Dear Parents and Students,
For nine years, Center Stage Academy has provided students with an exciting performance experience through its spring recital. The production offers our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present to their families and friends the results of a year’s hard work, dedication, and progress.
This year we will be embarking on a new, unique recital concept. It’s been a long time dream of ours to create a musical theatre-style show that highlights each students’ talents while providing a thoroughly entertaining experience for all audiences. With this in mind we are developing a story line that brings the history of America to life. Rather than simply a “patriotic” dance recital we’re striving to illustrate the roots from which we came through narration and dance, highlighting those events and traditions that truly make us “American.”
While the coordination effort is very great for this kind of endeavor we know, with your support, this will be our best show yet!
What’s NEW this year? (Lots of stuff, but here are the highlights.)
Performers in Kindergarten and up (everyone except preschool dancers) will perform in 2 evening shows: May 29 AND May 30, 2009. Dancers are required to perform in both performances.
The week of May 25-28 dancers in the evening show will come to rehearsals instead of their regular class.
Recital Pictures in Warrensburg will be during class time April 27-30 instead of on the weekend.
All dancers in both matinee and evening shows will stay backstage for the whole show.
A big part of the dance training process includes learning through performance. The experience helps build self-esteem, self-assurance, and contributes to a sense of confidence. Although performance opportunities can help prepare some students for a possible career in dance, they also contribute to children’s success in non-dance activities. That onstage experience can result in better in-school presentations, improved social skills, and strong interview skills for future college or job opportunities. The rehearsal process is a tremendous learning experience as well. It helps the children develop retention skills, and by working with their classmates on a group performance, they learn the positive aspects of working as a team to create the best end result.
Dedication to recital commitments is the responsibility of both students and their parents. We’ve created this handbook in an effort to clarify what we expect from you in terms of commitments and responsibility to the recital.
HOW TO KEEP INFORMED
- Read this recital information
- Periodically check out our website
- Frequently come inside the studio to check the recital info callboard
- Talk to your child about class
- Ask questions (the staff is happy to answer any question)
RECITAL DATES
Friday, May 29 AND Saturday, May 30
Because of the number of students at Center Stage and to provide each class ample performance time, we divide the recital into two performances.
| MATINEE-SATURDAY, MAY 30 2:00 PM |
EVENING, MAY 29 & 30 AT 7:00 PM |
| Creative Movement Classes |
All Combo Classes |
| Precombo I Classes |
All Ballet & Pointe Classes |
| Precombo II Classes |
All Jazz Classes |
| Pre-Company Routines |
All Tap Classes |
| Company Routines |
All Hip Hop Classes |
| All Solos/Duets |
All Lyrical Classes |
|
Senior Solos |
All recitals are held at Hendricks Hall on the UCM Campus.
REHEARSALS <NEW THIS YEAR, PLEASE NOTE!>
STAGING REHEARSALS
- New this year will be staging rehearsals on May 25-27. These rehearsals are necessary to give dancers a chance to set formations and staging in a space comparable to the stage at Hendricks Hall. Due to a facility scheduling conflict at Hendricks Hall, staging rehearsal location will be announced soon. We will have the full stage including wing space spiked on the floor and the full set will be assembled allowing dancers to make proper entrances/exits. Dancers DO NOT need to wear costumes for these rehearsals unless requested by your instructor. Please arrive early to these rehearsals. Each routine has a limited amount of rehearsal time so we MUST begin on time.
- Detailed Staging Rehearsal Schedule is attached to this packet.
-
Dress rehearsal is MANDATORY. That is, if you do not attend dress rehearsal you cannot perform in the recital. We enforce this strict policy for the confidence and safety of the performers. It is crucial that every student rehearse on the stage before performing and know exactly where he or she needs to be at all times. Dress rehearsal is a time for all students to rehearse all of their numbers in all pieces of their costume. You do not have to rehearse in full make-up or hair. All dress rehearsals and performances are at Hendricks Hall on the UCM Campus. Listed below are the rehearsal, performance, and call times for all shows:
| PERFORMANCE DAY |
PERFORMANCE TIME |
CALL TIME |
REHEARSAL DAY |
REHEARSAL TIME |
EVENING SHOW
Friday, May 29
Saturday, May 30 |
7:00 PM |
6:00 PM |
Thursday, May 28 |
5:30 PM (father/child starts)
6:00 PM (finale begins-all dancers called) |
MATINEE SHOW
Saturday, May 30 |
2:00 PM |
1:00 PM |
Friday, May 29 |
10:00 AM (father/child)
10:30 AM (finale begins-all dancers called) |
Some routines may be called for an early rehearsal on Thursday, May 28 in the afternoon.
