Anticipating your FAQ's

Can I bring food to the EXPO Center?

***This one is a BIG deal***
Yes, you may bring food.  However, we need to strictly follow a few guidelines.

1. On-site dinners must be in the form of a sack lunch.  You absolutely cannot bring fast food into the building.
2. WATER only.  Period.  
3. When possible, you should not eat in your costume.  If you must eat in costume, avoid greasy or dark-colored foods.  It may be useful to bring a robe for kids to put over their costume when eating.
4. Outside food may ONLY be eaten in our cast room and may only be brought in discretely.  No one outside our cast/families should ever see food from outside.

If we do not strictly adhere to these guidelines, we could lose our permission to bring food altogether.

What time do I need to be there today:

4:30 to 5:00 - Orphans
5:00 to 5:30 - Pick Pockets
5:30 to 6:00 - Ensemble for Dec 25th, Thank You, Fine Life, Oom Pah Pah
                      Be dressed in your first OLIVER costume
6:00 to ....    - Everyone must be in costume, hair, and makeup with microphones and have checked their props by 6:00 pm.

How much makeup should I wear?

A little more than everyday makeup, a little less than full stage makeup.  Little girls and teen girls don't need much at all.  Men only need makeup if they are really fair-skinned in which case they may need darkened eyebrows and a bit of "guy" liner.

Where should I park?

Your guess is as good as mine.  :)  Arrive early to allow time to park and walk.

When will I get my wrist bands?

Tonight.  Gabe Pierce's mom will have them.  It is your responsibility to pick them up.

I'm sure there are more...

But hopefully that will get us through today.  See you all there!

Photo CD's

First:

I need somebody to volunteer to organize the sign up / money collection for this year's photo cd's.  Just contact me if you're willing.

Second:

Photo CDs will be available for purchase for $5 each.  Please bring cash on or before December 11th (to be collected by TBA...)

Photos will be taken by Deanne Jones, who frequently takes photographs for The Empress Theatre.  Deanne will take a large cast photo at the Dec 13th performance as well as live action shots during that evening's performance.  (Disclaimer: the photos are kind of a you-get-what-you-get sort of deal.  Deanne has never shot at the Expo Center and more frequently takes photos in a smaller, more intimate theater.  I have always been impressed by Deanne's work, but she wanted to make certain I didn't over-promise!)

Photo CD's will not be available until after the holidays (Deanne needs time to enjoy with her family before editing all the great pictures she will be taking).  Individuals who order photo CDs will be responsible to pick them up from my home once they are ready.

Third:

We will not be doing a video this year.  Sorry!  With the shortened rehearsal/performance schedule, that has unfortunately fallen below my top priorities.  Make sure all your loved ones come see you perform live!

22 Opportunities to Ensure the Success of our Show

Many of you got your Dickens start in the ranks of Orphan Wrangler.  If you've graduated to full-fledged cast member, then this post isn't for you.

But for those parents who help our show be successful without ever stepping onto the stage, it's your turn to sign up!

ORPHAN WRANGLERS are essential to the success of our shows.  Duties include keeping our orphans happy, safe, focused, and quiet.

If you sign up to ORPHAN WRANGLE, you'll be given a list of approximately 7 kids to help, along with a schedule of expectations for your time slot.  Opportunities to WRANGLE include:

Tuesday: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Wednesday: 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Thursday: 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Friday: 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm and 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (sign up for both if you're brave!)
Saturday: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm, and 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

There are 22 total time slots available (and about 13 orphan families to choose from).  We welcome parents, grandparents, ex-cast members, neighborhood babysitters - anyone who is able to entertain and oversee 7 elementary school kids.  ORPHAN WRANGLING is absolutely essential to the success of the Dickens Festival.

If you have a Google account, us it to sign up here (just replace the Wrangler with your own first and last name)

https://www.google.com/calendar/selfsched?sstoken=UURxcGdMZnFvaHEyfGRlZmF1bHR8MjI2NjU0ZGEyMTk3ZTRjYWE3MDZkMGU5MjYzMjIxMzc

If you don't have a Google account, talk to Sarah (Mrs. Cratchit) at an upcoming rehearsal, and she can get you on the schedule.

