Spring Musical Information Shrek Jr.

Transcription

1 Spring Musical Information Shrek Jr. November 20, 2017 To all students, parents and guardians interested in Lincoln School s musical: Welcome (or welcome back) to the wonderful world of theatre at Lincoln School! Our program emphasizes participation: everyone who auditions is cast in the show, and every actor and crew member is important to the production. We love to have lots of students involved! Our musical is a community effort involving students, parents, faculty and staff - more than 100 people will work on the show in some capacity. It s a big production! There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle, and therefore there is a lot of communication required. This letter contains a large quantity of information. It is important information (so please do read it all!), but we know it can also be overwhelming. Please know that we are very happy to talk in person, on the phone, or by at any point if you have questions, desire clarification, or if you just want to touch base regarding the show for whatever reason. Our core production team is Kristin Hall, Director, Blake Siskavich, Musical Director, and Maurisa Davis, Dance Director and Stage Crew Manager. Before all the nitty-gritty information, let us introduce ourselves Ms. Hall khall@lincnet.org x1128 I have been a drama teacher for over twenty years, twelve of them in Lincoln. My love of theatre began in childhood, and I participated in school plays all throughout middle and high school, though I was not cast in a lead role until graduate school. My undergraduate and graduate work in theatre included all aspects of theatre design, production, directing, acting and stage managing and I enjoy using all of those skills in each school production. When not at rehearsals in the winter, I can be found cross-country skiing, running, cooking, or driving my two teenagers to their various activities. Mr. Siskavich bsiskavich@lincnet.org x3113 I have been an educator for 17 years, seven in Kindergarten and ten as a Music Teacher. My love for musical theater started when I was cast in Annie in my 7th grade year. I have been active in the musical theater and opera scene in high school, college and postcollege, performing in over 20 shows and operas in community, regional and professional theater in NY and New England. I am a 13 year member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus singing in Symphony Hall, Tanglewood and Carnegie Hall. Ms. Davis mdavis@lincnet.org x3104 I have been a classroom teacher for 11 years: three in 4th grade and eight in 5th. Students of mine know that I have a natural flair for the dramatic and have since I was small child. I got into more formal theater work when I was in 6 th grade playing King George in a President s Day pageant. Throughout middle and high school, I participated as both an actor and a crewmember. This is my fourth year working on the Lincoln School musical. When not teaching or coming up with fun dance routines, I can be found with my head in a book, sipping coffee in a café. About this year s musical: Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It's a "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. The show features more than thirty speaking roles, and fifteen songs, sung by seven ensembles. Everyone will do a lot of singing! And dancing! The division of ensembles will allow us to schedule rehearsals by group. Auditions are open to students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. READ ON for all the important dates and information.

2 About school productions: Participation in a school production is fun, educational, and rewarding. It can create memories that last a lifetime. It is also a significant time commitment and a lot of hard work. Before auditioning, it is important that both students and parents understand the commitment they are making. While there is not a participation fee for the play, families will be asked to provide items for their child s costume (we will create some pieces, but each actor will need specific base layer items ). Families will also be asked to provide snacks to sell at our snack sale on performance days. Of course, we also trust that families will buy tickets to see the show! Our production budget is entirely funded by our snack sale and ticket proceeds. Rehearsals: Rehearsals are held in the auditorium Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Mondays after school from 3:00-4:30, and Wednesdays from 1:00-3:30. Not all students will be needed at every rehearsal, but it is essential that actors attend all the rehearsals for which they are called, for the full duration of the rehearsal. A detailed schedule will be distributed to students and via to parents in December. It will also be posted on the school drama board (in the auditorium lobby), on Ms. Hall s office door (B128), and online on Ms. Hall s teacher web page. In the final three weeks some rehearsals run longer, and attendance at rehearsals is mandatory for all actors (see dates below). Please ensure that you reschedule any conflicting appointments, tutoring, music lessons, etc. during the mandatory rehearsal period. Attendance Policy: Theater is a communal process and a team effort: one student s absence affects all their fellow actors. You are not just making a commitment for yourself; you are making a commitment to the whole production team! More than two unexcused absences from regular rehearsals may result in an actor s role being reassigned. Any unexcused absences from any mandatory rehearsals will result in dismissal from the production. In the case of illness or emergency, please notify Ms. Hall as soon as possible via phone or . The more advance notice we have, the more likely it is that we can adjust the schedule to reduce the impact on the rest of the cast. It is sometimes possible to accommodate other student commitments (for example: music lessons, tutoring, lack of transportation, or sports) during the non-mandatory rehearsal period, but advance notice must be given. In order for us to schedule effectively, please fill out the attached Availability Calendar very carefully! Mark every day with either Yes if your child can attend on that day, or No if they cannot attend that day. Absences on days marked with a Yes will be considered to be unexcused. Students from Boston will be dismissed in time for the late bus most days, but will need transportation for mandatory rehearsals on Wednesday 2/28, Monday 3/5, Wednesday 3/7 and Tuesday 3/13 (late finish); and for performances on Wednesday 3/14, Thursday 3/15and Friday 3/16. In past years, families have worked together successfully to coordinate a carpool schedule. If you need help figuring out rides or contacting others, please contact Ms. Hall or the METCO office as soon as you know that your child is participating. READ ON for mandatory rehearsal dates and audition information.

