Stage Crew

First and foremost, thank you to all who submitted resumes to be a part of tech crew.  I am trying something new this year due to feedback and experiences from past shows.  From a director's standpoint, I wanted students who really wanted to be on tech crew, not just students who were not cast in the play and automatically fell into the category of stage crew.  In order to achieve this, I decided to initiate an interview process, along with the creation of a resume and a specific audition form after auditions for the musical.  I have had trouble in the past with tech crew students running around the theater instead of taking care of their assigned tasks and showing leadership qualities.  To try to change that, I wanted tech crew students to actually audition and turn in resumes like all of the other students have to do in order to be considered for a role in the play.  Being a part of the tech crew comes with some very heavy responsibilities, as I count on these students to help make the show even better.   I take this very seriously and want each student to know that their role on tech crew is as important as any other cast or crew member.

With this said, every student who turned in an audition form and resume received an interview.  He or she was interviewed one-on-one by our Stage Manager, as well as met with the director.  On the blog entry giving the audition form for stage crew, I stated that I was only looking to fill 5-10 roles.  Unfortunately, I could not cast everyone.  Please know that the final decision was made by the director, after reviewing all resumes, audition forms, audition notes, as well as considering behavior and leadership within the interviews.  No stage crew roles were pre-cast except my Stage Manager, whom I chose before beginning the show process.  This role is designated by the director, just like Hair, Costumes, Make-up, etc.  These students have been working directly with me since the beginning of the rehearsal process.

I had some excited students who were interested in tech crew, and I thank you for your interest.  Please know that just like the play, I had several really talented students who auditioned, but I could not cast everyone.  Due to our time frame and our on and off stage area, I can only cast a limited number of students.   I would encourage you to audition in the future for the role you have in mind - whether on stage or behind the scenes.

For those that were cast, I am excited to embark on this journey together.  Please see below for the final list of additions to our wonderful team!!  TECH CREW:  Due to Mark Wood's concert on Friday, you are not required to come until this Saturday at 9:00.  Please watch for communication from our Stage Manager for more details.

Stage Manager: Alexander Nocks
Assistant Stage Manager/Lights: Sean Madden
Backstage Manager: Seth DeWitt
Green Room Manager: Audrey Eymen
Sound: Caroline Theile
Stage Right: Sophia Abrams
Stage Managers in Training: Joel Engelhardt and Grace Hitt

Stargrams Pre-Order Form

COSTUME PLEA

Please see the letter from the costume team in case your child did not bring his/hers home to you.

PLEASE NOTE:  Anyone who can help sew --- and it is not hard sewing! -- please let Sadie Darwish and her mother know.  We have a lot of work to do and could use a few extra set of hands, as they are making several pieces.  PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN!

TECH WEEKS: All students called!

In case you were unsure -- ALL STUDENTS ARE CALLED TO BE AT REHEARSALS from here until the show.  Since we are a little behind, the schedule may adjust slightly on what we are doing each night, but every student is called from here on out.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

There will be tons of down-time.  Bring a book to read, homework to do, and a snack (but please don't eat in the theater!).  There will be a lot of stopping and starting, so please be patient and don't use that time to have a conversation with your friends.  Older kids -- my younger kids look up to you and are watching you.  Please be a good example to them and help keep everyone on track.  The kids who have been doing that thus far have been A HUGE help to Miss Cindy.  Thank you for your efforts.

REFRESHER ON THE SCHEDULE:

Tuesday:  Run Act 1 from 4:00 - 7:00.  

• We will run Act 1.  Any extra time, I will finish Wild Goose Chase.  If we get to a spot that I can let people go while I work on Wild Goose Chase, I will.  

Wednesday:  Run Act 2 from 4:00 - 7:00.

Thursday:  RUN SHOW from 4:00 - 7:00.

Friday:  4:00 - 6:30:  Run Musical Numbers/Teach Warts and All Reprise (ALL CAST)
**Please note, I do realize there is a special musical ceremony on Friday night with Mark Woods.  Please arrive to the Fay Auditorium as soon as you can after your rehearsal.  I will let all students go at 6:30 in order to make it to the high school.

