Ensemble Theatre  Community School

ETC Information Packet

Dear ETC Student,

Welcome to ETC. We are delighted that you are going to be with us for the summer and excited about plans for the coming season. The entire faculty is already busy planning for the summer.  We hope the enclosed information will answer most of the questions you and your family have about the upcoming summer.  Please read everything below. 

Please send all mail to:

Prior to June 22nd
43 Lyman Circle, Shaker Heights, OH  44122

On or after June 22nd
P.O. Box 188, Eagles Mere, PA  17731. 

See "Mail" under "5. Essential Information" (below) for information on sending packages.

The links below will take you to printable pages or you can scroll through this page for information.

1) Student Contract - Due June 30   

2) Health Form and Permission to Treat  - Due July 5

3) Travel Plans & Directions

4) Travel Plans Form  - Due July 5 (Note: this is an online form, the printable version is in 3, above.

5) Tuition Payment Plan - Deposit due June 30

6) Essential Information

7) Things To Bring

8) Preparation & Audition Information

9) Faculty Bios

If you have a question not answered in the packet, be sure to email (seth@etcschool.org) us or call 216 223 8284.

Please be certain to return your deposit and contract by June 30.  See you on July 9.
.

    Seth Orbach           
    Director
    ETC School

TRAVEL PLANS - INFORMATION

Please fill out the online form below or print and send us the linked pdf version.

Students must deposit their return ticket or the money for their return ticket with us when they arrive.

DIRECTIONS

By Plane: We will happily meet students arriving by plane at the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Airport at AVOCA (AVP) http://www.flyavp.com
or at the Williamsport Airport at Montoursville (IPT) http://www.flyipt.com/

If you are flying into New York City you can also take a bus to Port Authority (42nd Street) from any airport and from there, take the Martz bus as described below:

By Bus:  The best way to arrive by bus from New York or Philadelphia is to take the Martz/Trailways bus line to Wilkes-Barre.   http://www.martztrailways.com/ or call 800 225 6815.  The phone number for the Wilkes-Barre terminal is 570-821-3800.

New York
The bus leave from Port Authority at 42nd and 8th in New York (South Building, downstairs).  The Port Authority information number is 212 564 8484. 

We prefer that students take bus number 104A which leaves NY at 11:00 and arrives in Wilkes-Barre at 2:05.  Please note that there is another bus (#104) which leaves NY at the same time but goes to Scranton BEFORE arriving at Wilkes-Barre later.  Please make sure you get on the right bus!

Philadelphia
The bus leaves from the Greyhound/Trailways bus station in Philadelphia at N. 10th and Fibert streets. The bus station information phone number is 800 233 8604.

We prefer that students take bus number 202 which departs from Philadelphia at 11:00 am and arrives in Wilkes-Barre at 2:00 pm.

By Car:
Note - Eagles Mere only recently discovered street addresses so if you plan on using Mapquest or Google maps or a GPS just enter Eagles Mere, PA and follow the last step of the directions from any of the locations below:
From New York:

• Interstate 80 to Exit 232 (Buckhorn).
• Follow Route 42 North. This winds up the mountain for about 40 miles.
• Route 42 runs through Eagles Mere.  Slow down as you pass the golf course on your left and a small wooden sign with Eagles Mere written on it on your right. Pass the Real Estate Office and the Catholic chapel on your right.
• As you come into the center of town (Sweet Shop on left; town clock on right), turn left. We are the first house on the left between the Sweet Shop and the Presbyterian Church.

From Philadelphia:

• Take the Northeast Extension to the Pocono Interchange.
• Follow Interstate 80 West to Exit 232 (Buckhorn).
• Follow Route 42 North. This winds up the mountain for about 40 miles.
• Route 42 runs through Eagles Mere.  Slow down as you pass the golf course on your left and a small wooden sign with Eagles Mere written on it on your right. Pass the Real Estate Office and the Catholic chapel on your right.
• As you come into the center of town (Sweet Shop on left; town clock on right), turn left. We are the first house on the left between the Sweet Shop and the Presbyterian Church.

