Latest E-Mails

03/28/23: A Note from Gettysburg Community Theatre (GCT)

Hi, everyone,

I just wanted to make you aware that Gettysburg Community Theatre (GCT) reached out to me about theatre opportunities within the Gettysburg community. Their message was as follows:

"I am writing to ask you if SMuT members would be interested in becoming more involved with the GCT. The GCT wants to connect with theatre artists at the College and has a variety of roles available for students. The GCT is looking for students to audition and to volunteer as stage crew, tech crew, etc. Let me know (Mav Schmidt, schmma05@gettysburg.edu) if you would like any additional information. I can also connect you to the Director. Here is the website: Gettysburg Community Theatre."

Please feel to connect with Mav or GCT about getting involved in the community theatre in Gettysburg!

Thank you,
Helen O'Neill '23 | President
She/Her/Hers

01/30/23: PLEASE READ: Addressing Issues

Good afternoon,

I am e-mailing you today to address the elephant in the room. I am aware there have been malicious statements made regarding SMuT.

I will say this once. SMuT does not tolerate bullying. I understand being upset you didn't get the role you wanted in the show; I also did not get cast in the role I wanted. I do not, however, understand taking out this disappointment on others. If you have issues with the show or how it was cast, you can bring it up with the directors. If you have an issue with the directors or the club at large, you can bring it up with me or my Vice-President, Roisin Daly, if your issue is regarding me. We are more than willing to sit down and have a conversation with you addressing your concerns.

If you have spread one of these malicious statements, I am giving you this opportunity to come clean and confess. If you do so, there will be no repurcussions. We can meet and discuss whatever issues you had that caused you to feel the need to say something. If you do not and I find out you were the one who said these things, you will be removed from the club and banned from any future productions by SMuT. This applies to future cases.

From this point forward, if you are found to be bullying another member of the club, you will be removed and banned from any SMuT productions.

As for casting, I can only tell you this: SMuT casts based on what is best for the production. There are a lot of factors that go into this - individual acting talent, actor chemistry, availability, etc. However, these factors are purely professional. The Addams Family had a large casting team of six people, one of whom was a casting assistant who met almost every actor for the first time at auditions. The casting team was equally critical of everyone. Most of the principal cast of The Addams Family have never been cast in a principal role before, SMuT or Mainstage.

For people who think the Theatre Department casts by favoritism, I cannot and will not comment on that. SMuT is completely unaffiliated and unrelated to the Mainstage productions. The last two musicals, Into the Woods and Next to Normal, were and will continually be unrelated to SMuT.

It saddens me these things must be said because SMuT aims to be a friendly and positive environment. I hope you all can continue to uplift and support each other in the future.

Helen O'Neill | President

She/Her/Hers

01/25/23: Addams Family Cast List

Hey guys!

It's the email you've all been waiting for...

THE CAST LIST!

Thank you all so much for all of your hard work and fantastic auditions. We had such a hard time narrowing our cast down and I can't wait to see what you all do with this fun show! I'm so excited to start working with you all and please reach out to me, Nicole Parisi, or John Rosenberg with any questions.

Please fill out this form here by Friday at noon about your acceptance of your assigned role!

Can't wait to watch this show come together,
Devyn Wesolowski
Stage Manager

Gomez- Alex Sanchez
Morticia- Savannah Madeira
Lurch- Henry Grinnell
Fester- Evan Hilborn
Pugsley- Kelly O'Donnell
Wednesday- Katie Poliero
Alice- Sia Harrison
Mal- Hayden Johnston
Lucas- Elliott Wakefield
Grandma- Jamilynne McCabe
The Moon- Kat Manchester

Dance Captain- Vivian Davenport

Ancestors-
Emily Femino
Tori Ramsay
Helen O'Neill
Delaney Mavica
Ryan Melinn
Vivian Davenport
Lee Repins
Emma Blackman
Dylann Eck
Kelsey Grillo
Dalila Weismantle
Bella Kull
Kat Manchester
Zmaria Morris

01/21/23: Reminders

Hi, everyone!

There's a lot going on with SMuT right now, so I just wanted to send out an e-mail with reminders so you have all the information in on place!

