GAVIN's NOTES - 12.23.12

Sunday, Dec. 23:

    Congratulations to everyone!  You've made it through the long, challenging, yet rewarding and fun Nutcracker season of 2012.  I can say with all my heart that I have enjoyed working with each and every one of you, and have loved seeing everyone push themselves, work hard, grow, and learn.  And then to see your joy in performing has been absolutely gratifying.

        I have gotten so many compliments on how wonderful the children's casts of Nutcracker have been this year.  You've truly impressed and moved so many audience members, as well as myself.  Please take away from this experience the satisfaction and pride you have earned from a job very well done.  Performing as a dancer is one of the most noble, and most difficult, things a person can do.  Experiencing this as a child or young adult is an invaluable life lesson, and I'm proud to have shown you through it.

    I wish you all a wonderful, happy, healthy holiday.  Rest well, and I will see you all soon in the new year!

    With my love and thanks,

            Gavin

Missing Nutcracker Shirt

Can you please check your dance bags and see if you ended up with an extra Nutcracker shirt?  It is a Youth Large (14-16) Bella Girly Style.

If you find it please let me know - there will be one very happy girl!!!

Thank you,
Shari

GAVIN'S NOTES from 12.22.12

Notes from Saturday, Dec. 22 matinee and evening:

    Act 1:
    Much better, party children!  You did a nice job with both the "Zombie line" and the boys' marches.  I know the music was fast, but that's what can happen with a live orchestra, and I was happy to see you all listening and trying to keep up with the music.

    Battle was also fast, and I know that makes it harder, but you did well.  

    Act 2:
    I was happy to see my Polichinelles running more turned out, and thank you also Candy Canes for working on cleaning up your arabesque emboites!  The V formations have been better, too.

    Angels:    I know you got confused (the evening performance cast) and got off the music before the big X crossing, but I think you all learned a valuable lesson.  Part of the beauty of a live performance is that things can go wrong, but when they do, you just have to keep on going.  Just keep thinking about what you're doing, and move on to the next step or position.  I was proud of you all for getting back together even when you were off.  

Shari's Notes - 12.22.12

We have come to the final performance of a very successful run.  I would like to remind everyone that you are not to be on stage unless you are preparing to dance.  As soon as you have finished you need to leave the stage.

If you would like to see what is happening on stage, you may watch the TV in the green room.

LOST AND FOUND:  There is a small collection of items that have been left on the 5th floor;  have a look and see if anything belongs to you.

PHOTOS and SHIRTS:  Both will be distributed in January.  Please turn in all forms on Sunday.

I look forward to another wonderful performance!
Shari

GAVIN's NOTES - 12.21.12 - Better Late Than Never!

Party Scene:

    Overall, a good Party Scene tonight.  Much better with the "Zombie Line" everyone, thank you for paying attention to that.  The "Magic" arms and leg positions were also better.  In the Grandfather's Dance, however, everyone's footwork can still be better.  I saw several of the Party Boys especially, not pointing their feet at all during the fast sections and the chasses!

Battle Scene:

    Very good, soldiers- good salutes!  The lines were pretty good, but I'd like it if you could pay more attention to staying in line even during the cannon explosions, when you're covering your ears... 

Act 2:

    All Maries:  When the Prince leads you over to stage left before he begins his pantomime, let him LEAD you- try not to run ahead of him, and definitely don't walk backwards!  Just walk naturally over to your spot and then turn around.  Also, all of you please think about the way you're walking during Act 2--- keep your weight on the balls of your feet, heels forward, reaching through your toes.  Don't walk on your heels.

    Good job, Tea!

    Candy Canes:    Much better with crossing over your arabesque emboites!

    Polichinelles:    As I mentioned to you earlier, everyone needs to think about running with their heels forward--- and feet in front of you, not kicking behind.
            And girl Polichinelles, remember to turn your head in the direction of your bourees.

GAVIN'S NOTES - 12.20.12

Thursday Night Notes:

Act 1:

Party Scene was very good tonight.  Everything I asked you to think about looked very nice-- the boy's march line was better, the 'Magic' arms and legs were good, and I saw nice footwork in the Grandfather's Dance.  Thank you for thinking and applying your corrections!

Battle was also very good-- nice work with keeping each salute strong, clear and on the music.