From Massachusetts, Connecticut, Westchester:

• Take I-84 West towards Scranton.
• Follow signs for I-81 North.
• Take the exit for US 6 West (it is the second US 6 exit, the first is for US 6 East) at Clarks Summit.
• Follow US 6 West.
• A few miles after Tunkhannock take a left onto route 87 West (towards Mehoopany).
• You will pass a Paper Mill and go over a river.
• When you come to an intersection turn left to stay on 87.
• Follow 87 into Dushore (1/2 hour to 40 minutes).
• At the stop light in Dushore (the only one in the county) turn left onto US 220 South.
• Take 220 South about 10 - 15 minutes to Route 42 South at Laporte.
• Turn right on Route 42 South.  You pass through Laporte.
• Eagles Mere is about 6 miles from Laporte. When you come into Eagles Mere there is a lily pond on your right. Go straight through town.
• Take the 4th right after the lily pond (Pennsylvania Avenue). Before you turn you will see the town green on your right and the town shops on your left. ETC is the second house on the left after you turn.

From the West.

Take Route 80 to exit 178, Milesburg (US 220 North).  Follow 220 towards Williamsport.  220 will join with I 180.  Take the Pennsdale Exit and continue to follow 220 North.  At Muncy Valley (not Muncy!) take a left onto PA 42 North.  Follow about 6 miles into Eagles Mere.  Take a left at the town clock, the Players' Lodge is the second house on the left.

TRAVEL PLANS FORM
PLEASE SUBMIT THIS FORM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE -
Submit your information with the form below.  After filling out the information below click on the submit button - Due by July 5

TUITION PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND REFUND POLICY

Please submit a $500 deposit by June 30th.  Tuition must be paid in full upon arrival.

Students awarded financial aid will receive a payment plan.

All mail sent on or after June 22nd must be sent to P.O. Box 188, Eagles Mere, PA  17731.

After a deposit has been made and/or full tuition paid, a refund may be obtained only under the following circumstances:

1. If a student must withdraw after the program has begun due to serious illness, accident, or other similar circumstances beyond the student's control, a refund of up to $500.00 may be obtained. A refund in such a case would be subject to the discretion of ETC's Director.

2. If a student must withdraw before the program has begun due to serious illness, accident, or other similar circumstances beyond the student's control, a refund of up to $1500 may be obtained. A refund in such a case would be subject to the discretion of ETC's Director.

If a student is asked to leave the program due to unacceptable behavior, no refund will be made.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATIONS
If your family plans to stay overnight when they drop you off, or if they want to come up to see a performance, here is a list of places to stay in the area.  Reservations are essential.

• The Eagles Mere Inn (570) 525-3273 (2 night minimum) eminn@epix.net (most expensive)  http://www.eaglesmereinn.com/
• Crestmont Lodge (570) 525-3519 crestmnt@epix.net (a bed and breakfast with a 2 night minimum on weekends)  http://www.crestmont-inn.com/
• The Sonestown Inn (570) 482-3000 (15 minute drive from EM)
• Forksville Inn (570) 924-3916 theinn@epix.net
• Cherry Mills Lodge (570) 928-8978 (20 minutes away in Dushore)
• The Bodine House (570)-546-8949 (30 minutes away in Muncy) http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/204823/Listing.aspx
• Hidden Haven (570) 924-4256 (20 minutes away in Forksville) email -  lbennett@epix.net. 
• The Picture Rocks Motel (570) 584-3389) (20 minutes away in Picture Rocks)

If you have difficulty making appropriate arrangements, please let us know and we will do our best to help.

PERFORMANCES
July 13
Lil' Bit of Nothing is a show we will create in our first 4 days to take to Camp Dost,  a program for children living with cancer sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA.  The camp is located just outside of Millville, PA about 30 minutes from Eagles Mere.  We will perform songs, poems and dances for the children there on  Wednesday, July 13th at 7:00 p.m.  We will have an open dress rehearsal for the show in Eagles Mere that morning at 9:45 a.m.

MAIL
All mail should be addressed like this:

Students traveling from far away are welcome to send boxes ahead.  Be sure to mark well with HOLD FOR ARRIVAL

TELEPHONE
It is easiest to reach us between 6:00 p.m.  and 11:00 p.m.
To reach Seth Orbach before the program begins call 216 223 8284.
After June 20, the office number for the school is: (570) 525-3043.
To reach a student, please use this number: (570) 525-3001.
There are answering machines on all lines.

Students are allowed to use the student line (570 525 3001) which is shared by all of the students.  They do not need calling cards, unlimited long distance within the US is provided.  Calls can be made and received only after meals (between 9-9:20 am, 12:45-1:10 pm, and 6:45 and 7:30) or at other times when the schedule allows.  No calls are allowed during meals, class periods, from 5pm until after dinner, or after 11pm except in case of emergency or with approval from the faculty.  Cell phone service is not generally available in Eagles Mere and we discourage students from bringing cell phones or carrying them with them. Parents are reminded that because students are often in class and rehearsal, it may be difficult to reach them.

