Information for Actors / Parents

Communication

Communication is key for our productions to run smoothly. For your convenience, in addition to this website, Dreamcoat has a Facebook page, and a separate closed show group will also be created on Facebook (for parents/ guardians, and show staff/ volunteers. Important information and communication will be posted in these locations as well as emailed out. Be sure to read all posts and information emailed to you in a timely manner. Please consider that Dreamcoat Board of Directors and show staff typically also have “day jobs” and will respond to questions and inquiries as quickly as able. We appreciate your patience.

Rehearsals

There will be a schedule of rehearsals and performances on Facebook and the website. Review the rehearsal and performance schedule to see if you have any conflicts with other activities. Missing a rehearsal does not just affect you. Other people may remember their position on the stage based on yours or rely on you to deliver lines or as a dance partner and if you are not there, it may affect their ability to rehearse or perform properly. Make sure you arrive on time for each rehearsal rested, well fed, and ready to work hard. You should wear appropriate clothing comfortable to move in and bring indoor shoes. Rehearsals can be very busy, but there may also be some time when you are not involved in the scene being worked on. Bring a book or some homework to keep you busy during down time. We recommend leaving electronics such a phones or tablets at home. You will get a break, so a water bottle and a healthy snack are a good idea too, but please do not bring snacks into the theatre.

Weather / Rehearsal Cancellations:

In the event that a rehersal has to be cancelled due to weather conditions, Dreamcoat will post on Facebook and email parents/ guardians.

Proper Clothing / Footwear:

Please ensure your child has indoor shoes for rehearsal. Unfortunately, we do NOT have a space for shoes to be left in our rehearsal space, so it is necessary to bring your shoes every night.

Personal Belongings:

It is your responsibility to ensure you have all of your personal belongings at the end of rehearsal, and especially at the end of the final performance. Dreamcoat does not have a permanent lost and found and because of this personal items may become permanently lost if left in the rehearsal space or show space. Do NOT bring valuable items such as phones, tablets or other electronic devices.

Your script:

Your Script is yours to keep so you can decorate is as you like, take notes, and underline or highlight lines. Write your name clearly on the cover and bring your script with you to every rehearsal so you can take notes on when and where to enter and exit and where to move on stage (blocking), and how to deliver your lines.

Read your script right away so you know who the characters are and what the story is about. Begin practicing the songs and dances as soon as you learn them, and if you have lines, start memorizing them. You will begin rehearsals with your script in hand or “on book”, but you should try to learn your lines for a scene before you do that scene at rehearsal. If you are already familiar with your lines, it will be easier to work on blocking and once you are “off book” you can begin to develop your character. Ask your brothers, sisters, friends, or parents to read your scenes with you for practice. You may even want to create a ‘back story’ for your character. Where is the character from? Is she shy? Outgoing? Why is he in the show? What does she add to each scene? The audience may never know the back story you came up with, but it will help you understand your character better.

Show Week:

As it approaches, you will have one or more Dress Rehearsals. That is when the cast perform the show in their costumes and practice any costume changes that may be necessary. When you need to try on costumes, wearing a bathing suit or t-shirt and shorts under your clothes can make changing easier. You may think that your costume looks or feels awkward or silly at first, but the director and costume designer have chosen it to help create the character and you will look great on stage.
During Show Week, you will be told what time you need to be at the theatre to get your hair and make up done and into costume so you are prepared for the start of each show. This will be a very busy week, so make sure you get lots of rest, eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water.

The Technical Rehearsal:

Know as a Tech Run, this rehearsal combines the music, sound effects, microphones, lights, props, set pieces, set changes, costumes and make up for the show to work out all the technical details. This is the chance for the Stage Manager and Backstage Crew to rehearse how the show comes together. Remember that you have had many weeks to rehearse, the crew gets only a few days, so listening, patience, and co-operation are very important.

Closing Night:

Closing night is the last time the show will be performed and the end of weeks or months of hard work. It is very exciting but it is also normal to feel sad. One way to ease the ‘post show blues’ is to take pictures of the new friends you have made or have them autograph a copy of your script or the show program or poster to help remind you of all the fun you had.

We hope you enjoy your Dreamcoat experience! If you have any questions, please talk to a staff member.