On Location

Students Connecting to Students

We had a great opportunity for footage with a two-part location shoot this week. Students interviewed members of Teatro de la Rosa's Teen Troupe, and were quickly impressed by their confidence and poise in front of the camera. The Teen Troupe's original monologues and improvised scenes were so captivating, the students asked to stay longer to continue watching the rehearsal. 

The next day it was great to see the initially-shy students step up and express themselves during the Student Reflection taping. They took turns filming in pairs and being filmed; it was great to see them supporting each other as they spoke about what had been learned and accomplished during the residency.

Adventures in Ft. Worth

Texas has given us beautiful spring weather, and we’ve seen grazing horses and wildflowers on our daily drive to Meachum Middle School.

Building on strong leaders and longstanding friendships, the students found collaboration easy; they picked up the process so quickly that teacher Lisa Self was "impressed at how they took to their jobs." 

Playwright Rob Bosquez enjoyed meeting the students, and they in turn were excited to meet him and learn about the original plays he creates with the Teen Troupe of Teatro de la Rosa. With the warm welcome from the community at the Rose Marine Theater -- home of Teatro de la Rosa-- we are glad to be spending time in such a great city!

Rain, rain go away

Thunderstorms, lightning, damaging winds and tornadoes kept coming through southwestern Missouri during both weeks of our residency, but class continued even when trees were uprooted in front of the school. 

Thankfully, Mother Nature smiled on our location shoot, and the sound of birds singing and leaves rustling could be heard in the woods near artist Bob Tommey's beautiful gallery and studio. With deep focus and a collective vision, the class filmed a few different shots for the final ending. It will be exciting to see which one they pick!

Get your kicks...!

We should have been singing "Route 66" as we entered the rolling green hills of renowned Joplin, Missouri. 

The week got off to a great start. The students were eager to meet artist Bob Tommey, and they already had many story ideas interview questions they created on their own before we even arrived! Production roles were a hot topic for these fifth graders, and they embraced their roles for the Pre-Interview by following directions, actively listening, and paying attention to the details. 

It was extra-special that Bob came early to spend time in the classroom with the students, and also stayed after to give some heartfelt advice about pursuing your dreams.

Thanks, Foley!

Everyone was excited to be out 'on location' this week! Our shoot began in the early-morning sunshine at beautiful Mobile Bay, meandered into the Alabama countryside, and finished at the Foley Art Center. This large local gallery space embraced our project by providing lunch and giving us an awesome area for our interview and artist demonstration. 

We celebrated by viewing the raw footage and still photographs, and then the editors began the post-production phase, showing their solid teamwork. Although the residency has ended all too soon, we will carry forward the inspiration to "persevere" and "never give up".