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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-05-29, Page 10Page 10 Times -Advocate, May 29, 1991 SPF.{'1A1, FF,4TURF Dedicated young performers prepare for The Wizard of Oz By Rhonda Vandeworp GRAND BEND - If you treat children like professional actors, you will be re- warded with dedication, hard work, and a splendid performance. Tony Lloyd, direc- tor of the Huron Country Play- house's upcoming show, The Wiz- ard of Oz, believes in this philosoy. Lloydhas been directing at the playhouse for three years, and Supportive colleagues - Fellow Munchkins watch intently as Andrew Thauer practices his line. each of these years he has chosen to include local, young actors and actresses in at least one perfor- mance. In 1989, the King and 1 required a chorus of youngsters, and last summer's Annie Get Your Gun included a number of girls playing the role of Annie's sisters. Certain performances demand the participation of children, and Lloyd believes that the local thes- pians have been irreplaceable. "Children are important to the show. Whether they are in the chorus or have lines is irrelevant. They put the glue on the show. If their concentration is not right, the show goes down the tubes, Lloyd explains. But how does a director manage to teach the art of concentration to 20 guards and 30 munchkins who have been rehearsing for six to eight hours in 30 degree weather? Sometimes by reasoning, and sometimes by shouting is Lloyd's response. "I treat them no differently than professional actors. They are not talked down to as children, and I think that works better." Commitment and discipline are essential to a production, and the children have realized this. Most of the children will be missing a fair amount of school because of re- hearsals, matinees, and late night performances. In addition, many family plans, graduations, and sum- mer league softball games will take a back seat to the show. Stephanie Erb from Zurich, this year's mayor of Munchkinville, and former Princess Ying Yaowalk from The King and 1 and Annie's sister in Annie Get Your Gun, un- derstands the level of commitment and concentration that Lloyd ex- pects. "You have to work for what you get. You also have to make your mind up as to what you're doing be - Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead - Musical Munchkins, from left, are Kathy Ellerker, Stephanie Erb, Angela Soares, Andrew Thauer, and Sarah Bannister. cause there's no time for family functions," Erb explains. Missing school is generally not a child's main concern. Surprisingly the parents of these local artists do not object school absenteeism, but in fact, encourage this different form of education. "She definitely misses a lot of school, but I think they are learning in a different way," said Laurie Erb, Stephanie's mother. Lloyd, with the help of Gloria Day, Janice Luey, and Doug Li- vingston have rehearsed with the children for the past couple weeks. Thoughtful directorship - Guards and Munchkins hold their spots while Gloria Day, stage manager (from left), Janice Luey, assistant director, Doug Livingston, musical director, and Tony Lloyd, director, dis- cuss the children's positioning. These special practices, which did not include the professional actors and actresses, allowed the younger performers to become accustomed to the stage set-up, the dances, and the songs before the professionals' arrival last Monday. "In regards to lines, the children are the fastest learners under the sun. In one and a half weeks they have learned all of the principal lines. However, dance movements take more time to learn since their body co-ordination is not as strong as an adult's," explains Lloyd. Lloyd emphasizes that the reac- tion of the incoming performers to- wards the children is never degrad- ing, but instead encouraging and supportive. "Everyone is aware of their importance" which will make the play complete and harmonious. "They are wonderful kids, and I tip my hat to them," he concludes. Actors and actresses, director, and parents will continue to offer long hours of their time to make Huron Country Playhouse's The Wizard of Oz a success. Opening night is June 18. Matinees and night performances will continue until July 6. "Is Yer Fone Number Not KurentiyListed or Listed iflkUrectly?" Due to overwhelming response... once again this year we will be pub- lishing the Exeter and Area Phone Book. It Is our Intention to publish a Telephone Listing as correct and current as possible. So, if your business or hqme phone number Is not listed or is Incorrect, we will be happy to add or correct your number. 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