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Introduction If you are new to Lumina Studio, welcome! If you are one of our many continuing Lumina families, welcome back! This handbook has been written to help Lumina actors and their parents understand Lumina Studio policies and procedures and their reasons for being. If you have any questions, we think you will find the answers here! We welcome any questions that you might have, but please take a look at the handbook first. We have revised it to make it even more useful and informative for our Lumina families. Lumina Studio is a performance-oriented theatre program. It is our mission to give Lumina actors a professional theatre experience as possible with the inestimable benefits of working with elevated language and great scripts. Our rehearsals, workshops, performances,
and
summerstock theatre camps are based
on Steiner's Creative Speech and Drama techniques. These time-tested
methods are excellent tools for both fledgling and experienced actors
to develop or enhance their dramatic skills in articulation, creating
images with language, character development and text analysis. These
techniques are studied and applied initially in improvisation then,
after scripts are received, to the various aspects of the production:
blocking, staging, scene study, and performance methods. For the
Advanced Acting and Directing group there will be additional time
spent on directing skills: conceptualizing a script, creating stage
pictures, coaching, and assisting the direction of the different
elements of a production. We are primarily a classic theatre company believing that the imaginative power, technical sophistication, and grace of classical and Shakespearean language and characters gives the practitioner the best that dramatic literature has to offer. We approach each session and each session's production as a creative project to which we totally devote ourselves. This means an exciting adventure for the actors such as they may have never experienced before. It also means hard work! Fun work, exciting work, but hard work. We strongly believe in the old truth that
you get
out
of something what you put into it. We demand a lot from ourselves as
directors and set our standards high as we attempt as artists to bring
something wonderful and new into the world. We invite our Lumina
actors
to go on this journey with us as young artists, but we expect them to
make a commitment. If they do they will be giving a rare gift to
themselves that will last a lifetime. We know that Lumina classes are not for everyone. Unlike other
young
actor’s drama programs and classes, Lumina plays are not informal or
casual
productions. Lumina produces full-length, Shakespearean dramatic
productions
complete with singing, dancing, and stage combat.
Lumina provides every actor who wishes with the unique opportunity to
experience
performing in professional quality theatre—complete with full costumes,
live
music, professional lighting and sound systems. Most young actors
would never have this opportunity before high school or college—and
then they would
have to compete for roles in auditions. Role assignments: All actors who enroll for the session will be allocated a role. All actors will be given the opportunity to perform. (The only exception being actors who skip classes and rehearsals or do not adequately memorize their parts). For more about this, refer to the section on refunds. Because the actual training/rehearsal time with actors is limited considering the scope of the production, it is our policy to focus on the quality of the performances, not the quantity of lines for each actor. Roles and line loads will be small – especially for the younger actors. The older and more experienced actors will play the more demanding parts. For all actors we strive to instill a sense of pride in attempting to perfect one’s role whatever the size. We believe, and experience has shown, that every young person can shine in the role they are given if they give it their best effort. Fees and the Production: Please note that the fees we charge cover the cost of the instruction for the session and rehearsals. They do not cover production costs (see below)! They do not guarantee the young actor the right to perform – the actor's right to perform depends on the actor's attendance and work at rehearsals! Ticket Sales, Registration, and Refunds Ticket Sales Our thanks to all Lumina members and families for their assistance in selling tickets to the community. Ticket sale revenues provide the funds necessary to meet the costs of producing Lumina’s performances. The goal of Lumina Studio is to provide the highest quality theater to the student actor and the community. Our rising production quality is possible, in part, because of the community support shown through the purchase of tickets. Once again we will be selling tickets for the Fall Session production of SHOGUN CAESAR . We are now selling tickets through www.brownpapertickets.com or call 301-565-2281 Each currently enrolled student will be allocated 1 complementary ticket and each parent volunteer will be allocated 1 complementary ticket. Priority and Pre-Registration Spring 2009 Session - TO BE ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 1, 2008 November 10 - 14, 2008 – Priority Registration for currently enrolled actors staying in the same group for Spring 2008 Session. (Bring Enrollment Form and check to rehearsal). Actors moving up to Classic or switching days bring form to your regular rehearsal and we will place you on according to places available. Monday, November 17 - Open registration will begin. Enrollments taken