We work very hard to ensure that the dress rehearsal process is enjoyable and stress-free; however, it is always the most difficult part of the show. While we have given dancers ages 2-5 their own show (Twinkle Stars Showcase-June 11^thand July 1^st), The Big Show may still be the first “rehearsal” experience for many children and parents so there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.

Please read the following to find out what time your dancer needs to be at dress rehearsal. If your child is in only one show, make sure to locate his/her class day and time to confirm what time to come.

IMPORTANT: Dancers must arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled start time dressed and ready to perform. With the exception of the first group of the afternoon; we need all dancers to remain in the audience until 10 minutes prior to the time for them to be backstage. This will help alleviate congestion and confusion when groups are changing. If you have more than one dance, come dressed in the first costume that will dance. We sometimes run ahead of schedule, so don’t be late. Make sure to allow time for afternoon traffic to Hayward. There is always traffic, please plan for it!!!

You may leave immediately following the completion of your child’s rehearsal. Due to time constraints imposed by theater crew, we will not wait for late dancers, and we will not re-run dances if a dancer was missing.

*If you are unsure at any time, after reading this entire document, about when, how, where or why; please don’t hesitate to ask us. We are here to help you understand the process, as well as ensure that you are properly informed.

DRESS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Please find the name of your child’s dance and the correct day, time and location of your child’s weekly class. You will then find the “Approximate On-Stage Start Time” – remember, arrive 30 minutes before the “Approximate On-Stage Start Time” dressed and ready to perform. We generally run really close to schedule, please don’t be late. Please look over the list carefully, as some dances have 2 casts. If you have any questions please call us immediately.

Dress Rehearsal Procedures

All dancers will be required to check-in at the backstage area or wait in the audience until approximately 10 minutes prior to your “Approximate On-Stage Start Time” – see attached Dress Rehearsal schedule. Parents will sign their child in with the appropriate volunteers at their appropriate dressing area and go sit in the audience. Parents who are not volunteers are not allowed backstage at any time during the dress rehearsal and/or the show. If there is a problem with any child, we will go and notify the parent in the audience. Dancers should come dressed and ready to dance. They should bring one bag with any belongings, all labeled with their names. After the dancer dances the parents may come backstage and sign their child out and take them home. They are welcome to videotape and take pictures during the dress rehearsal, although both of those things are prohibited at the show.

The BIG DAY!!!

Saturday, June 3^rd, 2006

Morning Show: Showtime 10:00am

Saturday, June 3^rd, 2006

Chabot Community College

All dancers arrive backstage at 8:45am
Showtime 10am – 11:45 am – One 20 minute intermission
For your convenience, hot food, drinks, snacks and special Tiffany’s Dance Academy Roses with Ballerina Bears will be available prior to each show and during intermission.

Afternoon Show: Showtime 1:00 pm

Saturday, June 3^rd, 2006

Chabot Community College

All dancers arrive backstage at 11:55 a.m.

Showtime 1:00 – 3:00 pm – One 20 minute intermission

For your convenience, hot food, drinks, snacks and special Tiffany’s Dance Academy Roses with Ballerina Bears will be available prior to each show and during intermission.

Evening Show: Showtime 4:00 pm

Saturday, June 3^rd, 2006

Chabot Community College

All dancers arrive backstage at 3:00 p.m.

Showtime 4:00 – 7:00 pm – Two 20 minute intermissions – this show is longer to allow for TDA Performing Co. numbers in final 1/3 of show.

For your convenience, hot food, drinks, snacks and special Tiffany’s Dance Academy Roses with Ballerina Bears will be available prior to each show and during intermission.

Show Procedures

Dancers go directly to their dressing area when they arrive at the theater. Dancers wait in the dressing area until it is time to perform. Parents sign them in and go wait in line for the house of the theater to open. After the dancers perform they will come directly back to their dressing area and wait until the finale of the show. All dancers will go onstage again for the finale.

Frequently Asked Questions and General Rules:

1. Who supervises my child backstage? All classes of dancers ages 8 and under shall be supervised by an adult parent or teacher volunteers during the entire run of the show. The volunteers are responsible for all dancers while they are backstage. All parents must sign their child in and out of the backstage area, where they will remain throughout the entire show.

