Once EYT, Always EYT

Dear EYT Kids and Families from 2011-2018,

I have often stated that my goal in creating EYT was to help develop actors with whom I could be proud to share the stage. Over the years I have watched EYT students grow into leaders with whom I am proud to share the world.

I had a difficult discussion with my oldest son last night. What do you do when what feels like the "right" thing also comes with a lot of potential negative consequences? Together, we decided I should stick up for what seems right to me.

Over the last several months, the artistic staff and some members of the Board of Directors have looked for ways to get their own ideas approved without following all of the theater's established rules. In some cases, they have worked really hard to look like they are following the rules while still making decisions that either aren't good for the theater or aren't respectful to the people involved. I have known about these examples but tried to stay quiet so I could still enjoy working with EYT. This weekend, these same Empress leaders tried to manipulate a respected director into making decisions that were not best for her show. When she refused to agree to the unreasonable demands, she was fired.

These recent events combined with similar situations over the recent months helped me finally find the courage to stand up and say that the Empress Theatre is no longer an organization I can be proud to work with. I do not know what exactly that means for EYT, but I am sure the theater will make an announcement at some point.

I hope you know that when I have said "Once EYT, always EYT," I meant it. Call me for audition help. Call me when you're locked out of your house and don't quite know what to do. Call me when life doesn't quite go the way you planned, and you need a safe place to address your mistakes. Call me when you get accepted into that awesome program, or meet that incredible person you're planning to go through life with. Ok... let's be real. Just message me. I don't usually answer phone calls. ;)

I have learned more from each of you than you will ever know.

Saturday Evening Strike

After the show Saturday night, every EYT student is required to stay and help with "strike".  This is the part of the show where we put everything away and clean up the building.

Each child will be assigned a specific task.  When that task is done and he or she has checked out with the adult assigned to that area, he or she is done for the evening.  Not only CAN your kiddo go home at that point, they SHOULD go home at that point.  Strike works best when everyone does a job and goes home.

Half day kids will be assigned to clean their area of upstairs and will then be able to go.  This shouldn't take much longer than a typical evening dismissal.

Full day kids will be assigned a short list of chores which, depending on access to vacuums, amount of post-show tears, and general desire to work hard could take between 30 and 90 minutes.  To speed this process up, you may wish to come work side-by-side with your teen, and you might want to bring your own vacuum or supplies.

Full day kids will sign up for a specific strike job tonight.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z3faoSuyL_W4KAltg0m9j74SAKYSrE7o5zV6cIF9JWo/edit?usp=sharing

There is no official cast activity after the Saturday night show as the focus is on leaving the theater better than we found it.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Cast Party Schedule

Those of you who've been around a while know that in the past we've gone down to the park for cast party.  This year, I decided not to deal with the heat, the bad air, or the walk, and we're just going to party at the Empress.  

Families are invited to any part of the party they wish to attend.

4:00 to 4:30 - Buddy activity

4:30 to 5:30 - Dinner and social hour

5:30 to 6:00 - Cast thank you gifts and presentation of the 2018 Empy Awards

6:00 to 6:15 - Clean up

6:30 - Call time

I have had several parents ask if I need anything for this day.  If you have craft supplies like markers, glue, or stickers, they would be useful during the buddy activity.  Other than that, I think I am good to go!

Apply to be a part of EYT!

Interested in a staff position?

http://empressyouththeatre.blogspot.com/p/staff.html

Or becoming an EYT intern?

http://empressyouththeatre.blogspot.com/p/interns.html

2018 Empy Nominations

Each year The Empress Theatre honors outstanding performers and volunteers for their contribution to the theater.  The Empress Youth Theatre program gets to give awards in four categories:

Best Performance by a Full Day Student is nominated by the production staff and voted on by those invited to the final dress rehearsal.  It is intended to honor someone whose energetic performance in Singin' in the Rain Jr. stands out, even in a very talented crowd.

Best Performance by a Half Day Student is nominated by the production staff and voted on by those invited to the final dress rehearsal.  It is intended to honor someone whose energetic performance in "Swingin' in the Sun" stands out, even in a very talented crowd.

Best Newcomer to the EYT Program is nominated and voted on by the production staff.  It is intended to honor someone whose personal character on and off stage exemplifies The Empress Theatre mission statement to bring family oriented theatre to Magna and the surrounding communities.

Best Volunteer in the Internship Program is nominated and voted on by the production staff.  It is intended to honor an intern whose contributions to the program exceeded the tasks given by their individual mentor and made a positive difference for the entire production staff.

