Weekly Emails | viking-drama

5-22-22

Hello,

Just a reminder that we have a Family Drama Picnic tomorrow at 6pm. This has been announced at school and on the Drama website. Any student and family involved in after school drama this year are welcome to attend. This should be a short and sweet evening, we're just giving you guys a chance to celebrate your successes together. There are a few awards to give out but the lack of activities during COVID has greatly reduced these. There are a few Gold Star awards, some Extra Bow awards (involved for all 3 years), Director's & Student of the Year Award and 9 inductees to the theatre honor society. Please, bring your own food, beverage, lawn chair and coat (it is going to be chilly out there). I would say we will be done between 7:00 to 7:15pm

The following Students have attended the required Friday Honor Society Meetings and completed the required point sheet. They are being inducted tomorrow (but they knew who they were back in February:)

Congratulations-

Quinn Carnduff

Purahan Halkoda

Ava Hoxsie

Keeley Kroll

Paige Lerner

Ellie Mercure

Cotey Mobile

Emma Owiny

Leah Venisnik

See you tomorrow,

Mrs. Pionke

5-16-22

Happy Sunday Morning,

I hope everyone had a restful day off after a very busy week.

Friday night was a huge success. The students really pulled it together and did an amazing job! It wasn't exactly how we had planned, but in many ways it was better:) Give people a challenge and they rise to the occasion in remarkable ways. It was a triumph to be on that stage mostly mask free with the closest to normal audience we have had since December 2019. Not only that but the audience saw a quality show.

Thank you to all of those who made it possible. My Studio 56 Board (Mrs. Linna, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Mercure, Mrs. Carnduff), Randy Kroll, Tyler Kroll, Will Pionke, and Jimmy & Adam from maintenance. Without you this would not have been possible. There are many other parents who stepped in to help with the evenings events. I do not know all your names, but your work did not go unnoticed. I want to thank administrator Mrs. Moreano, school board member Becky Kotsinis and ALL the alumni for attending the show. It meant a great deal to me.

The students and myself have cultivated life long memories and friendships from this experience. Viking Drama was founded and grew under Jim Neal for 30 years and I believe it continued to grow the last 17 with me. Over the past 11 years, we were twice named the outstanding middle school drama program in the country. We performed on the International stage four times, traveled 23 times and had representation on state and national boards for theatre. I hope to see a return of pre-COVID activities like, Summer Drama, attendance at Chicago and local theatre performances, travel to Festivals, Dinner Theatre and fundraising to support the program. I pass the torch and now it is up to the new director and you to keep the close knit family community we have created together. Viking Drama hits its 50 year Anniversary in 2024. It is a legacy!

Thank you for the flowers, candy and kind words for my last show. The phone calls and onstage memories brought tears to my eyes and reminded me why I decided to teach theatre. It was all appreciated, but please know the evening was not about me, but the students themselves and their accomplishments and their program.

The show will continue to stream through the next two weeks. I did see that there seems to be issues with the link. District tech is working on the issue. Check back to the district homepage for the link. Link: https://d56.anywhereseat.com/

I may put out an all call for clean up and organization, especially the loft in the near future and even after the school year is out. We have only really been allowed in for limited set construction on Saturdays over the last three years and there is three years of mess and organization to be done from productions.

We will have one last event to celebrate everything we have done. Students who have been a part of any show this year are welcome to attend. The Drama Family picnic is Monday, May 23 at 6pm in Viking Park. We will pass out a few awards and induct a new bunch of students who earned their points into the International Thespian Honor Society. Everyone should bring their own food, drink and chairs.

Thank you again for your support,

Mrs. Pionke

5-8-22

Happy Sunday,

Happy Mother’s Day to all you Moms out there. As promised, this is just an update on things Other than the date, most things have remained as before. The below information is exactly what was received 3-7J, so you can see things will remain relatively the same.

The changes are that there will be no signup genius. Families can arrive 1/2hour before the show for admission. We are also looking into a possibility of getting together on 5-14 to view the show together, since it will be stream. Also the date for the Drama Picnic may move to 5-23 due to the Spotlight event at PT, but that needs to be approved, yet.

Students will still be getting show shirts, if they ordered them.

We are still looking for these items that parents offered as props for the show:

2 bikes with training wheels

Bistro table and two chairs

Paper for a roll of quarters

We will also still need the 2 hamburgers and 1 turkey burger for the Friday show

Studio 56 Board parents will be reaching out for volunteers. Look out for this email.

We are asking that parents to donate a handheld dessert (cookies, bars, etc.) for the intermission desserts.

