The Eden Prairie High School Cheerleading program consists ...



EDEN PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL

MUSICAL HANDBOOK

2019-20

The Eden Prairie High School fall musical productions consist of a cast, pit orchestra, and various technical crews. The fall musical has a proud tradition of producing high quality performances of Broadway classics, such as Music Man, West Side Story, Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Into the Woods, The Pirates of Penzance, The Boyfriend, Footloose and many others over the course of four decades. The main goal of the Eden Prairie High School fall musical production is to develop character, leadership, and individual responsibility while fostering a love and appreciation for the performing arts.

The following policies and guidelines shall be in effect for the Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) fall musical production.

Any questions or clarification of the following rules and regulations can be addressed to the Eden Prairie High School musical production staff:

▪ Laurie Nebeker, Musical Director lnebeker@

▪ Ellen Meier and Cayla Erlandson, Vocal Music Directors

o Ellen_Meier@edenpr.k12.mn.us

o cschwend@

▪ Liz Jackson, Pit Orchestra Director Elizabeth_Jackson@edenpr.k12.mn.us

▪ Mathias Anderson, Choreographer mathiasj.anderson@

▪ Steve Meyers, Technical Director Steve_Meyers@edenpr.k12.mn.us

▪ Jay Asfeld, Resident Stage Manager Jay_Asfeld@edenpr.k12.mn.us

▪ Katie Ross and Kristen Heeringa, Costumers

o dancinqueen45556@

o kheeringa@

Philosophy

1 As an EPHS and a Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) sponsored activity, the fall musical is governed by the requirements of both the EPHS Code of Conduct and the MSHSL handbook.

2 Students involved in the musical are students first. Members of the production will be held to the highest standards of performance in singing, dancing, acting, playing, building, producing, etc, but never at the expense of their well-being or academic standing. While excellence in theatrical presentation is important to the directing staff, the student’s growth and development as an artist is more important. Adults will never be assigned to a performance role in the orchestra, in the cast, or in the crew when that assignment would deny a qualified student the opportunity to learn and develop as an artist. Shows will be selected to give the students a variety of experiences in musical styles and performance opportunities over a four-year cycle.

Eligibility

1 Any student enrolled in grades 9 - 12 at EPHS during the school year and meets school eligibility requirements may audition for the fall musical.

2 Students must complete the MSHSL registration forms online and submit them, along with the applicable registration fee, by the deadline stated in the audition materials. If this is not completed by the deadline, the student may be restricted from participating in rehearsals, and may be at risk of being removed from the show.

3 An audition form and conflict calendar, (contained in the audition packet) must be completed and returned to the producer at the time of the audition. All rehearsal conflicts must be recorded on the “conflict calendar.”

4 Failure to meet these guidelines will result in the participant being withheld from participation in the audition.

Standard Audition Process

5 The musical typically auditions a week after the annual fall Trajectories production. Notice of auditions begins to appear in school announcements and other sources the first week of school. On a sheet posted outside of the activities office, students sign up for a specific audition time that is shared with several other students. All forms must be turned in at the time of the audition; activity fees are to be paid online AFTER the cast list is posted. Auditioners should arrive about fifteen minutes early for their scheduled time and wait quietly in the hallway. Detailed information is posted next to the sign-up sheet, but a typical audition includes a short a capella selection from a song taken from a known musical, a thirty second monologue, and a brief vocal range check. Dance auditions are handled as a general call for which all auditioners report to the PAC hallway after school usually on the Thursday of audition week. Additional call-back auditions are often needed to make final casting decisions. The cast list is posted outside of the activities office as soon as possible after call-backs. The cast list will include information about the first rehearsal and ways that students who were not cast can still be involved in the show.

6 Staff present at auditions will usually include the Musical Director, the Musical Producer, and the Vocal Director(s). The Choreographer will handle the dance call audition and be involved in final casting decisions. The Musical Director has responsibility for final casting decisions.

Cast Expectations

1 All cast members are required to meet deadlines as established. This includes signing up for their own costume fitting times and managing their own hair and make-up after attending hair and make-up training sessions.

2 In order for each rehearsal to be as productive as possible, everyone must follow basic rehearsal manners and behavior. The theatre is a special place and theatre artists are special people. Members of the production should expect the best of themselves and others in all areas of the production. All technicians, assistants and actors are necessary to the show because without the one hundred percent effort of every member of the company, the show will fall short of its potential. Please follow these ten rules of rehearsal:

1. Rehearsals will start on time. It is recommended that you arrive at least five minutes before rehearsal is scheduled to start. Use the time to clear your mind and focus on the work ahead. Warm up thoroughly and begin work on the scenes for the day.