Saturday:  9:00 - 1:00 SET BUILDING (ALL HANDS ON DECK, PARENTS!)
STUDENTS:  Music Rehearsal 11:00 - 1:00 (Please bring music books)
**EXTENSION OF REHEARSAL / 1:00 - 3:30 - Fix any problem spots / RUN SHOW
Parents:  I need to add this extension of rehearsal on Saturday, as the original schedule said 2:00.  Please do your best to allow your child to be there.  It would probably be smart to also provide a drink and/or snack to keep the kids healthy!  We will begin providing meals Monday of tech week.

Rehearsal Saturday & Monday

Hello students/parents!

I hope each of you are having a great week!  I think we could all say that it was a busy one -- I could tell the kids were exhausted even on Tuesday!  With that said, please encourage them to get some rest.  The next two weeks are going to be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting.

PARENTS:  
Please be aware that the last few rehearsals have been not up to par due to continuous talking and students not knowing choreography, lyrics, or their lines.  We are now LESS THAN TWO WEEKS before the show.  We are starting to add interruptions such as costumes, lights, set pieces -- but these little tweaks the students are exposed to each rehearsal is throwing their concentration.  It takes me an additional five minutes to regain their focus -- and unfortunately, no one has the extra time.

Please work with your child on their songs, lyrics, and choreography.  Test them -- let them SING AND DANCE for you.  I am finding when we put the two together and run numbers, neither turns out well.  I KNOW EACH CHILD CAN DO THIS.  Having cast each of them, I believe each of them have the potential to put on a great show.  However, the "I got this, I don't need to practice" attitude and the continuous talking needs to stop.

REHEARSAL SATURDAY:
As discovered this week at rehearsals, 70-80% of my cast is not available on Saturday.  Possibly 1/4th of these conflicts were listed on the audition form.  Knowing of some Wyoming events on Saturday when I planned the calendar, it was scheduled as a "TBA" rehearsal.  However, we are getting close to the wire and need every rehearsal we can get.  At this point, the rehearsal on Saturday will be focused with more of the leads acting and singing-wise.  Please note the schedule below:

• 9:00 - 11:30:  Set Building - come join the fun!
• 11:30 - 12:30:  CAT
• 12:30 - 1:30:  Ida, Drake, and 4 Ducklings
• 1:30 - 2:00: IDA

I realize there are several Wyoming activities on Saturday, and I am willing to be flexible -- BUT, with my giving of this additional rehearsal to miss, each students HAS to bring their A-GAME in the rehearsals to come.  Please be aware that there may be an additional rehearsal added or time added after rehearsals if things do not improve.  I would hate to do this, as we all have a very long two weeks ahead -- so let's work together as as team and nail this show!

REHEARSAL MONDAY:
This rehearsal will be for EVERY PERSON in "Warts and All" and "Wild Goose Chase".  If you not in these numbers, please don't come to rehearsal -- unless you are contacted by costumes to attend.  This is ALSO for every person that is singing backstage with mics - you need to be there and know the lyrics.  In case you forgot who you are, here is the list:  Melissa, Janey, Monica, Anna, Deja, Margot.  I need every dancer, singer, and actor in these numbers the entire time on Monday from 3:30 - 6:00.  If you are not present on Monday for this rehearsal, you will be cut from the number.  I also may move you around in the number, if needed.  Bring your A-GAME and prove you want this.

NO MORE BOOKS, period.

Students -- you got this.  I believe in you, but I am going to push you these next 9 rehearsals.
Miss Cindy

TECH CREW AUDITION FORM

Have a student who is interested in being a part of the tech crew?  I am looking to cast 5-10 students in various tech positions.  Please see below for the tech crew audition form!

PLEASE NOTE:  This audition form requires a parent/guardian signature.  I take this very seriously.  With only a few rehearsals left as we are beginning the two weeks before the show, I am looking for students who are willing to make working on the musical a priority.  By signing this form, you are signaling the following:

1. You agree that the musical will be a top priority to your student's schedule, directly following school work and pre-planned family events.
2. You will get your child to rehearsal in a timely manner.
3. You are confirming that all known conflicts are listed on the audition form, and your child will not miss any other rehearsals (unless an emergency arises). 

Don't forget to hand in your audition form AND your resume to the theater door no later than Saturday, January 28th.  After reviewing all applications and audition forms, I will be contacting students for interviews.  If you are invited to a tech crew interview, you will be contacted after Saturday.  Miss Wilmes and the stage manager plan to hold interviews on Monday/Tuesday, January 30/31.  

