Vitamin C: sketch comedy web series
Because comedy is an essential nutrient ~ Come join us!
From the Writer's Room to Principal Photography to Post Production
Do you like making people laugh? If you are ages nine through fifteen, here’s your chance to participate in a sketch comedy web series called Vitamin C. Think of it as a kid-friendly, rated PG, Saturday Night Live (similar to Studio C) where students are the producers, writers, actors, filmmakers and editors!
Be a part of some - or all!
We’ll start in the Writers’ Room and work all the way through to Principal Photography and Post Production. We’ll explore writing different types of sketches while integrating common sketch concepts to allow everyone to experiment with their comedic ideas. The best part of this project is that you’ll be able to work in front of and behind the camera. Everyone in the group will have a chance to write, act, and be part of the film crew based on interest. Here are the phases to get the show on the road, or shall we say, on the web:
Phase 1 - Writer's Room (write the funny stuff): working with the executive producers, writers brainstorm, write drafts, edit and punch up scripts to create three sketches, each under three minutes in length. Potential writers will need to apply via our registration form. Wednesdays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, November 14, 28, December 5, 12, 19 in 2018. We will continue to meet in 2019 even as we begin Phase 2 and 3.
Phase 2 - Principal Photography (a.k.a film the thing!): executive producers hold auditions, coordinate audition times and determine audition and shooting schedules. Preproduction activities begin including crew set-up, storyboarding, location scouting, casting, etc. Actors participate in a table reading, blocking rehearsal, and dress rehearsal. High school filmmakers, working with both college and professional mentors, shoot the sketches. Sketches are filmed over one to two evenings depending on availability. Interested students will work together to calendar activities beginning in January of 2019 that will take place in the evening and/or on weekends in order to accommodate both participating students and professional mentors' schedules.
Phase 3 - The Cutting Room (Post Production): students work with professional filmmakers to edit and create a final cut of each sketch.
All sketches will be uploaded via Vimeo onto a dedicated Vitamin C web page on StoryArk.org for a controlled viewing experience. In addition, Vitamin C will be aired on StoryArk's YouTube channel. The $249 tuition fee covers all phases from now to May 2019, and students can participate in the areas of most interest to them, exploring as much or as little as they want. Please note that all are welcome regardless of ability to pay and scholarships are available for those who need it.
Interested? Then apply today!
Student Executive Producers Lead
Gigi
Gigi, also known as Gianna, is a spontaneous, fun loving 12 years old and lives in Bayport with her parents and two little sisters. She’s been performing for 5 years as well as writing/production work with StoryArk-Shush. Gigi is passionate about acting and has been in countless productions such as Jungle Book, Mulan Jr, Alice in Wonderland, Lion King, etc. Her goal is to be the best actress she can be and hopes to one day be an acting coach, mentor, and director in theatre. Of all the Vitamin C skit ideas she’s whipped up with David, Lia, and Maggie, “The P-sycho Baking Show” is one she’s itching to get at.
David
Lia
Maggie
Professional Artists Mentor Students
Leah Fein - Writing Mentor
Leah Fein is back in Minnesota after a stint in Los Angeles that included live storytelling at The Moth, working in production on the feature film Get on Up along with other short films and performing at the LA Fringe Festival. While in LA, Ms. Fein participated in screenwriting workshops at The Writing Pad, studied sketch comedy at UCB and improv at IO West. Now in Minneapolis, she keeps her skills up through writing workshops at the Loft.
Ellie Abrams - Acting Coach and Casting
David McClellan - Cinematographer
Cassidy Hall - Writing Mentor
Cassidy Hall graduated from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls with degrees in Creative Writing, Music, and Musical Theater. She is a published poet and short story writer, has had one of her play scripts performed, and has collaborated to create a web series. With theater, she has performed on stage around the Twin Cities area for many years, and has directed children's theater programs for both ACT Theater (through Tri-district Community Education) and The Zephyr Theatre. She has also served as an acting coach, and choreographer with backgrounds in ballroom, jazz, contemporary, and tap.
Travis Monroe - Cinematographer
Stephani Atkins - Executive Producer
Stephani Atkins works as the Executive Director for StoryArk and oversees creative writing programming. She also serves as the executive producer and host of the radio podcast show Voices in the Valley. In addition, Ms. Atkins leads the HUSH and Carnation Audio Drama Teams as writing mentor and executive producer. She is the publisher of StoryArk's Boom Site Magazine and delights in encouraging students to tell their story however they seek to share. As an artist, Ms. Atkins works on literary art projects that are realized on multiple formats (video, audio, web, print and other media).
We empower student voices and equip young artists to succeed
StoryArk provides a variety of creative programming for youth, allowing them to tell their story through their chosen medium - whether that be a novel, poetry, film, song, podcast or anything else they can dream up. Student initiated and student led, each project is imagined, designed, and developed by youth. Professional authors, screenwriters, filmmakers, musicians, producers, directors and actors share their expertise and experience, helping students gain new skills in their craft and empowering them to become their best creative selves.
StoryArk is a 501c(3) tax exempt organization that seeks to serve the greater good.
Email: steph@storyark.org
Website: www.storyark.org
Location: Stillwater, MN, United States
Phone: 651-351-0804
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshireonline/
Twitter: @theshireonline