The Magnet Training Center is open and classes will resume as normal for Saturday, February 9th. Please travel safely and bundle up.
Magnet Theater shows for Saturday, February 9th are still a go as well! Have fun and again, please travel safe.
Over the weekend the Director’s of The Magnet’s Musical Improv Program held a town hall to discuss changes in the program. Here is a recap of what was discussed:
1. There will be a Curriculum Change:
That’s the recap! See you at the shows!
The most recent Magnet Town Hall meeting took place Thursday, Jan. 31st at 6:30. If you weren’t there, here is a quick recap of what was covered!
Rick Andrews, Head of Promotions, spoke about the many new graphics around the theater- all to the thanks of Carly Monardo, Adam Hawkins, Nolan Constantino & Dennis Pacheco. These four have used their talents to create great show posters, stickers & t-shirts! We’re going to be updating our Newsletter very soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that! We’re also going to be launching a street team! If you’re interested in applying, please email schooldirector@magnettheater.com. Also, if you have any questions about booking the Magnet for a Corporate show or anything else Magnet Tour Co. related, email Rick at rick@magnettheater.com.
Michael Martin, Director of The Musical Improv program spoke about the development of the program. There are a few curriculum changes that will be going into effect in the next few months. For more in depth information, be sure to check out The Musical Improv Town Hall, this Saturday (Feb. 2nd) at 11pm at The Magnet Training Center.
Kim Ferguson, The Magnet School Director, spoke about The Magnet Training Center. The Training Center had a great 2012! The Magnet has been able to add more specific classes, we’ve added Hip Hop Improv, Teen Improv (run by Elana Fishbein), more workshops & more advanced studies! In 2012 the Magnet was able to offer special classes with Jeff Hiller, Kevin McDonald, Dave Razowsky, Christina Gausas and many more. Congrats to new Magnet teachers, Nick Kanellis (Improv Level 1), Chet Siegel (Improv Level 1), Elana Fishbein (Teen Improv) and Melanie Hoopes (Intro to Solo Performance). Many congrats! Thanks to Sean Taylor for his incredible work with The Magnet Drop-In Program, be sure to check out the improv, sketch or musical improv Drop-In’s! A special thanks goes to Kyle Levenick, The Training Center Night Manager, who has spearheaded the improvements and upkeep of The Magnet Training Center.
Megan Gray, The Magnet Artistic Director, spoke about getting involved in the theater. If you’re interested in applying for a written show, that’s a Test Drive. If you’re interested in submitting your improv team to perform at The Magnet, that’s The Rundown. Both of these applications can be found HERE on the Magnet website. There will be more Special Improv Q & A’s coming up, so stay tuned. Also, Megan will be taking office hours at The Magnet Training Center on Saturday, Feb. 23rd from 3-6pm. This is a great time to bring up any comments, ideas or concerns. Please email Megan to set up an appointment: megan@magnettheater.com.
Quinton Loder, The Magnet Theater Manager, spoke about the physical changes in the space. His focus has been making the theater safe, friendly and professional. He is always open to suggestions: Quinton@magnettheater.com. Dave Warth has been brought on as The Magnet Technical Director- welcome Dave!
Armando Diaz & Ed Herbstman, Co-Owners of The Magnet Theater, talked about The Magnet’s conception and future. Ed urged students to utilize their honed skills and apply them to different aspects of performing. Armando talked about keeping the Magnet true to its roots. The Theater is growing, and in this growth, Armando urged, it’s important to remember who we are.
That’s all! See you at The Theater!
The next Magnet Town Hall Meeting will be held at The Magnet Theater on Thursday, January 31st at 6:30pm. Boom!
Come hear the latest about the Magnet Theater and Training Center. We’ll talk about highlights from 2012 and things to look forward to in 2013. This is an open forum for students and performers to connect with Magnet teachers, managers and other people that run things or make decisions. This will also be a great way for performers and students to learn about recent changes, current initiatives and upcoming projects and opportunities. Lots to discuss. All are welcome. Including you.
Thursday, January 31st at 6:30pm! See you there!
“The Blackout” is the newest installment of The Director Series, a 5-week series of performances wherein a Director selects a cast and presents a different form. This month Louis Kornfeld is directing The Blackout, featuring Phoebe Tyers, Alexis Lambright, Ely Aina Rapoza, Rebecca Robles, Charlie Whitcroft, Rob Penty, Eli Itzkowitz, and Desiree Nash.
Photo by Woody Fu
This past Thursday saw the premier of “The Blackout”, a unique and refreshing improv show relying solely on scenework. The cast, proficient in subtlety and poise, performed the series of scenes in two and three person combinations that came together naturally and comfortably to fill the hour with standalone vignettes and thematic revisitations under the direction and technical expertise of Director Louis Kornfeld.
Photo by Woody Fu
Photo by Woody Fu
Photo by Woody Fu
Photo by Woody Fu
The audience watched childhood friends discussing the ups and downs of having two mothers, a needy secretary fail to grasp the humor of a screen-saver, a married couple deal with three years of built up frustration and resentment, teens peeping on their “girlfriend” undressing in her bedroom, and a man out himself to passengers on his plane during a recreational flight, among many other episodes. Never a dull moment, while all of the energy of this show flowed steadily and with intention.
There are four more opportunities to catch “The Blackout” – January 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 10:00 at The Magnet Theater!
