ACT’N UP! Director’s notebook

Here come the holidays!

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:13:18 -0800

Well, the holidays are drawing near and the busy performance weeks will be here in a flash. There are some really beautiful moments heading to the Ramona Mainstage. I can’t wait to see the audience reaction, particularly to our little Nativity during the precious “Who Would Imagine A King.” It is just lovely and I’m incredibly proud of how that number has transformed into a special lullaby.
It’s busy at the Randall house, as not only do I meet with the fantastically talented ACT’N Uppers, but I also have rehearsals with an amazing group of adult vocalists for Act I and the consummate actor, my hubby Tony, for Act II’s “The Santaland Diaries.”
The toughest part of directing, for me, is cracking the whip a little as the chaos sets in, but I believe the most beautiful gift I will receive this holiday season will be watching the production transform once it hits the stage the first week of December. Just ask the kids. I’m a big weeper and when they get it right, they get me every time!
Don’t miss “A Hometown Holiday” and be sure to check out the kids as they perform their hearts out during the month of December.

Fall is racing by!

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:08:23 -0700

Man I can’t believe it has been months since I’ve posted! Fall has been very busy for the Act’n Up! family. We have new performers bringing new talents, lots of great new music thanks to Gina’s willingness to tailor current songs to our group, and an exciting performance schedule. I was especially proud of kids and parents alike for your participation in the marathon day this Fall in Poway at Pomerado’s care facility and the Gateway Center. They were compassionate, patient, they adapted to different sized spaces and time changes, and they were simply amazing. The kids were so well-received that Gina had a message awaiting her by Monday morning requesting we return with Christmas music, and of course we agreed.
The sound system is purchased and a great asset! Thanks to so many of you for helping provide. Our endeavor this fall is to work with the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet on a non-perishable food and new toy drive. We will have collection bins available and it is one small way we as a group will give back to our wonderful community.
Rehearsals are hectic with so much music to learn, but it is very rewarding watching it all come together. I am hoping everyone will keep their spirits high, but really focus in the coming weeks. The kids,young adults in many cases, are all stars to me, inside and out! Don’t forget to email me your photos so that we can add them to our photo gallery!

Summer comes to a close

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:24:02 -0700

What an August! I couldn't have picked a better way to top off our summer than with the spectacular performance you guys gave at the Chamber of Commerce Mixer at Ramona Lutheran Church.

The kids already had a crowd of over 100 in the palm of their hand, but when the music went out in Joyful, Joyful, and our amazing little performers kept right on without it, there wasn't an eye in the house not on them! Gina and I found it to be our crowning moment of the season.

Chamber President Carol Fowler was so moved, she passed a hat toward our sound equipment. As of September we are only $750 from our goal.

We have applied for rights to "Seussical, Jr" to be our July production. As soon as it is finalized, the kids and I will talk about auditions in March. September finds us with a few new faces, a new rehearsal space on Saturdays, and new days for everyone.

Elementary will be Mondays 3:30 to 5:30, and Jr. High and High Schoolers will be Tuesdays 3:30 to 5:30.

Don't forget Christmas songs to audition with the week of September 22nd for our Holiday CD. We record the first two weekends in November. Call me with questions! Candy

Ramona Country Fair

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 23:52:44 -0700

The performance at the Ramona Country Fair was super kids! I am so impressed by how far you have all come as a group this summer. It will be nice to get into a routine this Fall. While I am sure some of you will miss seeing each other when I break us into Elementary and Jr High/ High School groups, Gina and I are looking forward to tailoring numbers for your different age levels. It has been a terrific summer. Our last rehearsal will be August 20th 10am-1pm at the Lutheran Church, with a performance there the following evening at 6pm for the Chamber Mixer. Have a nice couple of weeks off til then!

I have to give a congratulations to all the Ramona Idol contestants. Victoria was amazing in the Teen Division, and how proud were we all to have every single one of the six finalists in the Junior Division as part of our tour group? Ami,Savannah,Nicole,Cara,Meredith,and Casey,you guys are just chock full of talent! Candy

Independence Day

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 09:29:39 -0700

What an amazing first performance the kids gave on July 4th! Nothing says summertime like a red-white-and blue 100 degree parade, and we had a ball. After only 8 rehearsals, 3 of which many of our kids missed due to vacation, I was completely impressed by the four terrific numbers ACT'N UP! presented. Families and friends were proud and thrilled to finally see what all we had been up to. We are now at work on 4 additional numbers to wow Ramona Country fairgoers in the next couple of weeks. Thanks to parents for your continued support.

Our webmaster has done an incredible job with the site, as many of you have commented. He has made it convenient for you to view photos and videos of the performances by clicking "view gallery" and is looking forward to you sharing the snapshots you gather during the year to the site. This will be a great spot for family and friends to check out our progress during the year, and a way for the kids to actually see themselves!

If you have photos or videos that you’d like to share in our gallery, please send them to candy@actoramona.com. If you experience any difficulties in viewing, please alert our technical guru by e-mail: webmaster@actoramona.com.

Great job guys!