Let's take Hello Dolly by storm with an EYT night!
Join me and your council pres (Perry S. Whitehair) at the show on November 3rd!
EYT kids and FAMILIES welcome!
HELLO DOLLY
Saturday, November 3rd
7:30 pm (arrive by 7:00 to pay for tickets, or they will be RESOLD)
The Empress Theatre
Let me know how many tickets you'll need, and I will contact the box office to work out the group discount. Everyone will pay at the theatre when they arrive.
Plan to wear an EYT shirt (either WW or B&B) and your dog tags. Who are we?
-and-
SHMIMMINIM SHMAMCAKES
after the show at Andrea's House (3266 Hunter Oak Way)
You must have your own ride, and I'm kicking everyone out at midnight.
Read on for descriptions of the awesome characters which will be up for grabs...
ALICE, SMALL ALICE, TALL ALICE
Alice, Small Alice and Tall Alice are differently sized versions of the same character. She is a spunky girl who enjoys adventures and is on a journey of self-discovery. She should be charming to the audience and be able to command the stage by herself. Alice has the largest part in the show so you should cast your strongest singer and actor. Small Alice must also be a good singer and actor while being comfortable as a big part of two dance numbers. And while Tall Alice doesn't have any solos, she needs to be a good actor with solid comic timing. When casting the 3 Alices, keep their height in mind, as that is part of the fun of the show. The more "average" sized your Alice is – the easier it will be find someone smaller and taller. Also it is possible to put Tall Alice on painter's stilts or have your actor sit on someone's shoulder to add height.
CATERPILLAR
(one soloist, several dancers)
Caterpillar, part sensei, part diva, the Caterpillar is comprised of five actors who play the head, body and all those hands, which move in synchronized gestures to help emphasize a point. The Caterpillar is one cool character who needs to be able to sing, dance, and act well. He provides the heart for the story and really convinces Alice to be herself.
DODO BIRD
The Dodo Bird is the Captain of the Queen's Navy and needs to be a good actor and singer. He is in command of the lobsters and other animals and is another of Wonderland's vibrant characters.
DOORKNOB
Non-singing role
The Doorknob is a wonderful additional role for a chorus member who is very funny. The character is based somewhat on Jimmy Durante and your actor can have fun playing with that idea.
KING OF HEARTS
Non-singing role
The King of Hearts is the often forgotten ruler of Wonderland. You need to have a good actor for this role who can handle some very high-level vocabulary. Casting a small boy in this role will highlight the fact that he is in the shadow of the Queen. Near the age, but perhaps slightly younger than the Queen
MAD HATTER
The Mad Hatter is the life of the tea party and should be performed by someone who enjoys acting larger than life. The actor needs to be comfortable being silly and has to sing one song, although it is an easy song to "speak-sing" if necessary.
MARCH HARE
The March Hare is the counterpart to the Mad Hatter and also enjoys a good party. A little less crazy than the Mad Hatter, the March Hare is a happy fun character who enjoys playing. The March Hare has solo parts in one song, but a good actor can "speak-sing" them easily.
MATHILDA
Non-singing role
Mathilda is Alice's older sister and a non-singing role. She should be a strong actor who can speak loudly and clearly.
QUEEN OF HEARTS
The Queen of Hearts is the big mean bully of the story. You need a great actor for this role who has a full resonant voice and is able to follow music well. The Queen of Hearts must have a commanding presence and should be a little scary, but funny at the same time. It would be fun to cast a large boy playing a female in this role to add another dimension to the crazy wonderland world.
THE CHESHIRE CAT (three parts)
The Cheshire Cat is played by three separate actors who play the head, the body, and the tail of the cat. The Cheshire Cat serves as the Narrator for the story and the actors who are cast need to be able to speak clearly and be good storytellers. Strong singing skills are not a must, but comic timing is, as these three comprise a very funny character. Also make sure to cast a trio who will work well as a team.
THE FLOWERS
The Flowers (Rose, Petunia, Lily, Violet, Daisy) are the snooty, mean girls who think they are the most important people in the whole world. They need to be good performers and singers who can handle harmonies.
TWEEDLE DUM & TWEEDLE DEE
Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee are a pair of goofballs similar to old comedy teams like Abbott & Costello or Laurel & Hardy. They should be good singers and actors who work well as a team. If possible, cast actors who look either exactly alike or completely different for added comic effect.
WHITE RABBIT
The White Rabbit is an energetic, worrisome character that hardly ever stops moving. Even though the White Rabbit has a solo – the singing should come secondary to finding the person who can continuously exude a lot of energy and rapid-fire change of focus.
