Ad sales for Addams Family are now available!

🎩🕷️ Calling all fellow mortals and creatures of the night! The VHS Drama Club is conjuring up something spectacular for our 2024 musical production, and it’s spook-tacularly thrilling! That’s right, folks, it’s time to dust off your cobwebs and dig up your darkest jokes because we’re bringing The Addams Family to life on stage! And guess what? Ad sales are now OPEN, so grab your broomsticks and let’s fly into the madness together!

đź–¤ Now, onto the deviously delightful details:

🦇 1/3 Page Ad: Just enough space to whisper sweet nothings into Morticia’s ear without Gomez getting too jealous.

🕸️ Half Page Ad: Twice the space, twice the creepy charm! Perfect for showcasing your business, whether it’s selling potions or promoting your haunted mansion tours.

đź’€ Full Page Ad: Go all-in and make your mark like Uncle Fester crashing a family dinner! Your ad will shine brighter than Wednesday’s stoic gaze.

But wait, there’s more! For those brave enough to venture into the depths of sponsorship, we have limited opportunities that’ll make you feel like a member of the Addams clan themselves! 💀💰

Questions? Inquiries? Ghostly apparitions haunting your dreams? Fear not! Our resident sorcerer, Brian, is here to assist. Drop him a line at [email protected], and he’ll guide you through the shadows with finesse and flair. Oh, and did we mention we accept electronic payments? Because even the Addams Family is up-to-date with modern technology!

Now, you might be asking, “Why should I advertise with the VHS Drama Club?” Well, besides the fact that we’re the coolest ghouls this side of the cemetery, your support helps us bring the macabre magic of The Addams Family to life! Plus, where else can you find such a perfect blend of humor, darkness, and finger-snapping fun?

So, whether you’re a ghost, ghoul, or just your average mortal looking for some thrills, now’s your chance to join us on this creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky adventure! Download the PDF, pick your poison—uh, we mean ad size—and let’s make some magic together. See you in the shadows, darling! 🦇🌙

Download 2024 Ad Packet Here

Addams Family Callback Auditions!

Good morning, everyone!

Thank you for giving your time and sharing your talent with our staff yesterday morning for the Addams Family auditions!
We would like to see the following students on Monday, December 11 at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.  Please note – just because you are not on this list does NOT mean that you will not be cast in the musical – we just need to see a bit more from the list below.
During these callbacks, expect to act goofy, weird, crazy, funny, and dark. Don’t come acting shy.
If you are on this list and are not able to attend, please let me know ASAP!  Thank you!
Songs you should listen to before Monday evening:

AUDITION CALL: These Shining Lives

The VHS Drama Club will present the drama ‘These Shining Lives’ on stage at

Valley High School, November 2-4, 2023.

AUDITIONS:

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

6:30 pm, VHS Chorus Room

About our play:  Narrated by one of the workers, Catherine Donohue, These Shining Lives shows women getting a chance for a well-paying job in the 1920s and early 1930s, which was uncharacteristic for the time in the United States. The job, which seems easy enough to the four main characters, is painting the hour markings onto different-sized watch dials using a radium compound that glows in the darkRadium Dial, the company that hires the women to do the painting, tells them that there is no evidence that radium is harmful, and even that it has health benefits. After a period of time, the workers notice that their hands start glowing in the dark, but assume that it is just from the radium powder that is used to paint the faces. The ladies then develop ailments, including jaw infections and bone pain. Several local doctors, including the company doctor, overlook the women’s concerns and prescribe aspirin, which does not help. Ultimately, they have to travel to the city (Chicago) to find a doctor willing to put his name on the line and diagnose the women with radium poisoning. This, in turn, helps the four main characters decide to file a lawsuit against Radium Dial. An attorney, Leonard J. Grossman, agrees to take the case for free, with Donohue as the lead plaintiff.

Characters:

Female leads:

Catherine Donohue/Narrator – The main protagonist.

Charlotte Purcell – Straight-talking and tough. Although she is sharp when she first meets Catherine, they soon become good friends.

Frances O’Connell – Viewed as having the moral backbone of the four women.

Pearl Payne – Easy-going and chatty. Likens to Catherine straight away.

Male leads:

Tom Donohue – Catherine’s husband. Feels emasculated when Catherine first gets the job, but warms up quickly to it. Fiercely protective of his wife.

