Obviously Unrehearsed Improvisation (OUI) is a “hodge-podge of people from all over the school [that] form a troupe,” said Artistic Director Kyle Bradford. The University of Oklahoma Student Association (UOSA) funds this student organization, along with about 400 others. Next year, OUI will be experiencing budget cuts from UOSA, and the room they perform shows in will be increasing their rent.
Bradford says the troupe could perform anywhere, anytime, but their loyal fans have been showing up to the same room at the same time on Saturdays for the past ten years. OUI is looking to team up with the activity council to put on shows. If this is the case, they will have to limit the amount of shows they put on from the regular three a semester to three a year.
According to OUI’s webpage, the organization began with seven of friends recreating games from the TV show ‘Whose Line is it Anyways?’ about ten years ago. The group put on monthly shows out of their house, but soon grew to 50 people showing up to watch. The ‘troupe’ became a student organization at the University of Oklahoma in 2004 and hosting shows at The Oklahoma Memorial Union, where they have continued to hold shows up until this semester.
Most of the students at OUI have majors in something other than theater, which is unusual for an improv. group. Those that don’t have theater majors say that the experience has been a confidence booster, and has changed them for the better.
“Not that I was shy before…but I will literally do anything in front of a group of people now,” said Botany Sophomore Jordy Branum. Aside from expanding each of the troupe member’s personalities individually, they have become a close group of friends. “I want to come back and see them after they’ve grown some more and just have my mind blown and [then] jump on stage and improv. with them some more,” said Senior Ian Keegan.
In preparation for the budget decrease, Bradford has come up with unique ideas for raising money. Aside from joining with OKC Improv. to put on shows next semester, Bradford jokingly thought about making a sexy calendar with the troupe. “We’ve been thinking of making a sexy fireman calendar of the OU Improvisers wearing scantly clad outfits, when we’re mostly pasty, white people,” said Bradford. “It’s going to look really funny.”
(VIDEO: Kelsey Hightower TRT: 1:53)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Andrew Jenks
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| Photo: Ida Skadberg OU Students listen to Andrew Jenks tell his story of becoming a filmmaker. |
Filmmaking has helped Jenks show different walks of life to various audiences. He is not only impacting the lives of people who watch his movie and shows, but also the people he interacts with on the show. “His subjects, however, such as a young autistic man who was initially cautious of letting Jenks into his life, have generally warmed to him rather quickly,” said Nuzhat Naoreen, reporter for MTV.
Jenks’ love for filmmaking began at a young age. He spent most of his time carrying around a camera and recording whatever he saw because his family moves around a lot. In college, Jenks’s grandpa was in a nursing home, which inspired Jenks to come up with an idea for a documentary. He called countless nursing homes to ask permission to live and film a documentary about the lifestyle of the elderly. The only nursing home that would allow him to do this inspired him to start his career as a filmmaker.
“I just got in a habit of loving to tell stories,” Jenks said. “That’s why I actually enjoy doing this thing, it’s cool for me to tell stories in a format that I’m not used to.” Jenks talked about how each person he lived with, left him with a new perspective. “When I was homeless for 10 days…living on the streets and in the woods, following this 21 year-old girl who was totally alone, that’s an experience I’ll never forget,” said Jenks. His experiences not only gave him a new perspective, but also open the eyes of his viewers. “You don’t always take time to think about what an autistic person goes through from day to day and what difficulties they struggle with; what we think a homeless person goes through is totally different from what actually happens and there aren’t a whole lot of documentarians willing to go out and do that,” said Allison Mrasek, the CAC Speaker Bureau.
Other than Jenks finishing season two of The World of Jenks, he is going to be traveling around the country to talk to students about the 2012 elections. Specifically, he’ll be asking what young adults are looking for in a candidate, how they’re feeling about the election, etc. Then he’ll be tracking down the candidates and bringing that message to them. Additionally, he’s considering doing a documentary over the final two candidates and what they were like when they were younger and how it’s affected who they are today.
