About Ticket Sales

Who can answer your TICKET SALES questions?

• David Sullivan - Executive Director
• Andrea Fife - Program Coordinator

THE BIG-PICTURE GOAL:

To sell out all eleven shows!  

A FEW STATISTICS:

• Last year, Honk, Jr. SOLD OUT opening night.  As in not one seat available. 
• Last year, it was nearly impossible to get a ticket to any of our last 4 shows.
• Last year, we had 10 total shows, and we sold exactly 1100 tickets.
• This year, we've been trusted to sell out 11 total shows, meaning we have 1353 tickets available to sell.
• This season, no show has sold more than 80 tickets to its opening Monday performance, but several shows have turned away patrons on closing night.

THE PLAN:

Promote opening weekend, especially Monday, to make sure everyone who wants to see our show gets that opportunity.

• Tickets are already on sale now.  To make certain your friends and family get a ticket, encourage them to purchase early and to purchase opening weekend tickets.
• Let people know about our group rate.  10 or more people buying together means $10 tickets (instead of the usual $12).  
• Plan for the Friends and Family discount (which will work during the week of July 16th).  For a limited time, tickets to our three July performances will be available for $10 each.  

THE INCENTIVE:

If all three July performances sell out (as in not one seat available), I will buy pizza for a pizza party between the matinee and evening performance on August 4th.

OTHER DETAILS:

• Comp tickets will be sent to the primary email address on file within the next week.  You will get two per participating person.
• Additional comps earned through volunteering are valid only at the box office after 6:30 on the night of the show and only if seats are available.

No Hassle Fee DUE Sunday

If you have questions about the COSTUMES: contact Crystal Farnsworth.

If you have questions about how to PAY THE FEE: contact Andrea Fife.

If you have decided to pay the NO HASSLE fee, that payment is due by Sunday, July 1st at midnight.  Please review all of the information in the original NO HASSLE POST, especially the part explaining that I really don't have any more information other than what I have already given you.

EXCEPT:

• The Broadway Baes costume has been announced, and that is updated on the Half Day costume post.
• You now have the cast list, which gives half day parents an EXACT idea of what they need and gives full day parents very little info.
• I have posted additional information that lets full day students know which additional scenes they are in.  Full day students may be asked to provide items similar in specifications to the groups posted for half day.  Despite needing many costumes, full day students will not be expected to provide items exceeding a reasonable amount of items needed for one specific character.  Anyone participating in the song Broadway Melody in Act II Sc 7 (including Tap Core, Aerial Hoop, and featured soloists) will be required to provide the exact same costume listed for the Broadway Baes half day group.  
• Anyone opting not to pay the NO HASSLE fee will receive a list of needed items on July 9th.  Those items need to be at the theater on or before July 16th.  

Makeup information has not changed.

Character Breakdown by Scene

Full Day kids - please take a look and see which scenes will feature you in addition to any in which your character name is listed.

Act I Sc 1

Movie Stars: Max C., Robert B., Skyler R., Savannah D., Madeleine M., Kira H.

Fans: Savvy N., Sam C., Kaycn G., Maxwell O., Brady N., Caitlin G., Mikayla A., Kaelia T., Madeline L., Celia L., Kaisa H., Kamryn H.

Act I Sc 2

Passersby: Maddie F., Edlena M., Kisa H., Traedon D., Kaite R., Anna W., Madeline L.

Act I Sc 3

Partygoers: Max C., Skyler R., Savannah D., Madeline M., Kira H., Kaycn G

Act I Sc 6

Singin' in the Rain Dancers: ALL ensemble

Act II Sc 7

Tap Core: Kira H., Anna W., Brady N., Caitlin G., Savannah D., Madeleine M., Mikayla A., Kaelia T.
Aerial Hoop: Katie R., Hannah E., Sophia J.

Act II Sc 9

Audience: All full days not already listed in scene

Cast List Announcememt

Congratulations, everyone!  I am so excited to see what you create.  

