MYT Parent General Information Packet - Youth

MYT Parent Information
Welcome to Midcoast Youth Theater! We hope that you will enjoy your experience
with MYT. We have created this document to help answer some basic questions
about MYT. We encourage you to reach out to any member of our Parent
Involvement Team, Board of Directors or fellow parents if you have any questions.
Being in a musical theater production is a commitment. We realize that we all have
lives outside of MYT. We can often work around schedule conflicts if they are
presented up front. But when it comes down to it, you need to be able to commit.
You become part of a team who will be counting on you. If you are going to miss a
rehearsal, please let the director know in advance. Attendance at dress rehearsals
and production week are mandatory. You will find a breakdown of how thing
generally run below.
Show Schedule
MYT puts on five shows a year:
• Family Shows:
o All ages (family participation encouraged)
o Spring and Fall
• Summer Shows:
o Elementary Show
Students entering first grade through 5th grade
Outgoing 5th graders may do either the elementary or middle
school show.
o Middle School Show
6th through 8th grade
Outgoing 8th graders may do either the middle school or high
school show.
o High School Show
9th through 12th grade
Includes outgoing 12th graders
Auditions
If you have an interest in musical theater, we encourage you to audition for one of
our shows. Auditions will be advertised via our Facebook page, MYT website, MYT
email contact lists and billboard advertising.
• There are usually two auditions dates, but you only need to come to one.
• Download an audition sheet from the MYT website and fill it out or fill one out
at the audition.
• We generally do not have call-backs.
• At the audition the music director will teach a song from the show. Typically,
groups of 4-5 will sing together and then solo if they choose to do so (if you
are interested in a lead role, you will need to sing solo).
• Some auditions may have the option of performing a selection of your choice.
You will need to bring sheet music for the musical director to accompany
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you. If this is an option for a particular show, it will be advertised; it is always
fine to just learn and sing the provided song at auditions.
Those auditioning will also be asked to read a short scene from the script.
The choreographer may teach a short dance sequence to evaluate dance
skills.
Everyone who auditions for MYT will be part of the show!
Fees
Troupe fees are $85 per person and will be collected during the first week of
rehearsals. If you are unable to pay the full fee, please contact the board president
or show director to discuss scholarship options and fee payment schedules. We will
never turn away someone who is unable to pay the troupe fee.
The troupe fees we collect help cover the expenses associated with the productions
including license fees, rehearsal and performance space, costumes, publicity, cast
t-shirts and stipends for staff.
Script fees of $25 will be collected for those who require a script. This fee is
reimbursed when the script is returned. The director will let you know if a script is
needed for your role.
Please make all checks payable to MYT and note in the memo the cast member’s
name and what the check is for. Please submit separate checks for troupe fees and
script fees.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our troupe fees are very reasonable for our area. In order to keep them this way,
we rely on cast members and their families to lend a hand. This is also a great way
to connect with other MYT parents, support our cast and get to know your MYT
family!
If you have any questions about how you can help out, please reach out to the
parent liaison for the show. Sign-up sheets will be provided during the first week of
rehearsals and the parent liaison will contact families throughout the show process.
Please note that volunteer activities are conducted at your own risk and MYT is not
liable for injuries.
Here are some things we need help with:
• Publicity
o Painting billboard signs to advertise the show, hanging posters around
town, getting the word out about our show.
o Sponsor the show or ask personal contacts to advertise in the
program and add a personal message for your cast member to the
program.
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Costumes
o The costumer for the show will have details about what kind of help
he/she needs such as sewing, embellishing, etc.
Props
o Props may need to be made, located, altered, etc.
Set Building
o Building, painting, etc.
Parent Liaison
o Communicate with the creative team and the producer to keep
families informed.
o Coordinate parent volunteers.
o Field questions from parents.
Rehearsal Supervision
o Work with other parents to supervise children during rehearsal.
Show Week and During the Show
o Moving costumes and props to the show venue.
o Provide concessions
o Work at the concession stand.
o Ticket sales
o Ticket collecting at the door
o Selling 50/50 tickets during the shows
o Makeup application
o Help in the dressing rooms/backstage with younger cast members.
o Organize props
o Emergency help for last minute things!
After the Final Show
o Tear down is a big job. All families should try to plan to have at least
one adult pitch in for this process. Young children should not be
present for this process as it involves tools and moving heavy objects.
Cast Party
o Host the party or provide food.
Basically, we need all the help we can get. If you have a particular skill, let us
know!
It is our hope that all families will pitch in whenever possible to help make our shows
as successful as possible.
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Rehearsals
The director and producer will determine the location and provide details to the cast
and crew as far in advance as possible. Up to date rehearsal location information
will be posted on the show specific Facebook page, the MYT website and emailed
to the show email group. Paper copies are available by request.
Rehearsals are typically Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6-9 PM and
Saturdays from 1-4 PM. These are scheduled by the director and may change
show to show. Elementary students will be released as early as possible on
weeknights whenever possible.
