Backstage & Safety Guidelines

Dancers in Act I of the show should be checked in to dressing rooms 15 minutes before performance time. They can be checked out at intermission and watch the second half of the show from the audience. Dancers who are checking out at intermission will receive their award before leaving the dressing room and will stand from their seats to be acknowledged at the end of the show. They will not return to the stage.

Dancers in Act II of the show may watch the first act from the audience and be checked in at intermission. Dancers who are backstage during Act II will be brought back out to the stage for the final bow and to receive their awards.

Dancers in both halves of the show should report to the dressing room at least 15 minutes before performance time and remain backstage for the duration of the show. They will receive their awards during the final bow.

All dancers on stage for the final bow will return to their dressing rooms to be checked out/picked up by a parent. Thank you for helping to keep our dancers safe! 

Staff and parent volunteers will be on-hand to supervise and entertain dancers ages 10 and under in their dressing room. Our staff and volunteers are also able to help with costume changes. If parents prefer to help their child with costume changes, please let us know when checking them in. 

Backstage dressing rooms for ages 11 and up each have a staff member or parent volunteer assigned to them to assist with quick changes.

It is important that only a parent or guardian pick students up and drop them off at the dressing rooms. Students will not be released from the dressing room without a parent or guardian.

All students are expected to be on their best behavior while in the dressing rooms and backstage. Volume should be kept low, especially while the performance is happening, to avoid distractions. Non-messy snacks are permitted in the dressing rooms, but dancers MUST cover their costumes (e.g., with a jacket or robe) when eating. The only drink permitted in the dressing rooms is water.

Dancers ages 10 and under who are assigned to the choir room dressing room are permitted to bring non-messy activities if they would like them during the performance, though this is not required. Dancers ages 11 and up are kindly asked to not bring any additional items to the theater other than what they need for the performance to avoid overcrowding in the dressing rooms (dream duffles, etc.). 

All dressing rooms are crowded and can feel hectic. We recommend keeping your own space as organized as possible, hanging your costumes in the order you wear them for the performance and making sure all shoes, tights, and costume pieces are labeled with your name.