5 Responses to “TCT Academy”

1. JoshW Says:
   January 11th, 2008 at 11:19 pm

   The greatest place in the world, is TCT’s Academy!

2. JoshW Says:
   January 13th, 2008 at 9:58 am

   I remember taking classes at TCT back when Michael was the Education director. This was back when it was TCT, not TCTA. I also, remember the first day that I signed up for classes, and the my first audition when the A was added to TCT. I think the Academy has added such an amazing thing to an already amazing place. Where else can kids go to learn so many different aspects of theatre? I remember also, back when Deb was the Tech director for the studio, and the first day that I was asked to come help when they set lights. I was younger so I didn’t really do the important stuff, just the small things that would eventually have to be done, and from there it stuck. I realized that being in a show was so much more than auditioning and making it, it was everything that went in to make that show what everyone sees on show nights. I developed a really close bind to everyone, Deb was like a mentor to me- I learned so much from her, the day she told me that she would be leaving, left me in a shock, so many things went through my head: Would I still be able to help? Would I be allowed to do anything tech wise? Then she introduced to me Adam, her good friend that would take her place, I remember shaking his hand and his simple “How ya doin man, I’m Adam” At that point I didn’t worry. Adam and I worked together on different tech aspects and it seemed like I still had that rep for being a good Techie. I’m very proud to say that I consider Adam a very close friend of mine. He is one of those people you just feel comfortable with, can ask him any question and even though it may be extremely stupid- he’ll only give you a hard time about it for a while- haha. He has had me help him at TPAC and other fun projects. Then, I got the news. We would be remodeling, and he wanted to know if I would come and help strike the studio…for good. It was the toughest day of my life. Everything that I have grown up with, all the memories everything seemed to just fill the room as I watched and helped clear out that entire room. I was updated my Adam regularly on the renovation, and was able to see how far they where getting. When he took me in there to see the almost completed theatre, it was like I had just gotton hit in the stomach, all I could say was “Oh My God” and now I’m glad to call this new space my home. Everyone that has had, or has something to do with the academy is very lucky. Deb, and Adam have been great teachers, and great friends. Jen has given me so many opportunities that I can’t even believe. i just want everyone to know, that TCT’s Academy is a place that touches and stays in every kids heart. Thanks!

3. Chelle Says:
   January 14th, 2008 at 3:54 pm

   I love working at TCTA and getting to take past volunteers who haven’t seen the Oldfather space yet into the theater to show them. They are always amazed at the transformation!

4. JenFletcher Says:
   January 28th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

   The Jellybean Conspiracy- A lot of people have had questions about this amazing show. Following is a description about what we’re doing to bring this show to our Oldafther stage.

   A play in two acts, the first is an anthology of poems, songs, stories, monologues and sketches that raise the issues of society’s response to people with disabilities. As part of the project Education Director Jennifer Fletcher has been traveling the state to work with youth and adults with developmental disabilities. As a result, groups from across the state of Kansas will be traveling to TCTA to perform the first act throughout the run of the show. TCTA is partnering with Interhab (the state organization that supports groups that work with people with DD) on this project. State legislators are being invited to see one special performance with representatives from across the state. The second act, Dance with Me, is written by Linda Daugherty, It uses music, dance and narrative to tell the story of a teenage girl coming to terms with the reality of her brother’s disabilities. She comes to appreciate the gifts he offers the world. It will be performed by TCT Academy students. The young boy will be played by a Topeka West student with Down Syndrome.

5. Carole Ries Says:
   February 29th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

   Now that The Jellybean Conspiracy is over, we’d love to have some comments from those of you who saw it or were part of the show. Howard Martin, the creator of the show, would love to have feedback for his board as well as those people who support his work. Plus, I like to have testimonies to use when I write grants in support of projects like this. We know it meant a great deal to a lot of you — we talked to you in the hallway and you told us how moved you were. One of our board members said the show should have come with a warning — be sure to bring Kleenex. So, tell me what you think. Thanks.

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