Act 2:

Very good, Angels!

Also good, Candy Canes:  However, please everyone keep thinking about crossing their arabesque emboites behind and watching the V formations.

Good, Polichinelles-- also keep thinking about your FEET and turning out each foot before every saute or pique arabesque.

NUTCRACKER Shirts - TAKE II

I have had several requests for the Nutcracker shirt.  If there is enough interest, we can put in a second order.

Be aware that the shirts will not arrive until the second week in January.

If you would like to order a shirt, there will  be order forms at the stage door.  All orders need to be prepaid and turned in by Sunday, December 23rd.

Thank you,
Shari

Rehearsal Thursday, December 20th and Friday, December 21st

Rehearsals will be held at the OBT Studio.

Thursday, December 20 from 12:30 - 2:30

December 23rd cast ONLY

NO Angels

Friday, December 21st from 1:00 - 3:00

December 23rd cast - Party Scene ONLY

Please arrive at least 15 min. before rehearsal begins.

GAVIN'S NOTES for 12.19.12

Act 1:

 

Party Scene:

       

        Marie and Family #1 girls, you were late both times you skip together.  Make sure you don't take too long to hug each other "hello", so you have enough time to get organized in your formation to start skipping.

 

        The Zombie line was late, uneven, and you're still not walking on the music.  You all got late because you were late to do your jumps at the Christmas tree right before that.  DON'T be late!  Be right on the tail of the children before you. 

 

        Walking in the Zombie line must be one step on each note of music--- watch the person next to you and match each other's steps!

 

        The boys' march line was also not good.  You all came too far forward and then didn't back up enough when you march backwards.  The line was a complete zig zag instead of a straight line.  Please pay attention to the person on either side of you!

 

        Girls, don't sit so far away from the boys when they are doing their march and you are watching them.  That way, you won't have to skip so far to get over to them.

 

        ALL PARTY CHILDREN:    Do not stop thinking about what you are doing every single moment.   I know you've done many performances by now, but you can't stop thinking about your steps, the corrections.you've been given, and what you are supposed to be doing at each moment.  I'm seeing a little too much casual-acting on stage.  I love the enthusiasm, but don't get carried away.

 

        One last note:  in the Grandfather's Dance, boys especially, please do not stomp your feet!  Pick up your knees and point your feet.  You're not supposed to make a lot of noise!

 

Battle Scene:

 

        Very good, soldiers and Sentry, Trumpeter, and Bunny!  Good energy overall, but you could be sharper with the "present arms" movement, each time you do it.

 

Act 2:

 

        Good Angels!

 

        In the opening of the Act, much better with the bows-- but Alexandra, you're still curving forward when you lead in the line of Candy Canes.  Just run in a straight line so the others can make a good diagonal behind you.  You might be stepping forward too much when you begin your bow, therefore getting out of line. 

 

        Veyonce, keep thinking about the way you are using your feet with every step you take, especially when you are just walking or running.  Heels forward, weight on the balls of your feet, no shuffling!

 

        Tea:     Good!

 

        Candy Canes:

           

            Keep your eyes on your spacing in both diagonals, and cross your arabesque behind you in those emboites!!!

 

        Polichinelles:

   

        Very good, Polis-- thank you for remembering to really turn your face to the audience as you begin the emboites at the end.

 

        Finale:

       

        Everyone, PLEASE keep your feet in 5th position during those bouree turns!!!!  It looks so sloppy otherwise....

Shari's Notes

Hello and welcome back to our final week of The Nutcracker!

I hope everyone feels rested and HEALTHY!

There are 6 remaining performances:
7:30 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a rehearsal for some of the Sunday, Dec. 23rd cast on Thursday and Friday at the OBT studio.  See below for details.

We have almost completed pictures for everyone.  Please let me know if you HAVE NOT had your picture taken in any of your roles.  Order forms can still be turned in tonight.  Extra forms will be at the stage door.

CANDY CANES:  WOW, now I know you can do it.  Thank you and keep it up!!

I look forward to seeing you all back at the theater!
Shari

GAVIN'S NOTES for 12.16.12

Act 1:

    Party Scene:    
        
        Collin, be really careful not to touch the scrim when you're peeking through the keyhole!  Nobody can touch it, not even a little bit, because it really makes the whole thing ripple and not look good.

