Link to Dance Audition Piece

A YEAR IN REVIEW

It has always been in the best interest of AAT to first benefit it's members. That is why throughout the year, we host and promote different events specifically to our members. This year, we have had a crazy semester with academic and departmental demands, but that did not stop us from being a part of your experience.

We began our year with the opening social, just outside the Browning Center on the south side. This event was very well attended and also exciting for us. It was the first time in many of our AAT careers that the Opening Social took place so close to home. We will continue to celebrate the beginning of the semester in this location.

Our first real event was Play in a Day, a 24 hour play festival. Following the Opening Social, student writers met at an off campus location and began their 8 hour shift of writing a one act play. Professor, Jenny Kokai assisted our writers to create a world suited for their provided characters. The following morning, directors and actors received their script to begin rehearsals for the evening's performance. The show was well attended and professor Catherin Zublin stated, "I've seen a lot of Play in a Days and this was by far the best yet." We hope to continue this new standard of quickly created student work with the help of Professor input.

This year was the first ever New Student and Freshman Showcase. This event, held in BC113 allowed new-to-the-program students showcase their talent, and really get an opportunity to introduce themselves with the already acquainted upper-class. Students performed monologues, songs, dance, and even some technical showcases. This was such an exciting opportunity for me to see exactly what each new member brings to the table, and also just to see students in their element.

We hosted several Cabaret Nights, including;

• Cabaret Nights
• Alumni Cabaret
• Holiday Cabaret
• KCACTF Cabaret Nights
• Cabaret of Change
• Donor Cabaret and
• Caba-RUNWAY

If you or someone you know attended a Cabaret, and enjoyed it, please continue to fill our seats. We love having a patronage for this event that is created solely for AAT members. And if you or someone you know would like to perform, there is a sign up sheet for 4-5 of the above Cabaret's. Anyone is welcome to perform, however, due paid members get first priority in performance slots.


This year we hosted 2 readings of original works. Never Wonderland by Shauna Ross her script was presented with a cast of 5 in the Shepard Union building. This reading gave her an opportunity to get both an outside perspective of her writing, but also a few opinions from the house. Her work was revised and produced the following semester in the 2013 Student Directed One Act Festival at WSU, directed by member, Jenessa Bowen. We also had the opportunity to present the reading for Girl of Glass, a script by Jennifer A. Kokai, in preparation of AAT's 2013-14 season. The show was read by 5 of our talented members, and designs for set, sound, costume, and lighting were presented by fellow students. The reading was very successful and many student showed their enthusiasm toward our upcoming season, in conjunction with WSU's new play season.

Every year, near graduation, AAT hosts an award show that always brings a few members to tears. We reminisce the year and different events, as well as exciting moments. Awards were presented for Outstanding Achievement in performance and design, as well as general existence in the department.

Categories and winners include:

• Best Actress in a Production--Shawnee Johnson
• Best Actor in a Production--Connor Padilla
• Best Supporting Actress--Kalyn West
• Best Supporting Actor--Luke Monday
• Best Male Ensemble Member--Derek Williamson
• Best Female Ensemble Member--Katie Jones
• Best Scenic Design--Austin Hull
• Best Costume Design--Kelsey Nichols
• Best Lighting Design--Austin Hull
• Best Properties Design--Alax Garner & David Higley
• Best Multi-Media Design--Alex Thedell
• Best Sound Design--Alex Thedell
• Best Hair & Makeup Design--Alax Garner & Derek Williamson 
• Best Stage Management--Alax Garner
• Best Director--Trent Cox
• Most Memorable Injury--Katie Jones
• Outstanding Freshman--Amelia Moore
• RM230 Award--Shelby

As part of the awards show, this year we also hosted our annual Caba-RUNWAY. In the same fashion as Play in a Day, designers met the night before to receive a design prompt, so that they could begin the next morning, well researched and thought out, to begin preparing their original garments for the evening's fashion show. A few curves were thrown this year, including a night-before pick of fabric (all that is chosen must be used), as well as a male model as part of the design prompt of Androgyny. The event was so very exciting with 3 designers and models, with the winner being our very own Derek Williamson (HUZZAH!).

