Spring 2016 Edition Page 1 The Call Board

“When you’re an Addams...” By: Rebekah Coy It’s that time of year a musical, the world’s most Level 4, SHHS The Callboard again, when the WCSPA kooky, spooky family has only Family) acting calmly and Editors in Chief students and staff close their gained popularity and fame. nonchalantly on aggressive season with the biggest and only or dark impulses. It was a most spectacular show of drew about two dozen new idea for dark humor the year...the annual spring “Addams Family” comics, yet that has people still laughing musical! they were his most renowned today. On May 20th and 21st, pieces. All of the “Addams “I like that he can take prepare to laugh, cry, and Family” comics consisted Rebekah Coy, SHHS an image with only one cackle as The Addams of one panel of art and a line of dialogue and still Family rolls into town. Full short quote under the panel capture the oddball nature of laughter and plot twists, to help explain the joke. of ,” The Addams Family promises The beauty of these comics said Dallas LaCross, Level to be a crowd pleaser for all was that each drawing easily 4, after seeing two of the Dallas LaCross, CHS ages, especially because of displayed the personalities of original comics. “He doesn’t the recognizable characters. each character without even need an elaborate cartoon, Charles Addams (1912- needing to look at the quote. he just has a certain style. 1988) made his “family” None of the characters even The dialogue is so casual and known through The New had names. What was the morbid at the same time, Yorker in a series of comic meaning behind the dark- and that’s all he needs.” Cierra Spangler, WMHS strips. Those doodles created humored comics? the iconic characters of the The idea that Charles “Addams Family.” Other Addams was striving for was media sources built on their displaying a different kind of looks and personality traits. humor in . From a television series, to He wanted to show people Samantha Wajeeh, SHHS multiple movies, and now (specifically the Addams (Continued on page 2) Reflecting on Winterfest Courtney Skrinner UP NEXT! Level 2, CHS On February 5th and 6th, our WCSPA Alina Zhuravel students performed a dance concert Level 3, WMHS called Winterfest. To start off Winterfest, were cast in the show. This entire process students from levels two, three, and four gave WCSPA students experience in choreographed a 30-second dance and creating choreography and helped them presented it to their level as a pitch for a to further develop their dance skills and Winterfest piece. technique. Students went through a vigorous Winterfest not only showed week-long dance audition process, in which the students how to work as a team to students demonstrated their skills in various accomplish making their dances perfect, dance techniques and learned several dance but also helped many of the dancers combinations. After this, the students that overcome challenges. were best suited for the selected dances (Continued on page 5) Page 2 The Call Board

(Addams, Continued from Page 1) problem.” Aside from that, the television is engaged to a young man named Lucas series also came with the introduction of Beineke. Wednesday invites the Beineke Of all of the different types of new characters like Thing, , and Family over for dinner and asks her media that were created for the “Addams many other family members and pets. family to just give her, “One Normal Family,” the most well-known was the “I never knew a television show Night.” Instead, chaos ensues. live-action television show from the like this existed!” said Erin Esser, Level “I am definitely looking 1960’s. The show aired for two seasons 3, “I will definitely watch it, though. forward to doing this show,” said Ketura with a total of 64 episodes. It was widely It will be very interesting to see the Bradford, Level 4. “I am looking forward accepted, largely because of the catchy interpretation of the characters from back to working on the costumes and making theme song that has everyone snapping. then.” them as wacky as the Addams Family The show (originally aired in black and It took a long time for another characters themselves. The cast, crew white) very closely resembled the comics. form of media to make the “Addams and audience are going to have so much However, the characters had names and Family” big again, but the Addams shined fun!” more specific character traits. As said by through when a movie, The Addams The “Addams Family” has a legacy Charles Addams himself, “Gomez and Family, hit the theaters in November that has lasted for nearly a century, all Pugsley are enthusiastic. Morticia is even of 1991. The movie did well enough to thanks to Charles Addams. It is because in disposition, muted, witty, sometimes earn a sequel two years later. Released in of him that the public has comics that deadly.” November 1993, are now considered classics, television is the story of the newest member of shows that leave everyone snapping the “Addams Family,” Pubert. Starring and singing along, movies that can be as Gomez, as watched over and over again, and a Morticia, and as Uncle musical to entertain all of the senses. 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 Charles Addams continues by saying, in WCSPA singing, snapping, and “Grandma Frump is foolishly good- snatching up scripts.The Addams Family The Addams Family Musical natured. Wednesday is her mother’s musical, which first opened on Broadway performances are proudly sponsored by daughter. Many of the troubles they in 2010, is a show for everyone to Hamilton Chevrolet and will take place have as a family are due to Grandma’s enjoy. Unlike some other adaptations, at 7:30 PM on May 20th and May 21st. fumbling, weak character. The house is the musical is more centralized on the Tickets are available in advance online, a wreck, of course, but this is a house- cartoons than the other television shows and all seating is reserved. Please visit proud family just the same, and every and movies. The show takes place when WCSPA on the web at school.wcskids. trap door is in good repair. Money is no all of the characters are older. Wednesday net/wcspa for tickets and information.

