Blogging from the treehouse!

Many, many thanks to the students who helped me build the most awesome treehouse in the world.

Jay Bridgeman earns the MVP, of course...but Phillip Calvin made critical contributions, too. Knox White, Ross Ovington, Mike Real, Brandon Brown, Molly Davis, Luke Douglas, Jocelin Lehner, Ulan...who else? Am I forgetting someone?

MANN SHOW students are the best. THANK YOU ALL!

Oh...and Merry Christmas.

Why don't YOU cast the play?

What J.L. Mann students are best for the following roles in TEENAGE JONNY QUEST IN TOKYO?

1. JONNY QUEST. The ultimate teenage adventurer. Smart, brave, resourceful...and in love for the very first time with a Japanese actress.

2. SONY. Japanese actress...in love with Jonny Quest, yet conflicted about a personal secret she cannot reveal.

3. HADJI. Like a brother to Jonny and a son to Dr. Quest, he is a teenage orphan from the streets of Bombay. A most trustworthy friend, wise and pure of heart.

4. DR. BENTON QUEST. The famous U.S. diplomat and scientist. A straight arrow who can solve any problem, survive an peril.

5. JESSE JADE. A female Indiana Jones who looks like Amelia Earhardt and talks like a leading lady from a Preston Sturges film.

6. DR. ZIN. Evil, maniacal Japanese industrialist hell-bent on moon-domination.

7. SYLVIA. C-3PO-like robot host at Dr. Zin's SpaceJet corporate offices. Pleasant, but easily flustered by humans.

8. RACE BANNON. An American James Bond. The Quest family's personal bodyguard. The coolest, most masculine dude in the world.

Teenage Jonny Quest in Tokyo

WORLD PREMIER
4-11 APRIL 2008
J.L. MANN HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

New Traditions?

I had a great time Friday night. Chef Mani's was awesome and the play, RECKLESS at The Warehouse was the best I've seen in some time (still like FROZEN better, though).

I've been at this job for almost a year and a half. Slowly, surely I'm finding my footing. Settling into a production schedule, figuring out my classes (what to teach when, and how), getting used to working in a public high school. I've had mostly good times. I like my job quite a bit.

Which brings me to traditions. I want MANN SHOW to have its own collection of very special traditions. One is the Spring Show. Always action-adventure, always bigger, always better. Another might be an annual Christmas party and play like Friday night. One may be (if any of you would bring me stuff) screen printing the MANN SHOW mark on your clothes. Another is how you call me "Coach White"...that is until you graduate, when I become "Chris" to you.

Well, we're moving into a new school in just a few weeks. This is the time for all of us to dream up new traditions. Traditions that will stand the test of time and be unique to our new theater space and classroom.

What do you think? Any ideas for new school MANN SHOW traditions?

SEE THE PICTURES!

Mann Show 2008's THE DINING ROOM

Genius! Cell phone use at school without meddling teachers!

OK.

Here are amazingly cool mosquito buzzing phone alerts.

Now...somebody think of a way this idea could be applied to the theatre.

Clear the beach! It's MANN SHOW December!

12/2 THE DINING ROOM Mann Show 2008 (3:00 PM) Online Reservation

12/3-7 JAWS Film Criticism

12/4 MANN SHOW Leadership Meeting after school

12/6 Spring Production Team Meeting after school

12/10-14 HIGH NOON Film Criticism

12/10 Spring Production Team Meeting

12/13 Stage Extension STRIKE in the Auditorium after school

12/14 MANN SHOW CHRISTMAS PARTY! ($15 per person) Dinner at Manigualt's La Vielle Maison (6:30 PM) followed by RECKLESS at The Warehouse Theatre. Dress is semi-formal.

12/17-19 THE MIRACLE OF MORGAN CREEK Film Criticism

12/17 Spring Production Press Conference after school in the NEW Auditorium

12/18 Final Auditorium STRIKE after school

12/29 Spring Production Team Meeting at NEW Auditorium (10 AM)

MANN SHOW 2008 Presents "THE DINING ROOM"

The company of THE DINING ROOM has just completed its third performance of five. The houses have been full, and the reviews have been impressive. Drama professionals from The Warehouse Theatre, The School District of Greenville County, SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, The Fine Arts Center of Greenville County, Christ Church Episcopal School, Mauldin and Hillcrest High Schools, and Greenville Technical College have attended the play...more are coming. So far, their comments have been very complimentary.

Almost half the cast (BROOKE ALBERSON, MOLLY DAVIS, LUKE DOUGLAS, JOSH EDWARDS, SID HALTIWANGER, GABBY HAMMOND, ALEX HOUMANN, KENNY NUNEZ, JUSTIN SEAY) are either acting in a play for the first time, or acting with J.L. Mann for the first time. Each has done an outstanding job—especially when you consider the difficulties of playing to such an up-close and personal audience.

