BHP Social Media
The Birdhouse Players
  • The Roost
  • The Flutter
    • Philoso-fly
    • Hatchers
    • A Little Birdie Told Me
  • The Flock
    • BHP Mainstage >
      • Taking Flight
      • Flown
    • Program Offerings
    • Feathered Friends
  • Birdwatcher
    • Tickets
    • Merch Perch
    • Birdwatcher Blog
  • Aerie Rep
  • Contact

Our Philoso-fly

I'm youth, I'm joy…I'm a little bird that has broken out of the egg. ― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Children are creatures of wit and wonder, free to express their vast emotions.  The Birdhouse Players encourage young talent to celebrate their individuality, find their natural voice, and trust the choices of their own imaginations.  Our members shed their vulnerable shells and experience the breakthroughs and joy that foster solid technique.

A bird does not sing because it has an answer.  It sings because it has a song. ― Chinese Proverb
There are few things as magically thrilling as performing before an adoring audience; the experience can be transformative.  But most children who are drawn to the arts perform with the same fervor in their living rooms. Auditions don’t always lead to audiences and audiences always turn their backs as they head for the door.  Whether applause may follow, artists are compelled to create art and we are compelled to create artists.

The woods would be quiet if no bird sang but the one that sang best. ― Henry van Dyke   
We value dedication, discipline, and talent.  Talent is an unearned gift disproportionately bestowed.  This can be a painful realization for those comparing themselves to others and cause insecurity that will limit potential.  We promote the secure and honest self-assessment of skills that leads to better training.  We provide a safe environment to take the creative risks that advance individual abilities. We applaud the discipline that makes the most of an unearned gift, and respect the dedication of all of our members, despite their potential for stardom.

If you're alive, you've got to flap your arms and legs...you got to make a lot of noise, because life is the very opposite of death. And therefore...you've got to be noisy, or at least your thoughts should be noisy, colorful and lively. 
 ― Mel Brooks
Every rehearsal or workshop of the Birdhouse Players ends with a 'flap':  that familiar hands-in circle with a countdown to an celebratory flying of one's wing.  There tends to be lively discussion of what word or phrase best captures the day's events and will, therefore, be shouted after the final count.  Players are chosen to lead the countdown for focus, achievement, or individual improvement during the session.  These leaders are selected based on anything that catches our attention - from  a quality reaction from an ensemble member to a major character generally rocking the rehearsal. It is an opportunity for every Player to be recognized and reinforces our belief that the small things are what make the biggest difference.  Prior to calling "places" before performances, we circle-up and repeat this tradition because it embodies the core concept of our company: that whether we are training, rehearsing, or entertaining, the Birdhouse Players are all in it together.
Copyright 2014.  All rights reserved.  Contact us: info@birdhouseplayers.com
Photography credits: Jake Chessum (www.jakechessum.com); Lauren Seigelstein (www.laurenfaithphotography.com).  All rights reserved.