(See pictures math, science, and politics after being Schoolhouse Rocked! on page 3) a part of this show. “‘Interplanet Janet’ helped me memorize the order of all the By: Alina Zhuravel the credits. Suddenly, the Schoolhouse planets in our solar system,” said Jaelen Level 3, WMHS characters burst into chaos when they notice that Chris can see them when he is Mayberry, Level 1. The audiences learned This year, the Level One students not supposed to. Chris, now curious, gets about parts of speech, science, and social began their WCSPA careers with closer to get a better look. Clumsily, he studies, as this show combined learning Schoolhouse Rock, Live! on March 18th spills his coffee, the television explodes, and entertainment into one performance. and 19th at 7:30 p.m. This musical and he gets sucked into their world. Overall, Schoolhouse Rock, Live! was was about Chris Kaifesh, a new first- Throughout the show, the characters give a great success for Level 1. “I couldn’t year teacher who is anxious about his Chris tips to better his teaching. Each have asked for a better first show first official day with students in the lesson is presented in a musical number. experience,” said Donovan Jackson. The classroom. He tries to calm his nerves One example is “Conjunction Junction,” Level 1 students showed us all that they by turning on the television. He is happy which teaches about the correct usage of are capable of accomplishing incredible to see that Schoolhouse Rock, Live! has conjunctions. things. The audience members were just started. He gets confused when he The cast all agreed that they feel amazed at the talents and skills of our notices the characters moving during much more knowledgeable about history, first-year students. Spring Issue Page 3

Christmas morning. Twenty different Media’s Home In WCSPA corporate logos, such as Apple and By: Christina Badia film Drake. Meanwhile, the live video feed Nike, flashed across the screen in rapid Level 3, CHS was projected onto a screen in view of the succession. It is one thing to listen to the audience just behind the actor. This minor song and its message, but it is another Media is a relatively new, intriguing touch transformed that scene and made it to watch the visuals that accompany it. aspect that is becoming increasingly feel like an authentic news broadcast. This Her media brought the message of the present in the WCSPA shows. Student also allowed the actors to act out a little dance to new heights. “The media gave media designers are exploring what more because they were projected onto a a much deeper meaning to ‘WING$’,” videos and slideshows can bring to mammoth screen. said Aireen Bartolome, Level 3. “It was a performance. Every show since The next show to incorporate as if the media was another dancer in last season’s Chicago has had some media was The 1940’s Radio Hour. While the piece.” aspect of media in it. Whether it it was not present throughout the entire includes projected shadow dancers or show, it served as a wonderful opener. a homemade version of “Just Dance,” Aireen Bartolome put together a short media is changing the game. montage of clips from World War II. Last year, media was integrated These clips included soldiers going into into many scenes/musical numbers battle and Generals speaking to a crowd in Chicago. Aireen Bartolome (Level about the war. This segued flawlessly into In the other piece, “Just Dance,” 3 CHS, media designer) was able to the opening of the show and gave the Gabriel Balowski and Aireen Bartolome incorporate shadow dancing projections audience a deeper understanding of that filmed the dancers on a green screen into several of the numbers, which period in history before they entered the and (through the magic of media) brought something very unique to the actors’ world. turned another student’s dance into the show. By strategically incorporating All of that media was preparing us “Just Dance” video game. The dancers “shadow dancers” on the projection for the potent media in 2016’s Winterfest. for that piece were the avatars in the screens, it created the illusion of more Media was a core element of two of the game. This was a very dynamic piece people onstage, especially during dances: “WING$” and “Just Dance.” In in Winterfest, and the media made that “Nowadays,” which felt like a true “WING$,” Aireen Bartolome created a happen. Cabaret show. very touching video that portrayed the Media is raising the bar in To keep the momentum going, meaning of the dance. The whole message WCSPA shows. Every show is trying to a slight touch of media was added in of the dance piece was that consumerism top the last one in a vigorous attempt HONK! Jr. For example, the scenes is taking over our society; and how as a to add uniqueness to each performance. where Drake was on “The News” society, we base people’s worth on the From live video feeds to an organic pleading for Ugly and Ida to come back price of their shoes. She juxtaposed “Just Dance” game, WCSPA is home, the media crew was able to go pictures of poverty-stricken kids next expanding what is possible to have in a on stage with a hand-held camera and to kids opening up expensive gifts on performance. Page 4 The Call Board

