Congratulations to Zach Galvin on 17 cancer free years to and everyone who celebrated Yahoo Day last month! An amazing number of good things were done for unsuspecting people around the globe!
Congratulations to Mara Blumenfeld for her IRNE nomination for The Jungle Book!
Three of our interns, Danny, Connor and Jacob will be performed in the student run production of Little Women at Natick High School directed by another one of our interns, Marie! You guys were amazing!
Caleb Howe, one of the earliest students from company class and long time friend of Monkeyhouse, has returned to the Boston area! Congratulations on your new job, Caleb! We're excited to have you back!
As you know, we've been having a doozy of a couple of years around
Monkeyhouse, which is why we decided to kick off the first newsletter of
2014 (and now share with you) with the spirit of YAHOO!
Ya-what?, you ask? What a fine question!
Nineteen
years ago on February 26th one of our biggest supporters, Zach Galvin,
completed his final cancer treatment. Every February 26th since then he
has celebrated YAHOO DAY
in honor of those who supported cancer research and who ultimately
played a role in his survival. Now, across the globe friends, family
and complete strangers commit random acts of kindness in celebration of
YAHOO DAY!
How is Monkeyhouse celebrating? Well, we've got a few
tricks up our sleeves. First, we'd like to say a TREMENDOUS thank you
to all of you for helping us through the past few years, both
organizationally and personally. We are eternally grateful for the love
and support you've shared and we are excited to see what 2014 has in
store.
Second, anyone who emails me (Monkeyhouse Loves Nicole at gmail dot com) TODAY will get a
special YAHOO DAY tourtail sent straight to their inbox. If you're
feeling YAHOO-ish, include how you will celebrate!
For the third
one we're going to need your help. We'd like to spread the YAHOO spirit
far and wide this year. As you know, the arts play an integral part in
creating a stronger, happier community. So take some time this month
and add a little art into someone else's day. Draw a picture and tuck
it in your child's lunch box. Take a friend to a play. Donate books
you've already read to a homeless shelter. Spend the afternoon with
your significant other in a museum instead of in front of the tv. Go
dancing with your girlfriends. There is art everywhere just waiting for
you to discover it and by doing so you can make someone's day that much
brighter.
Thank you for being such fearless Monkeyhouse Ambassadors and HAPPY YAHOO DAY! -Nicole and All Your Friends at Monkeyhouse
Have you been keeping up with Monkeyhouse's THANKS Giving on Facebook? Every day from November 1st through the end of the year Monkeyhouse is thanking one person (or group!) who has helped through our first thirteen years. There are a wide variety of people who have intentionally or inadvertently pushed, lifted, poked or gently nudged us into the organization you see today. Here's your chance to meet just a few of those folks! If you come across someone you know, be sure so say thanks! And keep an eye out for them at the next Monkeyhouse event! Here is a summary of week one! (If you want to keep up every day, take a minute to "like" us on Facebook for regular shows of gratitude!)
Jon Keith (self portrait)
JK Photo - Jon has been capturing choreography for Monkeyhouse for the past few years. It’s been great fun to watch his non-Monkeyhouse photographs begin to capture choreography too! JK Photo has a shiny new website that includes info on how you can hire him to capture your next big event! Thank you, Jon, for all that you do for Monkeyhouse!
LuAnn Pagella -
Where to begin? LuAnn opened her doors to Monkeyhouse on day one when
we were rehearsing for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival and has been a
rock for many of us personally and professionally ever since. LuAnn is
the director of Impulse Dance Center in Natick where Karen and Nicole
first met seventeen years ago, where Sarah Friswell, Sarah Feinberg,
Nicole and many of our interns over the years (including Rosie, Laila,
Elyssa, Ashley, Leah, Gaby and Remy) were once students and where Karen,
Nicole and Sarah Friswell were/are members of the faculty. Without the
support of this amazing woman many of us never would have had the
chance to work together at all. From the bottom of our hearts,
Monkeyhouse Loves You, Lu!