3 Mandatory Rehearsals: Please ensure that your child can attend all of the following dates before auditioning for the play. Students should not audition if they cannot attend on these dates. Please contact Ms. Hall prior to auditions if you have any questions about this policy. Tuesday, 2/27 3:00-4:30 Wednesday, 2/28 1:00-4:30 Thursday, 2/29 3:00-4:30 Monday, 3/5 3:00-5:00 Tuesday, 3/6 3:00-4:30 Wednesday, 3/7 1:00-5:00 Thursday, 3/8 3:00-4:30 Monday, 3/12 8:00-2:50 (In school rehearsal, will miss all classes.) Tuesday, 3/13 3:00-7:00 Wednesday, 3/14 1:00-5:00 (Performance at 3:00 pm) Thursday, 3/15 5:30-9:00 (Performance at 7:00 pm) Friday, 3/16 5:30-9:00 (Performance at 7:00, with optional Company Party 8:45-10:15) While all rehearsals are important, in the final weeks of the production attendance at all rehearsals is required (excepting illness and emergencies). It is also essential to attend for the full duration of each rehearsal. Parties, family vacations, lack of transportation and sporting events (including tournaments/playoffs) do not count as emergencies, so please plan ahead! Other commitments, including music lessons, dentist/doctor appointments, sports, and extra help from teachers, must be rescheduled so as not to conflict with mandatory rehearsals. December Rehearsals Rehearsals will be held on: 12/5, 12/6, 12/7, 12/12, 12/13, 12/14, 12/18, 12/19, 12/20, and 12/21. Not all actors will be needed each day, but many will be whole cast or large group rehearsals to learn the music and choreography. A full rehearsal schedule should be out in mid-december. Volunteering: Last year we had many wonderful volunteers, and this year we would love to have another true community production! School productions cannot happen without the volunteer support of dedicated parents. There are many ways to get involved. Some jobs can be done from home, others involve working at school. Some jobs are in advance, others are during show week. Some jobs are big, some are small. A volunteer form is printed on the back of the permission form; I would be grateful if you would take the time to complete it. Parent involvement helps the production, it shows the students that you support their efforts, and it builds a strong sense of community. It is a great way to meet other parents, and to see the students in a new setting. And, as for the performers, although it is work it also can be fun. All parents who will be working with students must have a current CORI background check on file with the Lincoln Public Schools. Many of you will have already completed this process if you volunteer elsewhere in the school. Beth McGuire in the Smith Office can help you complete the paperwork: it is very quick, and only needs to be done every three years. READ ON for information about auditions, librettos and music.

4 Audition Schedule and Information: Students sign up for an audition day (Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday). Sign-up sheets are posted on the drama board, next to Mr. Trant s room. Auditions will involve singing, dancing, and reading from the script. Advance copies of audition scenes are available on the drama board, for those who wish to familiarize themselves with the scenes in advance. Permission, medical and availability forms must be returned prior to auditions. For those interested in more challenging dance (including tap!) roles, there will be an additional audition time from 3:00-3:30 on Thursday, 11/30. This is optional, and in addition to a regular audition slot. There is no sign-up required for the extra dance time. Monday-Wednesday 11/27-11/29 Auditions (sign up for a time slot) permission forms required! Thursday 11/30 Optional Dance 3-3:30. Callbacks 3:30-4:30 for a small number of students - list will be posted. Tuesday 12/5 Cast list posted on the drama board Tuesday, 12/5 Rehearsals begin! Full Cast from 3:00-4:30 Audition feedback is available to actors on request at lunchtimes from 12/8 to 12/15. How do we cast? It is like putting together a very complex puzzle, matching actors and roles and ensuring that there are no holes! We look at a lot of things: strength of singing voice, tone, pitch, breath control, accuracy with dance steps, rhythm, timing, confidence, attention to detail, expression and emotion, truth and believability, sense of character, movement, stage sense (Do they fidget? Do they turn their back?), volume, interaction with others, response to direction, and willingness to take risks. We also look for good effort, attendance, focus, listening, and a positive attitude. We do NOT consider physical appearance. We only consider gender when it is essential to the role (and we try to select shows with many gender-flexible roles). We don t consider actual age, but we do sometimes consider Stage Age - how old an actor seems to be when they are on stage - especially when thinking about who can convincingly play older or younger characters. Overall, we try to place each student in a role in which they will be successful, and to find a part for every actor and an actor for every part. In the end, each role is what you make of it, and ALL parts are important, interesting, and challenging! Librettos and Music Every actor will be given a libretto (script), which is theirs to keep. They should bring it, and a pencil, to every rehearsal. In order to practice music at home, students should join the Google Classroom for Shrek, using the code d8lo8q The rehearsal tracks will be posted there, as homework! We look forward to working with you and your children over the next few months. Again, please call or if you have any questions or concerns, now or further down the road. On with the show! Kristin Hall Blake Siskavich Maurisa Davis

