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Parent Welcome Package

Children's Chorus Information 2023

We are so happy to have you all on board for the 2023 season! We know you’re going to have a fantastic time! Here is some information that will help you and your family throughout our adventure. Keep scrolling to your show to find out more information.

At the bottom of the page is a form to complete. Please complete this form as your confirmation of participation.


Drayton Entertainment is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization, and one of Canada’s most successful professional theatre companies. From Broadway musicals, to laugh-a-minute comedies and riveting dramas, Drayton Entertainment presents the finest in live theatre for all ages on seven unique stages, at six venues, in five communities across Ontario: the Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge in Cambridge, Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, and St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and the Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs.

To every rehearsal:

  • Water (ensure it is easy to identify, can be refilled etc.)
  • A snack 🙂 BUT please NO nuts! You will need lots of energy during rehearsals!
  • Your Script(which will be provided 1st rehearsal)
  • A sharpened pencil & sharpener
  • A bag labelled with your name to carry your things to each rehearsal
  • Comfortable clothes you are able to move in and sneakers/dance shoes
  • A positive team attitude, enthusiasm, good listening skills, patience

To every show:

  • Water
  • Something to cover your costume during break (i.e. a big shirt, apron, pyjamas)
  • A snack 🙂 BUT please NO nuts!
  • A quiet activity to keep busy when you aren’t on stage i.e.: a book to read, paper to draw, simple crafts, games.

Backstage

On Stage

Dressing Room

Roles in Theatre

Behind every theatre production there is a whole team of people working to create the incredible show put on stage. Here is a short explanation about some key roles you will see behind the scenes of this production.

DIRECTOR
Prepares cast members to perform their lines, choreography, songs, etc. in a way that suits their overall vision for the show. In charge of creative decisions and determining the unique direction the production will take.

SOUND AND LIGHTING TECHNICIANS
Technicians are responsible for ensuring everyone onstage can be seen and heard. They work with equipment such as microphones, speakers, spotlights, and more.

COSTUMERS/WARDROBE
The wardrobe team is responsible for finding, creating, and maintaining all the costumes worn onstage according to the vision of the director and the needs of the production.

PROPERTIES
This is normally shortened to “props” and involves all the pieces on stage the actors will interact with, pick up, and use to enhance the performance.

VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed to help ensure all rehearsals and performances run smoothly. Parents can sign up to be volunteers if they wish to join in behind the scenes of the show

STAGE MANAGER AND ASSISTANT/APPRENTICE STAGE MANAGERS
When performances begin, the production becomes the stage manager’s show. They work behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly, including cueing actors, sound, lighting, and music from the booth. The assistant stage managers work with the stage manager from other places within the theatre (such as backstage) to ensure the show goes off without a hitch.  

HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTISTS
These artists are responsible for the “looks” that go onstage during the show. Specifics regarding hair and makeup for children’s chorus members will be communicated to you.

SET DESIGNERS AND BUILDERS/PAINTERS
The set designer is responsible for bringing to life the environment of the production. They create pieces to go onstage that communicate the setting of each scene to the audience according to the director’s vision.

Common Theatrical Terms

Here is a list of common theatrical terms you might hear during the production and what they mean.

CALLBOARD
A place backstage where company rules, announcements, notes, and messages are posted.

CAST/COMPANY
The participants in a production.

CURTAIN CALL
The section at the end of a performance where everyone comes out to bow.

DEBUT
An actor’s first appearance with the theatre company.

EQUITY
In this context, will typically be referring to the Actor’s Equity Association, a union for stage actors.

FARCE
A play that aims to entertain and provoke laughter through a somewhat “ridiculous” style of humour.

FRONT OF HOUSE (FOH)
Staff that work in the house (i.e. not onstage or backstage). Includes ushers, house managers, box office personnel, etc.

GREENROOM
A gathering room for performers backstage.

HOUSE
The entire theatre beyond the front of the stage. Includes the audience, lobby, etc.

MATINEE
Used to describe a performance happening in the afternoon (usually around 1 or 2 pm)

TECH BOOTH
Small, enclosed space towards back of the auditorium that is used to house light and sound equipment. The stage manager often runs the show from the booth.