Abby M – Chorus Girl 3 / Pedestrian 2

AJ B – Policeman

Angelina B – Dora Bailey 

Anna W – Broadway Dancer 1 / Audience Member 1

Annie H – Lina Lamont

Brady N – Stagehand 1 / Sound Engineer

Caitlin G – Chorus Girl 2 / Screening Guest 5

Callisto W – Cosmo Brown

Celia L – Fan 1

Christian H – Simpson

Edlena M – Broadway Dancer 2

Gideon C – Pedestrian 1 / Butler

Gracie L – Roz

Hannah E – Chorus Girl 1 / Passerby

Kacyn G – Assistant 2

Kaelia T – Screening Guest 1

Kaisa H – Screening Guest 2

Kamryn H – Fan 2

Katie R – Assistant 1

Kira H – Audience Member 1

Maddie F – Miss Dinsmore

Madeleine M – Screening Guest 4

Madeline Le – Broadway Melody Host

Max C – Orchestra Leader

Max O – Stagehand 3

Mikayla A – Chorus Girl 4 / Screening Guest 3

Nora W – Kathy Seldon

Robert B – Dexter

Ryan S – Don Lockwood

Sam C – Stagehand 2

Savannah D – Assistant 3

Savvy N – Zelda

Skyler R – Teacher 

Sophia R – Young Girl

Traeden D – Sam

No Hassle Payment Links

Who can answer your NO HASSLE questions?

• Andrea Fife - Program Coordinator

The "No Hassle" payment option is designed to take stress away from EYT families as they try to get their student ready for the stage on opening night.  As you have seen from previous posts, there will be a lot of specific requirements for makeup and costumes, and it can be exhausting to keep up with all of it.  

This year, we have broken down the "No Hassle" fee into to a la carte options.

• $20 Makeup No Hassle Fee: covers everything your child will need to put on his or her face
  EXCEPT: foundation
• $30 Costume No Hassle Fee: covers everything your child will need to put on his or her body
  EXCEPT: underwear; shoes

Two ways to pay:

• Already decided to do "No Hassle"?
  Payment can be made at auditions via check, credit card, or cash
• Waiting for the cast list?
  Pay online until Sunday, July 1st 

FOR THOSE WHO DON'T GO THE "NO HASSLE" ROUTE

I would love to be able to provide you with an exact list right now of everything you will be required to provide if you opt to gather the items yourself.  I know it would be so much easier for you if I could!  Unfortunately, it is next to impossible for me to know until it just works out that I know.  That's pretty much the whole reason for the No Hassle option.  If you decide against the No Hassle option, you will receive information from Crystal, Kaelene, and Jamie as they have the information ready for you, and you will be responsible to manage that communication and provide the requested items by the announced deadlines.

Bio Submission

Who can answer your BIO questions?

• Andrea Fife - Program Coordinator
• Cindy Whitehair - Marketing

I know it is hard to write a bio before you have a cast list, but in order for us to have a playbill on opening night, that's just the way we have to do it.  Please fill out the form below ASAP to get your bio all done!  I highly recommend writing your bio in Word or another program that keeps a word count for you, then paste it into the form.  Scroll down if you need to see samples of bios from last year.  

SAMPLE HALF DAY BIOS:

Alexander Fife
Alex has been performing since he was three, and he likes to perform to share his talents with many people. Last year, Alex studied dance with a hip hop group. Outside of theater, Alex plays a lot of sports including baseball, football, lacrosse, and he is excited to play basketball this year.

Brody Hess
This is Brody's first year in EYT and first time on stage.  He is starting second grade at Gerald Wright Elementary.  Brody enjoys Legos, Star Wars and video games.  Brody thanks Andrea Fife for her work with EYT and thanks his family for coming to see him perform.

Lincoln Tuttle
Lincoln is not sure whether this is how he wants to spend his summer, but mother knows best. He is a fun kid who loves to play soccer and take care of his chameleon. 

SAMPLE FULL DAY BIOS:

Nora Waldrop
Nora has done several shows, and is very excited to be returning to Empress after a six year break! Her favorite roles include Cinderella in Into The Woods Jr.  and Pinocchio in Shrek Jr. She appreciates the wonderful support and coaching she has received from her family and her friends, and the amazing opportunities Empress Theater has given her.

Angelina Bailey
From a young age, music and acting has played an important part in Angelina's life. She has always enjoyed writing and performing musical shows for her family and friends. She is excited to return to EYT for a second year as a full-day. Besides EYT, Angelina is always involved in her school's theater and choir productions. She enjoys playing piano, singing and watching musicals. "Hamilton" is currently her favorite musical.

Caitlin Goodfellow
Caitlin is very excited to be a part of EYT for the third year.  She has previously starred in Suessical the Musical, Peter Pan, The Wiz and Lil Abner at the Empress.  She is excited to start Junior High next year at Matheson where she will be on in the Advanced drama group.  She would like to thank everybody involved with EYT.  Enjoy the show!

Half Day Group Costumes

IF YOU PLAN TO PAY THE "NO HASSLE" FEE, SKIP THIS WHOLE POST!

Who can answer your show costume questions?

• Crystal Farnsworth - Costumer
• Kaelene Holgerson - Assistant Costumer
• Shelby Oveson - Half Day Coordinator
• Ximena Bailey - Stage Manager

All items subject to change.  This is PRELIMINARY requirements only, so you can start to determine whether you are interested in the NO HASSLE fee.

