Download 2015 - 2016 Handbook - Stage Left Theatre

“We don’t create Drama...We create Theatre!”
2015 - 2016 Handbook
TABLE of CONTENTS
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Title
Table of Contents, Welcome & Mission Statement
Program History, Our Directors, & Our Focus
Communication, Program Goals & Theatre Productions
Play Parts, Scripts, Apparel & Field Trips
Theatre Jobs
Rehearsals, Absences & Behavior
Expectations & Rules, Workload, Homework & Volunteers
Volunteers (cont.)
Volunteers (cont.)
Closing
Participation Form
Volunteer Form
~Welcome~
WELCOME to Stage Left Theatre! We are extremely excited to have your child as a
member of our program. If this is your first time with us we hope that you and
your child gain an interest in the fine art of Theatre, as this is what we hope they
take out of this experience. If you are joining us for a 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th year we
welcome you back and can’t wait to get back to work with you. We hope that no
matter if this is your first year or your fourth that you will find this to be an
amazing journey and that along the way you can help us out in some small aspect.
This handbook is a quick reference of information, including a great deal of
information and details required for you and your student as you embark on your
journey with us. Hopefully you will find it to be a useful tool and will reference it
often. Included in this packet is a participation form and rehearsal conflict form
that must be signed and sent back along with your fee, if applicable and a parent
volunteer form.
~Mission Statement~
The purpose and overall mission of Stage Left Theatre is to make the fine art of
theatre accessible to 5th – 8th graders at Walker & Buford School, to enable young
people to gain an appreciation for the arts, and to increase self-confidence, selfesteem, and a sense of responsibility by providing an opportunity for children to
participate in dramatic activities and performances. We engage this mission through
participating in workshops, taking field trips, putting on productions, appreciating
excellence in theatre, and by supporting and investing in each other through our
visionary goals:
•explore theatre art,
•perform theatre art,
•recognize excellence in theatre art,
•enjoy, affirm, and encourage each player
~Program History~
Stage Left Theatre will be entering its second year as a program, but this marks
the 15th year overall teaching the fine art of theatre for the directors! The
theatre departments at Walker Upper Elementary School and Buford Middle
School combined in June of 2014 to form one program, Stage Left Theatre, and we
are extremely excited to be able to offer students the fine art of theatre from 5th
through 8th grade. Our teaching of theatre began fifteen years ago when we
started the Walker Drama Club on September 6, 2001 with just 8 members. We
really had no vision, didn’t know what to expect or even if a theatre program
would last. As we all now know we have lasted and persevered through the
years and our program continues to excel, grow and perform at a high level.
~Our Directors~
Stage Left Theatre is under the direction of Rod and Kristina Durrer a.k.a. Mr. &
Mrs. Rod. Mr. Rod began his stint with the program on September 6, 2001 as an
Assistant Director and then moved on to become the Director of the program on
August 23, 2004. Mr. Rod's duties include recruiting members, fundraising, the
program budget, and writing/adapting our plays. Mr. Rod has been with the city
schools for 16 years and currently is a Computer Technician at Walker as well as
the Co-Director of Walker’s after school programing. Mrs. Rod began her stint
with Stage Left on September 8, 2005 as Co-Director with Mr. Rod. Mrs. Rod's
duties include directing our plays, creating our costumes, creating our props
and seeing that the vision of the program is carried out for years to come. Mrs.
Rod has been with the city schools for 11 years and currently is a Computer
Technician at Buford as well as the Co-Director of Walker’s after school
programing.
~Our Focus~
Our focus for the upcoming year we will be "Transformation." The dictionary
defines transformation as “a complete or major change in someone’s or
something’s appearance, form, etc.” Believe it or not, a theatre program of our
caliber goes through a lot of transformation over a semester to put on such
wonderful productions as we have and to continue our tradition. Our members,
staff and program goes through a major transformation during our time together
and you get to see the final transformation on play night. Our program will
begin this transformation over the next couple of weeks as we get acquainted with
each other and progress through our goals with our students. Then we will begin
the daunting task of transforming our new play and our students into actors and
actresses.
