Well in the ongoing adventures of our two little characters in the Imagination theater, last week was a big week for Lucy and David. After weeks of rehearsals they finally chose their play that they will perform in June and we received exciting news. Lucy informed us they going to perform "The Wizard of Oz!" And, guess what? Lucy is going to play "Dorothy." No wait..."Betty." Now of course you can imagine my pride knowing that my little darling was playing the "lead" role but the sweetest part is that she chose to change her name to "Betty"--as in "I'll get you my Betty and your little dog too!" Now, I can't wait to see their show in June!
In their Saturday class, the young actors typically do a "play of the day" each week. I think this has caused a lot of excitement with Lucy because she talks about her role and how she gets to dance, use props, and learn songs--which is all great training and groundwork for learning performance skill and comfort in the character building and acting skills. For example, the other day we learned that one of the plays of the day was "Hansel and Gretel." Lucy, my excited little star, let me know she played "the girl" and David was--guess what?--a "dragon"...again (he loves being a dragon). However, Lucy was quick to let me know that David was actually a good dragon and he saved them on the way home. Proud mother moment.
I believe Lucy and David are really thriving in the class. David has been really shy and his mom says this is the best class he could have taken. Yes, he's always the dragon, but the teachers are very encouraging that every good play needs a good dragon who helps people and also breathes fire.
One of the other things I love about Kids on Stage is the personal connection I get with the staff and teachers. I emailed Lucy's teacher to say how excited I was about "Betty's" latest role. I asked about David and Lucy and their progress in class. I was very impressed to get a very long detailed email about how they were doing socially, emotionally, even physically in the class. It's a diverse age group from 4-7 and I didn't know if our little 4 year olds could cut it with the big kids. The email I received assured me they were fitting right in and having a lot of fun. Even when they needed some breaks from the activities the teachers found a way to keep them excited and engaged the whole class.
She really took the time to make me aware of very specific details about how Lucy is excelling, as well as areas Lucy could work on and benefit from more guidance. Apparently my daughter (no new news to us) needs to work on using "kind words" when the other kids are singing louder than she is. Also, there was a rumor going around that Lucy wasn't exactly cast as Dorothy but more so informed everyone she would be playing the role and changing her name to Betty.
I asked her about the Summer Musical Theater program (just around the corner) and if it would be good for Lucy and she said it would be great for her. The hours are 9-2 which allows them even more time for character development, plays of the days, improvisation, arts and crafts, storytime, costume dress up--all the things Lucy LOVES about this theater program. And, of course they stress that programs like this are great in building more skills to "play well with others, listen, know when to contribute, and have a creative outlet."
Now if I only I could convince her that playing a munchkin can be just as rewarding as playing "Betty" and probably with a cuter costume--although truth be told, I am excited to see "Betty" make it to Emerald City and home again.
Musings from the clean comedian, blogger, author, actress, motivational speaker, mom, 80s rocker, supermodelwannabe, social butterfly, bargain shopper, Out of the closet Christian in Hollywood.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Newsletter: Hey Northern CA. Kerri and Ron and heading up the Coast!
| Kerri Pomarolli & Ron McGehee | February 2012 |
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Thursday, February 16, 2012
Kids On Stage Week 3
People tell me my family is a sit com. I just had one of those days where I think they are right. I'm a mom of two who is still putting her hat in the ring of this crazy business. So I had to put my "skinny jeans" on today and go over to Hollywood for an audition for the new version of "In Living Color." Remember Jim Carey and the Wayan brothers? Well I saw Lindsay Lohan and her mom, and Keenan Ivory Wayans, and got to sit next to a bunch of kids auditioning for a Disney show. I had almost 2 hours of waiting and performing comedy for two interns who decided to laugh on the inside. I was ready to go drown my sorrows in some ice cream. I saw kids there with their moms in the waiting room. One mom said they literally drive in from Vegas for every audition. No one looked like they were having that much fun. It seemed like a business venture and the kids were the "product."
I had a flashback of yesterday when Lucy got done with her class at Kids On Stage. She came running out with the biggest smile she'd ever had. She and her buddy David were screaming and laughing. Lucy said "I was a princess in the show today, mommy!" David said, "So was I!" His mother corrected him quietly "I think you mean Prince, honey!" David replied, "Oh yeah, sure mom, whatever. It was sooooooooooooooo fun."
