Tech Week Part 2....

Thanks to everyone for your great feedback and offers to help from your message last night. Please remember we start at 5:30pm tonight, and we'll be looking for help with transporting and setting up...so if you can stay, please do! :)

ALSO, DOES ANYONE HAVE A TRICYCLE WE CAN USE? PLEASE LET ME KNOW. :)

I am still looking for a couple of volunteers for Saturday night. Thank you in advance to all who have offered to help me backstage. I will be in touch with each of you with a full schedule soon.

Below is a list of hair and makeup by character from Samantha. If you have any questions, you can reach her at samwowza@gmail.com.

In addition, you can refer to this helpful YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrRF5fb7nzg
Obviously, we aren't using this makeup or these colors, but it gives a general idea. :)

and this photo for help in creating your stage makeup look:

Stage Makeup Instructions for Seussical Cast from Samantha:

A basic stage makeup instruction sheet and video tutorial has been posted on the blog. EVERY CAST MEMBER should come to call times and final dress rehearsal (Thursday) with basic stage makeup on and ready to go.

Girls: Feel free to follow the instruction sheet and tutorial. One step to remember, fill in your brows to help frame your face. On the lipstick, please DO NOT use glossy lipstick and please choose a pink or light red shade. Even though it is stage makeup, we want all cast members to look natural – not overly made up.

Boys: Slightly different – fill in your brows, add mascara (optional), add blush to create rosy cheeks, and add a nude or light colored lipstick.

The only exception to everyone arriving with basic stage makeup is The Cat and The Grinch. Please arrive with your face clean, and I will apply your makeup.

I will be adding finishing touches and enhancements to each character and character group after they arrive, including: Horton, Gertrude, Mayzie, Sour & Baby, Mr. & Mrs. Mayor, JoJo, Wickershams and Bird Girls.

Thank you for your help and cooperation. If you have any questions, you can email me at samwowza@gmail.com.

Hair Instructions for the Seussical Cast from Samantha:

Please come to call times and final dress rehearsal Thursday with your hair styled as listed below. Thank you for your help and cooperation. If you have any questions, please email me at samwowza@gmail.com. Thank you.

Cat in the Hat: Two French braids on the sides

Horton: N/A (hat)

Gertrude: Two high space buns, not too messy

Mayzie: Hair pulled up and away from face, allowing for headpiece, add curls throughout

Sour Kangaroo: High bun

Baby Kangaroo: down and styled as usual

Mrs. Mayor: pinned out of face, curled throughout

Mr. Mayor: N/A (hat)

Grinch: N/A – I will style you

JoJo: down and styled as usual

Wickershams: Girls – low ponytails in back. Boys – N/A

Bird Girls: Hair pulled up and away from face, allowing for headpiece, add curls throughout

Jungle Animals/Fish/Circus: Hair pulled up and away from face, either in a ponytail or a bun. Feel free to add curls throughout if desired

Whos: Girls: pigtails if able, feel free to curl them if desired. If pigtails are not achievable, pull hair away from face.

Boys: add a part and slick it down to the side.

Cindy Lou Who: Style as traditional Cindy Lou Who -- pony on top with two braids, one on each side of her head. I will find some bows to add.

TECH WEEK - PART 1!!!!

The time has come...the show is almost here...but first...TECH WEEK! AHHHHHHHH!!!!

Here we go with some information you need to know:

1. TOMORROW NIGHT: We will be moving items (props, set pieces, costumes, etc.) from The Biz to Harmony. Please drop off your cast member when rehearsal starts at 5:30pm, and - if you are willing to stay and help - find me to get instructions and head over to The Biz to pick up a load of goodies.

We will also need a few dads to stay and help at the start of tomorrow's rehearsal. We have several jobs requiring strong people. Find me and I will direct you to Jeremy Roehm.

Thank you in advance for your help! It takes all of us to make it happen. :)

2. This week's schedule - ALL REHEARSALS will be at Harmony Baptist Church:
PLEASE REMEMBER to bring your costume totes and requested costume pieces!
Monday: 5:30-9:00pm
Tuesday: 5:30-9:00pm
Wednesday 5:30-9:00pm (soft dress rehearsal, just costumes - no hair/makeup)
Thursday: 5:30-9:00pm (FULL DRESS with hair/makeup)

Friday - OPENING NIGHT: Call time for mic'd characters 5:30pm, other characters at 6:00pm
Saturday - PERFORMANCE: Call time for mic'd characters 5:30pm, other characters at 6:00pm
Sunday** - PERFORMANCE: Call time for mic'd characters 1:30pm, other characters at 2:00pm
**please be reminded that after the Sunday performance we will strike the set and costumes. Everyone is kindly requested and required to stay and help. We will have jobs for everyone, and usually finish within an about hour.