UNDERSTUDY
A performer who is prepared to substitute for another role in the event someone cannot perform.

Stage Directions

DOWNSTAGE
The part of the stage closest to the audience.

UPSTAGE
The part of the stage furthest from the audience.

STAGE LEFT
the left of the stage, according to the actor’s perspective.

STAGE RIGHT
The right side of the stage, according to the actor’s perspective.

“I Promise to…

Listen to all Crew Backstage

Never touch a prop that does not belong to me

Stay completely silent and focused when travelling to and from the stage

Never eat or drink while in my costume

Hang up each costume when I’m done

Keep my volume low, and Listen for my cue over program sound

Bring a quiet activity for myself, during downtime

Keep a positive attitude!”

Dear Parents/Guardians of the Children’s Chorus,

Drayton Entertainment is currently looking for parent volunteer chaperones for our 2023 Children’s Chorus. Volunteer chaperones help ensure the safety of our cast and crew and maintain supervision over our children’s chorus during rehearsals and performances. It is essential that youth cast members have adult volunteers they are able to go to for support and guidance while participating in our productions. Typically, the role consists of supervising and organizing children’s chorus members to ensure rehearsals and performances run smoothly.

General expectations for volunteer chaperones are as follows:

  • Completed Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Arrival 15 minutes before children’s chorus call time to each volunteer shift
  • Assisting the Child Supervisor
  • Maintaining organization backstage with children’s chorus members
    • Ensuring the space, props, costumes, and members of the cast are respected at all times

More detailed expectations according to the Canadian Theatre Agreement are found in the Parent Volunteer Contract, which is to be signed and submitted if you are interested in volunteering. There is also a formal request letter for a Vulnerable Sector Check, which you may need to submit as part of your application.

Vulnerable Sector Checks must be obtained within the jurisdiction that you reside. Vulnerable Sector Check can be completed online at:

Ontario Provincial Police – Police Record Checks (opp.ca)

or for Waterloo Region:

Vulnerable Sector Check – Waterloo Regional Police Service (wrps.on.ca)

If you have any questions or need assistance with obtaining a Vulnerable Sector Check, please contact:

Randi Perriam, Administrative Director
randi@draytonentertainment.com
519-804-1100 ext 902

Parent Volunteer Contract

You will receive two complimentary tickets to see the show that your child is in.  You can also purchase tickets at a special reduced rate for family and friends to come and see the show. Our regular ticket price is $55 + HST for adults, but if you call the box office and mention that your child is in the cast, you will receive your tickets for $45 + HST – youth under 20 are always $34 + HST. Please note, only parents can book and receive this discount, once the teams have been determined.  Extended family and friends cannot call the box office to receive this discount.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story

  • Adam Furfaro – Director
  • Gino Berti – Choreographer
  • John Banister – Music Director

Charles Russell, Stage Manager

1st contact for parents; Go-to person re: schedule, absence, injury, go between for other team members like the Director

Lyrie Murad, Youth’s Chorus Chaperone

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Rehearsal Schedule – This is just an outline. Once rehearsals begin please refer to the Stage Manager for most up to date schedule

*all rehearsals at Drayton Festival Theatre

WEEK 1

Sat May 6: 2pm-6pm

Sun May 7: 2pm-6pm

Tue May 9 to Fri May 12: 5pm-7pm 

WEEK 2

Sat May 13: 2pm-6pm

Sun May 14: 2pm-6pm

Tue May 16 to Fri May 19: 5pm-9pm

Sat May 20, Sun May 21 and Tues May 23 – extended tech days – kids will be called one team at a time for one, four-hour call each