Each Dress Rehearsal will proceed in the following order:
Father/Child dances
Finale/Bows (the last number of the show)
We’ll then go back to the beginning of the show and run each number once in order (excluding father/child numbers, and the finale)
Please arrive early to the rehearsal and wait to change into your costume until you arrive at Hendricks Hall. This allows no opportunity for wrinkling, spills, etc. You may enter Hendricks Hall no earlier than 30 minutes prior to your rehearsal time. You can enter the theatre from the side door from the parking lot. Each class will be assigned an area to be used as their dressing room. You must report to this room so we know you have arrived. Make sure you use this area as your dressing room; do not switch to another room to be with your friends. This is where our staff will find you throughout the performance. If you are participating in the father/child dance you must be dressed in your first dance costume and sitting in the auditorium by your designated rehearsal time. (You do not need to wear your father/child costumes for rehearsal.) If you are NOT involved in the father/child numbers you should be dressed and sitting in the auditorium at your designated rehearsal time (see chart above). PLEASE DON’T BE LATE. We will make important announcements at this time so EVERYONE needs to be present. We will do our best to begin and end as promptly as possible. However, this takes cooperation from everyone.
When your last number is finished rehearsing you may leave rehearsal. You do not need to stay to rehearse the Finale again.
TIGHTS AND SHOES
All girls must purchase tights from the front desk at Center Stage. We must all have the same brand of tights to ensure that everyone has the same color. A notebook with a photo of each class’s costume will be at the front desk as well as distributed during Parent Watch Week with a description of tight and shoe color. Tights will be available for purchase in mid April. Do not wear these tights until the recital photos and performance. Please note what color shoes your child will need. If you need any specialty undergarments please order these by May 1, 2009.
RECITAL T-SHIRTS
Each student will have the option of purchasing a recital t-shirt advertising the performance. These t-shirts are a great way to advertise our show and remember the big event. Shirts will be available for purchase for $15.00.
RECITAL TICKETS
This year all recital ticket sales will be ONLINE. An online ticketing service will handle ALL recital ticketing. Hopefully we have solved some of the glitches in the system from last year. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the front desk. Our Ticket prices will be as follows:
$6.50 Friday and Saturday evening
$5.00 Saturday matinee
The ticketing service charges a fee per ticket of $.99 and 2.5% in addition to our Ticket Prices.
Here’s how to purchase your recital tickets:
Log onto www.brownpapertickets.com
Search for our event:
Center Stage Academy’s “Let Freedom Ring” or directly insert this URL into your browser: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/62135
On the right side of the page you’ll see “I wish to buy tickets for” with a drop down menu of our recital dates and times. Select the date and time you wish to purchase tickets for and click BEGIN ORDER.
If your child is in 3rd grade and under and you need a “performer ticket” enter the discount code (csaperf).
Select the quantity of tickets you wish to purchase.
Select your shipping method. Click NEXT.
PHYSICAL TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE UNTIL 7 DAYS PRIOR TO OUR EVENT. AT THAT TIME YOUR ONLY OPTION WILL BE WILL CALL TICKETS.
The system will automatically pick the best available seats for you, if satisfied click NEXT. If you’d like to select your own seats, click “Select Specific Seats”. When satisfied click SAVE SEATS.
If you wish to purchase tickets for additional performances, click on Continue Shopping. You will have to search for our event again. (The system allows you 10 minutes to complete your transaction. Up in the right hand corner you’ll see your remaining time. If you do not complete your transaction within 10 minutes your selected seats will be released. If you wish to purchase tickets to several performances you might want to complete one transaction and start over for the next.) When you are done shopping click CHECK OUT.
Follow directions for Will Call tickets (only if you selected WILL CALL tickets in the Shipping method a few days before the performance.) Click NEXT
Enter billing information and click NEXT.
Read and follow directions on the Confirmation Page.
IF YOU ORDERED A PERFORMER TICKET, THESE TICKETS WILL NOT BE SHIPPED WITH YOUR ORDER. DO NOT BE ALARMED BY THIS-OUR OFFICE RECEIVES A LISTING OF ALL TICKET SALES AND WE WILL ALLOW ADMITTANCE OF RESERVED PERFORMER TICKETS.