There will be a raffle for about 5 baskets, etc. They are very nice items. I wanted to give a heads up for this, so you have paper money with youJ

Dress rehearsal 5/12

o Immediately after school (showtime approximately 4:00 start); expect pick up approximately 6:30

o 1 parent guest is welcome to attend IF they are also purchasing a ticket for a paid performance

o The only opportunity to take photos of the show

o Actors will be sent home with their first costume for Friday performance

o Show shirts will be distributed at end of performance

o Cast photo will be taken at end of performance; no parents allowed for this as the sale is a fundraiser

· Friday 5/13 @ 7:00 pm

o 3-4 guests per student

o Please sign up ahead of time so we have a number attending each show:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044fa5af2dabfe3-emma

o All ticket sales are suggested donation of $7/person at the door

o All students will be expected to stay approximately 2 hours for post-show clean up; parent volunteers will be requested for help with this.

All students call times are 1 hour prior to the show, please be on time.

Costumes

· Actors will leave with their first costume (many have a few changes) Thursday so they return Friday in costume and make up and ready to go.

· They also will be given a list of any personal items they should have – undershirts, jeans, gym shoes – for some of the costumes.

That's about it. Hope this is not too overwhelming. The schedule is below.

Thanks,

Mrs. Pionke

This Week:

Mon. 5-9 to Wed. 5-11 All Cast and Crew until 5pm

Thursday 5-12 Dress Rehearsal until 6pm

Friday 5-13 Show 7pm Call time 6pm

Saturday, 5-14 Cast/crew viewing TBA

Future:

Mon. 5-23 Drama Awards Family Picnic and Induction 6pm?

3-13-22

Good Morning,

As some of you may have suspected something is up and I know some of you are already aware of the situation. Thank you for the card and beautiful flowers.

On my way to school on Friday I had a fall/accident. This required reconstructive surgery, hospital time (which is where I am at currently) and starting Wednesday some time in a rehabilitation facility. I am going to be just fine. I just need time and rest to heal. I have excellent care and a wonderful group of friends and family surrounding me.

The play for me has to be put on hold for right now. We are working on alternative dates currently. THE SHOW WILL GO ON:) There is the probability that the play will become an important part of dinner theatre in May. The good news is most props, tech and the show itself is done. However, we will still need some time spent on costumes and the set beforehand, which we can tackle in April. Of course students will need to rehearse at least the week of the show. Those possible dates are May 13 and 14. Please, let me know if there is a major conflict there.

I know this is disappointing for you all and I apologize for the inconvenience this has created. Believe me, when I say I am as disappointed as you. All of the above information for the future of the show is tentative and will depend on how quickly I progress and my limitations. But regardless, your hardwork will not be in vain and we will get this show on stage somehow. I promise!

Do me a favor and keep running those lines, so you don't forget them.

For now relax, take that much needed after school time the next few weeks and enjoy that Spring Break.

Very Sincerely,

Mrs. Pionke

Viking Drama

3-7-22

Happy Monday,

Thank you to all those parents who attended the meeting this past Thursday evening. We were really able to get some information out and take care of necessary props for the show. However, we are still looking for bikes with training wheels. Let me know if you can help out here. It was wonderful meeting so many of you.

I will be sending out an email shortly for those that ordered a show shirt. I do have a number of you who sent forms, but did not pay. I cannot place and order without payment, please give this to me tomorrow. Please, make sure to look over the list and let me know if I missed anyone.

If you bought a parent ad, please make sure to pay for it:)

LAST CALL for program bios from students. Please, sent you bio to: dramabios@d56.org

This is tech week, which means both cast and crew meet. There are no conflicts.

There will be set construction this Saturday and it could be a long one. We start at 10am and work until we are done. Give what time you can. Remember to bring lunch, snacks and a water bottle.

Shows are:

Dress rehearsal 3/17

o Immediately after school (showtime approximately 4:00 start); expect pick up approximately 6:30

o 1 parent guest is welcome to attend IF they are also purchasing a ticket for a paid performance

o The only opportunity to take photos of the show

o Actors will be sent home with their first costume for Friday performance

o Show shirts will be distributed at end of performance

o Cast photo will be taken at end of performance; no parents allowed for this as the sale is a fundraiser

· Friday 3/18 @ 7:00 pm

o 3-4 guests per student

o Please sign up ahead of time so we have a number attending each show:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044fa5af2dabfe3-emma

o All ticket sales are suggested donation of $7/person at the door

· Saturday 3/19 @ 2:00 pm

o 3-4 guests per student

o All ticket sales are suggested donation of $7/person at the door

o Please sign up ahead of time so we have a number attending each show:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044fa5af2dabfe3-emma

o All students will be expected to stay approximately 2 hours for post-show clean up; parent volunteers will be requested for help with this.

