Grace Community Chapel Community Children s Musical Handbook Summer, 2017 1
Contents Introduction and Overview.. 3 Overall Schedule.. 4 Registration and Orientation.. 5 Preparation for Weekly Practice... 5 Rehearsal Format 6 Special Rehearsals and Presentations 7 Auditions for Special Parts. 8 Special Parts. 9 Costumes/Props.. 10 Photography/Video.. 10 Mission/Service Project.. 10 Expectations. 11 Star Quest Crew.. 12 2
Introduction/Overview The mission of the Community Children s Musical is to give children an opportunity to use their gifts and talents in a musical production that presents the truth from God s word to our community and, in the process, learn more about and grow closer to God. The Community Children s Musical is presented each summer at Grace Community Chapel (GCC). We offer this opportunity for any child 1 st grade through 6 th grades in the upcoming school year as well as alumni of previous musicals or children s choirs at GCC. Over 40 children were involved last year supported by 15 full time volunteers plus part-time volunteers and parents. Through weekly practices, the children learn to work as a team, sing a musical score, act, move together, use props and present a story in a dramatic way. Musically, they will enhance their skills in rhythm, pitch, vocal control and harmony. The musical has all the properties of a musical production, but features God s truth presented by children. It gives children a chance to be ministers and bless others, to proclaim the good news and to use the gifts and talents that the Lord has given them. All are welcome the only auditions are for special parts and solos. The 2017 musical is Star Quest. The crew of the starship Star Quest J-316 is on a mission to boldly show God s love throughout the Omega Galaxy. Paper has been outdated, and believers rely on the Cyber Bible through an online database and have eliminated the practice of scripture memorization. But there is a radical plot underway by a misguided, power-hungry ruler who is steadily erasing all the scriptures from the database! Thankfully, the crew lands on Harmonia where the inhabitants still memorize scripture. With the Word of God hidden in their hearts, they offer to help restore the lost scriptures. Time is of the essence, and nothing in this world or beyond could be more important than making sure God s Word remains available to people throughout the galaxy! As we fly through the galaxy, we pray your children will learn the Word of God and the importance of memorizing it to keep God s truths with them at all time! On behalf of Grace Community Chapel and our team of volunteers, Cheryl Fritz Director, Children s Community Musical 3
Overall schedule Date Time Description Location Notes/Deadlines Thursday, 5/18 6:30-8p Registration & Orientation Adult Central Saturday, 5/20 9a 12p Kick-off Rehearsal Adult Central Audition Sign up Thursday, 5/25 Thursday, 6/1 Thursday, 6/8 6:30-8p 8-9p 6:30-8p 8-9p 6:30-8p 8-9p Monday, 6/11 5:30-8:30p By Tuesday, 6/13 Cast Rehearsal Adult Central Audition Sign up Cast Rehearsal Adult Central Last day to register, Audition Sign up Cast Rehearsal Adult Central Memorized "Star Quest", "Love the Makeup Auditions Lord Your God" Auditions Solos and Speaking Parts Assigned (contact by Wed 6/14) Worship Arts Room Offsite Schedule during rehearsal; see directions next page Select leadership All auditioned will be called or emailed Thursday, 6/15 6:30-8p Cast Rehearsal Adult Central Memorized "Living Sacrifices", "Praise 8-9p Drama/Solo Rehearsal - All the Lord, Your Soul" Thursday, 6/22 6:30-8p Cast Rehearsal Adult Central Memorized "Who Shall Separate Us", 8-9p Drama/Solo Rehearsal - Select "Forgive" Saturday, 6/24 9a-12p Drama/Solo Rehearsal Adult Central Memorized Scenes 1 through 4 Thursday, 6/29 6:30-8p Cast Rehearsal Adult Central Memorized "How Can it Be", "Your 8-9p Drama/Solo Rehearsal - Select Adult Central Word" Thursday, 7/6 6:30-9p Full Cast/Drama Rehearsal Pre-Blocking Adult Central Memorized "Galactic Bows" Memorized Scenes 5 through 8 Thursday, 7/13 6:30-9p Blocking Rehearsal Worship Center All Memorized TBD TBD Service Project Event Parents will plan stay tuned! Saturday, 7/15 9a-12p Cast/Drama Full Run Through Rehearsal Worship Center Sun 7/16-Wed TBD Finalize and install set Worship Center 7/19 Thursday, 7/20 6:30-9p Technical Rehearsal Worship Center Costumes/Props Sunday, 7/23 Call 8:55a 9:25,9:50, 11:10a Presentation in Worship Services Hope Hall Worship Center Wear assigned costume Thurs, 7/27 6:30-9p Dress Rehearsal Worship Center Wear assigned costume Friday, 7/28 9:30a Kids Kingdom Presentation (tentative) Offsite Friday, 7/28 6p 7-8p Saturday, 7/29 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p Cast/Drama Call Community Presentation Cast Party Cast/Drama Call Community Presentation Hope Hall Worship Center Lower Youth Hope Hall Worship Center Wear assigned costume Wear assigned costume 4