Veterans have provided leadership, while making great strides themselves. Sophomores REID COX, CALEY and KIERSTY DeGROOTE, and CASEY WILSON have stepped up into much larger parts, and performed quite well. These four actors are on stage at the start of the show, end of the first act, start of the second act, and close of the show. They anchor the play for us, which is no small task. And each is very good.

Juniors BLAKE BOWEN and TORY LeCLAIR are scary-good. Both give solid, film-like performances worthy of note. Tory's Aunt Harriet has become a highlight of the show. And Blake's subtle, world-weary Richard who must endure his father's funeral plans is a performance almost everyone talks about after.

Our seniors are outstanding. JAY BRIDGEMAN not only gets laughs as two very different fathers trying to deal with their children, but his Master Carpenter work has been rock solid. BRIDGET CATE's lovely setting-the-table scene has become one of the show's most powerful, most memorable moments. JOCELIN LEHNER's vulnerable daughter asking to move back home is this production's heart, I think. She brings such sympathy to an otherwise unsympathetic character. ROSS OVINGTON's funeral-obsessed patriarch is a picture of perfect comic timing, adept characterization, and understated desperation. MICHAEL REALMUTO brings wit and wistfulness to each of his characters, and his exit after learning that his mother has been having an affair with a family friend is a picture of adolescent pain. NICOLE SCHMIDT steals the scene and show with her ever-helpful, language-challenged maid Bertha. KNOX WHITE plays his grumpy, rich grandfather with power and vulnerability...every choice pitch perfect.

The play's support staff has been excellent. SEBASTIAN GRIER hosts the show with confidence and style. BRANDON BROWN and BROOKE ALBERSON manage the stage like old pros. PHILLIP CALVIN couldn't be any smarter...have better taste...be more dependable with the technical aspects of the show. NOELLE LAI's costumes work wonderfully. And SALLY HALTIWANGER manages the house (and delivers pizzas) like none other.

Two more performances to go. Production photos will be available soon. If you've not seen THE DINING ROOM, you have two more chances. Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 3. Don't miss this outstanding production.

The New York City Fairy Tale Trilogy!

Listen to me on the radio tonight at 7 (103.3 FM or streaming at www.wolt-fm.com). I'll be discussing three recently released films on a local radio show called THE INTERSECTION. Here's a preview of what I'll say:

I saw Alejandro Montrverde’s BELLA, Kirsten Sheridan’s AUGUST RUSH, and Kevin Lima’s ENCHANTED.

I wish I could tell you that I like BELLA best and ENCHANTED worst. That AUGUST RUSH fit somewhere in the middle...a pleasant surprise. I wish I could whine about big corporate movies...the blandness of Disney studio pics...how cool American-trained, Mexican-born film school directors are. I want to say “Robin Williams is back!” I want to lament the loss of the coolest independent film chick since Parker Posey (Amy Adams, ENCHANTED) to the big Hollywood machine. I can’t say any of that.

What I can tell you is this: AUGUST RUSH is an absolute mess of a movie, full of “magical thinking,” overwrought sentimentality, and really, really bad music. BELLA is like a movie made by your nephew. A really great effort worth overlooking the glaring flaws because, well...he’s your nephew. You love what he’s trying to do. And ENCHANTED may be my best film of 2007. It’s a shoe-in Best Picture nominee and rightfully so. Amy Adams is a breakout star in this, and the story...the film itself, is about really smart, beautiful, lovely things. True things, I think.

Did you see any of these films? What did you think?

It's here! Hollywood 20.

The Show of Plenty

Hats off to the exceptional production work by our Drama II students Thursday night in the second annual SHOW OF PLENTY.

The acts were great of course, but the reason we do the show is to allow second year drama students the opportunity to be immersed in the production of a show on our mainstage.

Standouts include Stage Manager KALYNN HIX and Assistant Stage Manager MORGAN TRICKETT, Technical Team Members; CAMERON FLEITZ, MATTHEW RIDDLE, and SHELBY STECK; Stage Designer LILLIAN MINOR; Emcee, CRYSTAL JACKSON; and JAMARA JOHNSON...who worked on everything, really.

The class experienced the challenge and thrill of producing theatre. And (thanks to the efforts of our PR team) about 300 people were there to witness the event...and they had a blast.

Drama at Mann is alive and well, and growing. Our "junior varsity" team (Drama II) is now ready for April's spotlight.

NEXT UP: Drama IV Honors presents THE DINING ROOM!

