FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RAINBOW WARRIORS

What is Rainbow Warriors?

Rainbow Warriors Youth Theatre is a unique performing arts summer program sponsored by the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County and the NiteStar Program of New York City.  Over a 2-week period (August 18 – August 29, 2008) participants will receive professional training in environmental issues (global warming/climate change, recycling, air and water pollution and community building) as well as professional training in playwriting, acting, stagecraft (lighting, sound, costumes, stage management), music and dance.  The process will culminate in the creation of an original theatrical presentation.

Why do you call it Rainbow Warriors?

The name Rainbow Warriors comes from several Native American prophecies*, as summarized below:

"When the earth is dying there shall arise a new tribe of all colors and all creeds.  This tribe shall be called The Warriors of the Rainbow and it will put its faith in actions not words."

- Prophecy of the Native American Hopi people –

*For further information, please go to manataka.org

Who will provide the professional training?

Artistic training will be provided by Cheryl Paley, Danny Rockett and Alyssa Robbins of New York City based NiteStar, and others. Environmental training will be given by Adam Ruderman, Robert Pollitzer, and others.

Cheryl Paley, Nitestar’s artistic director, began directing original issue-based theatre nineteen years ago.  This is her eighth season as Artistic Director for NiteStar.  Cheryl holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from Northwestern University, a Master’s Degree from the NYU Gallatin School and spent a season as an apprentice at the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville. 

Danny Rockett, NiteStar’s Musical Director has appeared on Broadway, bands and television, and has composed music for commercials and TV. He currently leads and composes for the band, Bad Teenage Moustache.

Alyssa Robbins, NiteStar’s Production Manager, has stage managed for the Milwaukee Theatre Company and the Oblivion Theatre Company in Chicago, for Pace University productions in New York, and has worked for the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company. She is a solo singer/songwriter who has performed throughout Europe and currently plays in and around NYC and with the bank, Bad Teenage Moustache.

Adam Ruderman, is an expert in sustainable and community supported agriculture and organic food. For 10 years he owned and operated Herban Kitchen, the first entirely organic restaurant in NYC, and among other related stints, was one of the original team that put together the first Earth Day New York.

Robert Pollitzer is the President and founder of GreenStreet Construction & Consulting, a leading green building firm, operating primarily in the tri-state region.  Mr. Politzer is a LEED accredited professional and was the Chair of the Sustainable Business Task Force of the New York State Environmental Business Association. 

When will it be held?

The summer workshop will be held Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 4pm from August 18 through August 29.

Before and after care (7:30-9:30am and/or 4-6pm) will be available. For details, contact Leigh at rainbow@ethicalfocus.org.

Will this be an ongoing program?

It is our vision that the 2008 summer workshop will be just the first program sponsored by Rainbow Warriors.  Provided there is sufficient interest in the program, Rainbow Warriors Youth Theatre will be offered on an ongoing basis during the school year as well as in the summer.

When and where will the performance be held?

The play will be performed on Sunday September 14, 2008 at 11:00am at the Ethical Culture Meeting House, 687 Larch Ave, Teaneck, NJ.  In addition to performing, the Rainbow Warriors will discuss their experience and take questions from the audience.

How many kids will be accepted into the program?

Up to 15 kids ages 11 to 17. At least 8 will be accepted through the audition process, and be interested in performing.  UPDATE as of May 18, 2008:  14 kids have been accepted into Rainbow Warriors Theatre Program Summer 2008. They range from 12-16 and are awesome!!

Another 4-6 kids ages 7-10 will also take part (see below). UPDATE as of May 18, 2008:  We have 2 7-year olds in the program so far. We could accept a couple more.

When and Where will Auditions be held, and what is involved in the audition process?

UPDATE as of May 18, 2008: Auditions were held on 3 Sundays and 1 Thursday in April and May, 2008.  We were very excited by the number and quality of kids who tried out.

What if I (my kid) don’t want to audition or haven’t had any prior performance experience but want to be part of Rainbow Warriors?

Prior performance experience is not required. A desire to perform, high energy, concern over the environment, and a commitment to working with the group, however, are essential.  Not everyone has to sing or dance. There will be speaking parts and a need for those who can play musical instruments.

There are also a limited number of places available to those wishing to focus on the environmental training, playwriting, stagecraft (lighting, sound, costumes, stage management), and community building aspects of the program.  Auditions are not required for these important, non-performance roles.

How much does it cost?

The cost for the entire 2-week program is $500 (all ages). Unlike some performing arts programs, there will not be an additional charge for purchasing tickets or paying for costumes. A limited number of full and partial scholarships will be available.  Healthy snacks and beverages will be provided; kids are asked to bring their own lunch.

Can you tell me more about the program for the younger kids?

The younger kids will participate in the environmental learning and brainstorming strategy sessions along with the older kids and be involved in the production of music, sound and light.  As a separate group, they will help to create the sets and costumes, work on drawings for the calendar project, make publicity posters, and learn about the environment in sessions geared for their age group. They will also have supervised play time, as well as two snack periods and a lunch break. It is not necessary for the younger kids to audition; while they will be involved in the performance, they will not have major parts. 

The daily schedule for the younger kids is basically as follows:

9:30-11:00       Art projects (backdrop for the show, masks, publicity posters, etc)

11:00-11:15      Snack

11:15-1:00       Training component (with older kids)

1:00-1:45         Lunch

1:45-3:00        Outdoor Sprinkler/Play/Organized Games

3:00-4:00        Work on Calendar Project and environmental education curriculum

Who will be supervising the younger kids?

Leigh Roumila, Program Director, member of the Ethical Culture Society, and mother of two Rainbow Warriors, will supervise the younger children. She will be assisted in this process by several adult volunteers.

Will there be any field trips?

Yes, we are planning to take all the kids to a nearby organic farm as part of our Sustainable Agriculture/Organic food training. More details will be provided on this trip at a later date.  Transportation to and from the farm will be provided.

How can I sign up (my child)?

Fill out the  Expression of Interest Form (.PDF or MS Word).  Bring it to your Audition appointment on April 6^th. If you are not auditioning (this includes non-performers and the younger kids) please fill it out anyway and email it to us by April 6, 2008 to: rainbow@ethicalfocus.org or send it regular mail to Ethical Culture Society, 687 Larch Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666, attention Rainbow Warriors. Update as of May 18, 2008:  We have filled the openings in the 11-17 age group for Summer 2008. However, if you or your child are interested, get in touch with us, as we hope to run another program during the 2008-2009 school year and definitely during the summer of 2009.

How can I get more information?

1.       You can go to www.ethicalfocus.org/rainbow or for information on Rainbow Warrior’s co-sponsor, you can go to www.Nitestar.org.

2.      You can email Rainbow Warriors with any questions, comments, concerns and expect an answer within 24 hours at rainbow@ethicalfocus.org.

3.      You can call Program Director, Leigh Roumila, at 201 637 2903.

What will I get out of taking part in Rainbow Warriors Youth Theatre Program’s Summer 2008 Workshop?

Among other things, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of global and local environmental issues and experience the thrill of being involved in an exciting, effective performance piece. You will also learn how to:

1.       Design strategies for thinking globally/acting locally

2.      Write a performance piece with a group of like-minded young people

3.      Find your singing voice, dance with more spirit, and make your voice heard

4.      Make a heart connection with your audience