Locomotor pathways are the ways MS-VPA: One of a Kind that the body moves, whether that be swerving left to right while walking in By: Bernadette Magner a curved line, skipping in a diagonal pattern, or jumping in a zig-zag line Level 2, SHHS on a low level. The options are endless MS-VPA (The Middle School with locomotion. Visual and Performing Arts MS-VPA is putting incredible Program) is not your everyday, effort into creating a uniquely run-of-the-mill program. MS- integrated arts experience for its middle VPA is a unique program for 7th school students. They have definitely and 8th graders that incorporates combines comedy with an educational been busy this year, but there is no American History, Spanish, Visual experience! This is one way to make doubt that they are having a blast. For a Arts, Integrated Arts, and Integrated learning history fun. Combining core two-year-old program, they create a lot Music all into one. The program has curriculum with the arts provides exciting of interesting activities. MS-VPA is a only been running for two years and possibilities for engaging students. great start for blooming actors, singers, it is booming! MS-VPA’s Integrated Music and dancers. MS-VPA is “unlike any MS-VPA’s Integrated Arts focuses on vocal and instrumental other learning experience you’ve ever program has put together a show music education within the program. In had!” called A Moment in Time, an this class, they work on harmonizing, hour-long, student-created comedy which combines multiple voices and that contains musical numbers and different notes to get one cohesive interactive dialogue. A Moment in sound. The students are also learning Time was designed to showcase Laban’s efforts, a method and language what the students of MS-VPA have for describing, visualizing, interpreting, learned: stage directions, physical and documenting all types of human expression, costuming, and props movement. Finally, MS-VPA’s Integrated and set design! A Moment in Time Music utilizes locomotor pathways. Poetry: The Spoken Word...At Its Finest By: Sasha McCullom Level 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 and to have a dramatic interpretation of the piece. This is not must acquire one thing before anything else: commitment. the case for poetry. In poetry, you should recite as if you are Committing to your poem is essential to having a simply telling a story. Capturing the purpose of your poem successful delivery. Once you begin to believe in the words through unique use of the voice (rather than using physical that you are saying, performing your poem becomes much movement and heavy dramatic delivery) is the ideal approach to less nerve-wracking. reciting a poem. Focusing on the underlying message of your In addition to having commitment to your piece, you poem will allow you to truly integrate poetry and performance. must also avoid performing it as a monologue. Contrary I recently had to learn for myself how important this difference to popular belief, poetry recitation and monologues are is. I placed third in Michigan’s Poetry Out Loud Competition two vastly different types of performance. For instance, in (2016) and felt proud to be among some of the finest young a monologue, it is good to incorporate physical movement poets in Michigan for this event. Spring Issue Page 5 Blast From The Past in theatre. Students are training in studies of literature, theory and criticism, and By: Sydney Baranski history. Yale’s School of Drama aims for students to attain a comprehensive Level 4, CHS knowledge of theatre and dramatic WCSPA has always created Victorian worldview crumbles over the literature. the perfect learning atmosphere for course of the play,” said Clauson.. Although this job seems like a large children who are looking to continue WCSPA teaches lessons that load to handle, Clauson enjoys it very their career in theatre. Students who last in theatre—as well as lessons for much. “I quite like it, since I get to read attend WCSPA have an advantage that life in general. Clauson added that and experience such a diversity of new almost every other theatre student WCSPA taught him about the value and experimental works.” Clauson said. in the country lacks, which leads to of volunteering and commitment. “It’s also great to feel like I’m right in the their very successful futures. WCSPA “Volunteer your help and labor thick of the work with playwrights and alumni David Clauson is one of these whenever and wherever you can. Not directors, trying to achieve the larger goal outstanding students who has taken only does it give those around you a of storytelling.” his knowledge of theatre (provided by hand, it allows you to make a connection WCSPA) and molded it into his passion with another person and develop skills, and career in adult life. too.” Clauson said. Through WCSPA, David Clauson graduated in 2009. he learned to donate his time whenever What first pulled Clauson into theatre he could; whether it was in one of the was the community that he became a shops or by helping the teachers. He part of while trying it out. “I became continues to use that skill in his everyday attracted to theatre because I was able workplace. He has worked extremely to be part of a tight-knit community hard to achieve the personal character Lastly, Clauson left the upcoming where I could make concrete he upholds and will never let down his WCSPA students some parting wisdom contributions and spend my time sense of work ethic. for success. “The best advice I can give serving the goals of the whole group,” Clauson is currently a graduate is to seek out viewpoints that directly Clauson said. student at the Yale School of Drama, contradict your beliefs. It will help you While he was in WCSPA, David earning his MFA (Master of Fine Arts). refine your values, and expose you to excelled and enjoyed both performance It is his third and final year in this new ways of thinking about the world. and technical theatre. David talked program for Dramaturgy and Dramatic That’ll make you a better artist. I’d also about some of his most memorable Criticism. The program puts students advise setting aside time—even if it’s roles during his time at WCSPA. “I through intensive training to prepare just a few minutes each day—to work really enjoyed playing Harding in One for careers in three different categories: on something you’re extraordinarily Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest because to work in theaters as dramaturges, passionate about. Whether it’s an art it was such a fantastic ensemble. Treves artistic producers, or literary managers project, a dance piece, a play, cooking, or in The Elephant Man was a particular and related positions. This is one of the researching biology. That time will pay challenge because the character’s hardest and most important positions off.” Reflecting on Winterfest (Continued. from page 2) The choreographers also faced many challenges that they “I worked really hard to overcome doing a toe- overcame during the process of Winterfest. “I found it difficult touch to a split in one of my dances,” said Isabelle to teach my own dance in a room without mirrors,” said Corey Wither, Level 3. Most dancers do not have an extensive Turner, Level 3. The students who were not a part of Winterfest background in dance and even some of the more cast helped out in the technical areas. “For this show, the experienced dancers gained more knowledge from media was more complex because I had to make the videos being in Winterfest. “I learned that good communication from scratch,” said Aireen Bartelome, Level 3. She and Gabe skills and constant repetition are so important in Balowski, Level 4, learned how to create and animate video rehearsals,” says Megan Pecararo, Level 3. media using advanced programs like Adobe’s AfterEffects and Winterfest taught a lot of people to become more Premiere Pro. confident and brought them a newfound passion for In conclusion, Winterfest was a huge success and a lot of dance. “You just really have to let go and be yourself on fun. All of the students and crew learned a lot about themselves stage,” said Xavier Williamson, Level 2. and pushed each other to become better. Page 6 TheThe Call Call Board Board There’s Only One Word Left to Sing: ♪ Goodbye ♪

