Rules & Expectations

GENERAL MUSICAL RULES, REGULATIONS, AND EXPECTATIONS 

1. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals for which they are scheduled! Most rehearsals will be scheduled Monday - Friday from 4:00-5:00 or 5:30pm. Some late releases or additional Saturday rehearsals may be necessary. We ask that you schedule conflicts around the musical as much as possible and keep communication open with last minute/emergency conflicts. 

a. Starting tech week (week leading up to show dates), ALL REHEARSALS will be MANDATORY. Please visit the calendar tab regularly for updated times!   

b. Removal of a student from the show based on absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

2. Due to the nature of the program, casting/registration changes will be more difficult to accommodate after February 6th. Open communication will be essential for resolving conflicts prior to this date! 

3. All students are responsible for acquiring their own costumes. These must be approved by the musical staff. If not responsible, musical staff will clarify this thoroughly. 

4. Students are expected to be on their best behavior at rehearsals and performances, and must treat all staff and other students with respect. Failure to do so will result in their removal from this production. 

5. We do ask that you share any medical concerns with a member of our production team! Rehearsals warrant themselves to plenty of physical activity and snacks/dinners being consumed in shared spaces. It is essential for us to be aware of medical concerns so we may handle them proactively. Any information shared remains confidential amongst our team.

6. Please make sure to read all registration questions thoroughly! It is essential that we have all the correct information to contact parents/students. 

7. These shows are not possible without support from families! Please be aware that we will be reaching out with volunteering needs and appreciate the assistance in advance. 

8. More information can be found via the musical site. If you have questions, please contact ermdrama@gmail.com.

AUDITION & REHEARSAL BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

1. All cast and crew members are expected to be kind and respectful to one another. If there are concerns between students, they should be brought to musical staff immediately. 

   • From the lead role to the ensemble to the tech crew, every person is vital. Treat the person moving the curtains with the same respect you give the person center stage.

   • Rehearsals can be stressful but we are here to make a great show together. Be humble when you succeed and patient when you face a challenge. Be supportive. 

2. Musical staff ultimately decide the placement of students in each role. If you have questions regarding your OWN casting, you should bring them to staff. We cannot share the casting considerations for other students. 

   • There is no need to voice any opinions about casting. Sharing your thoughts can be hurtful, even if you don’t intend them to be. Casting is a difficult enough process without the unnecessary feedback. 

3. There is NO filming/photography of any student during auditions or rehearsals. This can not only violate student privacy, but can also break copyright laws. We have strict limitations on what we can “share" when we purchase each musical program. 

   • You should keep phone usage to a minimum. It’s important to stay focused and assist with preventing any “behind the scenes” drama that arises from the use of social media. Keep phone use to communicating with family for pick-ups. 

4. When someone is performing, or the director is speaking, your focus is on them. Side conversations are distracting and take away from the instructions being provided at the time. Missing information can snowball into larger issues. 

5. It takes guts to stand on a stage. Whether it’s an audition or a messy first run-through, applaud your peers. We cheer for the effort, not just the "perfect" notes.

   • Feedback is the director’s job. Unless you are specifically asked to provide peer feedback, keep your opinions to yourself. When an opportunity arises to provide feedback, be supportive and positive. “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” 

   • If your peers forget a line or a dance move, don’t laugh or roll your eyes. Wait a few seconds and let them try to correct on their own. If a staff member doesn’t correct them, or they don’t correct themselves, offer a gentle reminder of what to do. 

6. Treat the theater, the costumes, and the props with care. Being respectful to the physical environment is just as important as showing care to the script, vocals, and choreography.