The director will be as specific as possible with information regarding who is needed
at each rehearsal. Your cast member may not be needed at all rehearsals. If you
tell us about your conflicts ahead of time, it can help the director with scheduling.
Regardless of where the rehearsal is, please remind your cast member that we are
guests in the space and that he/she needs to be respectful of the space and to
clean up after him/herself.
Expectations for Rehearsals
• Prompt drop off and pick up is appreciated and needed.
• All cast members are required to sign in upon arrival; elementary cast
members should be signed in by an adult while others may sign themselves
in.
• Cast members aged 8 and under will have a specific adult supervising them
during each rehearsal and they will know who is responsible for them. It is a
good idea for all elementary parents to stay for the first few rehearsals to
determine what level of support your child needs. If a child over the age of 8
demonstrates a need for direct supervision, we will let you know so you can
plan accordingly.
• No gum during rehearsals or performances.
• Cast members will arrive on time and ready to participate, learn and have
fun!
• When they are not needed, cast members will watch what is happening,
read, draw or take a quiet break so as not to disrupt others.
• Adults attending rehearsal will watch quietly, supervise children and help as
needed.
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Theater Etiquette
• There will be many props and costume pieces around during the rehearsal
process and leading up to the show. Please remind your cast member not to
touch items that do not belong to them.
• Keep track of props and costume pieces at all times. Replacing lost items is
not easy leading up to the show and can be costly.
• Cast members should listen closely to the director and stage managers for
direction on how to line up behind the curtains in preparation for coming on
stage.
• Try to keep your hands off the curtains.
• It is essential for everyone to be quiet backstage. The audience can hear
you even if they can’t see you!
• Respect the girls’ and boys’ dressing areas by keeping doors shut and
changing only in designated areas.
• Stay in designated areas only.
Production Week
As the show gets closer, rehearsals tend to increase. The director will have the kids
rehearse the show beginning to end versus individual scenes. Expect late nights –
it is not unusual for the entire cast to be needed from 6-9pm or later this week.
Directors will do their best to get younger children out as early as possible.
Dress Rehearsals
The final rehearsals during the week of the show are dress rehearsals and technical
rehearsals. These are mandatory for the entire cast. It is the chance for everyone
to get comfortable with their costumes, props, set pieces, etc. This means that the
cast members need to make sure they have everything they need in terms of
costumes. It is also the chance to practice the show with lights and microphones.
Some of these rehearsals may run late. The goal is to make sure we have the best
show possible and that the kids feel ready and confident for the performances.
Please let the director know if your child has any concerns so they can be
addressed during dress rehearsals rather than show time.
Call time
Cast members are typically expected to be at the show location two hours prior to
the show beginning. Makeup, costumes, microphones, scene run-throughs and
warm-ups take place during this time. Your child may need help getting ready;
although there are adults backstage, other hands are often needed and your child
may be most comfortable with you helping them.
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Makeup Etiquette
MYT has a limited supply of makeup and makeup supplies available. All cast
members will be required to wear makeup. Feel free to bring your personal makeup
items. Foundation that is slightly darker than your skin tone, eyeliner, lipstick, blush
and application tools are recommended. Volunteers will be at the show to assist
with makeup application. The director and costumer will give direction on what they
want makeup to look like. Be aware that stage makeup looks like too much makeup
up close, but looks great on stage!
Costumes
MYT has an extensive costume department, but you will be asked to supply specific
parts of your costume (shoes, undergarments, etc.) You will be notified of items
that are needed. You may need to alter, fix or add to your costume for the best fit.
Please reach out for help if you need it.
Concessions Details
MYT typically provides beverages while cast families are asked to bring snacks
(cupcakes, brownies, prepackaged chips etc.) that are individually wrapped and
ready to sell. The proceeds from concession sales help offset the costs and are
very important to the success of the show.
Cast Party
The director and creative team will schedule a cast party at their discretion to
celebrate the conclusion of the show. If you are interested in hosting the party,
please let the parent liaison know.
MYT Board and Membership
Everyone with a child participating in MYT productions is considered a member of
MYT and is invited to attend board meetings along with the elected board. Please
check out the MYT website for more information about meetings.
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General Contact Information
MYT Board Members
,Julie Meyer, President:
(207) 837-8567
Courtney Babbidge, Vice President
Joe Sciacca, Treasurer
[email protected]
Jenn Dolham, Secretary
Mike L’Abbe, Member-at-Large
Scott Lemieux, Member-at-Large
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Parent Involvement Team
Sheryl Palese:
(207) 841-7501
[email protected]
Marsey Caswell:
(207) 751-3158
[email protected]
Meredith Sciacca:
(207) 841-6288
[email protected]
Online Information
MYT website:
www.youth-theater.org/
Facebook:
MYT has a general page and show specific pages. You can friend request us on
the general page, then request membership for the show page in which you are
participating.
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