Show Schedule – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Parent(s) NameYouth(s) NameTeam ColourContactLocation
Heather or BrianAbbieBlue519-588-7485 (Heather)
519-241-9871 (Brian)
Kitchener – near Breightupt Park – Margaret Ave, Lancaster, Union St
KellyLucyBlueCall or Text: 519-574-1995Conestogo near RIM park
MairghreadAelishRed519-546-0106, mairghread@gmail.comGuelph, near Stevensen and Grange Streets
Dani and RickEvanBluedhardydoerr@gmail.com
5198591332
London (North End)
LaurieCharleigh, Georgia & ScarlettBlueText:  519-841-4429Cambridge
TracyLucasRed519-572-2812. If you need immediate response , call my husband at 519-654-6227Live by Kiwanis Park
SamarehLaylaRedText: 519-729-4934Near Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
Hilary and DavidAlexRedHilary: 226-339-6465
David: 519-500-9393
Waterloo, near Northfield and Bridge
JoAuroraRedText 519.575.6016 or email jothiessen@gmail.comWe live in Uptown Waterloo

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Bootcamp and Rehearsal Schedule – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

*All Bootcamp and rehearsals at King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene

*Bootcamps do not include the adult cast/company

Fri June 9: 5pm-9pm (Bootcamp)

Sat June 10: 10am-5pm (Bootcamp)

Sun June 11: 10am-5pm (Bootcamp)

Tue June 13: 2pm-10pm

Wed June 14: 2:30pm-10:30pm Tech day with cast – kids will be called one team at a time for one, four-hour call each

Show Schedule – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Parent(s) NameYouth(s) NameTeam ColourContactLocation
JennIsabelleRed705-796-5930Midland, close to Highway 12
Donna & DaveJalise & ErdmanRed705 770 3283 (mobile)Midhurst
Chantel Carmele Coward-MavrouBlue705-528-4132 or Dino at 705-528-9959Champlain Road/Tiny Township 
SheilaJillianBlue705-791-7214Victoria Harbour 

These requirements are NOT for rehearsals. They become relevant when wearing costumes and attending fittings. These garments remain on at all times while children are changing between costumes.

Girls

  • Nude sleeveless leotard – OR – tank top and dance pant
  • Nude dance tights

Boys

  • White singlet and boxers/shorts

Fittings

Come prepared with specified garments, these do not need to be the exact ones they will wear for the show. The purpose of this is to speed up the fitting process. The children will put their costumes on directly over what they are wearing so wardrobe personnel do not have to leave the room while they are switching between costumes.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 

  • Max Reimer – Director
  • Christine Watson – Choreographer
  • Steve Thomas – Music Director

Amber Archbell, Stage Manager

1st contact for parents; Go-to person re: schedule, absence, injury, go between for other team members like the Director

Nell Roberts, Children’s Chorus Chaperone

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Rehearsal Schedule – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

*rehearsal locations as indicated below

Week 1

Sat June 17: 1pm-4pm Music Workshop – Youth Academy in Waterloo

Sun June 18: 1pm-4pm Music Workshop – Youth Academy in Waterloo

Fri June 23: 5pm-7pm – Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge

Sat June 24: 2pm-6pm – Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge

Sun Jun 25: 2pm-6pm – Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge

Week 2 

Tue June 27 to Fri June 30: 5pm-7pm – Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge

Sat July 1: 2pm-6pm – Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge

Sun July 2: 2pm-6pm – Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge

Week 3 

Tue July 4 to Fri July 7: 4pm-6pm St. Jacobs Country Playhouse

Sat July 8, Sun July 9 and Tue July 11 – extended tech days – kids will be called one team at a time for one, four-hour call each

Show Schedule – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Parent(s) NameYouth(s) NameTeam ColourContactLocation
FionaSeanBlueText: 519-404-5348Kitchener – Doon/Pioneer area
MichelleOliviaRed519-496-2243Waterloo, close to U of W- Columbia Lake area.
PatriciaAddyson and RyleeBlueText: 226-808-6443Doon Village, Kitchener (near Conestoga College)
Carey and SebastianGabrielleBlueText: 226 -748 -1234Westvale, Waterloo (Erb & Fischer-Hallman) 
StephanieJackRedText: 519-572-4703Kitchener- Ira Needles and Victoria behind Sandhills Public School
Courtney and JeffHannah RedText: 519 – 871 – 8648Waterloo, Uptown (Old Westmount)
KaraMayaRedEmail:karapurdy@hotmail.com
Text: 647-286-9379
North West Waterloo – Keats Way and Fisherhallman 
DeannaNicholasRedText: 519-841-3060Cambridge close to St. Benedict’s High School
TracyElizaRed519-841-4477Kitchener – Chicopee ski hill 
Hilary and DavidAlexBlueHilary: 226-339-6465
David: 519-500-9393
Waterloo, near Northfield and Bridge
JenniferClaireBlue519-591-1755 jcmcdonald88@gmail.comNE Waterloo (eastbridge)
LaurieCharleigh, Georgia & ScarlettRedText:  519-841-4429Cambridge
KellyLucyRedcall/text: 519-574-1995Conestogo (near RIM park)