Mr Reed – Radium Dial Supervisor.

Others:

Dr Rowntree – Makes a brief appearance promoting the perceived value of ‘Radium.’

Dr Dalitsch – Doctor in Chicago who diagnoses radium poisoning.

Leonard Grossman – The attorney who agrees to take the case to court.

Presenting: FOOLS

The Valley High School Drama Club presents

Neil Simon’s

FOOLS

November 19 – 20, 2021
Valley High School Auditorium
New Kensington, PA

$5/general admission

 

Leon Tolchinsky is ecstatic. He’s landed a terrific teaching job in an idyllic Russian hamlet. When he arrives, he finds people sweeping dust from the stoops back into their houses and people milking upside down to get more cream. The town has been cursed with Chronic Stupidity for two hundred years, and Leon’s job is to break the curse.

Tickets are general admission and available online here or at the door the night of the show.

 

 

 

Newsies Ensemble Footwear!

Newsies ensemble members!  Here are the shoes that you need to order for your character!

Click here for shoe information and ordering!

The boots are available in black or brown – you can order whichever color you would like!

Please note that these are women’s boots – guys will need to order two sizes larger and wide width to fit their feet.

If you have any questions or are unable to make your purchase, please see the costume crew as soon as possible!  We would like all cast members to have their shoes soon – once you have them, please start wearing them at rehearsal!

Auditions: Death of a Doornail

 Auditions: Death of a Doornail

Wednesday, August 29, 2018
7:00pm
Valley High School Auditorium

 

Auditions for the upcoming ‘Death of a Doornail’ will be held on Wednesday, August 29 at 7:00pm in the VHS Auditorium.  Auditions are open to all students in grades 7 through 12; we are looking to fill 10 roles and various crew positions.

About Death of a Doornail:  Eccentric Millionaire, Albert Doornale has invited all of his close friends to his estate; including his ex-wife Abigail, his current fiance Candy Bombay, and his childhood friend from the Lower East Side, Salvatore Carbone.

Everyone arrives at the estate greeted by the grumpy Butler and cutlery carrying cook. The only problem is, Albert is not there, no one has seen him. Not his nerdy Nephew or his socially spoiled daughter. None of the guests have any idea why they are there or what happened to their host. That is until blood is found in the upstairs bathroom. 

Was Albert killed and carried away? In the nick of time, Inspector Bukowski arrives on the scene. A murder investigation will begin, as soon as a body is found. It may be a long wait.

Roles:

Narrator: Host of the mystery.  Just wants the evening to go smoothly for everyone in the audience.

Audience Member 1: Thought he was going to a ‘Free Form Karoake’ evening but has ended up at the murder mystery.  Wants to sing ‘Mack the Knife’ but may stay for the play.  Most likely sits in a big stuffed chair at home and talks back to the television, therefore a live play should be no different to them.

Audience Member 2:   Tries somewhat to keep her friend under control in public when she can get him to go out. Would like to stay for the play  since she probably tricked him into coming.

EDWARD (THE NEPHEW): Typical “Poindexter” type of character you would see wearing a school blazer, bow tie and round horn-rimmed glasses. Is always up for a good intellectual challenge, whether it’s finding Uncle Albert or solving a murder.

PRICILLA: Daughter of Albert Doornale. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, spoiled rich girl. Accustomed to having everything done for her and having her way. Would have someone else “think” for her if she could. Wants “daddy” and ’mommy” back together.

CANDACE BAMBAY: Current Girlfriend of Albert Doornale. Very naive in the ways of the wealthy. Only sense of social culture has probably been learned in bowling alleys, beauty parlors and bars. Wants to fit in.

MORTIMER: Typical English style butler. Very dry and unemotional in appearance. A lot smarter and “hipper” than he lets on.

MRS. MORGANFORD: The bored and bitter cook. Carries around a butcher’s knife just in case she needs to cut something.

SALVATOR CARBONE: Albert’s childhood friend from back East. As where Albert made a fortune and became rich, Sal’s money was earned on the streets with the other Wise Guys. Has been invited by Albert to the estate. Expects that his old friend “Al” is going into a new business venture with him.

ABIGAIL DOORNALE: Ex-wife of Albert. Loved being rich and established and hates not being rich and established. Is in hopes that Albert has invited her to reconcile their marriage.

