The 2014-15 Season:

Through the Looking Glass

 

 

February 4, 2015 7:00pm

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A few things to know before joining the cast or crew of the Somerset Middle School Drama Club

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1.  COST
Depending on the needs of the part, each performer will be asked to provide all or part of his/her costume.  A detailed description of what is required will be given out near the beginning of the rehearsal process. Provisions will be made for any family with a financial hardship.

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2.  COMMUNICATION
With a complex rehearsal schedule, and a multi-faceted production, good communication is vital to the success of the club. Be sure all handouts go into your folder and go home to your parents.  ALL absences and scheduling conflicts should be explained in writing.  Prior notice is appreciated whenever possible. Questions or communication regarding absences or the schedule should be directed to Ms. Marshall at marshallc@somerset.k12.ma.us. Questions about ticket sales and costumes should be directed to Ms. Marshall at marshallc@somerset.k12.ma.us



3.    PROFESSIONALISM
The Somerset Middle School Drama Club prides itself on its productions.  In order to achieve a level of quality, professional behavior and attitudes are expected from every student. High expectations are set for both the cast and crew.  During the course of the rehearsal process, the show becomes completely student-run. Positive attitudes are essential.  The value of participation and being part of an ensemble are emphasized over an individual’s specific role.

4.  SCHEDULE and ATTENDANCE
Joining the Somerset Middle School Drama Club requires a substantial time commitment.  Be sure you can adhere to the rigorous rehearsal schedule BEFORE auditioning or signing up for crew.  In general, the Drama Club rehearses every MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, and THURSDAY from 2:40-3:40 PM.  (Even though you may not be required to attend every single rehearsal, you should be able to attend every rehearsal.) Tuesday rehearsals are sometimes required and extended rehearsals (2:40-5:30) are required 2-3 weeks prior to the performance. On other rare occasions, it may also be necessary to schedule meetings or special rehearsals on Tuesdays or Fridays.  Children cast in leading roles may also be asked to attend additional rehearsals if necessary. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the first rehearsal. Please remember that absences from rehearsal negatively impact and inconvenience the entire cast and crew.

IMPORTANT:  If a prior commitment would prevent you from attending any one day on a regular basis, or any of the scheduled dress rehearsals or  performances, YOU MAY NOT JOIN the Somerset Middle School Drama Club. Special circumstances may allow for minor scheduling accommodations.  (For instance, if you had to attend CCD on Wednesdays at 4 PM and therefore had to leave rehearsal at 3:45 on Wednesdays, special permission might be granted. We would expect that as we get close to the actual performance date that Drama Club would take precedence over that activity.   Any such requests should be submitted in writing at your audition or first crew meeting.) 

Interested in Being on the CREW for The Somerset Middle School Drama Club?

 Carefully read through this pagw with your parents/guardians
 Be certain you are able to make the time commitment
 Attend the first crew meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 17th, 2012  after school in Room 40 until 3:15 PM
 Bring your signed contract to this crew meeting

At the first crew meeting, stage crew positions will be selected, and the rehearsal schedules will be discussed.

*  You will be more likely to get the job of your choice if you show responsibility by attending the required meeting and returning your signed contract on time.

Possible Crew Positions:
Stage Manager**
Assistant Stage Manager**
Curtain
Light Board Operator
Spot Light Operator
Wardrobe Supervisor
Make-Up
Props Manager
Shift Crew

**If you are interested in being the Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager,
please see Ms. Marshall ASAP since those jobs require attendance at all rehearsals.

 

 

 

​Expectations for CAST and CREW of

Rehearsal Procedures:

• Arrive at rehearsal by 2:40 PM sharp and plan on staying until 3:40 unless otherwise instructed.  Students may rely on the late bus for transportation home.  It is the responsibility of each student to arrange for his/her method of transportation in advance if he/she does not take the late bus.  No daily phone calls or text messages will be allowed during rehearsal.
• Sign in immediately upon arrival, so you get credit for attending rehearsal.
• Friends who are not members of the Drama Club may NOT watch the rehearsals, nor are they to loiter outside of the auditorium.
• Any time you are not rehearsing, you should be studying lines, reviewing blocking, or doing your HOMEWORK.  The noise level must be kept down so that the rehearsal is not interrupted.
• Cell-phone use and texting ARE NOT ALLOWED during rehearsal, so transportation arrangements should be made before rehearsal.  If a student is found using a cell phone during rehearsal, the phone will be confiscated and turned into the office on the next school day for a parent to retrieve.
• Food and drink are not allowed in the auditorium, including gum.
• Appropriate clothing and footwear are required at all rehearsals.  (No flip-flops or Uggs)

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Attendance Policy:
 

Since each person’s role, leading and chorus alike, is connected to and impacts others, attendance at each rehearsal is essential.  Therefore, we do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences.
• Generally, rehearsals are scheduled for every Monday, Wednesday, AND Thursday.
• You will be expected at every rehearsal for which you are called.  Carefully review your REHEARSAL SCHEDULE and make absolutely certain you understand which rehearsals you must attend.
• You must be able to attend all rehearsals, all dress rehearsals, and all performances.
• It is your responsibility to know if you are needed for each rehearsal, so study your rehearsal schedule carefully.
• 3 missed rehearsals FOR ANY REASON may result in the loss of your part in the play.
            This INCLUDES missing rehearsals because of absences from school, illness,  detention, after school make-up work, doctor’s      appointments, CCD, meetings for other clubs, family vacations, etc.
            Any missed rehearsal should be explained in writing in advance by a parent or a guardian.
           Attendance will be strictly enforced.  Any extenuating circumstances must be discussed with Ms. Marshall  in advance to see if it is possible to reach an arrangement. 
• Whenever possible, extra help sessions should be scheduled on non-rehearsal days.  If you must stay for extra help with a teacher after school, be at rehearsal by 2:45 with a pass from the teacher.
• All correspondence regarding attendance issues should be directed toward Ms. Marshall

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Behavior:
 

• Every student in the cast and crew is expected to behave in a mature, responsible, and respectful manner at all rehearsals and performances. 
• Discipline problems will be referred to an administrator. 
• Anyone who engages in any kind of inappropriate conduct may lose the privilege of participating in the Somerset Middle School Drama Club.

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Please Note:
• Cast and crew members may be videotaped or photographed during rehearsals and performances.   These videos and photographs may be used on the school website or other media.