2. What does my child do backstage? A closed circuit television is located in the dancers dressing area, so that they can watch the show as it is happening. Dancers will only leave their dressing area to go on-stage. They will come directly back to their dressing area after they perform.

3. Does my dancer need to stay for the entire show? All dancers will go back on-stage for the finale of the show, where they will have their name called and take one final bow.

4. Where do I pick up my child? Please do not pick your child up from the stage area. If you choose to leave before the finale, you may sign your child out at intermission ONLY. Please do not come back stage before this time, as it is disruptive when audience members leave in the middle of an act. Please let your parent volunteers know if you will be signing your child out at intermission. If you would like to see a list of parent volunteers, they are located on the bulletin board in the studio hallway. Following the finale, all dancers can be signed-out at their dressing area. *Special Rule: As a request from the backstage volunteers, only one parent may enter the dressing area to drop-off or pick-up their child. No extended family or friends in the dressing area. This is in order to avoid too many people in one place, so that we can best supervise the dancers.

5. No food or drinks inside theater or stage area.

6. No running or playing inside any areas of the theater.

7. For the safety of the performers, NO personal video cameras or flash photography during the matinee or evening performances. You may take pictures and video at dress rehearsal! A professional photographer will take action photos during dress rehearsal. He does an outstanding job and the photos are available for viewing and purchase via a high-tech website. His equipment is top-notch and he shoots dancers for a living…so his photos are superb.

8. No flash photography.

9. Out of respect for the performers, please refrain from entering or exiting the theater during Act 1 or Act 2.

10. There will be a 20-minute intermission between Act 1 and Act 2 (and Act 3 of Evening Performance)

11. Absolutely no dancers in costumes or tap shoes allowed in the audience during the shows.

12. If you choose to purchase a ticket for your child, you must change them out of their costume before entering the theater.

13. Dancers may not be signed out of the dressing area until intermission. No exceptions.

14. If the dancer wants to take part in the finale at the end of the show, they may not sit in the audience at anytime during the show.

15. Only certified volunteers may be backstage during the performances and dress rehearsal.

16. All dancers can be signed out after the finale in the “Dressing Area” only. Please do not try to pick them up from onstage, to avoid mass chaos!

Show Video:

This year Tim Video will professionally videotape both shows. Tim does a wonderful job, and produces excellent quality videos. No personal video cameras will be allowed at the shows, however they will be allowed at the Dress Rehearsal. A video order form will be available at the studio and at the show. The videos are truly precious keepsakes for the years to come. Please make sure to submit your order form with payment to Tim Video prior to the June Concert.

Picture Day: Please see picture schedule (attached) to see what time your group is scheduled. Arrive no more and no less than fifteen minutes before your group’s photo time. All dancers wear full costume and hair. Pictures are optional, but even if you don’t purchase a package we would like you to be there to be in your class picture that will be displayed on the studio walls for years to come. All soloists may drop-in at their convenience.

**Picture order forms will be handed out in class and available in the office 2 weeks prior to picture days. You must have your packet completed before you arrive for your picture time! Each group shot requires a different and separate envelope. All payments are due in full at the time of the group picture. Memory Makers accepts credit cards and checks. Have dancers “picture” ready (costume, hair, make-up perfect) when they arrive. There will be NO room to dress or do hair and make-up.

Note: Pictures will be handed out at your recital (unless you order digital products – i.e. magazine covers, magnets etc…which take longer to produce). If you do not pick up your pictures at the recital (or if you have digital products) a $6 shipping and handling fee will be added to your account and we will mail them to the billing address on file.

PICTURES ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO PICK UP AT THE DANCE STUDIOS!!!

Dancers without a costume may not participate in the group photo for their class. Dancers who are not participating in the recital or have a late order costume may arrive at any time and take an individual picture in their dance class attire. “Buddy Pictures” are also available – they require a separate envelope.

Memory Makers is staffed with 10-15 assistants to help pose dancers.

Parents – refrain from entering the photo shoot areas and rooms while your child is being photographed.

Do not take photographs or snapshots of dancers in photo shoot rooms or areas.

Tiffany’s Dance Academy

The Big Show Concert Survival Packet

June 3rd, 2006

IMPORTANT – DO NOT LOSE THIS INFORMATION. YOU MUST READ ALL CONTENTS OF THIS PACKET IN ORDER TO SURVIVE THE JUNE CONCERT EXPERIENCE!

June 3^rd, 2006