BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA

PRODUCTION PACKET FOR: BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits. Important Dates Fall ITS Points Due November 1st Shout Outs Due September 20th Advertisements Due September 20th Ticket Sponsorship Due September 20th Tickets go On Sale October 1st 2 nd Parent Meeting October 20th Concessions 2 nd Parent Meeting Strike Immediately Following Closing Night TECH WEEK: October 28 th, 29 th, 30 th, 31 st, November 2, 3, 4, 5 Performances: November 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 Director Mr. Cimino-Johnson Anthony.cimino@lcps.org 1

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT Welcome to the Rock Ridge High School Performing Arts Program. We are looking forward to another opportunity to work together and have fun! In order to be safe while having fun putting up a full length production, we must have standards of conduct for all members of the cast and crew during rehearsals. We will not tolerate violations of these; anyone who chooses to disregard them may be removed from the cast or crew. Acceptance of a role in the production, whether in the cast or crew, constitutes agreement to these standards. 1. During rehearsals and shows, all members of the cast/crew are to remain in the designated area. You may use the restrooms as needed. At no time are any cast/crew members to leave the area without permission. 2. While in the space, all members of the cast/crew will conduct themselves with respect. The property and its equipment, furniture and belongings should be used properly and with care to maintain its integrity. 3. It is our responsibility as a team to keep the rehearsal space clean. 4. At no time are any cast/crew members to leave the space, unless express permission is granted by one of the directors or production team leader. The exception, of course, will be any times when rehearsals are required to be moved. Cast/crew members must follow the express guidance on where they may/may not go. 5. Be ready to begin rehearsal at the scheduled time and be picked up promptly. If you must be late for a rehearsal, inform the Director responsible for that rehearsal. 6. Personal behavior must exemplify respect to those in authority, to one another, and to the property. Remember the 3 R s: Respect for yourself: Your work is a self-portrait so do your best. Respect for others: Do not speak disrespectfully to others or about others. Public speaking can be a daunting task; therefore, listen to others and be respectful at all times. Also, do not swear. Swearing during speeches may result in grade penalties. Responsibility for ALL your actions: Be in your seat when the bell rings and be prepared for class. Think before you act. 7. Rehearsals are closed. This means they are for cast/crew members only, and their "designated drivers." Please do not invite your friends and significant others to rehearsals. Exceptions may be granted in advance only at the discretion of the directors. 8. Dress Code: Please follow the student handbook for appropriate dress code rules and regulations. 9. Scripts will be due November 7th. Any scripts not turned in on time, will be charged $40. The money will cover the cost of the rental fee for the script. Scripts must be returned in mint condition with no writing on the inside of the script. Any scripts not returned in the condition they were received will be charged $40. If you would like to purchase you script, you may for $40. Please make checks payable to Rock Ridge Drama Boosters. 10. Costumes Some of our Costumes will be rented. If your costume is destroyed while in your possession, then you must pay for the price of the costume. If you costume needs to be altered please see one of our costuming crew parents. Do not make any alterations on rented costumes. If you do not like your costume, please do no tell your designer, they have worked very hard to provide a cohesive and inventive costume for you. Only inform the designers if the costume does not fit or if it is broken. 11. Production Fees will be $100 for this production Please pay this at the first parent meeting. Students will not receive scripts until payment is made. 12. No changes in appearance may be made unless given permission by the theatre program. No hair cuts, ear piercing, tattoos or hair colorings. With your assistance, we will make this production a memorable event for all of us, as well as for our audience. Your cooperation in adhering to these standards is most gratefully appreciated. 2

REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE 101 1. Entrances and Exits: Actors will arrive promptly and work diligently during the session. Actors will not bring food or drink other than water into the rehearsal space. 2. Dressing Room: Actors personal property will be stowed in the appropriate location. 3. Props and Scenery: Actors will not touch anything in the rehearsal space that does not belong to them without permission. Actors will return all properties to the appropriate location once rehearsal is over. 4. Asides: Actors are expected to do whatever homework is assigned to them by the director by the date expected. This includes but is not limited to, memorizing lines, character analysis and dramaturgy. 5. Places: Actors will be silent when seated in the house and in places when about to go on. Any electronic devices including Ipod, Cell Phones or Game Boys must be turned off or on silent throughout the rehearsal. Only in emergencies or on break will actors be allowed to use electronic devices. 6. Blocking: Actors will write down their blocking in the script with a pencil and memorize their blocking when memorizing lines. Furthermore, actors will be seated and wait patiently for their entrances. 7. Stage Combat: Actors will not argue or physically touch one another unless directed to do so. This includes Gossip and Name-Calling. 8. Audience: Actors will respectfully listen when the director, producer, designer or stage manager is talking and demonstrate appropriate audience skills. 9. Direction: No actor is to give acting or blocking notes to another actor. Only the Director, Assistant Director and Stage Manager are authorized to give appropriate notes. 10. Curtain Call: Break a Leg, Have Fun and Learn About Theatre! PHOTO/VIDEO CONSENT FORM During the course of the production there may be several circumstances where the members of the cast and crew are photographed or video tapped. We would like your permission to use these photographs or video for publicity and/or historical purposes. By signing the last page of the Production Packet, you give the RRHS Performing Arts Program permission to use your photos throughout the production. Thank you! 3

I M A PARENT WHAT S MY ROLE? Parents have the most important roles in a RRHS production. When we tell our production s parents, We couldn t have done it without you! we literally mean it. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of the family members who have supported us in the past. It is our goal at Rock Ridge High School, to produce theatre with high production values while providing every student with a fun and safe experience as they learn how to produce successful plays and musicals for the community. To that end, we rely heavily on your support as the parent of a cast member. A child s commitment to a RRHS production is really a family s commitment. We have developed the following list of expectations for parents to guide you as you consider committing your time and your child s time in this production.. A Ten Steps Parent Program to a Successful and Fun Production We respectfully expect the parents of cast members to: 1. Attend 2 mandatory Parent Meetings. a. September 8 th, 2015 at 7pm b. October 20 th, 2015 at 7pm 2. Attend Drama Booster Meetings in order to understand what is happening in your child s afterschool drama program. 3. Encourage your child by helping them learn their lines in the script (but do not teach them their lines). 4. Bring your child to any Morning and Saturday rehearsals on time and pick them up promptly at the end of each rehearsal. 5. Review the entire packet and sign the final Contract Page with your child. 6. Work with your child to obtain sponsorships and advertisements for the play s printed program. This is one of many fundraisers that we have for the RRHS Drama Program. These sponsorships will help us fund the set, costumes, make-up, snacks and program printing, advertising and more! We only raised $500 in program advertisement sponsorships in the fall. Please help us achieve a goal of $2000 for sponsorship in the playbill this spring. 7. Sign up for a committee. A lot of work is done by the families and friends of former and current cast members or by the cast and crew members themselves. (We operate under the many hands make light work theory!) Please thoughtfully consider the opportunities where you may be of help. For example, hanging flyers, selling ads, building sets after rehearsals, sewing costumes, selling tickets etc... 8. Bring in at least 3 items for concessions. All concession sales are given to back to the Drama program and will eventually be ear-marked for the Boosters Scholarship committee. One day your child, might receive one of these scholarships, so make sure you help out and do your part! 9. Every student is expected to help out with strike. Strike will be the night of the final performance. If you could too, that would be wonderful! We will have a large set that needs to be taken down before the music concerts begin. No student will be excused from Strike unless he/she is given special permission by the director. By not participating in strike, you may not be cast in the following production that he/she auditions for at RRHS. 10. Oh yeah, relax we ll take care of the rest!!!! 4

