSA at the regional competition on Saturday, February 28th at ASU Tempe.
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HYSA Thespian Society Third Annual Costume Party
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'Best Themed Group', 'Best Superhero', and 'Most Likely to Make You Giggle' were a few of the categories Thespians and their guests could win at the Third Annual Costume Party. Since the launch of the chapter, the HYSA Thespian Society Costume Party has been a highly anticipated and well attended event. This year was no different. The annual event affords students the opportunity to reveal their interests and skills. Many costumes clearly showed the hours of sewing time, while others were minimalist to the extreme, but wickedly creative. From Winnie the Pooh to Jinx from Teen Titans, everyone was dressed up and ready to have a great time.
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A Halloween Improv Jam Session
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On Friday, October 31st HYSA thespians brought their improv acumen to an alternative jam session event. Audience members were encouraged to join performers in such time honored Improvisational games as Freeze, The Dating Game, and World's Worst. The games offered a fun ending to the week and added to the anticipation of the evening's costumed activities.
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Second HYSA BookPALs Visit Prompts Delighted Giggles
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Words are powerful and very, very funny! This is what the Sunburst second graders discovered when they were introduced to B.J. Novak's Book With No Pictures on Friday, October 24th. With silly words, elephant noises, taco eating dragons, and pirate lessons, the HYSA Thespian Society added the second grade to their BookPALs audience. After reading to the delighted second grade, the thespians visited the kindergartners, who were more than willing to share their giggles and elephant noise interpretations with the HYSA students. Following a long round of applause and promises to return again, the thespians departed wearing broad smiles of their own.
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Literacy Service Project Opens Opportunities
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"What does a dog say?" "How does an armadillo protect itself?" These were two of the questions posed to the 120 kindergartners who sat on brightly colored squares listening to members of the HYSA Thespian Society read to them. October 3rd was the launch date for the HYSA Thespian Society's service project, BookPALs (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools). The mission of BookPALs, sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild, is to "help children learn to love books by bringing the talents of performer volunteers into classrooms and other venues." This collaboration of the HYSA Thespian Society with BookPALs was the first of many wonderful opportunities for student readers and student listeners to explore the pleasure of literature and share time with members of their community.
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Inaugural Improvisation Event
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Laughter filled the Kiva Lecture Hall on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. The cause was the inaugural HYSA Thespian Improvisation Event, where members of the Thespian Society played entertaining games in front of a live audience. Improvisation is a form of theater where performance elements are spontaneous. This discipline of theater is very important because it teaches people public speaking skills and develops their ability to think on their feet while forming a connection with the other people performing. This event served to introduce all our members to improvisation in an entertaining way and it marked the start of a great year! Watch for updates about other events that we have planned in the future.
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The 2014 HYSA Thespian Society Induction Ceremony
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Wednesday, September 17th marked the Second Annual HYSA Thespian Society Induction Ceremony. The evening opened with the Executive Board members sharing their thoughts on being elected and the art of theatre. The announcing of the rank roll of star and honor thespians was noted with applause. Lastly, with the lighting of a candle "in honor of speech, which lifts human beings from ordinary reality to entire worlds beyond, especially the worlds created on the stage," sixteen new members were officially inducted.
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