Fendig Theatre for Children
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Over the rooftops, step in time! 

5/26/2015

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Some of the production staff was hard at work a couple of nights ago, finalizing set logistics before we start construction soon! Over the rooftops, step in time! Expect to see rooftops, Cherry Tree Lane, and much more! 
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Cast Announcement Tonight! 

5/19/2015

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Mandatory Meeting for the Cast & Crew of Mary Poppins:

 For EVERYONE involved in Mary Poppins (actors and technical crew), and at least one parent or guardian, in the RCHS gym from 5:00 to 6:00 PM tonight, May 19th. 
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The primary purpose of this meeting will be to get organized.  We will announce parts, distribute scripts and rehearsal schedules, and outline our expectations for everyone involved.  Everyone must attend this meeting.  You should bring at least one parent or guardian who can stay for the entire meeting.  If you are not at this meeting we may give your part to someone else.  In addition, you and your parents/guardians should be sure that you have completed all of the forms that accompanied the audition packet (if you haven't already turned in the volunteer/measurement form do so at this meeting). 


Thanks for sharing your time and talent with us. See you tonight! 

"Anything can happen if you let it."    ....Mary Poppins 

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Auditions!

5/13/2015

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"I'm really nervous... I don't want to audition...I don't want to be on stage...I'm not good enough... I can't dance!" These can't be the reasons why you don't participate in Mary Poppins this summer.  

Auditions are nothing to be worried about.  Here's what you should expect.  Show up to your scheduled audition time 15 minutes early to learn a few dance moves before you go inside. Your audition group will learn these together, so don't fret. In the audition, you will sing a little bit, dance a little bit, and just be yourself.   The production team will help you through it if you are nervous;remember to have fun!  Everyone will get a part, so don't worry.  If you don't want to be in the spotlight, we always need people to help behind the scenes.  You can help build the sets, make props, run the lights and sound or help be stage manager.  There is a job for everyone regardless of whether you want to be on stage under the lights or the person behind them!   Auditions are the first time you get to show your stuff, smile, and get excited about this 40th anniversary production.  
The production staff can't wait to meet you all! 

If you didn't register for an audition time, that's alright.  No worries.  You can still audition.  

Participation Eligibility  

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All children (9 years or older) currently enrolled in the 4th through 8th grade, living in the Rensselaer School District are eligible to participate.  
  • No fee
  • Everyone will get a part
  • If you would rather not be on the stage, can help behind the scenes! 
              -stage management
              -lighting & sound
              -set construction
              -publicity 

A Note from Fendig Alumni

You know my 4th year of Fendig (after 7th grade) I really didn't want to do Fendig. After being in purple tights in Alice, I was kinda reluctant to want to go through summer cause I didn't want to get a bad role. But thankfully my mom convinced me to do it and I had a great summer that year during Millie. That propelled me into doing it my last year too, where the memories made should be envied by everyone. The friends I made during Fendig are one of a kind and we still talk to this day. Plus Fendig really helped me discover my musical talent and my love for the arts. 
--John Urbano

In my three years with Fendig, I was able to participate in some amazing productions and become lifelong friends with my fellow cast mates. Fendig is a great way to not only spend a summer performing with other talented kids, but is a chance for you to discover a hidden talent!
--Kristen Williams

My favorite Fendig experience would have to be the bonds that were made between the other cast members. I didn't think going into the Fendig experience I would come out with a family. If anyone is hesitant about auditioning, I would advise them to just go for it. The worst thing that can come from Fendig would be to find out it isn't your cup of tea, but even if you didn't like it you still come out of the experience a better person. Also, you only get so many years to participate in Fendig so take them while you can and just enjoy yourself.
--Sydney Bemet


While adults work with students prior to the performance, no adults are backstage or handle technical aspects during the performances.  The kids do everything!  Fendig offers children a benefit they usually do not find in an ordinary classroom, instead of just gaining knowledge about things, they gain knowledge about who they are and what they can do.  They will discover that they are capable of big things that they didn't even realize were possible.  Just like Mary Poppins, they will discover "Anything can happen, if they let it." 
Anything can happen if you let it. 
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Meet Claudia, Your Music Director!

5/12/2015

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 Claudia Earnest, Music Director
I am  super excited to be able to work with the Fendig family again this year. Being music director for these kids helps to keep me young, well young at heart at least!  I have worked with the summer children's theater program for several years.  I started with the production of Barnum, directed by Kevin Moriarty in 1985.  Then after the birth of twins the next year, I took a few years off. But, when I came back to the theater, I stayed for several productions and our children grew up in the pit and later on stage, singing every song and learning every line. Our family is only 1 phrase away from a musical lyric or song!  I've had the privilege of working with several awesome directors, loving especially the seven year run with Susie Rayburn.  We had extra amounts of fun!  

