“CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” CAST /CREW/VOLUNTEERS:
The production staff would like to thank you all for your hard work, time and talents as we shift
gears into the Miller Performing Arts Center for rehearsals and finishing touches on costumes,
sets and props. We are pleased you are focused on the work ahead and mindful that every
challenge requires TEAMWORK -- the key to our overall success. Preparing the mid-Missouri
premier of this fun-filled musical requires many helping hands to create special builds and
props, as well as time and talent of our CANINE CREW handlers. The following rules and
guidelines are necessary to establish a positive experience for all and to safeguard the people
and resources necessary for our 2016 spring musical.
MILLER THEATRE RULES: NO FOOD or DRINKS in the main theatre area. Audiences will have the
opportunity to buy water and goodies at our concessions table during intermission, but these
must be consumed before returning to their seats. Patrons are instructed to turn off their cell
phones and may not take pictures during any performances.
OUR THEATRE RULES for CAST/CREW: Cell phone usage is restricted upon arrival at the check
in point at top of the stairs before you enter the double doors or backstage. Be sure your
phone bears your name so there is no doubt of ownership when phones are made available
at the end of rehearsals/performances.
There is limited space for everyone working in the dressing areas and backstage, so minimizing
the risks to irreplaceable props and set pieces, expensive microphones and sound equipment,
rented or borrowed costumes, and inventory of costly makeup must have the highest priority.
We must avoid spillages. Provide your own water bottle with affixed lid and your name on it. If
a light snack is needed, bring a fruit bar, container of small fruit like grapes or a small
consumable like raisins and eat in the GREEN ROOM not the COMMON AREAS, COSTUME
ROOMS OR BACKSTAGE. Absolutely NO sugary drinks in BIG GULP CONTAINERS. NO fried,
greasy foods that could get on costumes and absolutely NO take-out bags, salty snack foods, or
any candies stockpiled in common areas, dressing rooms or backstage. If sacked food is a
necessity, take it to the hallway outside the sign in desk for eating and dispose of leftovers in
garbage container there. You may chew gum BUT DISPOSE OF IT BEFORE WARM-UPS in the
Green Room. NEVER HAVE GUM IN YOUR MOUTH WHEN YOU ARE ON STAGE OR IN THE
BACKSTAGE AREA/WING SPACES.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULES: Beginning Monday, March 7, we will have cast call starting at 5:00 PM
(with some exceptions for students who are participating in sporting events) until no later than
10:00PM. We hope to dismiss much earlier, but realistically must plan for maximum time
should there be unforeseen issues or technical difficulties.
There are no excuses for cast members missing any rehearsals during our final week except
serious illness. Athletes who have notified me of potential late arrivals due to sports practices
after school, know they must proceed from those events to the theatre and immediately get
ready in time for warm-ups. They should also have arranged for some leniency with their
coaches for early dismissal when possible, but definitely for Tuesday through Thursday and all
performance dates. If you are involved in any sporting events, especially games scheduled on
the road through Saturday, email me the details so we keep lines of communication clear.
Leads and select cast members need to have microphones attached and checked by the sound
crew. This must be a high priority in preparing for run throughs. Follow the instructions
provided to minimize damage to sensitive wires attached with tape. If a problem occurs with
your mics do not try to fix the problem yourself – let the sound crew do their work. A battery
replacement may not be the solution that is needed, and the crew under Mrs. Huber’s direction
will handle these matters. Because we have body mics in use, all music or noise is
unacceptable backstage, hallways and dressing rooms. Likewise, no loitering or socializing
around doors and wing spaces.
Young children and other females should arrive in base make-up. If other cast members should
also come in base make-up, they will be notified and should factor that change into their pre-
rehearsal timeframe.
Everyone is instructed to check prop tables for exact location of hand props. Report damage or
breakage of props ASAP so the prop crew has time to resolve the problem
Quick changes are required by several cast members and quick entrances for EDISON and our
CANINE CREW are extremely important – keep hallways clear and any temporary fast change
dressing areas, bathrooms, etc. Our live animals all need clear space before heading onstage
and exiting into the wings. We remind you to avoid distracting behaviors that can hamper the
handlers’ abilities to maintain their dog’s focus. Do not touch, pet, call or interfere with any
dog unless specifically instructed to do so in ending of “Toot Sweets” production number.
Onstage, keep your mind focused to listen and react to ongoing action and dialogue. Eliminate
the spontaneous chatter and commentary that pulls you away from staying in character. Be
pro-active and follow the ongoing sequence of scenes and songs to prepare yourself for your
next appearance. Dig deep within and discipline yourself to stay in character until any
announced break or dismissal. Becoming the best you can be takes hard work, sacrifices and
commitment in a respectful and cooperative manner. Take each moment as an opportunity to
grow stronger as a company of players with a common purpose. Do not rob yourself or others
of this most important step in the ongoing journey moving forward.
NO VISITORS BACKSTAGE AT MILLER UNLESS THEY ARE WORKING THIS SHOW. NO
EXCEPTIONS, EXCEPT FOR THOSE GIVEN ACCESS BY THE DIRECTOR: ACCESS HAS BEEN GRANTED
IN THE PAST FOR A SPECIFIC ACCOMPANIST FOR DISTRICT CHOIR COMPETITION BUT PERSONS ARE
IDENTIFIED IN ADVANCE.
Parking: Due to limited parking space at the Miller Center, we encourage carpooling and
locating parking spots far away from the Monroe, Miller and Madison spaces closest to the
theatre for all evening performances and our Sunday matinee. Give consideration too that our
musicians often have heavy equipment and need close access to the theatre entrances.