With every new year, a new board must replace the previous. This year we are losing some good names to AAT. But their success will inspire our current members.

Our new AAT Board includes the following persons:

• President: Bailee Paxman
• Vice President: Derek Williamson
• Secretary: Shawnee Johnson
• Treasurer: Amelia Moore
• Productions Manager: Taylor Knuth
• Historian: Mandee Shaffer
• Publicist: Tanner Rampton

In our new year we will appoint a Freshman Representative, from the freshman/new student class, after an interview process. There will also be a Student Affair Representative elected by AAT members. If either of these positions interest you, be sure to keep your eyes out for our owl.

We wish our recent Graduates the best of luck in all of your endeavors. We hope to stay on your couch one day when you're rich and famous.



Always,
Derek Williamson

Alumni Cabaret

A little late, but still cool.

On Saturday October 27th, 2012, AAT hosted its first ever Alumni Cabaret. With the much appreciated help of Carol Biddle, we were able to throw an event unlike any other that I've seen in my time with AAT. Students current and old gathered downtown at the Eccles Arts Center and began to socialize. The goal of the event was to get graduated, alumni, students to have conversations with current students about success. Perhaps discuss what they didn't know but wish they did when entering the theatre world outside of Weber.

Carol graced us with enough funds (with the help of the Alumni Center, Lucky Heath, and many others, I'm sure) to have the event  catered with Wine and little snacky-bits from Roosters. The cabaret tables were set, candles lit, and Nic Maughan played beautiful undertones for our conversations to flourish.

David Spangenthal was our special guest for the evening. While no one alumni is more important than the other, David was our resident artist for the department. He was visiting from NYC to teach master classes and show students that success can happen to those that try.

Having David was such a treat. One AAT member, Rachel Schull, attended as well. This was especially exciting for me, personally, because Rachel had never been to a Cabaret before. I was determined to get her excited. I think I did, because she wrote this for me:

   For all my time here at Weber, this was my first cabaret experience. With how much I was truly impressed on this evening, I can only look back on past cabarets as missed experiences. I was so happy to see Weber alumni that have kept up their talent and passion for theatre. Each performer filled the room with their own energy and music. It was great to see my peers perform along side successful and seasoned actors including David Spangenthal. It was even more pleasing to see the performing similarities that only prove what we’re learning here at Weber is the path to a successful career in performing.

            Of coarse all the performers were amazing. From the jazzy melody by Jenny Carver Land, to my “secret” crush’s self written love song, to Maddie’s perfected performance of Meadowlark- everyone shined. The grand finale brought the house down as Spangenthal took us play by play of one memorable Broadway performance of Beauty and the Beast; and now we may never hear the lyrics “No pain could be deeper” ever the same.

            I thoroughly enjoyed myself that night and couldn’t be more proud of my peers! Great job everyone and thank you AAT for putting this together!

Thank you, Rachel, for attending. We really all had a blast. I look forward to seeing Alumni Cabaret become a yearly event. Maybe one day you will come back and showcase your success. Because we know you're going to be so successful! We all are!

Keep your schedules open for the Holiday Cabaret on December 8th. It will be held in BC230 at 8pm. More information to come!

Love always,

Derek Williamson

P.S. I'll add pictures later!

Cabaret

Over the past four years, AAT has produced a series of nights where Ten or more performers prepare songs, poetry, dance, monologues, etc. and perform them at the front of the room, in front of round tables, occupied by casual viewers.  These events have been titled Cabaret Nights, and have been wildly successful.

