The Call Board“When you’re an Addams...”

It’s that time of year again, when the WCSPA students and staff close their season with the biggest and most spectacular show of the year...the annual spring musical!

On May 20th and 21st, prepare to laugh, cry, and cackle as The Addams Family rolls into town. Full of laughter and plot twists, The Addams Family promises to be a crowd pleaser for all ages, especially because of the recognizable characters.

Charles Addams (1912-1988) made his “family” known through The New Yorker in a series of comic strips. Those doodles created the iconic characters of the “Addams Family.” Other media sources built on their looks and personality traits. From a television series, to multiple movies, and now

a musical, the world’s most kooky, spooky family has only gained popularity and fame.

Charles Addams only drew about two dozen “Addams Family” comics, yet they were his most renowned pieces. All of the “Addams Family” comics consisted of one panel of art and a short quote under the panel to help explain the joke. The beauty of these comics was that each drawing easily displayed the personalities of each character without even needing to look at the quote. None of the characters even had names. What was the meaning behind the dark-humored comics?

The idea that Charles Addams was striving for was displaying a different kind of humor in The New Yorker. He wanted to show people (specifically the Addams

Family) acting calmly and nonchalantly on aggressive or dark impulses. It was a new idea for dark humor that has people still laughing today.

“I like that he can take an image with only one line of dialogue and still capture the oddball nature of the Addams Family,” said Dallas LaCross, Level 4, after seeing two of the original comics. “He doesn’t need an elaborate cartoon, he just has a certain style. The dialogue is so casual and morbid at the same time, and that’s all he needs.”

The CallboardEditors in Chief

Courtney Skrinner Level 2, CHS

Spring 2016 Edition

Reflecting on Winterfest

Page 1

UP NEXT!On February 5th and 6th, our WCSPA

students performed a dance concert called Winterfest. To start off Winterfest, students from levels two, three, and four choreographed a 30-second dance and presented it to their level as a pitch for a Winterfest piece.

Students went through a vigorous week-long dance audition process, in which students demonstrated their skills in various dance techniques and learned several dance combinations. After this, the students that were best suited for the selected dances

were cast in the show. This entire process gave WCSPA students experience in creating choreography and helped them to further develop their dance skills and technique.

Winterfest not only showed the students how to work as a team to accomplish making their dances perfect, but also helped many of the dancers overcome challenges.

(Continued on page 5)

By: Rebekah Coy Level 4, SHHS

(Continued on page 2)

Alina Zhuravel Level 3, WMHS

Rebekah Coy, SHHS

Dallas LaCross, CHS

Cierra Spangler, WMHS

Samantha Wajeeh, SHHS

Page 2 The Call Board

problem.” Aside from that, the television series also came with the introduction of new characters like Thing, Cousin Itt, and many other family members and pets.

“I never knew a television show like this existed!” said Erin Esser, Level 3, “I will definitely watch it, though. It will be very interesting to see the interpretation of the characters from back then.”

It took a long time for another form of media to make the “Addams Family” big again, but the Addams shined through when a movie, The Addams Family, hit the theaters in November of 1991. The movie did well enough to earn a sequel two years later. Released in November 1993, Addams Family Values is the story of the newest member of the “Addams Family,” Pubert. Starring Raul Julia as Gomez, Anjelica Huston as Morticia, and Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester, these movies were nominated for numerous awards and are always good for laughs.

As for the most recent adaptation of the “Addams Family,” it has everyone in WCSPA singing, snapping, and snatching up scripts.The Addams Family musical, which first opened on Broadway in 2010, is a show for everyone to enjoy. Unlike some other adaptations, the musical is more centralized on the cartoons than the other television shows and movies. The show takes place when all of the characters are older. Wednesday

is engaged to a young man named Lucas Beineke. Wednesday invites the Beineke Family over for dinner and asks her family to just give her, “One Normal Night.” Instead, chaos ensues.

“I am definitely looking forward to doing this show,” said Ketura Bradford, Level 4. “I am looking forward to working on the costumes and making them as wacky as the Addams Family characters themselves. The cast, crew and audience are going to have so much fun!”

The “Addams Family” has a legacy that has lasted for nearly a century, all thanks to Charles Addams. It is because of him that the public has comics that are now considered classics, television shows that leave everyone snapping and singing along, movies that can be watched over and over again, and a musical to entertain all of the senses.

The Addams Family Musical performances are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Chevrolet and will take place at 7:30 PM on May 20th and May 21st. Tickets are available in advance online, and all seating is reserved. Please visit WCSPA on the web at school.wcskids.net/wcspa for tickets and information.

