The Theater Guild

Emma Stone rocks 'It Girl': dresses, dancing, weight loss win 'La La Land' Oscar

2017-02-28T18:01:00.001-05:00

"La La Land" may not have taken home the Oscar for best picture as predicted but it did earn other Academy Awards. Actress Emma Stone was wreathed in glory for her performance, including gush-worthy dancing and singing. Stone's "It Girl" vintage couture inspired many red carpet designs. Stone's amazing figure and weight loss were commented upon as well. How did "The Help" star pull off such a stunning coup? Emma Stone rocks 'It Girl': dresses, dancing, weight loss win 'La La Land' Oscar

'Teen Mom 2' Leah Messer weight loss, parenting fails freak out fans: What's up?

2017-02-09T18:19:00.001-05:00

Leah Messer is freaking out a lot folks. The "Teen Mom 2" star didn't make her daughter with muscular dystrophy use the doctor-ordered wheelchair, which upset Ali's dad, Corey Simms, who fears Messer is endangering their child. Leah Messer's scary weight loss has fans asking (again) about anorexia, depression, and/or prescription drug abuse. 'Teen Mom 2' Leah Messer weight loss, parenting fails freak out fans: What's up?

Drew Barrymore debuts weight loss on zombie 'Santa Clarita Diet' at Golden Globes

2017-01-29T19:36:00.001-05:00

Drew Barrymore cut quite a figure on the 74th Golden Globe red carpet. And her noted weight loss proves that zombies can have their pound of flesh and eat it too. The actress stars in a new Netflix comedy noir "The Santa Clarita Diet" in which she plays a fabulously funny flesh-eater. On a serious note, the CoverGirl model discussed her method for losing pregnancy weight gain Drew Barrymore debuts weight loss on zombie 'Santa Clarita Diet' at Golden Globes

'Rogue One' nails it! Even lukewarm fans feel the power of the force in 'Star Wars' story

2017-01-11T16:08:00.001-05:00

"Must see "Rogue One" was the message texted from many a mobile as moviegoers left the first showing of the "Star Wars" story. The force was strong with fans and foes alike as they poured out of theaters. Despite predictions of a tepid storyline, "Star Wars: #Rogue One" was declared a win. Many diehard fans were prepared to hate this knockoff tale which debuted a whole new cast of characters and didn't touch the central story at all. They only went to get their lightsaber fix. But Jedi, padawan and even haters left glad they came. 'Rogue One' nails it! Even lukewarm fans feel the power of the force in 'Star Wars' story

'Rogue One' nails it! Even lukewarm fans feel the power of the force in 'Star Wars' story

2016-12-20T23:16:00.001-05:00

Halloween costumes fail! Hilary Duff wins (sortof) as sexy pilgrim wows but Jason Walsh Indian Halloween costume fails

2016-11-03T13:21:00.001-04:00

Hilary Duff and boyfriend Jason Walsh couldn't be more ironic if they tried. As Native Americans are abused in the North Dakota pipeline protest, Walsh dressed like a North Dakota Indian for Halloween. Duff's sexy pilgrim Halloween costume failed too, but less so, and for different reasons. Hilary also oddly wowed, showing off weight loss in her itty-bitty Puritan getup. Hilary Duff weight loss as sexy pilgrim wows as Jason Walsh Halloween costume fails

'DWTS' Cheryl Burke: Cirque du Soleil character dance may help Ryan Lochte shine in Viennese Waltz

2016-10-04T15:49:00.001-04:00

"Dancing With The Stars" Cheryl Burke praised partner #Ryan Lochte for improved scores last week. The couple's Cha-Cha beat James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess in a dance-off for immunity, but just barely. Burke says Lochte needs to get his head in the game for Cirque du Soleil Week on "DWTS." And the character dance Viennese Waltz just might give Lochte the confidence boost he needs to step up his dancing. 'DWTS' Cheryl Burke: Cirque du Soleil, Cha-Cha may let Ryan Lochte shine in Viennese Waltz

'The Case of: JonBenet Ramsey' fingers Burke Ramsey as murderer over pineapple jealousy