(Video: Matt Shaffer and Kelsey Hightower :16)
Students' response to speaker Andrew Jenks.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Marc Rotenberg
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| IMAGE: KELSEY HIGHTOWER. Marc Rotenberg's Body Scan slide. He combines Total Recall (left), TSA's campaign (top), and the political response (bottom). |
Rotenberg’s comparative examples between the film clips and the actual security technology used are shockingly similar. Total Recall (Paul Verhoeven, 1990) uncovers a new creation, the body scanner, in his movie. This is shown to look through clothes, and reveal weapons that a person might be carrying. After 9-11 Transportation Security Agency suggested airports bring the body scanner to reality for airport passengers. “You see Hollywood telling us 20 years ago about a new surveillance technique, you see post 9-11, the deployment of the technique in airports in the United States, and you see a political response,” Rotenberg said.
Rotenberg spoke how post 9-11, the concern was whether America’s surveillance was useful and how effective was it. The project, “Observing Surveillance” was launched by EPIC in response to 9-11. This project documents the presents of video cameras in Washington D.C. and researches how beneficial they are. “Surveillance merely enhances people's sense of security rather than their actual physical security,” EPIC says. Through their research, they found that the amount of crime did not decrease with the increased camera surveillance like law enforcement officials claimed.
Professor Hunter Heyck invited Rotenberg to speak to students. Heyck felt Rotenberg’s discussion was one of the best speakers he’s invited this year. “I think this is an indirect connection,” said Heyck. “These are issues of importance in society and a successful and perceptive filmmaker tries to tap into current concerns.”
Right now, Rotenberg is working on his latest campaign, Know What They Know, which pertains to Facebook. The security of Facebook is concerning to Rotenberg. “What you see on your Facebook wall is only a very a small piece of the complete profile of what Facebook retains,” said Rotenberg. “Take ‘de-friending’ someone for example. Facebook actually keeps that transaction event associated with you, as well as everything that you’ve done online.” Rotenberg will continue working in Washington and testifying to congress about these issues.
(VIDEO: KELSEY HIGHTOWER AND MATT SHAFFER :32)
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Investigative Journalism
Cherokee Ballard and Britten Follett spoke to future reporters about the significance of investigative reporting. Through sharing their story, they emphasized the importance of investigative reporting in the newsroom and the impacting change it has on the state and keeping people accountable.
“You’re getting the word out, you are getting the story out there to the point where perhaps it could help save another child’s life,” said Ballard. Both Ballard and Follett said that the impact of telling people’s stories and uncovering the truth could contribute to changing the way businesses are organized and matters are handled. The Project for Excellence in Journalism states that journalist’s role is to be a monitor of power. “Founders recognized this to be a rampart against despotism when they ensured an independent press; courts have affirmed it; citizens rely on it,” said PEJ.
Ballard and Follett both held jobs as reporters. Ballard worked for KOCO and KFOR totaling 25 years of broadcasting and Follett worked in Oklahoma broadcasting for five years. Through reporting, they both became involved in Kelsey Briggs’s story. She was a child living in an abusive home that was seldomly looked over by DHS. Although DHS was responsible for making visits to the home to check up on Briggs’s safety, Ballard and Britten say Briggs was not looked after closely enough. The in-depth coverage and outcome of the case, Kelsey Briggs has a law named after her. Kelsey’s Law changed how DHS and the courts handle and report these types of cases.
Follett said that when a reporter covers someone’s life like this, a reporters going to feel some connection to the person. Ballard and Follett both felt so deeply for this little two-year-old that they continue to write a book honoring her life even after they left the journalism field. Follett said that the Kelsey Briggs case completely changed her life and career. Ballard said that as a journalist, when you get awful but at the same time, ‘wow stories’ to cover, you become very attached to them.
Ballard and Follett have moved on from the journalism field and begun pursuing different careers outside of broadcasting. Ballard now works for Oklahoma Natural Gas Company and Follett works as a Marketing Manager for Follett International. “You have an opportunity to hold people accountable, and I do miss that element of it, but I am concerned because TV stations are cutting investigative units,” Follett said. PEJ said that because of more journalists having to cover many stories through different platforms, investigative journalism is diminishing. Will newsrooms have to be redefined for the future journalist?
(SOT: Kelsey Hightower)
Cherokee Ballard and Britten Follett express how investigative journalism plays a part in society.