Mann Show NOVEMBER

11/5-7 THE SEVEN SAMURAI Film Criticism

11/10 KAREN YOUNG at CCES (see Coach White), All-Day Workshop

11/12-14 THE SEVENTH SEAL Film Criticism

11/12 MANN SHOW Leadership Team Meeting after school

11/13 The Show of Plenty DRESS REHEARSAL

11/14 MANN SHOW Membership Meeting immediately after school (Downtown Mouse Hunt to follow)/

11/15 The Show of Plenty, 7:00 PM

11/16 BERT WALLACE Professor of Theatre at Campbell University, Guest Artist in Drama IV Honors.

11/16 DRACULA Greenville Little Theatre, 8 PM

11/19-20 LOVE AND DEATH Film Criticism

11/26-28 IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT Film Criticism

11/29-12/2 THE DINING ROOM Mann Show 2008, 7:30 PM (Sunday at 3 PM)

Senior Leadership

It's time that our seniors step up, take the lead, and set the tone for MANN SHOW 2008.

Each year, our club adapts its name to honor our graduating seniors. Last year we were MANN SHOW 2007. This year we're MANN SHOW 2008. Next year, we'll be MANN SHOW 2009. This year's freshman class will graduate as members of MANN SHOW 2011. Because of this, each graduating class bears the responsibility of leaving a worthy legacy.

I've met with most of the Class of 2008. I've told them that I am looking for their leadership on all matters related to our program. Thus far, four MS2008 seniors have contributed an amazing original play for our spring production. Several seniors are doing exceptional work in the Drama IV Honors play (THE DINING ROOM). One senior, Jocelin Lehner, auditioned for a college theatre scholarship this weekend. But...I'm looking for more.

This coming Tuesday night is our annual parents meeting. I want to see all of our seniors' represented at that meeting. Karen Young will be in town in just two weeks. I want to take several of our seniors to her Saturday workshop. I want to see our seniors working with the Drama II students to help build a packed house for the upcoming Show of Plenty.

I want the seniors to set our activity schedule for November. You guys tell me what local plays you want to go see...what films...what events. use this forum to comment and suggest ideas. But do it quickly. I post the activities list on the first of each month. That means I need your suggestions by Wednesday night.

Come on seniors, step up and make this club what you want it to be. You only get one shot at being a Mann Show senior. Make your shot count.

Tuesday at CCES

FROM GUIDEWRITE.COM

Der Besuch der alten Dame ("THE VISIT of the Old Lady") premiered in Zurich in 1956, when Friedrich Durrenmatt was 35. It was such a success that productions sprang up in England and America over the next two years.

Durrenmatt called this story "A Tragic Comedy." More than any other of his plays, this story of an old lady who returns home to wreak an exact and merciless vengeance on her former lover intimately joins comedy and tragedy to support each other in nearly every scene.

The play really has three major characters: the old lady, Claire Zachanassian; her former lover and object of her ruthless justice, Alfred Schill; and the people of the town of Gullen, who make up a kind of composite representation of society itself. Through these characters, Durrenmatt is able to give the audience a darkly comic, breathless, and in the end, unanswerable debate about the nature of justice, redemption and community.

Claire is a hodgepodge of patched-together artificial limbs, held together only by her hate. Since her betrayal at the hands of Schill and the people of Gullen, she has spent her life in a single-minded vengeance. Her justice is god-like. Across all of Europe, she pursues the two men who lied about her in court like a fury; they are castrated and made her slaves. Durrenmatt compares her to an ancient idol. She is like the statue of Justice - eternal, something out of myth. When the townspeople first refuse her offer of a billion marks for the life of Alfred Schill, she says quietly, "I'll wait," and you can imagine her waiting centuries.

Amazingly, we find ourselves cheering her on; as the play begins, she is the only character who speaks the unadorned truth. In The Visit, characters use language to hide their real intentions. As Durrenmatt writes, "Today man lives in a world which he knows less than we assume. He has lost his image and has become a victim of images." In The Visit, he puts the preconceptions that get us through day-to-day life under the microscope.

Although Durrenmatt decried symbolism ("Misunderstandings creep in, because people desperately search the hen yard of my drama for the egg of explanation which I steadfastly refuse to lay."), it is hard not to see the poverty of Europe during the Depression and the slow growth of fascism in-between the lines in The Visit. With the ashes of World War II still in their mouths, the people of Europe in the 1950's faced the growing Cold War and the shadow of the atomic bomb. The question of how a man can hold on to his ideals in the face of grinding poverty was still a strong one. Many saw Claire Zachanassian as a symbol of that desperate fear, but Durrenmatt was steadfast: "Claire Zachanassian represents neither justice nor the Marshall Plan, nor the apocalypse; let her be just that which she is, namely the richest woman in the world who is enabled by her money to act like the heroine of a Greek tragedy, absolutely, cruelly, perhaps like Medea..."

Aren't some of you working on this?

TELL US ABOUT IT!

Anyone up for a filmmaking contest?