~Communication~
Communication is vital to our program. It is very important for us to communicate
with our members and our parents/guardians. We do this through a variety of
ways including social and communication networks (Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram, etc.), electronic methods (Email, Text Alerts, Website), and very few
paper copies. We like to keep you informed on a weekly basis regarding important
information, needs, deadlines and more.
~Program Goals~
This year we will be working on the following program goals:
•Learning the parts of the stage
•Learning proper stage movement techniques
•Learning safe voice projection
•Learning how to express and show emotions
•Polishing up and diving deeper into acting skills & character development
We will accomplish these by having students complete teambuilding activities,
theatre games, mini lessons and our performance. 5th & 6th graders will have a
basic overview of these lessons prior to receiving their script while 7th & 8th
graders will dive deeper into the lessons throughout the rehearsal process. These
are skills that will last a lifetime if they choose to pursue theatre through middle
school, high school and beyond.
~Theatre Productions~
After our goals are met and lessons are taught, we will begin the process of
putting on a show and hopefully some skits in between. With a new production
beginning, there are many exciting times and challenges that await us. Our
productions are typically of the comedy genre but also have been historical,
where the students can really showcase their acting talents. Our productions are
announced the day we hand out scripts to our students so that they have an
ample amount of time to read the script and practice their lines. Productions
will be held in January and May. Past productions have included Alice in
Wonderland, Beauty and The Beast, CSI: Neverland, Peter Pan, Snow White and
The Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and we have also written numerous plays and
skits ourselves. On play night students will stay with the directors all afternoon
until the performance starts. Time will be given for dinner, homework games
and warm-ups.
~Play Parts~
For our Walker members we do not audition for spots in our program nor parts
in our plays. Instead we use a process of evaluation where the students are
graded and videotaped so that we then can match student’s personalities and
acting abilities with a character that best suits them. For our Buford members
they do audition for a spot in our program with also includes an evaluation
during their audition to determine which character best suits them. Students
also fill out a form at the beginning of the semester to state how many lines they
are comfortable memorizing which also goes into the selection process. No
matter what, please let your child now just as we do that every part is crucial to
our play and that there are no small parts.
~Scripts~
All Stage Left Theatre members will be assigned a script whether or not they
have a speaking part, non-speaking part or just work backstage. All members
are expected to bring their script each week to rehearsal or anytime an extra
rehearsal is scheduled in order to participate in activities.
~Binders~
Stage Left Theatre members will also be assigned a program binder for use
during theatre that will be checked out to them for the semester. All members
must turn in their binder at the conclusion of the semester or if they choose not
to continue with the program. If students do not return their binder they will
have to pay $10.00 for it. All binders will be available for purchase at the
beginning of the semester at a discounted price of $5.00 if students should
want one.
~Apparel~
Stage Left Theatre’s official colors are black, red and white. At the beginning of
the semester an order form will come home with all students to purchase
official apparel and other items from our program which includes t-shirts,
hoodies and long-sleeve shirts. Purchasing items is optional for members. A
cast t-shirt will also be available for purchase when we get closer to our
production.
~Field Trips~
We do like to take field trips periodically throughout the semester. Forms will
come home when a field trip is scheduled with all information. Field trips will
sometimes cost a small fee depending on where we go. There are some
scholarships available for these and we will work with you in insuring your
child does get to go. Behavior and work expectations will need to be met in
order for children to attend.
~Theatre Student Jobs~
Theatre allows us to experiment with different student jobs. These jobs will
allow the students to learn the nuts and bolts of theatre. Theatre student jobs
allows our members the chance to contribute to our program not only from
onstage but behind-the-scenes as well. Below are the listed jobs, their
descriptions, expectations and their requirements.
Actors/Actresses – Must act in our end of the semester performance. May also
have the opportunity to perform in smaller skits throughout the semester as well.
