I am a senior at Illinois State University majoring in Music Business, and I was a marketing intern at Noble Fool during the Summer of 2008. It was an extremely rewarding experience, and I learned a lot about marketing that will be helpful in the future when I start my career.

My primary duties consisted of being creative in numerous ways. I wrote email blasts and press releases to promote auditions, upcoming productions, and blog entries. I also constructed the program for the summer production of “Once Upon a Mattress,” as well as student spotlight entries. I observed Audra Sybert (Marketing Manager) as she met with various media contacts, and negotiated advertising in newspapers, radio stations and magazines. It was fun to be able to play around with different designs and put my own mark on the work that reached out the subscribers and the general public. I have also learned how to work with different office programs, while improving my creative writing skills.

This was my first internship, although at the same time I was at Noble Fool I also interned at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to experience the marketing techniques of two different establishments with very different budgets (as Noble Fool is a non-profit organization).

I found the internship posting on a Music Business website and emailed Tracy Whiteside, (Education Manager). She instructed me to mail in an application, along with my resume and a cover letter. After reviewing my resume, I received an email from Audra and we set up an interview. I felt extremely comfortable discussing with her my little experience with marketing (just classroom assignments), and exchanging ideas about the position. Audra then communicated with my adviser at school, and I was officially given the internship!

Everyone in the office has been wonderful to work with; very friendly and helpful. I would say that the most challenging aspect was getting my creativity “to flow” and think outside of the box. Audra Sybert has been an excellent mentor that offers only the most positive constructive criticism. The atmosphere at Noble Fool is precisely the kind of environment I would like to spend my time working in.

I have always loved music and theatre, therefore I love promoting it and knowing that I contributed to audience that is drawn to see performances. When I graduate this December, my hopes are to find a position with similar qualifications and coworkers because I loved everything about working at Noble Fool.

Each month, NFT Performing Arts Academy selects an outstanding student to be featured in the Student Spotlight of the Month. The selected student is featured in the NFT Playbill and on the blog. Our Student Spotlight recipient for August is Alex Adams!

Alex Adams is a 14 year old local resident who is beginning his high school journey this fall at St. Charles East. He has been performing in theater productions in the St. Charles area for the past 4 years, and has been in a whopping 27 shows to date! Alex’s involvement with the Noble Fool Theatrical Youth Ensemble took off in January 2007 with the production of Annie, and his first leading role as Daddy Warbucks. Since then, he has gained 4 more shows under his belt with the ensemble. In Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr., Alex showed off his vocal skills as a soloist for the songs “Circulation” and “I’m Just a Bill.” Following was Footloose, in which he portrayed the character Bickle, and in the production of Oliver! he portrayed his favorite role to date: Fagin.

“It was a quirky character, sometimes mean, but with a good heart. I liked having a lead and especially liked the cool costume,” says Alex. He will return to the Noble Fool stage once again in the August production of Once upon a Mattress as Sir Harry.

Alex’s involvement does not stop with the Youth Ensemble; he is also active in the Noble Fool Performing Arts Academy. He was a student in the “TV Commercial Auditioning” class and took on the role of Judas in this summer’s Jesus Christ Superstar class. He continues his busy schedule between shows by interning at the Academy for 4 more classes! Alex thoroughly enjoys working with the students while introducing acting to people that are new to theater. “I have known Alex for 3 years, and in that time he has really grown into a leading man,” says his mentor, and Noble Fool Educational Manager Tracy Whiteside. “He works hard and is very dedicated to improving his skills. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

The NFT Performing Arts Academy arranged for select ensemble members to go downtown and be a part of High School Musical as extras in the national tour. Alex took advantage of this amazing opportunity. “I loved taking the train downtown every night and the chance to learn more about professional theater from the professional adult actors,” he said.

Aside from live theater, Alex tried his hand at on-camera acting in the “Naruto” movie, a College of DuPage student film, and “Dancing with Boys,” a Columbia College student film. Finally, when he is not working in the theater, Alex is also the bass guitar player in a garage band - Social Circle.

In the future, Alex hopes to attend a college with a strong theater program, and would like to continue performing after he finishes his degree. His dream is to “get paid doing the things I love.” He is well on his way to achieving that dream!

Nadia Elise Pelletier, Sophomore, West Chicago Community High School

What type of internship are you doing?
Mainly a Directing Internship, but I have doing 1 choreography internship.

What were your responsibilities?
Keeping the kids on track, assisting the instructor, & whatever else comes along.

What kind of related experience do you have?
It was my first day interning for the Mary Poppins class for 3-5 year olds, & they were so cute! Well, we were listening to the tracks that the kids were going to sing & dance to, & Ms. Tracy said “Kids, you like to go dance together in the back?”, & all the kids run to the back, & we just danced together for a good chunk of time. It made me feel like a 5 year old. I LOVED IT!