Thank you!

Miss Wilmes

SCHEDULE REFRESHER

Hi parents & students!

This is just a reminder about the schedule for the next few days, as I am getting a few questions.  I hope this helps!

THURSDAY (TONIGHT):

• 4:00 - 5:00:  JUST CAT & UGLY.  This has been cancelled due to illness.
• 5:00 - 6:00:  This is just pages 84-89 in the script:  Ida, Ugly, Bewick, Mother & Father Swan (no Barnyard Animals)
• 4:40 - 6:00 - Maddie Henke is running "Wild Goose Chase" w/ anyone who wants to work on the dance steps in the hallway.  This number needs to be pretty much perfected by Saturday.  This would be a great opportunity for you to learn if you have an hour or so free.  If you are locked outside the door and trying to get in, please go around to the after-school door and come up the back way.  There might not be someone to let you in, as rehearsal is cancelled officially until 5:00.
• PLEASE NOTE:  Rehearsal is only going to 6:00 today.  We will get done early, as we have a few kids sick, and this is a very short scene.  I told most of the kids this yesterday at rehearsal.

SATURDAY:  

• 9:00 - 11:00:  Set crew is working on the stage.  If you would like to join us, this will be a HUGE workday!  Come join the fun, parents!
• 11:00 - 1:15:  Learn "Warts & All".  The only people that need to be there are Bullfrog, my 3 "Supremes", and all of the "FROGS" (Ensemble + Olivia + Maddie + Lucy + 3 Students).  Ian & Ethan, you can join if you want, but we can put the pogo-sticks into the number after I officially teach it to the ensemble.  You are welcome to come on Saturday, but there will be A LOT of sitting around for you.  Feel free to have the day off, and I'll catch you up when we run the musical number at the end of the month.
• 1:15 - 1:45:  Review & Show Miss Cindy what you know for "Wild Goose Chase".  I will teach the ending (Leads:  Dot, Greyleg, Cat, & Ugly do not have to be there).  
• 1:45 - 2:00:  Run Warts & All and Wild Goose Chase

MONDAY:

• 3:30 - 5:00:  Blizzard
• 5:00 - 6:00:  Work with Cat, Ugly, Dot & Greyleg for ending of Wild Goose Chase.  Catch Cat & Ugly up on scenes they have missed.
• Blizzard People may be asked to work on previous dances from 5:00 - 6:00 or possibly leave early, if needed.  Please come prepared with your song memorized!

Thank you again for the hard work thus far!!  Please keep on washing those hands and stay healthy!  We have a lot of kids who aren't feeling well.  Also, please remember, if you are waiting for your parents after rehearsal, please stay INSIDE Wyoming Middle School.  Since it is dark and cold, I would much rather you wait inside for your parents.  Also, we CANNOT prop open the door downstairs.  Thanks for your cooperation!

Miss Cindy

No Monday Rehearsal: Enjoy!

Hi students!

I first wanted to thank you for a great two weeks of rehearsals!  I have taught you almost all of Act 1!  Thursday night, we were able to run most of Act 1 - so I am confident you know the material.  You have worked very hard, and I appreciate that.  With that said, like I suggested at rehearsals this weekend, I am going to give you the night off on Monday, January 16th.  We have several students out of town, as well as a handful of kids sick.  I am hoping the time off will prove beneficial in the long run as we continue to push forward.

With that said, here are a few reminders:

• Students that have been sick and/or missed rehearsals:  YOU MUST get with a student in your scenes on your own time to learn the choreography/blocking.  I can show you where you stand in formations, but it is your responsibility to learn the number on your own time.
• At this point in the game, I may begin to move people around or remove people from dances -- IF I can tell that they do not know the number.  It is not fair to the other students that have been there and/or are towards the front when there are others around them that are completely lost.  I am not expecting perfection yet, but we only have so many rehearsals left.  As I have mentioned at rehearsals, it would be wise of each of you to practice on your own time.  This is extremely important!
• If you are stuck on dance moves for numbers that I have taught you, please see/follow Anna Z. or Melissa Campbell for all Barnyard Numbers & Maddie Henke for Wild Goose Chase. 
• WILD GOOSE CHASE:
• Please review on your own time BEFORE coming to rehearsals.
• Maddie Henke is my dance captain on this - please see her if you have questions.
• The practice kazoo that you were given needs to be brought back with you at rehearsals.  I would recommend putting your name on this and sticking this in your laundry basket.
• There is only a few steps left that I need to teach you.  On Saturday, when all my dancers are already there (leads [Greyleg, Dot, & Cat DO NOT need to be there], I will teach you the ending and see what you know.  I will probably do this on Saturday from 1:15 - 1:45.  So, Warts & All AND Wild Goose Chase dancers - this Saturday is a big rehearsal for you! 
• LAUNDRY BASKETS, BIOS, & Costume Sheets are overdue!  If you have not yet turned these in or put your basket in the green room, please do this no later than Tuesday!
• NO BOOKS on Act 1 from here on out!!  You need to be memorized.  Students -- and especially Ensemble -- please look at those lyrics.  The vocals of my big group numbers need to be really strong vocally.  Leads -- please know that if you are not in a number on stage, you will be singing in the wings offstage.  I need your voices! :)

SCHEDULE:
Everything on the calendar is staying the same; however, please note that I would like to also call my leads Dot, Greyleg, and my 4 Cadets to Monday January 23rd's rehearsal from 5:00 - 6:00.  If you are able to make it, I would love to work on the Blizzard from 3:30 - 5:15 (as planned) & scene 4 from 5:15 - 6:00.  All students called that night, please plan to stay until 6:00 as on the schedule.  Dot, Greyleg, and my 4 Cadets, please arrive at 5:00, if you are able.

Great job thus far, gang!
Miss Wilmes  

Costume Plot

Please use this guide to help you and your students know the layout of the scenes and when they will have costume changes.  For visual learners, this may be an easier way to figure out the run of the show and when your student is on stage or not on stage.

Some of you have several costume changes, some do not. If you are playing more than one character, you will more than likely have a costume change.  The yellow boxes marked on this sheet call out a costume change.  Please know that no matter what, all boys and girls need to wear something underneath their costumes that anyone can see them change in, such as a tank top, t-shirt, dance shorts, etc.  We want to keep the environment comfortable for all, and modesty is key.

Please stay tuned for more details!
Miss Cindy

Costume Measurements

Please stay tuned for more information about your child's costumes.  You may be asked to provide some basic items.  In order that our costume team may start planning, please be prepared to fill out AND TURN IN THIS SHEET at the parent meeting.  This will be in your parent packet given to you at the meeting, but if you would like to print and have your child fill out before, please do so.  Please turn into SadieRose Darwish.

ALSO, please know that each child will be required to bring in a labeled laundry basket and garment bag to leave in the green room no later than Monday, January 8th.  We need these as soon as possible, as we start arranging costumes.

Thank you!

Click to print and enlarge.

BIOGRAPHIES

Please write 50 words or less to describe yourself!  This will be put in the program for all to see!  Need ideas?  You might want to include information about previous performances, favorite things to do, hobbies, special talents, and/or even a special thanks.

WHEN IS THIS DUE?:
All bios are to be given to Miss Wilmes or Maddie Henke/Mrs. Henke by Thursday, January 12th.  It would be FANTASTIC if you could even turn this in at the Parent Meeting!

PROP LIST

I have decided to post a prop list, just in case any parents run across items that we could use for the show.  Please contact Lauren Young directly if you are able to provide any of these props.   

PLEASE NOTE:  I am in need of a potential of 18 hula hoops that need to be spray painted green, as well as 10 umbrellas painted white.  These do not have to be the same size.  I also would like each Goose to have their own "Wazoo"/Duck Horn for the Wild Goose Chase Number.  If you are able to let us borrow a few things, please do not forget to write your name on the item, so it can be returned to you.

Thank you in advance!

