A View From Inside

If anyone is interested out there, here is what an email to the cast reads like, enjoy!





Hello cast! Last Friday we had many people missing the cast/parent meeting due to it being Memorial Day weekend. Above are attached the ad sheet with which we hope you go out and garner community support for Hairspray, also attached is a brief background of who we are. Please open and read, if you were at the meeting here is the concise information (jpgs in order so everyone could view it -excerpts from a packet presented to donors,used as a media kit, and for the various groups who book us) and ad sheets ready to print out. The script will be sent out via dropbox e-mail so that everyone can have it! All you have to do is make an account and from there you can print it out or use a phone etc. All who would like the complete accompaniment on a program called Rehearscore please bring in a laptop to download it. Rehearscore is an amazing program for learning vocal assignments and harmonies. We added it to the rights contract because we know how valuable it is even though it is really expensive, don't let that resource go to waste.
 
 Please EVERY cast member reply to this email with this sentence "I have read, understand, and will comply with the Order of Conduct. I will fulfill all duties specified as a cast member in Sing For America's Hairspray!"
        Signed: _________________________
 
IF WE RECEIVE NO REPLY - WE WILL ASSUME THAT YOU HAVE DROPPED OUT OF THE SHOW. P
PLease reply to gibs7usa@msn.com ANDPatfoose@gmail.com 

 

We love having every single one of you and each of you are critical to the final product. My last email gives this one context so make sure you read it.  

 

Thank you!

Jewel    

 

    

ORDER OF CONDUCT

As we begin learning this show it is important to remember how intense it will be. This is one of those shows where there is never a “lull,” there is never a filler song or scene, the entire thing is full speed ahead, high energy, 110% for 2 ½ hours straight with a ten minute intermission, which may or may not be a costume change for you so it's not even a break at all!

In order to maintain the focus and productivity level of rehearsals which we must maintain if we expect to perfect this entire show in the short amount of rehearsal hours we have, (especially for such a large cast,) there are a few things that will be expected of you behaviorally in rehearsals.

1. Arrive ON TIME. We can't afford to lose even one minute. If you are running late whatsoever you must inform us via call or text.

2. Due to the large cast size, there may be necessary last minute changes to the schedule so stay on you toes, (and emails). I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

3.Once we get closer to opening we may need to extend rehearsal times.

4. Only positive attitudes allowed in the rehearsal room!

5. When you arrive put your belongings in the designated area, put the proper dance shoes on, come to the center of the floor and stretch/warm up until you are given further direction.

6. No cell phones, gaming devices, ipods, etc. whatsoever during rehearsals.

7. To reiterate- if you are going to be late, you must let us know (very important).

8. If you are absent for a rehearsal you were scheduled for you will be expected to study the tape that is posted after rehearsal and learn what you missed. The next time it arises in rehearsal you must know it, if you don't you will be removed from the dance/scene.

9. If you do not give us notice that you will be missing a rehearsal and you did not have an approved conflict your status in the show is immediately suspended pending a meeting with the production team. This meeting will decide how you will make reparations for hurting your cast (i.e. selling extra buttons, extra tickets, extra poster hanging) if terms agreed upon are not met you will sadly be removed from this production. Absence without notice is 100% unacceptable and once an unanticipated absence arises it can make the whole rehearsal a wash, lowering the potential of the entire production.

10. If you need to arrange a ride do so ahead of time. Be mindful and considerate of others and try not to ask last minute or take advantage of others' kindness. Plan ahead and I'm sure your castmates will be open and willing to help you get here.

11. Bring water and eat before you come.

12. No food or drink except water is allowed in rehearsal. Once we get into longer rehearsal hours you will be advised to bring a snack and we will have a short break for it. Until you receive an email about this no food or drink except water.

13. Do not touch the drums or anything else that does not belong to you.

14. Be respectful. We are only going to continue to grow closer and closer with one another and we would never want to compromise the relationship that we have with you. BUT there is a level of respect that must be maintained. No matter how much we enjoy our time together and laugh and joke around, we must understand on both sides that #1 you are all on the same level, you are one cast. #2 we are not on that same level; we are your directors. If you show any level of disrespect it will be addressed. Whether it is addressed in private or not understand that it is not meant to embarrass you, it is meant to move the show along. Your feelings are always being taken into consideration but we are all human and make mistakes. If for any reason you are offended or your feelings are hurt, we want to fix that. But rehearsal is not the time or place. If you disagree with a decision we have made that is ok, we can discuss it, but again, during rehearsal is not the time or place. Come to any of us afterwards and we will work through it together. We care about you as performers and as people and will always do our best to help and have your back whenever you need it. We expect you to extend that same comradery to each other.

15. Be mindful of your fellow castmates and pay particular attention to personal hygiene. Please shower, brush your teeth, wear deodorant, fresh clothing, etc.

16. Take care of yourselves. Nutrition and hydration are very important. You will not attain the sustenance level required to make it through this strenuous show 8 times in only 5 days if you do not devote yourself to your health. Get lots and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and good fats and proteins like nuts and beans, and drink water. Drink fresh clear water, nothing with sugar or fruit flavors in it, just pure untouched water.

Finally our mission with this company is to spread Light and Truth through entertainment. This means to use art as a tool to elevate man morally, spiritually, and intellectually. Our environment is created for that purpose, therefore language and actions must reflect this. We allow NO profanity and no topics of discussion which do not work towards creating the environment of SFAP. We are a Christian family and those values fuel our theatre. We accept and love people of all creeds and have had the most diverse casts in eastern PA and beyond, yet have never found it an issue as all of us wish to love and be loved. This company is built off of that Truth.