... “GREAT EXPECTATIONS”...

TO THE CAST: An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, so here's an outline of what we'll expect from you and what you can expect from us.

Come to every rehearsal you are scheduled for prepared to work - physically, mentally and emotionally. Bring your script and bring a pencil. Write down all of your blocking and the notes we give you after rehearsals.

Be prompt. We will start without you if you are late. If you know you will be late or must unavoidably miss a rehearsal, contact me. If you are consistently late or absent we may not be able to continue to work together.

When we’ve stopped a rehearsal to fix a line or a piece of business or blocking, begin again by repeating the cue line or lines just before the one(s) corrected so the change can be rehearsed.

When you are given blocking it is meant to feel and look natural. Feel free to counter cross and dress the stage without being told!

Stay in character throughout rehearsals. If you forget a line, remain in character and call "line". Lines will not be prompted unless you call for it.

If you are given a direction that you do not understand, stop us and ASK. It's imperative that you are comfortable and feel an ownership of your blocking and business.

Rehearsals are a safe place for you to try ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. We don't expect a finished product until the end of the last performance, so make and try lots of choices in the rehearsal process, and when we open, don't "can it" ... keep it fresh. Each audience sees the show for the first time - you have to play it each time as though you've never played it before.

NEVER give direction to another actor. If you feel a scene can be improved we are always happy to listen to your suggestions after rehearsal or on a break. Similarly, if we give you movement or change a direction, please don't debate it on the spot. If you have a question that we can address quickly, ask it immediately. If you have an in-depth question, or you disagree, please wait until after rehearsal, on a break, or before the next rehearsal.

We want your input, and your ideas. They are important to the production. We will spend time at several rehearsals discussing the show and characterization. If you feel we aren't doing enough of that, we want to know!

Learn your lines precisely and give cues consistently. Do NOT paraphrase, make contractions where there are none; DO pay attention to periods, commas, exclamations and ... . The author has given us great words ... let's use his! (You'll find that I'm rather obsessive about this, so we'll save time if you comply early on!)

If you are currently working on other shows, please DO NOT work on them during any rehearsal or performance of this show. Your complete focus is expected for each rehearsal and each performance!

Please don’t invite any friends or family to watch rehearsals unless you've cleared it with the director, and of course, don’t EVER have ANY friends or family backstage before or during a performance.

Protect your health, particularly if you are overtired. DO NOT come to rehearsal if you are running a fever above 100 degrees. (But call so we know you're not coming!) Of course, we'll expect you at performances even if you're dying!

Always acknowledge fellow actors and production staff when you feel they've gone out of their way for you. Remember that you're not the only one who needs positive reinforcement.

SAY THANK YOU loudly and often to your crew. Without them you'd be naked, propless and in the dark on a flat, bare, soundless stage!

Don't EVER gossip or spread rumors about other cast members, the production staff or anyone else involved in this show. Join us in being dedicated to creating an ensemble. Good productions demand team work: consider everyone as part of our team.

Follow the rules of the Box Office when purchasing/reserving tickets for friends and family. Don't ask for special treatment because you’re in the cast!

FROM YOUR PRODUCTION STAFF YOU CAN EXPECT:

Respect for your time within the constraints of the rehearsal schedule.

Respect for your talent.

We will be prepared and on time for rehearsals.

Your Team will be available to you for whatever you may need, during rehearsals and any other time you may need us. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or for feedback, about anything. Feel free to email us or call us at anytime.

If you feel you need extra one-on-one time to run lines, for character development, to work on difficult monologues, please let us know. We’ll do whatever we can to reasonably accommodate you.

You can expect your props, costumes, and tech will work with you and for you, not against you. Don't be shy about telling us if something is NOT working. This extends to characterization and blocking.

We will work best when we work together to create excellence in theatre.

You can count as much on our dedication as we are counting on yours!