NEW ENGLAND DANCE

FORMERLY MISS FRANCES SCHOOL OF DANCE

2010 Dress Rehearsal and Recital Rules

Dear Parents,

The children have worked very hard and are eager to perform for you! This is their special time so we are doing everything we can to ensure their safety and wellbeing. 

Over several years of putting on recitals, we have found that putting on a successful recital depends upon addressing and adhering to several important rules. Please read the rules below and call me with any questions.

Thank you, in advance, for helping us makes this a recital to remember!

Sincerely,

Miss Adriana

·         Only mothers/guardians of children in the recital will receive backstage passes. This is an important security measure.  The passes will be handed out at recital when you check in.

·         Mother’s/guardians not planning to use backstage passes should inform Miss Adriana, or Miss Natalia by April 30, 2010.

·         No one is admitted backstage unless they have a pass.   

·         Everyone must have a ticket to enter the auditorium and to see the performance - no exceptions. All hands will be stamped to gain re-entry into auditorium (High school rule).  If you are a performer and sit in the auditorium, you must be dressed in street cloths, not in your costume.  Children under 1 and under may be seated on a lap. 

·         Strict supervision is provided during recital but not during rehearsal.  Once your child comes off the stage at rehearsal they will be escorted to the cafeteria.  You must be there to pick them up at that time.  You should have plenty of time to watch the routine from the auditorium and walk to the cafeteria as the children are escorted off stage.  During recital the children will be supervised by assigned chaperones. FOR ALL PRESCHOOL, PRIMARY, AND 4-6 YEAR OLD CLASSES WE MUST HAVE TWO PARENTS FROM EACH CLASS VOLUNTEER TO CHAPERONE.

·         Mothers must leave the backstage area a 1/2 hour before the performance starts to take their seats in the auditorium. Due to the limited dressing room space, we urge that you do not stay in the dressing room unless you are a volunteer. Mothers with WHITE security passes will not be allowed to return backstage until intermission. COLORED security passes will be issued only to mothers/guardians whose children have a costume change or mothers/guardians who have more than one child dancing in separate classes.

·         Anyone bringing students to the rehearsal and recital must use the east, side entrance of the building – (not the main entrance). Signs will be posted for your convenience.

·         SEATING IN THE AUDITORIUM IS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.  NO SEATS MAY BE RESERVED FOR FAMILY MEMBERS THAT HAVE NOT YET ARRIVED.  YOU MAY HOWEVER HOLD A SEAT FOR THE PARENT/GUARDIAN WHO IS PREPARING THE CHILD BACKSTAGE AND PLANS ON TAKING A SEAT BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE BEGINS AND FOR THE CHILD PERFORMING IF THEY PLAN ON WATCHING THE SHOW AFTER THEY HAVE PERFORMED.  IF ANYONE TRIES TO RESERVE MORE SEATS THEN THAT THE USHERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO STOP HIM OR HER.

·         Chaperones are needed to help backstage, to watch and help care for the children. Please let Miss Natalia or Miss Adriana know if you are willing to volunteer.  FOR ALL PRESCHOOL, PRIMARY, AND 4-6 YEAR OLD CLASSES WE MUST HAVE TWO PARENTS FROM EACH CLASS VOLUNTEER TO CHAPERONE.

·         All students must be at dress rehearsal, unless excused by Miss Adriana.

·         After checking in, at rehearsal, proceed to the lecture hall to change your child into their costume.  The cafeteria is where the photographer will be setting up shop (she is only there to take pictures during the rehearsal).

·         At the recital, everyone will change in the lecture hall across from the cafeteria or in the cafeteria.  Children 10 and under will move (with all their belongings) to the cafeteria where they will stay until performance time.  Once they are done performing they will be escorted back to the cafeteria for the remainder of the show.    

·         If you don’t want your child to go onstage for the finale please pick them up before the end of the show or let the chaperone in charge of their class know they will not be in the finale.

·         ALL BILLS MUST BE PAID before May 9, 2010  (or your child's last class). Your child will not be allowed to perform if full payment is not received. This includes all costume charges.  Staff members will be checking everyone in at the door.  Coming to rehearsal with your bill unpaid will only hold up the line.

Back Stage & On Stage Rules

·         No jewelry or barrettes can be worn unless part of the costume

·         No underwear, except for bras and tights may be worn under costumes – no exceptions.

·         Buns are required on all dancers (unless otherwise specified by your Childs teacher). It is your responsibility to see that your child’s hair is in a bun.  No hair dresser is available.

·         No gum.

·         Bring extra bobby pins, safety pins, needles, thread and scissors, etc.

·         All dancers must wear makeup on stage.

·         No dancer will be allowed on stage unless in full costume (using a check list will ensure bringing all needed items).

·         Do not wear costumes to and from school. Dress at the school.  Please cover all costumes for protection.

·         Put your name on everything.

·         Bring something to keep your child occupied backstage (games, etc.)

·         During  performances the doors in the rear of the auditorium will open only between dance routines. Please refrain from opening rear doors during the performance because it disturbs the audience and especially, the performers.

·         Please remind guests that every dancer is a star and deserves our courtesy, attention and applause.

·         For the children's safety they must stay in the designated, supervised, backstage areas.  You will be able to pick them up at either intermission or the end of the show.

·         Parents are responsible to provide supervision during the dress rehearsal.                                      

·         All students must be at Wethersfield High School, Wethersfield , CT. one hour before all performances. The outside doors will open at these times. No one is allowed in the auditorium before the doors open.

·         Please be supportive to backstage workers and supervisors as well as the security personnel. They are Mothers and Fathers of children in the recital who have volunteered their time to help. I have instructed them to strictly adhere to all of the guidelines listed above to ensure the safety and well being of your children and they deserve your courtesy and support.

·         NO PICTURE OR VIDEO CAMERAS ARE ALLOWING IN THE AUDITORIUM DURING RECITAL.  It is very disruptive to the performers. Taking video and pictures during the show is an annoyance to others trying to watch PLEASE HAVE SOME RESPECT. You may however videotape and take pictures during rehearsal.

·         Please have your children stay to take part in the finale. The recital is the culmination of your child's hard work and effort and the children have told us that their favorite part of the recital is the FINALE. This is a time for awards, camaraderie and well deserved applause.

NOTE: Please address all questions or problems directly to Miss Adriana

 Dear parents,

We would like to thank you, in advance, for your cooperation and support. I know that, together, we can make this the best recital ever for your child!

We have many exciting opportunities, events and ideas in store for our students next season.  I suggest that you register now to ensure a placement in the class of your choice.

I look forward to seeing you in the fall and I wish you a wonderful summer! 

Keep dancing!

Miss Adriana