Sunday Move-In

It's hard to believe that it's time to move into the Garza!  We're getting close, team!

I've spoken with most of you and know who can attend and who cannot. (If we haven't spoken, shoot me a note julesmontgo@gmail.com or 713-443-9692.)  

On Sunday, we will meet at 5pm at NEVERLAND so as to stay out of the way. Once the show ends, Stephanie Wisdom (also Stage Managing Secret Garden) will give us instructions to start getting some of the pieces out so we can drag our things in.

We may assign you specific items once Secret gets out of the way.

Many hands make light work. Thanks for being willing to help!
Julie

Headshots

Team,
Because the photographer's normal website is down, she sent me all of the head shots in a file. She is trusting that we'll all act honorably and only download the file, if you actually pay her for the rights.

These are the black and white ones we'll use in the program.

When you mail your check, she'll email you a link to download the color one.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xly9wbt8ucbyc46/AAD6lG0Hz-fIe9NMMiOdmQOoa?dl=0

Audree Garcia (make check for $50 to her)
9702 Ashdown Forest Drive
Spring, TX 77379
Include:  Your  name, the image #, your email address, check for $50

Thanks for respectfully honoring the artist!
If you have any questions, let me know.
Julie

Conflicts, late arrivals, etc.

Grab a cup of coffee and read: IT IS CRUNCH TIME!! 

We have 3 weeks until we open. THREE WEEKS. It kinda sneaks up on you, doesn't it? 

That being said, there are a few house-keeping notes that must be addressed:

Rehearsals
First and foremost, if you do NOT have a prior conflict listed for us, unless you are physically ill, we expect you to be at rehearsal. Plain and simple. Your not showing to rehearsal now has a domino effect. When YOU don't show, it affects everyone at rehearsal--not just YOU. 

Everyone needs you to be at rehearsal. If you do not show and it is not listed as a prior conflict...

Secondly, if you have to miss rehearsal, please do not text me an hour before and tell me. And if you DON'T have a valid reason?? (See above video.) (If you don't have my number: 832-623-1757. In your text, please alert me to who you are.) 

Please, please understand that we are not asking this of you for our pure, evil enjoyment. It is absolutely imperative that when we are working a scene, all cast members in that scene be in attendance. I don't care if you're "random dancing guy/girl on stage left"--YOU are important, and I need you to be there, because darn it, you WILL be the best "random dancing guy on stage left" EVER, and everyone on that stage needs to have you there to interact with you. #NOEXCUSES That being said...

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Expect to have to be at every rehearsal from here on out. That's MTTh and Saturday. As your director stated, there will most likely be random pickups scheduled. If the director requests a pickup and you cannot attend, please let me know IMMEDIATELY. Pickups are to work on specific scenes that the director feels need extra work. If you say you can make it, then don't show up, it basically becomes a pointless rehearsal wherein your fellow castmates took time out of their 'day off' to show up. I'll be irritated, the director will be irritated....but your fellow castmates that sat at an extra rehearsal and had to figure out how to rework/rehearse the scene without you there?? (See above video.) And Jonny....Jonny has WEAPONS. Do NOT skip out on fight choreo. It's a safety issue on so many levels. Please respect each others' time. 

PROPS
Secret Garden moves out on Sunday, so for the remainder of this week/weekend, their props are still on the Garza/backstage. DO NOT TOUCH THE PROPS. Do not feel them. Do not caress them. Do not pick them up. Do not look at them. If you do...(see above video). 

3M props: These are YOUR props. These props not only belong to you, but they belong to the ENTIRE cast. Take responsibility, please. If you see a random sword, that you know should not be there, pick it up and put it back where it belongs. As we go back and forth between Neverland and the Garza, I need everyone to double-check weaponry.   

MOVE-IN
We're moving-in to the Garza on Sunday! Joy of joys! No more schlepping back and forth from Neverland to Garza and back! It is tradition at HFAC that we help close-out the previous show by assisting them in strike and the closing show helps us move in. That's how we roll. It's a 'hand off' of the stage, so to speak. So, reminders: No food/drink (except water) in the house. Please respect our theatre. Besides, if Lisa Garza finds out...(see above video). 

LINES
EVERYONE is offbook. Period. Line notes begin on Monday. 

