The Call BoardWinterfest inspires students and audiences!

It’s that time of the year again! This February, the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts is holding their annual student dance concert, Winterfest. This show consists of pieces from all genres and styles of dance, choreographed and directed by students and WCSPA staff.

Winterfest is entirely created by the students in WCSPA. Our performances are made by students of different experience levels; from those who have been dancing since age three, to those who have never even tried on a dance shoe before arriving at WCSPA.

In fact, some of the most creative ideas come from those who have never created a dance before! There have been numbers inspired by cowboys, Bollywood/African dance, and even films such as Star Wars!

Winterfest 2018 will have styles such as jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, contemporary jazz and musical theatre. Many student-directed pieces are set to newer music that you could’ve just heard on the radio this morning or the songs you used to dance to in your mirror when you

Winterfest Dance Concert February 9 & 10

By: Malen Taylor Level 4, SHHS

(Contunued on page 2)

2017-2018 Season:

Winter 2018 Edition

Take the Stage: Fall Play Series

Page 1

UP NEXT!

James & theGiant Peach Jr.!March 23 & 24

Shrek the MusicalMay 18 & 19

Why see one show when you can see four? This season, WCSPA tried something very exciting for the fall performance; and instead of one big show on the main stage, there were four One-Act plays staged in the Little Theater. The shows ranged from dramatic to comedic; and each night, two of the four shows performed for a live audience. This gave Level 2-4 students many different opportunities to learn and gain experience with acting or technical

areas. Students had the opportunity to propose plays to direct as one of the four fall shows if they chose to—an exciting and rare opportunity for students aspiring to become directors. Two of the shows were directed by students and the other two plays were directed by staff/faculty directors Erik Hart and June Wygant.

I Dream before I Take the Stand, (directed by Ms. Wygant) is a drama about an interrogation/interview with a woman reporting a sexual assault. The Dark Road, (directed by Mr. Hart) is about the Holocaust from the perspective of

NEWS EDITORS:

By: Freda Monroe, Level 4, CHS

were twelve. This concert will take you on a time machine of music that your whole family will love, including songs from almost every musical style.

The show also includes dances created by our dance teacher, Ms. Wygant. She comes up with several meaningful or theatrical dances every year for students to grow and challenge themselves in dance. She makes sure that in every class, you walk out learning something you did not know before.

Winterfest is full of surprises, thanks to the proud support of Howard’s Fine Jewelry of Warren. With so many styles and genres to entertain all ages, you’ll be hooked through it all. Make sure to make it to Winterfest 2018 Feb. 9 & 10 at 7:30 in the WCS PAC.

and Racquel Tompkins, Level 4, SHHS

Cierra SpanglerLevel 4WMHS

Sam WajeehLevel 4SHHS

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“It’s all a bit bizarre”... That is an understatement from the opening number of James and the Giant Peach Jr.

“Right Before Your Eyes” warns us immediately about the craziness that unfolds before the audience. From potions that glow in the dark to bugs coming to life to a little boy flying on a giant peach, this year’s Children’s Musical, James and the Giant Peach Jr., will be one you won’t forget!

James follows the story of the novel upon which it is based (written by Roald Dahl). The talented duo from Michigan, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dogfight, Dear Evan Hansen) composed the lively and sytlistic musical score which brings events and characters to life on stage.

The show is about a little boy named James whose parents are consumed by a rhino—forcing James to live with his monstrously evil aunts, Spiker and Sponge. One day, he meets a mysterious man who makes him a potion that accidentally spills on an

(Continued from Page 1)

Right Before Your EyesBy: Malen Taylor Level 4, SHHS

old tree, causing one peach to grow (as well as the bugs all around it) until all have reached gigantic proportions. From here, James and his big bug buddies go on one Giant adventure as they sail around on a giant, flying peach!

financial distress. This fundraiser is their biggest success each year. The Level One students are very excited to perform in this show for audiences, especially the WCS matinee performances for kids from district elementary schools. Sydney Gregory, (Level One, portrays the lead character James) says, “I am very excited for my

Each year, the Level One students get one big musical all to themselves. Some Level One shows in the past have included Honk Jr., Schoolhouse Rock Live, and Seussical Jr. Each year, WCSPA partners with the Extra Credit Union and the local Blessings in a Backpack to raise funds for needy children in support of growth and academic achievement despite

first show at WCSPA. It’s going to be so much fun working with new people and working with a very unique score that not many people know.” WCSPA students are all very excited to take this childhood book to the stage and bring it to life in vivid, living color.

James and the Giant Peach Jr. has it all...a fantastical story, lively score, and unique characters—and guaranteed to make you smile. Come see James, Spiker, Sponge, Ladalord, and the rest of the whimsical creatures in James and the Giant Peach Jr.!

the Germans who worked in the concentration camps or under the Nazi regime.

