So, I’m involved in Anastasia....now what???
Congratulations on being a part of what is sure to be another very exciting musical production at PRHS. Each and every one of you has earned his or her role (on stage, back stage, or in the pit) because of your talent and dedication to the Fine Arts at Prairie Ridge HS. Mr. Jensen (Director/Vocal), Mr. Cummins and Mr. Koll (Tech. Directors), Mr. Dusenske (Producer/Assistant Director), Ms. Kuhne (Orchestra Director), Mr. Niemi (Booth Tech. Director) Mrs. Hare (Choreographer), and Mrs. Hopkins (Costumes) are very excited to bring this exciting musical to life on our stage!
Before we get too deeply into the throes of the rehearsal process, there are several items that the creative team would like to make clear about the responsibility you have taken on by being in a musical at PRHS. By committing to this production, you are accepting the conditions and responsibilities listed below.
Each student WILL:
Attend all rehearsals/set build/strike to which he/she is called unless excused by the director in advance
OR
Notify director of any emergency condition (ill, family issue, etc.) that prohibits attendance
Follow the Code of Conduct and Maintain Academic Eligibility
Conduct himself/herself with professionalism and respect in every aspect of the production
Encourage at least one parent/guardian to volunteer in at least one area (see options below)
Student and Parent Musical Meeting: Tuesday, Nov 12th @ 6pm in the Theater.
Complete their Anastasia online order/payment by Wednesday, January 8th, 2025.
Students who have not completed their order and payments by this date will not be allowed to participate in rehearsals or tech activities moving forward until remedied.
The store can be found on the PR Homepage>select Revtrack online payments from the parent dropdown>academics and activities under the shop menu>Prairie Ridge>PRHS Musical Production>Anastasia
Tickets go on sale: January 30th @ 7pm
(We are using Ludus again—link for tickets will be shared as the info becomes available)
Each actor is required to assist with set building and with strike. Cast members are required to attend set build for 2 Full Days or 5 Half days. Cast members wishing to earn Thespian credit for crew work and Production Crew Members are required to attend set build for 6 Full Days or 13 Half days. Students indicated preferred dates for help with Set Construction on their audition forms, and we are basing our building plans on these anticipated numbers. Students are of course welcome to attend more often than the minimum requirements.
*An absence for actors will be excused only if Mr. Jensen has received a conflict from the student prior to the date in question. He will hear each case on an individual basis, but conflicts will not be approved if he considers them avoidable or changeable (i.e. work, dentist appointments, etc.).
COSTS:
We strive to provide a top notch experience for our students while keeping costs to families as low as possible. To limit the number of times your student comes home asking for money, we have listed all of the items (required & optional), so that payment can be made one time during the musical season. We are asking that you complete their online order and payment no later than Wednesday January 8th. Should you have issues with making payments by this date, or if there is a financial situation affecting your student’s participation, please contact Mr. Dusenske. ddusenske@d155.org
1) Cast/Crew/Orchestra: We will once again be offering Company Meals to the entire cast/crew/orchestra during our 5 dress rehearsals, between our matinee/evening Saturday, and between our Jr High & Sr. Citizen’s performances.
The cost for these 8 meals is $40. We provide a vegetarian option for those who would prefer it. Those with other dietary concerns or other issues do not need to pay for the meal plan. However, if you do not buy into the meal plan, you must plan on bringing your own food to tech week/Saturday performances, as you will not be allowed to leave to go and get your own food.
2) REQUIRED FOR ALL CAST: We will be instituting a $75 Costume Fee for all members of the cast. This fee will include all costumes that the student will need for the production with the exception of shoes and tights or similar garments that a student would keep after the production. We are hopeful that this fee will allow us to continue to provide an exceptional experience for the students and our audiences, prevent circumstances where a student playing several roles must bear the burden of extended expenses, while remaining comparable/below the costs of other sports/activities within the school.
3) Company T-shirt (short-$14 or long sleeve-$18) & Sweatshirts-$25. Please fill in the appropriate size next to the item(s) your student would like to purchase.
4) If you would like a Framed Musical Poster with Cast Autographs on the Matting, please indicate so on the online form. Prices are $15 for a Small (11x14) & $20 for a large (16x20).
5) TICKETS are $13 for all seats and can be purchased online as of 7pm on Thurs. Feb 30th, 2025 from the PR website.
*PR students (not in the show) may use activity passes during lunch periods or at the door to obtain 1 ticket to one performance in the student section.
*We will have a free Sr. Citizen’s Performance on Thursday, February 27th @ 1:30pm. We will begin taking reservations for this performance after Jan 10th. Please have those interested call 815-893-5888.
6) Waysound will be recording our production and copies will be available for purchase. Order forms will be made available towards the end of the production, or videos can be ordered online at www.waysoundorders.com
PARENT VOLUNTEERS:
Parents can volunteer in a variety of ways. We do not wish to see anyone invest in any way that doesn’t feel like a natural fit for him or her, so please think about the following options, and get involved in a way that suits your flexibility and interests. If you are not currently receiving updates on the Fine Arts Department, please email zakoian@mc.net and ask to be added to our email list.
Listed below are the primary areas in which to volunteer, and our parent coordinator (Amy Zakoian) will contact/update you throughout the process as dates/events draw near. Please consider introducing yourself and signing up for one of these areas at our Parent Meeting on November 12th @ 6pm in the theater, or email zakoian@mc.net for more info.
Costumes
Set Construction & Painting
Special Projects: Creating Props & Shopping
Production Meals
Concessions
Ticket Booth
Ushers
Publicity
Thank you in advance for your help with what is sure to be a very exciting musical season!