Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Final Curtain Call

Denice Hicks and Maddie Hicks sporting VitaminWater.
Denice Hicks, Mayor Karl Dean, Maddie Hicks performing on stage.


I can’t believe this was the last week of performances. Our Friday night performance was rained out, but the apprentice company handled their responsibilities swiftly and efficiently. There were a few faithful audience members who were willing to wait it out with their umbrellas, but Mother Nature wouldn’t let us do the show. Fortunately, this was the only performance that was rained out for the whole run.




On Saturday afternoon the cast and crew gathered for a barbeque. It was so nice to spend the afternoon together eating and hanging out. The technical crew prepared an award ceremony for everyone to see at the barbeque. Brenda Sparks, from the professional cast, got a trophy for being the best microphone hunter. Many other awards were presented, and everyone enjoyed the Shakespearean Christopher Walken skit courtesy of Patrick Waller and Sam Spanjian.
Saturday night was absolutely fabulous! Audience members started vocalizing along with us during the opening protest, and the energy level was buzzing. Sunday night was great as well. There was a huge crowd and we had an amazing final show.




I have learned an incomparable amount of knowledge from being in the Apprentice company. When I think about all the loving and talented people I have met, and the experience I gained, I realize that I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world. I learned so much about acting and the other departments involved in theatre. Besides that, I’ve discovered a lot about myself as well.From the nervous energy of the first day of training with Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s education department at NPT’s Studio A, the scorching hot combat training at Roy Cox’s farm, and bonding with the professional cast, this summer has truly been a journey.



I never would’ve believed how close we’d all become if you tried to tell me the first day at training. Saying goodbye to everyone was so hard to do, we are one big family now. I know that this isn’t really the end, and the bonds we’ve formed will hold strong for the rest of our lives. Thank you to everyone who helped and guided us along the way. I love you all so much and look forward to seeing you again.



-Maddie Hicks, Harpeth Hall

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Week Two of Performances

Diego Gomez watches members practicing for performance.

Week Two of Coriolanus performances started off a little slow, but that was probably because of the three-day break we had. Energy was down on Thursday, but we brought it all back up by the end of the show. Friday was a good show and the combat scenes went really well.


We were missing our fellow Apprentice Company member, little AW (AshleyWhite) Brothers, we were very thankful Emily was prepared to step in for her. Coincidentally, Emily was absent Saturday and AW had to fill in for her. Both girls did a great job taking on each other’s roles.


Saturday was our best night, the energy level of the cast was incredible and was only increased by the energy from the huge audience we had. Everything seemed to go so smoothly, and the audience just loved all of it. Sunday seemed to lag a little more than Saturday, but the energy was brought back up by intermission.


I think that during this week we, as a cast, grew stronger and more together. It is amazing how relationships grow so fast with people in such a short time. Being part of Apprentice Company is such an amazing experience it is almost impossible to put into words. What I can say is that the Apprentice Company will change your life completely for the better.



-Diego Gomez, graduate of Nashville School of the Arts