Must attend all rehearsals and be willing to act under pressure and take on a
variety of roles. Must meet all expectations for behavior and rehearsal
requirements. Open to all 5th-8th grade students.
Program Captains – Must attend every rehearsal and help out the actors and
actresses with their character development and running lines. Also, must be
willing to take on and perform every theatre job at a moment’s notice. Must
meet all expectations for behavior and rehearsal requirements. Open to 6th
and 8th graders only. Directors will appoint this position after an interview
process.
Prop Designers - Must attend every week and will help to create a more realistic
feel for our show including sets, scenery, and more. Must meet all expectations
for behavior and rehearsal requirements. Open to all 5th-8th grade students.
Publicity Crew - Will work on posters, fundraising, community engagement
and our programs for the show. Must meet all expectations for behavior and
rehearsal requirements. Open to all 5th-8th grade students.
Lighting and Sound Technicians - Must attend all rehearsals in order to get a
feel for the play. Will help the directors design the lightning and sound for the
play. May run lights and sound on play night and at rehearsals. Must meet all
expectations for behavior and rehearsal requirements. Open to 8th graders only.
Stage Managers - Must attend all rehearsals in order to get a feel for the play.
The manager must also be willing to assist in stage set-up and design. Must be
willing to help out when called upon by the directors. Must meet all
expectations for behavior and rehearsal requirements. Open to 6th ,7th, and 8th
graders only.
Ushers - Will help hand out programs on the night of the show. Must meet all
expectations for behavior and rehearsal requirements. Open to all 5th-8th grade
students.
~Rehearsals~
Shortly after we cast our play and do a read-through; rehearsals will begin!
Individual rehearsals for Stage Left Theatre will take place once a week after
school. Walker students will rehearse on Thursdays from 3:15 until 4:30 in
the Walker School Auditorium and Buford students will rehearse on Tuesdays
from 3:15 until 4:30 in the Buford School Auditorium. All rehearsals are
MANDATORY. Rehearsals are mandatory to ensure that all members of the
program are aware of the tasks they must perform during our performance.
Throughout our semester we will schedule extra rehearsals as well as possible
individual acts and/or ALL ACTS on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and
Thursdays. These days are also MANDATORY and will take place at either
Buford or Walker. We will also rehearse on two or three Saturdays during the
semester. You will receive a notice and calendar prior to those rehearsals for
the specific dates, times and locations. You can also find a more up-to-date
schedule on our website with those dates and times and any changes. ALL
students will be given a schedule. Look at the schedule carefully! As the
production grows closer, rehearsals will be longer and involve everyone.
~Absences~
Whenever possible, please avoid making appointments during rehearsal times.
We do understand that there will be some instances where this is the only time
available for you and your child. Students are allowed five total absences during
the semester but, when a student misses a six rehearsal he/she WILL be CUT
from the program. If you or your child know that they are going to be absent on
a particular rehearsal day, we ask that you send an email, call us or send a note
with your child to notify us so we can determine if the absence will count
against them. We will not accept a word of mouth notification from your child
or one of their friends. As we get closer to our production it will be up to the
director’s discretion on whether or not an absence will be counted against them.
The whole cast is working together and when members are absent it makes it
difficult for everyone involved.
~Behavior~
At Walker & Buford School we stress the importance of following our PBIS
(Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports) matrix guidelines. We also stress
these when working with our theatre members. The guidelines are: Be
Respectful, Be Safe, Be Responsible and Be a Learner. We stress to all students
that their school day affects our program, so we ask them to stay on task, keep up
on all work, maintain a certain grade average, and conduct themselves in a way
that does not negatively affect our program. If he/she is having any difficulties
with any of these we may have to review that student’s participation in Stage Left
Theatre.
~Expectations & Rules~
We hold our students to a high standard in our program as we know this
builds their character and forms a very responsible student. Below are our
program expectations:
•Be here at every rehearsal and on time.
•Follow directions the first time.
•Bring all necessary materials
(script, binder, pencil, notecards, etc.)
•No food, drinks, or electronics are allowed in the auditorium unless authorized
by the directors.