“You’re getting the word out, you are getting the story out there to the point where perhaps it could help save another child’s life,” said Ballard. Both Ballard and Follett said that the impact of telling people’s stories and uncovering the truth could contribute to changing the way businesses are organized and matters are handled. The Project for Excellence in Journalism states that journalist’s role is to be a monitor of power. “Founders recognized this to be a rampart against despotism when they ensured an independent press; courts have affirmed it; citizens rely on it,” said PEJ.
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| Ballard and Follett presenting their package over Kelsey Briggs |
Follett said that when a reporter covers someone’s life like this, a reporters going to feel some connection to the person. Ballard and Follett both felt so deeply for this little two-year-old that they continue to write a book honoring her life even after they left the journalism field. Follett said that the Kelsey Briggs case completely changed her life and career. Ballard said that as a journalist, when you get awful but at the same time, ‘wow stories’ to cover, you become very attached to them.
Ballard and Follett have moved on from the journalism field and begun pursuing different careers outside of broadcasting. Ballard now works for Oklahoma Natural Gas Company and Follett works as a Marketing Manager for Follett International. “You have an opportunity to hold people accountable, and I do miss that element of it, but I am concerned because TV stations are cutting investigative units,” Follett said. PEJ said that because of more journalists having to cover many stories through different platforms, investigative journalism is diminishing. Will newsrooms have to be redefined for the future journalist?
(SOT: Kelsey Hightower)
Cherokee Ballard and Britten Follett express how investigative journalism plays a part in society.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Rocky Horror
This Halloween marks the decade event that the Ferris family brought a unique twist to ‘watching’ the Rocky Horror Picture Show. This movie showing requires the audience to become a cast member during certain scenes.
Picking out costumes was carefully thought out this year for those attending Rocky Horror, with most people dressing up as different characters from the movie. During the show, the audience voted on their peers’ costumes, and the best-dressed person was selected to act out the specific scene. Those who had not seen the film were given a “V” that was marked with red lipstick. This symbolized the people who were ‘virgins’ to the film.
The Ferris family has continued the Rocky Horror Picture Show tradition in Norman. This tradition is based on the uniqueness of audience participation. According to the Rocky Horror Picture Show website, this idea began at Waverly Theater in 1977 when Alan and Ed Bordenka shouted out lines to go along with the show’s dialogue. However, they didn’t stop there. They proceeded to go to various theaters all over New York City to continue this tradition that continues to be relived today. Amy Lazarus and her friends are responsible for bring confetti into the theater and throwing in during certain parts of the show. This tradition began the use of props that people bring or are provided when viewing the show.
“It’s a lot of work,” Tom Ferris said. “[But] it’s always been a fun event.” Every year Ferris and his family run the entire event themselves. They are responsible for renting the Sooner Theater, buying the copyrights to the movie, publicizing the event, selling tickets and even buying props for the audience to use during the show. His mother, Elizabeth Ferris, said Tom came up with this project and does most of the work preparing and implementing it, although the entire family helps out.
The Ferris family plans on hosting the event for many more years. “We’re just going to keep doing it until people stop coming,” Ferris said.
(VIDEO: KELSEY HIGHTOWER 1:40)
(SOT: Tom Ferris and Bryant)
Picking out costumes was carefully thought out this year for those attending Rocky Horror, with most people dressing up as different characters from the movie. During the show, the audience voted on their peers’ costumes, and the best-dressed person was selected to act out the specific scene. Those who had not seen the film were given a “V” that was marked with red lipstick. This symbolized the people who were ‘virgins’ to the film.
The Ferris family has continued the Rocky Horror Picture Show tradition in Norman. This tradition is based on the uniqueness of audience participation. According to the Rocky Horror Picture Show website, this idea began at Waverly Theater in 1977 when Alan and Ed Bordenka shouted out lines to go along with the show’s dialogue. However, they didn’t stop there. They proceeded to go to various theaters all over New York City to continue this tradition that continues to be relived today. Amy Lazarus and her friends are responsible for bring confetti into the theater and throwing in during certain parts of the show. This tradition began the use of props that people bring or are provided when viewing the show.
