Yay for this summer!!!

Hi guys my name is Elizabeth Annunziato and I am from a small town right here in Texas called Aledo. It is about 20 minutes away from Fort Worth and about an hourand a half away from Cisco. I am currently a senior in high school and will be attending Texas Christian University this fall with a BFA in Performing, emphasis: acting. Ok, now that the boring stuff is over with, let's get to the goods. I enjoy friends, fun, food, theatre, movies, good music (I love Jazz!!!), meeting new people, summer in Texas, funny people, Chiptle (I know I already said food but Chipotle is in it's own category!!), swimming and the beach (my family has a condo in South Padre Island, TX and we have been every summer since I was born!!! I love it!), smiling ( I know that it's cliche but you will hardly ever catch me without a smile on my face!), forgiveness (you can do or say the worst things possible to me and I will never hold it against you!), history, and, finally, naps!!! Whew, that's a lot! Haha sorry, that was cheezy. Oh ya, I'm constantly laughing, you will have a hard time getting me to shut up haha. I'm soooo excited to meet you all this summer, we are going to have soo much fun!!! For all of you out-of-towners, I will be happy to show you the ropes of Texas, it's a good time :). Oh, Veronica of Big Springs, I think you know a friend of mine, Tanner Hanley?? I'm so pumped to meet you and I can't wait!! Best wishes until then! Please look me up and contact me on Facebook!! Peace and love!

I've lost...

Hi all,

I said that I would never have a myspace or anything. I swore against it and vowed never to give in. But unfortunately, I have.

www.myspace.com/willieiscoolyo

:) See ya for now!
Willie

Mr. Bingley...

Willie, that is fabulous news! I was watching PRIDE AND PREJUDICE the other day (the new one) and thought of my little darling cast at WWCC. You must write and tell me more about it...and whatever else Mr. Bingley has been up to.

Much love,

Kelsey (your old direktah)

News!

Hi everyone,

I know I haven't met most of you, but I have some news that I thought was pretty cool. I am transferring to the State University of New York at Buffalo this fall as a Music Theatre BFA. They only take about 10 students each year, and hardly ever any transfers! I just decided today and am in the process of getting registered and everything like that. Good times!

Only three and a half more weeks! I'm so excited!

Willie

hot summer weather here I come!

Hi everyone! I'm Neil Schneider and will be getting to work with all of you this summer. Let me tell you a little bit about myself:
I am currently a Theatre Arts major with a concentration in Musical Theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. I live in Kenosha, WI which is about 40 miles north of Chicago but I'm originally from a small city in northeastern Wisconsin callled Manitowoc (don't try to pronounce it, nobody can ever get it right). It's right outside of Green Bay and I already promised my family I wouldn't turn on them and become a Cowboys fan. I've been performing almost my whole life and enjoy every minute of it. For the past seven years I have been working with a children's theatre company in norheastern Wisconsin called the Peter Quince Performing Co. Ltd. While I was there I performed, dealt with sales and advertising, public relations, and last summer I designed costumes for the muscial "Honk!". My time there was a lot of fun but I'm glad I'm moving on.
I am a complete northener in every sense of the word and I don't know how I'm going to handle the hot Texas summer. I have been to Fort Worth, Dalllas, and San Antoinio before and I remember it being almost unbearable heat. I don't wear shorts so we'll see how this goes! I enjoy all types of music, even a little bit of country, but mostly alt rock and hip hop. I love Italian food but I'm not Italian...I'm German and hate German food. I love reading historical fiction novels, watching movies, going to shows, and in general just hanging out. I consider myself pretty low key but I can get pretty crazy at times too. I love meeting new people and socializing and I'm really excited to meet all of you.
If you want to get to know me a little more you can look me up on myspace or facebook. Well, hope to hear from you!
Neil Schneider

So Excited!

Hello All!
My name is Eleanor, I'm 20 and am from TN. I cannot express enough how excited I am about this summer and meeting everyone. I love to meet new people...however, i have a tendency to be really quite and shy at first.

I've never been offered an opportunity like this before, so I'm a bit nervous and have no idea what to expect. So, if anyone has any tips or things I should know about please feel free to email me. Anywho, I'm glad I finally have some time to post a blog I've been incredibly busy. I just finished up two shows, Cinderella and Moonchildren. They took up all time plus work and classes. But I've loved every minute of it. I am very much a musical theatre dork. My life revovles around it. I've been performing forever! I am more an actor/singer then a dancer. I can move well, but dancing is for sure my weakest. So, I know I will be asking for much help on the dancing. lol.