All students call times are 1 hour prior to the show, please be on time.

Costumes

Actors will leave with their first costume (many have a few changes) Thursday so they return Friday in costume and make up and ready to go. They will

have been given plenty of instruction.

They also will be given a list of any personal items they should have – undershirts, jeans, gym shoes – for some of the costumes.

That's about it. Hope this is not too overwhelming. The schedule is below.

Thank you for your support,

Mrs. Pionke

Viking Drama

This Week (Tech Week-NO conflicts):

3-7 No meeting no school

3-8 All of Act I until 4:30pm + crew

3-9 All of Act II until 4:30pm + crew

3-10 No meeting Pionke family commitment

3-11 All until 4:30pm (need to meet due to weather cancellations and music events)

3-12 Set Construction 10am-?

Next Week (NO conflicts):

3-14 Everyone until 5:00pm

3-15 Everyone until 5:00pm

3-16 Everyone until 5:00pm

3-17 Everyone until 6:30pm Dress rehearsal after school (begin

running show by 4pm), show shirt pickup, dress show photos are allowed by one family member if family is attending a ticketed performance, cast/crew photo taken) Your first costume for the show will need to go home

3-18 Performance 7pm – 6pm call time for all cast and crew, please be on time. Actors will

arrive wearing their first costume for the show. Remember to sign up to attend

3-19 Performance 2pm – 1pm call time for all cast and crew, please be on time. Actors will

arrive wearing their first costume for the show. Remember to sign up to attend

2-27-22

Good Morning,

I am also sending this email out to some alumni parents, who have expressed interest in helping out with this final push. This is a long one, because we are down to our final three weeks.

Thank you to the Drama Club/Honor Society for all their service work on Friday. This really got everything ready for Saturday’s set construction.

Thank you to both students and adults for all their work on Saturday; we got a ton of work done. The set construction on March 12 will be a looong one, since everything needs to be done that day. We cannot meet next Friday after school or Saturday, since the music department is now hosting the area’s music organizational. Therefore on the 12th, we will work until it is done. Signs need to be painted and hung, lights need to be hung, trim need to be hung and painted, wall paper needs to be done, two free staying doors need to be built, doors and windows need to be hung, costumes need to be set, the stage needs to be swept and painted, the stage needs to be spiked, and set dressing needs to happen. It’s a lot!

It’s a busy week. This is the first full week of practice we have had in a while and we do truly need it. At this time, all $25 costumes fees are long past due, lines MUST be memorized, line counts must be given to Elizabeth and actor character analyses need to be done.

For costumes, we are now finalizing things. Students will most likely be responsible for some basics: slips, shoes, pants, jeans, socks and cami/tank tops.

Tuesday March 1, there is a Studio 56 board meeting at 5:30pm at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044fa5af2dabfe3-parent1

Thursday, March 3, there is a 6pm general play parent meeting at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044fa5af2dabfe3-parent1

I will lay out how audience attendance, and masks and ticket sales will work for this show at the parent meeting. We know there will be a Friday live show and are still waiting for word on a Sat. show. We know at least two adults can attend per actor and crew member, but there is a possibility that could increase. By Thursday, the district will have those answers for us.

March 3 is also the due date for show shirt orders (optional), parent program ads (optional) and program bios (NOT optional). These forms and instructions have been given in past emails.

As you can imagine COVID has hit this program hard financially. We have lost thousands of dollars, by not having Drama Dog Days, Warm Cookie Wednesdays and Dinner Theatre the last two years. We are stretched to the limit and I have been personally paid for things to keep shows afloat. There may be some prop items we will need help on, which I will go over on Thursday. Hopefully families may have some of these items at home or are willing to help out. Thanks!

Thank you for your support,

Mrs. Pionke

Three Week Schedule Below:

This Week:

2-28 All of Act II until 4:30pm

3-1 All of Act I until 4:30pm Studio 56 Board Meeting 5:30pm

3-2 Crew until 4pm

3-3 All of Act II until 4:30pm (program bios & t-shirt orders due)

Virtual play parent meeting 6pm

3-4 to 3-5 No meeting due to music organizational

Next Week (Tech Week-NO conflicts):

3-7 No meeting no school

3-8 All of Act I until 4:30pm + crew

3-9 All of Act II until 4:30pm + crew

3-10 No meeting Pionke family commitment

3-11 All until 4:30pm (need to meet due to weather cancellations, and music events)

3-12 Set Construction

Following Week (NO conflicts):

3-14 Everyone until 5:00pm

3-15 Everyone until 5:00pm

3-16 Everyone until 5:00pm

3-17 Everyone until 6:30pm Dress rehearsal after school (begin running show by 4pm), show

shirt pickup, dress show photos are allowed by one family member if family is attending a ticketed performance, cast/crew photo taken) Your first costume for the show will need to go home

3-18 Performance 7pm – 6pm call time for all cast and crew, please be on time. Actors will

arrive wearing their first costume for the show.