This year's EMPY Awards will be announced and awarded at the closing night cast party held between the matinee and evening performances on August 11th.  Families are encouraged to attend.  Additionally, the EMPY winners will be honored at the annual Empress Theatre Gala on August 25th.  Tickets to the gala can be purchased at www.EmpressTheatre.com.  

This Week's Schedule

MONDAY:
Full Day: Hair, makeup, costumes | promo pictures taken during afternoon costume parade
Half Day: Normal clothing, no hair & makeup

TUESDAY:
Full Day: Costumes, no hair & makeup
Half Day: Pre-Show costumes (yellow), no hair & makeup

WEDNESDAY:
Full Day: Costumes, no hair & makeup
Half Day: All costumes, hair, and makeup

THURSDAY:
All students: dress rehearsal | cast photos

FRIDAY:
Final dress rehearsal with small invited audience
*note: full day students will likely be released between 12:30 and 2:00

Reminder: hair and makeup must be done at home. 

Respect the Tech

We have a very full tech crew this year, each with specific and important jobs to do.  To help keep the tech machine functioning at top capacity, I am asking all the actors to treat our tech crew as professionals who are separate from the cast.  Since I'm all about setting expectations, here they are:

1. Tech crew in the tech booth only unless invited up by the stage manager

• Mena
• Adam
• Bryce
• Sylas
• Skyler
• Lucas
• Brenda
• Anthony
• Tanner

2. Tech crew stays in the booth (or assigned area) during rehearsals/performances.  

• Brenda and Lucas assigned backstage
• Adam and Skyler will have assignments to leave the booth

3. Don't touch the tech crew, not even in the Friend Zone.  They are "on duty" from the time the first microphone is picked up until the last microphone is turned in.  If you must hug a tech crew member, it will need to happen before or after rehearsals/shows.

It is time to settle into the rhythm of a "normal" show, and (no offense to techies everywhere), that means the tech crew is not your friend.  They are a professional team hired to make your show amazing.

Costume Fitting & Makeup Workshop

Who can answer my costume questions?

• Crystal Farnsworth - Costumer

Who can answer my makeup questions?

• Jamie Victor - Makeup Designer

Monday is a big day at EYT.  Each student will be trying on their costumes for Singin in the Rain, Jr. and be taught how to do their makeup for the show.  Please make sure your student is ready with each of the following things:

1. APPROPRIATE UNDERTHINGS.  If you haven't had a chance yet to get the required items listed in the underwear post , that is no problem.  Students just need to wear something form fitting that covers their actual underwear similar to the items listed in that post so that we can quickly try costumes on children without having to get everyone a closed door to change behind.
2. ALL THE COSTUME ITEMS THEY WERE ASSIGNED TO BRING FROM HOME. Note for half day parents: we are only doing the main show costumes on Monday, so you do not need to send the yellow shirt and skirt/shorts.  We will call for those on another day.  Of course, those who paid the No Hassle fee don't need to worry at all.  We have everything you need.  
3. ALL THE MAKEUP.  If you missed the makeup post, please check it here.  Remember that even those who paid the No Hassle fee need to send foundation with their student.

Please help us be ready to put on a great show by sending your student prepared on Monday.  And please help us plan our time accurately by letting us know NOW if you will not be able to meet these required deadlines.

Audition Workshop Report

Candice was last seen at the Empress as a Southern Lady in Lucky Stiff and Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act. She has also been seen on and behind the stage at Hale Center Theatre, Midvale Arts, Murray Arts and Rogers Memorial to name a few. Previous roles include Cat in the Hat in Seussical, Annabel in Lucky Stiff, Mrs. Patty in Curious Savage and Lucinda in Into The Woods. Her next adventure is as Director for Ghost the Musical at our own Empress Theatre. Candice also loves attending the theater with her three favorite dates; her hubby, Hutch and two boys, Perrin and Atticus.

Candice gave us great audition tips, including the 5 "Bee's" of Auditioning:

1. Be prepared

• Know your material
• Be on time
• Know the show
• Resume updated

2. Be Confident

• Be prepared
• Know you are talented
• Stand tall
• Smile
• Eye contact
• Strong voice

3. Be Yourself

• Use your voice
• Know your strengths
• Don't like on resume

4. Be Directable

• Listen
• Ask questions
• Know opposites

5. Be Comfortable

• Dress for audition
• Wear comfortable shoes

Hannah reports:
Workshop today was about the 5 BEES.  Be prepared, be confident, be directable, and be comfortable.  These are for auditioning and in practice.  We learned to say our name, to say we are performing a song, a monologue, and/or a dance.  You be confident and comfortable walking in early, and be clear and loud.  Then you get into character and audition.  I liked workshop today.