Registration and Orientation Registration and Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, May 18 from 6:30-8p. During this time, we will review the components of this handbook with the adults while the children have an opportunity to meet each other and get a general overview of this year s musical and how each of them are important to its success. We will allow registrations through Thursday, June 1. It is not unusual for a child to join the musical and then want to include their friends as well which we welcome! There is a short learning curve to catch up to everyone else, but it s very achievable. Grace Community Chapel budgets for the majority of costs associated with the musical, however, we ask for $15 per child which defrays the cost of the musical. We do not intend for this cost, however, to be a barrier to anyone being a part of the musical, so if you have concerns regarding this, please talk with Cheryl Fritz, Director. During registration we will ask for volunteers for help with costume/prop development, video and other needs of the musical. More details will be provided so you will have another chance to commit. The registration form also is the place to signal if there are any special dietary considerations for your child. At any time, however, please make us aware of your child s needs. Preparation for Weekly Practice Each family will be given a musical book and CD. These should be returned at the end of the musical, so please take care of them. Your child can take notes in pencil. We will have extra books for siblings to use during rehearsals. If your child is given a larger role, s/he will be given their own book to use. Initially, spend time listening to CD and following along in the book (for younger children, they will need some assistance in doing this). This CD includes the speaking parts, but this will be helpful for the child to understand how the music fits with the message. It also helps for the children to recognize when a part they hear is a soloist versus a choir part. Children should spend time each week working on their part, taking special note when songs need to be memorized, but also listening to all the songs as we will go over up to 6 songs each week. Each child varies in their ability to learn and memorize, so be sure to give a two-week lead to memorizing songs. If a child is chosen for a speaking part, note which scene it falls in to know when it is expected for them to have it memorized. 5
Rehearsal Format Leaders will be ready to receive children 15 minutes ahead of the rehearsal. Children should arrive at least five minutes early so that rehearsal can start on time. Children will check in each week using Kidcheck (more details to follow). If you know your child will not be in attendance, send an email to communitychildrensmusical@gmail.com. The attendance table is also where there will be information about next week s reminders, sign-up sheets and where adults can communicate information about their child. Safety is very important to us. o We will use name tags with all children and leaders. o We generally have two leaders assigned to each group of children for each rehearsal. Any movement to another classroom or area, including the restroom, is supervised by a leader. As a standard, we will check the number of children before we leave an area and after we arrive. We oversee the children to ensure they are being respectful to each other. o We will have a process for checking in and picking up children. o If a child is hurt during a rehearsal, we will administer first aid care and contact the parent and/or emergency contact immediately. Rehearsal will begin promptly at 6:30p and conclude promptly according to the schedule with few exceptions. Each cast rehearsal builds on each other. We start focusing on the music, but will quickly incorporate choreography/movement. We will review the songs that are scheduled for memorization in the weeks due, work on next week s songs that need to be memorized and refresh on songs that we have already completed Q: How many times can a child miss rehearsal? A: There is no specific rule on this. There is, however, the expectation that the child is still meeting deadlines for memorization and there are requirements on those chosen for the main drama and solos. Also, bear in mind that all the children will be missed if they are not present and it affects the other children who are at the rehearsal when someone is missing. Finally, to give the child the best chance at feeling comfortable and successful, missing rehearsal needs to be minimal. Beyond the large group cast rehearsal, we include small group breakouts where, leaders will help the children explore the meaning of the songs and how it applies spiritually and practically in our lives as well as the lives of those in the musical. 6
Special Rehearsals and Presentations The first rehearsal is the Kick-off rehearsal scheduled Saturday, May 20 from 9a- Noon in Adult Central. During this rehearsal we have a combination of large group and small group breakouts and will incorporate a snack break. There will be a special Drama/Solo/Ensemble rehearsal Saturday, June 24, 9a- Noon to give a good foundation to these special parts. A more specific schedule will be developed as some parts may not need to stay the entire rehearsal. The Blocking rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday, July 13 from 6:30-9p in the Worship Center. This is a rehearsal where we do a run through of the musical arranging the children on stage, helping them to know their entrances and exits. All music and drama is memorized by this rehearsal and books are no longer