Theatre Thursday

Meet Dorothy, a hopeful little farm girl in 20th century Kansas, as she is swept away with her dog, Toto, to the colorful world of Oz, where she must seek the help of the mysterious Wizard of Oz in order to return home. Join Guts for Glory Theatre Co.at the Columbus Performing Arts Center on July 31st and August 1st, as we take the journey of four friends in search of a brain, a heart, courage, and of course, a way home. For more information, please visit the Guts for Glory website: g4gtheatre.wix.com/g4glory.

Purchase tickets at itickets.com by searching "The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.)"! 

Technical Tuesday

A Little Bit About Rachel Ohm...

Marketing Intern

Job: When not at G4G Theatre I am a Dairy Queen Team Member

Favorite Musical: Thoroughly Modern Millie

Q: What have you learned about marketing thus far in your internship?

A: So far, I have learned that marketing takes time and effort.

Q:What advice could you give to those your age  seeking out an internship?

A: If you are looking for an internship, make sure that you have enough time to complete all of the projects that are assigned to you. Also, search for an internship that involves doing something you enjoy.

Q: What is the difference between marketing and selling?

A: The main difference between marketing and selling is that marketing requires research and advertising.

Q: What do you enjoy about marketing?

A: I enjoy marketing because of the feeling I get after I have made a ticket sale or have successfully put an advertisement in the newspaper.

Q: In your opinion, why is it important for people to attend the theatre?

A: The audience is one of the most important parts of a theatre. Without them, the work of the actors would be in vain.

Music Mondays

Munchklinland is a turning point for Dorothy as well as all the Munchkins of Munchkinland. Dorothy has finally gone over the rainbow, she is excited to get away from Kansas where the evil Miss Gulch is searching for Toto. Not only has Dorothy escaped, she has also become a hero to the Munchkins! Glinda approaches Dorothy, inquiring what kind of witch she is and that is when Dorothy discovers that good witches are beautiful and bad witches are ugly. Shortly after their conversation, Glinda encourages the munchkins to come out of hiding to meet their hero who accidentally killed the Wicked Witch of the East. They welcome Dorothy to Munchkinland with a cute song!

Why is this song so important to the plot of the show? It is important for two reasons. First of all, the song displays how valuable it is for the munchkins to be rid of the Wicket Witch of the East. The witch was constantly terrorizing the munchkins and they were at their wits end. Therefore, the fact that Dorothy's house landed on the Wicked Witch of the East is extremely essential to the munchkin's further survival in Munchkinland. Secondly, this song encourages Dorothy to make her way down the yellow brick road to see the Wizard of Oz. If the munchkin's had not supported Dorothy in her journey to see the Wizard she may have never traveled down the yellow brick road where she would never have met the Scarecrow, Tinman, or the Lion. 

Why do you enjoy the song Munchkinland? Comment below. 

The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com

Theatre Thursday

OUR HISTORY

During the spring of 2014, following an alumni-laden performance of "Esther: The Musical," Gahanna Christian Academy (GCA) graduates Andrew Hartje, Anthony Downden, Erin Posey, Joshua Ohm, and Sara Ohm reminised about past productions, promoted the creation of Guts for Glory Theatre Company and planned their first performance.

"We wanted to acknowledge that we wouldn't be the people we are today, if it weren't for the lessons we have learned, and the experiences we had. Many of those lessons and experiences for me were found in the hallways of Gahanna Christian Academy," said Anthony Dowden, a 7 year student and graduate of GCA. 

The group chose "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" because it is a family friendly show. It also celebrates life through the lens of children, which motivated the theatre founders to elevate their mission and create the Myah Sue Knecht Scholarship.

"It would be one thing to have a group of alumni get together to create a scholarship for their alma mater, but it would be an even greater privilege to honor the life of another individual through implementing this scholarship," said Andrew Hartje.

Myah Sue--Hartje's niece, the granddaughter of GCA teachers Paul and Karen Hartje, and sister of current GCA student Caleb--has a special place in each of the graduates' hearts. After a long and hard fought battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), Myah passed away in December, 2011. Although only 4-years-old, Myah impacted many lives and leaves behind a legacy of faith, courage and love that will never be forgotten and will continue to inspire others.

"Myah was fearless," Hartje said. "She had her apprehension of receiving chemotherapy and radiation, but she did not let her diagnosis stop her from squeezing as much out of the time she was given on this earth."

Myah's story became the mission and purpose of this scholarship by not allowing the situation or the circumstances that one faces define who he or she is. It is meant to be an encouragement can be what an individual needs to defy the odds in a hopeless situation. 