3. PROMOTE THE SHOW/GET YOUR TICKETS: Please share information about the show with your friends and family...and share the good news about what we are doing on social media! Purchase tickets online here: http://thebiz-academy.com/upcomingproductions/seussical-jr/

Jan will also be at the beginning and end of every rehearsal this week. You can purchase tickets directly from her, too!

4. VOLUNTEERS: I currently do not have any volunteer parents assigned to backstage jobs for the shows. I am kindly asking for volunteers. We will need 5 parent volunteers backstage for every show. 2 parents will be helping monitor kiddos, The other 3 parents will be helping with costumes, final touches on hair/makeup/helping with other tech duties.

If you are able - or are on one of the teams and were planning - to volunteer backstage, please send me a message (thebizdoesseuss@gmail.com). Please let me know if you would like to work with: monitoring or costumes and what show night you would like to volunteer. THANK YOU in advance. I will get back to you once I have a final list. YOU ARE APPRECIATED.

5. KEEP PRACTICING! Today was a bit of a mess as we all seem to have had quite a few brain farts. It is going to be a LONG week. So remind your kiddo to get lots of rest, stay hydrated and keep reviewing their materials. It's never too late to practice. I remind them always that I am SO PROUD of all of them...and I think they are amazing. I also share with them that I have high expectations...and I KNOW they can do it!

This is all for tonight. Another post coming in the morning...updates will be fast and furious this week! :)

"KID(S), YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS..."

Opening night is only 8 DAYS AWAY...and we only have 7 more rehearsals left! YIKES! Time has flown by, and I think it goes without saying that we have a lot of work to do to finish everything before the show hits the stage! Buckle your seat belts for a fun and fabulous ride over the next week!

THANK YOU to all parents who have volunteered to help! The COSTUMES, SETS, PROPS, BIO BOARD PLAN...EVERYTHING is just incredible. Thank you for all you've done.

PRACTICES AND SHOWS: Please continue to encourage your cast member to run through everything at least once every day. We're down to perfecting those final details and touches that will put the show over the top. Keep encouraging them - they're doing a fabulous job! :)

Another note, please remind your cast member to be on their best behavior at rehearsals. I hate to even mention this...but we had a flair up of disruptive talking and a bit of craziness last weekend. Encourage your cast member to stay engaged in what's going on - even if we aren't rehearsing a scene they are in. If they aren't on stage, remind them to go to the music room and practice their songs/dances...or even read a book quietly. As we run the show, the kiddos will have a bit of downtime when they're not being used...challenge them to channel their energy in creative ways.

Our schedule is below. Please remember there are no excused absences beginning Monday. Everyone must be present for rehearsals Monday-Thursday. Here's the plan:

REHEARSALS AT THE BIZ:

Friday: 6:30-8:30pm

Saturday: 1:00-4:00pm

Sunday: 2:00-5:00pm

REHEARSALS AT HARMONY BAPTIST CHURCH:

Monday: 5:30-9:00pm

Tuesday: 5:30-9:00pm

Wednesday 5:30-9:00pm (soft dress rehearsal, just costumes - no hair/makeup*)

Thursday: 5:30-9:00pm (FULL DRESS with hair/makeup)

Friday - OPENING NIGHT: Call time for mic'd characters 5:30pm, other characters at 6:00pm
Saturday - PERFORMANCE: Call time for mic'd characters 5:30pm, other characters at 6:00pm

Sunday** - PERFORMANCE: Call time for mic'd characters 1:30pm, other characters at 2:00pm

*hair and makeup information coming soon

**please be reminded that after the Sunday performance we will strike the set and costumes. Everyone is kindly requested and required to stay and help. We will have jobs for everyone, and usually finish within an about hour. 

Also, please remember to bring your COSTUME TOTES and all COSTUME PIECES the Costumers asked you to bring from home to HARMONY when we move in on Monday. 

We will also be having SPIRIT WEEK for the cast beginning on FRIDAY-TUESDAY! Here is the list of themes for our Spirit Days:

PROMOTE THE SHOW/GET YOUR TICKETS: Please share information about the show with your friends and family...and share the good news about what we are doing on social media! I want to have a BIG audience for these kids. They've worked so hard, and they deserve the loud cheers and applause! You can direct friends and family to purchase tickets online here:
http://thebiz-academy.com/upcomingproductions/seussical-jr/

Jan will also be at rehearsal tomorrow night and next week, so you can purchase tickets directly from her at that time, too. In addition, she will be distributing the comp tickets you receive as part of your Production Fee. If you have any questions, please contact Jan at thebiz-academy@gmail.com. 

HEADSHOTS: If you purchased headshots, you should have received an email from the photographer (exception Brooke Underwood - yours are still in progress) with a link and instructions to your photos. If you did not, please contact me ASAP! 