2016-09-20T23:18:00.001-04:00

On the heels of Burke Ramsey's exoneration in interviews with Dr. Phil, a new documentary "The Case of: JonBenet Ramsey" fingers 9-year-old brother Burke as the murderer of the child pageant star. This isn't the first time Burke Ramsey has been suspected but this docu's suggestion of motive may be the most absurd. Despite DNA, garrote, and evidence to the contrary, filmmakers conclude that Burke Ramsey killed his sister in a pineapple fight. Their basis for this hypothesis is the mysterious bowl of pineapple and glass of milk found in the Ramsey home. But are these findings a mystery and do they provide irrefutable evidence in the sensational Boulder, Colorado beauty queen's murder? 'The Case of: JonBenet Ramsey' fingers Burke Ramsey as murderer over pineapple jealousy

Netflix 'Stranger Things' Season 2 coming soon to fill that strange addiction

2016-08-01T13:26:00.001-04:00

Is Game of Thrones getting a little stale for you? How about a new addiction in TV shows? Netfllix Originals "Stranger Things" is collecting fans like kids collect Halloween candy. And yes, fans there will be a Season 2 "Stranger Things" if you glutted yourselves on Season 1 and want more! The Netfix Original sci-fi chiller first season left with questions than answers. And can we just agree that Netflix Originals are some of the best series TV ever? "Bloodline" "The Killing" "Orange is the New Black" "Making of a Murderer"--good stuff. But beware, they are addictive! Here's a little more on Netflix "Stranger Things" and its likeness to Stephen King books and movies.

Preschool science in art learning centers: Dramatic play animal habitat dioramas

2016-03-23T15:25:00.001-04:00

Just in time for Earth Month in April how about interactive preschool science lesson plans for learning centers? Here's a cross-curricular one that involves art, science and dramatic play learning centers. Dramatic play develops the preschool child's social, emotional, artistic, creative and communication skills. Dramatic play learning centers teach expression, self-awareness and confidence. Dramatic play lends itself to all content even for science learning centers. Here are homemade costumes, props and settings for preschool science within dramatic play learning centers. Children will create life-size habitat dioramas which I call bio-drama. Using recycled materials teaches real-life environmental science! Preschool science in art learning centers: Dramatic play animal habitat dioramas | Examiner.com

Free printable paper castle models, coat of arms, heraldry, medieval castles | Examiner.com

2016-02-22T22:35:00.001-05:00

Cut and paste activities make ideal educational tools. 3D models and dioramas are excellent book activities for reading response lessons. How about some free printable paper castles and 3D castle models for kids? This article includes free printable coat of arms patterns and designs for heraldry crafts to decorate moHistory teachers and homeschool parents will love these hands-on history crafts. Free printable paper castle models, coat of arms, heraldry, medieval castles | Examiner.com

Valentines Day: Romantic plot twist movies, not schmaltzy love story films

2016-02-11T18:16:00.001-05:00

Sweetest Day, the third Saturday in October, is devoted to romance. Couples buy cute gifts, go on dates, watch sappy movies about love. Isn't that sweet? Not so much, you don't think? If Sweetest Day makes you sick from sugary-romance overload, then how about a little reality therapy? Here are romantic movies with a plot twist. Watch these no-schmaltz love story films but don't look for heart-warming Nicholas Sparks here. These reality romance movies are perfect for parents whose honeymoon glitz has worn off. Sweetest Day: Romantic plot twist movies, no-schmaltz love story films | Examiner.com

Best Christmas movies, cartoons and holiday classics to watch with your family

2015-12-18T01:47:00.001-05:00

Christmas movies and classic films are a huge part of holiday festivities. Are there holiday classics you have to see every year or it won't feel like Christmas? Here is the quintessential list of best Christmas movies. Best Christmas movies, cartoons and holiday classics to watch with your family | Examiner.com

Halloween couples costumes: Homemade pull-string 'Talking Tina' doll costume | Examiner.com