(Addams, Continued from Page 1) Of all of the different types of

media that were created for the “Addams Family,” the most well-known was the live-action television show from the 1960’s. The show aired for two seasons with a total of 64 episodes. It was widely accepted, largely because of the catchy theme song that has everyone snapping. The show (originally aired in black and white) very closely resembled the comics. However, the characters had names and more specific character traits. As said by Charles Addams himself, “Gomez and Pugsley are enthusiastic. Morticia is even in disposition, muted, witty, sometimes deadly.”

Charles Addams continues by saying, “Grandma Frump is foolishly good-natured. Wednesday is her mother’s daughter. Many of the troubles they have as a family are due to Grandma’s fumbling, weak character. The house is a wreck, of course, but this is a house-proud family just the same, and every trap door is in good repair. Money is no

This year, the Level One students began their WCSPA careers with Schoolhouse Rock, Live! on March 18th and 19th at 7:30 p.m. This musical was about Chris Kaifesh, a new first-year teacher who is anxious about his first official day with students in the classroom. He tries to calm his nerves by turning on the television. He is happy to see that Schoolhouse Rock, Live! has just started. He gets confused when he notices the characters moving during

the credits. Suddenly, the Schoolhouse characters burst into chaos when they notice that Chris can see them when he is not supposed to. Chris, now curious, gets closer to get a better look. Clumsily, he spills his coffee, the television explodes, and he gets sucked into their world. Throughout the show, the characters give Chris tips to better his teaching. Each lesson is presented in a musical number. One example is “Conjunction Junction,” which teaches about the correct usage of conjunctions.

The cast all agreed that they feel much more knowledgeable about history,

math, science, and politics after being a part of this show. “‘Interplanet Janet’ helped me memorize the order of all the planets in our solar system,” said Jaelen Mayberry, Level 1. The audiences learned about parts of speech, science, and social studies, as this show combined learning and entertainment into one performance.

Overall, Schoolhouse Rock, Live! was a great success for Level 1. “I couldn’t have asked for a better first show experience,” said Donovan Jackson. The Level 1 students showed us all that they are capable of accomplishing incredible things. The audience members were amazed at the talents and skills of our first-year students.

Schoolhouse Rocked!By: Alina ZhuravelLevel 3, WMHS

(See pictures on page 3)

Media’s Home In WCSPABy: Christina Badia Level 3, CHS

Media is a relatively new, intriguing aspect that is becoming increasingly present in the WCSPA shows. Student media designers are exploring what videos and slideshows can bring to a performance. Every show since last season’s Chicago has had some aspect of media in it. Whether it includes projected shadow dancers or a homemade version of “Just Dance,” media is changing the game.

Last year, media was integrated into many scenes/musical numbers in Chicago. Aireen Bartolome (Level 3 CHS, media designer) was able to incorporate shadow dancing projections into several of the numbers, which brought something very unique to the show. By strategically incorporating “shadow dancers” on the projection screens, it created the illusion of more people onstage, especially during “Nowadays,” which felt like a true Cabaret show.

To keep the momentum going, a slight touch of media was added in HONK! Jr. For example, the scenes where Drake was on “The News” pleading for Ugly and Ida to come back home, the media crew was able to go on stage with a hand-held camera and

film Drake. Meanwhile, the live video feed was projected onto a screen in view of the audience just behind the actor. This minor touch transformed that scene and made it feel like an authentic news broadcast. This also allowed the actors to act out a little more because they were projected onto a mammoth screen.

The next show to incorporate media was The 1940’s Radio Hour. While it was not present throughout the entire show, it served as a wonderful opener. Aireen Bartolome put together a short montage of clips from World War II. These clips included soldiers going into battle and Generals speaking to a crowd about the war. This segued flawlessly into the opening of the show and gave the audience a deeper understanding of that period in history before they entered the actors’ world.

All of that media was preparing us for the potent media in 2016’s Winterfest. Media was a core element of two of the dances: “WING$” and “Just Dance.” In “WING$,” Aireen Bartolome created a very touching video that portrayed the meaning of the dance. The whole message of the dance piece was that consumerism is taking over our society; and how as a society, we base people’s worth on the price of their shoes. She juxtaposed pictures of poverty-stricken kids next to kids opening up expensive gifts on

Christmas morning. Twenty different corporate logos, such as Apple and Nike, flashed across the screen in rapid succession. It is one thing to listen to the song and its message, but it is another to watch the visuals that accompany it. Her media brought the message of the dance to new heights. “The media gave a much deeper meaning to ‘WING$’,” said Aireen Bartolome, Level 3. “It was as if the media was another dancer in the piece.”