used. We will have a full cast run through rehearsal on Saturday, July 15 from 9a Noon in the Worship Center. The presentation during the Worship Services at Grace Community Chapel on Sunday, July 23, is our opportunity to share several songs and drama with our congregation and encourage their attendance at our presentations as well as to reach out to other children and families to attend. We generally sing at the end of the first service, around 9:25a, and at the beginning of the second and third services, around 9:50a and 11:10a. Children should meet in the Hope Hall at 8:55a to prepare for the presentation. The Technical Dress rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday, July 20 from 6:30-9p in the Worship Center. This is a run through of the musical on our actual set and incorporates lighting, sound and video. Our Dress rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday, July 27 from 6:30-9p in the Worship Center. This is a final run through with all production components. Our Community Presentations are scheduled Friday July 28 at 7p and Saturday July 29 at 4p. Call Time is when they are to be on site, which is 6p Friday and 3p Saturday. They should plan to report to Hope Hall and be ready with all of their costumes and props in place by this time. We will spend the time checking everything, assigning microphones, warming up and praying in preparation for our presentation as well as those that attend. So the children can immediately join their families and visitors after the presentation, the Cast Party will be held before our Saturday performance at 2p in the lower Youth area. We will celebrate a great effort by everyone, recognize achievements and especially praise the Lord for His work throughout the summer. We will supply drinks and a celebration cake. 7
Auditions for Special Parts Auditioning is great experience and we encourage all children to audition. Audition signups begin Saturday, May 20. Children going into 1 st through 3 rd grades may be assigned parts designated with an asterisk (*). Older children may be assigned any part. Auditions are scheduled for Monday, June 12 from 5:30-8:30p. Alternative auditions can be requested on Thursday, June 8 or as scheduled with a director. There will be no auditions after June 12. Based on area of interest, children should be prepared as follows (they will be able to use their books; however, their familiarity and memorization is strongly encouraged and will benefit their audition): o Small Role: Any Bible verse or page 73 o Music Ensemble: Love the Lord Your God solos on pp 19-21 o Rapper Crew: Praise the Lord My Soul pp. 47-48 o Rap Solo: Praise the Lord My Soul, pp. 50-52 o Solos: One song that includes a solo o Lead Roles: Scenes 3 and 5 and one main solo/rap (Zita must perform Who Shall Separate Us lip sync pp. 57-58) Parts are assigned based on a collective decision from the Community Children s Musical leaders. There is always a large volume of children who audition so please help prepare your child(ren) that they may not get a specific part they want. A leader will contact a parent of the child(ren) who auditioned by phone with their specific assignment no later than Wednesday, June 14. If phone contact does not work out, an email will be sent. Separate Drama/Solo/Ensemble rehearsals will begin on Thursday June 15 and will be held from 8-9p following the Cast rehearsal. Unless otherwise indicated, the rehearsal will include all those selected for parts. We will have a special Drama/Solo rehearsal on Saturday, June 24 from 9a-Noon. Beyond this, these parts will rehearse in coordination with the cast rehearsal schedule. Being chosen for a specific role means that attendance will be required at some rehearsals with very few exceptions. Required rehearsals are: Saturday, June 24 9a-Noon; Thursday, July 13, 6:30-9p; Saturday, July 15, 9a-Noon; Thursday, July 20, 6:30-9p; Thursday, July 27 6:30-9p If your child(ren) will miss any of the rehearsals above, please communicate this as a part of the audition so this can be considered when assigning parts. Anyone assigned a drama or solo part will be expected to be in all performances, scheduled Friday, July 28 (7p) and Saturday, July 29 (4p) unless otherwise arranged. 8
Lead Roles Captain Holly Grammar Special Parts Captain of Star Quest J-316, all scenes Zita Science droidbot serving on Star Quest J-316, all scenes; lip syncs Who Shall Separate Us pp 57-65 Deletor Diabolical villain from plant M-Nesia, scenes 3, 5,6, 7 Lieutenant Nova Chief Engineer Stella Commander Jimmy P. Trekker Navigation Officer who flies Star Quest J-316, all scenes Crew member of Star Quest J-316 and translator for Boogie, all scenes First officer of Star Quest J-316, all scenes Zappy Eager apprentice to Deletor, scenes 3, 5, 6, 7 Camryn Mia Sebastian Boogie Small Roles Christian on planet B-6241 who has scripture memorized Younger Christian who has scripture memorized Christian on planet who has scripture memorized Non-speaking Boogiewok, a creature from Planet Rhythmia who communicates only through rhythm Crewman 1* Assigned to Star Quest J-316, p. 75 Kids 1-8* During Forgive, pp. 73 Kid 9* Recites Romans 3:23-24, p. 76 Kid 10* Recites Romans 6:14 during How Can It Be, p. 78 Kid 11* Recites 2 Corinthians 12:9 during How Can It Be, p. 81 Extra kids* Recite Hebrews 4:16 during How Can It Be, p. 82-83 Kid 12* Recites Ephesians 2:8 during How Can It Be, p. 86 Solos and Vocal Ensembles Star Quest solos (2)* pp.6-7 Love the Lord Your God solos (2)* pp. 19-21 Living Sacrifices solos(2 lg, 2 sm, pp. 33-34; p. 37; pp 38 1 rap)* Praise the Lord, My Soul rapper pp. 47-48; pp. 50-51 crew* and rapper solo* Forgive solos (2)* pp. 68-69; pp. 71 How Can It Be solos (2 lg, 4 sm.)* pp. 77-78; pp. 84-85 Your Word solo* pp. 87 Dance Groups and other Non-speaking parts (not auditioned) Boogiewoks* Other rockers* Accompany Engineering Boogiewok on rhythmic songs Accompanying Who Shall Separate Us 9
