Biddenham School Musical 2024 – Singin’ in the Rain Jr.

September 2024

Dear Parent/Carer

Biddenham School Musical 2024 – Singin’ in the Rain Jr.

Congratulations! Your child has been cast in Sining’ in the Rain Jr. Performing in a musical is an experience that young people will remember for the rest of their lives, and it is truly our pleasure to work with your child on this exciting project.

In order for our production to be a successful one, we want to outline the responsibilities that go along with being in a musical. Please look over the following items to make sure you and your child feel you can honour the commitment to being a part of a show.

Attendance: Rehearsal schedules will be posted on our Singin’ in the Rain cast google classrooms as soon as possible. Please look over them closely to make sure your child has no conflicts with the rehearsals or show dates. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals they are called for unless prior approval has been given. Failure to attend required rehearsals will result in a recasting of your child’s role or dismissal from the show.

Rehearsals: Rehearsals will typically take place between 2.40pm–4.00pm. As a general guide, named roles may be required to attend up to 4 rehearsals in a week. Chorus roles have a lower commitment level but can still expect to attend at least 1 rehearsal a week. However each cast member will have quieter weeks and some where they may not be required at all. Our rehearsal days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Students should bring their scripts, a pencil, a snack, and wear appropriate shoes and clothes for movement. Also, please make sure you have made arrangements with your child about travel home after rehearsals

In the direct run up to the show, we run some extended rehearsals. Attendance at these rehearsals is compulsory. Extended rehearsal dates are:

Saturday 30th November, 10.30am – 3.00pm Extra Saturday Rehearsal

Monday 2nd December, 2.35pm – 6.00pm Full run through

Tuesday 3rd December, 2.35pm – 6.00pm Tech run

Wednesday 4th December, 2.35pm – 6.00pm Dress rehearsal

Please note students will also be off timetable during the school day for rehearsals.

Performances dates are:

Thursday 5th December, 7.00pm – 9.00pm Cast to arrive at 5.00pm for hair/makeup.

Friday 6th December, 1.35pm – 3.35pm Performance for feeder lower schools only

Friday 6th December, 7.00pm – 9.00pm Cast to arrive at 5.00pm for hair / makeup.

Practice at Home: Students will need to prepare for the show at home. This includes lines and songs, rehearsing their dances, researching their character, etc. We will support this by providing access to scripts, lyrics, rehearsal tracks as well as videos of rehearsals. Students are also able to use our spaces at lunchtime if practice at home is difficult. We ask that you work with your child to create a schedule so they have time to finish both their school homework and their musical practice.

Attitude: The rehearsal room and theatre are safe spaces where young people can take positive risks and be themselves without the fear of being laughed at or alienated. This principle is essential to artistic growth and exploration. Participants are expected to respect these principles and are encouraged to remember it themselves when trying new things.

Finally, a musical is a living, breathing entity. Things don’t always go exactly as planned, so changes to the plan will most likely be made throughout the rehearsal process. We promise to give you as much notice as possible on all changes that arise. The most important thing you can do to help us with the musical is make sure your child commits to everything listed above as it makes these changes less likely.

If you have questions or concerns at any time throughout the process, please feel free to contact any of the Performing Arts team (our email address can be located from the google classroom) and we will be happy to help you.

Yours sincerely,

Miss Hayley Wiltshire

Head of Performing Arts

Hayley.wiltshire@biddenham.beds.sch.uk