Thursday, February 29, 2024

Concessions & Letter from Gift Chair








Concessions


This year, we need everyone’s help to have a successful Concessions Stand serving refreshments during intermission for all our Sunday and Monday performances.

We ask all families to participate by purchasing store-bought, individually packaged treats for our Concessions Stand. All items will be sold for $1.

The Davis Academy will be providing the drinks. No Nuts Please!

Please drop off your treats at the rehearsals from Sunday, March 10th – Thursday, March 14th. You are welcome to bring the treats during carpool (drop off or pick up) any day from the 10th through the 14th. Thanks!



Letter from gift chair


Dear Aladdin Families,


I am writing to ask you for your support in recognizing our Director, Kendrick Phillips, and several others who have gone above and beyond to make our show the huge success it will be.


 Each year, Ms. Kendrick, our director, works tirelessly long before the school day, long after rehearsals, on holidays, and each weekend to ensure our school production resembles something you may have seen on Broadway- choreographing and staging the show, creating the set, prop, and costume design of the costumes, teaching music, creating an infinite amount of production spreadsheets, blog posts, and communications, and shopping and meeting with vendors for the musical to help our cast and crew shine.

In addition, several dedicated staff and volunteers give countless hours of their time to ensure the high quality of our production. Those new to this experience will be amazed to see nearly 180 children, ages 5-14, come together for unforgettable, magical performances.
 
Please help honor and show your support and appreciation for Kendrick and the production staff by donating an amount of your choosing per child in the play to help purchase a Director’s gift and flowers/thank you's for all who make our kids smile and shine when they are on stage. 

Please Venmo @tmand or email me at tamaramand@gmail.com if you prefer to give a different way.

We would love to collect all donations by the final dress rehearsal on March 15th.

Thank you in advance for your participation. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.


Tamara Mand




Wednesday, February 28, 2024

GENERAL TICKET SALES OPEN TOMORROW FOR ALL CAST & CREW FAMILIES!




REMINDER!

General Admission Tickets


Ticket purchases will be all completed using our online system.


You will be able to select your seats, pay online with a credit card, and print out your receipt/ticket confirmation (which will serve as your ticket on the day of the show).


Ticket sales will open online TOMORROW, THURSDAY, February 29th, in the pre-dawn hours.


The school community will be emailed this link in the Friday Shabbat Shalom Message, enabling cast members and their families to purchase tickets before the whole school community has the link.


All tickets will be purchased through an online ticketing system using the following link. http://www.seatyourself.biz/davisacademy


If you have any ticket questions, please email Mr. Frank at dfrank@davisacademy.org.


Tuesday, February 27, 2024

SPONSOR SEATS CLOSE TOMORROW (2/28) at 8:00 AM!

 


Dear Friend of the Arts, 

The cast is dancing away as rehearsals kick into full swing for our endearing and exciting production of Aladdin JR., which will take place in the Rosenberg Performing Arts Theatre, located at the Lower School!  Over 180 Mechina through eighth-grade students will participate in this performance on stage and as crew members, not to mention numerous Davis Academy alumni returning to school to work with students as part of our alumni mentor program. 

 

We invite you to support our upcoming musical production and our theatre and fine arts programs in a unique way. Your patronage allows us to maintain our artistic excellence. It provides the professional expertise, creative materials, and supplies necessary to produce an all-school Broadway-style, student-centered production as outstanding as Aladdin, Jr. 

 

Like other independent schools of our caliber, we are pleased to offer you sponsorship opportunities, which include unique benefits associated with Aladdin, JR. production:

 

Sponsor Benefits:

  • Preselect premium seating for any of the three shows.
    • Sunday, March 17 at 1:00 pm
    • Sunday, March 17 at 7:00 pm
    • Monday, March 18 at 6:30 pm 
  • Acknowledgement in the Playbill and Annual Donor Report 
  • Reserved parking at the Lower School  
  • Cost: $150 per ticket ($135 is tax deductible) - To be purchased online before public ticket sales.