BIOS
I've only received a few! The playbill goes into build mode on 3/1. Email them to me at stephanie.wisdom@wirestone.com 


Final note
Now that the Garden closes on Sunday, I am with you all the time. I am like your woobie. You have a problem? Tell the woobie. You need something? Tell the woobie. You need a hug? I do that, too. I am exceedingly sarcastic, but I promise, I'm also extremely kind. I love people, I love this theatre, and I love stage managing. You cannot possibly over-communicate with me. Always, always call or text. I get that you have lives--oddly enough, I have one, too. Like many of you, i'm juggling a full-time job (plus, a part-time job), kids, a husband, and life. My day runs off of schedules and lists. If it's not texted or written down, it doesn't exist. 

I seriously have so much respect for each and every one of you. I understand how much time this takes away from you, from your family, from your life. Thank you for being a part of this! 

Let's rock and roll! 

Costume Parade This Saturday

Team,
It's time for the costume parade this Saturday.  Amber, our costumer, uses this opportunity to see how things are fitting/looking and to work with the director on final touches. Everything will not be 100% complete. With your help, this can be a smooth day.

Unless I specifically reach out and tell you differently, please arrive at 8:15am. We will be viewing costumes by scenes. When you arrive, ladies will dress in the back room and gents will have a blocked off area in Neverland main room. Please be prepared to be in your ball costume and ready to be "seen" no later than 8:30am.  

Please work to stay on schedule, as we need to end at 10am sharp and get into rehearsal.

Tips/requests:

• Please wear changing clothes (clothes such as leotard /shorts/ undershirts) that allow you to change publicly.  We will have limited privacy and want to maintain our "family friendly" environment:)
• Please wear deodorant
• Bring dress socks or jazz shoes, if you don't have the appropriately finalized shoewear. No bare feet, please. I don't trust the floor.

Any questions?  Please feel free to email or text Julie.  julesmontgo@gmail.com or 713-443-9692

Pickups, etc...

Team,

With the change in cast and the challenge with cast schedules, I am planning 2-3 pickups and willing to work with you on other days not called. I understand you may have work conflicts, etc, but, we would really appreciate a hardcore effort to make it as you are called. As many of you can see, this is production is far more complex across several scenes and we need these days to tighten the show. We are all sacrificing a lot to make this a brilliant show and just need a little more from everyone over the next 3 weeks. Thank you.

Planned pickups...

Please alert Stephanie in a private email or message of conflicts on these days--do not respond to this post--my hope is there will be none, but we get there are life priorities, so let's discuss your situation if you cannot make it.

-Wednesday, March 4: fights, Scenes 1:5, 2:5

-Sunday, March 8: general pickup to cover any complex scenes we need help with and help with set dressing day. We will run/clean scenes and help set dress as needed. Time TBA, but I expect 2-5 or so.

-If needed: Wednesday, March 11 will be a clean pickup for any scenes requiring likely 630-9pm

Reminder on Tech Week...

Saturday, March 14: we will run/tech. So the call will be 9am-5pm.

Sunday, March 15: 1-8pm run/tech.

Monday-Wednesday: calls will be as soon as you can get there, though prefer 530-11pm.

Thursday: My hope is that I can give some if not everyone off on Thursday, March 19th, but all this depends on how we progress. I find that a off day before opening night really makes a positive difference in your and energy level for the opening weekend, especially after a long tech week. Pickups are being added to help with this goal, though I fear we still might need Thursday and the pickups, so let's work towards this as a goal and really push this show to the finish line!

Tonight and rest of week calls...

Good Morning Team 3M,

1. Sell Tickets Please - thank you to those turning in ticket money!
2. Bios - we need ASAP by end of this week.
3. Schedule with the addition of Justin to the cast and the schedule, we are going to shift this week's schedule to get him up to speed. It is a good chance to clean dances and fights in between as well.
Tonight is an All Call. There will be waiting around, so plan to work choreo, run lines or grab a partner and walk your fight with Jonny in the other room between scenes.
Those not in scenes listed below will dance with Dru or Fight w Jonny and we will move back and forth between Garza and Neverland for scene work.
7-10pm - we will run through as many 3M Scenes as we can and clean as well: 1:2, 1:4, 1:5, 1:7, 1:8, 1:10, 1:11 (end), 2:3, 2:7, 2:9 (end)
7-8pm Fight Call - Milady/Sabine and as Jonny calls.
Wednesday we will fight 7-9pm. all fighter call minus Sherry Rozas. We will rotate fights to touch ups and to get Justin up to speed. 7-8pm will be 1:7, 1:10. 8-10pm will be 1:7 work.
Thursday we will clean Act I in parts. Sc. 1, 3, 6, 9, 11 and in between these scenes, Jonny will run a fight call.
Saturday is a costume parade with an early report around 730-8am and an extended day to 2pm (lunch will be provided). We will stumble/clean Act I.
See you tonight.