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES A dictionary of leadership roles that need to be filled for our production. Parent Coordinator: Organizes lists of parents who have volunteered to help with the production. This parent is the Team Mom/Dad. Sends reminder emails to the parents about the duties that he/she has signed up for filling. Property Crew 2+: Reports to the Property Manager. Locates rehearsal props and actual props to be used for the show. May be a part of the backstage crew or may only hunt or make props for the production. Scenic Designer: Works with the Director and student scenic designer to develop a plan for all artwork used throughout the production. (i.e. backdrops, flats, and other various painting jobs throughout the production). Directs the scenic painters o create the artwork. Scenic Painters (4 + Members): Reports to the Scenic Designer. Executes the plans of the Scenic Designer in a clean and timely fashion. Set Designer: Works with the Director(s) and student Set Designer to formulate a plan for set construction. Coordinates a team (the construction crew) to build and paint new flats (as required). Oversees installation of set, mid-production disassembly of set, reassembly, and final breakdown. Construction Crew (3 10 Members): Reports to the Set Designer. Executes the plans of the Set Designer in a clean and timely fashion. Assures the success and completion of a functional set that is safe and appropriate for the production. Costume Designer (1 3 Members): Works with the director to conceptualize and design the costumes for all of the students. Will then help the costumers execute these designs. Costumers (3 15 Members): Reports to the Costume Designer. Executes the plans and sketches of the Costumes Designer in a clean and timely fashion. Assures the success and completion of functional costumes that are appropriate for the production. Technical Director: Works with the Director and the student Technical Director to oversee ALL design elements within the show including set, lights, and sound. Works directly with the producer and director to communicate ideas and see that all design elements are executed safely. The Technical Director is also in charge of Strike and the Trailor when the show is complete. Directs (and/or serves as) the sound designer and lighting designer, ensuring that plans are documented for all lighting and sound cues. Make-up Crew (4 + Members): Reports to the Make-up Designer. Executes all make-up designs as approved by the Director and the Make-up Designer. Works efficiently and artistically in completing make designs. Front of House Committee: Works with the House Manager to sell concessions, sell tickets, sell merchandise and hand out programs. Dinner: During tech week students will need dinner. We will need one parent to organize a group of parents to collect funds, and provide dinner for the students. 5

AUDITION INFORMATION SHEET and PACKET HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION Your monologue* is a key component of your audition. Well in advance of the audition, you should select and prepare your monologue. You may choose a monologue from our recommendations**, or select your own. When selecting and preparing audition material please keep the following in mind: Monologue should be age appropriate Monologue must be from a published play READ the play, or at least be familiar with the story Rehearse! Rehearse! Rehearse! We are looking for bold, creative and honest choices that are supported by the text * A monologue is a speech from a play where one character is talking to himself or other characters for a period of time. If a character interrupts the speech you can usually skip their interjection and continue the monologue. WHAT TO BRING TO THE AUDITION On the day of your audition remember to bring: A copy of your monologue for the audition panel (if any cuts have been made - please note them) Your most professional, enthusiastic, and creative self A Resume if you have one The Audition form (signed by a parent/legal guardian) A positive Attitude WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE AUDITION Remember that the audition panel is on your side. They will be looking for your best qualities. All of them have gone through the audition process as actors and they understand how nerve wracking the process can be. So relax and do your best. Also, the best way to combat nerves is to be prepared. The audition will include: Presentation of a 1 minute memorized monologue (from a published play) Participation in an improvisational exercise (no preparation necessary) Students will be evaluated individually. Areas of assessment will include: Characterization Physical Expression Vocal Expression Text/Sub Text Overall Impact Improvisation Ability to receive feedback/constructive criticism FAVORITISM AND PRE-CASTING POLICY: Under no circumstances does the RRHS drama program play favorites or pre-cast any productions. It is the philosophy of Rock Ridge Drama that every child, whether they are new to the program or a seasoned veteran, has a place in the drama program. Students are cast or placed based on their audition and ability to work well with others. Casting and placement decisions are not determined by what a student has done for the RRHS drama program in the past, although behavior in previous productions may be a factor. Casting and placement decisions are also not determined by what a student has done for any other arts education/community theatre organization in the past. Additionally, students are not cast based on what their parents/legal guardians do for the company. An audition is a clean slate for all students and we truly do our best to ensure that every child has a place in the RRHS drama program. This policy is strictly enforced. There will be a panel of auditors helping cast all productions, as well as a detailed audition rubric that a student may ask to see at the end of the audition process through a consultation between teacher, parent and student. 6

