Performer of the week: Aaron Caponigro

Aaron Caponigro. Saying his name is almost enough. There is a spark when
he is on stage. He performs with a sense of patience and openness that is
rare on the improv stage. He'll take whatever comes at him. He'll attack
anything and everything with a sense wonder, acceptance, and unconditional
creativeness. To be in a scene with him is a gift. You know you will be
taken on a magical ride. Aaron, thank you for believing in Hogwash and
helping us believe in our own imaginations.

when did you start performing?

My first performance was in a third grade play. I was an Egyptian Pharaoh.
We got to make our own costumes, so I wore a Burger King crown and my
Sylvester and Tweety pajama gown. I wish that still fit. As Pharaoh, I toted
around and pampered my royal stuffed koala bear, Chaz. And also I exiled the
Jews. I had to, it was in the script. And the Bible. And Moses would never
have parted the Red Sea if I hadn't, and then where would we have been?
Without our biggest musical number, that's where. My karmic punishment for
my actions was that I didn't set foot on a stage again until I joined an
improv group at DePaul University.



what made you want to do hogwash?

I like entertaining people. Children are people too. Sometimes people forget
that. I have been performing for humans of various sizes for the past nine
years. If you made me choose, I'd have to say I like performing for children
more. People come in a close second. I think that's because I feel more like
a child than a people. Good thing Hogwash is for children and people! It's a
show where there really is something for everyone. Even octogenarians.




What was your favorite moment from this past week's show?
I wish I could say it was something one of my very hilarious cast-mates did,
because it was a particularly funny show last week, but it was actually
something during the dance break that reminded me how much fun Hogwash is. A
shy little one-year-old, who'd been watching us intently the whole show, got
up and got jiggy with the whole cast. She was at the age where she
understood a lot of words and phrases, but couldn't quite form them herself.
She wasn't much for suggestions is what I'm saying, but she knew when it was
time to cut loose! Our target audience is a couple years older, but it's
good to remember that you can entertain the youngest of us without having to
dress up in a big green alien suit with a TV in your tummy.



what was your fondest memory performing?


My new favorite performance memory just happened recently! A few weeks ago
my 9-year-old son Jacob came to see Hogwash. He ended up on stage, as an
audience volunteer! I can't say he has a future as a Starbucks barista, but
he loved performing and adding to the story. It will be one of those things
we talk about when I am old and he comes to visit me on the island he's
going to buy me.


who do you most respect/look up to I.E biggest influences?

I have a lot of respect for open-minded individuals with candor. And
firefighters - because I'm not running into a flaming building. As for my
influences, well, they are all over the map and I'm glad for that. As an
amalgamation of everything I've ever done and seen, it helps to take in as
much as possible. Maybe one day my brain will get so big they'll name a
library after it: AARON'S BRAIN'S LIBRARY. I like the sound of that.

Performer of the week : Adam Higgins

The Chicago cast has grown since the spring. Five new members were brought onboard this summer. They jumped right into the rehearsal process gearing up to perform. Adam Higgins is one of these new performers. He approaches every day of Hogwash with unmarked enthusiasm. He is always right there, ready to up in and add a special something to the show. Adam helped open our fall run performing in the first two shows. Adam, thank you for the smiles. You are a pleasure. You are a chickadee with the heart of an ostrich. Thank you.

-What do you enjoy most about Hogwash?

I love how completely ego less the whole ensemble is fully committed to making a great show for the audience.

-When did you start performing with Hogwash?

My first show was August 18^Th. This was the first troupe I auditioned for in Chicago after being here for only a week.

-So far, what has been your most memorable moment?

I've had a great time working with all the different musical directors. I normally shy away from singing, leaving it to those with training and talent, but this whole process has been very support of my off-key warbling, so I've really learned to enjoy the musical elements.

-What was your favorite moment from last week's show?

I think the best part was finally getting the little girl in the audience to give us a suggestion, she was pretty afraid of us until then, but once she opened up it was great.

-Who do you admire?

I admire all artists who don't take themselves too serious, whatever medium they create in. I think Shel Silverstein is a great example of that, he wrote plays, poems, kids books, music for famous performers, but always was able to laugh at himself and what he produced.

