Hello, Kell Drama Families,

The oldest of theater sayings has to be “The Show Must Go On!”  And after many months of uncertainty, I am thrilled to let you know that it will at Kell this year.  I am emailing to let you know that we have received permission to produce a Spring Musical for a limited in-person audience.

This year’s event will be a Tribute to Kander and Ebb and will take place on March 26 at 6:30 p.m.  John Kander and Fred Ebb were the creative team behind our last two musicals, Curtains (2019) and Chicago (2020).  They also created Cabaret, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and many other works.  The production will be created as an extension of the Musical Theatre unit currently underway in all levels of Drama and Technical Theatre.  Students who are not currently enrolled in those classes are also invited to participate.  Our Chorus program is also participating.

Your student has expressed an interest in being in the production either as a performer or a crew member.  I have attached our usual Rehearsal Contract and Calendar with some adjustments that address this year’s special circumstances.  In particular, please note that our calendar (included) is very limited and that not all students would attend all rehearsals other than the Final Dress (3/25) and of course the performance date.  Also, we are following CCSD Health and Safety protocols including temperature checks, mandated mask-wearing (except in a few specific performance circumstances, i.e. solos), frequent cleanings, ventilation, limited attendance, contact tracing guidelines (seating charts), space limitations (no use of dressing rooms), and no meals.

Students who wish to remain fully virtual will still be able to participate by video (either live-stream or pre-recorded).

I am also requesting parent volunteers to assist with rehearsals (temperature checks and contact tracing) and on the night of the performance.   If you are able to help out, please email me any dates you might be able to help.

All students who wish to participate in the event must submit a signed contract prior to our first meeting on Tuesday, February 23.  I sent the attached packet home with some students on Friday, February 12.  Please sign both pages and return either hard copy or electronically.

I am so happy that we are going to be able to present an event to our community in our newly-upgraded theatre and look forward to welcoming everyone back!

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Kell Drama

Student and Parent Contract

(2020-2021)

 

Students who wish to audition for productions or be considered for crew positions and spotlights must turn in the following agreement signed by at least one parent or guardian and the student.  If cast or selected for crew, students and parents agree to abide by these rules.  Students must turn in a new contract for each production.

 

Auditions / Cast, Crew, and Spotlights

Submission of a signed contract is for permission to audition or interview only and does not guarantee or imply a role or specific crew assignment.  Auditions and Crew Assignments are competitive.  Those who perform best at auditions and who are right for the roles and jobs available will be selected.  Following auditions and interviews, I will meet with individual students who would like feedback.   I do not discuss casting or crew placement with parents.

Attendance, Conduct and Academic Standing

Students are expected to maintain excellent attendance, conduct, and academic standing.  Students who have attendance, conduct, or academic issues may be dismissed. Students who quit a production rather than accept an assigned penalty will no longer be eligible to participate in the Kell Drama Program for the remainder of the year. 

 

Attendance at School

• Students who are absent from school may not attend rehearsal; per Cobb County School District (CCSD) policy, a student must be present at school for at least one half of the day to participate in extracurricular activities. 

Conduct

• The most important expectation of Kell Theatre students is that they treat one another, the school, and the community with respect and kindness both in person and during remote meetings and rehearsals.  In addition, students must treat each other with respect on all non-school Social Media Platforms.  Students who violate this expectation may be dismissed from the production.
• Per CCSD policy, students who serve ISS or who are absent from school for any reason may not participate in rehearsal on those days. 

All students are expected to arrive on time and dressed appropriately for rehearsals. 

• The Drama Club and Thespians have established group expectations.  Students agree to follow those expectations.
• All Cobb County and Kell High School Policies regarding Extracurricular Activities are in effect.

 

Dismissal Due to Conduct

• Students who accumulate three days ISS or any OSS will be dismissed.
• In exceptional situations such as fighting, substance abuse, disrespect, or offensive language, students may be dismissed from a production without prior warning. 

 

Academic Standing

• Students must maintain academic eligibility in accordance with school policy.  Students must earn 3 credits in the fall to be eligible for spring productions.   Georgia High School Association (GHSA) policy, students must be in good academic standing to perform at One Act Play.

 

Rehearsal Commitment

Students are expected to attend all rehearsals unless specifically excused.  Students must notify Mr. Hicks at auditions of any conflicts with the rehearsal calendar.  Parents please note:  No absences are allowed during the final three weeks of rehearsal and production. 

 

Calendar

The rehearsal calendar is prepared carefully to accommodate school events, facility needs, and adequate rehearsal time.  The calendar is also accessible via the Kell Drama Club website located at http://garyhicks.wixsite.com/kell-drama-club. 

 

FEBRUARY	2/23	4 – 5:30	DRAMA CLUB
MARCH
TUES	3/2	4 - 5:30	REHEARSAL
THUR	3/4	4 - 5:30	REHEARSAL
SAT	3/6	10 - 1	REHEARSAL
TUES	3/9	4 - 5:30	REHEARSAL
THUR	3/11	4 - 5:30	REHEARSAL
SAT	3/13	10 - 1	REHEARSAL
TUES	3/16	4 - 5:30	REHEARSAL
THUR	3/18	4 - 5:30	REHEARSAL
SAT	3/19	10 - 1	REHEARSAL
TUES	3/23	4 - 5:30	REHEARSAL
THUR	3/25	4 - 7	DRESS REHEARSAL
FRI	3/26	6:00 / 6:30	CALL / PERFORMANCE

 

Transportation

Parents must arrange for timely transportation from rehearsals and performances.  Students cannot be left alone at school to wait for rides after rehearsal has been dismissed.  If you are late, Mr. Hicks and a Booster Club parent must also wait.  Please be mindful of this situation and pre-arrange pick-up from all rehearsals.  We also ask that you provide an emergency contact who is authorized to pick up your student.

 

Pandemic Health and Safety Protocols

Rehearsal / In-Person Meetings

1.     Temperature Checks at Sign-In

2.     Attendance Limited to 16 – Except for Final Dress Rehearsal and Performance

3.     Seating Chart / Social Distancing using individually defined performance spaces.   

4.     Masks to be worn at all times except for during socially-distanced performances.

5.     Abbreviated Meetings (60-90 Minutes)

6.     No Dressing Room Use

Performances

1.     Backstage Crew Limited to 4; Booth Crew Limited to 4

2.     Audience Limited to 20% Capacity (Approximately 120)

3.     Assigned / Spaced Seating – Parties Limited to 4 Maximum

4.     Parent Ushers charged with monitoring Audience Compliance and Sanitizing

 

Volunteers Needed

For this year’s event, we are in need of at least one parent volunteer per rehearsal to assist with Temperature Checks and Documentation as well as general Supervision.  For Dress Rehearsal, we are in need of three parent volunteers to assist with audience check-in and seating.