VOLUNTEERS: There is a likely possibility that I am going to be looking for some Tech Week and show-night volunteers to help me with some back stage duties. I will have the sign up sheet hanging at The Biz tomorrow.

AD BLITZ: Be sure to turn in your ads to Jan for the ad blitz that ends on Saturday. Touch base with her if you have any questions! 

JUNGLE ANIMALS that are also CIRCUS PERFORMERS: here is a reminder of your assignments. We will provide you with the needed props. Please let me know if you have questions. 

Aubree and Annalise- ribbon twirlers

Natalynn and Addie- clowns

Katie- popcorn seller

Claire-lion

Krista- lion tamer

Lily-plate spinner

Lia-fire breather

Olivia-balance beam

Grace-cotton candy seller

Georgia-hula hooper

I think this is enough for tonight. ;) MORE information is coming. Stay tuned, friends! Oh, the Places We'll Go!!!!

"Only YOU Can Control YOUR Future!" - Dr. Seuss

I like this quote! Not to get all philosophical tonight...but we are down to crunch time. The work that we put in over the next two weeks is going to determine the quality of the show.

I already know it is going to be good...but it has the potential to be more than absolutely *****GREAT*****! ;) I've given a lot of motivational speeches over the last few rehearsals. I believe in these kiddos, and I know they can do it. And, you should be proud. There is a TON of material and a HUGE amount of responsibility to do a "Jr." show. Keep pushing them towards excellence and letting them know you believe in them! We're heading towards the finish line.

Please encourage your kiddos to be off book by tomorrow's rehearsal. They've been asked to know all of their lines and songs by the time I see them tomorrow. Again, big challenges = big results! :)

I've also asked them to continue to work on their characters. EVERY character in the show is important and needs to be fully developed in their emotions and movements!

If you have any items that you haven't turned in - BIO, Character Worksheet, etc. This is your final, final, final, last call. Please get them to me tomorrow.

Many of you have asked what you can do to help...and we need you! Our big push this weekend is SETS! Megan Wendall and her team will be working at all three rehearsals this weekend. Join the fun! If you can stay, see me and I will point you in the right direction. I know our Costume and Props Teams may also need a bit of help, so, please, if you have some time to spare, stop in and we'll put you to work. You don't need experience -- just a smile!

Also, if anyone is interested with helping plan our cast party, please see me, too!

WE ARE ALL CALL FOR ALL REHEARSALS THIS WEEKEND! We will see EVERYONE:
6:30-8:00 on Friday
1:00-3:00 on Saturday
2:00-4:00 on Sunday

Finally, the head shots went wonderfully on Saturday. Many of you purchased them. For those of you who didn't purchase, and for those who did who would like a preview, please visit:

http://www.photogary.net/biz

If you decide after viewing your photos that you would like to purchase them, please feel free to give me your $25 check and I will get it to Gary.

SEE YOU TOMORROW!

THANK YOU!
Rachel

I LOVE a PARADE...and a Weekend Update!

Hello!

We start up again tonight! Time is FLYING - we open the show in 21 days. AHHHHH!!!!

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY! The Biz Backstage Boosters (BBB) and our Stage Manager, Aimee Albright have secured the opportunity for the "Seussical, Jr." cast and other Biz Kids to be part of the Heritage Festival Parade on Saturday, September 24th. If you are interested in walking in the Parade and performing a few of our all cast numbers, too, please SIGN UP by clicking HERE:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090444a9a82ea57-thebiz

Please review the last few blog posts to make sure you haven't missed anything...recapped simply:

PRACTICE!!!!!

PROMOTE THE SHOW (PLEEEEEASE!) :)

COSTUME NOTES for each character

BIOS
HELP COSTUMES, SETS OR PROPS if you can

and HEAD SHOTS!

Speaking of head shots, you should have received an email from me this morning if you are on the list of those who have opted to pay. I would encourage ANYONE who can - if you are paying or not - to arrive early tomorrow to get your headshot taken. We will start at 12:15pm. We will begin rehearsal at our regularly scheduled time at 1:00pm. We will pull kiddos from rehearsal as needed. We will plan to stay late to get everyone's photo taken tomorrow. 

Please remember to arrive in a solid colored outfit. Your photo will be taken from chest up. Brush your hair, teeth and get that great smile ready! For several example photos, see our last few blog posts or contact me with questions. 

Finally, don't forget your CHARACTER WORKSHEETS! Turn your completed one in...get a FULL SIZE candy bar! Here's our first winners from last weekend:

See you soon!
Rach

And, Will You Succeed! YES! You Will, Indeed!

Good morning! Happy Wednesday!