Directing Workshop Report

Beth Bruner has been directing in Utah for 24 years.  She loves working with young people, and has directed for schools from Holladay to Roy, and many community theater shows using children.  Her first love is Shakespeare (she has directed many of his plays), but her work with Salty Dinner Theater and Desert Star writing and directing in-your-face comedies comes a close second.

Hannah says, "For workshop today, we worked on our characters.  We learned how to better show them and how to just show our faces and body language: what we feel without really feeling it.  We worked on making characters on the spot and being in the 1920s."

Max O adds, "Directing was a great learning experience and was very fun.  I learned how to shift my body weight to act."

From Edlena:
Yesterday for workshop I learned four things.  First that you can vary between different characters by changing voice, posture, etc.  Second, the way you hold yourself up dictates the class level (high class, middle class, low class).  Third, not only can you change accents in your voice you can also change the pitch.  Last, the more you develop your character the easier it is to play.

Makeup Specifics

Who can answer your makeup questions?

• Jamie Victor - Makeup Design

Those who paid the No Hassle fee will find their makeup already here in the theater, ready to go for Monday's makeup workshop.

If you did not pay the No Hassle makeup fee, please click the link and provide any items needed for your character.  These must come with you to the theater on Monday, July 16th.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1i0uLGPPF-Oc4xYxR44Ocl1fHKcdW9ONR

Aerial Hoop Report

Our Day 2 workshop teacher was Sarah Jarvis. Sarah grew up singing, dancing, and performing with her family. She has traveled to many US cities and other countries to perform. Sarah also competed in gymnastics for many years in her youth.  As an adult and mom, gymnastics was a little too hard on the body so she found the aerial arts community and fell in love with aerial fitness! She is currently working as a Registered Nurse and being a mom. She loves the theater and attends as many shows every year as she can. Her favorite show for this year was.......HAMILTON!

Hannah wrote down her thoughts about this workshop:

For workshop we did aerial hoops.  I found out how to get up on the hoop and how to hang in front or behind and be spun.  After, I tried to attempt to hang by my toes.  I'm glad I am going to do the aerial hoops in the play.

Savvy adds:
I got to try something new.  I found the aerial hoop challenging.  The teacher showed us so many cool things.  It is so exciting to have this in our show.

Max O says, "It was very fun, and I learned a lot about doing aerial stuff.  I hope I can do hoop something in a play."

From Edlena:
In aerial hoop I learned a few things.  First, I learned some exercises to stretch my spine.  Second, I learned that in order to do aerial hoop you must have the body strength to hold yourself up.  Last, I learned that safety is the most important part of aerial hoop.

Script Analysis Report

Full day students can earn rewards by writing down what they learned during workshops.  Here's what Sam and Maddie had to say about Script Analysis with Jacqueline Vuki.

When you exploit something over and over, especially in a story, you learn something new every time.  That's usually because very scene has the plot chart in the over-arching story.  When you zoom in on a scene in the script, you spot a small fragment of conflict, character emotions, information, and motivation you may not have grasped in your first read-through.  That's why script analysis is important.

Today's workshop was taught by our wonderful director JJ. This will be her third year directing EYT. She taught a workshop about script breakdown and character analysis. We started we by dissecting our scripts and learning about the key points of a script. These key steps are the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action and the denouement . We were also told some questions to ask when analyzing our scripts like where does it take place, when does it take place vs when it was written, what is it about and who are the antagonist/protagonist. We discussed the message of our show, the problems and solutions, outcomes and purposes we finish by having volunteers share their character analysis homework.

Savvy adds:
I learned that it is very important to know more about my character than a name.  It is good to know how they act and not just what to say.  This lesson taught me a lot about becoming a character.

Max O says, "Script analysis was very good.  I learned a lot about my character and about the play."

What to Bring to Rehearsals

New or returning, here's some good advice on what to bring to daily rehearsals:

• Your script (full day) |  You must have this item every day.  Must.
• A pencil | Maybe even a backup pencil.  Your script is yours to write in.  Please write in it.  A lot.  Half day students will be using a music binder at the theater and will make notes in it as well.
• Water | Bring a water bottle or three.  We work really, really hard at EYT, and you're probably going to get really, really thirsty.  
• Snacks | Half day kids will get some sort of an official snack break each morning.  Bring something to recharge.  Full day kids are allowed to take snack breaks as needed.  Seriously - don't go all day without eating!
• Lunch | Only the full day kids eat lunch at the theater.  Full day kids should pack a healthy lunch to eat outside behind the theater.  I cannot guarantee working microwaves; cold lunch is best.  Students will NOT be allowed to leave the theater during lunch, even if they have their own car.  
• A smile | Please focus on bringing a good attitude each day.  We are all going to be tired.  Some of us are going to get sick.  Let's focus on being friendly all the time and having the best experience possible!

