Hooper Bay, Ho!

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April 9, 2015

The Bethel & Beyond tour is underway!  The Winter Bear Project team performed our first show last night in Hooper Bay, one of the largest villages in Western Alaska with a population of about 1,000.

Grant Aviation has been an incredible partner in getting us from point A to B safely and efficiently.

Ben Coffroth (Wolf) ought to be Grant Aviation's new spokesperson!

Ben Coffroth (Wolf) ought to be Grant Aviation’s new spokesperson.

Upon arrival on the tarmac, cast and crew were transported to Hooper Bay School via snowmachine. Quite an intro to the wide open expanses of this coastal town.

White as far as the eye can see. Hooper Bay, 2015.

White as far as the eye can see. Hooper Bay, 2015. Photo by Anne Hanley.

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The parking lot at Hooper Bay School.

In Hooper Bay, the kids seem to outnumber the adults. We immediately enjoyed rockstar treatment from students.

Technical Director James Bartlett's dreadlocks were the talk of the town.

Technical Director James Bartlett’s dreadlocks were the talk of the town.

We performed for a very enthusiastic audience of about 300 — perhaps The Winter Bear’s largest audience ever.

Hooper Bay students joined us in wishing the real Sidney Huntington a happy birthday.

Hooper Bay students joined us in wishing the real Sidney Huntington a happy birthday.

After a great kick-off to our tour, we packed up for nearby Chevak.

gymThank you, Hooper Bay Warriors!

-Sarah Mitchell (Assistant Producer/Raven)

 

The Winter Bear Previews at Fairbanks Youth Facility

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The Winter Bear cast and crew is about to hit the road for our 2015 Bethel & Beyond tour! On Thursday, April 2, the company performed a Final Dress Rehearsal at Fairbanks Youth Facility.

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THE WINTER BEAR team sets up for the first time. Everyone has their role to play both on and offstage.

The FYF staff was incredibly welcoming, and our young audience was very engaged in the story.  After the show, one student asked, “What do the animals represent?”  We discussed how each spirit animal (Raven, Wolf, Wolverine, and Lynx) can function in a number of ways throughout the play, from a character’s conscience to dark, suppressed memories to supportive friends.

Our actors got a test run of animal make-up as well.

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Kevin Lee returns as Wolverine

Lynx (Kadey Ambrose) and Raven (Sarah Mitchell)

Lynx (Kadey Ambrose) and Raven (Sarah Mitchell)

 

Cast member Naatuuq Dommek (Miranda) took time during rehearsals to teach the cast a Yupik dance inspired by the concept of “Pulling From Within.” The cast performs this dance as a curtain call at the end of the show.

IMG_0074 IMG_0076 IMG_0082We couldn’t be more excited to visit Bethel and surrounding communities. Check out our Tour Schedule below, and please help us spread the word!

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-Posted by Sarah Mitchell (Raven, Assistant Producer)