MARY POPPINS
EXPECTATIONS
FROM YOUR DIRECTOR
Shannan Steele
It is my expectation that people arrive at every rehearsal on time, warmed up, and ready to work. It is my expectation that upon a first run of staging or blocking, that cast members have a working knowledge of the script and are at least partially memorized.
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Upon the next rehearsal’s run of any materials I do expect memorization.
Any memorization prior to the beginning of the start of rehearsals is much appreciated.
I expect complete respect for each other, the designers, the crew, and the production team.
I do expect kindness. It’s something we all must practice with regularity and our rehearsal space requires it for the best experience for everyone and product to be released.
I expect creative collaboration, with the respect that all team members will be open, receptive, and committed to best ideas, regardless of source.
It is my expectation of the adult actors that there is awareness, consideration, and guidance for our youth actors that respects all boundaries and nurtures them and the room.
It is my expectation of the youth actors to respect the very experienced adults around them, and to ask for any guidance and assistance when needed from anyone.
Finally, it is my expectation that we bring our truest self and big joy to the room so that, our elements of fun and magic are truthfully realized amongst us so that we may share those truths with our audience.
FROM YOUR CHOREOGRAPHER
Christie Zimmerman
As Shannan stated, it is my expectation that people arrive at every rehearsal on time, warmed up, and ready to work.
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When we have choreography focused rehearsals, I would encourage everyone to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in and that allows for me to observe the body in motion clearly and cleanly (dance attire always appreciated, and for folks who have less experience with dance or don’t have easy access to dance wear, workout attire is also a great option). Also, supportive close toed shoes that closely resemble what the actors will be wearing in the show are best!
As we learn movement / choreography, the expectation is that the cast are “memorized” on the choreography the next time we revisit it. I am happy to facilitate video recording choreography for the purposes of memorization and rehearsal to the degree that cast and creatives are comfortable with / agree to it.
As Shannan states, I too expect kindness, respect and a generous collaborative spirit, and I promise to offer this in return. I believe that bringing our most authentic and joyful self ensures a positive and productive experience, and I look forward to working with all of you in this way!
FROM YOUR MUSIC DIRECTOR
Brandon Bill
CAST
Please arrive to music rehearsals already warmed up and on time.
(If you aren’t sure of how to warm-up properly on your own, I am happy to sit down with you outside of rehearsal for exercises and techniques)
Bring all materials to every rehearsal: script/libretto, pencil, water bottle.
Bring your cell phone or a recording device to capture your vocal part. It is so much easier to practice later when you have your part recorded for reference.
We are going to be moving very quickly through music, so be sure to mark EVERYTHING down in your music.
Once we have learned something together, it is the expectation that you have it practiced and memorized for the next time we run it.
ALWAYS be respectful. Some people read music better than others, and some catch on quicker than others. We are all on the same team and we will only be successful if everyone is working for the same goal and supporting one another.
Please ask questions if you have them.
ORCHESTRA
Be on time and ready for downbeat at the top of rehearsal or calltime.
Have all materials for every call.
Mark your music - don’t leave anything to chance or memory.
Call time is call time. Please be on time for show calls.
This is a big show with a ton of playing - Take care of yourself.
FROM YOUR PRODUCER / ASST. DIRECTOR
Julia Tobey
I echo everything stated by the Creative Team.​
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As a former member of Actors' Equity, I try to uphold my company's processes to similar standards, whenever possible.​​
Since I was in high school theater, I have been taught how to be a professional. I believe we can achieve, teach and promote this kind of conduct at every level and it serves us all well, long-term.
I will add, it is inappropriate to be speaking while a director, choreographer, music director, stage manager, actor, etc. is speaking or working. It signals massive disrespect in my book and is a huge pet peeve of mine. It will not be tolerated at any point during this process.
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Also, please bring concerns and celebrations to me at all times during this process. I always say "I can't help if I don't know". Don't be afraid or shy to speak up. I value human well-being above all else. And I LOVE to hear what is going well too.
I know getting a show this technically challenging up on its feet can be a LOT for everyone involved. So please take gentle care of yourself and each other. Drink a ton of water. Eat whole foods. I swear by Liquid I.V. hydration or electrolytes powders. Love, love, love. And for God's sake - let's have FUN!!!!!
FROM YOUR STAGE MANAGER
Alex Woosley
I expect everyone to follow all details given above and below.
To reiterate a couple of important points; respect is huge.
I will not tolerate disrespect of fellow actors, creative staff, or production team - this includes talking over others. Inside voices are expected when the creative or production team are talking to each other. This will help to take care of your voice as well! Please respect the rehearsal and show spaces - we want to leave things better than we found them.
On health - it is my expectation that you will do everything you can to stay healthy. Things happen, so please continue to communicate with us throughout the production if any health problems arise that will affect you throughout the rehearsal process and/or shows.
Please be timely - on time for a rehearsal or performance is ten minutes prior to your calltime! If you are going to be late, or have an emergency conflict come up, I expect you to let me know as soon as possible, ideally by midday to give us all some time to talk out solutions.
While I will be taking blocking and movement notes throughout the production, the onus is on you to keep up if you miss a rehearsal or need a review over certain scenes/numbers. Please utilize your resources (i.e. choreo videos, note taking, other cast members, etc.)
This being said, questions are always welcome and I am happy to help with review or upkeep! I do expect for you to let me know ahead of time before any given rehearsal so I can make sure we have the time to get you up to speed or feeling confident.
I expect everyone to come to rehearsal with all of the writing utensils they will need and a full water bottle.
Finally, I expect everyone to bring a warm energy and have fun with this show! I can’t wait to collaborate with you all and make the magic come alive. I promise to always match this energy as well. :)
SAFETY
Always our #1 Priority
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It is never acceptable to go barefoot or wear sandals or flip-flops. This includes all rehearsals and sound checks. Closed toed shoes are required at all times please. This is especially important when we get onto the stage as there is no 100% guarantee there will not be nails, screws or other hazards on the stage while the set is under construction.
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Speak up. Don't be afraid to call "hold" at any point during this process if you feel safety is being compromised.