Do you have any past experiences with Noble Fool?
I have been in the cast of all 6 of the you th ensemble productions:
High School Musical - Cheerleader
Annie - Sandy the Dog
School House Rock - Soloist of “Unpack You Adjectives”
Footloose - Principal Sherry Clark
Oliver - Widow Corny
Once Upon a Mattress - the Wizard

I have/ will interned for the following classes & camps:
Jesus Christ Superstar: Intern & King Herod :]
Arabian Knights: Directing Intern
Mary Poppins: Directing Intern
Hairspray & Rent: Choreography Intern
Wicked: Directing Intern
Les Miserables: Directing Intern

How did you get your internship?
Ms. Tracy had mentioned it, & I talked to my parents, & they thought it would be a good experience, so the we filled out the paperwork & I started.

What was the most challenging aspect of your internship?
To assist, not take over & teach the entire thing :]
Oh, & to be quiet.

What did you learn?
That being a director isn’t as easy as it looks.

What was your favorite thing about having an internship at Noble Fool?
Seeing theatre from a new perspective.

What are your future plans?
Hmm…
Well, I plan on continuing auditioning & participating for the Noble Fool shows, & just get my foot in the door as much as possible as I’m paying my dues.
My dream is to go to Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts, I want to double major in Musical Theatre Performance & Music Therapy with a minor in Vocal Teachings.
I would love to perform as long as possible, preferably on Broadway.
I would love to be Fantine, in Les Miserables, it would be my dream come true.

We always love to learn more about our actors;their preferences, challenges, and achievements. Please share your thoughts by answering one of more of the following questions regarding your experience in Once Upon a Mattress. It’s also a great way for our patrons and your peers to get to know you a little better.

What was your favorite thing about your character?

What is the hardest part of doing this show?

What is the best part of being in this show?

Do you ever get stage fright? How do you overcome it?

How did you memorize your lines?

What do you do if you forget your lines wile onstage?

Do you have any superstitions or pre-show routines you follow?

What role(s) would you like to play someday?

Any past experiences with Noble Fool?

We appreciate your comments!

We are PLEASED to announce the cast for Once Upon a Mattress!! The auditions accumulated the biggest turnout that Noble Fool has seen so far, and we would like to congratulate everyone that tried out. Thank you for continuing to dazzle us with your talents, and a special Congratulations to the following cast!

Alex Adams………………………………………………………………………………..Sir Harry
Ally Carrino………………………………………………………………………………..Ensemble
Larissa Catalano………………………………………………………………………….Ensemble
Kevin Chlapecka……………………………………………….Prince Dauntless and the Drab
Allison Cook……………………………………………………………………………….Ensemble
Janelle Deetjen……………………………………………………………………….Lady Beatrice
Maddy Donatelli…………………………………………………………………………..Ensemble
Eve Edmunds-Diez……………………………………………………………………….Ensemble
Lauren Freas………………………………………………………………………………Ensemble
Allison Grischow………………………………………………………………………….Ensemble
Becca Grischow…………………………………………………………………………..Ensemble
Barbara Homan……………………………………………………………………Princess No. 12
Hannah Krusinger………………………………………………………………………..Ensemble
Sami Lauf………………………………………………………………………………….Ensemble
Rebecca Lawler……………………………………………………………………………Ensemble
Jessi McCluskey…………………………………………………………………………..Ensemble
McKenzie McMullen……………………………………………………………………….Ensemble
Sara Monteleone………………………………………………………………………….Ensemble
Veronica Orech……………………………………………………………………………Ensemble
Danielle Pacelli…………………………………………………………………………….Ensemble
Alice Paul…………………………………………………………………………………..Ensemble
Nadia Pelletier…………………………………………………………………………..The Wizard
Payton Pinsky……………………………………………………………………………..Ensemble
Sarah Beth Rabin…………………………………………Princess Winnifred the Woebegone
Tegan Reyes……………………………………………………………………………Lady Harriet
Leah Richards……………………………………………………………………Queen Aggravain
Emma Roberts…………………………………………………………………………The Minstrel
Allison Schmidt…………………………………………………………………………..Ensemble Allison Slattery………………………………………………………………………….Lady Larkin
Cory Slowik……………………………………………………………………………….Ensemble
Jenna Soldati……………………………………………………………………………..Ensemble
Joseph Soldati……………………………………………………………………..The Silent King
Joshua Soldati………………………………………………………………………………..Knight
Hannah Star………………………………………………………………………………Ensemble
Cassie Steffey…………………………………………………………………………….Ensemble
Elena Tubridy……………………………………………………………………………..Ensemble
Cassidy Van Cleve……………………………………………………………………….Ensemble

Best Regards,

The Noble Fool Staff

Each month, NFT Performing Arts Academy selects an outstanding student to be featured in the Student Spotlight of the Month. The selected student is featured in the NFT Playbill and on the blog. This month’s Student Spotlight recipient is Leah Richards!