        Maids who bring out the tray of cups on stage left:  to avoid traffic, it's ok to come out of the 3rd wing, behind the pastry table.  You should really be ready to be right there when the Frau calls you-- there's a lot that needs to happen in a short time, so you could even be early-- but don't be late!

        Party Girls:    During the lullaby, after the Nephew brings the doll bed to Marie, don't be late to get back to your places in the semi-circle for the final rocking of your dolls.  You could even start moving back to your places on 7-8 so you're sure to be there in time to rise up on your knees for 5-6, 7-8.

    Battle Scene:
        
        Good, soldiers!!  Much better job with moving into the V-formation when the Sabres stab the mouse on 5, and jumping all together on the next 5-6.  Thank you!

Act 2:

        Candy Canes:
        
        Alexandra, you need to wait a hair longer when you run out to pose before you lift your front foot to signal the conductor or the stage manager.  The girls at the end of the line haven't arrived yet.  (An added note from Shannon the stage manager...she has to be able to see you to call the sound, so make sure you are in her sight line.)
12
        Much better spacing in the V today.

        All Candy Canes need to cross those arabesque emboites behind you more!  

        The final pose formation wasn't so great today.  The girls furthest downstage need to be as far out as possible-- almost in the first wing.  Remember not to lunge in too far after that last soutenu.

    Polichinelles:

        Everyone, please still make a bigger effort to turn your face out to the audience as you begin the emboites at the end!  Especially the last few girls in the line-- it really shows if you're not looking out at the audience.

        We're starting to lose those great turned out, pointed feet before each pique arabesque or saute arabesque.  EVERY single one needs to be done with a stretched, turned out, pointed foot!!

    Finale:

        EVERYONE--- more energy in the port de bras!  Crisp, clean, and sharp arms.


Thank you all for another weekend of good hard work and dancing.  Rest well, and I'll see you on Wednesday!

SHARI's NOTES

(Be sure to read Gavin's Notes from Saturday posted below.)

A few house cleaning notes.  (Literally!)

PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF!  The chaperones are not paid enough to be your maids. Your used wipes and empty food wrappers go into the trash can.  Do not leave them on the counters or floor.

ONLY WATER in a seal-able container may be on the fifth floor.  All other liquids will be taken away and returned to you upon departure.

CANDY CANES:  If I find your room messy at the end of the day on SUNDAY, you will no longer get to use room 53.  Instead you will remain in the big room and change on the 4th floor; I will put another group in your room.

And finally,  if you are feeling ill, even if you think you are okay to perform.  Please let Gavin or me know; that way we can have a back up plan just in case.  There is something going around; be sure to wash your hands OFTEN or use the hand-sanitizer that can be found on the 5th floor.

Thank you.

GAVIN's NOTES 12.15.12

Saturday, Dec. 15:

    Party Scene:    

    All Maries and Fritzes---- be careful not to hold onto the hobby horse's head when you are doing the tug of war.  Apparently it's not very strongly attached to the stick and can come off!  So please hold onto the stick instead of the head of the horse to avoid another accident...  

    "Zombie Line"-- remember to step very clearly on the music.  One step, one note of music.  Also, make sure to leave enough room for Fritz to fit into the line!  He's having to squeeze in and barely making it.

    Girls, your line for the "attitude, chasse, attitude" step hasn't been as good as it could be.  Make it a real diagonal line, not a curved semi-circle.

    Battle Scene:

    Much better, everyone!  Thank you for being stronger and sharper and keeping the lines pretty clear.  Please keep it up!  

    All Maries:    I'd like to see a bigger reaction from each of you when you see the cannon for the first time.  Actually raise your arms as you jump back, as if you're really startled to see something so big and scary.                   
    Act 2:
    
    Good job, both casts of Angels!

    Also, MUCH better with the bows to the Sugarplum Fairy, Candy Canes and Polichinelles--- thank you, and please keep it up!

    Very good, all Chinese Tea casts.

    Candy Canes, watch your spacing--- in the first V formation, the downstage two girls are tending to creep in too far.  Stay close to the wings, dance in between the 1/8 mark and the wing.  Remember about taking a small balance in and a larger one out.
    Candy Canes, also make sure your hoop is high enough when you're all on the knee in the first lunge pose (after the jete entrance).  Bottom arm parallel to the floor, chin lifted and eyes up!