This Wednesday Call Update

Update on trhis Wednesday Fight Call...

6-7 pm : Jonny is available for anyone who can come in early.
7-8 pm : 1:7, clean up.
8-9 pm : Milady/D'arty (2:6)
         Milady/Athos  (2:7)
         Debris Fight  (1:10)

These time blocks are not long for a fight call. The faster we are able to reset after a run, the better. Expect tons of repetition (it is key, ya know) with a bit of 'hurry up and wait". I need you patience and focus as we enter the home stretch to make this one of the most memorable things our audience will experience.

Rehearsal call times for Thursday 2/19 and BIOGRAPHIES

Fight call

6-630: Athos and Guard (Chris Eden) [Act 1:7]

630-7: Milady and Sabine

Rehearsal

7-730: 3M [Act 2:7]

730-10: [Act 2:1-9] stumble through

CALL FOR BIOGRAPHIES

All, it's time to send in your bios for the playbill! 

Bios need to:

• Be written in 3rd person
• List previous shows in italics; roles in parentheses 
• Remain at 500 characters (including spaces) 

Examples:

Betsy Wilson (Lily) is excited to be playing one of her dream roles in this beautiful musical. She studied Musical Theatre at Ouachita Baptist University and is the current production intern at HFAC. Some of her other favorite roles have been in Peter Pan (Mrs. Darling), Les Miserables (Factory Girl/ Ensemble), A Christmas Carol (Reveler), Crane Wife (Narrator), Eurydice (Little Stone), and Annie Get Your Gun (Winnie Tate). She thanks her family for always loving and supporting her.

Examples:

Megan Jackson (Ms. Winthrop/Alice) received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Samford University. Favorite productions at Samford include: Moving Thoughts, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and We Happy Few. Her most recent productions include: The Jungle Book, Anne of Avonlea, and The Magician’s Nephew at the A.D. Players Theater. Megan is thrilled to be making her debut at Houston Family Arts Center and is incredibly thankful to everyone who has been a part of this beautiful show!

 Email them to stephanie.wisdom@wirestone.com by Friday, 2/27. 

And...if you have yet to see The Secret Garden, it has only 2 weekends left! Please support your fellow actors and snag a ticket while you still can!

Props Update

Update:

The props table in Neverland/Gascony/Europe has been labeled with nearly all the props assigned to date.  Some of these props are do-fors (will do for now), some will still be modified and some are still being sought.  

At your next rehearsal, please familiarize yourself with where all of your props are.  When we move to the Garza space permanently, this arrangement will likely change due to entrances and exits, but we would like you to get in the habit of picking up your props and putting them back in their designated places beginning tonight.  If there is the actual prop or a do-fer, you are expected to use in the scene.

If we rehearse in Garza, the SM will gather all props with cast help and move to the Garza only for that rehearsal.  Please put props back in the "travel" box when rehearsal is complete and ensure that your prop makes it back to Neverland/Gascony/Europe nightly.

If there is a prop you require or a question/concern about a prop, please let Kiara, Stephanie, Elizabeth or Misty know immediately. 

-Elizabeth and Misty

Rehearsal Call Times for Saturday 2/14

Rehearsal Call Times for Saturday 2/14

Called @ 9a: Everyone except Mark, Paul, Adrian

Called @ 10a: Mark

Called @ 10:30a: Paul

Adrian will be worked in sometime next week :)

Thank You!

Kiara Steelhammer

Happy Valentines Day Loves

Schedule Update and a look ahead...

Everyone,

Thank you for your contributions thus far.  This definitely takes a village!


1) Facebook Courtesy: Please be aware that Kiara is posting a FB reminder on who is called and times, etc. as a courtesy to you.  You are responsible for checking the actual rehearsal schedule posted on the blog on the right hand side under Important Documents to confirm your call and to also review the scene prior to your arrival.   Until we finish blocking, please note that actors will be called that may not seem logical to you, but I may have blocked a specific scene for you.  If you are in doubt, confirm with Kiara so you do not miss your scene blocking.