To see the joy on those kids' faces after an hour of games and activities that only focus on helping them learn the art of theater and play was amazing. Kids On Stage is showing my daughter the true joy of performing. So many "stage moms" thrust their kids into Disney auditions without ever exposing them to where it all starts--the theater. I got my start as an actress in a program very similar to Kids On Stage. They taught me about all my gifts and how I could use my imagination in so many ways. My first play was "Alice in Wonderland," and I'll never forget that I was the special Catepillar. Now, we had 100 kids, so there were 9 Catepillers--but I didn't care. I knew I was special. I realize this is how Lucy's teachers are making her feel. Below is a little interview I did with one of the founders of this awesome program.
For more info: www.kidsonstage.com
I had a flashback of yesterday when Lucy got done with her class at Kids On Stage. She came running out with the biggest smile she'd ever had. She and her buddy David were screaming and laughing. Lucy said "I was a princess in the show today, mommy!" David said, "So was I!" His mother corrected him quietly "I think you mean Prince, honey!" David replied, "Oh yeah, sure mom, whatever. It was sooooooooooooooo fun."
To see the joy on those kids' faces after an hour of games and activities that only focus on helping them learn the art of theater and play was amazing. Kids On Stage is showing my daughter the true joy of performing. So many "stage moms" thrust their kids into Disney auditions without ever exposing them to where it all starts--the theater. I got my start as an actress in a program very similar to Kids On Stage. They taught me about all my gifts and how I could use my imagination in so many ways. My first play was "Alice in Wonderland," and I'll never forget that I was the special Catepillar. Now, we had 100 kids, so there were 9 Catepillers--but I didn't care. I knew I was special. I realize this is how Lucy's teachers are making her feel. Below is a little interview I did with one of the founders of this awesome program.
As women who've been with the program for a very long time , what do you think is the best part about your job?I love the heart behind this program. There will be plenty of time for Lucy to be in TV studios later . But for now I'm thrilled she's happy being a beautiful princess and that's the best show of all.
As the business-creative director I love every aspect from incept of play ideas to helping with designing and creating props/sets and costumes and watching the classes and camps unfold each week up to their show day.
What is your favorite thing about Kids On Stage in particular?
For me as the business owner and a behind-the-scenes girl, it is watching each child have the courage to get up on that stage--whether they are shy or outgoing--and seeing the transformation from the beginning of a class to their final performance. Each time I am touched more than I thought I would be and feel so proud of what they accomplished and how talented and brave each child and teen is. I am so impressed about how each group works so closely together, collaborating and having their own unique voice and character in their production.
What do you want the kids to get out of participating in one of your programs?
Most important and first is the joy of theater and knowing that you do not have to be in an audition-harsh environment to learn acting skills, learn to hit your mark or the business the acting. You can learn the same through fun, creativity, collaboration and having your voice heard.
For more info: www.kidsonstage.com
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
CALL ME MAMA ROSE
Well earlier this summer I enrolled my 4 year old Lucy in Kids on Stage's summer acting camp. She was 3 at the time and I had never put her in anything full day before. To my surprise she loved every minute of it and in my opinion...a "Star" was born!
OK she's great too but I'm the mom and I feel like my stage mother genes took over and I knew I'd be putting her in lots of fun classes just so I could watch her be a cute princess and take pictures to put on Facebook!
I do remember her teacher telling me on the first day of class, "Lucy is very unique. I 've never heard a child year old singing Elvis songs in the bathroom before!" I highly recommend the summer program and I absolutely loved my "mommy free time." Lucy would come home with the most adorable stories from their "play of the day" where each child would create their own character. I was so amazed that the teachers got the kids to do this when I can barely get Lucy to eat her cereal sitting down! It brought out her creative side in a new way I hadn't seen before.
I come from a childhood where I was playing "movie star" from the time I was 3 and I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. When I heard about Kids on Stage in Santa Monica having ongoing theater classes. I got on their web site and did some research to find the perfect fit for Lucy. I was very impressed as a parent at the variety of classes and workshops offered. They have a bit of everything . They even do parties! How cool is that? They have a place for every child from age 4 to 17. They have put on full scale productions from Peter Pan and other classics and have been doing this since 1987. Originally I heard about Kids On Stage from another mom who loved it so I felt comfortable from the start.
So I chose Imagination Theater for Lucy to partake in. It's Wednesdays at 3:30 which is perfect for those kiddos that still nap.This class is from age 4-7. Is it possible when Lucy is 7 she'll nap? I'm 38 and I'm still trying!
I knew Lucy would love this experience but I wanted to get her best friend David to take class with her. By the way , he's madly in love with my daughter. Originally David was fighting for gymnastics, but when he heard Lucy was doing "acting" he succumbed. Good man, David! Learn this lesson now and save yourself some time! Now, David can be a little bit on the sweet and shy side and we had no idea what to expect from him on the first day. The teachers over the phone were very kind and reassuring to us and said they would take extra good care of him to make him comfortable.