"Myah inspired our group through her battle with DIPG, and we want to share that same inspiration with as many people as we possibly can through this production." Hartje said. "Establishing the scholarship could be the encouragement a graduating student needs to pursue his or her dream; however, this production goes beyond that, by insipring the scholarship recipient to chase something that is bigger than him or herself."

Watch this video and meet our founding members!

Want to get involved? Contact us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com or visit our website. 

The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com

Technical Tuesdays

A little bit about Coreen Janetzke...

Director

Job: is Accounts Payable at Faith Life Church

Favorite Musical/Play that I've Directed: A tie between two - "You Can't Take it With You" and "And Then There Were None"

Q: How long have you been directing?

A: I have been directing for 8 years or so.  I have directed for church plays and then have directed with Pickerington Community Theatre for 4 years.  I developed a passion for theater when I was attending a church called Faith Christian Center in 1998.  I became involved in an acting ministry where we got to be evangelists and spread the Gospel through theater.  From doing that I also developed a love for watching people develop their own talents on stage whether it be through Christian plays or secular.  I went from acting on stage, to mainly directing because it gave me a chance to help those people grow and mature their talents which is extremely rewarding for me.

Q: What are some bad habits that you've seen actors develop that you've had a hard time dealing with? 

A: Actors can develop interesting habits on stage!  It's common to find that actors talk to fast and don't enunciate, or they forget to face the audience while speaking.  The only bad habit I've seen that I actually have a hard time dealing with, is when actors try to act like they are the director and try to direct their fellow actors.  That can be very confusing and chaotic!

Q: What would you say to someone who wants to get into theater? 

A: For anyone getting into theater, my number one piece of advice is, don't get your feelings hurt or get offended!!  This is a CUTTHROAT business and for every play you get cast in, you'll get cut from five.  When it comes to acting you can't give up and need to be patient and persistent and not easily discouraged.  But it's worth it, if this is what you love to do :)!

Q: What about this production are you most looking forward to?

A: What I am looking forward to with this production is what I look forward to with every play that I direct - the finished product.  There is no feeling more satisfying than seeing all our hard work, from the acting to the set to the costumes all come together and then seeing the cast so happy and excited and fulfilled.  It's awesome!!

The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com

Music Mondays

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is an iconic song from The Wizard of Oz. Our grandparents sang the song to our parents and our parents sang the song to us and we now sing it to our children. But what is the deeper meaning of this poem? 

In this moment of the play, Dorothy is in despair because Miss Gulch wants to take Toto away. Dorothy wishes to get away from Kansas, to go to a far away place, somewhere where she can get away from all the chaos of life. The mood of the music is sad yet hopeful since Dorothy is wishing to see her "troubles melt like lemon drops."

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" conveys a message about  the mystery of the land beyond what we know. If we never venture beyond the world we live in, how can we ever truly be grateful for what we have? This song truly foreshadows what is to come in the rest of the play as Dorothy very quickly gets swept away to the magical land of Oz. 

What do you think Dorothy is thinking about when she sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"? Comment below.

The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com

Theatre Thursday

Follow the Yellow-Brick road to the Columbus Performing Arts Center on July 31st and August 1st, where Guts For Glory Theatre Co. is presenting the classic story of The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.). This play has it all, from musical munchkins that will make your hearts flutter to malicious monkeys taht will make your skin crawl. Get ready for the journey of a lifetime, as travelers Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion learn the great value of friendship and love. For more information, please visit the Guts For Glory website at g4gtheatre.wix.com/g4glory or email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com

The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com

#theatrethursdays

Wizard Wednesdays

Today we are featuring two cast members from the Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.). This week are featured cast members are Rachel Ohm and Kamryn N. Why participate in the theatre? Have you ever wondered what it's like to have a lead role in a production? 

A little bit about Rachel Ohm...

Character role: Glinda
Favorite play/ musical: Thoroughly Modern Millie


Q: How do you begin rehearsing for a lead role?
R: As with any part in a play, be it lead or not, you must know what your character is like. I began rehearsing for my role by researching my character to find out a little bit more about her. 

Q: What necessary steps towards character development do you take during the rehearsal process?
R: Character development begins with research. Not only do I research my character's traits, but I also look at her background so that I am able to essentially be her while acting.

Q: If the playwright showed up today and started mercilessly cutting the script, what is the one line your character says that you would fight for?
R: Glinda: For the record, I knew you had it in you all along. 
     Oz: Greatness?
     Glinda: No. Better than that. Goodness. 

Q: What is the most important lesson an audience member can take away from The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.)?
R: My favorite lesson from the Wizard of Oz is there's no place like home. It is my hope that the audience members will appreciate this lesson as well.