Bumbershoot

Hogwash is going to be in Bumbershoot! The performances are at 2:00, on Sunday and 2:30 on Monday at the Center house theater. You will need a pass to get into the theater, so hurry up and get those Bumbershoot tickets! This is the first time Hogwash is going to be at Bumbershoot, and the whole cast and crew are very excited. Come check us out!

Performer of the week: Shelby Jennings

Hogwash is about to open the fall run in Chicago. So much goes into the run. In the end you get to see the actors on stage bringing everything to life. And while it is improv and forever changing before your eyes depending on the imaginations of the audience, there is a brave woman who gets the actors ready for whatever might come their way. That person is Shelby Jennings, the director of Hogwash Chicago. She has been with Hogwash since the get go and brings her knowledge and experience to the show. The show wouldn’t be the same without her. Thank you, Shelby and have a great opening!

-What do you enjoy most about Hogwash?

I enjoy good family humor. Hogwash is a kid’s show, but it is also for adults. I think too often people (myself included) fall back on the dirty humor. This show practices and proves that you can have a fun show with out that. The show offers the family friendly atmosphere and the long-form improv and group work that I love so much.

>-When did you start performing with Hogwash? How has your role changed?

I was a performer in the original cast years ago. I performed at Comedy Sportz and the Lakeshore. Then I moved up to being the director, even though at times I still jump in there. I miss the performance but it has been fun to work and change the show. It is constantly growing and changing.

>-What is your most memorable moment?

Oh, man… there are some I can't mention! But in the first run we were doing a show and Nick Hausman and I were looking for a bad guys. At the old Comedy Sportz space there was a trap door and the bad guys hid in there. So we kept asking where the bad guys were, and this kid jumped on stage and said; " RIGHT HERE!" He threw open the trap door and held up his fists like he was going to punch the bad guys. He didn't want to leave the stage so we kept him there through the rest of the story and at the end I asked if I could marry him instead of Nick and he said, " NO WAY.' Then he ran off stage. It was soooo funny!

>-Who do you admire?

I admire a lot of people. I can't really think of one person whom I admire the most. I do admire in general people who do what they feel they were born to do instead of just doing what gets them by.

Bring HOGWASH To Your Birthday Party!

Can't get enough of Hogwash? Want to bring the experience closer to home. Well now you can! Hogwash does birthday parties. You can either have the party at the theater, or have it at your venue. Here are some options for the different parties.

Bring your birthday party to see the show together! We'll reserve front row seats for your special party so you'll be sure to take part in the action of the show! The whole party can take part in the interactive show, giving their suggestions, and maybe even jumping onstage with the actors. After the show, you'll get to take pictures with the cast on the Hogwash stage. The cast will even give the special birthday girl or boy an autographed poster to commemorate the day!

AVAILABILITY/TIME: Any day with a scheduled public performance of Hogwash. Saturdays: arrive by 1:45 pm, see the show from 2-3 pm, pictures with the cast after the show.

Birthday Package 2

Enjoy a day filled with Hogwash fun! Prior to the show, you'll get to host your Birthday Party in a private room at the University Heights Community Center, just across the street from the Hogwash Theatre. We'll set up everything you'll need, and have a staff member on site to assist you with decorations and food. This is the perfect place to have food, cake, and open presents before heading over to the theatre to catch the Hogwash show! You'll have reserved front-row seating, an unforgettable interactive show experience, and a great photo opportunity with the whole cast after the show! The cast will even give the special birthday girl or boy an autographed poster to commemorate the day!

AVAILABILITY/TIME: Any day with a scheduled public performance of Hogwash. Saturdays: Arrive by 1pm, enjoy food, cake, and presents until 1:40pm, walk over to the theatre for face painting and pre-show music, watch show from 2-3 pm, pictures with cast after the show.

Add a Hogwash Workshop to this party:After food and drinks, one of our trained Hogwash Teaching Artists will take your partygoers on an amazing imaginary journey. Using creative drama techniques, they'll venture into fantastic worlds where they will get to be the characters of the adventure! This will really get them revved up for the show! Please note the start time of the party will be 12:30pm with the workshop included.

BIRTHDAY PARTY SHOWS AT YOUR VENUE

Want to have a Hogwash Birthday Party when there's no public performance scheduled? No problem! We'll bring Hogwash to your venue, backyard, etc. You'll get a VIP Hogwash experience because we'll bring our costumes, music, face paint and art to your door. It's the same great Hogwash experience for your private party.

Here's what you'll receive when you book a Hogwash Traveling Show:

• A 15-minute storytelling workshop
• A 40-minute interactive show that's fun for all ages.
• An autographed Hogwash poster as a special present for the birthday boy or girl.
• You can choose the date and time!

Requirements:

• A space for the actors to perform that is at least 12' x 6'.
• An electrical outlet.
• Ample lighting for the performance space if it is an evening show.

*There will be a travel fee if traveling outside of King County. Call today to receive your custom quote.

Hogwash at Bumbershoot

Hogwash will be performing at Bumbershoot this year! For those of you who don't know, Bumbershoot Seattle's annual music and art festival. There will be tons of stuff do do there, and Hogwash is involved! Hogwash will be performing on September 2nd at 2:00pm, and September 3rd at 2:30pm at the Childrens Theater stage. Heres a link to the Bumbershoot website http://www.bumbershoot.org/

Auditions for Hogwash National Touring Company!!

Hogwash is going National! Auditions will be held July 22, 2007. Call 206. 297. 1767 to schedule a time slot! Good luck to everyone trying out!

Performer of the Week: Sarah Hoar

Sarah has been with Hogwash since the early days. She is always bright, cheery and willing to do any role in Hogwash. In a scene with Sarah, you give her something and it's always 'yes and'. She's the jack of all trades in Hogwash. She's able to be the lead or a wacky side-kick, she has taught a class for our Girl Scout show, and even was the artist making props and painting faces. She's a spirited young lass with wonderful energy. We love Sarah!

What do you enjoy most about Hogwash?
Being new to Seattle I've met some amazing people through Hogwash. I really appreciate this. I also love working with kids. To hear and see the kids enjoying, interacting, and reacting to the characters before them is an awesome experience.


When did you start performing?
When I was five, my first role was a Mexican jumping bean in Jack and the Beanstalk.


What is one of your most memorable moments performing?
I was cast as Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors my senior year of college. This is a part that normally goes to a man, so I was thrilled to receive it.

Week Nine Highlights

Nillie was the janitor of an International Spy Facility, but she dreamt of living the spy’s life. She practiced her spy moves while she worked and always kept everything spotless, but no one seemed to notice her good work, or even care. One day when Nillie arrived at work, all the spies had disappeared, vanished. Tyler, the most notable and rudest spy at the spy facility, had hid in the bathroom. Tyler filled Nillie in on what happened and told her that she had to stay there while he looked for all the lost spies. Nillie knew that this was her chance to prove herself to everyone that she was just a good a spy as anyone else. She decided to launch her own investigation. She found fingerprints on the ground near where all the spies had disappeared. She also came across a stranger lurking around her stuff. His name was Boris and he tricked Nillie into leaving the facility and looking for clues atop a snowy, cold mountain. He left her there to freeze. A strange creature lived atop that mountain and too Nillie in. Once under the cover of a roof, the strange creature revealed himself to be James Blond, the most greatest super spy in all the land! He trained her to be the best spy and they followed the clues to find the lost spies. It turned out that Tyler took all the spies so he could be the only spy and therefore the best spy. James Blond and Nillie dressed in disguises in order to trick Tyler. They succeeded in forcing him to confess and made him janitor and Nillie was appointed as the new top spy!

The Princess of San Diego was the kindest princess in all the land. She would take long walks with her half-human, half-dog friend to greet all her subjects. Unfortunately, her meaner older sister, the Princess of the Sea was a jealous and spiteful person. She decided to melt the ice caps with the help of global warming and dump all the water on top of San Diego. The princess had to learn to swim as the water rose higher and higher. She was afraid for the future of San Diego. With the help of some kind people, the princess figured she could find the drain for San Diego and pull the plug to drain all the water. This in turn made her sister dry up and really sick. She called on a Seattlite to get it to rain over San Diego. The Princess of the Sea apologized for her awful behavior and wanted to be friends with her sister. They decided that the land needs the sea and the sea needs the land, too much of one thing is not always a good thing.

