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.
Monday, September 26, 2011
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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