in order registration form and check are received. See Lumina website (www.luminastudio.org) on November 1 for details on the Spring ’09 Season and sign up procedures. We enroll in order of registration received. If your child is interested in signing up for Spring 2009 – particularly if they wish to keep their current class time - we strongly recommend enrolling at priority-registration. Enrollment is complete only when we receive form and full payment (unless other arrangements are made) – we cannot hold places without payment. All checks should be made out to “Lumina Studio Theatre”. There will be a $25 fee charged for any returned check, regardless of amount Refunds: PLEASE NOTE: ONCE YOUR CHECK IS IN THE MAIL OR DEPOSITED AT 620 Pershing Drive, THE LUMINA REFUND POLICIES ARE IN EFFECT. Lumina cannot “give back” a check if a young actor or parent changes their mind – it doesn’t matter if this happens a day after the check is sent or a month – again, the Lumina refund policies will be in effect and there will be no exceptions. Lumina cannot give “credits” towards a future session or count the tuition deposit as a fundraising “gift” if the actor is unable to do session or camp. Please understand we cannot make exceptions to this policy. Thank you! While the directors of Lumina wish to include every actor in the final production, they must reserve the right to exclude some actors from performing if they have not attended a sufficient number of rehearsals necessary to master their role for the final performances and if their absence adversely affects the other actors. We also reserve the right to adjust the size of an actor's part if it is clear to us that based on their commitment, experience, or ability this becomes necessary. And, as most actors know, a quality theater production requires a high standard of commitment and attendance at scheduled classes and rehearsals. Actors who have not memorized their lines and blocking, and/or have missed rehearsals, will detract from the final performance and may be asked by the directors of Lumina to step aside from the performances. We do not make this decision lightly but if we believe it is absolutely necessary for the sake of the other actors and the final quality of the performances we will regretfully do so. There is no refund of fee. Credits: We do not give credits toward future sessions if an actor has to drop out, nor can we credit it as a contribution to our annual fundraising campaign. For example, if an actor has to drop the Spring Session we will not credit any part of their fee toward the Fall or Summer Sessions. Financial Aid: Limited financial aid is available for the family in special economic circumstances. A family desiring to apply for financial aid should do so in writing at the time of registration. We give first preference to actors of a lower socio-economic background. Discounts: Lumina offers the following family discounts per session: 5% off total for more than 1 family member enrolled. We do not discount for an actor taking two classes (regular session and stage combat). Cancellation: Lumina reserves the right to cancel any rehearsal group with insufficient registration in which case rehearsal fees will be refunded. General Policies Age & Group Placement: Actors are placed in the following groups based on their age on September 1 for the Fall Session and January 15 for the Spring Session. However, we do reserve the right to hold an actor back if it is clear they are not ready to move to the next level – in this case we will discuss the situation with the parent(s). The groups are: Intermediate – 8-10 Classic – 11-16 Beginning Stage Combat – 8-10 years olds Classic Stage Combat - Upon invitation only Advanced Stage Combat – Upon invitation only Advanced Acting and Beginning Directing – Upon invitation only. Ensemble – Upon invitation only School Closings: If public schools have unscheduled closings for any reason please call Lumina for confirmation, (we do not necessarily follow the Montgomery County schedule) and listen to the full outgoing message for information. Otherwise assume rehearsals will be held as usual. We do not close for public or religious holidays except week of Thanksgiving. Photo/video: If you do not wish your child to be in a video or photo that may be used for publicity purposes to promote Lumina, please notify us in writing at time of registration. Costumes: Lumina provides costumes which remain the property of Lumina. Actors will be asked to provide appropriate footwear including shoes, socks, stockings, tights, etc and hair supplies. (See Acknowledgement page); these items remain the property of the actor. A named cloth bag with drawstring that will hold all of the student’s personal belongings will be required for the dress rehearsals and performances. Attire and Hair: Rehearsaals involve a high degree of physical activity. Actors are requested to come to class with hair secured off the face, wearing deodorant and clothes that are comfortable to move in. Please, no tights, skirts, tight pants or pants which drag on floor. Actors must provide their own hair supplies and makeup. After role allocation, we will give info on hairstyle, makeup, & footwear. NEW! THEATRE SEATING POLICY - Please note that our policy is the same as any professional theatre: Ticket holders or Will Call Ticket Holders must be seated 5 minutes before curtain. At that time all empty seats will be sold to those on the wait list. There will be no seating later than 10 minutes into performance (if seats still available). After that the performance can be watched on monitor in lobby. While we understand that things come up and