Joan Panek - Without Joan it would not
have been possible to create Monkeyhouse. Long before there were any
dancers in the studio, Joan enthusiastically brainstormed ways to build
this organization with Rita and Karen Krolak. She was the very first
donor and on our initial Board of Directors. Drawing from her
experiences developing programs at the Dover Public Library and teaching
in the Ashland school system, Joan guided us through our first outreach
programs and helped us to establish a genuine community at Monkeyhouse.
She is an outstanding ambassador for Monkeyhouse who has introduced
friends to our projects, coaxed her son into videotaping early First
Night shows, travelled hundreds of miles to see performances, and
devoted thousands of hours volunteering. Monkeyhouse loves you dearly,
Joan. JP Licks - For more the later ¾ of Monkeyhouse’s existence
we’ve had the great fortune of having a relationship with JP Licks.
They have been our longest corporate sponsor and we are forever indebted
to them. Whether donating ice cream for a closing night party, cross
promoting events through their FB page or sending their head ice cream
maker to judge the Your Just Desserts Bake Off, JP Licks has always been
there for us. You’ve had the chance to grab a sundae at many
Monkeyhouse events over the years. Take some time today to say a quick
THANK YOU on their Facebook page for all that they do for arts in the
greater Boston area today! Monkeyhouse Loves You!
IsabelFine- Have you ever wondering how Monkeyhouse became an organization in residence at Springstep? It was all Isabel’s brilliant idea. She recognized that Springstep had some underused resources and approached us about how to combine forces. Thanks to her, Monkeyhouse was able to have regular rehearsal times, which expanded the number of dancers and choreographers presented in our concerts. We were able to develop pieces with prop elements and costume designs that would have been unwieldy if we had had to transport them each week. Our artists were inspired by the remarkable architecture of the building and have found bold ways to incorporate this into their creations. In addition, she is also the person who encouraged us to apply for the first Dance in the Fells concert. Best of all, she has gone on to join our Board of Directors where she shares her expertise on everything from administration management to curating concerts. Did you know that she currently curates the performances series for the Music Department at Wellesley College and that she use to be the Artistic Director of the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival? We are so honored by her support.
Zach Galvin - I’m not sure it possible to count the number of ways Zach has ties into
Zach Galvin (by JK Photo)
Monkeyhouse. He is a former classmate of Karen’s. Nicole was a student his first year as an English teacher at Natick High School, where he is now Vice Principal to many of our recent interns… The list goes on and on. And on top of that, Zach has been an active cheerleader for Monkeyhouse since day one. His encouragement and support are overwhelmingly appreciated! If you’re looking for another reason to love Zach, check out all the work he’s doing for the Jimmy Fund! Thank you, Zach!
Kelly Long - For close to the first decade of the 21st century Karen was choreographing musicals for Dover-Sherborn High School. It was there that she first met Kelly, a perky and outspoken young dancer. Kelly quickly began studying with Karen and Nicole at Impulse Dance Center and became a regular at Monkeyhouse company class. She volunteered at Monkeyhouse events (I have a vivid memory of Kelly, Ashley Chandler and Joanna Macone getting themselves horribly lost on their way to a fundraiser in JP then eagerly donning wigs and talking to donors without blinking an eye) and was always eager to engage in conversation about all sorts of big ideas. Since leaving high school Kelly has gone on to study dance therapy and is helping people find the very important meaning in their own movement. She has always been a huge ambassador for Monkeyhouse and because of her word of mouth we were given over $500 in donations last spring! Thank you, Kelly, for always having Monkeyhouse in your heart! We love you dearly!Pam & Steve Harris - Monkeyhouse is an all encompassing lifestyle for those of us at its heart. Many of our families and close friends have taken up the torch too, each in their own way. Nicole’s parents, Pam & Steve, are no exception. You may remember them from their gracious hosting of both Your Just Desserts and the ATO Thank You Luncheon at their beautiful home. (Did you know that Steve completely renovated that lovely house himself?) Pam’s homemade apple pie has been an often fought over auction item at fundraisers and they are both always on hand to lend us anything from a lemonade dispenser for post show events to drop cloths for a site specific performance. A heartfelt thank you to both of you from your daughter and all her Monkeyhouse friends.
* Congratulations to Courtney Wagner and Jim Peerless on their recent engagement!