Really great math teacher, Mrs. Ballard wonders if there are Mann Show 2008 members willing to represent J.L. Mann in this video contest.

The contest aims to convince South Carolina high school students of the importance of healthy living by getting them to make pro-health television commercials. You know the deal: teens eat all this awful "food" and never exercise...and so there's this national obesity epidemic and growing rates of chronic disease. I mean, some people think it's even more serious than global warming!

Just imagine: the most unhealthy teenagers in America—video geeks—will be making films to teach the rest of us how to be, well, healthy.

So...anybody want to do this?

Mann Show OCTOBER

10/1-3 His Girl Friday Film Criticism

10/2 B.J. Koonce Guest Artist in Drama II

10/8-11 Hoop Dreams Film Criticism

10/9 Production Team Meeting (after school in Coach White’s office)

10/15 MANN SHOW 2008 Leadership Team Meeting

10/15-16 A Night at the Opera Film Criticism

10/17 MANN SHOW 2008 Membership Meeting with Will Ragland, Guest Artist

10/21 The Fantastics CentreStage, 3 PM

10/23 Le Jetee Film Criticism

10/25-26 Bambi Film Criticism

10/27 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Upstate Shakespeare Festival, 7 PM

10/29-30 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Film Criticism

Do you guys love THE OFFICE?

I do.

Big time fan. I mean...I know you guys never worked in "Cubicle Hell." I did. I feel like I know those people. Especially Michael Scott.

Sometimes I think I'm him. Other times, I think he's various bosses I've had before...friends and co-workers from my pre-teaching days.

Which brings me to my current job here at Mann. I must admit, I totally love it. The first job that I've ever liked as much. It's my dream job, really...mostly. And yet...it's also the lowest salary I've ever had...well, since my first or second job out of college.

So. May this be the wisdom I pass along to you, my young sages...don't do anything just for the money. Do everything because it is right. Not necessarily because it feels right, but because it is true.

That's what Michael Scott never realized. It's why he's at Dunder-Mifflin and not a drive-time radio DJ.

SEPTEMBER Events

9/4-5 Modern Times Film Criticism

9/7 Lee McDerment Guest Artist in Drama IV Honors

9/10-12 Run Lola Run Film Criticism

9/19 MANN SHOW 2008 Membership Meeting, Leadership Team Elections

9/17-21 Lawrence of Arabia Film Criticism

9/20 Harry Anderson’s Drowned and Quartered The Playhouse, Furman University (see photo, right)

9/21 Brian Ground Guest Artist in Drama IV Honors

9/24-26 Wings of Desire Film Criticism

9/25 Once Tryon Theatre, Tryon, NC, 7 PM

9/30 Turn of the Screw The Warehouse Theatre, 3 PM

NEW Mann Show Officers Elected!

Here they are...you elected 'em! Your MANN SHOW 2008 executive leadership team:

NICOLE SCHMIDT President
TORY LeCLAIR President-Elect
JOHN AWADALLA Secretary
MIKE REAL and KNOX WHITE Senior Representatives
MASON KAZER and ADAM SILER Junior Representatives
MICHELLE SLAYTON Sophomore Representative
GRACE MUSSER Freshman Representative

Thank you to all who ran, and the nearly 50 students who voted.

It's going to be a great year.

Two Big Games; One Big Saturday

Saturday I went to both Clemson vs. Furman at Death Valley, and South Carolina vs. SC State in Columbia.

(Yep. I'm kind of a big college football fan.)

One thing that's always captured my attention in college football is the drama...the suspense. Not knowing what will happen next or if your team has what it takes to win.

As you know if you've taken my Drama I class, I see a whole lot of similarities between sports and theatre. (It's one of the reasons I prefer to be called, Coach.) Saturday, in Clemson and Columbia, I saw two really amazing shows.

The Clemson game happened just after midday. The sun was high in the sky and it was hot—breezy, but hot. The Tigers faced a much less powerful opponent in my alma mater, Furman University, and prevailed. The colors were orange and purple, but mostly green: green turf, green trees everywhere. The Clemson campus is beautiful, and the stadium in smack dab in the middle of it, next to the lake (Hartwell). There were thousands of fans there. Thousands. People everywhere. And you could smell barbecue grills everywhere you turned. Amazing tailgate spreads. And everyone seemed to be in a really good mood. Furman fans were being treated nicely by the Clemson fans...the whole thing had the feel of a big, family picnic.