Other then theatre...
I love to be outside. Long walks, being on the lake, camping, tennis...just anything that is involved with the outdoors.
I love to have movie nights! I see that others like that too so we for sure will have to have movie nights. :)

I cannot till this summer! My email is ElleBabeOne@aol.com and I am on facebook and myspace...so look me up!

Eleanor

A Jersey Girl in Texas?

Alright, folks, I'm a little technologically challenged, so let's hope I get this right and you're actually reading it right now.

My name is Cathleen, I'm 24, I was born in Newton, NJ, lived in Mississippi, then Florida, and currently in Nebraska. I got my BFA in musical theatre from the University of Florida in 2004. Since then I've worked a couple summers at the Weathervane Playhouse in Newark, OH (there are some pictures of me on the website, check it out, www.weathervaneplayhouse.org) and spending the time in-between living at home with my family in Lincoln, NE working "real people" jobs trying to save a little bit of money.

I'm excited about meeting all of you this summer. Here are a few fun facts about me:
1. I collect pineapples
2. I really DO listen to all kinds of music, from Ben Folds to Debussy and am always open to new musical suggestions
3. I have a very strange, dry sense of humor, but can also be SUPER goofy
4. Once I had a fish named Gill. But he went to that big fishbowl in the sky.

How many of you are flying/bussing in on May 28? Post a comment and let me know. OR you could also check out my profile on myspace OR IM me (my screen name is catjanese). I'm definitely going to need help acclimating myself to TX--I'm definitely a Jersey Girl at heart. I don't know what I'm going to do, seeing as I don't wear shorts...help me out, kids! Can't wait to meet all of you! See you in May.
-Cat-

Hi Everyone!

Hi, my name is Annie Gaarder. This is my first blog ever! It's kind of exciting!

My last name is pronounced "Gorder." I always tell people it rhymes with border. (It's Norwegian.) My hometown is Arlington, Texas, which is like a 1 1/2 hour drive from Cisco. I am just about finished with my freshman year of college at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Wow! I can't believe how fast this year flew by! My degree plan as of right now is double majoring in Public Relations and Theatre with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. I love to perform, and I can't wait for this wonderful opportunity.

I love to play ping-pong and run, so if anyone is interested, I would love to have a running buddy. I also love to watch movies, as many of you wrote- so I think we should definitely have movie nights!

I am looking forward to this summer and meeting each and everyone one of you! Just a suggestion- being from Texas and surviving the summers, bring lots of cool summer clothes because it is going to be HOT! :) Have a great day!

Hello BCDT Cast!

Hi there!

My name is Kelsey Shearer and I am an actress currently living/performing/starving in Chicago.:) No, my head shot is not posted on the BCDT website because I'm not going to be in your cast. So, why have I invaded your theatre blog? I was fortunate to be apart of Big Country Dinner Theatre's first production of PUMPBOYS AND DINNETTES, and I wanted to congratulate you all on being apart of such a fabulous company.

I first worked with Billy and Colleen Smith while attending Western Wyoming Jr College. These amazingly talented artists quickly became two of my favorite people. I am indebted to them for their constant insight, knowledge, and love. Pay attention to them and you'll learn a lot.

K, enough of the mushy stuff. I am excited for all of you! You're in for a summer full of hard work and play...including crazy experiences like getting stung by a jelly fish and finding rather bizarre ways of dulling the pain. :)

Good luck to each of you, and if you have any questions you can reach me at:

k_shearer@yahoo.com

Kelsey

ps Willie, you ARE a nerd. :)
pps Brenda, CHICAGO ROCKS! :)

Happy Belated Easter

I know this is a day late, but I wanted to say I hope ya'll had a wonderful Easter! I can't believe it is already the end of April. I mean I am really excited about it, but man time flies! I really need a break this semester has been really frustrating and I just can't wait till it ends and I can come spend a wonderful summer with all of you. I was reading the other blogs and I read that one of you just saw Wicked. I am obsessed with that musical!!! I mean completely! I have seen it 3 times and I am going again at the end of July when I come back to Chicago. I have been backstage and met the Chicago cast and everything! My dream role would be playing Glinda! Also, Kristin Chenoweth who plays Glinda in the Original Broadway Cast is my idol! She is little like me, I am just a little guy at 4'9, and she is just an amazing singer and actress! Well, thought I let you know a little more about me...Talk to ya'll soon! Kalee Dionne

holy cow, this sounds awesome

hehe
Hey fellow theatre buffs. My name is Brigid, or some of my friends call me "BK," and am finishing my sophomore year at Clarke College, in Dubuque, IA, a town of 15,000 or so on the Mississippi River next to both Illinois and Wisconsin. I haven't really had a chance to get on this thing since I just wrapped up being in the last play of the year (we do 4 productions) and It's amazing how much I'm learning. I don't have as much experience in musical theatre as most of you, but I'm extremely excited for this opportunity. I was in Irish Dance for six years and did do some dance/choreography in Schoolhouse Rock Live! So, working with you all...I can't even type how exciting it is for me. Unlike Willie, I am a constant internet blogger myspacer. In yet, I'm confused as to whether or not we can comment on each other's posts. Anyone know?

