Here we go!

It’s finally time! I am SO excited to kick off our summer program tomorrow and begin this incredible journey with your performers. I wanted to send out a quick note so everyone knows what to expect for tomorrow and throughout rehearsals moving forward.

First up — logistics!

Rehearsals will run from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM each morning at Pendleton Christian Church (with the exception of one unusual week that I’ll explain later on). Students should enter and exit through the MAIN entrance of the church — not the entrance used for auditions.

For drop-off and pick-up, feel free to create a “school car rider line” style system if you’d like. The line can begin at the main doors, continue along the sidewalk, and curve back toward the road. Of course, parking and walking up is perfectly fine as well! At the end of each rehearsal, I will walk out with the students as a group and make sure each child gets safely into the correct car.

A quick note about rehearsal expectations:

There will naturally be times during rehearsals when students are waiting for their turn on stage. Because of this, performers are encouraged to bring something quiet to keep themselves occupied during downtime. Think “old school” entertainment — coloring books, cards, books, crossword puzzles, etc. Please no electronics. I’d rather not battle the “iPad fog” when it’s time to refocus!

Tomorrow is our official Read-Through Day, which is always one of the most exciting days of the process! Each performer will receive their script, and together we’ll read through the entire show and sing through all of the music for the first time.

Please make sure your performer brings:

• A highlighter

• A pencil or pen

• 
  

Students will be highlighting their lines and solos, taking notes, learning basic theater terminology, and participating in activities that help build stage performance skills. It’s going to be such a fun and exciting day!

For every rehearsal, students should bring a bag containing:

• Their script

• A writing utensil

• A snack and water bottle

• Any quiet activity they choose to bring for downtime

• 
  

Having everything together in one bag helps students keep track of their belongings and makes cleanup much easier at the end of rehearsal.

If you’ve never experienced a youth theater summer program before, I truly cannot wait for you to see what these kids are capable of accomplishing in such a short amount of time. They are going to amaze you. Watching the growth, confidence, friendships, and talent unfold over the next few weeks is one of my favorite things in the world, and I’m beyond excited to get started.

See you tomorrow at 9:00 AM!

(Except for my Mt. Vernon girlies — we’ll miss you tomorrow and can’t wait to see you Friday! Enjoy your last few days of school!)