When not in the pit for the summer, I work as a school counselor at DeMotte Elementary School.  I am just finishing my 27th year there.  Considering that I love working with 5-9 year olds during the school year, working with the Fendig youth is a nice change of pace.  I am a church musician at Trinity United Methodist Church, playing in the handbell choir, playing piano for services, and directing the choir.  I love playing special services for families with weddings or funerals.  Sometimes I can be found behind the awesome new piano at Winamac high school.

I am looking forward to working with Pat Collins and learning from his experience.  He has a wealth of knowledge and is very creative and I know the production will be superior. It's also great to have some young, energetic college adults with us too.  I know the choreography will be exciting and fresh.

I appreciate Fendig Children's Theatre allowing me to be part of many productions. I think I learn more than the children.  Fendig is a special opportunity for Rensselaer youth and I am humbled to have been a part of their rich 40 year history.

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Miss Registration?

5/12/2015

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If you didn't register for an audition time, no worries! 

Fill out an audition packet & call one of the Board Members below before Thursday:
  • Heidi Spalla (219) 869-8517
  • Jennifer Kryshak (219) 863- 5499
  • or Heather Heinig (219) 869-3495
                               OR 
Just show up at Auditions Thursday, May 14th or Friday, May 15th between 3:45-6:00. There you will fill out the audition packet and complete the audition. 
No worries! See you there! 
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ThrowBack Fendig Article

5/7/2015

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A thank you goes out to Rita Shuster for sending us a Rensselaer Republican clipping from earlier years of Fendig's History!  
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Meet Pat, Your Director!

5/4/2015

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Pat Collins, Director
After graduating from St. Joseph’s College in 1974, Pat Collins worked at St. Augustine school for two years where he taught first, second and third grade and ran the school Drama Club. In 1976 with the help of people from across the Rensselaer community, he was the founding director of what was then called the Rensselaer Children’s Summer Theatre (now Fendig Summer Theatre for Children). He directed the theatre between 1976 and 1979, again in 1983-84, and returned in 1995 to direct the 20th anniversary Production of Peter Pan. He is currently Professor of Education and Chair of Theatre at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, where he teaches courses on education and the arts as well as theatre, drama and education. Since arriving in Geneva in 1985 he also founded the Geneva Theatre Guild Youth Theatre (1986) and the Nancy Curvin Playground Players (1998) while also directing the local high school theatre program for a number of years. He lives in Geneva, New York with his wife, artist Emily Kenas, and has two grown children: Kathy and Jesse.
"Coming back to direct Fendig is coming home." --Pat Collins
Why Would he come Back to Rensselaer?
Rensselaer is essentially where I came of age. It is where many of my intellectual, artistic, professional and community-minded roots are. I was born and raised in Chicago but Rensselaer is where I learned to think, teach, direct and build community. I have lived in many places since leaving Rensselaer but I still come back often, and when Emily and I decided to get married this is where we came. At a very personal level, despite Tom Wolf, coming back to direct Fendig is coming home. Coming back is also clearly a professional and artistic homecoming. Without Fendig I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today. It is only because this community supported my work and allowed the children of Rensselaer to teach me how to direct that I have been doing this for the last forty years. Mary Poppins says: “Anything can happen if you let it”. That’s what Fendig is about and that’s what I am coming back to celebrate.
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Meet Helen, Your Assistant Director!

5/2/2015

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Helen Heinig, Assistant Director
Helen, being an alum of Fendig is very excited for the 40th Anniversary this year! Her original participation from 2006-2010 on the stage, lead to volunteering with the productions Aida and Seussical. While working on these productions, she did anything from working with the cast, set construction, props, costume fittings as well as assisting with publicity events.  In high school, she continued performing on the stage and in the pit, as well as being assistant director for The Importance of Being Earnest and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.  This year she is excited to be making her first formal directing debut. Some of her best memories of Fendig are from the friends she made and the start of a growing passion for performing arts and music.  

Helen is currently a student at Ohio Northern University pursuing Communication Studies and Arts Administration. There she is involved in various music events including Wind Orchestra and Symphony. Her previous experiences in many performing arts groups, including Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, Fendig Summer Theatre, dance and other programs have helped her develop many skills in her field. Her future plans are still in the works, but sharing the love of performing arts will be a part of her career. Helen is very excited for Fendig this year!  Remember “anything can happen if you let it.”

Anything can happen if you let it! 
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    About Fendig:

    Fendig Summer Theater is a non-profit organization 501 (c)(3) for the advancement of theatre development in children.

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Fendig Theatre for Children is a nonprofit, 501 (3)(c), education organization. We help children discover themselves, build confidence and connect with their community through creative/performing arts activities.

​Also known as Ralph & Lilian Fendig Summer Theatre for Children, Inc.


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