    Polichinelles, very good, but a couple of technique things to always be thinking about:  FIFTH positions!  I saw a lot of passes to fourth position instead of fifth today.  Also, on the pique arabesque step, cross that leg behind you!

GAVIN'S NOTES 12.14.12

Party Scene:

Generally, very good everyone-- 

    Boys, make sure you stay on the gray part of the floor-- don't go on the black-- during the leap frog.  You also came too close to the edge during the march.
    All boys watch your line during the "grand battement, salute, chasse, grand battement" step.
    Zaida, make sure you find Marie and get behind her right away after the gift-giving, before the clock.  That way, you won't run into each other!
    All kids look more sharply at the Dr. Stahlbaum when he stomps his foot after you've chased Marie and the pocket-watch!

Battle Scene:
    
    Remember how sharp and strong you were by the time we got to the end of the rehearsal period in the studio?  We need to get that back!  I'm seeing a lot of soldiers being way too soft in their movements, not turning sharply or moving their bodies in one piece.  Don't make me have to call a special rehearsal to get you all back on track, please!  Hold yourselves strongly from your stomachs, move sharply and strongly and keep those lines clean.

Act 2:

    Angels:    Very good, but the "doors" lines weren't very straight.  Remember to go only as far as the girl next to you.  Also, many of you have started doing a little "hop" when you turn into face center on count 8, just before moving into the "doors" section.  I'm glad you're turning clearly on the correct count, but please don't jump or hop-- just turn.

    Polichinelles and Candy Canes:    I'm sorry to say that I still want you to bow more quickly and energetically to the Sugarplum Fairy.  You only have ONE count to bow, ONE count to recover and run to your next formation.  Energy!!!

    Candy Canes:    A few of you had your hoops too low in your first pose on the knee.  Keep your bottom arm parallel to the floor, and if in doubt, raise it higher!  Better too high than too low.  ALL need to watch the soloist at the end to stand up with him before you bow.  Some of the solo guys stand up really quickly, so be ready.

    Polichinelles:    Boy Polis need to keep their line better (behind the girls, during all the balances, pique arabesques, etc.).  ALL Polis need cleaner arms and more crossed balances.

Important Information - PLEASE READ ALL

What a wonderful opening weekend.  A very special THANK YOU to all of the chaperones.  We truly appreciate your willingness to help where needed!  The show could not run without you!!

• For the Sunday, December 23rd cast ONLY:  there will be a rehearsal on December 20th from 12:30-2:30 AND December 21 from 1:00-3:00.  I do not know if everyone will be needed the entire time - details to follow.  
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• A reminder:  NO chaperones will be at the theater between performances.  Thank you all for making sure your dancer had a place to go.  We all need that small break between shows.
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• Picture forms are due on SUNDAY, December 16th.  We will begin taking pictures of ALL the dancers on Friday and continue through the weekend.
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• Be sure to scroll down the blog and read "NOTES from GAVIN" from the weekend!!
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• Lost your stage pass??  Please let me know by Friday afternoon.

Oregonian Review

In case you missed this:

Oregon Ballet Theatre's superb 'Nutcracker' bittersweet with Christopher Stowell's resignation

 By Special to The Oregonian 
on December 09, 2012 at 12:35 PM, updated December 09, 2012 at 1:49 PM

EnlargeHandout photoVeyoncé Ratcliff and John Meo as "Marie" and "The Little Prince" in Oregon Ballet Theatre's 2012 production of "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker". December 8 - 23, 2012 at the Keller Auditorium. Photo by Blaine Truitt Covert/Oregon Ballet TheatreOBT's The Nutcracker 2012 gallery (7 photos)

Oregon Ballet Theatre's  annual production of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" is markedly bittersweet this year in light of artistic director Christopher Stowell's  recently announced resignation. Stowell, of course, led the Balanchine-inflected classical revival of OBT in recent years, and there is simply no telling, in the face of imminent budget cuts, whether OBT will retain its license to perform Balanchine's version of "The Nutcracker" after this season. It's a huge production, with scores of young classical dancers from the School of OBT. It needs a live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's  magical score. And while the implications of Stowell's departure go far beyond "The Nutcracker," the dance contains abundant evidence of the company's consistently high levels of artistry and professionalism under Stowell's tenure.