KATHY'S GIRLS:

Kathy's girls are a professional dance ensemble and will have to have identical dresses and accessories.  This item will be available for purchase at the theater.  It will be worn with the required jazz shoes.

BROADWAY BAE'S:

GIRLS will need to wear tights and BLACK leotard as part of their undergarments.  Layered above that base will be a blue sequin vest and silver dance shorts.  A link will be provided for the shorts; the vest can be purchased from the theater.  This costume will be worn with the required jazz shoes; those listed as tappers will provide tap shoes as well.

BOYS will provide a white button up dress shirt.  They will need to purchase a this specific pair of stirrup dance pants (for aerial hoop safety), for which a link will be provided.  The bow tie and suspenders set can be purchased from the theater.

STUDENTS:

GIRLS will provide a button down shirt and jumper or a drop-waisted dress and knee socks.  These must be in fabrics and colors appropriate for the 1920s and must be approved by Crystal Farnsworth.  Note: we are not necessarily going for a "school uniform" look.  These pictures are for shape and style.

BOYS will provide a button down shirt, tie, shorts, knee socks and an optional cardigan or jacket.  These must be in fabrics and colors appropriate for the 1920s and must be approved by Crystal Farnsworth.

STAGEHANDS 

Girls will provide drop waisted calico cotton dresses or below the knee pleated skirts with a blouse.  Optional additions include sweaters or jackets.  These must be in fabrics appropriate for the 1920s and muted colors like tan, brown, and navy.  All items must be approved by Crystal Farnsworth.

Boys will provide knickers and button down shirts with optional sweater vests, vests, or jackets and socks that tuck under the knickers.  Alternately, boys may wear coveralls with a shirt.  Tweed or similar material is preferred with muted colors like tan, brown, and navy.  All items must be approved by Crystal Farnsworth.

Remember, this list is not intended to be comprehensive.  You will receive a complete list from Crystal after casting.

Pre-Show Costumes

IF YOU PLAN TO PAY THE "NO HASSLE" FEE, you can ignore this whole post!

Who can answer your pre-show costume questions:

• Kaelene Holgerson - Pre-Show Costumer
• Shelby Oveson - Half-Day Coordinator

All half day students will have costume pieces that go over their show costume during the Pre-Show.  Students will wear their yellow "Singin in the Rain" t-shirt but will each need to provide one additional item.  

Girls will add a wrap or elastic-waist skirt.  It should cover most or all of their show-costume (skirt lengths will vary based on casting.)  The color should be predominantly yellow, but patterns and additional colors are welcomed.

Boys will wear shorts, again with a predominantly yellow color with patterns and additional colors encouraged.  Depending on casting, boys will wear these either under or over their show pants.  You may wish to hold off on purchasing until you have acquired the costume items required for your student's half day group.

Underwear

Who can answer your underwear questions?

• Crystal Farnsworth - Costumer
• Ximena Bailey - Stage Manager

Yep, I said it.  UNDERWEAR.  Let's start with the horror stories:

• I once performed in a show where my dance partner's pants split knee-to-crotch on stage, and there was nothing he could do but perform the rest of the show just like that.
• During EYT's Beauty and the Beast, Jr., Belle had a crazy fast costume change into her yellow dress for finale, and on more than one performance the zipper got stuck.  She had to bow with her dress unzipped with the gallant Prince held it together at the top.
• Just last night, I watched an actress whose dress got caught awkwardly on her dance partner's hand, and she completed her lift with her backside (thankfully clad in stage-appropriate undergarments) in full view of the audience.

For lack of a more tactful way to say it, audiences don't like to see everyday underwear.  However, there are universally appropriate items for both guys and gals that can be worn under all costumes that prevent audience (and peers and backstage volunteers) from seeing stuff they shouldn't.  If you recall the dressing room post, you already know that your full day student could be changing costumes pretty much anywhere!  

Even though you don't have a cast list yet, you can start to prepare for the layer that goes under the costume.  The "no hassle" fee does not cover anything on this underwear list, so even if you plan to go that route, you'll need to handle underwear.

All Girls:

• Flesh colored tights (tights instead of nylons will hold up longer, but a back up pair is a great idea)
• Black or nude under layer including strappy camisole and shorts or black or nude leotard
• Any straps that will show should be black or nude 
• **Some full day costumes may require nude; you are welcome to wait to see your costumes before finalizing your underlayer

All Guys:

• Black or nude compression (biker-style) shorts
• Undershirt is optional

Virtual Tap Lessons

Who can answer your tap questions:

• Amy Bodily - tap choreographer
• Ximena Bailey - stage manager
• Jacqueline Vuki - director

Remember that not everyone has to tap in the show.  But everyone does get to tap at auditions.  In order to feel confident, it is highly recommended that you either attend a tap workshop or use these videos to get a head start on the footwork and combinations.  Tap shoes are NOT required at workshops or auditions.

