Who will be teaching theater next year?
I don't know yet.. District policy does not permit me to sit on the interview committee. I do know that several good people have applied. Please inquire with the Dos Pueblos administration about when they might have an answer.



Why is there a new teacher next year?
I am taking a one-year Sabbatical Leave of Absence to pursue performing opportunities in New York. I will be bringing back the things I learn about current audition, rehearsal and performance practices on Broadway, as well as recommendations about best schools etc. It will be an exciting year for me and my family and one that will certainly enrich the students I serve when I return in the Fall of 2007 (just in time for the Gala Theater Opening!!) .



What show will DP be presenting in the Fall?
I am allowing next year's replacement teacher to choose and cast the show. As of today, May 18, auditions will most likely be in the Fall, unless a teacher is hired prior to school's dismissal and they can choose and cast a show very quickly. Keep checking this site in the next few weeks for updates.



Who is eligible to audition?
Only those students who have previously been enrolled in Beginning/Intermediate or Advanced Theater at Dos Pueblos. No new students (Freshmen or transfers) will be accepted into the production unless they are concurrently taking a Beginning Theater class.



My son/daughter has had lots of previous experience. Why should he/she be required to take a beginning theater class?
Lots of reasons. First, it gives students a chance to learn my basic philosophies and expectations regarding rehearsals, performances, and acceptable attitudes and behaviors. Secondly, it covers many areas that students have either not covered, or, have not covered in the depth or way that we cover it: acting techniques: Stanislavski, Strasburg, Adler, Meisner, Bogart, Myerholdt; theater history; foundational improvisation techniques; voice/diction studies; movement training etc. Most colleges, universities and serious theater schools start students with the basics. The intention is to build a solid foundation and common vocabulary. I have the same expectations of incoming students.



Are there still openings in next year's theater classes?
At this point there are still some spots left in each of the classes: Beginning Theater, Intermediate Theater (scene study), Advanced Theater (by audition) and Play Production (by audition.) DP's unique playwriting program (in conjunction with Rubicon Theater) will not be offered next year, but will be offered when I return. I'm also hoping to offer a musical theater/children's theater class when I return that will outreach to the community.



Will the theater program remain the same next year?
That is my intention. I will make it clear to the interim teacher that I do not want any significant changes made to the program that was offered this year.



What about the new theater? Where does that stand?
The new theater has been scheduled to open in April of 2007. Although my most recent discussions with construction personnel say they are 35 days behind, they believe this time can still be made up. If you've seen the site you know that tremendous progress is being made. They have laid the foundation. The week of May 22 the steel is set to arrive and we'll be seeing the sides of the building start to take shape. On a more somber note, significant cuts were proposed during "value engineering" sessions due to the greatly inflated cost of the theater project (from an $8 million project to a $13+ million project.) We were able to "save" many important features. But two significant things are still missing in the plans for the new theater: an awning for the front of the theater (estimated cost $400,000) and adequate lighting to fully cover the stage (probably an additional $20,000 - $30,000.) I'm hopeful that the community will find a way to make up the money (like the pool parents did so successfully), or the theater will be missing these necessary components. If you are willing to donate money towards a special fund, please contact the business office at 968-2541 ext 228



What arrangements are being made about overseeing construction of the new theater while you're gone?
I'm in the process of setting up a meeting between the site supervisor, the contractor, Bob Evans (my technical director and ex-contractor), Brian Slotnick-Lastrico, John Dent, Larry Vranish, two technical theater Freshmen and me. This meeting will ensure that there is continuity of the project in my absence.



What will happen to the current theater space?
I've been assured by previous administrations that the current theater will remain and would be used for class presentations (by any department), student productions like Holiday Package, Improv. Troupe shows, readings and workshops of new works, dance classes etc.



Will the theater program be the same when you return?
Probably not, exactly. My program will be based on what I will have learned through my experience in the professional community and after talking with many of Broadway's finest professionals. I will also be talking to numerous high school theater teacher friends with model theater programs around the country and visiting NY's High School of Performing Arts.
I know 2006 - 2007 will be another great year for DP Charger Theater! I look forward to seeing you and sharing with you when I return!!
Clark Sayre