I haven't taken nearly enough pictures or written nearly enough updates. I guess that means I've been having too much fun at EYT! We're three nights away from opening, and we're so close to ready. Three more days of hard work, and these awesome kids will be prepared to put on the show of their lives!
Will you be in the audience?! Get your tickets online now. Tickets are only $9, and we want to sell out every night.
And a fun bonus for this crazy, hard-working week:
THE HEADSHOTS ARE DONE...
For your viewing, downloading, printing, and using pleasure...
Wow! I truly can't believe what we can pack into a day at EYT. Our first day was a huge success thanks to the addition of a great support staff which includes two assistant directors and two half day group leaders. Lisa, Katie, Alex, and Arvid worked hard all morning to make certain that each of our 67 EYT kids was busy somewhere - whether it was outside, downstairs, upstairs... I think the Empress had kids crawling out of the woodwork.
We got a great start on the music and choreography for Belle, and I got so in-the-zone that I forgot to take any pictures at all! But the jigsaw choreography is coming together piece by piece for an opening number that is sure to wow the audience.
We eased into the workshop format today with a theater orientation taught by assistant director Lisa Larsen. With any cast, the mechanics of backstage are just as important as what goes on in the audience's view. But for a cast of our size, we'll have to get it down like clockwork. A tour of the dressing rooms, including assigning a space for each student, will help us start out on a good track.
The afternoon consisted of many small group rehearsals, rotating through scene work, vocal rehearsals, and blocking (one scene down). There's lots of polishing to do, but we've made a great start on several scenes and small group numbers.
Thanks to Hailey's mom for posting this picture on Facebook, and I promise to do better tomorrow at cataloging the best three weeks of 2012! WHO ARE WE?
Wow! I cannot believe what a talented group we have this year! I can't wait to get started on Monday. Please remember that TUITION IS DUE on Monday. If it is not paid, you will not be able to participate. Please call if you need your balance. (801) 641-3898.
FULL DAY CAST:
Belle: Melina W.
Beast/Prince: Sam B.
Narrator 1: Caitlin C.
Narrator 2: Hailey C.
Narrator 3: Tom R.
Narrator 4: Megan B.
Gaston: Chris R.
Lefou: Travis H.
Silly Girl 1: Kylee E.
Silly Girl 2: Alison H.
Silly Girl 3: Cami W.
Maurice: Ethan V.
Cogsworth: Perry W.
Lumiere: Evan B.
Babette: Sasha N.
Mrs. Potts: Kierstin W.
Chip: Samantha A.
Madame de la Grande Bouche: Amy P.
Monsier D'Arque: Taylor B.
Old Woman/Enchantress: Aleea B.
Aristocratic Lady: Ashley T.
Fishman: Skyler R.
Egg Girl: Megan C.
Sausage Curl Girl: Mikayla Devries
Baker/Villager/Villager 1/Soloist: Warren T.
Lady with a Cane: Alex T.
Lady with a Baby: Sara M.
Candlewoman: Gabriela F.
Hat Seller: Ellie B.
Milkmaid: Brynn H.
Shepherd: Carissa M.
Bookseller: Zachary L.
Villager/Soloist: Reeve S.
HALF DAY CAST: Forks/Villagers:
Angel F., Blake W., Brandon W., Daniel M., Jakob N., Keegan D., Sam E., Tristen T. Spoons/Villagers:
Angella V., AnnDee B., Delainee H., Hana M., Madelyn P., Sylvia E., Abby E. Napkins/Villagers/Trees:
Trevor T., Adam F., Annastasia J., David W., Eddie A., Hanna D., Jaxson B., Kylie R., Soda E. Plates/Villagers/Wolves:
Lindsey W., Alina C., Kandace K., Madison C. Cups/Villagers/Wolves:
Anna W., Kayla F., Ravin J., Hayden B., Tyler R. Utensil/Villager/Andrea's Assistant: Andrew W.
I've had quite a few of you ask me for audition help and advice. I'm happy to give it, but since I'm the one you're auditioning for, it's kind of hard for me to be the one to help you. :)
GOOD NEWS:
A local voice teacher has offered her services FREE to EYT members for an audition preparation session. You can contact Michelle Davis at (208) 921-3321 if you are interested in that extra bit of preparation.
Wednesday July 25th from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Thursday July 26th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Prepare a verse and a chorus (approximately 32 measures) of ANY song of ANY style. You MUST PROVIDE piano music for the accompanist.
Come prepared to learn a short dance routine.
Please email me with a 2 hour window when you'd be available for auditions. I will schedule you for a HALF HOUR audition and send you a link to the audition calendar.
If you are not available on those days, please contact me for an alternate audition time.