 

We will again have an online reservation process for Sponsor Seating, which will open on February 20th at 8:00 am and close on February 28th at 8:00 am. Sponsor reservations are available before public ticket sales, beginning in the pre-dawn hours of February 29th.  As we expect high ticket demand, please be aware that sponsor seating will not be available after sales are open to the general public.   


If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor of the Arts, please click here between February 20th – 28th  to select and purchase your seats at the sponsorship rate of $150 per ticket (please note the system will only allow you to process 6 tickets or $900 in any one transaction). 


If you have additional questions, please contact Drew Frank at dfrank@davisacademy.org. 

 

This musical will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, and we would be honored to have you be a part of it. Your support will have a lasting impact on our students, school, and community. 

 

Thank you in advance for your support! 


Kendrick and the Aladdin JR., Production Team




Monday, February 26, 2024

HAIRSTYLES & MAKE-UP FOR LOWER SCHOOL CAST

 








All LS cast members will arrive at our shows and dress rehearsal in their hair and make-up. Thanks! 




Remember, our whole cast shoe parade is THIS Sunday, March 3/3. 


Reminders about our shoe needs have been posted several times since then, so every participant should have their shoes ready for this Sunday's rehearsal! 
 
Jazz shoes should fit snugly with no gaps. Cast members may wear a ped sock/no-show shoe liner with their jazz shoes for comfort or without a liner.


Please familiarize yourself with our most recent additional costume needs document (linked here), which was posted and linked to last week's blog post. 

All of these documents and links are located to the right of this post under the Costume & Shoe Needs header to the right of this post.

Please reach out if you have questions about hair and/or make-up. 










VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!


Luckily, our village never runs away from a volunteer ask- whether in class or when in rehearsals and shows! :)



Image result for volunteers needed theatre



Dear Parents,


We hope this letter finds you well and that you are as excited as we are about the upcoming school musical production! This year's production involves 180 talented students eager to showcase their skills and make the show successful. However, to achieve this, we need your help!


We are calling on all parents to volunteer their time and join our team to make this musical production an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. There are many reasons why your participation is crucial, and we want to highlight the top three reasons:


Secondly, it takes a village! Our dedicated team of professionals provides our students with exceptional theatre, music, and dance education. We want to build a tight-knit community amongst the villagers working towards a common goal. By volunteering, you will support our whole village-  the team, your children, and our students.


Thirdly, a little goes a long way. We understand that everyone is busy, but don't make the mistake of thinking volunteering is "all or nothing." It doesn't have to be time-consuming. It can make a difference even if you have an hour to spare.


Lastly, everyone has something to offer. Whether you are crafty, an organizing hero, or great at telling people where to go/what to do- there is a place for your skill set! There is always behind-the-scenes work that could use an extra hand. Whether helping with concessions, checking in volunteers, running a room, helping with costume fittings, organizing the prop room, labeling bags, bringing in a vacuum, or braiding hair, there is something for everyone to contribute.


Please complete the Volunteer Interest Form by THIS Friday (3/1) morning. We will begin assigning volunteers to positions and shifts on Friday afternoon until all needs are filled. We guarantee it will be a fun and rewarding experience, and your contribution will significantly impact the show's success. Click here for detailed descriptions of positions needed during dress rehearsal and the show run.


Thank you in advance for your support and dedication to our school's musical production and, most importantly, for helping all our children shine!


Ms. Kendrick and the Aladdin Team!

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Check in for Sunday 2/25 & Pizza Ordering Process

 

        

Dear Parents,

 

As we eagerly count down the days until opening day, we want to ensure you're well-prepared for the whirlwind of information coming your way. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the final days before a show or embarking on this magical journey for the first time, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Please make it a habit to regularly check our blog at https://davisaladdin.blogspot.com/  for updates. And remember, if you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to contact Mr. Frank.