By: Christopher Kaifesh said Sarah Gunter, Level 4. Level 4, SHHS This performance is a time where the four WCSPA teachers can sit Seniors are anxiously awaiting back and look at how they have taught Senior Miranda Wilking Re-Creates Millie’s Epic graduation, but before we send them these seniors to create their own theatre “Chair Dive” (Showcase 2015) off, they are preparing for their last and to “live truthfully in imaginary performance in WCSPA, Senior situations.” Many students come and go go through the program looking up to Showcase. In this mini show, the Class in WCSPA, gaining all of their theatre the seniors as performers, but more of 2016 joins together to create their last knowledge from Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Hart, importantly as role models and friends. goodbye and to reflect on their last four Ms. Wygant, and Mr. Osenberg. Senior “I’ve spent the last six years of years in the program. Showcase is going to be a bittersweet my life with some of these seniors, and In years past, students have goodbye, but we wish the seniors all the it’s going to be so hard saying goodbye made an introduction video and then best in whatever they end up doing. to them. I look up to them as role performed different pieces (monologues, “I didn’t have any theatre models and almost like older siblings. scenes, dances and songs). experience before WCSPA, so everything I really couldn’t imagine my WCSPA Senior Showcase is often an I’ve learned has been because of the career without any of them,” says Kevin emotional experience for most seniors. four amazing teachers here,” says Gabe Mazur, Level 3. As their last performance and last chance Balowksi, Level 4. All in all, the 2016 seniors have to showcase their talent, emotions tend WCSPA creates friendships worked endlessly to get where they are, to take over and the tears start to flow. that will never die between students in and are wrapping their time up here in “I fully expect to be sobbing by all levels, not just their own. Because of one last performance. No one knows the end of Senior Showcase. I’m going this, Senior Showcase can be equally as what this year’s Senior Showcase has in to miss WCSPA and all the friendships emotional and saddening for the lower store, so come experience it yourself in that I’ve made over the last four years,” levels. Students from Levels 1-3 often the Little Theatre, June 7th at 7:00 p.m.!