We left at halftime and headed to Columbia. The moment I saw Williams-Brice stadium from I-77, a flood of memories came back. I grew up in Columbia, and have been attending USC football games since I was nine years old. It was dusk there (kick-off was at 7:05 PM), and traffic was slow. But...I soon found my trusty secret and FREE parking space, and we were on our way to the stadium. The area around Carolina's stadium is ugly. All warehouses and cracked pavement. Dusty, sandy, chain-link-fenced, awkward, flat. Still, people had their barbecues cooking just like at Clemson. The Gamecocks were playing the South Carolina State Bulldogs for the first time ever. So there were a lot of State fans tailgating, too. We got to our seats and experienced the amazing Gamecock team entrance to Richard Strauss' "Also sprach Zarathustra" (or "2001"). Chills. I do love the excitement of being at a game with so many people cheering for the same thing: our team to prevail.

Theatre is everywhere if you just take the time to notice it. Where have you noticed it lately?

Something different about drama at Mann.

From time to time, I like to have "real-life" creative people join us for class.

I base this practice on my own memories of pre-adulthood. I used to like to meet different and new people—most often, friends of my parents. I liked to eavesdrop on their conversations. I think part of my enjoyment came from literally learning about the individuals, their life experiences, their ideas. Another part of my enjoyment was experiencing life as an adult. I listened and learned about what grown-ups talk about, how they talk to each other...I learned how to engage a new person in conversation. Make a friend.

Last Friday, Drama IV Honors met my friend Lee McDerment. Lee plays music every Sunday at Newspring, and every once in a while he shows up playing Greenville with a small band. Lee is one of the most interesting people I know. Being around him inspires me. Mostly I am inspired by his sense of peace...the fact that he knows exactly who he is, and why he's here. That is rare in people you meet, my friends. When you stumble upon someone who knows their self, you'd better hang on to them. Spend time with them. They can help you understand your own self.

So...do you guys know any cool, creative adults around town? Anyone I should meet, or someone we should hang out with in class? Let me know. I'll call them up and invite them.

Meeting cool, new people is an official part of the curriculum at J.L. Mann.

And, just like that, summer is done.

Hope you are enjoying your Labor Day. Traditionally, this marks the official end of summer. Seems like just yesterday, we were sailing on a pirate ship in Georgetown (see picture at right, taken with my Lomo Supersampler camera). Has anyone done this? It was really cool.

Now...it's back to the work of making and seeing great theatre.

I am pleased to announce that my fifth period, Drama IV Honor class will be presenting the play, THE DINING ROOM by A.R. Gurney, November 29, 30, and December 1. First period (Drama II) will present the Second Annual Show of Plenty on Thursday, November 17.

And don't miss the first MANN SHOW 2008 meeting, just after school on September 19. Big plans are in the works...plus, we have to elect officers for the coming year.

It's a big year, off to a big start. Are you ready?

New Guys: WHAT DO YOU THINK?

I want to hear from the new people.

Freshmen and upperclassmen who've not been in a J.L. Mann drama or film class before. What are your first impressions? Are you hopeful? Frightened? Confused?

Let's hear it. And maybe you veterans can respond to them in kind: put their minds at ease or make them feel very, very uncomfortable.

Spirit Week: RETRO DAY! The Stream o' Keen

First of all, thanks to The White Guy for giving me the chance to blog, as I have never done this before. He asked me to come up with a must-have list of punk/post-punk/ new wave songs from the early 80’s. Since the 70’s would have to be represented some, too (no sappy AM radio stuff), the list will also include them. The ones that came to my mind first are as follows, with my thoughts on them (title, artist, album). Thanks for reading!

“God Save the Queen”
The Sex Pistols
Never Mind the Bollocks
This is the first song from the album that started the UK’s version of the punk movement. This is definitely not sung to the tune of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

“London Calling” and “Train in Vain”
The Clash
London Calling
The title track and first released single from the album that is usually ranked #4 on Rolling Stone’s top all time albums list, only bested by 2 albums by the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Train in Vain was on the top 40, and wasn’t even listed on the album originally.

“Invisible Sun” and “One World (Not Three)
The Police
Ghost in the Machine
The best song ever about a man who went on a hunger strike (Bobby Sands- ask your history teacher about him), and a song of hope as well. One World (not Three) is a song that reminds us that, despite economics, we’re all in this together

“Driven To Tears”
The Police
Zenyatta Mondatta“Too many cameras and not enough food- this is what we’ve seen.” No one alive hits a snare drum like Stewart Copeland can. Even though this isn’t a released track, it is a major concert staple on their highly successful and satisfying reunion tour.

“Regatta de Blanc”
The Police
Regatta de Blanc
Even though it is an instrumental, “White Reggae” won a Grammy in 1981.

“Radio Radio”
Elvis Costello
This Year’s Model
Playing this song on Saturday Night Live got Elvis banned from performing on the show for years. Ironically, it contains the line “I wanna bite the hand that feeds me.”

“Cars”
Gary Numan
The Pleasure Principle
First of all, let’s put the urban legend to rest: The Cars didn’t record, or help him record, this song. The song has held up well over the years, as Fear Factor covered it in the 90’s.