* Monkeyhouse has a new intern, Danny Foner! Keep an eye out for more information about him soon!
* Longtime friend and supporter Leon Hovsepian just became a father, TWICE! Congratulations, Leon! And welcome twins, Leo & Logan, to the Monkeyhouse family!
* Speaking of interns, four of our graduates headed off to college last month! Best of luck to you Laila, Elyssa, David & Katelyn! We can't wait to hear all about your adventures!
* In addition to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for The Jimmy Fund, the amazing Zach Galvin, sang the national anthem at Fenway Park last week! Check out all the amazing work he's done with the Jimmy Fund Walk and maybe even get your walking shoes on!
* Luminarium and Monkeyhouse Mused together! In early August members of the two companies joined together share our creative processes and it was great fun for all!
* Andrew Mudge's beautiful film The Forgotten Kingdom had its Boston showing last week. Please go check it out if you can! Congratulations on a job well done!
* Mara Blumenfeld, who gave Karen the original Princess Pamplemousse hat, is costume designingThe Jungle Book at the Huntington Theater in Boston.
* South African actor, Nick Boraine is also in Boston this month for a five week residency with Global Arts Corps at ArtsEmerson. Monkeyhouse first met Nick when we both were performing at the NYC Fringe Festival in 2001. You can see him in free showings of the documentary, Truth in Translation ,and a workshop of a new project about the peace process in Northern Ireland.
* Our favorite palindromist, Barry Duncan was named Artist of the Month by the Somerville Arts Council!
* Monkeyhouse reached over 400 "likes" on Facebook! Thanks to everyone who spread the word! We'd still like to keep going, so if you haven't already, tell the social media world why you love Monkeyhouse!
What are your good things this month? Share with us HERE!
Monkeyhouse and Natick High School are like a peanut butter and dance sandwich eaten quickly in the brief time between classes and rehearsal. We have had a long standing relationship with the school and its community and are constantly amazed by the things that this wonderful group of students accomplish.
Monkeyhouse has many ties to the drama program at Natick High School, including alumni, interns and Nicole Harris's choreography for the musical productions. The students have performed at Monkeyhouse events and both Sarah Friswell and Sarah Feinberg were once part of the drama program.
Many of Karen's students from Impulse Dance Center have also been NHS students. This past year Monkeyhouse had six student interns from Natick High School, Marie Libbin, Rosie Steinberg, Laila Fatimi, David Makransky, Katelyn Alcott and Elyssa Berg. Laila, David, Katelyn and Elyssa are all graduating seniors headed to college in the fall. Laila will be attending the University of Maine, David will be attending Boston College, Katelyn will be attending Wagner College and Elyssa will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University. Best of luck to the graduating seniors!
Our ties to Natick High extend beyond the students. You might remember vice principal Zach Galvin who was the emcee for last year's Your Just Desserts! And our audiences are always peppered with NHS faculty and staff.
You can see more of these outstanding students throughout the year. Whether you check out school performances of the drama, band and choir programs, student run groups such as Seven's Not Enough, or their out of school arts adventures which are numerous and wide ranging - you will constantly be impressed by the talent that comes from these young people. What have you done to show your support of young local arts today?
At first glance, Zach Galvin (Mr. Galvin to the students of Natick High School) is just a regular Vice Principal. However upon a single conversation, one can tell that there is much more to this educator than meets the eye. Knowing that some readers may not have a chance to have one of those conversations, I decided to conduct one for you all. Prepare to have your expectations defied.
Favorite Song? (Too many favorites to mention)...Toby Kieth's "How do you like me now"
Favorite Sandwich?... Bubblin' Brook Clam Roll
Favorite Book?... David McCoullough's Adams & Alex Haley's Roots okay... And The Great Gatsby! In honor of your amazing emceeing at Your Just Desserts, Vanilla or Chocolate?
Vanilla ... it is not as fun as chocolate; but simply classier.
How has your involvement in Monkeyhouse and the art world in general influenced the way that you approach your role as Vice Principal at Natick High School?