Leah Richards is a 16 year old who has just finished her junior year at Kaneland High School in Maple Park. Her first show at Noble Fool Theatricals was School House Rock Live, and since then she has been cast in Footloose and Oliver! According to Leah, School House Rock Live was a last minute audition and she is so glad she went. “I have met so many amazing people, who I love dearly,” she said.

Leah has done other theater productions at Kaneland High School, Batavia’s First Street Playhouse, and Elburn’s Countryside Music.

In addition to being in the NFT Youth Ensemble, Leah has done two directing internships with Noble Fool Educational Manager Tracy Whiteside. “I never really thought of myself as a director until I did the two internships. I was so immensely proud of the kids when they were done performing. Also, Tracy is an amazing director, teacher, and overall great person! I was so lucky to have met such an amazing person!” Leah said.

When Leah is not acting at Noble Fool she is taking voice lessons with Noble Fool vocal instructor Ken Jones. “Ken is one of the nicest and most encouraging people I will probably ever have the pleasure of meeting. Yes, he does critique and fix a lot of the problems I have when it comes to singing, but he does it in such a nice way,” she said.

“It is no surprise that Leah was chosen as this month’s Student of the Month. I have known Leah for a year now, and it is amazing to watch her learn, mentor, and shape her future. She consistently performs to the best of her ability while striving to improve and to be creative in new and inspiring ways,” said Ken Jones, Director & Musical Director of Once Upon a Mattress and Musical Director for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.

“The auditions for the Noble Fool shows are not like any other audition. I mean I thought I was good under pressure until I went into the audition. It has made me be more prepared for just about anything,” she said.

Overall she feels that coming to that last minute audition for School House Rock Live has made her refocus on what’s important. “I’m more myself now then I have probably ever been in my life, and I can accept it and move forward in my life.”

Leah is planning on going to college when she graduates from high school next year. “For me the future holds endless possibilities. The hard part is I just have to choose from all of them.”

Kate Schultz is a junior at Northwestern University and was a marketing intern at Noble Fool in spring 2008.

What were your responsibilities?
There were a lot of things I did during my internship. Primarily, I wrote a lot of press releases and designed advertisements and flyers for various shows and events going on at NFT. I also designed the fall class brochure that will be sent out to the community, created the NFT Facebook page, and helped start the behind the scenes blogs for the actors, interns, and directors.

What kind of related experience do you have?
I’ve done internships at other non-profit theaters in the Chicago area (Steel Beam in St. Charles, the Piven Theater in Evanston), and I wrote for the Daily Herald in high school as a staff writing intern. I’ve also taken some classes on non-profit arts management at Northwestern, and have a strong interest in theater.

Do you have any past experiences with Noble Fool?
I was also the choreography intern for Oliver! this past spring, and I will be teaching a dance class at NFT this summer.

How did you get your internship?
Audra (the Marketing Manager) contacted me after seeing my resume from my choreography internship and asked if I’d be interested in doing a marketing internship as well. I’m doing this internship through an arts management internship class at Northwestern, so after coordinating my internship here with my professor, I was officially an NFT intern.

What was the most challenging aspect of your internship?
I had a lot of free-reign on the various projects Audra gave me, and I got to be creative with a lot of the design aspects. It was a lot of fun, but it was also challenging because I wanted to make sure I did a good job and got the message across.

What did you learn?
I learned a lot about how non-profit theaters are managed, and the hands-on experience is priceless. I also refined my writing and graphic design skills through the various projects I worked on, so that was really great.

What was your favorite thing about having an internship at Noble Fool?
The people here are really great to work with, and it was a really fun experience. Because I’m finishing my junior year in college, I need to start narrowing down my career path options since next year I’ll be out in the real world looking for a job. I wanted to not only get experience in this industry, but I wanted to see if I’d enjoy doing this as a career – I really liked working here and everything I did, so it’s definitely an option for the future.

What are your future plans?
I have another year of college left, and then I’ll be out looking for a job. I definitely think I will be working in the non-profit arts industry after I graduate. I’m also a dancer and would love to either dance professionally or teach classes and choreograph shows, so I plan on doing that in addition to my day job.

Shawn Michael Lofton of West Chicago was reading the newspaper when he came across the information about the Noble Fool Theatricals production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change playing on May 23, the night he had chosen to propose to his girlfriend, Melissa Lynn Griffith of Westchester. Lofton spoke with Noble Fool to ask for their help in making his proposal memorable.