Sign Up for a Costume Time

Thursday, December 5th will be a costume deadline.  If you are scheduled to attend Thursday's rehearsal, please bring all the items YOU OWN that you plan to wear (shoes, pants, socks, etc) for approval with Arlee.

Monday, December 9th will be our MAJOR costuming day.  To help Arlee be prepared to costume you in an efficient and orderly way, you will need to schedule a time (see details below).  Please make note of your scheduled time, and arrive ON TIME.  You should bring:

• All costumes items YOU OWN in case they need to be matched or fitted with another item.
• A large box or bag in which to take your costume home.  All items will be checked out to you on Monday night. You will be allowed to wash most items before wearing them on Tuesday.  We will provide a storage location for your costumes when you arrive on Tuesday.

Tuesday, December 10th will be a MINOR costuming day.  Additional costumes which have been assigned to you will be unloaded and organized in your assigned costume area.  You may need to check in with Arlee when you arrive on Tuesday if you have any questions about assigned costumes.  You will also need to plan some time to locate and organize you assigned costume location(s).

Things to consider when selecting a time slot:

• If you are concerned about accomplishing your costuming in 15 minutes, please schedule two consecutive time slots.  (This mostly applies to women who need several different costumes.)
• DO NOT sign up for a costume slot that interferes with your rehearsal call times for the evening:

REHEARSING with Andrea
6:00 to 6:30 - Orphans
6:30 to 7:00 - Father Christmas
7:30 to 8:00 - Consider Yourself
8:00 to 8:15 - December 25th
8:15 to 8:30 - Thank You Very Much
8:30 to 8:45 - Oom Pah Pah
8:45 to 9:00 - Fine Life

• Sign up for the EARLIEST time slot you can possibly make it to.  If you have time available during the day, please take a daytime slot.  PLEASE!  There is no way we can costume everyone between 5pm and 10pm.  If your orphan has half-day Kindergarten, please schedule him or her for a daytime costume fitting.  If you can take a long lunch and come during the day, please do!   

Scheduling a time is particularly easy if you have a Google account.  Just follow this link, click on a time, and change the event name (1, 2, or 3) to your own first and last name.  Easy!

https://www.google.com/calendar/selfsched?sstoken=UURxcGdMZnFvaHEyfGRlZmF1bHR8MjI2NjU0ZGEyMTk3ZTRjYWE3MDZkMGU5MjYzMjIxMzc

If you don't have a Google account, you will need to contact Arlee with your desired time slot (15 minutes between 10:30 am and 10 pm).  All the same guidelines apply!

Your production staff is committed to costuming you effectively and efficiently.  Please help us out in our efforts!

Upcoming Schedules

Thank you for your patience as I have worked around uncertainties and tried to plan the most effective rehearsal time possible.

Here is what I know so far, and thank you for your continued patience as I add to and clarify this schedule as each date approaches.

THIS WEEK:

Wednesday, Dec 4th - RUN SCROOGE
normal rehearsal location

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm - Run through with the full cast

8:30 pm to 10:00 pm - Run through with full cast* 

*Attendance is optional for the following cast members but encouraged for those over 10 years old who are caught up on all their schoolwork: Alex, Hailey, Ellie, Trae J., Kyler J., Abby, Angella, Brittany, Bryton, Evan, Gabe, Hayden, Javier, Joclynne, Kiersten, Miranda, Trae F, Zack

Thursday, Dec. 5th - PRE-TECH CUE TO CUE BOTH SHOWS
West Valley Rehearsal Space: 3303 S. Hunter Oak Way (enter through side gate)

6:30 to 7:45 - Oliver cue-to-cue with focus on microphones, props, and scene changes - full cast*

*Except orphan-only cast members: Abby, Adam, Alex, Angella, Blake, Bryton, Charlie, Ellie, Gabriel, Hailey, Hunter, Joclynne, Juliet, Kortnee, Kyler, Lily, Soda, Trae F, Tristin, Zack

7:45 to 9:00 - Scrooge cue-to-cue with focus on microphones, props, and scene changes - full cast*