In an effort to create an organized and professional atmosphere, all tickets are
reserved seating. Children under 3 that will sit the entire show on a parent’s lap do not need a ticket. Dancers in K-3rd grades will be issued a performer ticket that can be used to attend the matinee performance.
ALL DANCERS WILL STAY BACKSTAGE DURING THEIR PERFORMANCE. Dancers in preschool will be issued a
performer ticket that can be used to come see the evening performance. (Remember preschool dancers will remain backstage the entire show.) When you are purchasing your tickets you MUST reserve the performer ticket at the same time. Otherwise a seat will not be available next to your party. The
performer ticket passcode is
csaperf. The only students that have access to this code are dancers in 3rd grade and under. All
performer tickets will be closely monitored. If a dancer in 4th grade and up wishes to attend a performance in which he or she is not performing they can sit in the “DANCER SECTION” of the balcony at no charge.
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE MAY 3 AT 2:00 PM. CS high school seniors can purchase tickets beginning April 27 but these must be done in person at the front desk. Online ticket sales will stop 48 hours prior to the event. Any available seats can be purchased at the door for $6.50 for the Matinee and $8.00 for the evening performances. But since it is reserved seating, remember that additional seats purchased at the door will most likely not be next to your party.
You can also order your tickets by phone at 1-800-838-3006. If you have special seating requests/requirements, calling is the best method.
COSTUME ALTERATIONS
If your ordered costume needs alterations (taking in the side seams, pulling in the neck, etc.) we provide a tailor to alter your costume so it fits appropriately. Alterations are complimentary. Please make an appointment ASAP at the front desk in Warrensburg if needed. Appointments can be made for April 4 from 10:00-3:00. Alterations will be done during your appointment so dancers must be present to be fit properly in the costume. Please do not make an appointment if your only alteration is to shorten your hem or tack straps. Dance pants are meant (in most instances) to be cut at the hem and a safety pin will work perfectly for loose straps. Please also note that once our complimentary alteration day has past, we will not be able to alter your costumes.
RECITAL PHOTOS
Each class takes class and individual pictures (similar to school photos) at no charge. These pictures are then available for purchase in packages. The scheduled photo dates are April 27-30 in Warrensburg and May 2 in Sedalia. Please refer to the attached sheet, website, or studio callboard for your class’s specific time. We will first take a group shot and then individuals. If you cannot attend your scheduled time, please notify the front desk so we don’t hold the class photo waiting for your arrival. Alternate photo times may be arranged at the front desk for individual shots.
Click below for your class’ specific time.
• WARRENSBURG'S PHOTO CALL
• SEDALIA'S PHOTO CALL
FATHER/CHILD DANCES
Every year we do a fun number in the recital with dads (or uncles, grandpas, older brothers, or family friends) and their children. This is open to all ages. Father/child dances will rehearse just 2 times so attendance at rehearsals is very important. Please sign up at the front desk ASAP if you are interested. All practices will be on the weekend. Don’t worry Dads, we keep it pretty simple.
|
WARRENSBURG FATHER/DAUGHTER REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
|
|
REHEARSAL #1 |
REHEARSAL #2 |
| Preschool Group A |
Sunday May 3 1:00-1:45 |
Sunday May 17 1:00-1:45 |
| Preschool Group B |
Sunday May 3 1:45-2:30 |
Sunday May 17 1:45-2:30 |
| K- 2nd Grade |
Sunday May 3 3:30-4:30 |
Sunday May 17 3:30-4:30 |
| 3rd -5th Grade |
Sunday May 3 2:30-3:30 |
Sunday May 17 2:30-3:3 |
| 6th Grade and up (only in Warrensburg) |
Sunday May 3 5:30-6:30 |
Sunday May 17 5:30-6:30 |
|
SEDALIA FATHER/DAUGHTER REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
|
| Preschool |
Saturday May 9 9:00-9:45 |
Saturday May 16 9:00-9:45 |
| K- 2nd Grade |
Saturday May 9 10:00-11:00 |
Saturday May 16 10:00-11:00 |
| 3rd -5th Grade |
Saturday May 9 11:00-noon |
Saturday May 16 11:00-noon |
Any Sedalia students grades 6 and up should attend the Warrensburg Schedule.