Saturday's matinee opening at the Keller auditorium was filled with bravura performances of Balanchine's intricate choreography. Act I swiftly establishes the plot: a holiday party scene into which sweeps the wishbringer-magician Herr Drosselmeier,  splendidly pantomimed by guest artist Kevin Poe.  He unlocks a chest of dancing toys, bestows a nutcracker doll on little Marie, and conjures for her a dream world of battling mice and tin soldiers, a Nutcracker Prince, and a land of dancing Snowflakes.


I have never seen the children's roles better acted. Veyonce Ratcliff  as Marie, Collin Trummel  as her incorrigible brother Fritz and John Meo  as Drosselmeier's Nephew/The Nutcracker give finely tuned performances, and it is a testament to the school's excellent training that all the little dancers, from the party guests to the soldiers to the gliding angels, were as graceful as they were adorable.

Balanchine's choreography really sings at the close of Act I, with Tchaikovsky's glistening Waltz of the Snowflakes mirrored in the sixteen ballerinas swirling and leaping with the feathery grace of the snowfall drifting around them. Balanchine's intricate radial patterns and the dancers' lyricism combine to magnificent visual effect.

A garish set and dreary costumes aside, Act II is a pageantry of divertissements  -- a Hot Chocolate  bolero, belly-dancing Arabian Coffee,  Marzipan Shepherdesses  and a drag Mother Ginger.  Standouts were Javier Ubell  in astonishingly high jumps culminating in mid-air splits, Chauncey Parsons  in tricky turns and hula hoop acrobatics, and Julia Rowe's  musicality and lightness in her role as Dewdrop,  the ballet's most formidable, surrounded by a majestic corps of Flowers.

Most magical were Yuka Iino  and Brian Simcoe  as The Sugarplum Fairy  and Her Cavalier  in a Grand Pas de Deux.  Simcoe's space-eating jetes and Iino's laser-sharp pirhouettes and arabesques are magnetic displays of speed and technique.

Stowell's imprint is everywhere in these masterful dances. OBT's Board faces tough financial decisions. Let's hope the Balanchine and big ensemble ballets, not to mention the marvelously trained dancers, survive.

-- Catherine Thomas, Special to The Oregonian
  

NOTES from GAVIN

Thank you all for working so hard this past week.  The tech and dress rehearsals were long and sometimes confusing, I know, and you all did really well with staying focused and alert.  The performances on Saturday and Sunday were also very good!  I was proud of you and your work, and you should be proud of yourselves as well.  However, I do have a few general notes....

Party Scene:    
    
    All Party Girls and Party Boys need to check and then double-check their drawstrings and shoelaces before going on stage.  No drawstrings sticking out, and NO shoelaces coming untied!

    Party Girls, keep remembering to hold your skirts during the Father-Daughter dance and Grandfather's Dance.

    The spacing has been good, but please don't forget to keep checking your marks, keeping the lines and formations straight.

    Good job with fixing the Lullaby semi-circle, girls.

Battle Scene:
    
    Soldiers have been good, but the energy and sharpness cannot start to diminish!  Every single performance has to be as strong as the first one.

    You're getting a little slow to move into the V, after the second charge.   You should start moving into the V on 5, at the exact moment the Sabres stab the mouse.

Act 2:

    Reminder to Polis and Candy Canes to bow with energy, quickly, and in unison to the Sugarplum Fairy.

    Great job, Angels!

    Polichinelles:    In those costumes, you have to pay extra attention to keeping shoulders down and stretching your arms.  Also, 5th positions during the echappes and passes at the end of the dance!!!

    Candy Canes:    Good work- keep up the energy, turn out your balances!

    Finale:
        Candy Canes, your lines weren't so great on Sunday during your Finale step-- keep yourselves shoulder to shoulder during the saute-run-assembles, and travel!

        ALL:    After the curtain comes in and you move to position to bow, wait until the curtain has raised about 3/4 of the way up before you take your steps forward to bow.  Otherwise, the lights haven't come up on you enough yet and you're still in shadow.