  1. The Addams Family auditions are this Sunday 6-10. DANCE CALL will be 6-7. Signups can be found here, and you can find the vocal pieces and sides expected at your auditions. Contact Nicole Parisi (parini01@gettysburg.edu) and John Rosenberg (rosejo05@gettysburg.edu) with any questions or concerns.
  2. Yawdaorb: Broadway Backwards takes place February 4 in Stevens Theatre at 7 PM. We have decided to extend signups until 1/25 at 5 PM. Contact me with any questions or concerns.
  3. Please submit any logo ideas you have for the club. We will be selecting the logo before Yawdaorb.

Thank you,
Helen O'Neill '23 | President
She/Her/Hers

01/20/23: The Addams Family Auditions

From Co-Director, John Rosenberg

Hey Y'all

Auditions for the spring musical, The Addams Family, is underway this Sunday! Signup with the following link!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a44abae2ea7fd0-theaddams#/

Sides are also attached.

01/17/23: The Addams Family Creative Team and Auditions

Hi, everyone!

I hope you enjoyed your Winter Break away from campus. I come bearing large amounts of information regarding The Addams Family. First is our creative team. Please join me in congratulating the following people to the team:

Directors: Nicole Parisi and John Rosenberg
Choreographer: Rin Stevenson
Music Directors: Emily Femino and Laura Duffy
Stage Manager: Devyn Wesolowski
Assistant Stage Managers: Emme Rider, Tori Ramsey, and Nicholas Ryan (rehearsals only)
Scenic Designers: Nicholas Ryan and Devyn Wesolowski
Costume Designers: Helen O'Neill and Sia Harrison
Costumers: Theodore Szpakowski, Ofek Eisenbach, Nicholas Ryan, and Jamilynne McCabe (backstage)
Sound Board Op: Nicholas Ryan
Light Board Op: Heather Stokes
Props Master: Jamilynne McCabe
Hair/Makeup Assistants: Helen O'Neill and Jamilynne McCabe

From this point forward, please submit any questions or concerns to the directors! Information regarding auditions can be found below.

Looking forward to this show!!
Helen O'Neill '23 | President
She/Her/Hers

And from your directors, regarding auditions:

Hello all,

I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to you as a co-director for the upcoming production of The Addams Family. This is going to be a fun production, and I can't wait to work with y'all. Apologies for the late notice regarding auditions as I was recently hired for a job that required an intense schedule overhaul for the next three weeks, but I am happy to announce that we will hold auditions for The Addams Family this Sunday between 6-10pm. While auditioning, you should expect to sing a song from the show (see the link below for more information).

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XNdYd4f_siS8_X-BJcNna52Lt8Nqbx-X

There will also be sides to read. I will let you know when and where those sides will be available to pick up when they are ready. You will also learn a short dance combo.

Callbacks will happen next Tuesday 9-11pm.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or just wanna chat, feel free to email me at parini01@gettysburg.edu or text me at 732-943-6391. You can also reach out to my co-director, John Rosenberg at rosejo05@gettysburg.edu.

Looking forward to working with you all.
Snaps twice
Nicole Parisi

01/15/23: SMuT Logo

Hey everyone!

I hope you all had a great winter break!

I am reaching out to ask for your assistance. We as a club are looking for your submissions for a logo! Anyone is allowed to submit their idea. We will need two different versions of each idea, one landscape for headers and one square for profile pictures! If you have ideas please make them and submit them here!

I can't wait to see all of your lovely ideas!
Devyn Wesolowski
Secretary of SMuT

01/07/23: Yawdaorb: Broadway Backways

Hey, guys!

I know everyone is super excited for The Addams Famliy, and I am too! However, today I am e-mailing you to notify you of another event - Yawdaorb: Broadway Backwards. Yawdaorb is essentially our spring revue, a series of musical theatre performances, but this time with a catch. Historically, Yawdaorb has just been gender-bent musical theatre, but as gender has evolved, I feel we have outgrown this theme. While I still encourage you to sign up with gender-bent performances, I also encourage you to find other ways to break expecations in musical theatre. For example:

  • a song from Hamilton sung like an aria from an opera
  • dancing to the Nutcracker in the style of Hip Hop
  • playing a song in minor rather than major

There are many ways to challenge expectations, and I'd love to see what you come up with!