Last year was our first ever Halloween themed Cabaret entitled CaBOO!ret. It is a play on words that we're quite proud of. This event was so very exciting! We had performers that weren't associated with the department, we had performances that were directly related to the spooky theme of the year, and we had attendance that nearly busted our little BC230

CaBOO!ret is easily my favorite AAT event of the year. This is wildly due to the fact that I LOVE Halloween. As a co-producer this year (2011) I was honored to host this event with Shelby Andersen. That was very, very exciting!

And as much as I love this event, I have to say, I am EXTREMELY excited for our upcoming Cabaret on October 27th. This night will be titled, Alumni Cabaret. We will gather at the Eccles Arts Center in downtown Ogden and watch current AAT members as well as WSU DPA Alumni. HOW EXCITING IS THAT???

THERE IS ONE CATCH! YOU MUST BE AN AAT MEMBER TO ATTEND! AND, THERE IS A SECOND CATCH! YOU MUST RSVP TO SECURE A SEAT.

GET ON IT!

Maybe you were there, maybe you missed it–either way, the reading for Shauna's play rocked it! On Wednesday, September 26th, several students, and a few faculty members, joined in the wildcat lair to hear the brilliant sounds of actors reading... But not reading just anything. They were reading Neverwonderland. This is a new play by AAT and WSU's own, Shauna Ross.

Shauna is a Theatre Education major and has been an AAT member for several years. She recently took a class with Dr. Jenny Kokai in play writing, and began the process for her script. The play was very well received, and people are still raving about it! But what is not to love? Far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!

The play is a treat, and one really should read it, but just to get you excited, here is a little thing: Neverwonderland is about a girl struggling with what is real, and what is her imagination. If you can, READ IT!

Shauna prepares her script for the new work "contest," of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in February. This is especially exciting for AAT and WSU to get represented! And we know she'll do well with her beautifully written Neverwonderland.

Shauna, we wish you all the broken legs in the house. You deserve it!


Thanks for reading!
DW

So Much Soul, So Much Art.

You may have seen our posters around the Browning Center, and maybe a few on campus. These posters are for different events throughout the year and so far we've had a blast at all of them.

Just in case you missed them, let's recap.

1. Opening Social

Member new and old gathered in Veteren's Memorial Grove outside the BC to partake in yummy food, giggling, socializing, and games. President Trent Cox jumped on a rock and explained to those who don't know--what we are! We had a raffle for a free membership and this years winner was Maddie Tarbox!

2. Play in a Day

Our 24 hour play festival in which one act plays are written, rehearsed, and performed all in twenty four hours. Writers gathered the night before and put their brains to work writing really funny plays for the actors and the costumes they chose. Saturday morning directors and actors met, read the play, and began rehearsing.

We've heard from several sources that this Play in a Day was the most successful yet! AAT loves to hear that! We've also heard from a lot of your peers that it was really quite enjoyable. Several upperclassmen participated, and it was a really great opportunity for networking between classes.

3. Freshman Showcase

This is a new event for AAT. Trent Cox produced, Alax Garner co-produced this showcase of freshmen and new student work. Many performers had songs, but there was also a movement performance, a costume presentation, and several monologues. This event was so cool to attend, and really let us get to know a lot of the new students in our department!


4. Cabaret Nights

This event is yet to take place, but when it does, we hope that it will be well attended! My favorite thing about Cabaret is seeing my friends perform and exhibit passion. I love the passion AAT and the DPA has to offer. So much soul, so much art. Cabaret Nights is this Saturday, September 22nd at 8pm in BC230. I really hope to see a lot of your happy faces either watching or performing!

5. New Play Reading

I am especially excited for this event! Shauna Ross has written a new play, Neverwonderland, and we're stoked to facilitate a reading/talk back to strengthen her work and prepare it for KCACTF submission. We hope Shauna all the best and we hope to see you there!



This year is off to an amazing start! I cannot express how AAT is thriving. We look forward to your involvement and support.



Thank you,
Derek Williamson.

MEMBERS!!!

Hey, guys! Don't forget to take a trip up to the DPA office and pick up your membership card! On Friday 2nd, we're giving out free AAT key chains for those who present their membership cards!

AAT PUNCH CARDS!

We’ve put together punch cards that can be used at all AAT concession tables. Just like in popular restaurants, for each $1 purchase you make, a punch will be made to your card. When the card has 5 punches on it, you can redeem it for an item of $1 value! That is like buy 5, get 1 free! Or 6 for the price of 5! 

Dear Member

Dear AAT member, 

          First off, the AAT board would like to express how excited we are to have you as part of our student production company.  As a member, there are a few things you should know: First, let us begin with where your membership fee money goes. You may have seen our work around the Browning Center. AAT provides breakfast on the morning of tech rehearsal for departmental shows, produces student-driven theater, including, but not limited to: Cabaret Nights, The Reality Fallacy, and The Cradle Will Rock, and holds an awards show at the end of every year.  First and foremost, AAT is about students and their theater ambitions. If ever you feel inclined to visit the board, we meet every Monday in BC230 at 1:30. We would love to have you meet with us, share your opinions, or even just observe. 

Some important dates to know:

·      Friday, February 10th: "Loves me/Not" Cabaret

·      Friday, March 2nd: Tartuffe Opening Reception

·      Friday, March 23rd: Cradle Opening Reception

·      Friday, April 6th: Donor Cabaret 

·      Thursday, April 19th: AAT Awards Show

KCACTF is upon us, and we’re looking for volunteers. If you were at the Mandatory Majors Meeting on January 5th , you already know that no official positions are being assigned. By expressing personal interest to Faculty and Staff, more volunteer opportunities will be available. An important thing to remember--when visiting schools are in our facility and on our campus--is that we need to be good hosts. It is our responsibility and privilege to show our fellow theater friends a good time. AAT has made purple scarves to show our visitors that we know how this campus works, and we are here to make the festival run as smoothly as possible. We really appreciate your cooperation! 

Taylor Knuth, our Student affairs representative, oversees the concession manning for snacks and drinks sold at all of our departmental shows. Whenever possible, volunteer through him to run these concession tables. Signup sheets can be found on the Main call board down stairs, right near the ushers signup sheet. As a reward for your efforts, every show you work, you get to have one drink and one candy.  

Stephanie Jameson, our Events Coordinator, will be putting together a subcommittee to help plan the End of the Year AAT Awards Show. If you have any event management skills, this will also be a great opportunity to for you to help out.

Derek Williamson, our Historian, is taking pictures of all AAT sponsored events to document our history together. If you have any extra special pictures that you think the world should see, share them with him!  You can email those pictures to Derekrulz@yahoo.com

Contacting AAT is easier than you think! Emailing us at aatweberstate@gmail.com is an easy way, we also have a Facebook group called “Associated Actors and Technicians.” By reading our blog, one can better understand what we do throughout the year. You could even write and submit something to be published! OR come to our meetings! Monday @ 1:30 in BC230

House Pride!

Here are some pictures from our first annual house pride friday!!!!!

Love, Shelby

GO GO GRYFFINDOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

House Pride Fridays!

For those of you who don't know (and if you really don't know, shame!) We are huge fans of everything Harry Potter here in the WSU Theatre Department. Because of the rivalry between Hogwarts Houses that has arisen here at Weber State, AAT has decided to start "House Pride Fridays!"

Join us tomorrow (and for many Fridays in the future) 

And wear your Hogwarts House colors!

Hopefully we'll see a lot of people showing off their house pride!

...Hufflepuff, Hufflepuff, Tough Tough TOUGH!

-Bailee

It was a Great Kick-Off for Cabaret!

A couple of weeks ago, AAT held their first Cabaret Night of the year. We had several wonderful performances, and we are very happy about all of the talent that was shared. Among these, Jenessa Bowen was one to perform for us that night. Here's what she has to say about her Cabaret experience:

"Every time Cabaret rolls around, my excitement goes through the roof without fail. It's an opportunity to perform for a unbiased audience: a room full of friends who are on your side, and who are ecstatically awaiting for you to shower them with a vision on what you are most passionate about. I don't miss a Cabaret night if I can help it. Once you experience it, missing out on the next one makes you feel like an opportunity was left un-salvaged. Perform at Cabaret. Then you'll know EXACTLY what I'm talking about."

(Jenessa Bowen singing at Cabaret night!)

 (Maggie Goertzen preparing for her song, "Lying There")

 (Our very own secretary Shelby Andersen, and president Sean Bishop, 

sharing with us a number by Ingrid Michaelson)

The AAT organization would like to thank Jenessa and all of the other people who were involved with our first Cabaret Night of the year! It was a successful evening filled with lovely music and wonderful company. Thanks to everyone who made it a fabulous night!

We hope to see many more of you at our next Cabaret Night... we have a lot of exciting things planned, and you won't want to miss it! Be sure to sign up to perform at our Halloween Gender-Bender Cabaret on October 28th! More details will be coming soon.

Don't feel like performing? Then just come attend Cabaret Night and support your fellow classmates and friends! ANYONE is invited! Cabaret Night is an exciting, fun, and awesome way to spend an evening in Ogden! (Not to mention... it's absolutely free!)

Bring yourself, bring your friends, and join us for a good time :)

Much love and thanks on behalf of the AAT Board,

-Bailee Paxman

First Cabaret!

Hey all!!


We are getting really excited for the Cabaret coming up next weekend! It's the first one of the 2011-2012 school year and we'd love to see all of you there! And we want you to perform, too!!! Cabaret's are one of my favorite things that AAT does. Come out and support your fellow class mates and practice some of the stuff you're performing in class!!!


I know I'm excited!!!


Come sign up!!


-Shelby

Inaugural Post!

Hi, all! Sean here. 

Well, this is just exciting. I want to thank Derek, Shelby, and Bailee for getting this blog together—and thank the whole AAT Board and Membership for...well, everything.

We have a LOT going on! Cabaret is coming right up next Saturday, and I couldn't be happier to see it come back. I hope everyone will come have fun with us. I remember our very first Cabaret Night, and all of them in between. It's come a long way, and I expect it will become all the bigger and better as time goes on.

We're also a few steps closer to picking a design/production team for Cradle Will Rock. Applications are out, and people have already begun responding. I can't wait to see this production come together. I have been a part of two mainstage AAT shows, and I think this one will be every bit as educational and magical. For those of you who may or may  not remember Assassins and Spelling Bee...they are among the most successful production experiences I've had at Weber State, and they don't stand out to me as "student work" in any negative way...quite the opposite, actually. It's thrilling to me that students can come together and put on a show that can rise to the standard of this amazing University Theatre Department.

Speaking of "The Department," is anyone else brimming with excitement to see how these fall shows turn out? Every new piece of "Romeo & Juliet" / "Xanadu" I come across makes me GIDDY. Anyone? Bueller? Just checking. 

I can't tell you how much AAT has enriched my experience at Weber State, and I really don't know how to express my gratitude to all of you. Former, current, future AAT contributors...wherever you are, if you're reading this, even if you're not. I thank you. I never really thought I'd have a chance to be President of anything around here...but here I am! I have an amazing group of friends and colleagues who I can't imagine surviving without. I can't believe this is my last year.  My last Fall Semester. My last acting role in a Department show. My last.....Gen-Ed classes? Hollerrr!

All sappiness and sarcasm aside: I couldn't be happier with my time here, and with the year to come.

Learn anything you can. Do everything that scares you. Become your dream. Wash your hands.

All of us will be posting on this blog. The Board. The Members....YOU! Keep an eye on us, and we'll keep an eye on you.

Much love, my fellow Actors and Technicians,

Mischief Managed.

- Sean