I’m gonna live forever...

Developed by David de silva

Contents

Page 3 - Background Info Page 4 - Act OverviewPage 5 - Song listPage 6 - Creative TeamPage 7 - CastPage 11 - RehearsalsPage 13 - Backstage ProductionPage 14 - Course Information

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Fame the Musical is a stage musical based on the 1980 hit musical fi lm Fame. The show had its world premiere in Florida, USA in 1988 before it transferred to an Off Broadway venue in 2003. The show was conceived and developed by David de Silva, who was one of the original producers of the fi lm. Jose Fernandez After the fi lms success, a television series was mounted and it ran for six seasons. The musical was developed away from the fi lm and TV adaptations, and although there are similarities, their scripts and book are fundamentally diff erent. The score for the musical was completely re-written and the title track only included as an addition.

FameFame provides an open look at the New York Citys High School of Performing Arts, where sweat and hard work are the key factors to a successful life as a performer. The plot follows a group of students across the creative and expressive arts from 1980-1984 as they learn to master their craft and grow up alongside each other, rising to various challenges that face them as well as their own personal issues. Among them fame-obsessed drug addict Carmen, ambitious actress Serena, wisecracking comedian Joe, quiet, saintly violinist Schlomo, and "talented but dyslexic" dancer Tyrone.

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The show opens as we see young people from all over New York City audition and hope to be accepted into the NYC High School of Performing Arts. We are introduced to the main characters as well as the teachers, as Miss Sherman tells the successful applicants that it will take a lot of Hard Work to succeed at the prestigious school. In a drama class led by Mr. Myers we are intro-duced to Ni ck Piazza, a wannabe actor who is serious about his work. Lovesick classmate Serena Katz tries to win his aff ections, but Ni ck is more focused on rehearsing scenes. Joe discusses emotional and physical reactions as he sings about Carmen, a beautiful girl he sees in dance class and he tells the class that I Can't Keep it Down.

Over in dance class Tyrone cannot get to grips with classical ballet. He is anxious to show Miss Bell that he is a good dancer, but is frustrated being paired with Iris, a ballet dancer who mocks his lack of experience. Tyrone begins rapping to express his anger. Iris is overtaken with emotion and kisses him.

Ni ck and Serena continue rehearsing together, and Serena suggests a more romantic scene but her advances are somewhat ignored. Over in music, Carmen interrupts Schlomo's violin practice, suggesting lyrics for him to jam along to. Carmen joins his band and they begin to play together. During lunch Carmen and the other students dream of seeing their names in lights and how exciting it would be to be famous. Miss Sherman confronts Tyrone about his attitude towards learning, threatening to expel him if his grades do not pick up. Miss Bell argues that his artistic skills are worth keeping at the school and as Tyrone hears, he threatens to drop out of school.

The Junior Year begins with a Fall Festival, as the students sing I Want to Make Magic. Mabel, an overweight dancer, worries about dieting and how her life may progress. She decides to trans-fer to acting. Ni ck congratulates Serena on getting the lead role in their production of "Romeo and Juliet", and Serena is surprised that it will be Joe and not Ni ck starring as the love interest. Carmen tells Schlomo of her plans to leave school and move to LA with a Hollywood agent. She is accused of taking drugs as Schlomo begs her not to leave, but is ignored. Miss Sherman is keen to prove a point to Tyrone, making him read aloud in English class. He accuses her of being racist, and she slaps him in the face but is shocked at her own actions. Tyrone tells his classmates that he is a dancer and that is all he needs before writing "I Wi ll Read" on the chalkboard. Miss Sher-man enters alone and is touched by the message and sings These are my Children.

In rehearsal for Romeo and Juliet Serena pleads with Joe to take it seriously. Ni ck tries to show Joe how to act, resulting in a stage kiss between him and Serena.

The teachers confront Miss Bell about helping Tyrone pass the year to get into dance school. She admits she has done wrong and that Tyrone has to repeat the year. Carmen's body has been ravaged by drugs, and comes to school to tell Schlomo about her time in Hollywood. She promises to quit the drugs and to pick herself up.

At graduation ceremony Ni ck fi nally confesses his feelings for Serena and they promise to try and date despite living apart. Schlomo tells the class that Carmen died from a drug overdose, and they sing Bring on Tomorrow in her memory.

Act II

Act I

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emotional and physical reactions as he sings about Carmen, a beautiful girl he sees in dance class emotional and physical reactions as he sings about Carmen, a beautiful girl he sees in dance class and he tells the class that I Can't Keep it Down.and he tells the class that I Can't Keep it Down.

Over in dance class Tyrone cannot get to grips with classical ballet. He is anxious to show Miss Bell that he is a good dancer, but is frustrated being paired with Iris, a ballet dancer who mocks his lack of experience. Tyrone begins rapping to express his anger. Iris is overtaken with emotion and kisses him.and kisses him.