I'm going to try to get a hold of Bryan Bengston as he goes to school right across the river from my hometown. It would be nice not to wait around the Dallas Airport all by myself. But, we'll see. As well as, it must be a small world because a friend of mine at school went to high school with someone that goes to school with Veronica, I believe. Phew! That was a mouthful.

Everyone have a good rest of the semester! Hope to talk to you later! PEACE!
Brigid "BtotheK" Kelley

heya

Hey all

I'm Andrew and in May I'll graduate from The Academy of Fine Arts, a performing arts high school in Fort Worth. I've been involved with theatre most of my life. Taken dance (ballet, tap, and all that jazz) since I was a little kid, my favorite form being tap, and I've also been singing with the Texas Boys Choir for about 4 yrs. I live in the small town of Weatherford, but it is growing. They just built a 2nd Wal-Mart!

Outside of the arts, in my spare time I like to play soccer, basketball, and run track. Oh, I'm also a big film buff. I somehow convinced my school counselor to let us start a film class and essentially six of my friends and I sit around watching movies for an hour and a half. Good times. I'm into all sorts of music, but not so much country. I know, I know. I'm from Texas, but I can't help it. But I am a big fan of Alt Rock. My favorite musical soundtrack would have to be Parade/Jersey Boys/Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Ok, those are three, I know, but I can't pick. :)

Anyway I'm kinda rambling, but I look forward to meeting all of you this summer! I'm sure it'll be a great experience.

Happy Easter!

Okay, so it's not Easter yet, but I wanted to be the first to wish you all a "Happy Easter!" Personally, I am really looking forward to having Good Friday off. A small group of friends and I are going to hunt easter eggs tomorrow morning, and then I plan to eat lunch with my sister and her fiance. When he goes to work, she and I will polish up our DDR and Karaoke skills.
I only have to go to school one day next week!- my fellow students have declared this day Senior Skip Day, but unfortunately I cannot afford another absence because then I won't be exempt from my finals at the end of the semester. Oh, well. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I skipped anyway.
I finally got my pictures from Chicago yesterday and they turned out great. Seeing Wicked was definitely a major highlight. I'll have to try to remember to bring some photos with me this summer to show everyone. Random question: does anyone else have as much trouble finishing a roll of film as I do? I have got to be the worst about waiting for the "perfect shot." That's why I'm glad I am not the only historian on our theatre board this year. It offers two perspectives on everything we do.
Well, I guess that's enough of an update for now. Enjoy your weekends!

Brenda

Bonjour!

Hi! I am Victoria McDowell, and I live on a ranch outside of Big Spring, TX...Big Spring is a small town in West Texas near the Midland/Odessa area. I will graduate from Forsan High School in 28 more school days! I am not exactly sure what my college plans are yet, but I do know that it will be either Oklahoma City Univ. or Sam Houston State Univ. for musical theatre or theatre...I should know soon what I am doing for sure.

I have been doing ballet for 11 years in Midland...5 of those 11 years I did intensive ballet training with Midland Festival Ballet. I have done jazz and tap for 7 years as well. Dancing and performing have been a major part of my life, and I love it! Those of you who also dance...let me know!

I have been singing for for about 4 years and playing the piano for 9 years. Acting is what I have had the least experience doing compared to ballet and singing. I have a passion for acting now, and I wish I had started acting sooner. I am looking forward to BCDT this summer and gaining more experience!

Other things I enjoy doing are exercising/staying in shape, Pilates, going to church, watching old musicals, and meeting new people.

Hey ya'll!!!

Hey ya'll,
I am Kalee Dionne from a small town just 60 miles south of Chicago. Basically, in the middle of nowhere...maybe a good 1200 people. Anyway, I am currently finishing up my junior year at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. It is my first year there and I love it. I first attended a two year private school in Central Illinois for Musical Theatre. Since transferring to Southern, I have changed my major to Radio/Television Broadcasting. I am currently working at two television stations in southern, IL. At Ch. 8, I am the weather specialist on the five o'clock news on Wednesday's. One thing to know about me, is I am obsessed with severe weather. Mostly tornadoes, but completely obsessed. I actually have started in the past year chasing them. I don't really know what I am doing yet, and that honestly isn't safe, but um...I love it, so that is enough for me. Theatre is my heart and soul. I love performing!!!! I am really excited to perform at BCDT this summer with ya'll! I love meeting new people and going to new places. Alright, I think I babled on enough....can't wait to get to know all of you! See you in May!

