Drop of a Hat Players

2005-2006
Members

Jayk Baechle
Matt Bugay
Erin diLauro
Nicole R. Hale
Alesia Lawson
Adrienne Jones
Shane O'Neill
Kelly Strand


Accompanists -  Emily Plummer
Company Manager - Alesia Lawson
Librarian - Emily Plummer


2004 - 2005 Performance Schedule


BACKGROUND

The Drop of a Hat Players is a musical revue group which performs classic and contemporary Broadway show tunes. The group was founded by Dr. Paula Thompson in the early 1990s as an outreach program for Ashland University’s Department of Theatre and as a training opportunity for students.  After the departure of Dr. Thompson at the end of the 1998-1999 academic year, the group was directed by Dr. Evan Bridenstine for one year. Dr. Teresa Durbin took over direction of the group in September, 2000 as the tradition continues.  Students audition in the Fall and perform throughout the school year for civic groups, banquets, parties, meetings, nursing homes, or special events. Accompanied only by piano, the Players perform a repertoire of Broadway-based music in revue-style shows varying in length from 30 - 60 minutes.


STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Drop of a Hat Players is a Broadway Revue performance group whose purpose is twofold :

    1. To provide an on-going opportunity for students to improve and practice their musical theatre performance skills

    2.  To serve as a community outreach program for the Theatre Department and Ashland University

Students will learn and rehearse solo, small group and large group songs. The material should primarily be, but is not limited to, the genre of musical theatre.  Songs are performed for groups both on and off campus in 30-60 minute shows.   DOAH Players may perform between ten and thirty shows throughout the year.  Members of the group are expected to make every effort to perform in all scheduled shows with the understanding that classes, rehearsals and jobs take priority.   A student whose schedule does not allow adequate time for rehearsals and performances may not be cast or once cast, may be dropped from the group if they are unable to meet minimum performance attendance expectations.   Members of the group will be notified as soon as performance dates are scheduled.  Notices will be posted on the call board about up-coming performances for members to indicate whether or not they can attend. A program will be set at least 24 hours before each performance.  A Company Manager and Librarian will be selected by the group to assist with communication and scheduling within the group.


MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Drop of a Hat Players is by audition only. Any AU student may audition. Auditions will be held during the first two to three weeks of the Fall semester. The advisor will make all casting/membership decisions.   Members must re-audition each Fall.  

An accompanist will be hired to play the piano for the organization.  This position is filled based on a student's ability to play the piano. If a qualified student cannot be hired from the student body, a non student may be hired to fill this position.


EXPECTATIONS

As a member of Drop of a Hat Players you will need to meet the following expectations:

1.  Prepare for performance at least:
    - 3 solos
        1 written before 1960
        1 written after 1960
        1 seasonal song

    - 1 small group songs ( duet, trio, quartet, etc.)
    - 2 songs with the entire group

The above songs may not be performed at every show, but must be rehearsed and ready at any time.

2.  Research and write appropriate introductions/comments for each song.

3.  Attend all scheduled rehearsals of the group
    There will be 1 weekly rehearsal of the entire group
    There may also be a weekly rehearsal for small group songs
    Each member will schedule one weekly meeting w/ director during the Fall semester  to work on solos
    There will be a rehearsal before every performance
    (held sometime in the 24 hours before each show)

4. Each group member is responsible for her/his own costume. 
    Costumes include:
    Shirts which will be provided, but must be clean and presentable for performances
    Khaki pants for all - no cargo pants, shade of khaki has been light past two years
    Appropriate shoes - no tennis shoes, “clunky” sandals, slip-on shoes, etc.

** Drop of a Hat receives funding from Student Senate and members are expected to participate in one community service event each semester.





FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact
Dr. Teresa Durbin
419-289-5821
tdurbin@ashland.edu
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