ETC'S MUSIC POLICY
Music is a source of inspiration, an essential element of theatre, and a typical form of recreation for most of us every day.  While live and recorded music is used extensively in classes at ETC, as you know from your phone interview or audition, during the 5 weeks of the program, we require students to avoid the comfortable familiarity of listening to recorded music during individual time.  Leaving that which is familiar can be an important aspect of creativity.  The making of original music is encouraged! Many students bring an ipod or other mp3 player with them as they travel to ETC, but we ask you to embrace this philosophy, open yourself to new experiences, and put your playback devices away while you are with us at ETC.

E-MAIL AND ELECTRONICS
While we have access to the internet and use computers in our administrative work, it is not possible for us to provide adequate computer access or time for all students to communicate with friends and family via e-mail.  We remind you of the joys of writing and receiving letters; when you arrive back at home in August, you will have new found wonder for the delight of almost instant communication.  Please do not bring electronic games, cell phones, etc.  We will provide access for any student needing to register for tests, classes, etc. during the summer.

THINGS TO BRING:

BEDDING
You will need to bring:
linens - all student beds are twin beds
a pillow
towels
wash cloth
a beach towel
at least one blanket (since evenings are often chilly)
We have additional blankets and quilts students may use when needed.

CLOTHING
Remember that three weeks is not a very long time and our storage situation is extremely limited, so try to keep clothing and other possessions to a minimum. Your room will do laundry once a week.

The weather in Eagles Mere is temperamental.  Days in July do not get much above 80 degrees, and evenings can be cold, so in addition to t-shirts and shorts, be sure to bring at least one warm sweater.  For the most part, we all wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in and that can get dirty.  Sweats, leotards, and loose pants are fine.  However, we are sometimes invited to various cultural events sponsored by the Eagles Mere Friends of the Arts, and on these occasions, we ask that girls wear a skirt or dress or dressy pants, and boys, a dress shirt and tie.  Other necessities include:

• a bathing suit
• a rain slicker
• shoes you can hike in
• one solid bright colored t-shirt and solid colored pants or shorts (no writing, no insignias on either pants or t-shirts).
• dark colored sweat pants , yoga pants or leggings
• a solid dark colored top (long sleeves preferred)
• elastics and bobby pins or clips to keep your hair out of your face for classes and rehearsals.
  
  Girls
• a rehearsal skirt - below the knee, not tight fitting but full enough to move in.
• For rehearsals you must have character shoes - heels less than 1.5 inches (see www.allaboutdance.com/cats/character-shoes)
  
  Boys
• Jazz Shoes or Dance Sneakers (see www.allaboutdance.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.691/.f)
• Loose fitting pants that you can move in.
  
  

If you own the following, please bring them, but do not feel you need to go out and buy them:

Overalls for the children's play and for tech work.

Girls:
One pair of pumps or heels--not a very high heel, but more than a total flat. Black is best; other colors are OK.  Your character shoes can double as your pumps.
A camisole close to the color of your own skin.

Boys:
One pair of dark tie shoes (preferably black or dark brown)--not sneakers, more formal shoes.
One white long sleeved shirt with collar.


STAGE MAKE-UP
All girls must bring:

1)  Liquid eyeliner in brown or brown-black. NO PURE BLACK!
2)  Mascara
3)  Theatrical make-up if you have your own or if you require hypo-allergenic make-up.

All boys must bring

1)  Liquid eyeliner in brown or brown-black. NO PURE BLACK!
2)  Theatrical make-up if you have your own or require hypo- allergenic make-up.

MISCELLANEOUS
--2 notebooks; assorted pens and pencils; loose leaf paper and several folders.--sun block and insect repellent
--A mug for tea and/or water
--A cork from a bottle of wine (used for diction work)
--A laundry bag
--An alarm clock which is NOT a clock radio.
--Any and all musical instruments, assuming they are neither too cumbersome nor priceless.
--Favorite books about theatre--scripts, acting books, make up books, etc.
--A good supply of any hard to find things like your own brand of contact lens solution, etc.
--Clothing you are willing to paint in and get dirty in.
--A flashlight
--a bucket to carry shampoo, etc. back and forth to the bathroom.
--Sheet music for songs you like to sing or would like to learn to act and sing.
--A yoga mat (nice for working on hard floors).