 *Except urchins-only cast members who have no scene changes (If you have a scene change, please be responsible and attend this rehearsal): Alex, Hailey, Ellie, Trae J., Kyler J., Abby, Angella, Brittany, Bryton, Evan, Gabe, Hayden, Javier, Joclynne, Kiersten, Miranda, Trae F, Zack

Saturday, Dec 7th - RUN OLIVER
normal rehearsal location

9:00 to 9:30 - Orphan Choir with Jackie | All scenes* involving Bill Sykes with Andrea 

*Nancy, Bill, Bet, Fagin, named pickpockets except Hayden

9:30 to 10:00 - Orphan Choir performance - FULL CAST to support orphans 

10:00 to 11:30 - Run Oliver with FULL Cast

11:30 to 1:00 - Run Oliver, orphans optional (Abby, Adam, Alex, Angella, Blake, Bryton, Charlie, Ellie, Gabriel, Hailey, Hunter, Joclynne, Juliet, Kortnee, Kyler, Lily, Soda, Trae F, Tristin, Zack)

NEXT WEEK

Monday, Dec. 9th - COSTUMES, PROPS, and CLEANING

LDS Meetinghouse Primary Room - 7035 W. Loch Ness Avenue in West Valley City

Details coming regarding costume/prop call (times will be flexible)

REHEARSING with Andrea

6:00 to 6:30 - Orphans

6:30 to 7:00 - Father Christmas

7:30 to 8:00 - Consider Yourself

8:00 to 8:15 - December 25th

8:15 to 8:30 - Thank You Very Much

8:30 to 8:45 - Oom Pah Pah

8:45 to 9:00 - Fine Life

Tuesday, Dec. 10th - THE WHOLE SHEBANG

South Towne Expo Center - 9575 South State Street in Sandy (plan for parking time)

Arrive as early as you can - there will be TONS to do!  However, you must be ready in costume by the following call times:

4:30 to 5:00 - Orphans

5:00 to 5:30 - Pick Pockets

5:30 to 6:00 - Ensemble for Dec 25th, Thank You, Fine Life, Oom Pah Pah

                      Be dressed in your first OLIVER costume

Everyone must be in costume, hair, and makeup with microphones and have checked their props by 6:00 pm.  

6:00 pm to 7:15 - Run Oliver / Notes

7:15 to 8:30 - Run Oliver / Notes
8:30 to 9:45 - Run Scrooge / Notes
9:45 to 11:00 - Run Scrooge* / Notes  

*Attendance for the final run through is optional for the following cast members but encouraged for those over 10 years old: Alex, Hailey, Ellie, Trae J., Kyler J., Abby, Angella, Brittany, Bryton, Evan, Gabe, Hayden, Javier, Joclynne, Kiersten, Miranda, Trae F, Zack 

PERFORMANCES

Wednesday, Dec 11th & Thursday, Dec 12th - FIRST TWO SHOW DAYS

South Towne Expo Center - 9575 South State Street in Sandy (plan for parking time)

Your call time may depend on your commitments for Street Theater.  Unless you know otherwise, please adhere to the following call times:

5:00 pm - CALL TIME (this means you should be in the building either doing street theater or getting ready)

5:20 pm - Orphan choir (at Festival entrance)

5:30 pm - Processional (named characters in OLIVER)

5:50 pm - Be backstage and ready for OLIVER (including mics on)

6:00 pm - OLIVER

7:00 pm - Orphan choir (at Festival entrance)

7:15 pm - Orphans-only excused

7:30 pm - Processional (named characters in SCROOGE)

7:50 pm - Be backstage and ready for SCROOGE (including mics on)

8:00 pm - SCROOGE

9:00 pm - Go home :)

Friday, Dec 13th - THIRD SHOW DAY / CAST PHOTOS / ORPHAN FUN

South Towne Expo Center - 9575 South State Street in Sandy (plan for parking time)

Your call time may depend on your commitments for Street Theater.  Unless you know otherwise, please adhere to the following call times:

5:00 pm - CALL TIME (this means you should be in the building either doing street theater or getting ready)

5:20 pm - Orphan choir (at Festival entrance)

5:30 pm - Processional (named characters in OLIVER)

5:50 pm - Be backstage and ready for OLIVER (including mics on)

6:00 pm - OLIVER

7:00 pm - Orphan choir (at Festival entrance)

7:15 pm(ish) - PUNCH AND JUDY special showing for ORPHANS

7:30 pm - Processional (named characters in SCROOGE)

7:50 pm - Be backstage and ready for SCROOGE (including mics on)

8:00 pm - SCROOGE (orphans are invited to stay and watch!)

