Welcome to the cast (or crew) and thank you for joining us on this voyage! Bringing any show to the stage is a long and difficult process and we want you to know how much we appreciate the huge effort on everyone’s part. Trust that the effort will be worth the result – giving our audiences an experience that will stay with them (and you) for a long time!
What is expected of you
- Attendance – Please realize that this is a lengthy, time-consuming process. Numerous absences cannot be tolerated – it is unfair to your fellow performers and detrimental to the rehearsal process. Please make sure you have shared with Spotlight any dates you will be unavailable so that scheduling can be done. While we understand that things can and do come up, Spotlight reserves the right to cut you from a production if it appears that you cannot devote the time required.
- Preparation – Spotlight expects that you will be working on your part on a consistent basis and that you will come to rehearsals prepared to perform. Spotlight reserves the right to cut you from a production should it become apparent that you are not up to the task or are not going to be ready when show time arrives.
- Communication – most of Spotlight’s communications are by email. Please stay on top of your email and respond in a timely fashion when requested, or if you have questions. Important information is disseminated by email – don’t miss it.
- Collaboration – it takes a village to put together a quality production. Our performers and crew do not operate in a bubble of their own part of the show. We all take part in the PR process and pitch in where needed.
What you can expect from Spotlight
- Professional production level – Spotlight prides itself on putting the highest level of production on the stage.
- Productive rehearsals and schedule – we strive not to waste any of our precious rehearsal time or any of your time! An email is typically sent out in advance of all rehearsals with a schedule of what is going to happen when, and we stick to it as closely as possible. However, it is best if you come early for your time slot, as occasionally we are ahead of schedule.
- Constructive criticism/coaching – while preparing for a show, your performance will constantly be evaluated. Corrections will be made and explained. Spotlight’s goal is perfection and we will work with you to achieve that wherever possible.
- Improved performing skills – the result of all that criticism and coaching! One of Spotlight’s goals, in addition to staging high-level shows, is to have you leave the production a better performer/crew member than you were when the process started.
- A rewarding performing experience – the high you get from an amazing performance is like no other and being part of that is truly something to be proud of!
Rehearsal guidelines
- Be on time. Our time – especially on stage in Freedom Hall and in Liberty Center – is precious. Please don’t waste it!
- Be quiet. Respect your fellow performers and don’t interrupt their rehearsal process with a lot of chatter. You are welcome to come early or stay late and watch the other people in their scenes. However, if you are distracting the people on the stage or the director(s), you will be asked to either go into the lobby or go backstage.
- Spotlight rehearsals are closed. We cannot have people wandering in and out of rehearsals. You cannot invite other people, whether club members or not, to sit in unless the director(s) approves it in advance.
- Come prepared. If corrections were given to you at a previous rehearsal or sent to you by email, Spotlight expects to see the results of those corrections! Practice your parts between rehearsals.
- Save your suggestions for after a rehearsal. While the director(s) is open to suggestions, ideas, and/or improvements, DO NOT interrupt the rehearsal process to share them. Communicate after the rehearsal is over or by email. And please realize that the final decision rests with the director(s).
- No scented body products (perfume, after-shave, lotions, etc.) can be used during rehearsals or shows. Some people are highly sensitive to these and they interfere with singing/dancing/breathing.
- Please do not consume any alcohol before or during your rehearsals or performances.
Costumes/Props
- All performers assume their own costume expenses. When deemed appropriate and with Officer approval, Spotlight will purchase accessories and/or props – those will then become the property of the Club and stored for future use.
- There is usually quite a bit of resource sharing when it comes to costumes and props. If you have borrowed something to wear or use in a show, please be sure to return it after the last performance. Don’t make someone chase you down the next week for his or her belongings!
Social media/photos/recording
- Social media – such as FaceBook, Twitter, Shutterfly, etc. While we encourage the promotion of our shows via these vehicles, please do not reveal specifics about a show before it has been performed. Spotlight will let you know when it is time to advertise a show. Any time you are posting anywhere about a production, please be sure to include that the show is a Spotlight Club Production.
- Photos – our photographer will share photos for you to download, order prints, or share in any way you like.
- Recording – performers often videotape during rehearsals to have a reference for practice at home. They are NOT to be posted on FaceBook or any other public site. If you put them up on YouTube, please only share them with your fellow performers for their personal use. Only approved videographers will be allowed to film during a show. In general, if you have any doubt about sharing photos, recordings, etc. – please check with Spotlight first!
Once again – welcome!
- We know that all of this may seem overwhelming, but it is important that we are all on the same page! Welcome!