Download the videos using Google Drive: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZtAJhxT1UtEcEV4B8

Or watch here!

Closed Rehearsals

Who can answer your closed rehearsals questions:

• Andrea Fife - Producer

So, technically, EYT rehearsals have always been closed.  In the early years, I even posted a sign.  As the program grows (and more specifically as our pool of awesome alumni grows), I know it is going to be necessary this year to enforce that rule.  

What does this mean?

This means that the entire Empress premises from the hours of 9:00 to 4:30 is off limits to everyone except:

• Enrolled students
• 2018 EYT Staff and Interns
• Empress Theatre staff and board members
• Volunteers signed up using Sign Up during the period of their volunteer assignment
• Children under 8 years old who are with a guardian who meets one of the above requirements and who are directly and actively supervised by that guardian
• Children under 18 years old who are with a guardian and who have approval from Andrea (example: JJ and Andrea's half day kids during full day rehearsals)

But just like the FRIEND ZONE, there is a loophole!  This is designed specifically for amazing people like Jose, Travis, McKenna, Chris, and so many more who we hope may want to stop by.  In accordance with my "once EYT, always EYT" mindset, we'd love to have alumni join us anytime for lunch and games.  Just please don't be sad (or subversive) when I kick you out of rehearsal.  You, of all people, know how hard it is to put together a show in only three weeks!

And please know that just like all EYT rules, this one is put in place by a caring human.  If you need an exception, just message me!  We'll see what we can work out.

Hair - Advance Info

 Who can answer your hair questions?

• Jamie Victor- Hair Designer
• Ximena Bailey - Stage Manager
• Jacqueline Vuki - Director

Natural hair color is required for this show.  This does not necessarily mean it has to be your natural color, but that your hair should be a naturally occurring hair color.  If you are currently sporting a fun summer 'do, you'll need to have a plan to return it to natural or to provide a wig.  All wigs or natural tresses must be present at the theater by July 20th. 

Boys are encouraged to have a clean-cut 1920's look, which means there is no need to postpone regular maintenance haircuts.  Nothing extreme or contemporary-trendy, but feel free to keep it trimmed.

Girls are encouraged to grow their hair from now until given further instructions.  The more hair you have, the better our options are.  Girls hair styles for this show will all start with super tight curls. If you are not familiar with how to achieve tight “Shirley Temple” curls please take the time to practice. There are lots of great YouTube videos that can also help. There will be a hair workshop scheduled

A hair and make up workshop will be held on July 17th and students will be taught how to do the style assigned to his or her specific character.  This hair workshop will require all girls to come with their hair already in super tight curls.  

All students provide their own hair products.  These items, which are not covered in the No-Hassle Fee, may include:

• Hairspray or gel
• Bobby pins (girls should plan for 2 packages in a small container labeled with student name)
• Other hair clips as needed

All students are expected to come to the theater with assigned hair and makeup already complete to all dress rehearsals and performances. With 74 cast members, we simply will not have the dressing room space for hair and makeup to be completed on-site.

Make Up - Advance Info

 Who can answer your make-up questions?

• Jamie Victor- Make-Up Designer
• Ximena Bailey - Stage Manager
• Jacqueline Vuki - Director

MAKE-UP INFO
More information regarding the exact colors will be provided later.  If you choose to pay the No-Hassle fee you do not need to worry about that list!

Note: Not covered by the NO-HASSLE fee:

• Foundation (appropriate color for your student)
• Make-up wipes
• Make-up remover

Full Day Girls: 

• *Foundation 
• Mascara
• False eyelashes
• Eye Liner
• Blush
• Lipstick
• Eye shadow 

 Full Day Boys:  

• *Foundation as needed to cover up blemishes, dark circles etc 
• Mascara on top lashes
• A small amount of Eye Liner
• Blush
• Chapstick.

Half Day Girls: 

• *Foundation as needed to to cover up blemishes, dark circles etc
• Mascara
• Eye Liner
• Blush
• Lipstick,
• Eye shadow 

Half Day Boys:

• *Foundation as needed to cover up blemishes, dark circles etc…
• Mascara on top lashes
• A small amount of Eye Liner
• Blush 
• Chapstick

*Foundation is not covered in the no-hassle fee

ANDREA SAYS: I should have finalized info about the No-Hassle fee soon! If your family chooses to go that route, you will fill out the form pictured below at auditions, and Jamie will handle it from there.  Please read the special notes at the bottom!