Workshop Photos

Trailer

Video by RYAN LOVE

Performer of the Week: Brandon Gibbons

Brandon is the Musical Director and one of the creative minds behind Hogwash. He's a tour de force in many ways. His musical genius lulls babies to sleep and sends images of rainbows and lollipops into the minds of children everywhere. His smile and personality is infectious and he makes even the most reluctant singer feel comfortable. He's admired far and wide for his true musical virtuoso and also as a fantastic improvisor. Let's hear what he has to say.

What was your favorite moment from the show so far?
We were performing a Friday Matinee show for the University Cooperative School and Kapka School here in Seattle. There were close to 75 kids in the audience. It was such a different energy than the Saturday shows which are usually a pretty even adult to child crowd. The amount of energy these kids have a ten in the morning is incredible. At one point during the show, the 'bad guys', Scotty B and Jon, were creeping around behind Lauren's character on stage and the kids started sreaming and pointing them out to her. She tried to 'not see them' but it quickly became clear that there was no way the kids were going to let them off the hook! At the moment Lauren turned around and caught them, the deafening screams ceased, and the story continued. This was a perfect example of how the kids really get to take the reigns at Hogwash. They know what they want to see, and we'd better show it to them, or else...!!

What do you enjoy most about Hogwash?
The true power of art and expression is something that is in danger of slipping away from the world we live in. With video games and the internet and instant-everything, skills in social interaction and creative self-expression, along with patience, focus, and the ability to experience just being, have become all but forgotten elements of life as it may have once been. By integrating art, music, drama, and storytelling into one experience, Hogwash reaches out to a wide audience of children and adults. Hogwash, to me, is a chance to layout a blanket of possibilities, to show people that it's okay to have an imagination of your own, to trust yourself and your ideas. It is a space in which everyone, the performers and the audience, can create without fear of judgement. I feel privileged to be a part of something that I truly belive has the power to make a difference in the world we live in.

When did you start performing?
I began playing violin in 4th grade. During my first year in the school orchestra I performed the duo piece with another violinist. I don't even remember what it was, but it was great! Then next year we were scheduled to do it again, and two days before the concert, my partner quit. My teacher told me it was already in the program and I would have to perform the piece solo. I was terrified! The day of the concert I convinced my mom I was sick and she called me out of school. I sat at home all day playing the piece I was supposed to be playing at the concert over and over again. I can honestly say, I think that was the last time I missed a performance. I played violin for another year or so before switching to guitar to be a rock star, close to 15 years ago!

Who do you admire?
I've been very lucky to have had some amazing teachers over the course of my artistic journey. They always seem to come at just the right moments. There is also my grandma, who is the most loving and compassionate person I've ever known. She's gone through so much in her life time but no matter what happens, she never has any ill will toward anyone. She is the incarnation of love and acceptence in it's purist form. I've always admired that and hope someday to reach that state of being, in this life or the next.

What is one of your most memorable moments performing?
Performing is for me, a very spiritual and personal experience. Art, be it in the form of music, dance, acting, painting, whatever...takes skill. Skill is something we can see and touch and practice. It also takes someting else. Something unnamable and undefinable. You know it once you've felt it and then it is all you're reaching for from that moment on. I can remember the first time I had the experience, and every time since, but for me, it is all one moment that I am striving to exist within.

Chicago Opening Day Photos

The William Parrot Story

Story and Illustration by William Erignac age 4 and 3/4



Once upon a time there was a parrot named Hogwash. Hogwash loved other Parrots. They were all named Hogwash because they were from Africa. But there was one parrot named William. The other parrots called him Hogwash. Hogwash flew away. He remembered his little creature friends and he sang a song to them.

"Lullaby, lullaby I love you my friends. I come from Africa.
I rode over the sea. I come with William Parrot and the other
Hogwash parrots"

At the end of the song the little creatures calpped their hands and said "Yeah! Let's count to four. One. Two. Three. Four. There's another exploria. Let's go there.

The End.