Yawdoarb will take place February 4 at 7:30 PM in Stevens Theatre. Signups can be found here and will close January 20 at 5:00 PM.

Looking forward to your submissions!
Helen O'Neill | President
She/Her/Hers

12/12/22: SMuT First Year Representative

Greetings ,

I hope you are all surviving finals so far.

I come with an important announcement: the identity of our First Year Representative.

Please welcome Nicholas Ryan (they/them).

Thank you to everyone who voted.

See you all next semester,
Vice President Ro (she/they)

12/12/22: Spring Musical and General Updates

Hi, everyone!

I am absolutely enthralled with how much interest the spring musical has been getting! I just wanted to update you that based on responses we received, we will be attempting to re-apply for The Addams Family with new performance dates: March 31 at 7:30 PM and April 1 at 2:00 PM. We ask that you keep this in mind when applying to the creative team or auditioning for the show.

If you are interested in applying for the creative team with these new dates, please read over the creative team responsibilities and expectations to see what roles would be a good fit for you. Applications will close on December 18 at midnight.

First-Year Representative elections also close today at noon. If you are a first-year and you haven't voted yet, please vote now!

We have also created an anonymous feedback form for you guys to fill out if you have any suggestions or concerns for how the club is being run. We value your opinions a lot and would love to hear back from you! If you have attended any of our events this semester, please consider filling this form out and letting us know how we did and how we can improve.

Good luck finishing your exams!
Helen O'Neill | President

12/02/22: Spring Musical Dates

Hi, everyone,

Unfortunately, we could not come to an agreement with college choir's home concert and The Addams Family. As such, SMuT is looking to choose new dates for the Spring Musical.

I must note, first, that obtaining performance rights is a legal process that is very complicated and difficult to navigate. As such, we have to be very careful about changing our dates because we have already begun the legal process.

We are looking to move the spring musical to 3/31 at 7:30 and 4/1 at 2:00. If we did, would you still be able to participate in the spring musical? You can vote here.

Thank you,
Helen O'Neill | President

12/08/22:  Spring Musical Winner and Creative Team Applications

Hi, everyone!!

I am so happy to announce that The Addams Family has won the final round of votes for the Spring Musical! Please expect an e-mail a week or so into winter break for details about auditions.

I have heard there are some hesitations because the second showing will be the same day as the home college choir concert. However, this showing is a Saturday matinee and will take place at 2:00 PM. The show should not interfere with the choir concert. Unfortunately, if you guys are called to practice during the production, you will have to speak to Dr. Natter about moving the practice earlier, ending before 1 PM, or later, starting after 5 PM, in the day. I have no tie to choir, and we are simply a club, so I do not have the ability to advocate for you.

Now that we have decided on the spring musical, we are also looking to solidify our creative team for the musical. As I mentioned in the first e-mail with the round of votes, we are looking to fill the roles of:

  • Director - Must work over Winter Break
  • Choreographer* - Must work over Winter Break
  • Music Director* - Must work over Winter Break
  • Stage Manager
  • Assistant Stage Manager*
  • Sound Board Operator
  • Light Board Operator
  • Costume Designer*
  • Scenic Designer*
  • Props Master*
  • Make-Up/Hair Assistants*

* Actors can apply

General descriptions of each role have been attached to this e-mail, including time commitment and experience expectations. Most of these roles are able to be filled by the same person and even actors, so don't be afraid to apply for multiple roles if you are interested. Applications can be found here and will be open until 12/18 at midnight.

Once our creative team has been solidified, BoD will be taking a step back from the spring musical. We will be here to facilitate and play the role of producers. The director will have the final say on any creative decisions, so this is a big role to fill!

Looking forward to this show!
Helen O'Neill | President

12/07/22: SMuT First Year Rep Elections

The Nominees are in!

If you are not a First Year, you can ignore this email. If not, let your voice be heard.

Click on the link below to vote for your First Year Representative.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZfc4I_fNllyfsF6cPStH4cf-Rwj_pvELZ-JR4w4XgfKh2QQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

The form will close this Monday (12/12) at noon.

Best,
Roisin

12/05/22: Spring Musical Votes - FINAL ROUND

Hi, everyone!

