On my audition form, which both students and parents sign, it states
"The specific schedule will be made once we see the needs of the cast and crew. However, we generally rehearse after school until 5 or 6 each night with some Saturday rehearsals as well.
The rehearsals will get longer and more intense the closer we get to the show. Please plan accordingly!
Every actor is expected to be at each rehearsal for which he/she is scheduled. Unexcused absences may count against an actor and if an actor is frequently absent without permission, they may be dismissed from the show."
And
"I understand that, if cast, I am expected to be at all rehearsals and performances. I understand that failure to attend scheduled rehearsals without permission for an absence may result in disciplinary action, including being dismissed from my role."
Our rehearsals begin right after school and go until 5 most nights, 6 or 6:30 for musicals as they take more time. Once I have a cast, I get them a rehearsal schedule that works around conflicts as best I can. I only call the kids in that scene for rehearsal, whereas my predecessor called everyone everyday and if they weren't rehearsing they were to sit in the auditorium and watch the others. I can't manage that many kids doing nothing, so I prefer they just not be there and use that time to stay caught up on school work and household things instead.
I insist that the kids take enough rehearsal schedules for themselves and the households they live in. I encourage them to highlight the days/times they're rehearsing instead of just handing their parents the schedule so it's easier for the parent/guardian to find the days their kid is rehearsing. I also keep a facebook group for each show and the parents and students involved are added to it. Rehearsal schedules are uploaded to the facebook groups as well. I am very strict about keeping to my rehearsal schedule and if I hold the kids late it's no more than 15 minutes and no more than 2x per show. It's really important to me that everyone learn that the schedule is the schedule, period.
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Laura Steenson
Theatre Director
Reynolds High School
Troutdale OR
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2015 14:32
From: Shira Schwartz
Subject: Practice schedules
I have to split my rehearsal time each week between my main stage production and my competitive improv team. The main stage gets rehearsal on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15-4pm and Friday from 3-4pm (after ITS meetings). Before auditions I post a rehearsal schedule. Kids know that they are going to have to pick where they want to spend their time. I avoid doing evening practices (except hell and show week) so that the students are able to get to their jobs. I also create a track list for the cast. I only call the specific kids I want to work with and give everyone else the day off. This has worked really well on 2 fronts. One, it keeps the numbers in the rehearsal smaller so the distractions when kids have nothing to do is down, and two, it shows the kids that I am not "wasting their time". I have gotten a lot more accomplished in rehearsals since I started this. The kids know that if they are called it is because they are needed, so they usually have a better work ethic while they are there.
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Shira Schwartz
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler AZ
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-12-2014 13:58
From: Jared Grigsby
Subject: Practice schedules
Before practices even start, I have a full practice calendar for kids to look at. I also cross reference this schedule against sporting events.
The kids and I work together to have a good mix of sports practices with drama practice. The coaches have been pretty good to work with, as we all know it's a small school here (346 students this year), and I have usually 50+ kids involved with my productions.
Kids are expected to be present all of tech week and for shows. If there is a sports game during tech week, we work it out on a student-by-student case.
Our practices are 5 - 7 p.m., Monday - Thursday. We usually practice for eight - 10 weeks.
When I came in, it was a free-for-all with drama. The kids hated the practice calendars at first, but they've grown to love them and really use them.
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Jared Grigsby
English and Journalism Teacher / Drama Director
MSD of Boone Township
Hebron, Indiana
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-09-2014 17:27
From: Carol Allen
Subject: Practice schedules
Not sure my post went out, but I was wanting any information you have regarding times you practice, why those times, how long you practice. Parent complaints about those practices, etc. My administrators are wanting me to have practices right after school next year, which will pretty much shrink the program to nothing since the kids are all involved in other things right after school, sports, music stuff like jazz band, madrigals, solo/ensemble, jobs, etc. Would love some input as soon as possible so I can go in with information enforcing practicing in the evenings. Thanks
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Carol Allen
Head Drama Sponsor
CUSD #3
Mahomet IL
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