SPENDING MONEY
Do not bring large amounts of cash.  There is very little to spend money on in Eagles Mere.  Usually there is either a crafts fair or an Antique show in July, but other than that there are few stores except for the Sweet Shop, which sells ice cream, candy, and assorted other food.  There are several small gift shops, but few students ever find themselves buying much beyond ice cream and post cards.  You are welcome to bring money and have us keep it locked up for you.  A reasonable amount for students to bring for miscellaneous spending is $100.

PREPARATION

Course Descriptions
All courses are required

Sonnets - In this acting class, students use their own sonnets as monologues and small scenes in individual and partner work. This course emphasizes making bold choices, committing fully, and connecting in an authentic way with a text. We will explore your sonnet in multiple ways involving voice, movement, and improvisation. How much you get out of this experience depends on how well you know your sonnet--start memorizing now. I encourage you to be able to say it confidently while running, washing dishes, and jumping up and down.

Before you arrive, please memorize thoroughly one of Shakespeare's sonnets--available to you in any volume of the complete works of Shakespeare or see the link below to sonnets online. Choose one you like a lot.

• Be certain you know what every word means, and also be sure that in saying it, you are speaking for sense--not just pausing at the end of each line if there is not punctuation to indicate a pause.
• Decide what you want to communicate in speaking the sonnet--approach this as a monologue, not as a poem to recite for English class.
• It's important that you feel very comfortable with the memorization because you will be doing it almost immediately as part of your audition for the shows.
• Please don't use a sonnet you have already memorized for an English or drama class. Try a new one!
• Please know the sonnet extremely well--do not wait until you arrive to start working on it.
• Remember these are love poems, but although Shakespeare intended them as romantic love poems, you may find in them other kinds of love as well.
• Bring a copy of the sonnet with you. You will use it for the audition as well as for acting class. If you wish, you may also bring a Shakespearean monologue in addition to the sonnet.

Note to returning students: Please learn a new sonnet, which you feel will challenge you to explore a side of yourself you may not often choose to explore. (Think RISK)

Link to Sonnets Online

Improvisation - We will begin by doing, "basic improv" - without even getting into playing any improv games until you know how to do a basic improvised scene. Then we will have a theme for each class (ie: Listening Skills, Justification, Mime Work, etc).  We will work on using each improv games to target many different topics, and focus on recognizing that each time you play a game, it's going to be different.   The class will cover basic improv,  short scenes,  short form improv (games) with a goal of moving into long form improv.

Basic Musicianship and Philosophy - This class will include the basics of note reading, ear training, vocal technique, composition, a little history and topics such as what is music?,  Is there anything universal about music?, thoughts on how musical sound and text work together, and is technique necessary? This is an introductory class for actors rather than a music class for musicians. 

 Students with extensive musical backgrounds may choose a class which covers advanced sight singing, advanced harmonic studies, elements of composition , harmonic analysis, issues of setting lyrics to music, singing and interpretation, harmonizing a melody, and audition preparation.

Individualized sessions covering theory, composition, or coaching on instruments will be available on a limited basis for advanced students.  Guitar lessons are available to all students as time permits.

AUDITION INFORMATION
 The auditions for the main stage productions will be held the first Monday evening of the program. You are required to prepare for auditions, which include movement and music components as well as acting components.  Since we are developing our play (Wish You Were Here) you will prepare for that portion of the audition once you arrive at ETC.

1) Please prepare the following:

• A Shakespeare sonnet (see above).
• A poem or short story for children that you know by heart and in which you act out all the parts yourself. Of We will look for your willingness to take risks, your daring physical and vocal choices and your creativity. Please prepare no more than 2 minutes.

2) The movement for the audition will be taught to you prior to auditions. 

3) You will have time to prepare your auditions in small groups with a faculty member after you arrive.

ETC FACULTY

Ann V. Klotz, co-founder of ETC, is a graduate of Yale University and earned her M.A. in drama from New York University. Since 2004, Ann has been the Head of Laurel School in Shaker Heights, Ohio.   She spent 20 years on the faculty of The Chapin School in New York City as the Head of the Drama Department , member of the English Department and as Director of College Guidance.  She also taught English and theatre at the Northfield-Mount Hermon School. She is Miranda, Cordelia, and Atticus' mom,  and Seth's wife. 

