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| Company of Fools History: |
| Year: 2000 |
Company of Fools’ accomplishments in 2000 were both numerous and significant.
ARTISTIC/ PRODUCTION
The Philadelphia Story brought a profound change in the company’s approach to the technical elements of production. John Glenn’s brilliant design elements raised the bar forever for the company. The show was hailed not only for its strong acting ensemble, but for its extraordinary design elements.
Oleanna enabled the company to continue to strengthen its ties with the theatre department at Boise State University as well as begin its mission of serving greater Idaho.
Summer Residency at The Community School enabled the Company to focus and share the process element of its work for two months. Free acting and directing classes, staged readings and workshops taught by guest artists of national caliber (Andrew Alburger/Improv/NYC & Dick Brown/Voice/ Mississippi) brought Company of Fools' specific creative process to a different audience.
The Seagull by Anton Chekhov gave the Company an opportunity to explore a classic work, and helped forge a relationship with Trinity Repertory Theatre in Rhode Island, one of the country’s most prestigious theatre companies. Company of Fools’ artistic director was invited to visit Trinity Rep, where he auditioned and interviewed their MFA Acting students, resulting in the hiring of two of their actors for the production.
A Christmas Carol was a Fools’ Playhouse production, which ran for 18 performances, including five student matinees, with a combined attendance of 2,378. Student matinees were completely sold-out with schools from Camas, Carey, Murtaugh, Mountain Home and the Wood River Valley. Through underwriting, the Company was able to offer over 100 scholarships to children unable to pay the discounted student ticket. A volunteer within the community signed ten of the shows as a service to the hearing impaired.
EDUCATION
Blaine County Academy for the Arts & Sciences’ Theatre Component, administrated by Company of Fools, is the Company’s second in-school program. This two-year sequential training program offers 11th and 12th graders an opportunity to gain an in-depth experience and understanding of what it is to pursue theatre on a college or professional track. Students attend classes with the Company from September through June, five days a week, two hours a day. It is the only high school program of its kind in the state of Idaho.
Stages of Wonder, Company of Fools’ in-school program for grades 1-5, finished its third year and expanded the program from serving two grade levels to three. The program will increase to all five levels in 2001. Since its inception, the Company has taught over 1,570 students and teachers in the Wood River Valley. This program is poised to become a national model.
Apprenticeship Program entered its third year and offered two paid positions in the summer of 2000.
Adult Actor Classes has been ongoing since May 1997 and has been lead by the Company’s Artistic Director. Since 1998 the class has maintained a waiting list of students.
Intern Program entered its second year and employed a BSU theatre graduate for a year’s internship in September 2000.
Student Matinees continues to grow by leaps and bounds increasing matinees from two in 1999 to nine in 2000. Question and answer sessions, conversations with the designers and tours of the sets are also offered to students and teachers.
ADMINISTRATIVE/DEVLOPMENT
In the fall of 2000, Company of Fools made a major transition in staffing. Due to the increased scope of work and accelerated forward movement, the Company and board of directors committed to the addition of three new full time staff members: R.L. Rowsey (Managing Director), John Glenn (Production Manager) and Chad Smith (Technical Director). Denise Simone moved to the position of Associate Artistic Director from Managing Director.
An endowment of $250,000 was set up due to a generous donation for that purpose. By increasing the principal, the Company will be able to draw from the interest - providing additional revenue. The establishment of the endowment not only demonstrates confidence in the company’s longevity but future sustainability.
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Company of Fools
Post Office Box 329
Hailey, Idaho 83333
208-788-6520
208-788-1053 FAX
e-mail: info@companyoffools.org |
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