Articles written by Walter Allen

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About me - Walter Allen

I am a 34-year old costume loft manager and part-time youth theatre director/choreographer. I have taught language arts, theatre, and journalism in the high school and middle school arenas. In addition to directing and choreographing, my hobbies and interests

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Arts & Humanities > Writing Resources Is the use of "Cliff's Notes" academically honest?: 1 of 17

As a straight "A" student in high school and college, I used to look down my nose at other lower ranking students who would use Cliffs Notes to finish their assignments in writing classes or to study for their tests in literature classes. But then, two college degrees and six years later, I became a teacher of what else but ...
Entertainment > TV Show Reviews Which Joss Whedon TV series was better: Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel?: 2 of 22

When Joss Whedon's series first premiered on television, I didn't watch it. I actually watched the premiere of a short-lived comedy (Party Girl) on another station. Three years later when I actually caught an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I was instantly hooked and sad that I had missed my opportunity to be a part of ...
Arts & Humanities > Theater & Drama Are standing ovations becoming overused by theater audiences?: 4 of 32

To appropriately address this issue, one should look at two separate venues: amateur theatrical performances versus professional theatre presentations. In the first, we are dealing with elementary, secondary, and college performances as well as mid-Western and rural community theatres. In the second, the focus is on paid-to-...
Health & Fitness > General Health (Other) The importance of sleep for weight loss: 1 of 8

When you think about your weight, whether you are hoping to maintain your healthy figure or you are trying to drop a few pounds, you probably already know the basics. Eat the right number of calories everyday, maintain a balanced diet according to the food pyramid, and increase your activity by exercising whether in the gym ...
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Great family vacations during the fall: 3 of 10

Looking for a great family vacation to take in the fall? Let sunny San Diego help you escape that chilly fall air and the end-of-summer blues. With its temperate climate and clear skies, San Diego provides some of the best family attractions in Southern California. Without a doubt, one of the most family-friendly attractions...
Arts & Humanities > Theater & Drama Tips for renting theater costumes: 1 of 3

So you are producing a play or a musical and need costumes. You're interested in renting costumes, but aren't sure where to turn. Here's a few guidelines to get you started and keep you pointed in the right direction. 1) Do your research. Using Google, Ask, Yahoo, or any other favorite search engine, search for costume renta...
Arts & Humanities > Theater & Drama Why it is important to introduce children to theater: 3 of 6

The curtain goes up. The performance starts. Music. Energy. Lights. Applause. Cheers. Adulations. The curtain goes down. Ah, the life of a performer. It's quite a rush. But there's also the downside: a low-paying, highly competitive job market, the short shelf-life of a career that can be based on appearance alone, and the h...
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Great family beach vacations: 7 of 9

Are you looking for a family beach vacation that's fun and affordable? Without a doubt, then, you should check out San Diego, the fun and sun capital of Southern California. With its variety of beaches and ocean-side destinations, San Diego is the place for your family to enjoy some fun in the surf and sand. MISSION BEACH - ...
Style & Beauty > Clothing Tips & Advice Costumes: Rent or buy: 4 of 5

As the costume loft manager for a youth theatre company, I would immediately tell you to buy or make the costumes you need for a theatrical show or a production. And when it comes to needing individual costumes, my answer remains the same. Whether you are a parent, a party-goer or an office worker on his way to the company's...
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Laundry day: 38 of 43

"One quarter. Two quarters. Three quarters. Four quarters. Five-Dang it." The fifth quarter rolled out of the money slot on the washing machine. "Take the friggin' quarter." Benny shoved the fifth quarter back in a little harder this time. A couple of clanks and clinks and the quarter rolled out. Again. "Come on. I don't hav...