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!