Seth Orbach, co-founder and Director of ETC, is enjoying his career as a full time dad in Shaker Heights, Ohio, though he has recently re-entered the teaching force at Laurel School, teaching fifth grade math.   He was the Director of Academic Technology at St. Bernard's School in New York City and previously spent 13 years as a member of the faculty at Trevor Day School in New York City where he was the Technology Coordinator. He earned his Master's degree in Mathematics Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. Formerly a theatre consultant and lighting designer, Seth is a graduate of Yale University and has worked with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the Spoleto Festival, and the New York Shakespeare Festival. A founder of ETC, he is Miranda, Cordelia, and Atticus' dad and Ann's husband.

Bradley Diuguid is the Manager of Education Programs for Waterwell, a collaborative theater company based in New York City that strives to respond to audiences through new modes of expression.  Partnered with the Professional Performing Arts School, Waterwell offers intensive, high-quality training for young artists in a public school setting.  As a teaching artist, he has worked with the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Long Wharf Theatre, Broadway Training Center, and Premiere Stages to direct productions and lead classes in acting, writing, and dramaturgy.  He worked in arts administration and advancement at The Juilliard School, the American Repertory Theater, and Roundabout Theatre Company.  He recently consulted with the Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center on their educational outreach and is currently a member of the New Vic Collaboratory.  At ETC, Bradley will teach acting and help to develop the two productions.

Alicia Klein came to ETC as a student in 1994, and is ecstatic to return for her 8th summer, this time to teach Movement.  She has studied acting at Muyhlenberg College, The University of London, and The Beverly Hills Playhouse.  She has been acting, writing, and producing in Los Angeles for the past 6 years.  She spent the past year working on hurricane relief in Haiti and traveling in Southeast Asia.

Carolyn Kuether currently works as the Management Associate for Martian Entertainment; a General Management company for Broadway and Off Broadway shows. She has been teaching and performing improvisational theatre for the past nine years. New York Improv credits include: On Impulse Theatre Co, Friday Night Face Off, 8 is Never Enough. Other Improv credits: The Don’s, Dad’s Garage, Comedy City, Comedy Sportz. Directing credits: Communication, Last Star, Dramatic Comedy Crew, Journey to the Manger, What I Did Last Summer (Assistant Dir. ETC 2007). Company Management credits: My Vaudeville Man, Rooms a Rock Romance. She is very excited to be back at ETC for her second year. She is currently living in New York with her loving husband and two kids...errr...dogs.

Larry Simon  An original ETC faculty member from 1984 - 1995, Larry returns to us for his second summer after a too long hiatus.  We are thrilled to have him back again. A guitarist and composer from Brooklyn, NY,  he has recorded and toured with many of today’s leading jazz and blues artists including; David Sanborn, Big Jay McNeely, Lester Bowie,  David Amram, Ed Sanders, Rosco Gordon, John Zorn, The Ska-talites , Julius Hemphill, Lamonte Young and George Coleman.  In NYC, Larry was  not only a guitarist, but was also very involved in composing music for dance, film, and theatre and was very active in the downtown experimental music community.  Eleven years ago, Larry moved to Portsmouth, NH and formed his group Larry Simon and Groove Bacteria.  The band has been performing regularly around New England ever since.  Larry Simon and Groove Bacteria won the 2003 Spotlight Award for "Best Jazz Act."  Larry founded Jazzmouth; The Seacoast Poetry and Jazz Festival  and continues as the Artistic Director and Producer of the festival.  In 2005, Larry won the Spotlight Special Achievement Award for performing, promoting and presenting Jazz and Poetry on the NH Seacoast.  Larry teaches and performs in New England.

This year we will be joined by the following college interns:

Guest Artists
Throughout the summer the faculty is supplemented by guest artists who conduct workshops in a variety of topics.   In the past these have included workshops in yoga, contact improv, scene painting and stage combat.  Some recent guest artists include:

Zakiyyah Alexander - Acting, B.A., Binghamton University; M.F.A., Yale School of Drama; Program Director, Positive Youth Troupe, Bronx, NY; Playwright, Actor, NYC.

Bill Gross - Acting and Voice, B.F.A., The Juilliard School; National Theatre Institute; Vassar College; Actor, Singer, New York, NY. 

Amy Sheff Neumann- Music, B.F.A., Syracuse University; Director, Young Artist Theatre, Reston, VA; Faculty, Imagination Stage, Virginia; Actress, Kennedy Center National Tour of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer;" Actress, Singer, Teacher, and Director, New York City and Washington, DC.