“Rio"
Duran Duran
Rio
The fab 5 makes my list because their videos and songs both enhanced each other so well. I am using this song because it’s edgier than “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Unfortunately, I have never met a girl named “Rio.”

“Message of Love”
The Pretenders
Extended Play
Heavy on the kick pedal, this song is a nice compromise between “Brass in Pocket” and “Precious.”

“Whip It”
Devo
Freedom of Choice
No list of early 80’s songs would be complete without the Spud Boys’ highest charting single. There are better songs (Girl U Want, Speed Racer, et al), but this is the easiest identified. Check out the video to their cover of ‘Satisfaction’.

“Rock Lobster”
B-52’s
Wild Planet
The birth of the Athens scene starts here! Nothing spells success like a combination of opera falsetto, semicampy 60’s keyboards, beehive hairdos, and the unmistakable voice of Fred Schneider.

“Radio Free Europe”
REM
Murmur
Although they hardly play this one anymore, this first song sets the tone of their career off on a good note. If you want a faster version, their Eponymous cd has the Hib Tone mix.

“We Got the Beat”
The Go Go’s
Beauty and the Beat
This song from these California girls opened the epic movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” This song could be an inside joke to the girls themselves- they couldn’t play their (or any) instruments when they met.

“I Will Follow”
U2
Boy
The Irish lads’ first single from their first album. As much as they sing about global problems, this song is about a simple parent-child bond. The Edge’s trademark guitar sound rings loud and clear and has you hooked.

“Since You’re Gone”
The Cars
Shake it Up
The Cars were an excellent band during that time period, as they produced a lot of hits. Any male my age can’t walk past a Casio keyboard without hitting the snare key 5 times, trying to imitate its infectious sound throughout the song.

“Blitzkrieg Bop”
The Ramones
The Ramones
Hey! Ho! Let’s Go!! Although now played at all stadium events, the ‘brothers’ from New York showed off their buzzsaw sound and started the punk movement on this song from their first album.

“I Apologize”
Husker Du
New Day Rising (1985)
This Bob Mould-led band from Minneapolis was influential as they helped bridge punk and grunge. This is one of their best guttural songs. Husker Du means “Do you Remember?” in Danish/Norweigan.

“Unsatisfied”
The Replacements
Let it Be
The Replacements were called by many the best band to never make it big. The Minneapolis quartet heavily influenced the grunge movement (The Nirvana album Nevermind was taken from one of their song titles). Paul Westerberg was great at writing songs that unconfident, lonely, or unsure people could identify with. This song is considered their most touching

"Video Killed the Radio Star"
The Buggles
The Age of Plastic
The first song ever played on MTV, which some scholars believe is the reason for the dumbing down of society.

“Safety Dance”
Men Without Hats
Men Without Hats
This band from Canada gave us permission: We can dance if we want to!!

“Once In a Lifetime”
Talking Heads
Remain in Light
This song is a Zen like experience, very calming. Now I find myself with a beautiful house…and a beautiful wife.

“One Step Beyond”
Madness
One Step Beyond
Most people know the song “Our House.” This one is heavy on the ska beat and light on the lyrics, as its title is also the only lyrics.

“Left of the Dial” and “B@stards of Young”
The Replacements
Tim
The first song describes how hard it is for indie bands to make it big, as they get airplay on college radio stations (which are usually located on the left of the radio dial). The second song is on here for 2 reasons: 1) The video, shot in black and white, was only a stereo speaker playing the song; 2) The song gives an effective description of feelings of those born just after the baby boomers.

“Mirror in the Bathroom”
The English Beat
I Just Can’t Stop It
Great bass line. Great beat (pardon the pun). Great song. You can watch yourself while you are eating!

“Dreaming”
Blondie
Eat to the Beat
Although “Heart of Glass” was their huge hit and first release, and "Rapture" was the first top 10 pop song to feature rap, this is the song I prefer. This has more of the ‘performing at CBGB’s sound’ to it. Debbie Harry could be the only person I know who has aged worse than I have since the 1980’s.

“Saved by Zero”
The Fixx
Reach the Beach
Although “One Thing Leads to Another” was a bigger hit, the math person in me prefers this song.


PAUL KEEN
Math Teacher
J.L. Mann High School Academy

"I love it when a plan comes together."

RESPECT.

Keep it REAL, ENTHUSIASM, SELF-DISCIPLINE, be PREPARED, ENCOURAGE others, COURAGE, and finally, TEAMWORK.

These qualities make up what I believe to be the most important concept you can learn about the theatre: respect.