Before the show, a Noble Fool usher announced that there was a raffle to win various resort and theater prizes. After announcing the seat number that Griffith was sitting in, she and Lofton went up onstage to claim their prize. It was then that he took the opportunity to propose in front of a full house. When Lofton got on stage with Griffith, he said, Melissa I love you with all my heart, you’re perfect for me, now change only your last name. Will you marry me?” Griffith nodded her head in agreement, as she was completely speechless.

“I cannot stress enough how wonderful and great the show and the experience has been for us…it was a night we won’t forget. I cannot thank Noble Fool and Pheasant Run enough for an exceptional, over the top performance. They have touched me with their inspiration and dedication to entertainment like no where else has,” Lofton said.

They plan on marrying May 23, 2009.

Each month, NFT Performing Arts Academy selects an outstanding student to be featured in the Student Spotlight of the Month. The selected student is featured in the NFT Playbill and on the blog. Our first Student Spotlight recipient is Maddy Donatelli!

This 10 year old fourth grader from Geneva has been very active at Noble Fool Theatricals this past year. Madeline Donatelli was cast, after her first audition ever, in the NFT Youth Ensemble performance School House Rock Live. Since then she has taken various singing and acting classes through the Noble Fool Theatricals Performing Arts Academy. These classes helped her prepare and audition for Rising Star Theater’s production of Mulan Jr., where she was cast in the Ensemble.

In between performances of Mulan, Maddy returned to Noble Fool Theatricals to audition for Oliver!, where she was given a role in the Kids Ensemble where she was featured as a vocal soloist. During Oliver! rehearsals, Maddy was named “Children’s Dance Captain” for the production because of her superior knowledge and ability for learning the choreography. Not surprisingly, Maddy started the NFT Music Man performance class the week Oliver! ended. She is tirelessly preparing for her next audition, and has happily declared, “Noble Fool Theatricals’ Main Stage is my favorite place on Earth!” In the days she is not out “living her dream”, Maddy takes private vocal lessons with NFT vocal instructor Ken Jones and piano lessons. She spends the last few moments of her day reading, playing with her hamster, or making crazy gifts for the people she loves!

“Maddy’s considerable singing, dancing and theatrical talents and her confident stage presence are a rarity amongst children her age,” said Suzanne Kautz, the Music Specialist at Western Avenue School in Geneva. Maddy’s fourth grade teacher, Mandy Croy, also sees something special in Maddy. “Maddy is a joy to be around and can light up a room. I am in awe of Maddy’s ability to perform on stage. I am sure that this is just the beginning for the young star!”

Maddy’s mom thought it might be time for a break, but her daughter’s enthusiasm, determination, and incredible growth on stage have convinced her mom to admit, “Maddy is exactly where she should be, doing exactly what she loves. I simply can not extinguish the flame that Noble Fool Theatricals has ignited. This has been an incredible adventure, meeting extraordinary people like the NFT instructors and staff, and making life lasting friendships with fellow cast members. We look forward to being a part NFT classes and productions for years to come! They are simply the BEST!”

Amy Olsen plays Woman 2 in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!

What is your favorite thing about your character?

I absolutely love this show because it gives the actors a chance to play a wide range of characters. In one scene I’m a young woman on a date and in another I’m a 70-year-old widow. It really gives you ca chance to showcase your talents and also lets you explore all the different characters out there. And it’s wonderful that there are so many characters that people can relate to. There’s a little bit of everyone in this show.

What is the hardest part of doing this show?

I think the hardest part about doing this show is making the costume changes. Oftentimes, the lights go out for one scene and you have to be onstage for the next scene in a completely different costume. It was really difficult at first because we were still trying to remember the order of the show, but now we have a routine set and can plan ahead to make the changes go a little faster.

What is the best part of being this show?

This is easy…the cast and crew. I adore the people I work with and I look forward to seeing them every show. It’s our own little family.

Do you ever get stage fright? How do you overcome it?

I rarely get stage fright these days, but I was very nervous the first time we performed this show in front of a live audience. I overcame it by just focusing on what I was doing and enjoying my time on stage.

How did you memorize your lines?

Repetition. The more we did it, the more it sunk in. It also helps when you know exactly what you are doing at that moment on stage so you can associate your lines with your placement or movement.

What do you do if you forget your lines while onstage?

Keep going! Hopefully no one will even notice and you can get yourself out of it. And we are all here for each other so we can help each other out if something goes wrong.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-show routines that you follow?

I don’t have any superstitions, but I like to warm up my voice and body before the show and double-check all my costume pre-sets. It helps reinforce the order of the show in my mind. Once this show starts, there is not much down time so you need to do everything before showtime.

What roles would you like to play someday?

I’ve been lucky enough to play quite a few of my ‘dream’ roles, but I’d still love to play Dot in “Sunday in the Park with George.”

Any past experiences with Noble Fool?

No, but hopefully there will be more!