CHICAGO SHOWCASE

Hogwash Chicago opened this Saturday at the Bailiwick Arts Center Studio Theater.

Shows will run this coming Saturday and Sunday, April 28th and 29th at 2pm. The theater is located at 1229 W Belmont Avenue, Chicago Il 60657.

For more information visit hogwashtime.com. To make reservations call 773. 883. 1090 or email info@hogwashtime.com

Stay tuned for pictures and highlights!!

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Feature Article in the Chicago Tribune

Beth Franken wrote an article that featured Hogwash for the Chicago Tribune

TAKE YOUR SEAT AND BOND. 4 new children's shows that demonstrate why live-on-stage beats the glowing screen

SPECIAL REPORT: Girl Scouts of America Scream Their Way through Hogwash!

Last week, Hogwash had some very special guests in swell Girl Scout vests! Troops came from the Girl Scout Totem Council Arts Partnership and filled the Hogwash theatre with their voices and great ideas. They dressed Jon and Jen in incredibly silly costumes and helped with ideas and even came on stage to be trees that granted wishes.

The story began with a pair of best friends painting pictures of mountain landscapes. After painting so many mountain paintings, they decided to travel to the other side of the mountain for more inspiration, even though Jen was very frightened of bears. Even seeing a stuffed teddy bear scared her, but she went on the adventure with her best friend anyway. On their journey, they encountered an angry bear. The other mountain critters suggested singing the bear a lullaby to get him to go to sleep. It worked, but the two best friends got in a fight and decided to go about different paths. Unbeknownst to them, Cruella DeVille, another aspiring artist, was following them. She was the one who got the bear to attack them. She wanted their ideas because she had artist’s block, and wanted all the inspiration for herself. She demanded that the bear capture the friends and bring them back to her. What she didn’t realize was that the forest critters would help Jon figure out what happened to Jen. They led them to Cruella DeVille’s secret cave. She was so mad; she started painting evil mustaches on all the forest critters. The two friends tricked Cruella to think that she was beautiful, which she was not, and convinced her to pose for a portrait. Instead she was attacked with stringy paint and became entangled and immobile. They made her realize that art is something everyone can create and that it’s not a contest on who is better at expressing themselves.

The Girl Scouts also helped out with providing a magical place such as Antarctica as the setting for the second story. There, Lucy worked at her Aunt’s penguin farms, cleaning up after smarmy penguins. She dreamt about going to a warmer, tropical place where she didn’t have to wear so many layers. Not that far away at the ice castle, a prince forced to wear girl’s dresses for the warmth, dreamt the same dream. He decided to hold a ball in order to find his travel companion on his trip to the sunny shores of Florida. Lucy’s evil Auntie hid Lucy’s invitation to the ball so she could get closer to the prince and take over the ice kingdom. Lucy was granted some wishes from magical trees so that she could make it to the ball. She found a disguise and was able to go unnoticed by her Auntie at the ball. The prince immediately was drawn to the strange stranger and already knew that he wanted to take her to Florida. The dance competition was a hit and even though the evil Auntie threw down some awesome moves, she could not beat Lucy’s amazing gymnastic style break-ice-dancing moves. The prince tore off his funny dress to reveal his intentions to take Lucy to Florida with him. Hizah!

Thanks Girl Scouts of America Totem Council! We hope you took what you learned from last weekend home and made up your own stories. We hope to see you on stage soon!

Performer of the Week: Lauren Domino

Lauren Domino dominates with dynamism and dignity. As a performer during the fall show and now the director, Lauren leads the group with a vast knowledge of children's theatre, improv and teaching experience. She's always looking out for the actors and always there to step in and perform when there's a need. She's hilarious, smart and an electric performer and director.

What was your favorite moment from the show so far?I think my favorite moment from the show was a music alone. When the bear came out of the cave, and the two girls fed him candy and an everlasting gobstopper, the bear's tummy was really upset. We had a guest trumpet player in the band that day, and he made a little "toot" sound just as the bear was complaining about his indigestion! It was so funny!!!! What do you enjoy most about Hogwash?I love that, as the Director, I just get to sit back, relax, and watch the show. It's such a fun show to watch, and the performers are terrific, so my job is easy! I also love that Hogwash is offering a different theatre experience to families than any other show in town. With this show, the kids get to drive the story, jump on their seats, boo at the bad guys, dance and sing in the isles . . . you wouldn't be allowed to do that at a standard theatre!