When I was a kid, my favorite show on television was THE A-TEAM. This show had it all: action, adventure, comedy, drama...Mr. T. I was especially drawn to the characters on the show. Hannibal was the leader. Smart, brave, cocky...always with an unlit cigar in his mouth. Face was the pretty boy. The best actor in the bunch. An even keel to balance Hannibal's temper. B.A. Mr. T. He was the bad ass. Tough, strong, mean when he had to be. B.A. hated to fly, but there's no one you'd rather have in a fight. Then there was "Howlin' Mad" Murdock. The wise fool. Comic relief. The guy on the team I most identified with. They always though he was crazy. We all knew better. He was a genius.

The A-Team was my dream team as a kid. And ever since then I've always wanted to be a part of team like that.

The theatre provides each of us the opportunity to be on a big-time "A" team. Respectful theatre people are team players. One of my main goals this year is that we form an incredible team for our spring production. We sure did it last year.

Casting for my "A-Team" starts on day one and continues every day.

Moving forward even when you're scared.

At Freshman Orientation last night, I couldn't help but think about how much courage it must take to be a 9th grader at J.L. Mann.

It really is so much bigger here...and the other students (especially the juniors and seniors), they look so old. And the teachers...we seem so confident in what we're doing, so mature and grown-up.

It's a major step forward in a person's life: entering high school. But...we all do it. And somehow, some way we make it through.

COURAGE is key in the drama program at Mann. The ability to press on even when things feel uncomfortable, awkward, difficult makes ALL the difference.

So...you upperclassmen. Share your stories. How did you get through the first few weeks of high school? What challenges do you face now that make you feel fearful? How are you handling them?

En-vesting Courage

My English teacher Dr. Fergusson sent a post card to my parents when I was a Junior at Irmo High School. In it, she said the last essay test I turned in contained some of the very best writing she'd ever read by a student--high school, college, or grad school.

Needless to say, that got my attention.

No one had ever told me I could write, let alone encouraged me in the pursuit. Dr. Fergusson did. And it changed my whole perspective...on the world and myself.

I still find it difficult to think of myself as a "teacher" or "Drama coach." I'm much more comfortable with the title, "writer." (Thanks, Dr. Fergusson.)

Respectful people are encouragers. They can't help it. They understand what it feels like to be encouraged and they want to see others feel the same. Respectful people don't let jealousy or pride get in the way of a compliment. Respectful people honestly encourage, and in return, receive respect back.

This year, I am going to push this value hard in all my classes, but especially in Drama IV Honors. We will not be able to accomplish what we need to accomplish this year, if we're not encouraging each other every day.

I was not prepared for Seattle.

This summer, I studied theatre at Central Washington University. I will be back in Ellensburg, WA the next two summers as I finish a graduate degree in theatre production.

The university is located in the desert that marks the central and eastern parts of Washington. Of course, the popular imagination (at least us folks down South) considers Seattle a cold, rainy place. The home of Starbucks, right?

I spent only a day in Seattle: July 18. Went with some friends to the pier, ate fish and chips, walked around...it was wintry cold and rainy. Like Greenville in December. Needless to say, I was not prepared. I zipped my jacket to my chin and braved the weather the best I could. But it was hard. Cold. Hovering near the heat indoors.

As we learn about respect this year, you will hear me talk about the fact that students, teachers, actors, designers must always come prepared; ready to work, ready to engage, good to go.

How do you prepare for a drama class? Prepare your body, first: don't show up hungry, be dressed for action, have a pencil in your hand and socks under your shoes (oh Drama IV Honors...you will be "dressing out" three days a week). You must also prepare your mind: be ready to think, ask questions, consider and debate. Students who prepare their bodies and mind for class will excel. They will be ready for anything.

Which is good...because in this drama class, you should expect anything.

The self-discipline of the Beijing Opera.

Self-discipline. Yet another key to understanding and demonstrating respect. The most difficult, the least popular element of respect. Yet absolutely essential.

Consider the discipline and training of Beijing Opera performers.

The Beijing (or Peking) Opera is a long-held Chinese cultural tradition that focuses primarily on colorfully costumed performers who utilize the skills of speech, song, dance, and combat in movements that are symbolic and suggestive, rather than realistic.

Becoming a Beijing opera performer requires a long and arduous apprenticeship beginning from an early age. Prior to the 20th century, pupils were often handpicked at a young age by a teacher and trained for seven years on contract from the child's parents. Since the teacher fully provided for the pupil during this period, the student accrued a debt to his master that was later repaid through performance earnings. After 1911, training took place in more formally organized schools. Students at these schools rose as early as five o'clock in the morning for exercises. Daytime was spent learning the skills of acting and combat, and senior students performed in outside theaters in the evening. If they made any mistakes during such performances, the entire group was beaten with bamboo canes. Schools with less harsh training methods began to appear in 1930, but all schools were closed down between 1931 and 1952.