2. Dress appropriately. Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes (no sandals) -- an outfit that will not restrict movement. (The theatre is sometimes a messy place; there's no sense in getting "pretty" clothes dusty.) Hair should be kept out of the face. Your face is the most expressive part of your body.

3. Bring a pencil and small notebook to each rehearsal. Use your notebook to record director's comments, summary of research, observations/questions about your character, as well as your character's relationship to other characters in the play.

4. Regarding Food: Don't ever chew gum during rehearsals. Eating food and drinking beverages are not permitted in the rehearsal space, especially the seating area. Cast members must never eat food or drink (except water) when in costume. If you would like to bring food or treats to share with the cast (for birthdays, etc.), please notify the director first. Please bring a bag lunch for day rehearsals. Students are not allowed to leave during rehearsals to purchase food. (See number 9).

5. All cell phones must be turned off and put away before rehearsal begins. They may be turned on after rehearsal.

6. Bring rehearsal props and costume pieces to help you practice scenes in which your character requires props. In addition, if a prop is not assigned to you, do not touch it.

7. Rehearsals are closed to the public. Visitors to rehearsals, including parents, are not allowed unless they have the prior approval of the director.

8. Outside conversations are not allowed during rehearsals. When you’re not on stage, study your lines. If you don’t need to work on lines, help others study their lines, do homework, or find a tech or costume project to help with.

9. Stay in the rehearsal area. If you need to leave the rehearsal space for any reason, make sure that you inform the rehearsal assistant as to your whereabouts. Return promptly to rehearsal. Students must not leave school property during called rehearsals. Please bring a lunch for day rehearsals.

10. Study your part every day outside of rehearsal and be ready to ask questions. This includes practicing songs with the RehearScore app and reviewing dance video posted by the choreographer.

Attendance

Involvement in the Fall Musical is a privilege and responsibility. Every musical cast member must respect the commitment he or she has made to the EPHS Fall Musical production. An absence is only excused if it was recorded on the conflict calendar at the time of the student’s audition. Beyond that, absences and tardiness may result in loss of the cast member’s role and his or her removal from the cast. These absences may include work, health appointments, family vacations, non-school concerts, etc. Furthermore, absences and tardiness will adversely affect drama club lettering points.

1 Rehearsal Attendance

1 Cast members must attend and be on time to all scheduled weekday and weekend rehearsals and costume fittings.

2 A known conflict with a rehearsal must be recorded on the conflict calendar of the audition form.

3 If an emergency arises after rehearsals have begun, the Musical Director must be notified by the parent and/or guardian.

4 If a cast member becomes ill the day of a practice or performance, a parent and/or guardian must notify the Musical Director or Producer by phone/text (612-859-4147) or email (lnebeker@) prior to the rehearsal or performance. If a student is ill, it is important to stay home in order to prevent the spread of illness.

5 Cast members must attend school for the full day in order to rehearse. Exceptions can be made for certain circumstances; students or parents should contact the Musical Director to obtain approval to participate.

2 Performance Attendance

1 All dress rehearsals and performances are mandatory.

2 Cast members must attend school for the full day in order to perform. Exceptions can be made for certain circumstances; students or parents should contact the Musical Director to obtain approval to participate.

Cost Estimate

With any activity, there are certain costs that will be incurred with involvement, as well as some optional costs. The majority of these costs are a one-time purchase. Here are some examples of the costs for the fall musical:

|POTENTIAL COSTS: |

|Cast Activity Fee (Required) |$100 |

|Character Shoes/Jazz Shoes |$50 |

|Make-Up Kit |$20 |

|Show Apparel |$20-$25 |

|Optional Misc. Food Expenses |$20-$30 |

Students with financial needs should talk to the director about free or reduced fees. Financial need should not be a barrier to any student’s participation.

Parent/Guardian Involvement

1 Meetings: Parents/Guardians will be asked to attend a mandatory cast, crew, orchestra, and parent meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 24 @ 6:30pm in the Auditorium.

2 Volunteering: We need parent help! Parent volunteers help us with everything from sewing buttons to selling tickets and feeding the kids between shows on our matinee day. You don’t have to commit a large amount of time. Information about volunteer needs will be communicated through email. For example, many parents will be needed to help sell tickets, usher, and sell concessions at the performances.

3 A volunteer who works directly with students on an ongoing basis must register with student activities, file papers, and undergo a background check. However, this applies to very few volunteer positions, and there are many ways in which a parent can help a production succeed without doing all of this paperwork.

