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What is a "flex class"?

Flex classes are courses that meet outside the traditional school day. Because the NHS schedule made it difficult for students to get their desired electives, we started offering options. Flex is not for everyone -- it might overlap with sports or job responsibilities, and they are still graded courses with attendance expectations. Students who take flex classes may be allowed to take an extra study.   

What should I prepare for an audition? 

We do not ask that students prepare monologues. We typically read scenes from the production, and students are given time to practice before sharing with director(s). For a musical, we ask that students prepare a song and we teach a dance during the audition. We encourage students to choose a short song in the style of the show, but not a song actually from that musical. Bring sheet music in the key you will sing, clearly marked with stop/start for the accompanist.

 

How do I get tickets? 

For most of our performances, tickets are available at the door half an hour before the show. For our musicals however, we tend to have much larger audiences and encourage people to purchase in advance online at Brown Paper Tickets. We often have a long line to purchase tickets in the last 10 minutes before scheduled start time, so plan accordingly. At the door we accept cash and checks made out to NHS Theatre. Credit cards are required to purchase through Brown Paper Tickets. 

 

Are your shows appropriate for young children?

We try to offer a wide variety of productions, in order for our students to experience the many genres and time periods. Some shows will be family-friendly, while others may be intended for mature audiences. Any show with mature content will be clearly marked on promotional materials so that parents can make appropriate choices for their families. 

 

Do students provide their own costumes and makeup for a show? 

Costumes will be provided, but students are typically asked to provide their own shoes, hair/makeup supplies, and appropriate undergarments. If the show is modern, sometimes students may have something at home that fits better than what we have in the shop. If a character requires a wig or specialty makeup, we will provide that. For health reasons, it is very important that students do not share brushes or makeup. Actual stage makeup is not required, but most students will need at least a foundation, blush, eyeliner, and lip color. Students who wish to continue in productions for many years should consider purchasing quality dance shoes and a student makeup kit.  

Is there a fee to participate? 

No, we do not charge a participation fee. Our program is self-supporting, meaning ticket sales from one show will pay for the next one. There may be a fee for other programs in the district.  When additional fundraising is necessary, we sell program ads or arrange for events such as Yankee Candle sales.

 

Attendance policy and/or show contract

We ask students for their conflicts before rehearsals begin, and do our best to accommodate requests. With larger shows, we may have 50 different schedules to juggle and it often becomes impossible to grant every request. Students are allowed to miss up to three rehearsals without a penalty. After that, attendance may impact a student's grade and/or the student's responsibility may be re-assigned. See participation contract here.

Dress Code for Performers

Theatrical performances will have costumes particular to a production, but music concerts have a standard dress code of black and white. At each grade level, we expect students to wear attire relative to the level of experience. For instance, students at the Molin are simply asked to have white top and black bottoms. At the Nock, students are expected to show a stronger level of commitment to their musical studies, and therefore should dress a little nicer. At the high school, we expect a more professional appearance. Students in choir may wear any combination of black and white, but band follows white top and black bottom. Examples of appropriate attire include a button-down shirt, sweater, tie, jacket, dress pants or skirt. Nice shoes. No jeans are allowed. Performers should consider whether they will be sitting or standing, if they need to move with an instrument, and choose appropriately. Students should speak with their teachers when in doubt. 

How can parents help?

There are so many ways parents can get involved! We know teenagers will sometimes tell their parents we don't need help, but we love adult volunteers. During the rehearsal process we can often use help with costumes, set building/painting, hanging posters, running errands, etc. During tech week, we ask families to provide food for the late nights, and at the performances we need help selling tickets/concessions. If you're interested, please let us know. 

 

Do you take donations?

Got some paint you don't need anymore? Grandma's record player? A dress from the 1930's? We don't have a lot of storage space so we can't take everything, but we do appreciate clothing, furniture, and small household items. Paint is best for us when it's a flat latex, and lightly used supplies like paint trays, brushes, or drop cloths are useful. We're happy to talk with you about any donation. Thank you!

Audience Etiquette

Ultimately, watching a live performance - whether music concert or a play - is an experience. Performers have put in hard work to share their stories with you. You must be there fully in order to enjoy it. Turn off your phone. Watch with your eyes, not through a screen. Be respectful of other audience members.

While watching a live performance, we respectfully ask that you do not text during the show. Taking photos or filming a performance can be distracting to other audience members, and phones do actually interfere with the sound system. Furthermore, recording is often a violation of copyright law. 

While we do not prohibit snacks in the auditorium, please be aware that unwrapping candy or other food can be very loud. Please remember to clean up when you leave your seat. Trash and recycling containers are located in the hallway. 
 

Please be on time and plan to stay for the entire performance. We encourage our students to support each other, and when families and friends do the same, it reinforces that message. We also want young children to attend live performances! However, we recognize that sometimes they are squirmy. Please sit on the aisles if you anticipate needing to leave early.

There should be no talking during the performance. While you might quietly answer a quick question, conversations can be very distracting to others around you. It is not appropriate to call names or wave to a performer, like in a sporting event. We appreciate your enthusiasm and encourage you to enjoy the performance: please clap, laugh, and react when you are so moved! 

Flex class
Audition
Tickets
Dress code
Costumes
Fee
Attendance policy
Age-appropriateness

National Performing Arts Festival Orlando, FL

February 2017

Volunteers
Donations
Etiquette
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