2015-11-16T16:28:00.001-05:00

Looking for perfectly weird adult Halloween couples costumes? Here are ideas that won a Halloween couples costumes contest: life-size pull-string Talking Tina doll costume. Younger people may not remember the creepy "Talking Tina" doll, but oldsters will. The Talking Tina doll appeared on an episode of The Twilight Zone and frightened the life out of a nasty bully stepdad (played by Telly Savalas). Pull-string dolls with mechanical voice boxes were common toys. The pull-string hung down the back and when pulled, the string would unwind a mechanism that made sounds as it rewound. Halloween couples costumes: Homemade pull-string 'Talking Tina' doll costume | Examiner.com

Best non-scary Halloween movies for Trick-or-Treat | Examiner.com

2015-10-28T19:17:00.001-04:00

Halloween is a time to celebrate all that is spooky and terrifying--for some. Others like the costumes and trick-or-treating, but not the haunted aspect. Some parent object demonic overtones. Here are non-scary Halloween movies and cartoons, for children who don't like being frightened. Many are found on Youtube and links are provided. Best non-scary Halloween movies for Trick-or-Treat | Examiner.com

Free printable Day of the Dead skeleton crafts, Dia de los Muertos calavera crafts

2015-10-16T09:46:00.001-04:00

Dia de los Muertos is the Spanish name for the holiday Day of the Dead. Observed on November 1 and 2, it the Latino version of Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day. On Dia de los Muertos, people dress in skull masks and skeleton costumes with colorful flower garlands. Here are free printable Day of the Dead crafts for children and adults. Use these for classroom and homeschool lesson plans.Free printable Day of the Dead skeleton crafts | Examiner.com

Harry Potter fans in wizard row over Dumbledore as Death theory

2015-08-07T18:56:00.001-04:00

It's a call to wands! Harry Potter fans are in a wizard row over Dumbledore as Death theory, reported Business Insider August 6. Some see it as a plot to malign their much-beloved headmaster. But the theory has merit if you are up on your J.K. Rowling. It originates with a fairy tale told called the "Tale of Three Brothers" which comes from the book "The Tales of Beedle the Bard." The book belongs to Dumbledore who willed the original to Hermione Granger. Xenophilius Lovegood uses the tale to explain the Deathly Hallows mark. Hermione and Harry don't know it (not being full wizards). Harry Potter fans in wizard row over Dumbledore as Death theory - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

Ark. Gov Mike Huckabee defends Josh Duggar molesting sisters: '19 Kids and Counting' canceled

2015-05-23T13:53:00.001-04:00

On the Duggar sex scandal, Josh Duggar has friends in high places. Arkansas's Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee defended Duggar, saying he molested his sisters in innocence of youth, reported TMZ May 22. Duggar's parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar of TLC's reality TV show "19 Kids and Counting" have given generously to Huckabee. TLC has now pulled "19 Kids and Counting."

In 2002, Duggar, 14, was discovered fondling several girls, including some of his sisters. Dad Jim Bob Duggar turned his son in to the police. The police report said Duggar touched girls' genitalia and breasts. The case never went further as the investigating cop got busted on pornography charges. Then Duggar found his son touching girls again a few months later. He didn't report it. Huckabee defends Josh Duggar molesting sisters: '19 Kids and Counting' canceled

What to do and avoid at the New Orleans Jazz Fest: Big Easy tourist protocol

2015-04-29T19:52:00.001-04:00

So you're going to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival? Well, laissez les bon temps rouler, mes amis! Whether you're going April 24-26 or May 1-3 for your Jazz Fest partying, here are tips on what to do and avoid in the Big Easy. Use this tourist protocol to have safe, sensible fun in NOLA! What to do and avoid at the New Orleans Jazz Fest: Big Easy tourist protocol

Zombie paintball takes undead apocalypse and Halloween 2014 to LARP-level horror

2014-10-17T21:36:00.001-04:00

Never mind Ebola, folks! There's an even greater threat, warns

the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)--a Zombie Apocalypse! When the horrifying brain-eater invasion was (jestingly) forecast a few years ago, folks were advised to create zombie emergency preparedness kits.