Photo Highlights Winterfest 2016 WCSPA Photos by Frank Lombardo See More on Shutterfly! Spring Issue Page 7 “I do it because it’s fun!” Ms. The Face Behind The Music Cleaveland said. She has always loved music, acting and theatre. She has By: Courtney Skrinner always known how to play the piano. Level 2, CHS Ms. Cleaveland primarily studied acting and musical theater in college at New York University. Ms. Cleaveland still A small round of applause at the acts now, but since she knew how to end of each show is all the band gets. play the piano, teaching people vocals Every time WCSPA has a production, just seemed right. “My favorite part of the audience sees the actors and the WCSPA is the kids,” she explained. Ms. finished product, but they never see Cleaveland loves to see the different the mastermind behind the music. Ms. recently helped Level One get ready talents and what happens when you put Cleaveland helps WCSPA with most for their show, Schoolhouse Rock Live! by all of them together. music-related pursuits for shows. Ever being there in the morning every day Ms. Cleaveland’s love for see a WCSPA performance and were to help the students learn the music. teaching is evident. Her hard work pays amazed at the vocals? Most of the credit Additionally, she helped the upper levels off every time as the audience cheers must be handed to Ms. Cleaveland. once a week in order prepare them for for each show, leaving them with a glow In the fall, Ms. Cleaveland auditions for the spring musical, The in their eyes. Not only does she help the taught a vocal class every day to Addams Family. students, but she does so passionately, WCSPA students for the first time. The students appreciate her which is what makes her so loved by the Although this was the first time Ms. presence immensely. “She helped me WCSPA family. Cleaveland had a class dedicated to learn how to read notes a lot better her every day, she is not new to the and how to sound better as a soprano,” program. She has worked with WCSPA said Racquel Tompkins, a Level 2 since 2005. SHHS student. It is evident that Ms. Cleaveland works closely with the Cleaveland is dedicated to making our WCSPA students and devotes many productions sound as phenomenal as hours after school to train them. She possible. Hamilton Chevrolet cares about Family and Future! “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

Hamilton Chevrolet is proud tradition by supporting many non- to be the top sponsor of WCSPA’s profit events and organizations in the 25th Anniversary season! From community. Owners Mike Hamilton, our founding, Gene Hamilton Sam Cupp and Mike Boguth support was a dedicated member of the the Make-A-Wish foundation, Warren Rotary club—as well as Winning Futures Mentoring, WCSPA’s Jonathan being involved in many other Michigan Sting Hockey club, Gillespie expresses community events. Hamilton American Cancer Society, Gleaners our deepest gratitude Chevrolet continues to lead today food bank, Warren Jets football, the to Hamilton Chevrolet through community involvement Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, for their continued & investment. Hamilton’s second and the Warren Consolidated School sponsorship of WCSPA. generation of owners continue the of Performing Arts. David Hamilton (pictured left) and his family of employees www.hamiltonchevy.com are proud supporters of the arts, the WCS Community, and the families they serve. Warren Consolidated School Of Performing Arts NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE Sterling Heights High School PAID 12901 15 Mile Road STERLING HIEGHTS, MI PERMIT NO. 212 Sterling 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

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