Sunday, May 10

2.00pm

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EPSOM PLAYHOUSE

Ashley Avenue, Epsom KT18 5AL

This year’s show is called “LONDON” 

For ease, we have split all the classes into different groups, please see the link for which “SHOW GROUP” your children are in. This informs the rehearsals they must attend for the show.

“TOTS” SHOW GROUP- These classes DO NOT attend any extra rehearsals at all until the day of the show

SHOW WEEK REHEARSALS UPDATED - 7 MAY

Scroll to the bottom for rehearsal times this week - but read all the preceding info please!

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Above are links to find the sign-in colours for each student. There is one list where children are grouped in their Chaperone colours, and another where you can find them by surname.

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SIGN IN/OUT PROCEDURE

Please arrive promptly at the theatre so we can get started. Students will be ticked in by their chaperone once they arrive and be taken into the auditorium where they will stay with their chaperone.

Everybody will need to be ticked out at the end. Please DO NOT LEAVE until the chaperone has ticked your child out. It is very important that no student under 16 leaves (even with a parent, and even if they are responsible teenagers!) without this being recorded.

On the show day, once children are in, they will stay with us until the end of the show. Except for TOTS GROUP, who will be signed out in the interval at the front of the stage.

We aim for an hour each side of a 20 minute interval. Of course, this is live theatre and this is kids, so these times are definitely approximate.

SIGN OUT ON SHOW DAY

At the end of the second show - All children in BOND group should be collected from the STAGE DOOR. All children in CARNIVAL group should be collected from the foyer. We ask that only ONE parent remains in the foyer to collect as it is not a large space.

PARKING

Carparks are not cheap in Epsom. The Ashley Centre car park is right next to the theatre. It is a flat rate of £10 after 4.00pm on weekdays or after 6.00pm Saturdays and £3 all day Sunday. But please check signs, as the rates keep changing! If you are staying long-term on Saturday, there is free parking on residential roads about a 10 minute walk away. See map attached.

CHAPERONE AND SAFETY

Please could you make sure your children understand that their chaperones are there to ensure their safety: treat them with respect and, even when it seems a little over-fussy, follow their instructions. Again, there are protocols to be followed in a large building with many children to look after, and everything we do is for a good reason, as well as very often being a legal requirement.

We thought it would be helpful to answer a few FAQs before we all get to the theatre this week. Please do read through to the bottom. Some of this may be well known to you, but it would be great if you could explain the relevant parts to your child before they get to the theatre. This will help us all make sure we have a smooth, safe and fun experience.

CHAPERONES and your children:

·      The law requires us to have chaperones and assistants to look after children in the theatre.

·      The majority of our chaperones are volunteers.

·      The chaperone is there to look after your child’s wellbeing.

·      Children MUST remain with their chaperone or their assistant at all times unless given permission to go with another chaperone, assistant or teacher. 

·      Parents MUST sign their child(ren) in and out so we have an accurate record of who is in our charge at all times.  It is for your child’s safety.

Ways to help your child fully enjoy the experience:

·      Teach them to tie shoes if possible

·      Teach them “stage right” and “stage left” – these represent what they see when facing the audience (so the opposite of what you the audience see)

·      Teach them theatre etiquette:

o      No running at anytime

o      Noise must be kept to a minimum in the dressing room

o      No gum

o      No chatting in the wings (the sides of the stage)

o      Right hand on the handrail going up/down stairs.

o      Listen & follow instructions of chaperones, teachers and stage assistants.

o      Costumes – treat with respect.  Do not: throw, scrunch up, leave on floor, stand on, try on others’ costumes, eat or drink in.

·      Children’s own clothes: place shoes on the floor, socks in, place trousers and shirt neatly on top or in bag.

·      LABEL every item of clothing you want returned to you.

o      It is very time-consuming if children can’t find their black leggings/trackie bottoms or Dance Shack t-shirt because there are 5 exact same items on the floor – all unnamed.

o      Black jazz shoes all look the same – please label them.

o      Trainers – your child might know what his/hers look like but the chaperones don’t.  Shoes get stuck behind other people’s bags, get separated and misplaced.

·      FOOD and DRINK – give them more than you think they will need. Bring water only – absolutely no fizzy/sweet/sticky drinks. Nothing too messy please. We end up in the dressing rooms on our hands and knees picking it up. ☹ ABSOLUTELY NO SESAME SEEDS OR NUTS. We have some children who are extremely allergic. Once again -NO NUTS 

·      HAIR- CARNIVAL AND TOTS group students need a completely slicked back ponytail, as we normally do. Absolutely no wispy bits, please use bobby pins, hairspray and NEUTRAL coloured hairbands.

·      BOND group, also have a slick back ponytail but are welcome to add a central parting in the front, and plaits in the ponytail.

·      MAKE UP – No make-up please. For the older children, keep it to a minimum! Mascara and a bit of blusher only. NO bright lipsticks.

·      Older girls – Neutral underwear only.   

·      NO JEWELLERY – PLEASE!

FRIDAY 8^th MAY- At: EPSOM PLAYHOUSE, Ashley Avenue, Epsom KT18 5AL

5pm- 7pm                              CARNIVAL GROUP (NOT INCLUDING CRAWLEY)

6.30pm- 9pm                       BOND GROUP AND LEATHERHEAD SENIOR TEAM

SATURDAY 9^th MAY– At: EPSOM PLAYHOUSE, Ashley Avenue, Epsom KT18 5AL 

10am- 4pm                          CARNIVAL GROUP (ALL)

12pm-5pm                           LEATHERHEAD SENIOR TEAM

12pm- 7pm                          BOND GROUP

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SUNDAY 10^th MAY- At: EPSOM PLAYHOUSE, Ashley Avenue, Epsom KT18 5AL

ARRIVAL TIMES:

12pm - TOTS GROUP

12.30pm - CARNIVAL GROUP AND BOND GROUP

The actual performance showtime is:

2.00pm

TOTS GROUP will perform in the first half of the show ONLY.

Please be aware, it may seem a lot of rehearsals, but to be able to put on an extravaganza like this, we really need the commitment. For those who have been involved in previous years, I’m sure you can agree that the children have an amazing experience. They will not be working solid all of these hours. They will have appropriate breaks and be there to support other classes in their performances. This is where we are able to unite all classes as a Dance Shack family, including all of my teachers who have worked so incredibly hard. We do ask for your patience and understanding and extra time from your children! It gives them an experience that will carry them through all walks of life with confidence, passion and self-esteem. This is what makes Dance Shack so special.

Tickets for both shows are available via the tickets button.

Please feel free to call with any questions. 01372 650464 . Or drop us an email.

Best Wishes,

Dance Shack Team