I'm looking forward to getting started again this weekend. As I mentioned to the cast on Sunday afternoon, we have 9 rehearsals until Tech Week! AHHHHH!!!! Here is some information you need to know:

1. Practice! I'll keep saying it - it's our key to success. We need everyone to be off book - lines and songs memorized by the end of this coming weekend. There have been several new VIDEOS added to our blog. Please, please keep up the practice! THANK YOU!

2. Please note the email you should have received last night from the Costume Team. If you have any questions, please let Hannah or Traci know ASAP!

3. This weekend's rehearsal schedule:

Friday 9-Sep
"Solla Sollew" - VOCALS
Horton, Circus Performers (ALL JUNGLE ANIMALS), JoJo, Mr. Mayor, Mrs. Mayor

"Amazing Mayzie", "Amazing Horton" - CHOREOGRAPHY/STAGING
Mayzie, Bird Girls, Gertrude

Saturday       10-Sep
"The Whos Return / The People v. Horton…(Parts 1 & 2)…", YOPP! - VOCALS
ALL CALL

Sunday 11-Sep
"Amazing Gertrude", "Mayzie Exit…", "All for You" - CHOREOGRAPHY/STAGING
Gertrude, Cat, Bird Girls, Horton

4. HEADSHOTS! We are ON for headshots! WE WILL BE TAKING THESE PHOTOS DURING OUR ALL CALL REHEARSAL THIS SATURDAY!

It is NOT too late to order your headshot - please just bring cash or check ($25) made to Gary Nelson with you. I will send an email confirmation to everyone I have scheduled to purchase their headshots.

IMPORTANT! We will begin headshots at 12:15, so please arrive EARLY prior to our scheduled rehearsal at 1:00pm.

Please wear a solid colored shirt with NO logos or markings. Here is an example of the background we will be using:

If you have any questions, please let me know!

That's all for today! Be on the lookout for another update before rehearsal on Friday! THANK YOU!

IT'S GOING TO BE BUSY WEEKEND!!!!

Hello, all!

I hope everyone is having a terrific week. I am going to try to make this as short and sweet as possible, so hang with me...and be sure to read and respond (if needed) to this blog post:

1. PRACTICE! Friday is an ALL CALL. We will be reviewing ALL MATERIAL. Please make sure your cast member has been practicing and knows their stuff. We need to be able to move on...and to do that we can't be reteaching material at every rehearsal. 10-15 minutes a day is all your child needs to do...please encourage them to know their songs and dances. VIDEOS FOR REVIEW

2. BIOS! It's getting to crunch time. If I don't have your bio by Monday, September 5th, unfortunately, we will not be able to include your write up on the Bio Board. We are missing several, sadly. Please review the INSTRUCTIONS and send it to me at thebizdoesseuss@gmail.com ASAP! THANK YOU!

3. Meetings this weekend:
*Sets Team will meet on Friday during rehearsal. Please attend if you can help with our set.
*Costume Team will meet on Friday during rehearsal. Please attend if you can help with costumes.
*REMINDER: we are fitting Jungle Animals (ONLY) beginning at 6pm on Friday night. Please check your email if you are the parent of a Jungle Animal - if you have an email from me, please be there early, if possible!

4. It's time to start marketing the show. Posting on social media. sharing the information with your friends and family and spreading the word! Show posters and postcards have been ordered and should arrive soon. I will email electronic copies of these to everyone and post them on the blog in the PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS section ASAP! Follow The Biz on their various social media...and PLEASE share those posts, too!

5. Jan also asked me to pass along information about The Biz class schedule - including the dance classes that are just getting started for this session.  Classes are a great way to grow your skills outside of rehearsals! Email Jan at thebizacademy@gmail.com for more information or details on how you can get enrolled!

6. Finally, I have a question that will require a response from all of you! Please send me an email at thebizdoesseuss@gmail.com if you are interested in participating. I need to know by the end of this weekend:

A local headshot photographer and friend, Gary Nelson, contacted me and inquired as to if any of the parents in our cast would be interested in professional headshots for our production. Gary is the photographer for Footlite Musicals and other theatres in downtown Indianapolis and frequently offers this "headshot special" to casts:

Gary will photograph our entire cast for professional headshots. He will print the photos for use on our Bio Board.

In addition, he offers each cast member the opportunity to purchase their headshots (and the rights to use them) for $25. If you purchase, he will give you a disc/download with 5-8 professional headshots that you can print when needed for auditions and other theatre opportunities. THEY ARE GREAT PICTURES...see example below.

YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PURCHASE YOUR PICTURES to have them taken. However, WE MUST HAVE A CERTAIN NUMBER of cast members purchase (20) to qualify and compensate Gary for his time. This is not offered through The Biz. You will pay Gary directly for your shots, should you choose to order!

Please email me at thebizdoesseuss@gmail.com if you would like to purchase a disc of 5-8 different headshots for your use for $25. I will let you know the results!

Examples of Gary's headshots:

THANK YOU! SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND!