A letter from Artistic Director Helen Knudsen…

Dearest theatre families,

As we move into uncharted territory due to COVID-19, I wanted to reach out to all of your young performers with a project that aims to inspire routine creativity, provide two hours of focused learning, and some much-needed social interaction with like-minded middle-school actors. To learn more about the history of musical theatre, and to strengthen cold (unprepared) reading skills, I am introducing the idea of a weekly “first rehearsal.” The first cast read-through is one of my favorite days in any rehearsal process and I am very happy to expose some of the best musical theatre to your amazing children.

With heart and with voice,

Helen

Virtual Playhouse

The Show Must Go On(line)!

Now’s your chance to explore a new musical! Each week, participants will read through an age-appropriate music, ranging from Golden Age classics to brand-new Broadway hits.
The night before, Helen will email you the pdf script and a link to the Zoom meeting room.
At the beginning of the session, Helen will share a cast list for each act, allowing each actor to have lots of lines and to explore multiple roles.
After a brief lecture by Helen on the history of the show and an explanation of characters, the read-through will begin, with songs played as they come up in the show. Participants are encouraged to sing and dance along!
It’s hard to create a sacred theatre space online in this new normal, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try! Helen is dedicated to monitoring a safe and productive online room.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to support your kids during this unsure time, and happily will host this free of charge (prep-work and all) as long as interest is there. But if you feel generous, I’ll leave you with a quote from our first reading, Hello, Dolly:

“Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around, encouraging young things to grow.”

To donate to my coffee budget for the prep time I put into these history lessons, cast breakdowns, and leadership…

Venmo @Helen-Knudsen or Zelle helen@helenknudsen.com.

Click here to sign up each week

Limited slots available per reading!

Past weeks: Hello, Dolly!, Little Shop of Horrors, Matilda, Pippin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The Sound of Music, 42nd Street, The Drowsy Chaperone, Oklahoma!, Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Godspell, James and the Giant Peach, Brigadoon, Tarzan, Urinetown, The Music Man, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Cinderella, Anastasia, The Addams Family

Taking a brief hiatus… check back soon!

Questions? Interested in the weekly play-reading for high school actors? (Invite-only)

Email helen@helenknudsen.com

Past gatherings and parent’s praise for Virtual Playhouse…

“Thank you – my daughter just said ‘I wish we could do this every day!'” – Mary Eileen Kungl

“Thanks Helen!! You’re making a 12 year old very happy.” – Erin Hill

“Thanks, Helen. Virtual Playhouse EXTRAORDINAIRE! You’re a perfect example of the good in our world.” – Deb O’Connor

“Thank you so much!! Ben loved it and said it felt really good to be working on his craft.” – Jeanne Plaisted