This Halloween 2014, intrepid zombie warriors have discovered a new weapon for their arsenal against the undead: paintball guns. Zombie paintball is this Halloween's hottest (well, coldest, as in cold and dead) activity. What is zombie paintball? It's a LARP--live action role-play--survival game. People dress as zombies so others can practice their tracking skills. Paintball splats seem to stick to zombies and make them more visible. Zombie paintball takes undead apocalypse and Halloween 2014 to LARP-level horror - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Native American Indian Costume Crafts for Halloween and School Plays

2014-10-02T17:46:00.001-04:00

Many schools teach Native American history around Thanksgiving. Fall just seems to lend itself to American Indian culture studies. Here are cross-curricular lesson plans including Native American costume crafts made from recycled paper bags. Perfect for Halloween and trick-or-treat dress-ups. use them for literature study skits and school plays. Native American Indian Crafts and Costumes from Your Recycle Bin

Summer Repertory Theater and Summer Stock Good Venues for Kids

2014-07-20T17:08:00.002-04:00

Summer repertory theater, or summer stock, is the perfect way to introduce children to drama and acting, as spectator or performer. Almost every city has some form of summer theater opportunity. Most have a local actors' guild, community theater, county playhouse or college production company.

During the summer, when schedules tend to be less demanding, it's easier to do theater. Take childrenm students, homeschool group or day care to see a local production. In my teaching, homeschooling and momming (that's a word) years we've enjoyed Rudyard Kipling's 'Just-So Stories', Fa Mulan, Narnia, George Washington Follies, Peter Pan, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Les Miserables and more.

Live theater inspires and enthralls students and children like no movie or television show can. Our now-16, then-2-year-old daughter remembers clear as day when she got fairy dust from the Lost Boys of the "Peter Pan" production we took our children to see. Once bitten by the theater bug, you're a slave to Thalia and Melpomene.

Or maybe audition for student summer repertory productions. So many life lessons are learned onstage and backstage that could never translate in a classroom setting. Obvious skills--reading, speaking, delivery, projection--and nebulous skills-- working cooperatively, giving your all, overcoming stage fright, supporting each other--all get a workout in theater.

If money is an issue, many local venues offer scholarships. If you have a special needs child, perhaps with autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADD, ADHD or emotional issues, I doubly encourage you to try theater. It's therapeutic and in my experience special needs kids make superb actors.

Bidding Farewell to First Lady Maya Angelou

2014-06-01T15:51:00.001-04:00

The incomparable Maya Angelou passed away this week and we mourn a great lady. I'm disappointed and annoyed that so little mention was made of it. Stop me if you've heard this tirade, but when some druggie has-been dies, we hear about it for weeks. Yes, I know Maya did a stint as a prostitute/brothel owner. Well, women, especially black women, did what they had to in order to survive. And survive she did. Maya was a wunderkind. Actor, dancer, activist, writer, singer, diplomat--she truly was a modern Renaissance woman. Bidding Farewell to First Lady Maya Angelou

Homemade Pirate Costumes from Free Printables, Recycle Bin

2014-05-12T17:28:00.001-04:00

Summer approaches--time for homemade fun! My kids spent their holidays dreaming up adventure, creating suitable costumes, scenery and sets and writing them into impromptu theater productions in the back yard. Their raw materials came from dress up boxes and the recycle bin. Here's a guide for pirate themed adventure, from costume to pirate ship to buried treasure! I've including loads of links for free printable pirate crafts, costumes, treasure maps, Jolly Roger flags, model ships and more! Use for skits, plays--Captain Hook, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, Treasure Island. Or make up your own pretend adventures! Pirate Themed Boy Birthday Party Activities, Homemade and Cheap

Cinco De Mayo Movies from Mexico History

2014-05-05T13:20:00.001-04:00

Cinco de Mayo isn't the Mexican Independence Day. That's September 16. But it does celebrate an unprecedented military victory. A small Mexican army routed the superior French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Here are movies to celebrate Mexican culture. Best Movies for Cinco De Mayo