“It’s a lot of work,” Tom Ferris said. “[But] it’s always been a fun event.” Every year Ferris and his family run the entire event themselves. They are responsible for renting the Sooner Theater, buying the copyrights to the movie, publicizing the event, selling tickets and even buying props for the audience to use during the show. His mother, Elizabeth Ferris, said Tom came up with this project and does most of the work preparing and implementing it, although the entire family helps out.
The Ferris family plans on hosting the event for many more years. “We’re just going to keep doing it until people stop coming,” Ferris said.
(VIDEO: KELSEY HIGHTOWER 1:40)
(SOT: Tom Ferris and Bryant)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Film Blitz
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| Photo: Kelsey Hightower Max Proctor directing a short film for the Film Blitz |
The audience will play an important role at the screening, at least in the eyes of the filmmakers. After the movie screening, the audience will vote for their favorite film, and the winning group will receive a prize for overall best film. There will also be winners chosen for following the specific requirements most creatively, such as winning best prop or best use of dialogue. President Ty Anderson, Film and Media Studies sophomore, says every film will win some type of prize to get recognition for their work.
In 1998, the Shoot Out Film Festival in Australia came up with the concept of creating a twenty-four hour film competition. Since then, the festival expanded the model overseas to Colorado, and now many universities, including OU, are utilizing this.
Groups of film students anxiously congregated at 9:00 p.m. in Scholars Room of the Union to receive their instructions for making their film. President, Ty Anderson collected admission fees, and discussed housekeeping rules before handing out the secretive manila envelope with the requirements inside. Once the students had the envelope in hand, each team rapidly dispersed to let the creative juices flow. From there, students crafted a plot, incorporated required props and dialogue, filmed the scenes, and edited their masterpieces before 9:00 p.m. Saturday.
“This is more about the process of making a film,” said Anderson. “Not trying to create a masterpiece.” Anderson said. He participated in the film blitz the past two semesters and believes there is something to learn whether you’ve never worked on a film or if you’re an expert. Sophomore Melanie Duran said this is her first time at the film blitz. She participated so that she could start building connections with other film students and expand her knowledge about creating films. “This exercise really kick-starts your creative juices,” said Anderson. “Immediately after I had finished the film blitz I had so many ideas I could work with.”
The Film and Media Studies group will be premiering each team’s films on Wednesday, October 26th at 7:00 p.m.
(SOT: Kelsey Hightower: 0:10)
Junior Ann Laudick
Monday, October 17, 2011
Kim Haywood-deadCENTER Film Festival
Chief Operating Officer and Festival Director Kim Haywood is one of only two people working at deadCENTER Film Festival, yet she still finds time to share her love of movies with the community. Haywood has helped deadCENTER grow for the past ten years. She puts on events, finds volunteers, and teaches students about film.
deadCENTER’s rooftop has been made into a patio, set up with chairs, tables, and décor, making it the ideal spot to host movie screenings, which is exactly what Haywood does. The screenings show work from independent filmmakers whose films were registered at the festival and it is open to the community.
Haywood began working at deadCENTER as a volunteer for the annual June festival. Once she began getting involved, she couldn’t stop helping out. She’s shaped the festival from a one-day event, to now being a five-day event for 1,300 people. Her passion for films is embedded in her belief that people have stories that need to be shared. “There’s a topic or there’s a story; there’s something out there, that once I hear it I’m going to say ‘I want to make that documentary,’” Haywood said.
Executive Director Lance McDaniel also began as a volunteer at deadCENTER in 2005. Now, they depend on each other for everyday issues and crisis. Their mission at deadCENTER states: “Our mission is to promote, encourage and celebrate the independent film arts.” Haywood utilizes this mission through her projects. “She’s good at getting people excited about different things,” McDaniel said. “She rallies people to do things that are fun and good for the community.”
Haywood is currently working on getting a grant to help fund projects. These include visiting various schools all over Oklahoma to teach students about films. Students learn various aspects of film, from narrative to making and producing their own movies. Through grants and other resources, Haywood will continue reaching out and impacting others.
(VIDEO: Kelsey Hightower 1:40)Sunday, October 2, 2011
Social Media is changing the Film Industry
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| Photo: Kelsey Hightower Students using social media at Gaylord. |
Movies are being promoted in the newest ways possible. Filmmakers of all kinds are utilizing social media to gain more success with their films. US & World said Classical Hollywood had success because of the Star System and now Modern Hollywood has Facebook, Twitter, and mobile phones. Even independent filmmakers are taking advantage of the world at their fingertips.