In the other piece, “Just Dance,”

Gabriel Balowski and Aireen Bartolome filmed the dancers on a green screen and (through the magic of media) turned another student’s dance into the “Just Dance” video game. The dancers for that piece were the avatars in the game. This was a very dynamic piece in Winterfest, and the media made that happen.

Media is raising the bar in WCSPA shows. Every show is trying to top the last one in a vigorous attempt to add uniqueness to each performance. From live video feeds to an organic “Just Dance” game, WCSPA is expanding what is possible to have in a performance.

Spring Issue Page 3

The Call Board

MS-VPA: One of a KindBy: Bernadette Magner Level 2, SHHS

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Poetry: The Spoken Word...At Its FinestBy: Sasha McCullomLevel 3, CHS

Poetry recitation can be an excellent gateway to expressing emotions through eloquent language. Poetry (as defined by Webster’s Dictionary) is, “writing that formulates imaginative awareness in language through meaning, sound, and rhythm.” One important component of reciting poetry is not only taking time to understand your poem, but also connecting the poetry to performance.

In order to connect poetry to performance, a poet must acquire one thing before anything else: commitment. Committing to your poem is essential to having a successful delivery. Once you begin to believe in the words that you are saying, performing your poem becomes much less nerve-wracking.

In addition to having commitment to your piece, you must also avoid performing it as a monologue. Contrary to popular belief, poetry recitation and monologues are two vastly different types of performance. For instance, in a monologue, it is good to incorporate physical movement

and to have a dramatic interpretation of the piece. This is not the case for poetry. In poetry, you should recite as if you are simply telling a story. Capturing the purpose of your poem through unique use of the voice (rather than using physical movement and heavy dramatic delivery) is the ideal approach to reciting a poem. Focusing on the underlying message of your poem will allow you to truly integrate poetry and performance. I recently had to learn for myself how important this difference is. I placed third in Michigan’s Poetry Out Loud Competition (2016) and felt proud to be among some of the finest young poets in Michigan for this event.

MS-VPA (The Middle School Visual and Performing Arts Program) is not your everyday, run-of-the-mill program. MS-VPA is a unique program for 7th and 8th graders that incorporates American History, Spanish, Visual Arts, Integrated Arts, and Integrated Music all into one. The program has only been running for two years and it is booming!

MS-VPA’s Integrated Arts program has put together a show called A Moment in Time, an hour-long, student-created comedy that contains musical numbers and interactive dialogue. A Moment in Time was designed to showcase what the students of MS-VPA have learned: stage directions, physical expression, costuming, and props and set design! A Moment in Time

combines comedy with an educational experience! This is one way to make learning history fun. Combining core curriculum with the arts provides exciting possibilities for engaging students.

MS-VPA’s Integrated Music focuses on vocal and instrumental music education within the program. In this class, they work on harmonizing, which combines multiple voices and different notes to get one cohesive sound. The students are also learning Laban’s efforts, a method and language for describing, visualizing, interpreting, and documenting all types of human movement. Finally, MS-VPA’s Integrated Music utilizes locomotor pathways.

Locomotor pathways are the ways that the body moves, whether that be swerving left to right while walking in a curved line, skipping in a diagonal pattern, or jumping in a zig-zag line on a low level. The options are endless with locomotion.

MS-VPA is putting incredible effort into creating a uniquely integrated arts experience for its middle school students. They have definitely been busy this year, but there is no doubt that they are having a blast. For a two-year-old program, they create a lot of interesting activities. MS-VPA is a great start for blooming actors, singers, and dancers. MS-VPA is “unlike any other learning experience you’ve ever had!”

Page 5Spring Issue

Blast From The PastBy: Sydney Baranski Level 4, CHS

Victorian worldview crumbles over the course of the play,” said Clauson..

WCSPA teaches lessons that last in theatre—as well as lessons for life in general. Clauson added that WCSPA taught him about the value of volunteering and commitment. “Volunteer your help and labor whenever and wherever you can. Not only does it give those around you a hand, it allows you to make a connection with another person and develop skills, too.” Clauson said. Through WCSPA, he learned to donate his time whenever he could; whether it was in one of the shops or by helping the teachers. He continues to use that skill in his everyday workplace. He has worked extremely hard to achieve the personal character he upholds and will never let down his sense of work ethic.

Clauson is currently a graduate student at the Yale School of Drama, earning his MFA (Master of Fine Arts). It is his third and final year in this program for Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism. The program puts students through intensive training to prepare for careers in three different categories: to work in theaters as dramaturges, artistic producers, or literary managers and related positions. This is one of the hardest and most important positions

in theatre. Students are training in studies of literature, theory and criticism, and history. Yale’s School of Drama aims for students to attain a comprehensive knowledge of theatre and dramatic literature.

Although this job seems like a large load to handle, Clauson enjoys it very much. “I quite like it, since I get to read and experience such a diversity of new and experimental works.” Clauson said. “It’s also great to feel like I’m right in the thick of the work with playwrights and directors, trying to achieve the larger goal of storytelling.”

Lastly, Clauson left the upcoming WCSPA students some parting wisdom for success. “The best advice I can give is to seek out viewpoints that directly contradict your beliefs. It will help you refine your values, and expose you to new ways of thinking about the world. That’ll make you a better artist. I’d also advise setting aside time—even if it’s just a few minutes each day—to work on something you’re extraordinarily passionate about. Whether it’s an art project, a dance piece, a play, cooking, or researching biology. That time will pay off.”

WCSPA has always created the perfect learning atmosphere for children who are looking to continue their career in theatre. Students who attend WCSPA have an advantage that almost every other theatre student in the country lacks, which leads to their very successful futures. WCSPA alumni David Clauson is one of these outstanding students who has taken his knowledge of theatre (provided by WCSPA) and molded it into his passion and career in adult life.

David Clauson graduated in 2009. What first pulled Clauson into theatre was the community that he became a part of while trying it out. “I became attracted to theatre because I was able to be part of a tight-knit community where I could make concrete contributions and spend my time serving the goals of the whole group,” Clauson said.

While he was in WCSPA, David excelled and enjoyed both performance and technical theatre. David talked about some of his most memorable roles during his time at WCSPA. “I really enjoyed playing Harding in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest because it was such a fantastic ensemble. Treves in The Elephant Man was a particular challenge because the character’s

“I worked really hard to overcome doing a toe-touch to a split in one of my dances,” said Isabelle Wither, Level 3. Most dancers do not have an extensive background in dance and even some of the more experienced dancers gained more knowledge from being in Winterfest. “I learned that good communication skills and constant repetition are so important in rehearsals,” says Megan Pecararo, Level 3.

Winterfest taught a lot of people to become more confident and brought them a newfound passion for dance. “You just really have to let go and be yourself on stage,” said Xavier Williamson, Level 2.

The choreographers also faced many challenges that they overcame during the process of Winterfest. “I found it difficult to teach my own dance in a room without mirrors,” said Corey Turner, Level 3. The students who were not a part of Winterfest cast helped out in the technical areas. “For this show, the media was more complex because I had to make the videos from scratch,” said Aireen Bartelome, Level 3. She and Gabe Balowski, Level 4, learned how to create and animate video media using advanced programs like Adobe’s AfterEffects and Premiere Pro.

In conclusion, Winterfest was a huge success and a lot of fun. All of the students and crew learned a lot about themselves and pushed each other to become better.

Reflecting on Winterfest (Continued. from page 2)

Photo Highlights Winterfest 2016WCSPA Photos

by Frank LombardoSee More on Shutterfly!

There’s Only One Word Left to Sing: ♪ Goodbye ♪

By: Christopher KaifeshLevel 4, SHHS

Seniors are anxiously awaiting graduation, but before we send them off, they are preparing for their last performance in WCSPA, Senior Showcase. In this mini show, the Class of 2016 joins together to create their last goodbye and to reflect on their last four years in the program.

In years past, students have made an introduction video and then performed different pieces (monologues, scenes, dances and songs). Senior Showcase is often an emotional experience for most seniors. As their last performance and last chance to showcase their talent, emotions tend to take over and the tears start to flow. “I fully expect to be sobbing by the end of Senior Showcase. I’m going to miss WCSPA and all the friendships that I’ve made over the last four years,”

said Sarah Gunter, Level 4. This performance is a time

where the four WCSPA teachers can sit back and look at how they have taught these seniors to create their own theatre and to “live truthfully in imaginary situations.” Many students come and go in WCSPA, gaining all of their theatre knowledge from Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Hart, Ms. Wygant, and Mr. Osenberg. Senior Showcase is going to be a bittersweet goodbye, but we wish the seniors all the best in whatever they end up doing.

“I didn’t have any theatre experience before WCSPA, so everything I’ve learned has been because of the four amazing teachers here,” says Gabe Balowksi, Level 4.

WCSPA creates friendships that will never die between students in all levels, not just their own. Because of this, Senior Showcase can be equally as emotional and saddening for the lower levels. Students from Levels 1-3 often

go through the program looking up to the seniors as performers, but more importantly as role models and friends.

“I’ve spent the last six years of my life with some of these seniors, and it’s going to be so hard saying goodbye to them. I look up to them as role models and almost like older siblings. I really couldn’t imagine my WCSPA career without any of them,” says Kevin Mazur, Level 3.

All in all, the 2016 seniors have worked endlessly to get where they are, and are wrapping their time up here in one last performance. No one knows what this year’s Senior Showcase has in store, so come experience it yourself in the Little Theatre, June 7th at 7:00 p.m.!

The Call BoardPage 6 The Call Board

Senior Miranda WilkingRe-Creates Millie’s Epic

“Chair Dive” (Showcase 2015)

Page 7 Spring Issue

A small round of applause at the end of each show is all the band gets. Every time WCSPA has a production, the audience sees the actors and the finished product, but they never see the mastermind behind the music. Ms. Cleaveland helps WCSPA with most music-related pursuits for shows. Ever see a WCSPA performance and were amazed at the vocals? Most of the credit must be handed to Ms. Cleaveland.

In the fall, Ms. Cleaveland taught a vocal class every day to WCSPA students for the first time. Although this was the first time Ms. Cleaveland had a class dedicated to her every day, she is not new to the program. She has worked with WCSPA since 2005.

Cleaveland works closely with the WCSPA students and devotes many hours after school to train them. She

The Face Behind The Music

By: Courtney Skrinner Level 2, CHS

recently helped Level One get ready for their show, Schoolhouse Rock Live! by being there in the morning every day to help the students learn the music. Additionally, she helped the upper levels once a week in order prepare them for auditions for the spring musical, The Addams Family.

The students appreciate her presence immensely. “She helped me learn how to read notes a lot better and how to sound better as a soprano,” said Racquel Tompkins, a Level 2 SHHS student. It is evident that Ms. Cleaveland is dedicated to making our productions sound as phenomenal as possible.

“I do it because it’s fun!” Ms. Cleaveland said. She has always loved music, acting and theatre. She has always known how to play the piano. Ms. Cleaveland primarily studied acting and musical theater in college at New York University. Ms. Cleaveland still acts now, but since she knew how to play the piano, teaching people vocals just seemed right. “My favorite part of WCSPA is the kids,” she explained. Ms. Cleaveland loves to see the different talents and what happens when you put all of them together.

Ms. Cleaveland’s love for teaching is evident. Her hard work pays off every time as the audience cheers for each show, leaving them with a glow in their eyes. Not only does she help the students, but she does so passionately, which is what makes her so loved by the WCSPA family.

Hamilton Chevrolet cares about Family and Future!

www.hamiltonchevy.com

WCSPA’s Jonathan Gillespie expresses our deepest gratitude to Hamilton Chevrolet for their continued sponsorship of WCSPA. David Hamilton (pictured left) and his family of employees are proud supporters of the arts, the WCS Community, and the families they serve.

Hamilton Chevrolet is proud to be the top sponsor of WCSPA’s 25th Anniversary season! From our founding, Gene Hamilton was a dedicated member of the Warren Rotary club—as well as being involved in many other community events. Hamilton Chevrolet continues to lead today through community involvement & investment. Hamilton’s second generation of owners continue the

tradition by supporting many non-profit events and organizations in the community. Owners Mike Hamilton, Sam Cupp and Mike Boguth support the Make-A-Wish foundation, Winning Futures Mentoring, Michigan Sting Hockey club, American Cancer Society, Gleaners food bank, Warren Jets football, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts.

“Our community is our reason for being. It is the reason we have been in business for 59 years, and the reason we continue to serve!” - David Hamilton, Owner

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Warren Consolidated School Of Performing ArtsSterling Heights High School12901 15 Mile RoadSterling Heights, MI 48312

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This newsletter was published with the generous support of the WCS Print Shop & Mr. Bill Shreeve.

The Addams Family - May 20 & 21, 7:30 pm.WCSPA - Upcoming Events:

Apr 2 – Apr 10 Spring Break

Wed May 18 Booster Club Meeting, 8:30pm

Fri May 20 ADDAMS FAMILY, Performance 7:30pm

Sat May 21 ADDAMS FAMILY, Performance 7:30pm

Mon May 30 No School, Memorial Day

Wed Jun 1 WCSPA Banquet

Tue Jun 7 Senior Showcase Little Theatre

Mon Jun 13 WCSPA Exam, Last day for WCSPA

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