Re-Hire Chanel Branham-Wood as the Director of the Children's Theatre

Please sign this petition and add a personal comment to make a difference!   Chanel has been the Director of The Homestead Playhouse DC Ranch for five years.  She has produced over 10 high-quality productions for DC Ranch including a variety of musicals.  She inspires children of all skill levels and ages while producing plays with casts of up to 48 children with excellence.  She has inspired a performing arts cultural explosion in North Scottsdale and has directed plays  that the children and parents of the DC Ranch community talk about throughout the year.  She is a staple in the community and a "reason" why several of the residents moved to DC Ranch.   She is the Director that the children can go to if they need inspiration or a hug because in addition to her excellence as a director, she has a heart for community and has created a family environment for the children.    She is always there to support our children with the goal of helping them expand and improve their performing arts background.  We want Chanel back!    Richard & Lori Brown, DC Ranch Residents and Homestead Playhouse Parents
 

Article on AZ Central.com

4/26/2010

"Branham said most of the kids participating in shows are students at Copper Ridge School in DC Ranch, about a mile and a half from the theater.

Mike Wolf, Copper Ridge assistant principal, said the school's art program includes elective classes in art, music and world language, but no theater.

"It's great that they have been able to use our students in their productions," Wolf said. "Students can learn from theater. For kids interested in drama, it builds confidence and self-esteem to perform in front of their friends and family. It's a win-win situation for the Playhouse and Copper Ridge."

Branham said the relationship between the theater and the school started during the production of "Randy the Red-Horned Rainmoose" in fall 2008.

"Some of the kids were mentioning that they wish kids from Copper Ridge could see the show," Branham said. "I thought it was a great idea, and I was able to get in contact with the school. Our first performance of 'Randy the Red-Horned Rainmoose' was performed there."

After the play closed, auditions for "Charlotte's Web" were held. Branham said about 80 percent of the kids in a show come back to try out for the next show, and usually bring friends.

"Needless to say, our cast size grew, and so did the show. From then on, we've looked for sponsors to help us pay for school buses to bring the kids to our theater," Branham said. "Now, the shows are way too big to be held offsite, and we get around 300 to 450 kids to the Playhouse to watch the show."

Piri Lanes, a junior at Foothills Academy College Preparatory in north Scottsdale, has participated in the productions since "The Wizard of Oz," as an actor and in other capacities. She said the shows give her an opportunity because theater isn't offered at her school.

Lanes said the Homestead Playhouse has become successful because of Branham and the sense of family it brings to the community.

"Theater can be very competitive, and Homestead stays away from that. I like that it's family-oriented," Lanes said. "My mom died in August and Chanel and all the theater kids were there for me. The family aspect is really important."

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/2010/04/26/20100426sr-musical0424.html#ixzz1g494rO9a

9/8/2010"My child was in a play last year at the Homestead and had an amazing time!  Chanel, the director, goes above and beyond for all of the kiddos.  She even makes room for the ones who don't make it to be a part of the production working back stage (if they mark their application) - to her these kids are just as important as the ones out front.  What an amazing lesson for all of the kids. (My kiddo will be there in November to help backstage.)She has amazing people come in to work with the kids on the singing and dancing and the sets were to die for!   
The Homestead by far is the most organized theater we have been a part of.  We don't live in DC Ranch and we did not make the cut this time.  My child has auditioned at another theater this fall and will be part of another production but I know in my heart it will not be the same without Chanel. This is definetly the best experience my child has ever had. Thanks Homestead."
Melana B. Scottsdale AZ