Hello All!

Hello Fellow Company Members!

I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about working with you all this summer! I have never been presented with an opportunity like this and I am really looking forward to it. Let me start by asking that you please excuse the temporary headshot posted on the BCDT website...I'm afraid it doesn't stand up to a lot of yours.
Where do I begin to tell you about myself? I was born and raised in the city of San Angelo, just like my dear old dad. Theatre has been a central part of my life since...well, probably the womb. My grandparents deserve a significant deal of credit for my love of the arts - they took me to shows and enrolled me in workshops from a very young age. But that's enough dwelling in the past. I am currently a senior at Central High School (Sic 'Em Cats!) and will be graduating in just 31 school days. In the fall, I will be attending Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX to earn a B.F.A. in Theatre. This summer is the time for my parents to adjust to me being away from home.
As far as hobbies go, I love to go for walks (I would say along the beach but we don't have those in West Texas) and swimming (I worked as a lifeguard last summer). I recently took up knitting and might be working on an afghan during my free time if I ever find the right size needles. Baking is one of my favorite things to do if I ever get bored. I love to write! In fact, I have a pen-pal in Newton, MA who I met four years ago and still keep in touch with. I enjoy getting to know new people, but who doesn't?!?
I guess that is enough for now. Feel free to leave comments...I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time, Brenda T.

I'll go next!!

Hi yall!!
I am Emma, and I am currently a Junior English major at Lee University in Cleveland,Tennessee. I have only been here in Tennessee for a semester. Before Lee, I attended Western Wyoming College in the wonderful town of Rock Springs Wyoming, which happens to be my home town. I graduated from Western in May of 2005 with a AFA in Musical Theatre, but I stayed and did an extra semester in the Fall. My dad is a professor there, and I must say, free college is an amazing thing:) I don't really know how I ended up 2000 miles away from my home town, or why I am an English major, but I am liking it. I might end up going back to the Musical Theatre major, but I haven't decided yet.

I enjoy traveling, ALOT!! Thanks to my dad and his love for road trips, I have been to 48 states. I have also been to six countries and will be going to Greece and Turkey in May for a choir trip. I enjoy football, spending time with my friends, doing crazy random things and meeting new people. I am really looking forward to working in the big state of Texas this summer. I am also looking forward to spending time at the lake.

I'm excited to meet all of you, and to be reunited with you again Willie:) I think that it will be a great summer. See you soon!
Emma G

oo oo Pick me!

I'll go second! I'm Veronica and after 13 more days of class I will be graduating with a BA in theatre arts. I am from Madison, WI...which may be the farthest north in cast and go to school in Minnesota. Being away from home/school is not a big deal for me. I spent a semester Junior year studying theatre in London and last summer I had a sound internship with New York Stage and Film in Poughkeepsie, NY. I too am excited to be working on this musical at BCDT.

Let's see...what is important to know about me? I like music, most movies, harry potter books, and am going to be spending some free time during the summer studying for an actuary exam. For those you know who don't know what an actuary is, it has to do with lots of studying math. I was a math major for 3 years but didn't want to stay at college any longer. So yea, nothing like a back up plan as an actor. I am currently learning to play guitar but am terrible thus far, but its a bit of an adventure.

I like all foods (and cooking) and am an art history nerd. I think that's enough for now. Don't want to give away too much. See you on May 28th!

Veronica

I guess I'm the first!

Hi everyone!

It looks like I will be the first...so here goes! I'm Willie, I'm from West Valley City, Utah and I am graduating from Western Wyoming College in May with my AA and AFA in Musical Theatre. I don't know for sure what school looks like for the fall, but it will either be SUNY University at Buffalo as a BFA Music Theatre major or University of Utah as a BA Theatre Studies, BFA Modern Dance double major. We'll see...

Anyway, I am excited to be doing BCDT with y'all this summer and I look forward to meeting you. This is great because it will be the first time I'm really away from home or the people I was with at home (there are more than ten people in my dept. here at Western that I went to high school with). But, I do know Emma Gardner, who will be down there, and she is my best bud, so that will be good times!

My favorite things are italian food, performing, sleeping in on Sundays, jammin' out to some music, long walks on the beach in the moonlight (and yes, I'm single, for all you ladies out there!), reading, driving, and just plain ol' having some good times all around.

That's all.

Willie "I'm a little nervous about going first" Richardson