 




 

Check-In on Sunday 2/25:

Upon arrival, all cast and crew must check in with Mr. Frank to pre-order (or decline) pizza for the days it will be sold.  Please see the chart below for you to use as a guide for how much to send in if your child wants to order.  This is certainly optional; you can send them a lunch instead.  Beginning 3/3, we will provide a snack for all cast and crew members regardless of whether they ordered pizza or brought their lunch.

 

 

Pizza

Dates

Time

Mechina - Second Grade

Sunday

3-Mar

No pizza as served after departure

Sunday

10-Mar

Tuesday

12-Mar

3:30

1 Slice

2 Slice

3 Slice

Wednesday

13-Mar

3:30

1 Slice

2 Slice

3 Slice

Thursday

14-Mar

Lunch provided by SAGE

Friday

15-Mar

noonish

1 Slice

2 Slice

3 Slice

3 Slices

6 Slices

9 Slices

$6 

$12 

$18 

Pizza

Dates

Time

Third - Eighth Grade

Sunday

3-Mar

noonish

1 Slice

2 Slice

3 Slice

Sunday

10-Mar

noonish

1 Slice

2 Slice

3 Slice

Tuesday

12-Mar

3:30

1 Slice

2 Slice

3 Slice

Wednesday

13-Mar

3:30

1 Slice

2 Slice

3 Slice

Thursday

14-Mar

Lunch provided by SAGE

Friday

15-Mar

noonish

1 Slice

2 Slice

3 Slice

5 Slices

10 Slices

15 slices

$10 

$20 

$30 

 

 


Friday, February 23, 2024

Sunday Rehearsal, Pizza Ordering, Costume Needs, Tickets, Shoe Reminders and More!

















PIZZA ORDERING SCHEDULE!

In March, there will be opportunities for students to purchase pizza.  


You may order anywhere between 1 and 4 slices. 


Pizza is $2 a slice. 


Please send cash for your children in a ziplock bag with their name and grade on the bag if they want pizza.  


Please send them with lunch if they do not.


All students will receive a snack from us, and all students should plan on bringing a water bottle. 






ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS


We will collect Pizza money for the 3/3 through 3/15 pizza orders at rehearsal drop-off/check-in THIS SUNDAY, 2/25, and NEXT SUNDAY, 3/3.    PLEASE SEND IN YOUR $$$ FOR THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF SLICES YOU WANT FROM 3/3 to 3/15.


    EXAMPLE: 

    • Aladdin, an eighth-grade crew member,  wants 2 slices for 3/3, 3/10, 3/12, 3/13, and 3/15, which equals $20. So on 2/25, Mrs. Aladdin sends in $20 for Aladdin's orders in a Ziplock bag with Aladdin's name and grade. 
    • Aladdin Jr., a Mechina cast member, wants 2 slices for 3/12, 3/13, and 3/15, so Mrs. Aladdin sends in $12 in a Ziplock bag with Aladdin Jr.'s name and grade.



Students will get the chance to buy pizza on the following dates:



Pizza

Dates

Which Grades

Sunday

3-Mar

3rd-8th

Sunday

10-Mar

3rd-8th

Tuesday

12-Mar

ALL

Wednesday

13-Mar

ALL

Thursday

14-Mar

None

Friday

15-Mar

ALL







ABOUT PREVIOUS INFORMATION





Sponsor Seating closes on  February 28th at 8:00 am. Sponsor reservations are available before public ticket sales. 

 As we expect high ticket demand, please be aware that sponsor seating will not be available after sales are open to the general public.



General Admission Tickets
Image result for show ticketsTicket purchases will be all completed using our online system. You can select your seats, pay online with a credit card, and print out your receipt/ticket confirmation (which will serve as your ticket on the day of the show).


Ticket sales will open online on February 29th  in the pre-dawn hours. The school community will be emailed this link in the Friday Shabbat Shalom Message, enabling cast members and their families to purchase tickets before the whole school community has the link. All tickets will be purchased through an online ticketing system using the following link. http://www.seatyourself.biz/davisacademy





MS CAST SHOW ASSIGNMENTS 






LS Cast appears in all 4 shows and is sprinkled about the entire theatre in the aisles, on the stage, and in front of the stage.

