The American Idol film crew arrived at McIntyre Hall today (Mount Vernon, WA) to shoot footage of new contestant Skye Dahlstrom rehearsing with the kids from the upcoming Seussical The Musical show. Skye showed them choreography for songs from the show and taught them very hip dance moves.
Skye made it through the first round of auditions in Seattle, WA early this week; competing with over 9,000 other hopeful contestants I’m told. She then made it through the second round the following day. Her next round will be to audition for Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.. We all wish her the best and to “break a leg” at the audition. GO SKYE!
As you can imagine there’s a lot of buzz about this locally and the news has spread like wildfire. Skye is a total pro and made everyone feel totally comfortable while supporting her for the film shoot.
And much to our pleasure, the film crew from American Idol was TOTALLY cool and ultra nice to work with. You might think being in this business they would be a bit jaded, but that is not the case. They made the kids feel comfortable and everyone gave them a big THANK YOU yell at the end. Nice people.
Why the interest in Skye’s choreography? That’s how Paula Abdul started, as a choreographer.
So here’s a rundown of our shoot. Of course I’m not going to tell you details about what we did, you’ll have to watch Skye on American Idol to see that!
We did the shoot on stage at McIntyre Hall, which is where we’ll be performing for Seussical the Musical in November 2006.
Parents sign all the legal stuff for their kids to be in the shoot.
Director Dave James does the ultra cool pose while waiting. Dave James is co-directing Seussical the Musical with his wife Carrie James. Skye Dahlstrom is the choreographer and I am the conductor and musical director. The show is produced by Kate Kyporus for META Performing Arts.
Kids hang out in the lobby at McIntyre Hall waiting to enter the theatre.
All lined up at the door and waiting to enter the hall. Many of the kids hadn’t seen McIntyre Hall yet, so it was very exciting all around for them.
The view of the stage from the front of the audience. McIntyre Hall also has beautiful box seats along the sides, a full balcony section and rear loge.
The view from my piano onstage. I played the music for the kids to practice Skye’s choreography. Very fun stuff.
Directors Carrie and Dave give instructions to the kids about stage etiquette and safety.
Steve Craig, stage manager at McIntyre Hall and all around theatre guru. Everybody loves Steve!
Our reason for being here today – Skye Dahlstrom!
Film crew scouting the stage out
Skye working with the “Who’s” on choreography
American Idol film crew talking things over with the directors and Ms. Dahlstrom.
The kids in the cast give Skye a big send off.
Dave James, Carrie James, Skye Dahlstrom and me (Conrad Askland)
I’ll let you know more as more information is made public. I’m only going to post things that are public knowledge.
Until then – GO SKYE!!!!!!!