Ni ck and Serena continue rehearsing together, and Serena suggests a more romantic scene but her advances are somewhat ignored. Over in music, Carmen interrupts Schlomo's violin practice, suggesting lyrics for him to jam along to. Carmen joins his band and they begin to play together. During lunch Carmen and the other students dream of seeing their names in lights and how exciting it would be to be famous. Miss Sherman confronts Tyrone about his attitude towards learning, threatening to expel him if his grades do not pick up. Miss Bell argues that his artistic skills are worth keeping at the school and as Tyrone hears, he threatens to drop out of school.

The Junior Year begins with a Fall Festival, as the students sing I Want to Make Magic. Mabel, an overweight dancer, worries about dieting and how her life may progress. She decides to trans-fer to acting. Ni ck congratulates Serena on getting the lead role in their production of "Romeo and Juliet", and Serena is surprised that it will be Joe and not Ni ck starring as the love interest. Carmen tells Schlomo of her plans to leave school and move to LA with a Hollywood agent. She is accused of taking drugs as Schlomo begs her not to leave, but is ignored. Miss Sherman is keen to prove a point to Tyrone, making him read aloud in English class. He accuses her of being racist, and she slaps him in the face but is shocked at her own actions. Tyrone tells his classmates that and she slaps him in the face but is shocked at her own actions. Tyrone tells his classmates that

Act IIAct II

Song ListAct I:

Pray I Make P.A – CompanyHard Work – CompanyI Want to Make Magic – Ni ckCan't Keep It Down – Joe, StudentsTyrone's Rap – TyroneThere She Goes! /Fame – Carmen, StudentsLet's Play a Love Scene -SerenaBring on Tomorrow (pre reprise)- Schlomo, CarmenTeacher's Argument – Miss Bell, Miss Sherman

Act II:I Want to Make Magic (Reprise) – Ni ck and CompanyMabel's Prayer – Mabel, StudentsThink of Meryl Streep – SerenaDancin' on the Sidewalk – Tyrone, StudentsThese Are My Children – Miss ShermanIn L.A. – CarmenLet's Play a Love Scene (Reprise) – Ni ck and SerenaBring on Tomorrow (Reprise) – Schlomo, StudentsFinale: Hard Work/Fame (Reprise) – Company

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Hard Work – CompanyHard Work – CompanyI Want to Make Magic – Ni ckI Want to Make Magic – Ni ckCan't Keep It Down – Joe, StudentsCan't Keep It Down – Joe, StudentsTyrone's Rap – TyroneTyrone's Rap – TyroneThere She Goes! /Fame – Carmen, StudentsThere She Goes! /Fame – Carmen, StudentsLet's Play a Love Scene -SerenaLet's Play a Love Scene -SerenaBring on Tomorrow (pre reprise)- Schlomo, CarmenBring on Tomorrow (pre reprise)- Schlomo, CarmenTeacher's Argument – Miss Bell, Miss ShermanTeacher's Argument – Miss Bell, Miss Sherman

Act II:Act II:I Want to Make Magic (Reprise) – Ni ck and CompanyI Want to Make Magic (Reprise) – Ni ck and CompanyMabel's Prayer – Mabel, StudentsMabel's Prayer – Mabel, StudentsThink of Meryl Streep – SerenaThink of Meryl Streep – SerenaDancin' on the Sidewalk – Tyrone, StudentsDancin' on the Sidewalk – Tyrone, StudentsThese Are My Children – Miss ShermanThese Are My Children – Miss ShermanIn L.A. – CarmenIn L.A. – CarmenLet's Play a Love Scene (Reprise) – Ni ck and SerenaLet's Play a Love Scene (Reprise) – Ni ck and Serena

Creative Team

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Ni cola Blake - Director/Course LeaderAfter gaining a degree in Musical Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting and being in various professional productions Ni co-la decided to experience the arts from a diff erent view which prompted her to gain teaching experience and qualifi cations. She is extremely proud of the student progression and their dedication to the course. She would like to thank all of the students for all of their hard work and wishes the Second years the best of luck for their bright futures ahead of them.

David Hudson - Choreographer/TeacherDavid trained for three years at the Laban Centre London, working with choreographers such as, Athina Vahla, Gary Lambert and Amanda Gogh. A highlight of his early performing career, studying under Susan Sentler from the original Martha Graham Company (U.S) was performing in the true recreation of Martha Graham's Acts of Light. Whilst living in Ontario, Canada, David was the winner of Entertainer of the Year for his eff orts both in choreography and Performance in Cabaret Showcases around the Province. David has been teaching and choreographing dance in and around Oxford and London for many years, performing for "Biserk Dance Co" and "Jo Lott Dance". David has been affi liated with Abingdon and Wi tney College for the past 11 years and a permanent member of staff for 3 of those. David is returning to Canada as of July 2014.

