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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

19 Days Until EYT!

It's Wednesday, which means that for some of you, auditions are just 2 weeks away!  To prepare for EYT today, do these 3 things:
  • Double check the date/time of your audition.  All of this and more is available in the calendar tab.
  • Listen to at least three songs from the MUSICAL version (not the movie version) of the show.  Post your favorite song in the comments or on Facebook.
  • Select your audition song.  Re-read the suggestions here.

Though you are growing older now
And I'm watching you grow
I know I make you sad sometimes
And I see your feeling show
But one day
I'll look around
And you will be grown
You'll be out in the world
Such a pretty girl
You'll be on your own

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

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.

Monday, June 29, 2015

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!

Monday, June 1, 2015

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!

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Magna 4th of July Parade

If you are planning on participating in EYT this year, one of the best ways to get excited (and prepared) is to participate in the Magna 4th of July Parade.  Some benefits include:


  • A chance to start the EYT party early with one rehearsal each week, beginning the week of June 15th (details TBA)
  • Opportunities to impress the director before auditions even happen
  • A head start on music from The Wiz
  • Did I mention hanging out with other EYT kids?  
In order to receive information about the parade rehearsals, please complete the online EYT registration.  While your registration is not complete until you have paid the tuition, you should still complete the form NOW even if you can't pay yet.  Let us know that you want to be a part of EYT!

Friday, May 29, 2015

EYT Workshop Series

It happens all the time, and it happened again just yesterday.  People frequently ask me, "Why does it cost money to be in EYT?"  While there are actually several reasons, one of the primary things EYT tuition funds is the workshop instructors.

At its core, the EYT workshop series is designed to give students access to a variety of talented instructors with whom they would not be likely to have an opportunity to interact in any other setting.  We look for instructors who are experts in their field and who either have a degree in the area they are teaching or have been able to earn a successful primary or secondary income doing what they love.

As EYT students participate in daily workshops and learn these skills, they become more capable actors and actresses, ready to take on the challenges associated with learning an entire musical in just three short weeks.

Check the WORKSHOP SERIES tab frequently to see which talented instructors have joined our team!