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| Photo: Kelsey Hightower Kenny Madison checking his Web pages. |
Traditionally, marketing was left primarily to a publicist to promote the movie. Once the movie was in theaters, word of mouth helped build the success of the movie. Now filmmakers can independently promote their movies through social media. The Disney Channel is currently promoting its new movie The Muppets by trying to make Facebook history and get “1 BaZillion likes.” If Disney reaches its goal, fans will be able to watch The Muppets before it comes out in theaters.
“Social Media has given me many opportunities,” said actor and director Philip Borghee. “We’ve found locations, people to play extras and I’ve been put in movies because of it.” Borghee is currently working on the movie The Jones’, which has its own Facebook page and has drawn a lot of attention. “A lady on Facebook saw that we need a refinery for a filming location and let us use hers,” said Borghee. Not only has Facebook helped to find places for filming, but when the cast needed extras to play zombies, every single position was found thanks to social media connections.
The future is being embraced by the film industry. US & World said Paramount’s Paranormal Activity had great success in the box-office making more than $150 million after only spending $15,000 to make. “Paramount extensively used Facebook to promote the film, partnering with Eventful to get would-be fans to request a screening of the film in their area,” said US & World. Technology is driving the future for filmmakers everywhere.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Trip to the Mall
To explain to you one of my favorite places, I will take you on a trip to the mall! Although I love going to the mall to shop, there is so much more to do than that. It's actually a very clean place to hang out and if you're an early riser, it's a good place to catch up on homework because they have free wi-fi. Take a look at why the mall's much more than a place to find the latest fashion.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Dracula
With the fall weather and Halloween around the corner, this is the perfect time for Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula to come to life; But bigger and scarier changes are coming to the University of Oklahoma’s Rupel J. Jones Theatre this weekend. Dracula is hitting the stage tonight with the most special effects ever used. This production will be the first time many of the cast and crew has ever worked with false stages, explosions, trap doors and the extensive lighting. This may also be their last.
This elaborate production is sure to keep the audience scared and hanging on to their seats, which is exactly what the cast and crew are aiming for. “Some people won’t want to come see it,” said director Tom Orr. “Everyone enjoys a thrill, but you’re not going to enjoy Dracula unless you want the hairs on your back to stand up.”
Orr has had this idea for the past four years. To be able to put on such an extensive show, a professional team worked throughout the summer on special effects and stages. Some stages were completed but the special effects were nowhere close to being done. “Special effects are still being completed today,” said Orr. The actors had to be back in school a week before the rest of the campus to get started on their roles.
Not only is the production a giant step with special effects, but also many of the actors are finding new and challenging roles in Dracula. “I’ve always played a drunk or a funnier role,” said Brad Brockman, acting junior. “Dracula’s suave, dark and a very powerful person, which is nothing like me.” He said that because Dracula is such a powerful man, he needs a dominant, stiff posture, which is sometimes hard to maintain especially with the elaborate costumes.
Even some of the smallest costume changes can be the most challenging during the show. “I have two transformations during the show, which includes changing out my contacts,” said Brockman. This additional change can sometimes be difficult because he has to deal with the make-up, dirt and sweat getting in his eyes as he changes his completely white colored contacts. “I wasn’t able to see for a while during rehearsals,” said Brockman. Although there are various obstacles throughout the show, Brockman says he is excited about creating something new and gaining a new experience that will help him when he gets out of school.
Every play this year will have it’s own unique aspect to it, so we will not know what to expect until the next show comes around. Orr does say that this show will be the only one of its' kind, simply because Dracula demands the extra effects to make Bram Stoker's novel come to life; So you might want to check it out while you can. The shows will be at 8 pm September 29, 30, and October 1; 3pm September 25 and October 2 at the Rupel J. Jones Theater.
This elaborate production is sure to keep the audience scared and hanging on to their seats, which is exactly what the cast and crew are aiming for. “Some people won’t want to come see it,” said director Tom Orr. “Everyone enjoys a thrill, but you’re not going to enjoy Dracula unless you want the hairs on your back to stand up.”
Orr has had this idea for the past four years. To be able to put on such an extensive show, a professional team worked throughout the summer on special effects and stages. Some stages were completed but the special effects were nowhere close to being done. “Special effects are still being completed today,” said Orr. The actors had to be back in school a week before the rest of the campus to get started on their roles.
Not only is the production a giant step with special effects, but also many of the actors are finding new and challenging roles in Dracula. “I’ve always played a drunk or a funnier role,” said Brad Brockman, acting junior. “Dracula’s suave, dark and a very powerful person, which is nothing like me.” He said that because Dracula is such a powerful man, he needs a dominant, stiff posture, which is sometimes hard to maintain especially with the elaborate costumes.
Even some of the smallest costume changes can be the most challenging during the show. “I have two transformations during the show, which includes changing out my contacts,” said Brockman. This additional change can sometimes be difficult because he has to deal with the make-up, dirt and sweat getting in his eyes as he changes his completely white colored contacts. “I wasn’t able to see for a while during rehearsals,” said Brockman. Although there are various obstacles throughout the show, Brockman says he is excited about creating something new and gaining a new experience that will help him when he gets out of school.
Every play this year will have it’s own unique aspect to it, so we will not know what to expect until the next show comes around. Orr does say that this show will be the only one of its' kind, simply because Dracula demands the extra effects to make Bram Stoker's novel come to life; So you might want to check it out while you can. The shows will be at 8 pm September 29, 30, and October 1; 3pm September 25 and October 2 at the Rupel J. Jones Theater.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Medieval Fair
The Medieval Fair, the biggest single weekend event in Oklahoma, continues to grow in numbers not only with the increase of visitors, but also an increase in cast members. Entertaining this large group of people takes a lot of preparation and planning. The Medieval Fair, which will be at the end of March, held auditions for cast members yesterday.
This year, the Medieval Fair will be based on a market scene during he time of Edward III and his court. This is the first time in 6 years the Medieval Fair has changed courts. Previously, the cast has reenacted Henry I. Ann Marie Eckart, Medieval Fair Coordinator, said she is not only looking for new cast members, but also looking to add new roles to the fair, from the Rat Lady to a Pipe-Piper.
The Medieval Fair tradition began on the south oval of the University of Oklahoma 34 years ago with a group of about 100 students reenacting the medieval times. Now, the Medieval Fair has grown to host 375,000 people just this past year. It has not only been a strong tradition for OU, but many of the returning cast members told about how the fair has made a lasting impression on them. When the coordinator and director asked each person auditioning why they decided to try-out, over half a dozen people said once they experienced the fair, they were hooked. From then on they wanted to be a part of what make such a big impact to them.
“I was the shy kid,” said Eckart thinking back on her childhood. She told about how one of her friends convinced her to make a costume and experience the Medieval Fair when she was 16. Even after she had her costume ready, it took her friend dragging Eckart out of the house to actually participate. Once at the fair, she played a servant without any speaking lines. She said she enjoyed the fair so much that she was completed hooked after that. Now, she says working with the different kinds of people every year is her favorite part of the fair. “I’ve grown up with the fair, and grown through the fair, so this is my chance to give back,” said Eckart.
Every person who auditioned was invited to the first rehearsal. Eckart announced that she would be able to find a role for each person that wanted to be involved. However, during audition breaks the director and coordinator already began deciding who would play each part. “I’m looking for someone who can think on their feet because the fair is 95 percent improvisation,” said Eckart.
Following auditions, the cast will attend eight workshops. During the workshops, cast members will practice their improvisational skills by doing activities such as rotating three different people in a game. This game will consist of one person standing, one leaning, and one sitting down. “These games teach them how to multi-task as well as improvisational,” Cody Clark, director. They will also learn how to sew their costumes, learn the history of the fair, and speak their roles during these workshops. “I am very pleased with the turnout,” said Eckart. “We may have more auditions later on or people are encouraged to show up to the first rehearsal if they are interested.”
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| Photo: Kelsey Hightower Medieval Fair Coordinator, Ann Marie Eckart and Medieval Fair Director, Cody Clark discuss participants that auditioned. |
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