PROPS:

SCENE 1

Broom - IDA
Presents for Baby shower (can be creative/cute/silly) - Maureen, Tillie, and Millie
Camera – for group shot in the beginning

Pile of feathers – on stage at end of first number

Rocking Chair – IDA

Something to sew/pattern or quilt – IDA

2 nail files for Millie/Tillie (and/or anything else that would call out “Suburban Mothers” – they’re kind of like the town gossipers, aka Desperate Housewives – possible sunglasses)

1 Starbucks cup for Maureen

4 rubber rings to keep kids afloat while swimming– 4 Ducklings/Drake

4 student driver sign to hang on the float or around their necks – 4 Ducklings/Drake

4 book bags – 4 Ducklings (would be great if we could get them to semi-match)

1 over the shoulder bag (newspaper bag) – Ugly

1 large book to fit into Ugly’s book bag - Ugly

few books – other students

few class items (maybe an over the shoulder bag) – other students

purse & mirror for Jadyn

French bread – Maureen

Scene 2
Cookbook – Cat

Ingredients / Cooking Supplies – Cat

Chef’s Hat & Apron – Cat

Table w/ Tablecloth (might have one backstage) – Cat

Basket of Oranges (or fruit with one orange) – Cat

1 Menu – Ugly

1 Bib / Napkin to tie around Ugly’s neck – Cat

*All the above items should be preset on the table

Big ball (that won’t hurt the Cat when hit)

Scene 3
Make-up for News Crew Person – Kelsey Jobalia

Some kind of lights (think news crew here) – Molly M

Video Camera of some sort (we have this at WMS) – Abby Casada

Microphone for Ellen – we might be able to use a real one, but it should be big

**Possible TV emblem will need to be on the camera & microphone – feel free to be creative

suitcase – Maureen gives to Ida
Hat & Jacket to bring on for Ida – Millie & Tillie (you can check with costumes but this will need to be pre-set upstairs)
1 Cell Phone – Drake

Scene 4:
2-4 Aviator Goggles
1 parachute - Cat
16 "Wazoos"/Duck Horns for each Goose

4-8 Flashlights with red paper covering them to make red lights – GEESE

2 Guide Torches – Ugly
**The Geese form an airplane in this scene.  I will have SET DESIGN do the wings and propeller.

White Feathers (either a few large ones or a handful of small ones)

Scene 5
Apron – Drake

Scene 6
Fishing Line – Penny

6 Hula Hoops painted green w? pink flower attached to stay on the stage at all times

+12 Hula-Hoops painted green (if this will not work, I can have every other dancer have a hula hoop.  I could get by with 6 – 8 hula hoops + 6 that are on stage the whole time).  Feel free to talk to Betsy Casada (set design) if you want to get them, and she can decorate them.

Net – Ugly

Scene 7
10 umbrellas painted white (2 of them need to not have poles – Cat & Ugly get buried underneath the umbrella as a snow drift)

Possible fake snow (flakes to add until Ida & Drake as they search for Ugly)

HONK JR. Detailed Scene Breakdown

Please use this Word Document to get a better feel of the show, as well as to learn what scenes/songs you are in.  Don't forget, memorization date of all lyrics and lines is Monday, January 9th!  Please do your best to look over the document below to figure out what scenes/songs you are in, as I have added some people in scenes to the compliment the script.


**PLEASE NOTE:  All items in red have been added since the Cast List was announced.  As I have begun to choreograph, I have decided to add groups of you to additional numbers.  Please pay attention to this as you look at the rehearsal calendar.  

HONK JR. Detailed Rehearsal Calendar

Please see below for a detailed rehearsal calendar of what I plan to accomplish at each rehearsal.  If you are not called for a specific rehearsal, you do not have to be there.  Please use the detailed scene breakdown posted on the blog plus your script to decide if you are to be at rehearsal.

*If you are in the news crew and do not have a script, please plan on coming to rehearsal beginning on Thursday, January 26th.  You also need to be there for the "Blizzard" rehearsal and anytime we review musical numbers.  I will catch you up, as you are on stage every time JayBird (the News Reporter) is.

It is very important for you to show up for rehearsal when you are called.  If you have given me a conflict on your audition form, I know that you will not be at rehearsal; however, please remind me before you leave at the rehearsal before now that you know what will be rehearsed.  It is your responsibility to catch up on what you have missed.  Please get with a friend in your scene to learn dance steps or blocking on your own time outside of rehearsal.  Due to a short rehearsal period, I will not be able to re-teach what you have missed.


Also, it is your responsibility to figure out when you are at rehearsal based on your script and the detailed scene breakdown.  When in doubt, come to rehearsal!