9:15 pm - Cast Photos - Please be ready in your most recognizable costume

Saturday, Dec 14th - MATINEE & CLOSING NIGHT

South Towne Expo Center - 9575 South State Street in Sandy (plan for parking time)

Your call time may depend on your commitments for Street Theater.  Unless you know otherwise, please adhere to the following call times:

12:00 pm - CALL TIME (this means you should be in the building either doing street theater or getting ready)

12:20 pm - Orphan choir (at Festival entrance)

12:30 pm - Processional (named characters in OLIVER)

12:50 pm - Be backstage and ready for OLIVER (including mics on)

1:00 pm - OLIVER

2:00 pm - Orphan choir (at Festival entrance)

2:15 pm - Orphans-only may take a break (with an adult)

2:30 pm - Processional (named characters in SCROOGE)

2:50 pm - Be backstage and ready for SCROOGE (including mics on)

3:00 pm - SCROOGE

4:00 pm - CAST PARTY (details coming - food provided for cast members only)

5:30 pm - Processional (named characters in OLIVER)

5:50 pm - Be backstage and ready for OLIVER (including mics on)

6:00 pm - OLIVER

7:00 pm - Orphan choir (at Festival entrance)

7:15 pm - Orphan Costume Check In (then orphans-only may leave)

7:30 pm - Processional (named characters in SCROOGE)

7:50 pm - Be backstage and ready for SCROOGE (including mics on)

8:00 pm - SCROOGE

9:00 pm - Costume Check In

10:00 pm to ??? - PACK UP AND LOAD OUT (Volunteers will be needed)

ALSO: 

More info to come regarding - 

• Costumes
• Orphan wranglers
• Closing night volunteers
• Purchasing cast photos
• Script and CD check in
• Food policies and suggestions for the Expo Center
• Ticket prices (btw, parking is free!)
• Parking information and suggestions
• And probably more!

Optional Orphan Choir Rehearsals

With the later, October start to rehearsals this year, we are finding that there isn't quite enough time at the Saturday rehearsals to spend the time teaching the orphan choir the fundamentals of music and harmony which lay the foundation for these kids to grow into amazingly talented pickpockets.

We have decided to add an additional, optional orphan choir rehearsal for the next three weeks (Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21).  If your orphan is available to rehearse on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30, please bring him or her to Andrea's house (3266 S. Hunter Oak Way) each Thursday.  Andrea's house is conveniently located right across the street from our Pickpocket rehearsal location, so for siblings of pickpockets, this should hopefully be relatively easy on families.

Orphans who are also pickpockets will, of course, attend the pickpocket rehearsal as originally scheduled.

If possible, we would invite the following orphans to attend these optional rehearsals:

Abby
Adam
Alex
Angella
Blake
Bryton
Charlie
Ellie
Gabriel
Hailey
Hunter
Joclynne
Juliet
Kortnee
Kyler
Lily
Soda
Trae F
Tristin
Zack

Thank you in advance for making sacrifices as a family to allow your orphans to attend this rehearsal.  They will have an opportunity to gain additional skills that will benefit them in the Dickens Festival and in other musical ventures.

The Victoria Quadrille (December the 25th)

Here's a sneak peak of the style you are in for tonight at the December the 25th rehearsal.  Use this as a guide for the overall feel of the Quadrille.

Thank You Very Much

I know Dickens is quickly approaching when I become painfully aware of my overuse of the term "Thank you very much!"  I don't know about you, but I am pretty excited to get going on Saturday!

Just to give you a heads up for Saturday's schedule, here is what to expect:

The entire cast should arrive at 9:00 am. (Remember to enter through the West Door of our Saturday rehearsal location: 2933 E 3300 S)  How long you get to stay is dependent on your character.