families can be late, we CANNOT penalize the audiences who arrived on time (and the actors who are anxiously waiting to go on!) We strongly suggest all Ticket holders (and Wait List) be at the theatre 15 minutes before curtain. NEW! ** PRE-PERFORMANCE WEEK (All rehearsals at Round House Theatre Silver Spring) ** Actors may not bring snacks, candy or food to the theatre as we have had problems with trash afterwards that we simply do not have time to deal with. PLEASE ARRANGE FOR YOUR CHILD TO EAT BEFORE COMING TO THE THEATRE. ACTORS MAY NOT USE UPSTAIRS BATHROOMS, DOWNSTAIRS GREEN ROOM OR ELEVATORS. During pre-performance week and Performances, actors are required to be available to rehearse and/or perform for their alternate in case of injury or emergency. Please note that pre-performance week and performances are exciting but tiring. Please make sure during this time that your actors creative work is given priority and they get plenty of rest between rehearsal and performance so they can have an enriching experience, performing to their full capacity. Actor Behavior We discuss professional behavior and theatre rules listed below at our very first class with all actors. These expectations form a contract of behavior between Lumina and its actors which we count on parents to support. General Behavior for Actors: The following short list of dos and don’ts can be summed up in one word: “respect” for the art of theatre – respect for the instructor, respect for fellow-actors, and self-respect. 1) Violence or abusive language of any kind will not be tolerated. 2) Derogatory language, teasing of other students, or negative behavior will not be tolerated. 3) Lumina is NOT a place for after-school chatting and “horsing around”- this is a distraction for all and will not be tolerated. 4) The actor is here to be trained and directed. If the director desires an actor's opinion it will be requested. Otherwise the actor should refrain from offering opinions or instructing other actors. New actors traditionally make this mistake and they will be corrected. 5) Whenever actors enter the studio or theatre they should be attentive to the directors. Converse quietly and run lines quietly with fellow actors and be listening for instruction. When the director calls for quiet (by saying “Actors”) the actors will immediately be focused and attentive. 6) Actors are responsible for the care of their costumes and props. They will leave the dressing room and stage exactly as they found it – neat and costumes hung up carefully. Any actor leaving their costumes, props or personal belongings for the directors to pick up will be fined $1 for every piece, each time. 7) During performances and rehearsals when the Director announces that “Theatre Rules are now in effect.” The actor is expected to remember and observe the following: a) Absolutely no offstage talking or noise whatsoever. b) Actors should follow their scripts offstage to silently review lines and be ready to make entrances on cue. c) Actors will not watch the play from the audience, through the set, or entrances. (The Director usually allows the cast to observe their fellow actors once in costume). d) Actors may wear or touch only their own costumes and props and may not touch or interfere with any other equipment in the theatre or studio. Learning Lines – An Actor’s Most Important Job Upon Receiving the Script: We have learned through experience that the following is a successful way for actors to learn their lines: • Actors should make a spare copy, then take a yellow highlighter and highlight THEIR lines and blocking. • They then should take a different colored highlighter and highlight their CUE lines (the lines immediately before their lines). The actor should then memorize both their lines, cue lines, and blocking. • Once they are fairly comfortable with the lines a parent must run their lines and blocking with them (parent saying the cue lines). This is very important as it is a way for parents to check if their actor is on target. Particularly with Shakespeare, every word must be accurate. It is no surprise that the better an actor knows his/her lines the better their performance will be - and the more the actor will enjoy a feeling of mastery. It is that simple. If lines are not memorized by the due date we reserve the right to reallocate lines to other actors or delete them. We now ask that regular session actors have their lines memorized three weeks after the scripts are handed out. Scripts will be handed out the third week of the session. A schedule will be given out with scripts as to when specific sections of the script are due, but in general all lines and blocking (stage movement) are due letter perfect from the actors by the second week of October for the Fall and the second week of March for the Spring. • Actors are responsible for their scripts at all times – this means bringing the script to every rehearsal/performance and taking the script home after every rehearsal/performance. • Actors are responsible for making a copy of the script and keeping in a safe place. We do not replace lost scripts. Actor Behavior Policy: The following procedures govern actor misbehavior. Usually the infraction will be about something clearly laid out in this handbook (horsing around, chatting during class, insubordination, disruptive, uncooperative or disrespectful behavior): 1) First infraction - Actor will be warned verbally and parents notified. 2) Second infraction – Actor warned again and parents notified. A parent/actor conference will be arranged as soon as feasible to discuss the situation. 