When did you start performing?Probably when I was about 4 years old! When I was a little girl, I was always rounding all the kids on the block up and making them be in plays that (of course) I wrote, directed, and starred in! But I didn't really start doing theatre until I got to high school and auditioned for a play. I fell in love with theatre at that moment, and I went onto study Drama at the UW.

Who do you admire?That's a hard one! There are so many people I admire . . . Of course,there are my parents who have always been supportive of my creative endeavors, and who have worked hard to provide wonderful opportunities to me. I also look up to Juliette Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts because she pioneered an organization that has given so many women a voice in this world, and the courage to pursue their goals.

What is one of your most memorable moments performing?In the Fall run of Hogwash, I was playing the manager of a hot dog stand at Safeco Field. When we apprehended the bad guys (who had been smashing hot dogs for no reason), I poured ketchup, mustard, and relish all over their head in front of the audience. Of course, it wasn't really ketchup, mustard, and relish, it was silly string, but it was still hilarious!

Pictures, Pictures...

A musical number



Listen kids...



Scotty B, working the crowd



They told her!



Becky, Jen & Arthur

Performer of the Week: Nick Edwards

Nick has been apart of Hogwash since the beginning of the Seattle run last year. He's a very talented artist and performer, designing the posters and all the props onstage as well as painting faces before the show. He's made all the fantastic props that have helped develop the stories and enhanced the children's experience on stage. He's had to be able to think ahead and anticipate what will happen two to three scenes ahead of the actors. He's always thinking outside the box, making props that improve the dynamic between the actors and the audience. We're all very sad that last week was his last performance. We all wish him the best and know this will not be the last time Hogwash sees Nick Edwards. Farewell and best of luck! His craft and imagination will be missed by all.
What was your favorite moment from the show this week?
I dunno about last week, but one of my favorite moments ever was when we one of the suggestions we got "tiger," and I could tell Scottie B was going to come out as the tiger character in the next scene. Well as soon as I heard the word tiger I started making paper plates into tiger stripes (orange and black poster paint and some good ol' double stick tape). As soon as I put the stripes on Scottie, I knew they were not going to stay on. But he dashed across the stage a couple times, dropping a few stripes as he did. When he finally entered the scene he had about half of them left and they were falling off left and right. But then the scene turned into a story about helping the tiger find and keep all his stripes. I always love it when the players take the art for what it is, even it's limitations, and make it into something incredible and interesting to watch on stage.
What do you enjoy most about Hogwash?
I really like the role I play in the show. I get to do lots of little things that make a big difference to the story. It's also fun trying to figure what the improvisers on stage might need next and (more importantly) how to make it. My supplies, as varied as they are, require a bit of imagination and a bit of ingenuity to make it work. I've done a bit of improvising in my day but being the artist in Hogwash is unlike any sort of improvising I've ever done before.
When did you start performing?
I'd love to say it was in my first play in high school but regrettably there are hours and hours of footage of me as a young'un singing and playing and completely and totally, unabashedly mugging for the camera. No doubt about it, I was doomed from the beginning.
Who do you admire?
Toughie. It's difficult for me to choose one of the big names we all know and recognize. I think more so than that I'm inspired by the people I know or meet. Little moments of brilliance or dedication or passion. Those keep me going when it's rough. And the idea that maybe, just maybe I could one day be one of those to someone I know or meet.
What is one of your most memorable moments performing?
This happened during the first run but I remember Ian and one of the other players were good friends who loved roller coasters and hot dogs. They were going to enter an amusement park model contest but got into a fight and decided to work on their own. When the scene turned to Ian's workshop the model I made for him was basically a flat piece of foam core with a pipe cleaner sticking through it like a pole. I think it may also have had a piece of construction paper taped to it. He just sat there staring at the "model" and it was so sad and pathetic. But it was also a brilliant moment of pathos where we all understood how much those two friends needed each other as well as how important their friendship was.