Unfortunately, I have some bad news. Pippin did not make it to the final round of votes. I know. Truly sad. However, two musicals did! The Addams Family and Something Rotten! were tied for first in this past round of votes. Since my #1 choice has been voted out, I will now begin my new campaign for The Addams Family. Simply because I wanna ~Tango De Amor.~ Again, I will require you listen to songs from the musical before voting. This time I suggest listening to:

Here's the final round of votes! They close Wednesday at midnight, as well as submissions for the First-Year Representative which close at 5:00 PM. (Get it? Wednesday? Like Wednesday Addams??)

Thank you,
Helen O'Neill | President

P.S. Humor House has a torture chair. Just consider that.

12/02/22: Spring Musical Votes - Round Two

Hey, everyone,

Thanks so much for voting on the spring musical! We are super excited for the next round of votes. Right now, we have the top 5 musicals that made it through to the next round (Pippin. Pippin. Pippin). You are required to listen to at least one song from each musical before voting.

Please listen to:

  • The Addams Family - "One Normal Night"
  • Grease - "Summer Nights"
  • Something Rotten! - "A Musical"
  • Mean Girls - "Where Do You Belong?"
  • Pippin - "Magic to Do"

There are only 5 musicals left, and this would only take you a maximum of 15 minutes. Please do your research and open your mind to the different possibilities for the spring semester. You can vote here. Votes will close Monday at 5:00 PM.

Thank you,
Helen O'Neill | President

P.S. But Pippin is one of the only musicals that has made me cry. Not because it's sad but because it's just so relatable and powerful.

11/30/22: SMuT First Year Rep

Hi everyone,

I know we are all very excited about the Spring Musical, but I'm here to let you know that, if you are a First Year, you now have an opportunity to join the SMuT Board of Directors.

The First Year Representative will give a voice to their year in the Spring. If you would like to run for this position, sign up using the link below before noon next Wednesday (12/7).

https://engage.gettysburg.edu/click?linkid=e55d20b2-797a-411d-bc04-f082af6d6d9e

Please note, the First Year Rep is also responsible for representing SMuT at Student Senate. Every club needs a Senate Rep, or else they will be derecognized. If we are not recognized, we cannot get any money from Senate, which means that we cannot afford the rights to any potential musicals, which means the club cannot function.

Nominees should plan to attend all Senate meetings in the Spring. If you cannot make that commitment, this position may not be for you. But don't worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to join our BoD in the future.

Roisin Daly
she/they
History and Theatre Arts Double Major, Public History Minor | 2023
Humor House Leader
Student Worker | Theatre Department
Shots in the Dark Improv | President
Student Musical Theatre | Vice President
Owl & Nightingale Players | Liason
Phi Alpha Theta

11/28/22: Spring Musical Votes - Round One

Hi, everyone!

Thank you for sending in so many suggestions for the spring musical! We had an overwhelming amount of interest from you guys. The BoD looked over the list of suggestions and removed any that would not be logistically possible for the club, and we are still left with 21 musical options.

Unfortunately, we can only do one spring musical, so we will need to cut our options down to our top 3 contenders. Before voting, I ask that you at least consider shows that you have not heard before. Just listen to the most popular song from the musical! And if you find you like it, maybe consider listening to the top three songs from the production. You guys submitted a lot of good choices, so give your peers' suggestions an chance.

Voting can be found here. Please pick your top three options. The votes will close on Friday, December 2, at 3:00 PM.

Note: The BoD did not remove any suggestions out of opinions; this is a club-wide vote that we do not wish to hold a monopoly over. If you are unsure why your suggestion is not listed in this round of votes, please e-mail me at oneihe02@gettysburg.edu, and I'd be happy to discuss the topic with you!

Happy voting!
Helen O'Neill | President

P.S. But the two leads of Pippin are high tenors, meaning they can be sung by lower or higher voices! And there's a DUCK which means their can be a DOG.

11/22/22: Spring Musical Suggestions

Hi, everyone!