As we are still blocking the show and haven't had 100% cast attendance at rehearsals, it is impossible to release 100% of exactly where each LS participant or grade is placed at this time, BUT this is a helpful guideline to follow when selecting seats if you have Lower School Cast Member.



STAR WALL

We will be creating a STAR WALL to feature our amazing young thespians.

By Sunday, March 10th, please send in a 4x6, 5x7, or 8x10 headshot/school picture/close-up photo of your child (only your child in the picture, please), with their name and grade printed on BOTH the back of the photograph and the envelope you submit it in.

You may drop this off at Sunday practices or leave it with the front desk of either campus in an envelope marked ALADDIN STAR WALL FOR MS. KENDRICK!



 MS & LS CAST SHOE NEEDS!



                                                                                                                      

PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE WHAT  SHOES ARE NEEDED FOR THE LS AND MS CAST.



ALL CAST & CREW WILL WEAR YOUR SHOES FOR A SHOE PARADE (so we can check to ensure your shoes are in the correct style/color) ON SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2024.  





Reminder from our Aladdin Rehearsal 2/5 email 

Dear Parents, 

We are hard at work preparing for a fantastic show!  The enthusiasm is great, and the songs and verses are coming along nicely.  Rehearsal attendance is vital, with only three Sundays left and a few weekly rehearsals until show time.  



We would never have a full cast rehearsal if all of these requests were granted! Absent students cause cast consistency problems and make putting on a production extremely challenging. Other children cannot learn the proper moves or staging when cast members are absent. And every time even one child comes in late or leaves early, we must re-block and re-adjust for the 180 participating actors.


Parents, please understand that a show is a team effort and relies on every child being present for the duration of the time for which their part is called. We only have 3 Sunday rehearsals left to block the remaining dances and run the entire show from start to finish before the actual show. There is no time to relearn what is missed or to replace those missing actors.


We recognize how busy our talented children are with other events and activities. However, as stated in the production contract, each child is only allowed a certain number of absences, and the mandatory rehearsal period is quickly approaching. So please choose which rehearsals or activities your child will miss with this in mind. In addition, having every child stay for the rehearsal’s entirety is vital to each child’s confidence and participation since students who are not present for the scenes that are blocked, readjusted, or polished will sit out for those scenes and/or a curtain call.

Full participation in rehearsals is paramount for each child's confidence and enjoyment. Those not present for scenes that undergo blocking, readjustments, or polishing may find themselves sitting out during these crucial moments and the curtain call.


  • Early Arrival for Older Siblings: We warmly welcome older siblings who wish to join rehearsals early at the younger sibling call times. Their support is appreciated, and their presence during these times is encouraged.
  • Mechina-2nd Grade Students: Mechina–2nd Grade students must adhere to their assigned call and dismissal times. They must be picked up promptly at their designated time. Unfortunately, they cannot stay after rehearsal to wait for older siblings.
  • Late Arrivals and Early Pickups: Late arrivals and early pickups can disrupt rehearsal. Due to logistical constraints, including gates and the need to have supervisors available for the entire cast, accommodating these requests may be unfeasible.
  • Mandatory Rehearsals: Sunday, March 3rd, and Sunday, March 10th, along with the Tech Week Rehearsals (March 12, 13, 14, and 15) are MANDATORY for all cast and crew.  These are the most crucial rehearsals, as they are with all of the set pieces and props.  Anyone missing one of these rehearsals for a reason other than illness may risk being removed from song/dance numbers. 
We thank you greatly for your understanding and cooperation. The children are working so hard and doing a phenomenal job so far. We cannot wait to welcome you to the world of Agrabah!!!




REHEARSAL RESOURCES REMINDER! 


These are also located under the resources tabs on the side of the blog.




COMING UP IN MONDAY'S BLOG POST!  




We kick off our official star for volunteer assistance during weekdays, Sunday rehearsals, tech week, and show week. 



Concessions ask!





Hairstyles and Make-up for the Performers! 







Letter from Gift Chair