Hi everyone!

Welcome to NEYT News and Notes! This first issue brings you important news on summer camps; upcoming events, shows, and classes; and great new resources for our young actors, directors, and writers. Our feature story, About Casting, is a must-read for all parents. Please read on and let us know how we did. We want this to be a resource, so please tell us what worked, what didn't work, and what else you might like to see in future issues.

NEYT Family and Friends Association


Potluck Dinner on March 29th!!
NEYT's Family and Friends Association invites you to an evening of food and friendship! Mark your calendars for a potluck dinner on March 29th from 5-7pm. Please RSVP to Jody Haley at glh@sover.net or at 802-254-6763. Make sure you let her know what you would like to bring. Hope to see you there!

More about our Family and Friends Association.


Quick Links:

Summer Camp Registration Underway!
Registration for NEYT summer camps has officially begun. Slots do fill up, so be sure to reserve a space for your child, with a deposit of $100, today!




New On-Line Resource
In his new column "Takes and Double Takes," Stephen Stearns shares tips learned from 40 years of travel through theatre and clown land. This week's topic: "Acting is Listening."


Upcoming NEYT Shows
Never a dull or quiet moment on the NEYT stage! Don't miss this great line-up of performances.


A Splendiferous year!
This review of 2007, expressed as only "Uncle Stevie" can, is chock full of important stuff -- from performances and programs to organizational structure and finances.


NEYT Volunteers Rejoice!
From the "old days" on Main Street to our new home on Flat Street, so much of NEYT"s success can be traced to the tireless work of volunteers. (You know who you are, so give yourselves a big round of applause).

Now, keeping that spirit of volunteerism is Jody Haley who will be serving as Volunteer Coordinator. (And, yes, she is volunteering to do this). Jody is planning a Volunteer Day that will bring together NEYT staff and community for some hard work and good fun. This will be a great way to make a difference for NEYT, meet other members of the NEYT community, and even get the kids involved. So, stay tuned.

In the meantime, Jody will be working to develop a volunteer database. If you think you might be able to donate some time and energy (no matter how small), make sure to touch base with Jody. She can be reached at glh@sover.net or at 254-6763. And, from all of us at NEYT, thank you!

Other ways to support NEYT.


"Building Theatre from the Inside Out"
NEYT's Homeschool Program, now in its third season, allows children ages 10-13 to create and direct stories, mysteries, mimes and songs. Classes are ongoing, (and the age range is flexible), so spread the word!

Check out NEYT's full roster of spring classes.


How To Order Customized Photos
Would you like to capture your child's on-stage experiences? Now, you can order custom photos of your child from NEYT photographer Laura Bliss. Using her photo disk, you can make prints, calendars, cards, or slideshows to share with family and friends. Each disk costs twenty-five dollars. If you prefer prints, Laura is able to print 4x6, 5x7, or 8x10 prints in small quantities. (Print costs range from $2.50 to $10.00 each depending on size and quantity). Contact Laura at easthillfarm@vermontel.net for more information.

NEYT archivist, Deb Lazar, also makes large size posters of the whole cast which are for sale and can usually be seen in the lobby. You can contact her at d@artworking.com.

Browse NEYT's on-line Photo Gallery.


Feature Story: About Casting
By Rebecca Waxman

Many of us know casting from the perspective of our children. Auditioning can be thrilling, and nerve wracking. But, what exactly goes into an audition from the director’s perspective?

NEYT chooses shows for a variety of reasons such as audience interest, director enthusiasm, actor training and seasonal variety. The most essential motivation, however, is often student need. When a student has participated in many classes and shows and demonstrated a level of maturity and excellence, it is our duty to find projects that help them grow; our goal is to challenge all of our actors, from novice to veteran. Every student who maintains an enthusiastic commitment to personal growth as a performer will have his or her chance to shine here at NEYT.

That said, when casting we do our best to balance the needs of individuals against the needs of the company and the play itself. Primarily, we aim to create the most enjoyable and educational experience for all students. Of course, a show is, by nature, a product-oriented venture; the enjoyment of the audience is also important, as is the feeling of success to the cast itself. So, that, naturally, has some bearing on casting. Ultimately, casting decisions are artistic; we make them and we make them carefully.

It usually happens like this:

1. At faculty and/or staff meetings discussions arise regarding plays, playwrights, or genres we should consider OR skills sets that need to be developed OR groups of students that are ready for a certain challenge OR individual students who need to be stretched.

2. Shows are chosen to address these articulated needs.

3. Auditions are held and attended by the director AND other faculty, who observe so that they might contribute to the casting decisions AND so that they might stay connected with the growth of all NEYT actors. Often present are members of the show's production team such as asst. director and stage manager. They, too, contribute to the casting discussions.

4. After auditions, the attending adults gather for a lengthy casting discussion during which many topics come up besides just the needs of each child and the needs of the show. Other items include: actor's age, actor's commitment to and progress in NEYT classes, actor's ability to concentrate, prepare and listen, actor's behavior in other shows and classes. This discussion continues, with much animated and caring debate, until we arrive at our decisions confidently and with mutual support.

However a child is cast, he or she will be stretched and engaged. No part is without challenge; no role is unimportant to the overall success of the production. Parents, too, are vitally important in supporting children in this process where feelings of disappointment sometimes arise. With this in mind, please help us model for your children a positive attitude towards casting--one that allows for both humility and buoyancy. Sometimes a handful of shows might pass without a leading role, but remember to step back and look at the big picture of your child's involvement with NEYT. Developing skills and building confidence takes time. So, have patience and enjoy the ride.

More about NEYT's educational philosophy.


We're looking forward to bringing NEYT News and Notes to you on a regular basis. So, don't forget to email us your feedback and suggestions for future issues!