It's come time to vote on the upcoming spring musical! I know you might be thinking it's too soon, but we will get started with auditions soon after winter break, and we want to give everyone an opportunity to prepare! Depending on the musical that is selected, the spring musical will take place March 17 @ 7:30 and March 18 @ 2:00 in the CUB Ballroom OR March 17 @ 7:30, March 18 @ 2:00, and March 19 @ 2:00 in The Attic. The Ballroom will be selected for a bigger production v. the Attic for a more intimate production. This will be included in the final vote for the shows. For now, we will just be taking suggestions. Please suggest up to three shows.

Things to keep in mind before suggesting a show:

  • Will we be able to get enough people to fill all the roles? (i.e., not Hairspray)
  • Are we racially diverse enough? (i.e., not Aida)
  • Do we have the vocal talent for all the roles? (i.e., not Phantom of the Opera)
  • Has it been done here recently? (i.e., not Into the Woods)
  • Is it dance heavy? (i.e., not West Side Story)
  • Is the cast predominately male? (i.e., not Newsies)
  • Is there room for an ensemble? (i.e., not Six)

You can find the form to suggest musicals here. We will also be sending out an e-mail later about filling out roles for the production, so even if you don't want to act in the production, think about shows you might want to work on! Some of these roles can be combined (or even actors in the show), but roles we will be looking to fill will be:

  • Director
  • Choreographer
  • Music Director
  • Stage Management
  • Sound Board Op
  • Lights Op
  • Costume Designer
  • Scenic Designer
  • Props Master
  • Make-up/Hair Assistants

I look forward to seeing your suggestions!

Helen O'Neill | President

(P.S. Personally, as a club member and not an executive, I will suggesting and advocating for Pippin!)

11/17/22: Weekend Events

Hello, everyone,

There are a lot of events going on this weekend that I invite you to take part of!

Senior Capstone: I Know Where I've Been

Senior Jessica St. Louis will be hosting her senior capstone this Friday, November 18, at 7:00 PM in Kline Theatre, Brua Hall. This Capstone consists of several dance numbers that Jess choreographed and directed herself! The show will last around 30 minutes.

SMuT: Fall Revue - Reprise

Student Musical Theatre will be hosting our fall revue this Saturday, November 19, at 7:00 PM in Stevens Theatre, Brua Hall. The fall revue consists of several musical theatre pieces - sung, danced, and performed by instrument - with the theme of Reprise. The show will be a little longer than an hour and a half. We are hosting this event, and it will be our last event of the semester, so we hope to see you there!

What's It Called: Saturday Night!

After our fall revue, head over to the Attic at 10:00 PM for What's It Called's, Gettysburg's sketch comedy club, fall show! Many people involved in SMuT are also involved in What's It Called, and they have been working on this show all semester. The event should take about an hour!

Hope to see you there!
Helen O'Neill | President

11/07/22: Fall Revue Reminder

Hi, everyone!

The sign-ups for the SMuT Fall Revue close this Saturday at midnight. We would love if more people signed up to perform! As a reminder, the theme this year is "Reprise," but this is a general theme and not a hard rule. The form to sign up fo perform can be found here. The sign-ups are open to everyone - singers, instrumentalists, dancers, etc. Even non-club members! If you know someone not in SMuT who would be interested, feel free to share the sign-up link. The beauty of performance is meant to be shared.

We look forward to seeing your performances on November 19!

Thank you,
Helen O'Neill | President

11/01/22: Student Musical Fall Revue

Hi, SMuT!

Thank you to everyone who came to support the club by seeing Rocky this past Saturday! Even though we just finished up with our last event, we have a very quick turnaround for our next one.

With the end of the semester approaching, the Fall Revue is also on its way! The fall revue is an event that takes place close to the end of the fall semester consisting of a variety of numbers revolving around a theme. This year, the BoD has selected "Reprise" to celebrate SMuT's revival at Gettysburg! It will take place in Stevens Theatre, Brua Hall on November 19, at 7 PM.

Anyone is welcome to sign up to perform, including singers, dancers, and musicians! If you would like to take part in this year's fall revue, please complete this form.

Sign-ups are due by Saturday, November 12, 2022.