3-19 TBA show I just don’t know if it is virtual or live, yet

2-21-22

Happy Monday,

This will be an interesting week. Weather could be a factor for practices. Both tomorrow and Thursday have the potential to adjust the schedule. Please, listen to announcements and read emails to be up to date. As of right now the schedule has not changed.

There are still some $25 costume fees, which have not been turned in. Please, turn these in ASAP, as we are finalizing costumes.

We will have a set construction on Saturday and we do need parents to help out. Set construction is 10am to 3pm and you do need to bring lunch. Please, still come with a mask, should it be necessary.

All lines need to be memorized this week for the actors.

Attached are several handouts. Two are optional and one is not. The show shirt order and parent program ad are optional. The parent ad is a great way to say congratulations to your student. The show shirt is just a nice memory. The program bio MUST be completed by both cast and crew. The Deadline for all of this is Thursday, March 3.

There will be a virtual play parent meeting Thursday, March 3 at 6pm.

There is a Drama Club/Honor Society Meeting on Friday. We are working on the set and backstage cleanup.

Thank you for your support,

Mrs. Pionke

This Week:

2-21 No school no meeting

2-22 Act II scene 5 until 4:30pm

2-23 Crew until 4pm

2-24 All of Act II until 4:30pm

2-25 Drama Club/Honor Society until 4pm

2-26 Set Construction 10am to 3pm

Next Week:

2-28 All of Act II until 4:30pm

3-1 All of Act I until 4:30pm Studio 56 Board Meeting 5:30pm

3-2 Crew until 4pm

3-3 All of Act II until 4:30pm (program bios & t-shirt orders due) Virtual play parent meeting 6pm

3-4 to 3-5 No meeting due to music organizational

Following Week (Tech Week-NO conflicts):

3-7 No meeting no school

3-8 All of Act I until 4:30pm + crew

3-9 All of Act II until 4:30pm + crew

3-10 No meeting Pionke family commitment

3-11 All until 4:30pm

3-12 Set Construction

2-13-22

Hello,

I am sending this out rather early today, so I can enjoy the big game with the family:)

This will be short and sweet since not much has changed since last week and this is a repeat of what you have from last week. Also this is a very short week due to parent/teacher conferences. I would be happy to meet with you, so please feel free to signup for a conference if you wish at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044fa5af2dabfe3-parent1

Reminder, we do live in Northern IL and the months of Jan., Feb. and March can always be interesting. I fully expect that there will be adjustments to the schedule due to weather. I put practice schedules out up to two weeks in advance, but know those can change due to weather cancellations.

Several actors still owe their $25 costume fee. It was due Feb. 10. Also everyone (cast and crew) should now have a binder to put your script and other papers in at this time.

All actors' lines should be memorized by the week of 2-22.

Please, make sure that the speed limit around a park and school zone are observed during pickup. There was a near incident a week ago with a speeding car and we were lucky the student had quick reflexes.

We have moved the virtual play parent meeting for all parents away from parent/teacher conferences to Thursday, March 3 at 6pm. A link will come closer to the event.

Below is the tentative two week schedule.

Thank you for your support,

Mrs. Pionke

This Week:

2-14 Act II scenes 1 & 2 until 4:30pm

2-15 Act II scenes 3 & 4 until 4:30pm

2-16 No meeting due to Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent virtual play meeting has been moved to Wednesday, March 2 at 6pm

2-17 No meeting due to Parent/Teacher Conferences

2-18 No school no meeting

Next Week:

2-21 No school no meeting

2-22 Act II scene 5 until 4:30pm (line memorization deadline)

2-23 Crew until 4pm

2-24 All of Act II until 4:30pm

2-25 Drama Club/Honor Society until 4pm

2-26 Set Construction 10am to 3pm

2-6-2022

Happy Sunday,

The kids have been doing a great job, so far. The practices have kept us all laughing, which is really a wonderful thing to say.

Actors do have a $25 costume fee for this show, especially because most of you will have two to three costumes. These are due by this Thurs., Feb. 10. Also everyone (cast and crew) should now have a binder to put your script and other papers in at this time.