ORPHANS who are only orphans will be done at 10:30 am
orphans who are also URCHINS will be done at 12:30 pm
orphans/urchins who are also PICKPOCKETS will be done at 1:00 pm
MOST ADULTS will be done at 1:00 pm

The best way to know for certain how long you are needed is to cross reference the calendar with the song breakdown.  Or if you don't want to think that hard, you can always just email Arlee for clarification.

In addition to starting several major songs, we will also be having a cast meeting to discuss all the particulars including:

• scheduling
• conflicts
• costumes

And most importantly, you will receive a SCRIPT and CD.  Scripts and CDs will each require a $5 refundable deposit.  Plan for each member of your family to need a script*, but you should be able to share a CD.  So for a family of 5, the deposit would likely be $30 (for 5 scripts and 1 CD).  Please bring cash in increments of $5, or you may write a check payable to Andrea Fife, which we will hold until you return your script and/or CD.

*If your child is an ORPHAN only, he or she will receive a lyric packet and CD combination instead.  This is only $5 for the combination.  

Please arrive on time on Saturday morning with a pencil, a water bottle, and a hard-working attitude.  Here we go!

Rehearsal Location(s)

Thank you for your patience as we have worked to arrange an alternate rehearsal location (after finding out the Utah Opera would be unable to host us after all).  

I'm excited to announce that our rehearsal facility for Wednesday and Saturday will feature two separate rehearsal spaces, each with their own sound system, dance mirrors, and one with an upright piano.  Not only that, but we will also have access to a lounge and locker room.  I am looking forward to being able to hold simultaneous music and dance rehearsals and to have a space for people to be able to chat without suffering the wrath of Andrea.  

The "BROWN" rehearsal room

The "WHITE" rehearsal room, which includes a piano

The "LOUNGE"

The "LOCKER ROOM" (and bathroom)

 We are grateful to THOMPSON LANE entertainment for allowing us to take over their space twice a week from now until Dickens!

DETAILS:

2933 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City

Enter through the West Door

Wednesdays from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm - Songs and scenes from both shows (mostly ages 12 and up)

Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm - Songs and scenes from both shows (including all ages)

We have arranged an alternate rehearsal space for the five Thursday evening rehearsals.  We are grateful to the MECHAM family for allowing us to take over their basement rehearsal room, which features a large open space and an upright piano.

DETAILS:

3303 S Hunter Oak Way (6975 West), West Valley City

Enter through the North Gate

Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm - Pickpockets, Fagin, Nancy, and Bet ONLY

I am still sorting out the complete rehearsal schedule.  Please make certain Arlee has all of your conflicts as soon as possible so I can schedule around them when I can.  You can, however, plan to be at the Thompson Rehearsal Location on Saturday, October 12th at 9:00 am for our first cast meeting and rehearsal.  I can't wait to get started!!

Cast List 2013

I know it took me forever to post the cast list, and I'm sorry to all of you who have been waiting so very patiently.  Here it is: your 2013 cast lists.

Remember that most of you have been cast in both Oliver and Scrooge, so don't forget to check both lists.  Also, your name may possible appear in more than one place, so look carefully.

I will soon be posting information about our first rehearsal (Saturday, Oct 12th), so check back frequently.  I'm excited to get to work with so many amazing people to make Dickens Festival 2013 the best year yet!

OLIVER 2013

SCROOGE 2013

Also coming soon:

SONG and SCENE breakdown (who is in what)
FULL rehearsal schedule

Can't wait to see you all on October 12th!

--Andrea

Call Back List

WOW!  Amazing auditions, especially from some of our returning talent.  We heard a full range of audition songs from classical Broadway to Christmas songs to a bit more contemporary.  But it was the monologues that made my day.  It was fun to see your personalities through Harry Potter and Monty Python as well as through famous poetry and the more expected monologue styles.

We were able to cast much of the show based off your auditions.  I know people often say, "Just because you're not called back doesn't mean you're not in the show."  Let me set your minds at ease: we'd love to have each of you in the shows, and we've already figured out the perfect spot for many of you.  The full cast list will post within the next 10 days or so, but before we can do that, we need to put some of you through a few final tests in order to arrange the best line up for this year's festival.  So here it is:

Call back notice:

KEARNS LIBRARY

Wednesday, 9/25

6:00 pm to 8:45 pm

We will be moving quickly through the callback process.  Please arrive on time and be prepared to sing, dance, and/or read.