So the first week we all loaded in the car and Lucy and David was absolutely giddy with excitement. We came in and the staff was really friendly. What I didn't realize is that with this particular group by the end of the semester they are going to put on their very own play. Well Hallajueh to me! I've got my video camera all set! We'll invite all the top agents in Hollywood. Oh wait..that's my fantasy--not my daughter's!
Ok so we dropped them off at the theater and it was really a nice space. We went to coffee and came back in an hour and all the kids were lined up nicely waiting for us outside. David ran up to his mom and said "I want to go every day!" The teacher said David dressed up like an alligator and made really creative choices. She also said he was attentive and loved class.
I'll be writing more about the class as we get more involved in each week. From what Lucy shared so far, Imagination Theater is a place where kids really learn creative skills and stretch themselves in new directions and in the end turn all that fun into a fabulous production.
Lucy is going to class today and she literally cried and cried because nap was "taking too long!" So I'm just hoping now that Kids On Stage can come up with a day care next for my 1 year old!
To Be Continued.....
Kerri Pomarolli
Check out www.kidsonstage.com for more info.
OK she's great too but I'm the mom and I feel like my stage mother genes took over and I knew I'd be putting her in lots of fun classes just so I could watch her be a cute princess and take pictures to put on Facebook!
I do remember her teacher telling me on the first day of class, "Lucy is very unique. I 've never heard a child year old singing Elvis songs in the bathroom before!" I highly recommend the summer program and I absolutely loved my "mommy free time." Lucy would come home with the most adorable stories from their "play of the day" where each child would create their own character. I was so amazed that the teachers got the kids to do this when I can barely get Lucy to eat her cereal sitting down! It brought out her creative side in a new way I hadn't seen before.
I come from a childhood where I was playing "movie star" from the time I was 3 and I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. When I heard about Kids on Stage in Santa Monica having ongoing theater classes. I got on their web site and did some research to find the perfect fit for Lucy. I was very impressed as a parent at the variety of classes and workshops offered. They have a bit of everything . They even do parties! How cool is that? They have a place for every child from age 4 to 17. They have put on full scale productions from Peter Pan and other classics and have been doing this since 1987. Originally I heard about Kids On Stage from another mom who loved it so I felt comfortable from the start.
So I chose Imagination Theater for Lucy to partake in. It's Wednesdays at 3:30 which is perfect for those kiddos that still nap.This class is from age 4-7. Is it possible when Lucy is 7 she'll nap? I'm 38 and I'm still trying!
I knew Lucy would love this experience but I wanted to get her best friend David to take class with her. By the way , he's madly in love with my daughter. Originally David was fighting for gymnastics, but when he heard Lucy was doing "acting" he succumbed. Good man, David! Learn this lesson now and save yourself some time! Now, David can be a little bit on the sweet and shy side and we had no idea what to expect from him on the first day. The teachers over the phone were very kind and reassuring to us and said they would take extra good care of him to make him comfortable.
So the first week we all loaded in the car and Lucy and David was absolutely giddy with excitement. We came in and the staff was really friendly. What I didn't realize is that with this particular group by the end of the semester they are going to put on their very own play. Well Hallajueh to me! I've got my video camera all set! We'll invite all the top agents in Hollywood. Oh wait..that's my fantasy--not my daughter's!
Ok so we dropped them off at the theater and it was really a nice space. We went to coffee and came back in an hour and all the kids were lined up nicely waiting for us outside. David ran up to his mom and said "I want to go every day!" The teacher said David dressed up like an alligator and made really creative choices. She also said he was attentive and loved class.
I'll be writing more about the class as we get more involved in each week. From what Lucy shared so far, Imagination Theater is a place where kids really learn creative skills and stretch themselves in new directions and in the end turn all that fun into a fabulous production.
Lucy is going to class today and she literally cried and cried because nap was "taking too long!" So I'm just hoping now that Kids On Stage can come up with a day care next for my 1 year old!
To Be Continued.....
Kerri Pomarolli
Check out www.kidsonstage.com for more info.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Newsletter: Asian Elvis lives! Ron McGehee hits Vegas!
| Kerri Pomarolli & Ron McGehee | February 2012 |
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Monday, January 09, 2012
Newsletter: Lose 50 lbs in 2012 with Kerri and Ron!
| Kerri Pomarolli & Ron McGehee | January 2012 |
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Monday, January 02, 2012
Newsletter: Kerri and Ron are heading to Northern CA this weekend for 4 shows!
| Kerri Pomarolli & Ron McGehee | January 2012 |
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