If you need any ideas, consider pulling from any shows that were revived, any reprises in musicals, or any songs that revolve around the general topic of returns. You are more than welcome to try and write your own songs as well and send a video of you performing it. Some songs we suggest would be:

  • "Why We Tell the Story" from Once on This Island
  • "Chip on My Shoulder" from Legally Blonde
  • "Santa Fe" from Newsies
  • "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better" from Annie Get Your Gun
  • "Good Morning, Baltimore" from Hairspray

If you have any questions, shoot me an e-mail at oneihe02@gettysburg.edu. We look forward to your talented performances.

Thank you,
Helen O'Neill
Student Musical Theatre | President

10/22/22: Rocky Horror Picture Show Castlist

Hi, everyone!

Thank you so much to everyone who auditioned for Rocky Horror Picture Show this year! Everyone was super talented, and the decision was not an easy one. Before I share the castlist, I want to note that if you want to participate in RHPS and missed auditions, you still can! Just send me an e-mail and we can add you as a Phantom (ensemble).

Additionally, since RHPS is a Host Provider event, we are responsible for purchasing and providing the alcohol. Club members and cast members are not required to donate towards the purchase, but any are more than welcome. If you would like to contribute, you can find me at @oneillhe (Venmo), @rasclie (PayPal), $rasclie (CashApp), or just hand me cash when you see me!

Thank you all for auditioning, and we hope to see you Saturday, October 29 at 9 pm in the Attic!

Cast List

Frank: Heather Stokes
Janet: Helen O'Neill
Brad: Aston
Riff Raff: Roisin "Ro" Daly
Magenta: Jamilynne "Jayme" McCabe
Columbia: Rin Stevenson
Rocky: Hayden Johnston
Criminologist: Rachel Ruffner
Dr. Scott: Anthony York
Eddie: Nicole "Paris" Parisi
Phantoms: Ofek Eisenbach, Devyn Wesolowski, Emme Rider, Julia Tobin, Bella Kull, Kate Sallee, Elliott Wakefield, Caitlin Petersen, Katie Poliero, Mimi Pessagno, Gabe Houser, Tori Ramsey, Zmaria Morris, Nicholas Ryan, Lane Zipprich

Schedule

Monday, October 24
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM in Brua 100

Tuesday, October 25
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM in Brua 100

Wednesday, October 26
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM in Brua 100

Thursday, October 27
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM in Brua 100

Friday, October 28
OFF
Go see Shots in the Dark Improv Troupe's Halloween show 8 PM - 9 PM at Waldo's

Saturday, October 29
5:30 PM Get Ready in Brua 100 (Optional)
6:30 PM Cast Dinner at Servo (Optional)
8:00 PM Arrive at the Attic, Set-Up
8:30 PM Doors open
9:00 PM Virgin Games
9:30 PM Start RHPS
11:30 PM Clean Up (MANDATORY)
12:00 AM - 2:00 AM Go to Humor House for our Halloween Party! (Optional)

If you are planning to purchase a corset or anything similar for the show, I recommend you buy it NOW so that it comes on time. A cheap option that a lot of people go with can be found here. Typical attire consists of corsets, garters, fishnets, etc., but you can wear whatever you are comfortable with! You are welcome to come to the first rehearsal in Rocky attire or normal wear, but we will try to rehearse in full costume starting Wednesday.

I'm excited for this show!
Helen

10/11/22: Rocky Horror Picture Show

Hi, everyone!

I hope you had a lovely break over reading days! I am e-mailing you to remind you that our annual ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW shadowcast is coming up! We will be hosting auditions 10/19 at 9:30PM - 11:30PM and 10/22 at 3PM - 5PM in Brua Hall, Room 100. Very minimal preparation is required. Just come in and perform a song, dance, or something cool for us! No need to sign up ahead of time; just show up and your audition will take less than five minutes. If you only want to be part of the ensemble (Phantoms), you don't need to prepare anything for your audition at all. Let us know at the auditions, and you're good to go!

The time commitment for RHPS is very small. We will rehearse 10/24-10/27 at 10PM - midnight. The actual performance for Rocky will be 10/29 in the Attic at 8:30PM. We expect to finish up some time between 11 PM and 11:30PM, but plan to stay later to help clean up after the performance.

Additionally, if you would love to be involved with RHPS but performing isn't your style, consider working the event as a TIPS server or a sober monitor! If you are interested, or have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at oneihe02@gettysburg.edu.

Thank you,
Helen O'Neill '23 | Physics Major
President