6:00 pm to 7:15 pm - Chance, Blake, Hayden, Evan
6:00 pm to 6:30 pm - Hunter, Blake, Alex F., Hailey
6:30 pm to 7:00 pm - Gabe P, Abby, Malaki, Jocelyn
7:00 pm to 7:45 pm - Miki, Lindsey, Hayden, Skyler, Colton, Astchyn
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm - Emily, Kelli, Ashley, Ema, Alexis
7:30 pm to 8:00 pm - Rick, Gary, Diana, Kim, Rebecca, Lisa, Celeste, Wendy, Kenzie
7:45 pm to 8:00 pm - Anna Claire, Victoria, Brittany, Cami, Miki
8:00 pm to 8:30 pm - Brett, Charlie, Diana, Kim, Rebecca, Lisa, Celeste, Wendy

If you have a conflict with your scheduled time, please contact Arlee (arlee.heslop@gmail.com).  Otherwise, I will plan to see each of you on Wednesday.  Thanks in advance for your time!

Andrea

UPDATE to Audition Information

The location and time for auditions has changed.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

Auditions will still be held September 21st but will now go from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The new location is:

SOUTH JORDAN PUBLIC LIBRARY

10673 South Redwood Road

See you all there on Saturday.  Please contact Andrea (801) 641-3898 with questions or concerns about this change.

Salt Lake Dickens Festival 2013

Dickens is around the corner once again!  Whether you're back for another season or considering Dickens for the first time, here is a preliminary look at things you may want to know:

• SHOWS: We will continue to perform a 50-minute revue of Oliver! and a 50-minute revue of Scrooge.  However, if you've done Dickens before and think you've seen it all, expect new choreography and a few surprises this season.  (Most actors will be cast in both productions.)
• ORPHAN CHOIR: The orphan choir will continue its tradition of providing advanced singing opportunities for the youngest members of the cast.  Orphan choir members are only required to rehearse on Saturday mornings making it a great first experience in theater.
• PERFORMANCE VENUE: Our performance venue for this year will be the South Town Expo Center located in Sandy, Utah.  The Dickens Christmas Festival expects this to be a positive move for the vendors and the productions. (More information: http://dickenschristmasfestival.com/salt-lake-city/)
• REHEARSAL VENUE: Our rehearsal venue for this year IS TBA but should be in the Salt Lake Valley.
• PERFORMANCE RUN: There are positives and negatives to the length of any run.  A shorter run at Christmastime means less time away from your families when you commit to the festival.  This year's run will include evening performances on December 11, 12, 13, and 14 with an additional matinee on the 14th.  
• REHEARSAL COMMITMENT: We have pushed back the rehearsal dates, opting to begin rehearsals on October 12th.  This change will hopefully accommodate local talent previously committed to an October-run production.  In order to keep our traditional Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday rehearsal schedule, we have extended weeknight rehearsal times to 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm and plan to continue to hold 4-hour Saturday rehearsals from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
• STREET THEATER: We will be returning to the original Dickens Festival format with show actors doubling as Street performers.  We have a new Street Theater coordinator who will teach street performance skills and organize the performances in an efficient (and non-exhausting) manner.
• PRODUCTION STAFF: Both Jackie and Andrea are back for another year, and we are excited to have prior cast member Arlee Heslop added to the staff as both Assistant Director and Costumer.  

If this type of commitment is something you are interested in, then MARK YOUR CALENDAR now:

Auditions: 

September 21st

10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

SOUTH JORDAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
10673 South Redwood Road

Schedule your audition: email Arlee to request an audition time

Audition requirements:

• 60 seconds of a song in the style of the show (traditional Christmas carols work well for young performers).  Sheet music is required; an accompanist will be provided.
• 30 second monologue or poem recited with a British or Cockney accent (optional, but required if auditioning for a speaking role)
• You may be asked to do a short dance audition; please dress accordingly.

All roles are open; however, priority consideration may be given to returning cast members.  Returning cast members are required to re-audition on the regularly scheduled date.