GRADING POLICY The Drama Club is an extension of the classroom. School work and academics is a priority for all drama club and extracurricular drama activities. Producing and participating in a play is a lot of work. Students will be called to rehearsals, tech meetings, and long Saturday and tech rehearsals. Under no circumstances, is any student to use Drama Club or any extra curricular activity as an excuse for not having work completed or a poor grade. Should any student need time to complete homework or an assigned activity, they should speak with the Drama Teacher to establish a study hall prior to or during rehearsals. If they are studying during rehearsal, then they will not be marked absent, as long as they are in the auditorium. Additionally, grades will be checked bi-weekly if student s grades slip. Any student whose grade falls below a C will be placed on probation for a two week period and will receive tutoring from fellow drama club members, as well as study hall time prior to joining in the rehearsal. It is the expectation of the Drama Club that all students receive C s or better in their academics in order to participate in the after school program. Mod Grade Comments Signature 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7

RRHS PEROFRMING ARTS TICKET POLICIES Fall and Spring Play Ticket Prices: $10 Advance Sales General Admission $12 At the door General Admission $15 Backstage Pass/Advanced Seating What is... General Admission: Enter the House 20 Minutes prior the show s start time Suggested Arrival Time: minimum of 15 minutes before show s start time Not guaranteed to sit together No Refunds or Ticket Exchanges Seats are on a first come first serve basis Backstage Pass + Seating: (All children 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Adults must also purchase a backstage pass in order to guarantee sitting together) Backstage tour with the cast Backstage party with Ms. Potts Advanced Signatures with the Characters Photo Opportunities Enter the House up to 40 Minutes before the show s start time Guaranteed to sit together if you arrive 30 minutes prior to the show s start time May NOT save seats for patrons without the preferred seating pass General Admission will be let in 20 minutes prior to the show s start time and then preferred seating passes become general admission if you arrive late. Front and Center Seating Available Who is... A Student: Any person(s) 18 years or younger A Senior: Any person(s) 65 years and older An Adult: Any person(s) between ages 19 and 64 Volunteers who wish to watch the entire show the evening they are volunteering: Must purchase a ticket at the advanced general admission price Must check in with the house manager at the required check-in time. You MAY NOT save seats for other patrons, we encourage you to purchase Preferred Seating Tickets for other patrons TICKET POLICIES: ALL SALES ARE FINAL No Tickets may be refunded or exchanged unless the event is canceled. Advanced Tickets may be purchased up to two hours prior to the performance ONLY. For example, you may purchase an evening shows tickets at a matinee for the advanced ticket price. However, once online sales shut off two hours prior to the performance, there will be no more advanced ticket sales available. 8