•Do not touch anything on stage unless authorized by the directors.
(instruments, props, costumes, sceneries, etc.)
•No talking when you are onstage.
•HAVE FUN!!!
~Workload & Homework~
Stage Left Theatre takes a lot of work, discipline, and commitment! One of our
mottos is that “there are no small parts.” We believe that every member of the
program is crucial to our play, whether they are acting, or doing jobs “behindthe-scenes.” The workload that is associated with our program can sometimes be
overwhelming for the children, but unfortunately there is no other way to have
the success we have without it. We will have a lot of lessons spread out over the
semester as well as hold a lot of demanding rehearsals which will require
students to sometimes miss out on fun things that they want to do afterschool.
We also give homework on a weekly basis to help educate and teach the students
more about the fine art of theatre. When scripts are handed out students will be
required to complete a weekly practice log and parents will have to sign off on it.
Students who do not follow through with the required workload or homework
requirements could end up forfeiting their part in the play or being dismissed
from the program if it becomes an ongoing issue.
~Volunteers~
It takes a team to make a successful production. The team includes the directors,
program members, teachers and parent volunteers. Parent volunteers are an
essential part of the theatre program. Without our volunteers we would not be
able to offer the excellent productions for which we have been known for,
such as costumes, sets, parties and events. There are many opportunities in
our program to volunteer and parents are asked to volunteer in any way they
can, if and when they are available.
If parents are able to sign up to help, everyone wins but especially the students.
Commitment to working together is what makes our program a family...and,
ultimately, makes a successful show. Please use the volunteer form attached to
sign-up to help us out. Sign-up sheets will also come out prior to our production
for more detailed needs but below are ways you can volunteer your time.
CAST PARTY - Parent volunteers are needed to help plan, set up, supervise and
clean up after the cast party. The cast party is held in the school cafeteria.
The party is for the cast, crew, parent volunteers and community
members.
CONCESSIONS - In order to help offset the cost of production, as well as
support Stage Left Theatre, concessions are made available during
performances. Help is needed in setting up, selling and cleaning up. Parents
are needed to be in charge of the stand and cash box.
COSTUMES - Help is needed with coordinating costume needs, sewing,
mending, hemming, embellishing, finding, organizing, and laundering the
costumes. We maintain a closet of costume inventory which supports much
of the costuming needs. Many volunteer hands make the work easier.
Sewing is not always a necessary skill to help with costumes. Costume needs
will be explained at a later date. Ideas are always welcomed.
FOOD - Students are encouraged to bring a snack and/or drink to regular
rehearsals as snack may not always be provided. During Saturday
rehearsals parents are asked to donate water and drinks, as well as snacks,
such as pretzels, crackers, cheese, sandwiches, cookies, chips, vegetables
and fruits. A sign-up sheet will be made available so parents can sign up
for specific dates, in order to make sure that students have what they need
to get through rehearsal.
FUNDRAISING - Parents are needed to help the theatre program raise monies
to help support our mission and provide materials such as costumes,
props and other things for our productions. We are looking for corporate
sponsors and businesses to help offset some of our cost and other individuals to
donate money. Other fundraising ideas are welcomed such as bake sales and
more.
MAKE-UP/HAIR - Stage make-up is an essential part of productions. Often
volunteers are needed on performance night to help students with the right
hairstyle for an era or to assist in applying make-up. Information is
provided regarding make-up and hairstyling needs as production
progresses.
POSTERS - A poster is developed for each show. Students and parents are asked
to assist in putting posters up in the community, and in surrounding
area businesses and work places. A set of posters are held so that one can be
provided to each student as a memento of involvement and students will have
the opportunity to sign each other’s poster at the cast party.
PROPS - A list will be provided and volunteers may be needed to search for and
possibly design and create certain props for our production. A relatively
small inventory of frequently needed props is maintained. The perfect item
can often be found in someone’s garage, attic or basement. You might just
have the right item or know someone who does. In addition, some creative
parents can volunteer to create the perfect item while at home.
PUBLICITY - In addition to posters, volunteers are needed to help us get the word
out about our show and to personally invite others to attend the show.
SALES/DONATIONS - Parents are needed to help prior to our production to sale
various items and take up donations. Items include apparel, backstage
notes, flowers, DVDs, Photo CDs, and other merchandise.
SET CONSTRUCTION - Typically the set is constructed over one or two
weekends very during the production process. Anyone is welcome and many
hands make light work. Parents who have building knowledge and are
capable with tools are highly encouraged to participate. Ideas are always
welcomed.
SET STRIKE - After the performance, volunteers are needed to help the
directors with set strike, which involves the disassembly and tearing down of
the set, putting all items related to the production away, cleaning the
auditorium and the stage.
SHOW PROGRAM - A show program is developed for each show, and is
pretty extensive. It includes a synopsis of the show, student headshots,
business advertisements, parent ads and one liner wishes to students, patron
listings, and other pertinent information. Funds raised through the show
program benefit us which financially supports many aspects of show
production - such as costuming, props, helping with set construction
materials, and other show production needs.
SUPERVISION - Parent volunteers may be needed to assist and supervise
students during certain times of our performance night. Please look for a
sign-up sheet to see our needs as the production progresses. Field trip
supervision may also be needed as well.
~Closing~
In closing, we THANK you so much in advance for all of your support. Our
students seem to have returned with more enthusiasm, dedication, and
motivation to excel at their performances and are willing to take on leadership
roles. Our new members seem eager to act, learn, as well as be leaders in our
program. With the variety of talented students that we have this year, this feat
will not be hard to reach! We look forward to working with you and your child
this year in Stage Left Theatre! Please feel free to e-mail or call us at any time
you have a question or concern.
Best Regards,
Rod Durrer
Contact Info:
[email protected]
[email protected]
434-245-2509
434-989-3484
Stagelefttheatreccs.weebly.com
Kristina Durrer
Stage Left Theatre Participation Form
Please sign and return this completed form on or before ____________________________. If not returned by
this date you may forfeit your place in our program.
Name of Student: ____________________________________________ Name to be called: __________________
Grade of Student: ____________ Student’s Homeroom (W)/8th Period Teacher (B):_________________________
Student’s Email (optional): _______________________________________________________________________
Student’s Cell Phone (optional for text alerts): _______________________________________________________
Parents/Guardians Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian E-mail(s):
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Home/Work/Cell Phone Number(s) _______________________________________________________________
How would you prefer to receive announcements and/or forms? (please select your options below)
_______Email _______Text (only updates) _______ Paper Copy
If text which number(s)? ________________________________
Does your child have any medical conditions or take any medications we should know about? ____Yes ____No
If yes, please list/explain:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
I have read the attached handbook and I understand the commitment necessary to be a member of Stage Left
Theatre.
_____________________________________________________
Student Signature
I have read the attached handbook and understand the commitment necessary for my child. I give permission for
my child to be a member of Stage Left Theatre.
_____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
***********************************************************************************************************************************
*Parents: Throughout the semester and during our play, there will come a time when we will be taking photos
for a CD photo album, our website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and videotaping our performances. Please sign
below if we have permission to take photos and/or video of your child. Due to privacy restrictions with regards to
minors, students’ names will not be used on the internet.
I ____________________________ give my consent to the use of photograph(s) or video images of my child.
I ____________________________ DO NOT give my consent to the use of photograph(s) or video images of my
child.
________________________________
Parent Signature
__________________
Date
Stage Left Theatre Volunteer Form
Please check all that you would be willing to help with. We will be in contact with you when the time
becomes necessary for your help.
□CAST PARTY
□CONCESSIONS
□COSTUMES
□FOOD
□FUNDRAISING
□MAKE-UP/HAIR
□POSTERS
□PROPS
□PUBLICITY
□SALES/DONATIONS
□SET CONSTRUCTION
□SET STRIKE
□SHOW PROGRAM
□SUPERVISION
□OTHER
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