Example: Andrea can audition between 1pm and 3pm on the 25th.
Our first ever EYT car wash was a smashing success with cars lined up at every moment. We raised $343 there at the car wash, plus whatever pre-sales will still be coming in. We're going to advertise this Saturday's car wash in the Magna 4th of July Parade, so I anticipate even more cars/sales this weekend.
What we need most this time around is KIDS! We kept everyone busy last time, and we anticipate even more cars this weekend. Come from 10 am to 2 pm (or any time you can between them) and help raise tuition money for you or for your friends.
And don't forget the pre-sales contest. To be eligible, your money must be turned in by July 7th. (Bring it to me at the parade or parade rehearsal, or turn it in at the car wash on Saturday.) The individual with the most pre-sales gets a $20 iTunes gift card and serious bragging rights. If you're not sure how to pre-sell the tickets, check out the instructions here.
Extra towels and buckets were a big help last time, so bring what you can and head on over. I'm expecting a great turnout!
And for those in the parade who haven't learned the last bit of choreography... here it is:
My apologies to the half day kids since they don't get to be in on the fun with us quite yet! But I've been loving the parade rehearsals so far, especially today's outdoor rehearsal. Pretty soon everyone will know what EYT is!
As promised, here's a chance to see how beautiful you are. And - added bonus - it's set to the minus track we're using, so you can practice your harmonies. You'll even find the lyrics listed below. And the fun continues in the EYT Facebook group (contact Perry if you're not a member yet) where you can participate in the back row -vs- front row choreography showdown.
Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test.
Tie a napkin round your neck, cherie, and we'll provide the rest.
Soupe du jour, hot hors d'ouvres, why we only live to serve.
Try the grey stuff, it's delicious. Don't believe me? Ask the dishes.
They can sing, they can dance, after all miss, THIS IS FRANCE,
And the dinner here is never second best.
Go on - unfold your menu, take a glance and then you'll
Be our guest. Be our guest.
Be our guest, be our guest, our command is your request.
It's been years since we've had anybody here, AND WE'RE OBSESSED
With your meal, with your ease, yes indeed we aim to please.
While the candlelight's still glowing, let us help you. We'll keep going.
Course. By.
Course, one by one, 'til you shout ENOUGH I'M DONE.
Then we'll sing you off to sleep as you digest. (ha ha ha... for some of you...)
Tonight you'll prop your feet up, but for now let's eat up
Be our guest. Be our guest. Be our guest. Please. Be. Our. Guest.
The location has been confirmed for the car wash (Southeast Corner of 3500 South and 8400 West), so we are ready to start advertising and selling!
The BEST way for you to earn money for your tuition or for the general EYT fund is to PRE-SELL car wash tickets. PLUS, the student who sells the most tickets will get a $20 iTunes gift card and lots of praise. This contest will include all sales received by July 7th.
One pre-sold ticket is good for 2 car washes and a freezer pop. The price for all of that is just $10.
"So how do I sell these wonderful tickets?" you might ask. It really couldn't be easier. Click on the picture and print it. Sign your name somewhere on the ticket. (Tickets not signed by an EYT member will not be considered valid.) Then sell it for $10. Keep the money you earn in a safe spot, and turn it in to Andrea at the car wash, at parade rehearsals, or make other arrangements to turn it in. So easy!
Remember, even if your tuition is already paid, any extra money earned will go into the EYT tuition fund and can help others participate in EYT.
So take a few minutes and head out door-to-door in your neighborhood. Or call a relatives. Send them with your parents to work. At $10 each, a full-day student only needs to sell 8 1/2 to pay their tuition. A half-day student only needs to sell 6!!
Thanks for all you're doing to make EYT a success!
We have a car wash fundraiser coming up in just ONE WEEK! Funds raised will be used to help pay tuition. Come raise money for your own tuition or donate your proceeds to the general tuition fund!
WE NEED PEOPLE!
The car wash will be on June 23rd from 10 am to 2 pm at (location to be announced Monday). Come for an hour, two hours, or the whole time. Your hard work will not go to waste!
WE NEED TO SELL CAR WASH TICKETS!
Check back Monday for the official $10 presales tickets. For $10, your friends and family will get two car washes (bring 2 cards on the 23rd, or bring one car to our 2nd car wash on July 7th) and a freezer pop. And the EYT student who pre-sells the most $10 tickets will get...
Drumroll please...
A $20 iTunes gift card (and lots of praise).
All money you raise from your pre-sales can go DIRECTLY toward your tuition. OR you can choose to apply it to the general fund, helping others raise their tuition money. When you turn in your money, you'll fill out a form to indicate how your pre-sales money should be earned.