FINALE
Each student will be involved in the last number of the show in for both the matinee and evening performances. We will be learning this very simple dance in class during May. Students should wear the costume in which they last performed but with ballet or jazz shoes.
PROGRAM ADS
Advertise your business or wish your child good luck by purchasing a program ad. See the front desk for an order form. ADS MUST BE RETURNED BY APRIL 30, 2009.
VIDEOS
DVD copies of the recital will be available for pre-ordering. These are done by a professional videographer using 2 camera angles and are of very high quality. Order forms will be available at the front desk for pre-ordering.
Checks should be made payable to Envision Studio, LLC and DVDs will be shipped or available for pickup 6-8 weeks from the date of the recital. Order forms can be mailed directly to Envision Studio or can be dropped off at the front office.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
We need volunteers! Be behind the scenes and see where the real action is! We would like to have a Class Mom for each class with dancers in 4th grade and under. Class Moms will not need a recital ticket and WILL be able to watch their children perform from the audience. We need only one volunteer per routine.
Responsibilities will include:
Assuring that each child in her care is safe and accounted for.
Making sure that each child is in the proper costume, has the proper accessories and shoes, and is backstage at the appropriate time.
Help children if they have a quick change.
Checking dancers in and out from the dress rehearsal and performance.If you would be willing to volunteer backstage please fill out a Volunteer Form at the front desk. Thanks so much for your help!!!
GENERAL NOTES REGARDING
PERFORMING AND COSTUMES:
- Remove your costume from the garment bag as soon as possible to let it hang into shape. A good way to get wrinkles out is to steam it. (Tip: Hang it in the bathroom when you’re showering.) If you press your costume, use a pressing cloth and very low heat. Feel free to make any necessary alterations. Some costumes were ordered larger to allow growing room. All pants should either be cut or hemmed, depending on the fabric, to approximately 1/2 inch from the floor (measured at the back of the heel with dance shoes ON). Pants should not drag the ground. Just a reminder: Do not play in your costumes until after the performance. They cannot be reordered if they accidentally get ruined.
- Please do not wear any personal jewelry or nail polish in dress rehearsal or performance. We want to look uniform in our costumes.
- Remember: Do not wear underwear under your tights. Inevitably, it will stick out under leotards and cause lines under pants.
- Hair should be fixed according to the Costume Information Sheet for your class. Please use only the hair accessories that came with your costume and hair rubber bands that match your hair color. Buns should be wrapped in an invisible hair net.
- Make-up should be tastefully applied. Remember though, the stage lights wash out faces so generously apply lip color and blush.
- There should be NO eating or drinking in costume (ONLY WATER). Many of these costumes cannot be cleaned. What a tragedy to perform with a big spill down the front of your beautiful costume.
- Student patent tap shoes MUST have elastic in place of laces so shoes don’t come untied during performance.
- Please remember to be a courteous audience member. Enter and exit the house only through the back doors between numbers.
!No guests should ever meet a dancer backstage! Our space is extremely limited, and for the safety of our performers we do not allow any additional people backstage. Parents are encouraged to help young children get ready but are asked to return to their seats in the auditorium when they feel their child is ready. We will have supervisors backstage to make sure all dancers are accounted for. Parents are not allowed to watch the performance in the wings.
- Dads, brothers, etc: Please be aware that dancers often have to make quick changes directly backstage or offstage. We make every effort to provide a modest changing area, but this is impossible at certain times. Please make a conscious effort to avoid all areas around the stage.
- Evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m. Call time (when the performers must be to the theatre) is 6:00 p.m. on both nights. Saturday Matinee performance begins at 2:00 p.m. Call time for this show is 1:00 p.m.)
Names must be clearly placed in all costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights!
Quick Clarification on Performer Tickets
Example #1: My child performs in the matinee show and I will attend the performance with Grandma and Grandpa. I will purchase 3 general admission tickets. No performer ticket is needed because my child will stay backstage the entire show.
Example #2: I have 2 children, Sam & Ben. Both are performing in the matinee and Ben is also in the evening show. I’ll be attending both Saturday shows (along with Grandma & Grandpa) and my youngest performer, Sam, will also be attending the Sat. evening show. So I need: 3 general admission tickets for the matinee for me, Grandma, & Grandpa. I also will need 3 general admission tickets for the evening performance for me, Grandma, and Grandpa and one free performer ticket for Sam.
Whew, got that? If not, ask the front desk : )