5 Parental Permission to Participate Musical 2017/2018 I,, agree to my child, s participation in the Lincoln School s winter production. I have completed the availability calendar on the reverse of this form, and I confirm that it is correct. I understand that more than two unexcused absences may result in a role being re-assigned. I confirm that my child can attend all the mandatory rehearsals and all the performances. I understand that missing a mandatory rehearsal means dismissal from the production (excepting illness/emergencies). I have read the whole information letter, and I understand the commitment we are making. Parent Signature ** (s) Phone(s) ** will be the primary method of communication used by the directors. Student Contract Musical I understand that I need to be at all scheduled rehearsals for my role. I helped the adult who completed the availability calendar to make sure that it is correct. If I have more than two unexcused absences, I understand that my role may be reassigned. I understand that missing a mandatory rehearsal means dismissal from the production (excepting illness/emergencies). I agree to spend time outside of rehearsals learning and practicing my lines, music and choreography. I will remember to bring a packed lunch for Wednesday rehearsals. (No deliveries!) I promise to be reliable, responsible, and committed! Student signature

6 Shrek Rehearsal Availability STUDENT NAME: MARK EITHER YES (can attend rehearsal) OR NO (cannot attend rehearsal) FOR EVERY DATE! MARK YES, UNTIL IF EARLY DISMISSAL IS NEEDED. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 12/4 No rehearsal 12/5 3:00-4:30 12/6 1:00-3:30 12/7 3:00-4:30 12/11 No rehearsal 12/12 3:00-4:30 12/13 1:00-3:30 12/14 3:00-4:30 12/18 3:00-4:30 12/19 3:00-4:30 12/20 1:00-3:30 12/21 3:00-4:30 1/1 No School 1/2 3:00-4:30 1/3 1:00-3:30 1/4 3:00-4:30 1/8 No Rehearsal 1/9 3:00 4:30 1/10 1:00-3:30 1/11 3:00-4:30 1/15 No School 1/16 No School 1/17 1:00-3:30 1/18 3:00-4:30 1/22 3:00-4:30 1/23 3:00-4:30 1/24 1:00-3:30 1/25 3:00-4:30 1/29 3:00-4:30 1/30 3:00-4:30 1/31 1:00-3:30 2/1 3:00-4:30 2/5 3:00-4:30 2/6 3:00-4:30 2/7 1:00-3:30 2/8 3:00-4:30 2/12 No rehearsa1 2/13 3:00-4:30 2/14 1:00-3:30 2/15 3:00-4:30 No rehearsals during February vacation. 2/26 Crew only 2/27 MANDATORY 3:00-4:30 2/28 MANDATORY 1:00-4:30 3/1 MANDATORY 3:00-4:30 3/5 MANDATORY 3:00-5:00 3/6 MANDATORY 3:00-4:30 3/7 MANDATORY 1:00-5:00 3/8 MANDATORY 3:00-4:30 3/12 MANDATORY 8:00 a.m.-2:50 p.m. 3/13 MANDATORY 3:00-7:00 p.m. 3/14 1:00-5:00 PERFORMANCE 3/15 5:30-9:00 p.m. PERFORMANCE 3/16 5:30-9:00 p.m. PERFORMANCE The following are examples of things that do NOT count as emergencies: parties, family trips, lack of transportation and sporting events (including tournaments/playoffs) - so mark them now, and plan ahead! I understand that any absences on dates marked above with YES will be considered to be unexcused (except for absence from school due to illness). Parent Signature Student Signature

7 Muscial Volunteer Opportunities Please circle any roles/tasks that interest you. If you circle multiple jobs, you will not be asked to do everything you circle! Parent Name: c c I have a current CORI on file in the Smith Office (last 3 years). I still need to go to the Smith Office to initiate the CORI check. In advance: Parent Volunteer Coordinator - in charge of organizing schedules for parent supervisors etc. Costume Coordinators (2) exploring rental/borrowing options, selecting from storage, checking, possibly purchasing Costume Sewing/Constructing (4-8) we won t be able to rent it all! Properties Gathering/Making (2-3) this is definitely a job to be shared Set Construction (1-2 or more) some assembling/adjusting (mostly already built)) carpentry experience preferred Scenic Design work with the director to create a set/paint design (December/January) OR explore backdrop rental options; also painting of some signs/larger props Painting (3-5) To bring the scenic design to life. Portrait Photographer to take photos, add names, and print photos for the lobby display Publicity press releases, letters of invitation to other schools/organizations, hanging posters Snack Sale Coordinator (1) organize and run the intermission bake sale (with helpers!) Company Party Organizing (2-3) During the production week (March 12-16): Candid photographer(s) with camera that will work with theatre lighting and no flash Backstage supervision (Tuesday-Friday inclusive) (at least 3 each day) Costume supervision (Monday-Friday) (1-2 each day) Makeup (Tuesday-Friday) (5-6 each day) Lobby Display (Tuesday) - Hang Head Shots and possibly some candids Party set up, supervision and clean up (5-8) Friday Strike (Friday after the performance) - help take apart the set and clear the stage, put away props and costumes (while your children are at the party) Thank you!

8