3) Third infraction – Actor will be discharged from the rehearsals and the program. There will be no refund given for a actor who is discharged. While we treasure our actors' unique personalities, we expect all actors to come with basic courtesy, respect, and socialization skills. We do not excuse or overlook inappropriate behavior for any reason. Parent Feedback: If we observe some potential issues with your child that might affect his/her full participation in the session, we will talk to you. Most of the time, it will concern one of the behavior items above. PLEASE NOTE! It is imperative for parents to talk with us about any child's learning differences or potential behavioral problems before the child is enrolled. Absences, Lateness, Conflicts Lateness and Early Departures: Promptness is a form of respect for the instructors and fellow actors. There is a specific amount of work to be accomplished at each rehearsal in order to ensure a quality production. The effect on a rehearsal when actors arrive late or leave early is disruptive to the process and to discipline. If you know you will have a scheduling problem during the session, please note it on the attached acknowledgment form. We admit actors 5 minutes before class begins. We request that parents be ready to pick up actors five minutes after class ends (it takes actors that long to put on shoes, find coats, etc.) We do NOT provide child care service after a rehearsal ends - actors may sit on front steps of Lumina Studios and wait for parent pickup. Sorry, but we cannot be responsible for a child after a rehearsal ends. Absences. As explained in the preceding “About the Instruction” section, any actor who is missing leaves a real gap in practicing and perfecting the scenes of the play. Lumina’s policy is to give every actor a role in the play. In return, Lumina asks every actor to make attendance at rehearsals a top priority. “Final Two Week Rehearsal Policy” for the first run-through and the last weeks of rehearsal. If your actor has to miss part or all of these rehearsals for any reason, please notify us immediately. We will make the necessary adjustments for the good of the show and the other actors. These adjustments may include: cutting lines, cutting number of performances the actor is allowed to do, or even cutting the actor altogether from the performances. Please understand that during this hectic time we will not be able to negotiate this with parents or actors - we will refer parents with questions to this section of the handbook. It is vital that all scheduled rehearsals be attended from start to finish and that actors be rested and focused for the production. We do not excuse actors for unscheduled School Field Trips, Band performances, or any other school activity. If a parent decides to have a child miss a Lumina rehearsal for any reason, Lumina reserves the right to make whatever changes we deem necessary for the overall good of the show and the other performers. If an actor has a conflict with a performance we will ask the actor from the alternate cast to fill in. Actors are understudies for their alternate in the other cast and are expected to keep their performance weekend free and to be at home or at the theatre “on call” for all cast performances so they may go on if required. We do not allow actors to “switch” performances. Sickness: If the child is ambulatory and fever-free they should attend rehearsal. We will take the child’s “under the weather” feelings into account and pace them accordingly. Please call us and let us know before rehearsal time if your child HAS to be absent because of sickness. Have them attend the earliest possible appropriate makeup rehearsal – please refer to schedule on website. Repeated absences due to illness may require an actor's role to be adjusted accordingly. Scheduled conflicts: We may permit certain scheduled conflicts if they are cleared with Lumina by the second week of session and if we feel we can work around them without jeopardizing the standards of the production or the other actor’s performances. Please list all conflicts on the Acknowledgment Page. Any unexcused absence or late arrival/early departures may necessitate adjustments being made to the actor’s role and possibly result in the actor not being permitted to perform. Parking Instructions: Please emphasize (as we do) with actors to look both ways when leaving building. Please be timely in drop-off – 5 minutes before class begins and pick up - 5 minutes after class finishes. T-Shirts & Contact Info Lumina Merchandise T-shirts – We will be creating original show artwork again for use in limited run of T-shirts. The T-Shirt will have the Artwork/Show Name on the front and the Lumina Logo on the back. Cost of the T-Shirt is included in Tution fee is included in the tuition fee. (This is “at-cost” for Lumina – we make nothing from the T-shirt sales. The design is an original work of art created for the show). Please fill out the order form for size and if you wish to order additional T-shirts and hand in at the second rehearsal. Important Contact Information If an urgent message needs to be delivered to the actor or director, please come by the Studio and knock on door. Lumina Studio Phone #: 301-565-2281 Checked daily before 1pm, M-Th. We do not answer the phone during rehearsal times. Lumina offices are closed Friday-Sunday. Email: office@luminastudio.org (Checked daily, M-F). One More Thing… Please don’t forget to sign the Acknowledgement/Conflict Sheet/ Hold Harmless/T-shirt order form, Costume Measurements form and the Volunteer Sign-up sheet. Please hand these in by week of Sept . 8 for SHOGUN CAESAR (2nd rehearsal). |
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