INSPECTOR BUKOWSKI: A police inspector who is eager for a big case to fall in his lap. Has not had a “big” case yet. Or even a “medium” case. Has read about big cases. Is quite sure he could handle a big case if he had one. A big murder case would be cool.

ALBERT DOORNALE: Eccentric Millionaire who has invited guests to his mansion.

masks

Support arts in our schools!

The VHS Drama Club is one of the main drivers of extra-curricular arts-related activities for students on the New Kensington-Arnold School District.  Since our relaunch in the late 1990’s, we have been able to give over 1,000 students and scores of Alle-Kiski Valley community members an experience that they will receive nowhere else.

Every year, mounting successful fall and spring productions costs in excess of $30,000.  From costumes to make-up, props to sets, marketing and special effects, live theatre is one of the most magical experiences to become involved in, with something for everyone.  However, bringing this experience to our students, friends and families has become more and more difficult.

We are appealing to you, the community of supporters who has been with us every step of the way.  If you have attended one of our productions, helped to transform our stage or placed a costume on our backs and enjoyed your experience, please consider donating to our organization.  Any amount from $1 to $1,000 will go a long way in ensuring that the magic of theatre continues to thrive in our schools.

All donations will be recognized during our production of Peter Pan this spring. You may also keep your donation anonymous, should you wish. Thank you for your continued support of our organization and arts in our schools.

Take A Bow: 10 Ways Being A Theatre Kid Made You A Successful Adult

Reprinted from elitedaily.com, written by De Elizabeth.  Original article here.

As a former theatre kid, you probably got an awful lot of sh*t. It’s likely that you were reputed to be loud, over-dramatic and known to do “odd” things, like burst into song at any given moment.

However, as you and all theatre kids know, many of your valuable life lessons have derived from days spent in rehearsals or at performances.

You can credit a wide range of skills used in your daily adult life to what you learned as a teenager, when you were known as the “weird theatre kid.”

As a young adult, you can look back on your days in high school drama club with both nostalgia and gratitude.

Not only were those long evening rehearsals an absolute blast because you were with your friends, laughing at inside jokes and having sing-alongs to the “Wicked” original recording, but because being part of a production helped you grow immensely.

So, let’s take a moment to pause in our busy adult lives to remember what it felt like to be 16 and putting on our first pair of character shoes.

Here are 10 ways theatre class creates some pretty awesome adults:

1. You learned the harsh taste of rejection early… and how to cope.

Every theatre kid knows that one-two punch of waiting… and waiting… and waiting for the cast list, only to be met with sheer disappointment.

It feels like being pushed off a cliff; your heart races as you scan the names, wondering why you don’t see your own. You look twice, and even a third time and then, it finally settles in. You didn’t make it.

The first time this happened to you, it was devastating. You wondered what you did wrong; you felt worthless. You may have cried for an hour or more.

You kept auditioning though, and you kept trying. Truth be told, rejection sucked every time, but it somehow got easier. You learned that it wasn’t personal, that maybe you just weren’t the right fit.

You learned to ask your director questions instead of bottling up your feelings. You focused on what you could do better next time.

This way of thinking stuck with you as you grew up. Sometimes, it’s just not the right role, job or boyfriend, but it doesn’t mean you suck as a person. You’ve developed a thicker skin and you’re tougher than many of your peers.


2. You know that success doesn’t come without hard work.

Any time you landed a juicy role in a show, you had to work your butt off for it. You never rolled into an audition without adequate preparation; you made sure you knew your song or monologue cold.

Additionally, you know how much time goes into creating a successful production. It takes hours of rehearsals and dress rehearsals, countless weekend set builds, tech days to program the lighting, costume fittings, and the list goes on and on.

You didn’t get to collect your bouquet of flowers until you contributed the necessary blood, sweat and tears.

This philosophy doesn’t end with the theatre — it extends into all areas of your life. Accomplishments do not exist without great effort.


3. “Getting into character” taught you empathy.

If there’s any person who understands the meaning behind the phrase “put yourself in her shoes,” it’s you. This is literally what you had to do every time you approach a new role.

Your acting exercises include instructions to connect moments in your own life to that of your character. You had to look for similar emotions within your own heart.