Costumes/Props Cast will be in Star Quest t-shirts which will be provided and black pants which they provide. Unless otherwise directed, all children should wear dark shoes if possible, and that do not light up. All main characters will be in a special costume with most wearing black pants they provide. More details on creating costumes will be forthcoming, but we will need parent support. Props are also generally developed in coordination with our parent volunteers. If a child needs a specific prop that is not easily found in a home, we will work with parents to help provide. Photography/Video We will be taking individual pictures throughout the musical which will be included in our final DVD. We will be taking our group picture of the children at our Technical Dress Rehearsal. This will be distributed as a digital photo file and you can print out as you would like. We will be recording the presentations. Every family will receive one copy and will be able to duplicate. Mission/Service Project This year s service project will be about memorizing God s word. The children will have their own memory verses and their mission project is to seek out others who will commit to memorizing as well, or that will listen to their memorized verses. Then, parents will plan an event on a date to be determined in mid-july for our celebration of God s word with the children, their families and others who committed to memorization. The project is intended to provide an opportunity to express some of the truths that we are learning in the musical. Parent volunteers are needed to organize and oversee this event. 10
Expectations Communication o You have provided your email address and we will communicate weekly by email with a report from the previous week, reminders about what needs to be done for the following rehearsal, etc. o We will follow up with new cast members and parents after the first rehearsal or two to get your feedback on any questions or concerns. o Any time you have questions or concerns, feel free to get with us at a rehearsal or contact us by phone or email. Every rehearsal is important and every child who is a part of the musical is important. Please attend every rehearsal possible. However, if you have to miss a rehearsal, provide advance notification by sending an email to communitychildrensmusical@gmail.com or indicate it at the attendance table at least a week in advance. Children should wear tennis shoes to rehearsals. Sandals and flip flops tend to distract and to be less safe as we add movement to our musical. The schedule indicates when songs/lines should be memorized. If everyone is prepared at the same time, it has a big impact on the success of our rehearsals and ultimately our presentations. We sometimes need to create different groups to rehearse and present the musical, which may mean your children may not always be right with a close friend. While we know this is a great time for your children to be with their friends, please encourage them to make new friends and recognize that during our rehearsals and musical, they need to be flexible and cooperative in the interest of all working together to make the best musical we can to God s honor and glory. While we rarely experience an instance where discipline is needed, if there are any concerns, we will have an adult leader work with the child one-on-one to correct the behavior. We will also communicate any concerns to parents directly. As indicated on the registration form, we expect adults who register their respective child(ren) to commit to fully supporting the requirements of participation in order to give your child(ren) and all those in the musical the best chance to be successful. 11
Star Quest Leaders Crew First Last Specialty Area Cheryl Sara Allison Fritz Contact Place Contact Egley Contact Sadie Bell Costumes/Props Jay Fritz Set Design & Build Director cfritz1340@charter.net, 314-606-6379 Assistant Director, Solos and Special Groups sbplace@hotmail.com, 636-272-1396 Assistant Director, Script and Drama ajegley@gmail.com, 636-441-9225 Angie Kimball Rehearsal Accompanist, Small Group Leader Karen Pace Registration/Outreach and Video Recording Tim Pace Video Recording and Production Marcia Petrossian Outreach and Hospitality Trish Taylor Registration/Outreach Christa Dumser Youth Leader Laura List Youth Leader Bethany Pace Youth Leader Alyssa Place Youth Leader Elizabeth Hurlbert Ava Gracelyn Petrossian Maverick Shelp Youth Assistant Mossinghoff Youth Assistant Youth Assistant Youth Assistant David Earley Minister of Worship/Ministry Sponsor Tom Funke Set/Lighting Greg Kam Video Projection 12