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INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN SOCIETY (ITS) WHAT IS ITS? The International Thespian Society has been honoring excellence in the work of theatre students since 1929. Thespian troupes serve students in grades nine through twelve. There are at present active ITS troupes in more than 4,000 high schools and middle schools, mostly in the United States and Canada. The Society recently inducted its two millionth Thespian. Each troupe is led by a troupe director who is a professional member of the Educational Theatre Association. The troupe director is typically but not always the theatre teacher in the school. Students earn an invitation to Thespian Society membership on the basis of their achievements in the school s theatre program. QUICK FACTS GLOBALLY: 1. Many famous actors are lifelong ITS members (Tom Hanks, Julia Louis-Dreyfus etc.) 2. ITS has 80,000 active members and over 34,000 new inductees every year 3. ITS presents over $100,000 in scholarships to Thespian members each year QUICK FACTS LOCALLY: 1. ITS is one of the first Honors Societies chartered at RRHS with active members. 2. Every Scholarship recipient must be an active ITS member. 3. In the past 4 months, ITS members have auditioned for colleges, participated in festival, competed in National Competitions and have been recruited by some of the top theatre programs in the Nation. 4. 4 Students in our 1 st year received Superiors and will be competing Nationally among the top students in the Nation. INDUCTION REQUIREMENTS: 1. Take Performing Arts Classes in Freshmen, Sophomore Year (must be theatre classes in Junior/Senior). 2. Keep track of and earn 12 points. 3. Participate in two different areas of theatre. 4. 9 points must come from RRHS productions. MAINTAINING ACTIVE MEMBERS REQUIREMENTS: 1. Take a Drama Class every year (Freshmen and Sophomores may take a Performing Arts Class). 2. Keep track of an earn points quarterly. 3. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or greater. 4. Earn B s or better in all Performing Arts Classes. BENEFITS: 1. Participation in the Winter Show. 2. Participation in the Maryland State Thespian Festival. 3. Highest Scholarship Winners in the Liberty High School Drama Program. 4. Wearing chords and medallions at graduation. 5. You can earn a Drama Letter 6. Appears prestigious on college application WHAT IS THE VIRGINIA THESPIAN FESTIVAL? 1. One Act productions compete for the opportunity to go to Nationals in Lincoln, Nebraska. 2. One Act productions receive awards for competing in the festival. 3. We receive adjudication similar to a Choir or Band festival. 4. Individual actors are recognized and awarded for their performance. 5. Students are able to compete in individual events and receive adjudication similar to choir and band festivals. 6. Individual Event winners are chosen to compete at the National Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska. 7. Students are able to compete in scholarship competitions and receive adjudication. 8. Scholarship winners are announced at the end of the two day festival and given $1,000 the same day. 9. Scholarship opportunities are for Acting, Musical Theatre and Design Work. 10. Over 85 workshops are offered over the three day period in different aspects of theatre, sponsored by professionals from all over the world. 11. Colleges observe and request students for on the spot interviews based on their participation in Individual Events and One Act Competitions as well as College Auditions. 10

What is the International Thespian Festival? 1. One Act productions from around the country present their work. 2. The top 12 theatre productions in the Nation perform in a 3,000 seat theatre for all festival delegates. 3. Workshops with theatre companies, Disney, Broadway Actors and Technicians 4. College Auditions for Juniors in front of 50 colleges from all over the Nation. 5. Scholarship Auditions for Seniors 6. National Individual Events Competition Superior Students participate for the opportunity to perform in the national individual event showcase. 7. Networking opportunites. 8. Awards are given to students from all over the country for their participation and stand out performances in the arts. Article III: Dues and Fees Section 1. Dues: At the time of induction, Troupe members shall pay Troupe dues of $40. Dues shall be used to purchase honors, awards, and Troupe membership in ITS. Section 2. Fees: Additional fees may be instated at the discretion of the Troupe Director, Assistant Director, and President for use of scholarship, awards, etc. All amendments must be approved by the Drama Club Board. Article III: Induction, Eligibility and Maintaining Active Membership Section 1. Eligibility: Any student who fulfills the following requirements will be inducted into Thespian Society. A. Student must be enrolled in RRHS. B. Student must have earned a minimum of 12 points, 9 of which must have come from participation in RRHS productions. The other three can come from theatre experience outside of school. Points can not be counted until after the student s start of high school (i.e. summer theatre experience only counts after freshman year.) C. Student has participated in at least two different areas of theatre (i.e. acting, production crews, publicity, directing, etc.) D. Freshman/Sophomore Student must have been enrolled in and passed Fine Arts Class with a B or higher. E. Junior/Senior Student must be enrolled in and passed a Theater Class with a B or higher F. Student must maintain a B or higher in all Fine Arts Classes (i.e. Drama, Chorus, Band, Art, etc.). If a student s grade falls, he/she will be put on probation. If the grade does not improve by the end of the semester, the student will be dismissed from the society. G. Student must take a second Fine Arts class (level II or a drama class) within one year of induction or he/she will be put on probation. The student must also take a drama class beginning their junior year or they may be put on probation for one year. Seniors must be enrolled in a drama class their senior year or they will be removed from the organization. H. Students must maintain a 2.75 weighted GPA in all academic classes all year or they may be put on probation for one year. 11

THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL IN LINCOLN NEBRASKA DATES: TBA What s there? 1. Colleges and Scholarship Monies 2. Top Theatre Programs in the Nation are present 3. Workshops in every aspect of theatre and entertainment taught by professionals in the field including: Broadway Artists Disney Artists Tour Artists Professional Designers 4. National Individual Event Showcase Competition What s included in the $675 price o Dormitory o All meals o Workshops o Tickets to 40 + theatrical performances o Tickets to all of the dances o T-Shirt o Incredible Opportunity Additional Costs for I.E. Events and College Auditions Additional $15 per event STATE FESTIVAL INTEREST FORM Students Name: Students Email Address: Thespian Yes or NO Home Phone Number Student s Cell Phone Number Parent s Name Parent s email address: Home Phone Number Parent s Cell Phone Number 12

Rock Ridge High School 2015-2016 Season Bridge to Terabithia and Little Mermaid Dear Community Member, The Rock Ridge High School Performing Arts Program is committed to educating our youth about the performing arts by putting up a live theatrical performance. Every year, we exceed our production values, give out scholarships, and still manage to keep the price of our tickets at an extremely low price. This is because of your support! Annually, over 5,000 patrons support the arts. Do you know that in one year, our theatre arts program generates close to $250,000 in support for local businesses? You can be apart of the commitment towards strengthening our community by placing an advertisement or coupon in our Program. We will distribute our Program at all of our performances. Not to mention, your financial support is tax deductible! We are committed to educating our students about the fine arts. Please consider taking an ad out in our program to strengthen our commitment. _ All Advertisements are sized for half of an 8 ½ by 11 page and will be printed in grayscale Your Business Name $75 1 / 3 Page (Business Card Size) $150 1 / 2 Page $250 1 Full Page $500 *DEAL* Show Sponsorship $750 per night (7 ticket nights possible) -Includes full page ad, ticket sponsorship, announcement pre show, giant display welcoming guests, 4 Complimentary Tix, website advertisement (which can include a link to your website). SUPPORTING PATRONS: (Your Name will be listed in the program under your Supporting Title) Bronze $50 Silver $100 (1 Free Ticket to any performance) Gold $150 (2 Free Tickets to any performance) ANGEL (Backstage Tour, Bio in Program, Name on Angel Plaque) $300 + (4 Free Tickets to any performance) Full Name: Business Name: Preferred Mailing Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Telephone: ( ) Fax: ( ) Email: Please attach your advertisement or any other information to this page. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at this year s upcoming production. Please make all checks payable to RRHS Drama Club. Sincerely, Rock Ridge High School Performing Arts Anthony.cimino@lcps.org 13

SHOUT OUT Shout Outs are a special place in the program where people can place notes to the cast and crew. Often the first place a student looks in a program; Shout-Outs are a great way to commemorate your student s hard-efforts. We are offering you an opportunity to place shout-outs in our program. These lines may include special wishes to cast and crew members, or words of thanks and encouragement. Example: Sally, we re sooooo proud of you! Break a leg! Love, Grandma and Grandpa Jones or: Mike, you re the best!! It s been fun! Your friend, Ellie. The cost is $.50 per word. Please print clearly and turn your shout out lines and money into the Administrative Assistant, or place in the drop box, no later than Name of person turning lines in: Patron shout outs (Please print clearly): For each shout out please turn in one form. For each word it is.50 Cents per word. OR for $50 Create a Quarter Page Ad for your Child! Include a picture, shout out and more!!!! Email the ad to Anthony.cimino@lcps.org 14

PACKET ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM I (Parent s Name) and (Student s Name) have acknowledged that I have received the packet of information in regards to the RRHS production. I have read and understand the entire packet as described to me by the director. In the event that I do not comply with any rules within the packet than me or my child may be removed from the production. I have read, acknowledge and agree to the following forms in this packet: Standards of Conduct Rehearsal Etiquette 101 Photo Consent Form My Role as a Parent Audition Policy Audition Rubric Grading Policy Ticket Policy Thespian Society Information Sheet * Advertisement Form * Shout Out Form * Biography Form In the event I do not comply with the rules outlined in RRHS packet or I do not return this form before January 17th. I may not be eligible to participate in the Spring Production and therefore may forfeit my role within the company. Signed: dated Legal Guardian s Signature: dated Parent Contact Information: Cast Member: Phone: Cast member s e-mail: Parents Names: Parent s e-mail: 15