Parade Details

If you are planning to participate in the parade on Saturday, here's what you need to know.

1. Bring a water bottle.  We will have water on the trailer for refills, but you will need to bring a container with you.
2. You can wear any shorts/pants you choose, and we will bring your EYT shirt for you to wear.  You will have to change in the staging area, so prepare accordingly.
3. 5th grade and up will dance most of the route.  Plan your shoes appropriately.
4. Bring/wear sunscreen.  You can also wear a hat.  Our shirts will be green if that is something that matters to you.
5. Plan to be DROPPED OFF at the parade staging area, which is the parking lot of the LDS church located at the intersection of 8400 West and 3100 South.  (Near Magna Elementary)  Just look for the EYT group; we shouldn't be too terribly difficult to find.
6. We are going to have a TON of fun!  

For anyone who wants to brush up on the dance, here is a video followed by a cheat sheet for exactly how to Ease on Down!

Groove for 7 counts; GUITAR

Grove for 4 counts; shout 1, 2, 3, 4!

Guns; alternate guns; groove 4 counts

Guns; alternate guns; groove 4 counts

Step pause step step clap; alternate step pause step step clap

Guns; alternate guns; groove 4 counts

Grapevine front with a clap; grapevine back, pump arms

Grapevine front with a clap; grapevine back, pump arms

Step pause step step clap; alternate step pause step step clap

Grapevine front with a clap; groove 4 counts

Freestyle highlighting the right foot up; freestyle highlighting the left foot down

Freestyle highlighting a leg movement for 8 counts

Touch front left, step left, right leg out; touch front right, step right, left leg out

Touch front left, step left, right leg out; touch front right, step right, left leg out

Turn in a circle for 8 counts (headed forward)

Guns; alternate guns; groove 4 counts

Guns; alternate guns; groove 4 counts

Step pause step step clap; alternate step pause step step clap

8 counts to get into lines

Triple step R, triple step L, triple step R, triple step L

Big step R, L, R, L (2 counts each)

Snake 4 times (alternating directions and breaking apart line)

Get on the horse, grab the horn, ride the pony!

Grapevine front with a clap; grapevine back, pump arms

Grapevine front with a clap; grapevine back, pump arms

Step pause step step clap; alternate step pause step step clap

Grapevine front with a clap

Groove for 7 counts; GUITAR

Freestyle to the end of the song!

20 Days Until EYT!

Three things to do today to make sure you are ready for EYT:

• Join the Facebook group if you aren't a member already.  Search for EYT (Empress Youth Theatre) and request to be added.
• Attend parade rehearsal from 10 am to noon (5th grade and up) or talk to your parents about riding on the trailer on Satuday (2nd-4th graders).  
• Read the character list for "The Wiz."  Post in the comments or on Facebook about which character you'd most enjoy playing and why.

Believe in yourself, right from the start

You'll have brains, you'll have a heart

You'll have courage to last your whole life through

If you believe in yourself as I believe in you.

Be Prepared!

Being prepared for auditions is one of the most important things you can do.

Step 1: Make sure you know the show.



If you are familiar with the songs and characters, you are much more likely to do well in auditions.

Step 2: Choose a GREAT song.

• Stay away from overly popular selections (pun intended).  I would highly suggest avoiding songs from currently trendy musicals such as Frozen, Wicked, and Into the Woods.
• Consider doing something outside musical theater.  This particular musical features "Motown" style music.  A quick Google search will get you all sorts of lists like this one.
• Choose a song that you sound good singing (not just one that you like).

Step 3: Practice like CRAZY!

• Get your minus track taken care of now.  You can find minus tracks on iTunes, YouTube, or by bringing your sheet music and cell phone to Andrea's house.  But get your minus track taken care of so you can practice the way you plan to perform.
• Memorize your song early.  You should be able to confidently perform without any words in front of you.
• Sing you song for ANYONE who will listen.  Get those nerves out now!

Step 4: Consider your appearance.  

• Dress in a way that highlights your strengths.  
• It's totally okay to give a nod in your outfit to the part you are hoping to get.  (But please don't come fully dressed as Dorothy!)
• Choose an outfit that will also allow you to comfortably dance.

Step 5: Don't worry!

• Auditioning for EYT is a breeze.  Our production staff is super friendly and used to working with other students just like you.  There's no need to be overly nervous or scared.  Auditioning at EYT is fun!

Announcing the 2015 Summer Show: THE WIZ

Registration is happening now for this summer's EYT of epic proportions.  

Workshop dates:

Weekdays (*and one Saturday)

July 20th through August 7th

Performance dates:

Friday, Saturday, and Monday Nights

August 7th through August 29th

Full Day Registration (jr. high and high school students) costs $100 for all three weeks of rehearsals and workshops.

Half Day Registration (elementary students) costs $75 for all three weeks of rehearsals and workshops.

Click the tabs above for more information and to register for this incredible opportunity!