This wasn’t always easy, especially if you were playing a character unlike whom you actually are. Sometimes you felt disconnected from a role, and you had to look inward in order to grasp it.

This skill has been essential to you; it’s helped you understand the world around you. You can relate to others, and you’re able to interpret their behaviors, even if you don’t agree with them.


4. Spontaneity is in your blood.

Before “YOLO” was a thing, there was the Broadway show “Rent,” which taught all former theatre kids this important lesson: “No day but today.”

To say you embraced this to the fullest is an understatement. You’re fun to be around because you adore spontaneity. You’re the type of person who will shout “road trip!” and you get excited about making adventure of everyday activities.

You have an appreciation for living in the moment because you know how much each moment counts. A moment can make or break your audition, and a moment can make an audience member laugh or cry.

You strive to make the most out of every second of every day, and you look for ways to create excitement.


5. You are a kickass problem-solver.

In live theatre, things are bound to go wrong at some point. Maybe you had to step in and take the place of a fellow actress who was sick, or perhaps, you lost a prop mid-show and had to figure out how to deal.

If you worked backstage, your problem-solving skills might even be sharper. You had to prepare to help yourself and the actors if need be.

When something goes wrong during a performance, there is zero time for panic. All you can do is launch into damage-control mode and focus on the solution at hand.

You know how to keep your cool during a crisis, and you know that the goal is to solve the problem. The best thing you can do is work toward that goal, without melting down.


6. Thinking on your feet is your specialty.

You’re probably cringing as you remember a time when your scene partner forgot all of his lines and you had to improvise your way through it.

You were sweating underneath your costume and trying to summon every ounce of possible psychic willpower to telepathically send him his lines. When you exited the stage, your friends surrounded you and praised your improvisational skills.

Or perhaps, your scene partner forgot an entrance, leaving you alone onstage with an entire audience staring at you.

Sometimes, things go wrong and there’s absolutely no time to plan a solution. When that happens, you have to have cat-like reflexes and be fast on your toes.

Luckily, you learned this (perhaps the hard way) during those terrifying theatrical moments and you now have the strengths to handle unexpected obstacles.


7. You’re well-spoken.

“The lips, the teeth, the tip-of-the-tongue!”

All of those drills you did as vocal warm-ups probably haven’t left your brain, even after a decade.

You know how to project your voice, how to use correct diction and enunciation, and how to craft the sound of your voice in order to be understood.

Thanks to all the speech exercises — not to mention that time you did Shakespeare —, you are quite skilled at speaking eloquently.

This comes in handy when you go on job interviews or when you have to give presentations at work. You’ll find yourself channeling those tools from class, and you’ll feel grateful when you’re respected by those you’re speaking to.


8. You’re a go-getter.

In theatre, you don’t get what you want without putting yourself out there first. In order to be cast in a show, you have to audition. In order to be on the production team, you have to interview. End of story.

Building confidence is key; you had to give yourself many pep talks before you ventured out to your first audition and to many auditions after that.

It takes a lot of effort and self-esteem to push apprehension aside and go for it anyway.

You know that life demands similar qualities out of you and that no reward comes without some element of risk.


9. Fear doesn’t get the best of you.

You remember your first few auditions in high school and the feeling of getting onstage in front of your teachers (and sometimes peers). Your palms were probably sweaty, and maybe, your knees shook a little.

It’s possible this happened every time you auditioned; many professional performers confirm that stage fright never entirely disappears.

Despite the fact that you were scared, you learned how to control your nerves. You learned how to seize that nervous energy and trap the butterflies that ran rampant in your stomach.

That sense of control allowed you to channel that energy into whatever you wanted it to be, and you put it toward a successful performance.

As you navigate your 20s, you know that you’ll find yourself in many situations that create anxiety and nerves. However, you won’t run from those scenarios; instead, you’ll face them head on with deep breaths and confidence.


10. Your friendships run deep

Perhaps most importantly, being in theatre gave you several dozen families over the years. Every show became its own chapter in this larger story of your theatrical endeavors.

With each cast, you bonded in a different way, some more closely than others.

You’ve been lucky to have shared the stage with some of these people and even luckier to have them in your life now.

You care a lot about your friends, and the bonds that you’ve created will forever remain unbroken, even after your final curtain call.

Support VHS Drama by shopping at Amazon.com!

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