Lettering in Drama

1 The drama letter is awarded for participation in drama activities and drama club over the course of the school year, not for work in an individual production. To earn a varsity letter in drama at EPHS, a student must attend just over half of the Drama Club meetings. Usually, this comes to about eight or nine meetings over the course of the year.

2 In addition, the student must earn twenty-five participation points. One point can be earned for every ten hours of technical service. Points are also assigned for acting on stage in a production by way of an International Thespian Society rating system.

3 Finally, anyone wishing to earn a drama letter must complete a lettering project which might range from being a rehearsal assistant, stage manager, or technical crew head to being a committee leader for Drama Club or organizing one of many club activities or fundraisers. This project must be approved by the drama club leaders, Laurie Nebeker and Jay Asfeld.

4 The letters and other drama club awards are presented at an end of the school year celebration usually held in mid-May.

Community Building Events

1 Cast outings may be scheduled throughout the production and planned by the directors.

2 The Secret Buddy assignments will be handled by the stage manager or assistant directors and are intended for cast members to encourage and support each other with anonymous notes of encouragement and acts of kindness. No gifts are expected or intended.

3 Typically, a cast, crew, and orchestra meal is served between the matinee and evening performances of the final Saturday of the production.

4 A closing night cast social event is typically hosted by one of the cast parents and chaperoned by additional parents. This event is not a formal part of the production and, as such, is not a required part of the production.

Student Leadership Opportunities

1 In addition to cast membership, students have several other leadership opportunities in a typical fall musical production. Some opportunities include: Student Rehearsal Assistant(s), Student Choreographer, Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Managers, Lights Crew Head, Sound Crew Head, Props Crew Head, Set Construction Crew Head, Shift Crew Head, etc.

The Students in the Cast Need Your Support!!

Parent Volunteer Opportunities

Throughout the run of the production, there are various projects and tasks with which we need help, especially costumes. Even the smallest efforts are helpful. If you are interested in helping us, fill out the form below and return to Laurie Nebeker or to the EPHS Choir Office.

I am interested in volunteering in the following area(s):

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: This year, we need a new volunteer coordinator to organize the many aspects of production support. This position will allow you to be heavily involved with the production team (fun people), and you’ll be directly supporting the students and the drama program. There is some funding available to pay for this position. Most of the work is coordinating communication and following up on volunteer tasks. You do not need to attend all shows. Estimated time commitment 30-40 hours.

_______ PUBLICITY SPECIALIST: Includes working with director on logo and messaging for the show. Arrange poster and flyer printing. Coordinate other volunteers to place posters and flyers. Find available venues to publicize show in the district and in the community. There is some funding available to pay for this position and could be combined with program layout. Work can be done mainly at home.

_______ PROGRAM LAYOUT: Gather program information from directors; gather add information; prepare program for printing. Work can be done at home.

COSTUMES: Helping the costumer prepare costumes. Often this can be done from the home or in a work area separate from rehearsals. YOU DO NOT NEED TO SEW in order to help with costumes! We need help organizing, labeling, ironing, and sorting!!

HAIR AND MAKE-UP

SET CONSTRUCTION/PROPS

POSTER/FLYER DISTRIBUTION

SENIOR CITIZEN MATINEE/DRESS REHEARSAL: Someone to publicize and coordinate the afternoon Dress Rehearsal for senior citizens and to coordinate assistance for our elderly friends.

LOBBY DECORATING/PHOTO BOARDS

SELLING TICKETS or SOUVENIRS/CONCESSIONS

USHERING

PROVIDE FOOD/SNACKS/DRINKS/WATER FOR KIDS DURING LONG REHEARSALS (Please notify directors when you would like to provide food or just donate snacks we can keep on hand).

_______ PIZZA LUNCHES FOR SATURDAY REHEARSALS: Need volunteers to consolidate the orders and to pick up and deliver pizzas.

ORGANIZE FINAL SATURDAY MATINEE CAST, CREW, AND ORCHESTRA DINNER (Usually sandwiches or pasta, salads, and cake—all purchased from vendors so no need to cook)

HELP WITH SET STRIKE

_______CAST PARTY: Host or donate/provide food and/or drink [pic]

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PLEASE SPECIFY:

← Check here if you are interested in helping with other productions in which your student is involved.

← Check here is you are interested in helping with other productions in which your student may not be involved.

SUPPORTIVE FAMILY MEMBER(S) CONTACT INFO:

Your Name(s) _________________________________

Your student’s name ___________________________

Your email address ____________________________

Your cell phone number ________________________

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