NO Chaperones between Performances

We DO NOT have chaperones on the fifth floor between performances.  You must make dinner arrangements for your child.  They are welcome to join another family as long as you provide a signed note stating with whom your child will be leaving.

Please make arrangements for your child to leave the theater at their pick up time; returning (if required) at their drop off time.

Thank you.

Notes from today - Friday, Dec. 7 - READ ALL

I have posted the performance schedule for Saturday and Sunday.  Included on the schedule are the names and times for the dancers who will be in the photo booth.

Party Girls:  look at the "Hairstyles" Page for party hair.  Your hair should be pulled back into a  ponytail at ear level.

All:  Please do not wear earrings to the theater.  If you do, you will have to take them out and they can easily be lost.  It is best to leave all jewelry at home!

Check the schedule for the drop off and pick up times for your role.  Do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your drop off time.  We are not set up with chaperones and you will not be let in.

And most importantly, come ready to dance =D

Merde!
(ballet speak for good luck.)

Final Dress Rehearsal, Friday, December 7

Tonight's rehearsal is a final dress rehearsal.  The ONLY dancers who need to come to the theater tonight are the dancers who are performing in the opening show tomorrow at 2:00 pm.

If your student is NOT scheduled to perform the Saturday matinee, December 8th at 2:00 pm,  they do not need to come to the theater tonight for final dress rehearsal.

I'm sorry if this has been confusing.

Label All Items in Dancer's Bag

All of the dancers wait upstairs in one room; while they are waiting bags get opened and things are taken out, used, and left around.  Because of this, during cleanup other people's stuff may end up in our dance bags.

So please (a) LABEL all of your items and (b) check bags regularly to see if you ended up with a shirt or water bottle or lunch that does not belong to you.  This way, if you find something that doesn't belong to you, we will know who it belongs to!!

Thank you for your help!

CAST LIST POSTED!

The cast list is posted!!

Please look over ALL of your roles to make sure you are not performing more than two roles in any given performance and more than one role in Act II.

There have been changes to the Sunday Matinee Cast, so look over it carefully.  I wanted to get it on the blog; photo booth will be added later.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

THANK YOU!

CASTING ALMOST COMPLETE

There are a few corrections to be made.  I should be able to post it by noon on Thursday.

Thank you all for your understanding and patience!!

Shari

PARTY GIRLS

For Thursday Evening's Dress Rehearsal, the party girls should wear their hair half up and half down, but you DO NOT need ringlets.  I would, however, suggest practicing at home!

Enjoy your day off!  I'll see you all tomorrow at the Keller.
Shari

Chaperone Schedule for Performances Posted

The Performance Chaperone Schedule has been posted to Pages; check to confirm your times.  If you have any questions, please email Marjorie at: extractmusic8@gmail.com.

Note on the schedule there are still TBD (to be determined).  These slots are still available.  If you have a child in that role or in a similar time slot, please consider volunteering for that particular performance.  

Thank you.

Hairstyles

I have posted pictures of the hairstyles under Pages.

Please note:
Angels need to come with performance hair for all rehearsals - except Friday afternoon.
Chinese Tea should come with hair ready for hats.
Party children can come with hair down for Thursday's dress rehearsal; you do not need ringlets.
Soldiers please wear the high bun for dress rehearsal on Thursday evening.

Friday evening's Final Dress Cast needs to come with performance hair, foundation and mascara.

Rehearsal, Saturday, Dec. 1st

1:00p - 3:00p     All ACT II + Snow w/ Company
                            Note:  All Angels to be released at 2:30p

4:00p - 6:00p     All ACT I w/ Company

Important:  Everyone must arrive 15 minutes before your rehearsal begins.

PARENT HANDBOOK and then some....

REREAD the Parent Handbook - there is actually some very useful information within its pages!
If you have misplaced your handbook, a copy can be found under "Pages".

I will be handing out MORE paperwork tomorrow.  It will contain "Important Reminders and Details", a week in preview, and a schedule with drop off and pick up times for a 2:00 and a 7:30 performance.

If you still have questions, PLEASE ASK!  Having done this before, I sometimes forget what newcomers (and veterans) may not know (or not remember.)  If you have a question, chances are someone else is wondering the same thing!