Dressing Room Policies

 Who can answer your dressing room questions?

• Brenda Mitchell - Back Stage Manager
• Ximena Bailey - Stage Manager

As EYT continues to grow, it becomes necessary to go back to the drawing board to figure out what is going to work for things that might seem simply - like dressing room assignments.  Please read the new EYT policy as outlined by our incredible backstage manager, Brenda.

Changing in a Public Place
In theater it is very important to be able to make quick changes and other costume changes and for all to still feel comfortable.  The entire cast should have something to wear under their costume at all times so they are able to change where ever need be without problem.  This could be spanks and a tank top, a leotard, and further information for what each cast member should wear will be provided by the costume team.

Room Assignments
Dressing rooms during EYT will be assigned by the back stage manager and will be used to store belongings and to have the mirror for make up/ hair, etc.  The term "dressing room" may be used very loosely and may not always include a door that closes.  With 36 full day participants this year, dressing rooms will be assigned to best meet the needs of the show.  Dressing rooms will not be assigned by gender or according to social groups.

Dressing Room Guidelines
We want to make the theater and EYT inclusive to all and for everyone to feel welcome.  Everyone should arrive at the theater with whatever they are going to wear under their costume already on and be able to just slip their costume over this. Each student should have a bin/shelf with their name to store their belongings. Please remember students only get into their own belongings and should not touch others bin/shelf. Dressing rooms are not a place to hang out with friends. More information will be made available regarding food and water in the dressing rooms as we get closer to the production.

Dressing Room Issues
We realize their are some personality combinations that do not mix well, but in theater as in life we need to learn to control our emotions and get along with others.  If either parents or students have a concern about the dressing room assigned, this should be brought to the backstage managers attention and she will try to help as best she can.  Lets have a great year and make EYT the best like always.

2018 Show Shirt

 Who can answer your show shirt questions?

• Andrea Fife - Producer
• Ximena Bailey - Stage Manager

The registration fee you already paid means your EYT participant will receive 2018 EYT t-shirt.  However, some parents like to order additional shirts for themselves or for family members.  Half day students will wear their show shirt on stage, so some families like to order a back up shirt for that purpose as well.

Additional shirts will cost $15, and orders will be accepted through Friday, June 8th.

Order here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?retail=emptr

Half Day Groups

 Who can answer your Half Day questions?

• Shelby Oveson - Half Day Coordinator
• Ximena Bailey - Stage Manager
• Jacqueline Vuki - Director
• Andrea Fife - Pre-Show Music Director

If you're enrolled in the Half Day program this summer, you're audition will determine your placement in one of four groups with different skills to learn and strengths to show off.  Take a look at all the excitement we have planned!

"Swingin' in the Sun" (Preshow)
Nothing Could Be Finer - All Groups (with individual features for every group)
Chickery Chick - Kathy's Girls and Broadway Baes
Frim Fram Sauce - Stagehands and Students
Raining Sunshine - All groups (opportunities for solos)
This Is It - All groups (opportunities for speaking parts)

STAGE HANDS



We are looking for talented boys and girls who have great comedic timing and a strong stage presence.  The Stage Hands will perform "Make Em Laugh" in the main production and will have many featured moments in this year's "Swingin' in the Sun" preshow.

STUDENTS



A mixed-gender group of students will bring us "Moses Supposes," one of the iconic songs from Singin' in the Rain.  This group will have to be able to handle challenging rhythms, and some strong sopranos will be a must.  They'll join the Stage Hands for "Frim Fram Sauce" as well has many other moments of the preshow.

KATHY'S GIRLS



Kathy's Girls will need to be top-notch dancers who can also hold a two-part harmony between them.  Performing "All I Do Is Dream of You," this all-girl group will bring sequins and glam to the stage.  They will also have chances to show off their vocal prowess in the preshow numbers.  I wouldn't be surprised if many of the "Raining Sunshine" soloists come from this group.

BROADWAY BAES



This group is made up of boys and girls who put Broadway before anything and have the skills to prove it.  They'll have a chance to be featured on an aerial hoop, tap dancing, and more.  But don't forget... this is Broadway (not a dance concert), so they'll need to be able to sing strong harmonies, too.  They will join Kathy's Girls to perform the three-part harmony number "Chickery Chick" as well as other preshow numbers.

GET READY!
Now that you know what there is to go for, start perfecting those audition songs!  Come to a tap workshop!  We're excited to see where your skills can shine.