Joy Iliff - Production ManagerJoy has worked in theatre for 10 years as a professional and for many years before as an amateur. She has dabbled in all areas of theatre as a freelancer and working for Reading Arts. In 2009 she began a Masters in Primate Conservation and made her project on using theatre as an environmental education tool. She then set this project up as a theatre in environmental education charity called MASC: Monkeys Acting in Schools for Conservation in 2010. She has since produced three shows about diff erent conservation issues including taking one to Morocco with BMAC (Barbary Macaque Awareness and Conservation) and is planning a tour in the summer in collaboration with The Little Fire Face Project using both cast and crew from Abingdon and Wi tney College. She started working at the college in August 2013 and has really enjoyed her year so far.

Tony Davies - Stage Manager/Course Leader

Cast & Characters

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Stanley TidburyAs

Nick Piazza Stephanie NashAs

Serena Katz

Edmund QuigleyAs

Tyrone Jackson

Aj BrownAs

Joe Vegas Tia DentonAs

Carmen Diaz

Jade HoareAs

Iris Kelly

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Frae ElfordAs

Mabel Washington Ellie Tuck As

Miss Sherman

Josh KerrAs

Schlomo Metzenbaum

Adella Paige As

LambchopsAnna Hunter

As Miss Bell

(Matinee)

Connie ManningAs

Miss Bell(Evening)

Caitlin Barclay As

GoodyEmma McDermott

As

Miss Sheinkopf(Evening)

Alicia KennardAs

Miss Sheinkopf(Matinee)

Cyndey GabbisonAs

Miss Myers Josie Worgan

Ensemble

Hollie Davey

Ensemble

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Amy Gardner

Ensemble

Michal Coombes

EnsembleKorinne Makin

Ensemble

Adam Wyatt

Ensemble

Alistair Ballad Martin

Ensemble

Clarissa King

Ensemble

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Rehearsals

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Backstage Production

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Jack Graham Kurtis Ridge-CollinsSam Hatzigeorgiou

Assistant Stage Managers

Deptuty Stage Manager

Kane Salter

Immi Worrell

Costume Managers

Nadia Hafi z Thomas White

Lighting Designer

Stage LX

Sound Tech

Luke Norton

Imbraheem Hamirani - Front of House ManagerMichael Polomski - LX 3 / Follow SpotLaura Pearson - Costume AssistantGabby Parsons - Costume AssistantAlfred Gerald - Sound Tech / OperatorBen Steventon - Sound AssistantMillie Dagnell - Stage CrewRyan Phillips - Production Assistant

Alfred Jerald Sibanda

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About The CourseLevel 3 Extended Diploma in Performance

•Subject area: Performing Arts

•Course type: Full time

We are well-known for our professional productions at college and on tour, where stu- dents work collaboratively on stage and behind the scenes to stage ambitious plays, musicals and concerts. Look out for some unique forthcoming events in our purpose built theatre. The team are all practitioners and work in the Performing Arts industry, as musicians, set designers, directors, dancers and actors. They draw on their wealth of experience and understanding of the industry to support individuals in their chosen career, focusing ambition.

This course is based in the purpose-built theatre at the Abingdon Campus with access to industry standard theatre lighting and sound. It is the equiv-alent to three A Levels. Due to its practical delivery, you will experience all aspects of theatre production and performance. You will:

•Develop performing arts skills in the areas of drama, dance, music and stage-craft sStudy theatre production and arts administration •Take part in and organise various termly performances •Undertake work experience and have the chance to participate in industry and overseas trips.

Final award Edexcel (BTEC) Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Performance)

Career steps The course will develop many skills that you will be able to use in the world of work and can be a route towards a career in Theatre, Musical Theatre, Dance or Technical Theatre. This does include backstage, technical and administrative jobs, in addition to performance. The course also qualifi es you for entry to university or drama school, and off ers up to 360 UCAS points.

Contact detailsTelephone Abingdon Campus on 01235 555585 Wi tney Campus on 01993 703464

dents work collaboratively on stage and behind the scenes to stage ambitious plays, dents work collaboratively on stage and behind the scenes to stage ambitious plays, musicals and concerts. Look out for some unique forthcoming events in our purpose built theatre. The team are all practitioners and work in the Performing Arts industry, as musicians, set designers, directors, dancers and actors. They draw on their wealth of experience and understanding of the industry to support individuals in their chosen career, focusing ambition.career, focusing ambition.

This course is based in the purpose-built theatre at the Abingdon This course is based in the purpose-built theatre at the Abingdon Campus with access to industry standard theatre lighting and sound. It is the equiv-alent to three A Levels. Due to its practical delivery, you will experience all aspects of theatre production and performance. theatre production and performance. You will:You will:

•Develop performing arts skills in the areas of drama, dance, music and stage-craft sStudy theatre production and arts administration craft sStudy theatre production and arts administration •Take part in and organise various termly performances •Take part in and organise various termly performances •Undertake work experience and have the chance to participate in •Undertake work experience and have the chance to participate in industry and overseas trips. industry and overseas trips.

Final award Final award Edexcel (BTEC) Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Performance)