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Rehearsal Schedule – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Fri July 28 Noon-4pm – Music Workshop – Location in Penetang/Midland – TBD

Sat July 29 10am-Noon – Music Workshop – Location in Penetang/Midland – TBD

Fri Aug 4: 5pm-9pm – Bootcamp – Location in Penetang/Midland – TBD

Sat Aug 5: 10am-5pm – Bootcamp – Location in Penetang/Midland – TBD

Sun Aug 6: 10am-5pm – Bootcamp – Location in Penetang/Midland – TBD

Mon Aug 7: 10am-5pm – Bootcamp – Location in Penetang/Midland – TBD

Tue Aug 8: 5pm-10pm – tech dress, team 1 with cast – King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene

Wed Aug 9: 5pm-10pm – tech dress team 2 with cast – King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene

Show Schedule – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Parent(s) NameYouth(s) NameTeam ColourContactLocation
Rachael & WesPaisleyRedText: 519-591-9064Port Severn
JennIsabelleRed705-796-5930Midland, close to Highway 12
HeatherCharlieRed705 529 5231 cussonh@gmail.com
heather.cusson@chigamik.ca
Midland/ Penetanguishene area
Alexandra RyanBlue705-790-1951
alexdalrymple00@gmail.com
Tiny (Wyevale)

Black Pants – No holes/Prefer if they are not faded black

Black Shoes – Non-descript (No logos, colour accents etc…)

Black Socks 

You will be called in for a fitting. Please wear or bring the garments requested above with you that day for approval.

Wizard of Oz: The Panto

Wizard of Oz: The Panto

  • David Connolly – Director/ Choreographer
  • Jim Hodgkinson – Music Director

Amber Archbell, Stage Manager

1st contact for parents; Go-to person re: schedule, absence, injury, go between for other team members like Director David Connolly.

Nell Roberts, Children’s Chorus Chaperone

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Rehearsal Schedule – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

*all rehearsals at South Huron Stage (Huron Country Playhouse) in Grand Bend

WEEK 1

Tue May 23 to Fri May 26 5pm-9pm

Sat May 27 2pm-6pm

Sun May 28 2pm-6pm

WEEK 2

Tue May 30 to Fri June 2 5pm-9pm

Sat June 3, Sun June 4 and Tue June 6 – extended tech days – kids will be called one team at a time for one, four-hour call each

Show Schedule – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Parent(s) NameYouth(s) NameTeam ColourContactLocation
LoesFinnBluecofellloes@gmail.com
Text 519-591-1645
Ayr 
Leigh Taylor RedText: 519-317-7698
Email:Leigh.Cunning21@gmail.com
London
KarenJuniorRedCell 519-878-5087Strathroy
LeannaNolanRedText: 519-275-0985 Email mckeeleanna@gmail.com Stratford

These requirements are NOT for rehearsals. They become relevant when wearing costumes and attending fittings. These garments remain on at all times while children are changing between costumes.

Girls

  • Nude sleeveless leotard – OR – tank top and dance pant
  • Nude dance tights
  • Nude jazz shoes

Boys

  • White singlet and boxers/shorts
  • Black jazz shoes

Fittings

Come prepared with specified garments, these do not need to be the exact ones they will wear for the show. The purpose of this is to speed up the fitting process. The children will put their costumes on directly over what they are wearing so wardrobe personnel do not have to leave the room while they are switching between costumes.