Please, make sure that the speed limit around a park and school zone are be observed during pickup. There was a near incident a week ago with a speeding car and we were lucky the student had quick reflexes.

There is a Studio 56 board meeting this Tuesday at 5:30 at: https://meet.google.com/etp-abpj-edk?authuser=0 It is for the board, but any new parent are welcome to join us.

We have moved the virtual play parent meeting for all parents away from parent/teacher conferences to Thursday, March 3 at 6pm. A link will come closer to the event.

Below is the tentative two week schedule.

Thank you for your support,

Karen Pionke

Viking Drama

This Week:

2-7 Those in Act I until 4:30pm

2-8 No practice due to staff meeting

Studio 56 Board Meeting 5:30pm at: https://meet.google.com/etp-abpj-edk?authuser=0

2-9 Crew until 4pm

2-10 Those in Act I until 4:30pm

2-11 No school No meeting

2-12 No set due to solo ensemble for band

Next Week:

2-14 Act II first two scenes

2-15 Act II scene 3 & 4

2-16 No meeting due to Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent virtual play meeting has been moved to Thursday, March 3 at 6pm

2-17 No meeting due to Parent/Teacher Conferences

2-18 No school no meeting

Following Week:

2-21 No school no meeting

1-30-22

Good Evening,

I have put now together the email distribution list for the current play, since cast and crew were ironed out on Tuesday. There is still room for two taller individuals for the follow spotlight. I have a great crew, but we need 5’ 5” and above to run the spots. If you know eligible students who might be interested, send them my way.:)

This will be the first of many emails in your future. If for some reason you delete or can’t find the weekly email, they are also posted on the Drama website, which you can access from the Viking or RT web page.

Please, keep in mind that two weeks of ineligibility, which is a referral with loss of privileges or poor grades, will remove you from the show.

On Friday, I jumped the gun a little and cancelled the Drama Club/Honor Society meeting due to the winter storm warning, I was trying to be proactive and give you the evening before to plan accordingly. As it turned out Gurnee received nothing, but 6 miles south and beyond had cleanup. With that said we do live in Northern IL and the months of Jan., Feb. and March can always be interesting. I fully expect that there will be adjustments to the schedule due to weather. I put practice schedules out up to two weeks in advance, but know those can change due to weather cancellations. This week could get interesting mid-week, so watch your emails and listen to school announcements.

Actors do have a $25 costume fee for this show, especially because most of you will have two to three costumes. These are due by Thurs., Feb. 10. Also everyone (cast and crew) should now have a binder to put your script and other papers in at this time.

There is a Drama Cub/Honor Society meeting this Friday. It will be an in house field trip, so we will still have the rescheduled yearbook pictures, have snacks, and watch a live performance. We were to be done at 5:30pm, but now must add the yearbook pictures to meet deadlines, so could be closer to 6pm. Drama Club is NOT the after school play. It is a different club activity, but ANYONE can join usJ

Below is the tentative two week schedule.

Thank you for your support,

Karen Pionke

This Week:

1-31 Scenes 3 & 4 of the scripts until 4:30pm

2-1 Scenes 5 & 6 of the scripts until 4:30pm

2-2 Crew until 4:00pm

2-3 Scene 6 of the scripts until 4:30pm

2-4 Drama Club/Honor Society until 4pm

Next Week:

2-7 Those in Act I until 4:30pm

2-8 No practice due to staff meeting

2-9 Crew until 4pm

2-10 Those in Act I until 4:30pm

2-11 No school No meeting

2-12 No set due to solo ensemble for band

1-17-22

Hello,

I am sending this out to everyone who has been involved in the last production for right now, just to make sure the information is received:) Within two weeks, weekly announcements will only go to those involved in the winter play. Should you need to know what is happening in drama and you are not in the show, please refer to the drama website after next week.

Auditions begin today. You must have your signed forms for both cast and crew. If you are auditioning for the cast, you will need a 2-3 min. prepared piece. It does not need to be memorized. You do not need to audition for the crew. If there are enough students, auditions may also happen on Wednesday. I would like to be done today, between 4:30-5pm, but it will depend on student numbers.

I really love this play. It is relatively new, but it is extremely popular with high schools and middle schools right now. I have attached an aud. pack, just in case.

Drama Club and Honor will meet on Friday the 28th for point sheet revision, working on the play set and yearbook pictures. If you have achieved 10 or more points on your points sheet, you may take the Honor Society picture.

Hope to see you,

Mrs. Pionke