Post by Admin on Mar 29, 2018 15:41:45 GMT
There will be two parts to these notes, so don't bother to respond until the 2nd half goes up.
This first part is regarding rehearsals after spring break.
When we return April 9th, we'll have exactly 11 rehearsals left to get this show into shape. Here's what I need from you:
-Commitment- Please clear your work schedules and other commitments to NOT interfere with the rehearsal schedule. You've had this calendar since January. We need you at each and every rehearsal. Anyone missing these final rehearsals can really mess up the show for everyone involved from actors, stage crew, sound, music and lighting. We need you here. I can't emphasize that enough.
-The rehearsal calendar: We start at 2:30 each day from April 9-20. Be on time. We'll start around the piano after you sign in and warm up vocally and stretch out if needed. Just get into the habit of doing that. On April 9 and 10, we'll be working with the pit, and it's our hope to start Act one and two on those days as close to 2:45 as possible. That's barely enough time to warm up , stretch, check your props and to grab your mics. That's why we need you on time. Since this cast has members who can't seem to check the boards on a daily basis for one reason or another, we are going to have to go "old school" and have you sit on stage in the auditorium, as I and Ashlyn read notes to you. We'll start those at 5:00 and they can take anywhere from 15 minutes (if there are hardly any) to an hour. The length of time depends on you doing what you're supposed to be doing. If you're doing great (hardly any notes), if you're still paraphrasing and skipping lines...get comfortable.
-Working with the pit: They're on our side! They are also learning too! Sometimes when the orchestra joins us on stage, it can be a beautiful thing. Everything goes so perfectly. Other times, the word "trainwreck" comes to mind. Whatever April 9 is, it'll be a learning experience for both of us. This will be their first look at what we're doing on stage, and your first chance to sing with them without looking at your music. To help things go well, the key is to listen to Mr. Kesler and to look at Mr. Kesler (don't stare at him, but keep him within your vision). He will point at you when to sing, and he will stop you if things go off the rails. I've been working with Kesler for 14 years now as my orchestra leader and he's never done me wrong. Just listen to him and he will make this a great experience for everyone.
-Backstage: Sorry. The time for being out in the audience is over. You can enjoy the show from the television in MC-8 and backstage but not out front (one exception is my assistant director). We have some backstage rules for you to follow and the number one rule is...surprise....QUIET! You cannot talk backstage. Ever. If it's important you can quickly whisper, but NO TALKING. Every word you say backstage can be heard in the audience. If you need to talk, go into MC-8, but even there use normal voices. It's crazy, but if you talk super loud or scream in MC-8, you can also be heard out in the audience. When it's closer to showtime, we put blankets on the doors so we can close them without having them slam shut. That helps with any MC-8 noise, but it's not perfect. The bathroom hallway should also be a quiet zone.
-if you need something during a rehearsal or a show, you can text me at 425-328-9153. I'll have my phone out on "silent" but I'll notice if a message pops up. Use it for emergencies only if possible. A cast member getting hurt...that's an emergency. You can't find a costume piece? Not my problem. If by chance, your mic "dies" you can text me and I can help with that. Not a huge emergency, but it can affect the show. Ashlyn is your "go to" person if it's something she can help with.
Stay tuned for part 2 after rehearsal.
This first part is regarding rehearsals after spring break.
When we return April 9th, we'll have exactly 11 rehearsals left to get this show into shape. Here's what I need from you:
-Commitment- Please clear your work schedules and other commitments to NOT interfere with the rehearsal schedule. You've had this calendar since January. We need you at each and every rehearsal. Anyone missing these final rehearsals can really mess up the show for everyone involved from actors, stage crew, sound, music and lighting. We need you here. I can't emphasize that enough.
-The rehearsal calendar: We start at 2:30 each day from April 9-20. Be on time. We'll start around the piano after you sign in and warm up vocally and stretch out if needed. Just get into the habit of doing that. On April 9 and 10, we'll be working with the pit, and it's our hope to start Act one and two on those days as close to 2:45 as possible. That's barely enough time to warm up , stretch, check your props and to grab your mics. That's why we need you on time. Since this cast has members who can't seem to check the boards on a daily basis for one reason or another, we are going to have to go "old school" and have you sit on stage in the auditorium, as I and Ashlyn read notes to you. We'll start those at 5:00 and they can take anywhere from 15 minutes (if there are hardly any) to an hour. The length of time depends on you doing what you're supposed to be doing. If you're doing great (hardly any notes), if you're still paraphrasing and skipping lines...get comfortable.
-Working with the pit: They're on our side! They are also learning too! Sometimes when the orchestra joins us on stage, it can be a beautiful thing. Everything goes so perfectly. Other times, the word "trainwreck" comes to mind. Whatever April 9 is, it'll be a learning experience for both of us. This will be their first look at what we're doing on stage, and your first chance to sing with them without looking at your music. To help things go well, the key is to listen to Mr. Kesler and to look at Mr. Kesler (don't stare at him, but keep him within your vision). He will point at you when to sing, and he will stop you if things go off the rails. I've been working with Kesler for 14 years now as my orchestra leader and he's never done me wrong. Just listen to him and he will make this a great experience for everyone.
-Backstage: Sorry. The time for being out in the audience is over. You can enjoy the show from the television in MC-8 and backstage but not out front (one exception is my assistant director). We have some backstage rules for you to follow and the number one rule is...surprise....QUIET! You cannot talk backstage. Ever. If it's important you can quickly whisper, but NO TALKING. Every word you say backstage can be heard in the audience. If you need to talk, go into MC-8, but even there use normal voices. It's crazy, but if you talk super loud or scream in MC-8, you can also be heard out in the audience. When it's closer to showtime, we put blankets on the doors so we can close them without having them slam shut. That helps with any MC-8 noise, but it's not perfect. The bathroom hallway should also be a quiet zone.
-if you need something during a rehearsal or a show, you can text me at 425-328-9153. I'll have my phone out on "silent" but I'll notice if a message pops up. Use it for emergencies only if possible. A cast member getting hurt...that's an emergency. You can't find a costume piece? Not my problem. If by chance, your mic "dies" you can text me and I can help with that. Not a huge emergency, but it can affect the show. Ashlyn is your "go to" person if it's something she can help with.
Stay tuned for part 2 after rehearsal.