My job as vice principal is really just a stage managing job. My job is to help the performers (the students and the staff) have the best performance they can have that day. I work in the background to make sure that they have what they need to succeed: safe environment, people following rules, etc. I am a big fan of Dispatch and State Radio, so I was impressed to see that you appeared in their “Knights of Bostonia” video. Tell us a bit about that experience.
It happened because I have great friends from growing up who still to this day remember that I am a performer at heart. The director, Andrew Mudge, and the lead singer, Chad Urmstrom were both friends of mine and my siblings. Best part of that experience was sitting in the park in Hull, freezing to near death and watching this crowd of extras come over the hill and in it were three students from Natick High who I knew had no idea that I was there. They walked right by me (as I was in a police uniform) and as they did I said to one of them . "Hey, Ashlock....Shouldn't you be in class??" It took him almost two minutes to figure out his vice principal had followed him all the way down to Hull. The other great thing about that shoot was that I was with old friends having a great time and I also shot it with one of my nephews. Great gig! Good time.
With a surprisingly small amount of research I was able to find a “What You Don’t Know About Mr. Galvin” google site that I found hard to believe...until I saw that it was published by YOU! As a student, school administration in general can sometimes seem like an alien group of adults who were all born in their late thirties. How does this “breaking down the barrier”, so to speak, affect your relationship with students?
Clearly I was not born in my late 30s! It is all about not being afraid to show them that I am a real person. Students know so much about me because I think it is important that they do. Just earlier this week four or five seniors learned for the first time that I can rap. They were caught so off guard and yet at the same time they were excited by the fact. There is a human behind the job that I do. I look at VP like a character I play on stage. It is realistic, but it is not who I am as a person, though many parts of me are in the role. I try to break down the barrier by being real with students, but there are realities that order is my job and maintaining order so people can feel safe and perform well is my reality.
You are an avid fundraiser and supporter of the Jimmy Fund, leader of the Boston Jimmy Fund Walk team “Zach’s Pack”, and an inspirational cancer survivor. With how chaotic everyone’s schedules and lives are these days, what advice can you offer to those who want to lend a helping hand but have a hard time fitting it into their everyday lives?
Any little thing helps. I have every reason in the world not to continue raising money. It is always so much work and it is always so much time. In the end I am reminded that I would not be here, literally, if someone did not help raise the few dollars it probably cost to find a drug that would keep me alive and enable me to beat cancer. So, I always suggest to people to do what they can. So many students and teachers from Natick High have helped me for one day of walking over the years that we have now raised nearly half a million dollars for people fighting cancer. Half a million!! Find a way to keep the importance of the work in perspective. If you come to my office, you will see kids faces, all fighting cancer. Some of them are gone. When I see them on my desk and across the desk from some student having a crisis of drama here at the school, I often let the student know that the problem they are facing, though challenging, will work out. One day at a time seems so uncomplicated and yet it is often so difficult to accomplish that focus and perspective. Lending a helping hand in any manner, in any group is important and though it often goes unnoticed by most, it is so noticed by those who benefit from it. It doesn't cost a dime to be nice to people. In fact, it is free. And yet what we often get in return for helping, for contributing is of so much more worth. So why does Monkeyhouse love Zach Galvin? He brings together the three things we love most: art, education, and a massive heart. On top of it all, Monkeyhouse’s Karen Krolak has been friends with him since high school, and that’s really all the endorsement I need.
Looking around at last night's amazing Your Just Desserts, 10th Anniversary Celebration I keep thinking how great it was to have such a wide variety of people there. From new dancers (and kickass volunteers) like Caitlin & Courtney...
To having so much of my family there to volunteer and support Monkeyhouse like my cousins Jonathan and Andrew (who have been some of my biggest personal supporters for as long as I can remember) and new family like Annie who has embraced us all with open arms and that beautiful smile of hers...
To Monkeyhouse supporters who have been around with us for a while like Freya, who is a former board member (and the mom of Gaby the Intern!) and Margaret Hagemeister and Zach Galvin who were on the Your Just Desserts committee and who make my life (and all the lives around them) a better place...
And of course old friends, fellow artists, people we admire and people we wouldn't be here without! Thank you to everyone who made Your Just Desserts (and the past 10 YEARS of Monkeyhouse) such an amazing success!