And what not to bring?  Don't forget about the electronics policy!

What to Wear to Rehearsals

If you're new to EYT this year, you may be curious what to wear to daily rehearsals.  While it is ultimately up to you, here is my advice and suggestions for what will make you and others comfortable.

The most important choice you have is what to wear on your feet.  You will be assigned a place to leave your dance shoes in the theater.  Dance shoes will be required at all times on stage and in the upstairs rehearsal area (even if you're learning music).  You should also wear a pair of shoes to and from the theater each day.  Ideally, these will come easily on and off your feet and be worn with the same socks you are using with your dance shoes.

Keep in mind that you will be dancing every day.  It is a great idea to wear flexible clothing that will move well with you.  Many students find athletic shorts, lounge pants, or leggings to be great options.  You can certainly wear jeans; just remember the focus should be on how well you can move, not on how you look.  When it comes to shirts, the best options are items that fit well and stay in place with no fuss.  Constant tugging and pulling at clothing during choreography rehearsals is a distraction to both you and the choreographer.

Be respectful of those around you.  Remember we have a variety of ages (8 to 18) involved in this production.  Please dress in a way that is appropriate for everyone around you.  Although there is no specific dress code for EYT, please consider the length and cut of your clothing and how it may fit when you are stretching and dancing.

Don't forget important details like deodorant.  The stage area is small, especially when all 71 of you will be crammed together for activities.  Shower daily.  Use deodorant.  Bring deodorant to reapply later if you need to.  Go easy on the colognes, perfumes, and body sprays.  Let's try to make the theater smell like a dream. :)

Buddies

Make sure you sit by your buddy on Monday!

Aaron & Caitlin

Alex & Sophia

Allie & Anna

Annie & Annie

Arianna & Kaelia

Ben & Gracie

Blake & Kacyn

Brody & Traeden

Chloe & Nora

Collin & Samuel

Daniel & Skyler

Dylan & AJ

Ella & Kira

Emmalee & Hannah

Gabby & Edlena

Ginger & Madeline

Gwenny & Maxwell

Isaac & Ryan

Jacob & Adam

Janet & Savvy

Jazmyn & Madeleine

Kalie & Savannah

Kennedy & Katie

Lincoln & Maddie

Maxwell & Christian

McKinley & Angelina

Michelle & Abby

Natalie & Max

Noelle & Mikayla

Owen & Cal

Paige & Kaisa

Palmer & Robert

Saige & Kamryn

Stella & Brady

Wendy & Celia

Zander & Gideon

Volunteering

Who can answer your volunteer questions?

• Cleaning: Myranda Holgerson - Facilities Supervisor
• Backstage Supervision: Brenda Mitchell - Backstage Manager
• Half Day Supervision: Shelby Oveson - Half Day Coordinator
• Front of House: Suzanne Whiting - Front House Manager

Think of the impact 80 kids in your house would have.  How many times would you need to clean the toilet?  Take out the trash?  How many adults would it take to make sure everyone is safe?

Welcome to EYT!  And we need your help.

There are currently 156 volunteer spots ready for you to click using the SignUp platform, and our Front of House staff will release an additional SignUp soon that will allow you to sign up for ushering, concessions, and box office.  If everyone pitches in, we should be able to cover all the needs.  Please consider covering 3 SignUps for each child you have involved in the program.  If you're already giving your time in other areas of the program (staff position or special projects), you do not need to feel guilty if you cannot SignUp at all.  

Some of the volunteer needs come with the opportunity earn Empress comp tickets.  Earned tickets can be redeemed in person at the box office on the night of the show and are subject to availability.  There is no way I can guarantee that you will be able to redeem earned comp tickets during the run of this show, but I can promise family friendly entertainment year-round at the Empress and friendly smiles when you come back to visit.

Comp Ticket Compensation (3 stamps = 1 free ticket):
Child Wrangler = 3 stamps
Backstage Supervision = 3 stamps
Concessions/Popcorn = 2 stamps
Box Office = 1 stamp
Ushering = 1 stamp
Volunteer opportunities July 9-26 = talk to Andrea for compensation if you have exceeded 5 SignUps per child

Thank you in advance for your help.  We cannot do this without you.

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