Performers are first trained in acrobatics, followed by singing and gestures. Students previously trained exclusively in the art of performance, but modern opera schools now include academic studies as well. Teachers assess the qualifications of each student and assign them roles as primary, secondary, or tertiary characters accordingly. Students with little acting talent often become Beijing opera musicians. They may also serve as the supporting cast of foot soldiers, attendants, and servants that is present in every Beijing opera troupe.

A professor of mine at CWU has studied Beijing Opera training programs first hand and reports that the focus and discipline of these young performers is amazing. And when you see the result of these years of training on the stage, the effect is awe-inspiring.

Well, of course it is. When you cannot control yourself, your actions, the words you say and when you say them...if you let bad habits, carelessness, laziness become you, you disrespect yourself. And when you disrespect yourself, it is impossible to respect others.

Though I do not propose as rigorous a training regimen, I am looking for students who are capable of bringing powerfully disciplined work to the stage here at J.L. Mann. Without question, it will be those individuals that demonstrate self-discipline—work hard, study, ask questions, rehearse-rehearse-rehearse, learn their lines, keep their bodies in performance shape—who earn the right to have the most challenging roles, the most exciting on-stage (or backstage!) opportunities.

Can't teach without it.

Enthusiasm. It's the part of respect that most people forget. Though respect is sometimes quiet, I think it's mostly jumping-up-and-down energetic. Respect is happy, joyful...not dour and bland.

I can't teach without it. And I expect it from my students.

Glen Hansard (the guy in the picture) is the driving musical force behind one of the best films of the year, ONCE. Glen first appeared in Alan Parker's 1991 film, THE COMMITMENTS. Since that time, he's become the lead guitarist and singer for the super-cool Irish band, The Frames. But he's not kept acting. In fact, he says he's not an actor. Just a musician. In ONCE, he's acting again. And he's amazing.

There's something uniquely powerful about the film. I think it has something to do with the fact that Glen's buddy (and The Frames' bass player) John Carney wrote and directed the film, and his writing partner, seventeen year-old Marketa Irglova acted opposite him. I think you can tell that the three people making this film were enthusiastic about the idea of it, and each other.

If you're wondering what kind of students I'm looking for...what sort of people I'm going to let carry Mann Show 2008...the kind of people who earn As in my class, look no further than Glen Hansard and his ONCE collaborators. Match their enthusiasm (just come close), and you'll get no complaints from me.

Rule #1: Keep it REAL.

This is the post where I tell those of you who don't know me all that well, what to expect from me.

Last year I kept hearing about how I needed to be tough with my students early on. Instill discipline. I needed to be more of a drill sergeant than a teacher. This, I felt, was a little intimidating because--though I am an actor--I really don't know how to fake being who I am.

I am a pretty enthusiastic, intense guy. I get very passionate about my students, and nothing pisses me off more than their apathy. Energy, noise, exuberance, even obnoxiousness I can work with. But "who cares?" That makes me crazy.

If you've never been in a high school drama class, or if you have, but with another teacher, you're in for something very different. My classes are fun, but extremely challenging. Some students will think I'm really hard. Others will think I'm easy. As long as everyone respects each other, we'll get along fine.

Respect starts with KEEPING IT REAL. That means being yourself. Not faking, putting up a front...posing like you is what you obviously ain't.

So. Coach White. What I ain't? An easygoing, sweetheart of a drama teacher who can't wait to see you guys strut your stuff in SOUTH PACIFIC. What I is? Professional, passionate, in-your-face, hilarious, high-energy, smarter than you... and probably more respectful of you than you are of me.

Those of you who know me already...do you agree? How would you describe me to a new student?

The return of MANN SHOW. 2008 Edition.

OK.

Just in case we've not met, I'm Coach White. I don't do drama like anyone else. To me, high school drama is all about RESPECT. Respect for others, for yourself, for the theatre. In that order. So get used to hearing me talk about it.

Also...when it comes to producing theatre, I believe our plays should rival state championship athletics for excitement. I think they should be of a quality equal to college and community theatre. I think the plays we produce should be about important ideas. In short, I think what we produce for a paying audience should be totally kick ass...muscular...brave...important. With your help, I guarantee you will see such a production this coming spring.

[Last year we did Robert Lewis Stevenson's TREASURE ISLAND]

Stay tuned for more cool stuff...I plan to announce the title, audition and production dates for next spring's production right here...on this blog...sometime in early December. Also, students who check in with this site will very often receive answers to bonus questions on tests, recommendations for the absolute coolest movies, links to hot sites, and the most up-to-date information. For instance, there's amazing details about our new drama classroom and theater coming to this site, soon. Want to know hear about my summer trip west to study theatre production? Want to hear the latest about our drama club, MANN SHOW 2008? Anyone see a really good summer movie? I thought that a couple were pretty good...what did you like?

So. Keep up with Mann Show 2008. I'll keep you down with Mann Drama.