A little bit about Kamryn N...

Character Role: Munchkin & Poppy or Snowflake
Favorite musical/play: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat


Q: Is this your first play?
K: Yes, this is my first play.  

Q: What are you looking forward to in your involvement with The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.)?
K: Having fun and seeing/hearing the response of the audience.

Q: Why did you choose to be a part of The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.)?
K: I’m interested in acting and singing, and I have always loved The Wizard of Oz.

Q: What are your expectations for this rehearsal process?
K: I want to learn how to be a better actress and have fun.

Q:Many people say that a little piece of yourself is found within every character you play. What piece of yourself can be found in this character?
K: I’m happy and full of energy … just like the munchkins.

Q: What do you expect to learn from this character?
K: How to celebrate life even through challenges

Performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com

Technical Tuesday

A little bit about Karlos Smith...

Technical Director

College: The Ohio State University
Favorite Play/Musical: Broadway’s “Matilda”


Q: What are the technical requirements of a musical?
A: To my understanding, the technical requirements for a musical, or any show, can be divided into three categories: Sound, Lighting, and Set. 

“Sound” involves the overall output of information (the words the actors are saying/singing, the music of the orchestra, sound effects) to the audience, and as such, the goal is to make that sound as clear and coherent as possible, so that the audience can receive the information well enough to enjoy the show.

In smaller theatres, this can be done effectively through simple projection of the actors’ voices and the instruments of the musicians. However, large theatres typically demand that actors and instruments be amplified with microphones and speakers, which require individuals to regulate the frequency and volume of the sound so that the information is as clear and pleasant as the unamplified sound.

Lighting is also extremely important because it not only reveals/manipulates the world that the actors are trying to create, but also contributes to the moods and themes of each scene. Lights of different colors contribute to the show because they can inspire certain emotions or moods in the audience that allows people to relate to what is going on in each scene. 

Manipulating the lights of a stage puts the audience’s focus where the director wants it to be, whether through the use of a spotlight that follows a certain character or stationary lights that illuminate certain parts of the stage at different times. By manually shifting the focus, the story of the play becomes easier to follow because one is not overwhelmed by EVERYTHING going on. 

Every show needs a lighting technician to move it along. 

Lastly, “Set” is probably the biggest category in tech because it involves so many elements. 
Of course there is the background that shifts from scene to scene, as well as the set pieces (i.e. a doghouse, a fire hydrant) that attempt to make the scenes more three dimensional. There are also the various props that actors use within their scenes for plot development/authentication.  Set also includes visual effects, both digital and manual. 

Constructing and employing all of these elements obviously requires building resources/equipment (wood, paint, drills, tape, etc.) with the goal of creating a world where the action of the play can take place. This often requires a lot of delegation and collaboration so that individuals’ skills are used effectively, but the ultimate vision remains intact. 


Q: What kind of people are you looking to fulfill different technical positions in the show? What experience should they have? What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in technical theatre?
A: Those interested in being a part of a technical crew should have (or at least be able to fake) these qualities:

Listening skills: As a member of a crew, the main part of your job will be to follow the directions of your director and/or supervisor. You have to be able to receive/understand what is needed and execute.
Flexibility: Sometimes those directions will change within a matter of seconds. You need to be able to adapt to what is required of you at any moment.
Creativity: No matter what your position, problems are going to come up and you should have the ability to come up with a solution.
Patience/Self-control: Working with a group of people is stressful, but you have to keep a cool head and calmly work towards solutions.

Having any experience with light, sound, or construction equipment goes a long way in helping the technical crew, but most of the skills required can really be learned as one goes along. 

The biggest piece of advice I can think of as pertaining to be a part of a technical crew goes back to the quality of flexibility. Not only should you be able to adapt o directions, you should be able to adapt to whatever role that you are asked to fill. Theatre is a huge commitment and those who can’t handle that commitment tend to drop out. If you are one that can handle it, it’s best not to be fixated on doing one thing, but rather develop competency in all technical areas so that you can help in any way that the show requires.


Q: You are helping to design the set for The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.). What challenges have you had to overcome throughout the design process?
A: In designing the set, the main challenge is developing a concept that adequately creates the world of the play while also taking into account the resources available to you. When one is limited in resources and space as we are, the scale of the concept has to match up with those factors. The process involves a healthy mix of creativity and practicality.


Q: Without giving anything away, what part of the set are you most excited about?
A: The part of set that I’m most excited about is definitely the visual effects. The puzzle of how to simulate the Twister and the Witch’s fire should be challenging but fun to solve.