WE NEED SUPPLIES
If you would be willing to donate/lend any of the following items, they can be brought to the Empress Theatre during the parade rehearsals (Tues and Wed from 10:00 to 11:00) or to Andrea's house anytime (3266 Hunter Oak Way).
Buckets
Sponges/rags/etc.
Tire brushes
Towels
Car wash soap
Coolers (to keep frozen treats in)
Water Jugs (the big ones to pour water from)
Ice (to keep treats frozen and to cool the water)
Paper cups (small ones that hold a couple gulps of water, or anything cheap)
Camping chairs
Small folding tables (for cashier's tables)
Please mark any items you want returned with your name and address. They will be available for pickup at the end of the carwash or at the parade rehearsals during the following week (Tues and Wed from 10:00 to 11:00).
WE NEED TO GET THE WORD OUT
As soon as I have the address finalized, I'll make a facebook event. Please share it with everyone you know so we can make this event a success!
It's June, school's out (pretty much at least), and it's time to move into full on EYT mode. Up next for the Full-Day kids is the Fourth of July Parade in Magna. The parade rehearsal schedule is:
Choose 2 rehearsals (or come to all four!)
Tuesday - June 19th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Wednesday - June 20th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Tuesday - June 26th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Wednesday - June 27th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
REQUIRED rehearsal:
Tuesday - July 3rd from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
PARADE - July 4th - time and details to come
Save your council some time and RSVP to the Facebook invite:
We had a great Full-Day opening social on Saturday, and I was thrilled to see so many faces, both new and old. To help everyone get to know each other, here is slide show with some need-to-know faces. (And I'm hoping I'll see Sam, Melina, Camilla, Kierstin, Carissa, Gabriela, Jordan, Melody, Alison, and Hailey soon, so we can add their faces to the show!)
Thanks to Assistant Director, Katie, for these great pics!
The day I picked at random has arrived, and the open spaces in the full day program have been filled from the waiting list. FULL DAY registration is officially CLOSED. Please check to make sure your name and the names of your registered friends appear below:
Aleea B.
Chris R. Megan B. Sarah M. Added after 4/18:
Alex T. Ellie B. Megan C. Sasha N. Alison H.
Amy P. Gabriela F. Melina W. Skyer R. Ethan V.
Ashley T. Hailey C. Melody C. Taylor B. Mikayla D.
Brynne H. Jordan C. Perry W. Travis H.
Caitlin C. Reeve S. Warren T.
Cami W. Kierstin W. Sam B. Zachary L.
Carissa M. Kylee E. Sammi A.
We still have 16 openings in the half day program. For those who have registered, please check to make sure your name and the names of your registered friends appear below:
Within 24 hours, you will receive an email confirming your registration OR notifying you of the waiting list status. (Monitor the list to the left to see if your category has open spots, but APPLY anyway in case there are waiting list positions open.) Use the link in your confirmation email to pay the required $15 deposit.
I know this is a little confusing. Feel free to call Andrea at (801) 641-3898 or email andrea.fife@gmail.com with any registration questions!
Open registration will begin on April 2nd.
We will be accepting a maximum of 30 full-day students and 40 half-day students this year. While registration will be first-come, first-served, we will be carefully monitoring the boys/girls ratio as well as trying to accept a variety of ages. Therefore, the registration will be first-come, first-served in the following categories:
High School Boys (approx. 7-8 students)
High School Girls (approx. 7-8 students)
Junior High Boys (approx. 7-8 students)
Junior High Girls (approx. 7-8 students)
5th-6th Grade Boys (Approx. 10 students)
5th-6th Grade Girls (Approx. 10 students)
3rd-4th Grade Boys (Approx. 10 students)
3rd-4th Grade Girls (Approx. 10 students)
You will be notified within 24 hours of submitting your registration form whether you have been accepted or placed on the waiting list.
Spots will fill fast. Mark your calendars for April 2nd and complete your registration as quickly as possible!
On April 18th, regardless of boy/girl and age ratios, we will fill any open slots from the waiting list.
Priority registration is forreturning EYT students and their siblings only. Priority registration will be accepted from now until March 31st. We will only be accepting 30 full-day and 40 half-day registrations, so get your spot reserved as soon as possible!
There are TWO STEPS to the process.
The registration form can be accessed here, And the required $15 deposit can be made here.
(Your deposit counts toward your total tuition!)
(Be sure to carefully select FDay for Full Day and HDay for Half Day.)
Your registration will not be accepted without BOTH the form AND the registration fee.
Let your friends know that Open Registration begins on April 2nd, and the spots are going to go FAST! For more details about open registration, check back on March 19th.