Policies and Procedures

Food and Drink:
Children’s chorus members are encouraged to bring a light snack to rehearsals and performances. Please avoid snacks that may cause a large mess or that your child may require assistance with. We are a nut-free building. Every student should have a refillable water bottle that they bring with them to rehearsals and performances. No gum is permitted anywhere in the building.

Electronics:
Children’s chorus members will have access to their electronics during breaks should they need to contact their parents/guardians. Electronic devices may not be used or kept on their person during rehearsals or performances. To ensure everyone’s safety, taking and sharing photos and videos online is not allowed unless otherwise given permission.

Dress Code:
We ask that everyone come prepared to effectively participate in rehearsal, adhering to dress codes assigned at registration. Children should wear comfortable clothing they are able to move in. Dry, closed-toed shoes are mandatory, these may include indoor sneakers or dance shoes. See “What you need to bring to every rehearsal” section above for more information.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
Drayton Entertainment’s EDI vision is to be an entertainment company that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. Its EDI mission is to adopt equitable and inclusive principles and practices to realize a community where this diversity thrives and aligns seamlessly with Drayton Entertainment’s core values of Respect, Creativity, Growth and Accountability. More, including our EDI Statement and Progress Report can be found online at www.draytonentertainment.com.

Gender Identity and Inclusion:
Drayton Entertainment is committed to ensuring the physical and emotional safety of all students. As part of this commitment, we want to make sure students of all gender expressions and identities feel safe, welcomed and accepted. Drayton Entertainment exists within a broader context of law and public policy that protects and defends human rights. The Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) provides for equal rights and opportunities, and freedom from discrimination. People who are discriminated against or harassed because of their gender identity and/or gender expression are legally protected from discrimination under the Code.

Violence, Harassment, and Discrimination:
All workers, volunteers, visitors, parents and participants must abide by applicable Drayton Entertainment policies including, but not limited to, Drayton Entertainment’s Violence and Harassment Policies.  

Drayton Entertainment is committed to building and maintaining a safe and respectful workplace and training environment. Drayton Entertainment does not tolerate acts of discrimination, bullying, violence or any form of harassment against workers, volunteers, visitors, parents and participants. Should an individual or group report an act of discrimination, bullying, violence or harassment, management will take all reasonable steps to investigate the report and respond in a reasonable manner, per Drayton Entertainment’s Workplace Harassment and Violence policies. By agreeing to these terms, the parent/guardian and participant understand these policies. 

Zero Bully Tolerance:

Drayton Entertainment students shall respect their fellow cast mates, teachers, supervisors, and assistants. No gossip, obscene language, bullying or inappropriate conversations by either parents or students will be tolerated. If a child is being disruptive, they will receive a verbal warning. If the disruption reoccurs, the child will be sent home. If a child is sent home twice in the same production, they will be removed from that production. Children who engage in physical or verbal bullying or violence will be immediately removed.

Medical Emergency Policy:
In any event of an accident or emergency when Drayton Entertainment is not able to reach a parent or guardian, I hereby authorize my child to be transported to a hospital for medical treatment and hold Drayton Theatres Inc and its representatives, harmless in the execution of such. Additionally, I hereby agree to individually provide for all medical expenses which may be incurred as a result of any injury sustained while participating at or for Drayton Entertainment.

Risk and Release of Liability Waiver:
I, the minor’s parent or legal guardian, understand the nature of the activities my child will be involved in at Drayton Entertainment and the minor’s experience and capabilities. I acknowledge that I must advise Drayton Entertainment in writing if the student is not physically fit to participate fully in the activities. Otherwise, I believe the minor to be qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activities. 

I release and hold harmless Drayton Theatres Inc., operating as Drayton Entertainment, from any and all liability, claims, demands, and causes of action whatsoever, arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, that may be sustained by the participant and/or the undersigned, while in or upon the premises or any premises under the control and supervision of Drayton Entertainment, or in route to or from any of said premises.

Image Release Waiver:
As the legal parent or guardian, I agree to allow and give permission to Drayton Entertainment to use any photos or video footage of my child/children (rehearsals or performances) for the promotional use and purposes, should Drayton Entertainment choose to do so in regards to the advertising of Drayton Entertainment.


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