Check, Please (directed by Lea Macinic, Level 3) is a comedy about blind dating and all the things that go wrong on bad dates.

Finally, 13 Ways to Screw up Your College Interview (directed by Malen Taylor, Level 4) is a comedy about thirteen different people who show all the different things you should NEVER do at your college interview.

The students who auditioned were also excited to see this series come alive. It was very different structurally than anything they have ever done in WCSPA, but most think that this change was a good thing. Freda Monroe (Level 4) says, “I’m excited for this because it’s new and something we can experiment with together as a group. Whether we do

it again or not, it will be interesting to see how all of it goes.”

We hope you had a chance to come out to see all four shows that were a part of Take the Stage this fall. This was something brand new and incedible that you did NOT want to miss!

Winter Issue Page 3

WCSPA Conquers the Big Apple - NYC Tour ‘17By: Donovan Jackson Level 3, WMHS

Maybe it’s the bright luminescent lights and Technicolor scene. Or, it could be the smell of creativity and art that looms throughout the day and night in an endless cycle. Perhaps it’s the feeling of freedom and acceptance that captures hearts and minds alike or the boisterous, bustling sound of dedicated citizens ready to begin their daily jaunt to work that gives the “Big Apple” its inspirational feeling. That feeling overwhelmed our WCSPA students as they journeyed to New York City for a week of musicals, plays, and big city adventures.

Accompanied by several students from other schools across the state of Michigan, WCSPA Level 3 students Maris Keller, Rylee McDaniel, Lea Macinic, Carl Victory, Josh Sowers, Collin Schy, Madison Ramsey, Level 2 student Holly Jemkort, and the infamous WCSPA teacher Mr. Erik Hart took a week to explore New York City July 6th through July 10th, 2017. Students stayed in a hotel in New Jersey and ventured a short distance to the “City That Never Sleeps” for a great musical tour of Broadway life. They got the chance to witness Broadway shows including Miss Saigon, the story of a Vietnamese woman abandoned by her american lover during the aftermath

of the Vietnam War; Waitress, the story of a pregnant waitress who sees a pie eating contest as a way out of her miserable life; Charlie and the Chocolate

to see various tourists sites such as Ellis Island, the Radio City Music Hall, the 9/11 memorial, and Central and Washington Parks. They also got the chance to take part in various performance workshops

When asked about their experience on this trip, all students gave it a rousing 10/10. When asked what her favorite moments were and what she liked about the show, Level 3 student Maris Keller

Factory, a play (based on the film of the same name) following a young boy’s adventures in a mysterious chocolate factory; and The Play That Goes Wrong, a comedy about an amateur production of a murder mystery that goes hopelessly awry.

Students also had the chance to explore the city itself. They were able

said, “I loved how well the shows were done. I love how they showed most things that we do on a higher scale. My favorite part was either the shows or just freely walking around New York City with my friends and teacher.” When asked if she would return for this summer’s trip she responded “No, but not because of the experience. It’s because college is coming up soon and I’ve got to save money!”, to which we shared a laughed, “But, I would recommend this trip to anyone who can afford it. It is a great opportunity.”

Take The StageFall Production

One-Act Play Series

The Call BoardPage 4

What We Learn in Level 4

Throughout our time in WCSPA, students learn so much about theatre, dance, acting and design. However, I believe that the most valuable lessons have been taught to us in our Level 4 year. During the months of September and October, much of the curriculum and class work was focused on preparing us for auditions. In Mr. Gillespie’s class, we were to find two contrasting monologues and were asked to memorize and analyze them. This assignment was

By: Zoe Zwiesele, Level 4, SHHS

to help us understand the character and their motives within the context of the whole play, forcing us to go into a bit more detail with our analysis and character choices. Ms. Wygant’s class was also very heavily focused on engaging in or preparing for dance auditions. In her class, we learned new jazz and turn combinations; how to set up a portfolio for scholarships, college, or job applications; and we also furthered our tap and choreographing skills. These skills would prepare us for Winterfest auditions/pitches and Thespian festival scholarship competition.

Mr. Osenberg’s class was not particularly focused on auditions, instead his class involved us getting into groups of three and completing a design project of our choosing (among set design, lighting design and costume design). This project was intended to get us to express our creativity and try new designing techniques. Lastly, In Mr. Hart’s class, we were assigned Level 4 jobs that enhanced our leadership abilities. In his class we also talked about college which included: majors, minors and possible careers. Jake Price, a Level 4

student explains, “I was really concerned about college applications and scholarships until Mr. Hart’s class, after he explained the process, I felt that I had a better understanding and was more prepared…” The classes this year prepared us for auditions, but also prepared us for our futures as we begin applications for acceptance, scholarships and begin planning the next chapter of our lives. Level 4 is rewarding when you look back and see all the ways that you have grown, but also a bit scary as you begin to think about leaving the nest and making your way in college and beyond!

Preview of Spring MusicalsMusicals for the Whole Family!

Potions, evil family members, and gigantic bugs are only some of the craziness that James and Giant Peach Jr. entails. Written as a children’s book by Roald Dahl, the story of James and the Giant Peach Jr. will take you through a whirlwind storyline full of wacky hilarious characters that everyone will love and music that stirs the soul!

Young orphan James is forced to live with his evil aunts, Spiker and Sponge. One day, a mysterious man approaches and gives him an odd potion, which gets spilled on a tree in James’ backyard—magically making a giant peach and all of the bugs around it grow to an enormous size. Throughout the show, the audience is taught lessons of the importance of family and the fact that “family” doesn’t have to be related to be there for you.

Everyone knows the story of the ugly ogre, the annoying donkey, the tiny lord, and the princess who wasn’t what she seemed to be. Shrek the Musical, written by William Steig, is a hilarious musical that the entire family can enjoy featuring show-stopping songs like “I Know It’s Today” and “Story of my Life.”

Shrek follows the journey of an ogre who must fight to get his swamp land back from sales and inhabitants he did not invite; but during his adventure, he meets many characters such as a Donkey, Gingerbread man, and even a Dragon. Yet it is only through falling in love with Princess Fiona that Shrek is able to know and believe that true beauty comes only from within.

WCSPA students and staff are extremely excited to put on such an iconic show for everyone of all ages to enjoy this May!

James and the Giant Peach, Jr.

March 23 & 24Sponsored by the Extra Crecit Union

Shrek the Musical!May 18 & 19

Sponsored byHamilton Chevrolet

James and the Giant Peach Jr.March 23 & 24

Sponsored by The Extra Credit Union

Shrek (Broadway Cast)May 18 & 19Sponsored by Hamilton Chevrolet

Page 5Winter Issue

5,6,7,8! - “Winterfest” rehearsals keep the dancers warm this winter!

Preparing for the FutureBy: Cierra Spangler, Level 4, WMHS

to pursue, why spend an insane amount of money studying something that doesn’t even interest you? There are many websites online that can help students find the perfect college for what they want to do, at the perfect price for them, and that will work with their GPA and testing scores (i.e. SAT, ACT, etc.). For theatre students in general, there are numerous schools just in the state of Michigan that teach ONLY theater. But if you’re looking for a specific theatrical aspect to study, this may make the search a little narrower and easier to sift through.

The college you’re looking at MUST be a good fit for you! That is one of the most important things you should look for in a college. If a gigantic campus with several thousand students (like Michigan State or The

Senior year is said to be a total breeze, but in reality, it’s pretty stressful. College is a big deal for seniors, and even juniors at the end of the year. Deciding which college you want to go to is a dilemma for high school students because you want to make sure the college is right for you in several ways. First of all, you want to make sure you know what you want to do. Secondly, make sure the college you’re looking at teaches what you’re interested in learning/pursuing. Third, the college itself has to be a good fit for you. The transition from high school to college can be scary. Personally, I’m excited to see what college will have in store for me, but I’m also pretty nervous for all of the change.

Knowing what you’re going to college for is the first step in college searches, in my opinion. If you don’t know what you want

University of Michigan) is not for you, that’s totally okay! And if a smaller campus with only a couple hundred students (like Grand Valley State University) isn’t for you, that’s alright too. A lot of people seem to think that whatever school their friends/classmates are leaning toward would be the right place for

personal school unless you go check it out for yourself. Everyone’s college experience is different and unique, so find out what you like.

As stressful as the college search is, it’s essential to how your future will be structured. Senior year is filled with college applications and acceptance and denial letters. I know my senior year

them, too. In reality, each person’s choice should be individual. Physically visiting the school is something everyone should do. You’ll never know if you feel most comfortable with a bigger school or a smaller, more

class in WCSPA is extremely anxious for the future, but we’re all following the steps to being successful; whether it be carrying through with theatre, some other college or university study, or pursuing something else.

Being Off-Broadway and Killing It!By: Mimi Vu Level 2, SHHS

Kianee Truvillion is an Off-Broadway actress, who graduated from our very own theater program, WCSPA. She moved to New York less than 3 months ago and has been auditioning and doing musicals ever since! I got to speak to her and asked some questions about living the life of a New York actress. Q: “How did you get to where you are now?” A: “Practice. I feel like what you put out is what you’ll get back. Great things happen to me for some reason. I’m a hard worker but I’m also a generous person. Like, you reap what you sow. Be nice. But definitely practice, school, like taking classes, and importantly connections,...having connections with people that can help you out in ways you don’t even know.”

Q: “Do you like living in New York?” A: “Yes! But it has it’s ups and

downs. The ups are Broadway, living my dreams, a lot of people around that are pursuing similar things that I am, and having access to everything I need. The flaws are TOO many people, it’s kinda stinky, and it’s super expensive. It is affordable, but it’s way more pricey than

other places that I’ve lived.” Q: “How do you like Off-Broadway?” A: “I just moved here and I got

work the first week I came. It’s unreal. You know when you look at something and you think it’s way bigger than it is, but then you’re actually in it and you like ‘Oh, I don’t know why I was so nervous about it’. You put it on a pedestal, and when you get there and you understand and go like ‘Oh this is fine’. That’s how I felt about Off-Broadway. I mean I was terrified but I realized everyone is normal and normal circumstances are going to happen.”

Q: “What made you want to be an actress for theatre?” A: “At first I didn’t know I wanted to do it until WCSPA. I just knew that I liked to sing and dance. They came to my middle school and I was like ‘Oh that looks fun’. It’s not like I can say I wanted to do it since I was little because I had zero knowledge of theatre, I knew nothing. I didn’t even take voice lessons or dance classes either. The further I went into theatre at WCSPA the more I liked it. Now I’m in New York and I’m doing it! It’s great!”

Q: “Do you prefer musicals or plays?” A: “Musicals. I don’t audition for plays. They are too stressful for me. They are

a lot of work and I just like musicals better. But if my agency gets an audition for me for a play I’d still do it.” She told me.

Q: “Who inspired you?” A: “I was never inspired by one person. It was more of like ‘Oh I like what that person is doing and I like what this person is doing’. I get inspired by talented people in general. They make me want to be better. I can’t pinpoint one, I like the overall theatre business.” I loved her response and her honesty about it all.

Q: “What is your goal in acting?” A: “To be in a t.v show or a movie.

That is the end goal. Once I have successfully achieved that then I’ll have new dreams to look forward to. But that is my biggest dream thus far.”

Kianee gives the WCSPA students a sense hope of being in her place one day. I have high hopes for her and can’t wait to see her performing in a movie or TV show someday soon!

The Call BoardPage 6 The Call Board

Kianee asAldonza

Man of La Mancha, 2013

What it Takes to be a WCSPA Student

By: Cierra Spangler Level 4, WMHS

Page 7 Winter Issue

Theatre plays a big role in the lives of the students enrolled in WCSPA (The Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts) and without it, some of the students may not even know what career is right for them. Although the program is a lot of fun, students must set high expectations for themselves. Four times a year, students take a full week after-school to come together and crew or perform in shows. It takes drive and dedication, you have to have a positive mindset going into WCSPA, and on top of all of this you must stay responsible. “What I think it takes to be a WCSPA student is being extremely dedicated to your craft and working as hard as you possibly can,” says Audrey Waye, Level 4. Dedication is a quality one must have to

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be in WCSPA. Being able to push yourself further and show that you truly care about the material you’re learning (whether it be singing, acting, dancing, or technical) shows that you want to be a part of everything WCSPA has to offer. Dedication also gives you a boost; if you’re prepared and show that you know what’s going on, you’ll prove to be a leader in the eyes of your peers and teachers. “In order to be a WCSPA student you really have to have a positive mindset. It’s the only way to get work done efficiently and enjoy what you’re actually doing,” says Fawjia Yeasmin, Level 4. Times get hard, especially during shows. Sometimes you may not get the role you desired or be chosen to be a part of a crew, but you always have to keep looking forward. Dedication suppports the growth of a positive mindset; if you know what you’re doing and you’re performing it to

the best of your ability, it may help you stay positive and motivated as you continue working toward a goal. Tech weeks tend to be grueling, several-hour, long days that just seem to go on forever, but if you find something to look forward to and stay focused on the job at hand, it may make the days/week go by in a breeze. They say during tech week that you find out “what you and other people are really made of ” and how they cope with stress and challenges. The last vital quality you should possess to be a WCSPA student is responsibility. WCSPA is not your only class, you have all your other required classes as well, and you must be able to balance them all. The more you move up in WCSPA, the more responsible you must become. But in the end, it’s to prepare you for what’s in store for life outside of high school.

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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.

Up Next… Winterfest 2018 - February 9 & 10

WCSPA - Upcoming Events:February 9 & 10 - Winterfest Student Dance Concert, 7:30 pm

Tuesday, February 27 - WCSPA Booster Club Meeting

February 17 - 25 - Winter Break - No School

March 23 & 24 - James & the Giant Peach, Jr. - 7:30 pm

Tuesday, March 27 - WCSPA Booster Club Meeting

May 18 & 19 - Shrek the Musical - 7:30 pm

Follow/Like WCSPA on Facebook, Snapchat & Instagram!Search: “The Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts” (Facebook)

& “@ WCSPA” (On Instagram)