The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com

Music Mondays

Music Mondays

The overture from The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) is one of my favorite songs in the entire show because of the magical essence it holds. Maybe it is my passion for theatre or possibly my love for music, but overtures from any musical bring me to tears. 

Sitting there in the audience as the orchestra plays the beautiful music that introduces the show. Your excitement mounting up to an extreme and you just cannot hold it in anymore; thus, the tears begin pouring out. 

This overture effects me the same way. I can imagine the audience sitting in great anticipation for the start of the show, the characters making their way onto the stage in the dark, and the lightly slowly coming up onto the stage. What a thrilling moment!

Take a listen to the overture and tell me what you think! Do overtures affect you the same way they affect me? Comment below.

The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com

Summer Blog Schedule

Guts For Glory Theatre Company will be blogging throughout the the year in order to give our fans insight into our production team members minds, the hearts our cast members, and the progress of the theatre company. This summer we will be focusing on our production of The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.). Our weeks will go by the schedule below. We hope you enjoy our blog!


Music Mondays: We are going to talk about our favorite songs from The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.). 
Technical Tuesdays: We will introduce some of our production team members and what they each have been up to recently.
Wizard Wednesdays: We will be featuring a cast member a week, asking them questions about the show and what it's like to be an actor in Columbus, Ohio.
Theatre Thursdays: We are going to talk about different aspects of our theatre company ranging from insights into how the company was started to promotional deals regarding ticket sales for The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.). 
Feel Good Fridays:We will give you all the insight into the rehearsal process. You may be surprised at what you discover.


The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com

What do you think about our summer plans? Comment below.

Technical Tuesdays

Sara Marie Ohm

Artistic Director

College: Senior Theatre and Language Arts Education double major at Ohio Northern University

Favorite Musical: Miss Saigon by Claude-Michael Schönberg

Q: Describe your experience working with non-profit organizations. What made you interested in getting involved with Guts For Glory Theatre Company?

A: I interned at Columbus Children's Theatre as the Education Administration Intern where I learned a lot about non-profit organizations. Besides that I have volunteered at other non-profit organizations in the past where I came to understand the importance of volunteering along with the important impact non-profit organizations have on the community. I was asked by a high school friend of mine, Andrew Hartje, if I would be interested in producing a play with him and some other people who had graduated from our high school. I quickly agreed because of my passion for the arts. It was then that we founded Guts For Glory Theatre Company. After Andrew and another team member stepped down from their positions at the theatre, I happily stepped up to the Artistic Director position. 

Q: How do you recognize and deal with burnout in yourself and/or cast members? 

A: When I get burnt out I try to take a day to myself to clear my mind. I turn my phone off, get active, and make sure that I stay out of the house because when I am home all I can think about is the work that needs to get done and how I do not have any energy to do it. I try to encourage cast members to do that same thing; take a day to themselves and come back to rehearsal refreshed the next day. It is important to know that there is an end to every production so when you start feeling burnt out you should take a quick breather and remember that it will all be over in due time. 

Q: How do you shape and create a coherent and vibrant production? What other team members do you need available to help bring this production to life?

A: It is a collaborative process. After obtaining the royalties to the show you want to produce, you find a director, musical director, choreographer, technical designer, set designer, costume designer, and make-up designer. You sit down with all of these people and talk about their vision for the production. Once everyone is on the same page the process begins. Everyone has their own job and their own deadlines and it always comes together at the end. We need all the directors and designers I previously mentioned along with a marketing/personal relations representative, box office manager, and many volunteers. Each of these team members are important for without them we would have no show.

Q: Where do you see Guts For Glory Theatre Company going in the next couple of years? 

A: In the next couple of years I see Guts For Glory Theatre Company continuing to produce at least one show each summer for a total of two shows each year. We would like to produce a second show either during the winter or put on a second show during the summer. For now, we are focused on producing one quality show each summer in order to present the Myah Sue Knecht Scholarship for a graduating Gahanna Christian Academy student who has demonstrated theatrical, musical, and academic success.

Q: Why should people come to see The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.)?

A: The Wizard of Oz has been an iconic musical since it was released in theater's in 1939. Families all over the United States sit together in front of the T.V. with popcorn, watching as Dorothy journey's through the magical land of Oz to meet with the Wizard. Although watching the musical on your T.V. is fantastic, there is nothing like live theatre. You can physically go on the journey with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion. Not to mention that the musical also has a timeless message of friendship and appreciating what you have. "There is no place like home."

The Wizard of Oz (R.S.C.) performances dates are July 31st at 7pm, August 1st at 7pm, and August 1st at 2pm.
Tickets? Click here or call 1-800-965-9324. 
Questions? Email us at gutsforglorytheatreco@gmail.com