2) Saturday 9am-1pm is the Royal Ball blocking/staging/choreo 1:5/1:6 on the Garza Stage.   Please arrive no later than 845am to be ready to go at 9am sharp. Jonny will work with fighters in 1:7 through the day in the Musketeer Compound (aka Neverland, aka Gascony, aka Europe).  Men wear boots (please wear something other than street shoes--even cowboy boots work, hats, swords, etc.  Woman wear an character shoes other than street shoes, corsets, etc.  We will open up by 830am.

3) Official 2/17-3/9 Schedule will be posted this weekend, but after next week, it gets pretty simple: all calls.  There will be days off for some, but this is determined by the prior night run, so hard to predict, so I am not going to lay out off days just yet.  Here is a look forward on the schedule:

Week of 2/16: Complete Act II blocking no later than next Saturday--note, I also want to run Act I on Saturday 2/21 to bring it back to the forefront and extend rehearsal until 2pm to make this happen and provide lunch--please make every attempt to make it until 230pm.  Let Kiara know asap if there is an issue with this, but it really would be beneficial for the show if you can swing it.

Week of 2/23: Run/clean both acts.  Fight pickup call this week--Jonny and Kiara will coordinate the night--Wednesday or Friday.

*Saturday, 2/28: Costume Parade 9-1030am (please arrive by 8am to dress.  Rehearsal 11am-2pm -  lunch provided.

Sunday 3/1 Reminder: Cast to move into Garza/help Secret Garden disassemble from 4pm-8pm.  Also, need extra hands/help the next 14 days with painting, set dressing, construction during the day and around our rehearsal schedule  Elizabeth Betsy Wilson​ will coordinate this effort.

Week of 3/2: 2x Full Run/cleaning. Fight/dance pickup call this week--Jonny, Dru and Kiara will coordinate the night--Wednesday or Friday.

Tuesday, 3/3: Lonestar College Scene Preview: 2pm/4pm, Dinner provided for those participating, followed by rehearsal at 630pm.  Julie Johnson Montgomery​ will coordinate.

*Saturday, 3/7  Cast appreciation lunch TBD.

Week of 3/9: Full show run and cleaning. Possible Fight/dance pickup--Jonny, Dru and Kiara will coordinate the night--Wednesday or Friday.

Saturday, 3/14 - Tech Rehearsal 930am-530pm (production arrive by 8am): q to q/transition work, run, clean and see how far we get.

Sunday, 3/15 - Tech rehearsal 11am-6pm (Cast call: 1-6pm).  Pick up  where we left off, clean.

Monday, 3/16 - Tech Call 530-11pm w costume (makeup optional). Minimal stops.

Tuesday, 3/17 - Tech Call 530-11pm - full dress rehearsal - no stops

Wednesday, 3/18 Tech Call   530-11pm - full dress rehearsal - possible preview night. no stops.

Thursday, 3/19 Tech Call 530-10 - we will discuss this date.

Friday, 3/20 Opening Night - theatre opens at 4pm on Fridays, so you are welcome to arrive.

We will run at least 1 large scene and/or 2-3 smaller moments and fight calls every preshow. Plan to spend 15+ minutes on scenes/fights each preshow between dressing, makeup, etc.   Saturday and Sunday calls will always be 2 hours prior to sho, especially for fighters.  We will back down preshow scene work after the first two weekends, but there will always be preshow scene work/warmups.

Extras:

1) We have a show on 3/26 not a pickup.  We will start no later than 730pm, but would love to start at 7pm.  I know there are late arrivals on this date, so please adjust your schedule to arrive by 530ish.

2) Thursday 4/2 and 4/9 mandatory pickups 7-9pm.

Rehearsal Call Times for Thursday 2/12

Rehearsal Call Times for Thursday 2/12

Please arrive 10 mins early to attach swords and corsets.

Called @ 7: All Except Adrian

Thank You!

Kiara Steelhammer

Rehearsal Call Times for Wednesday 2/11

Rehearsal Call Times for Wednesday 2/11

Please arrive 10 mins early to call to attach swords! 

Called @ 7p: Cole & Chris W

Called @ 7:15p: Ben

Called @ 7:30p: Manny, Jordan, Jared

Called @ 8p: Taylor, JT, Paul, Jonathan, Morgan

Thank you!

Kiara Steelhammer

Rehearsal Call Times for Tuesday 2/10

Rehearsal Call Times for Tuesday 2/10

Please be at least 10 mins early for your call in order to attach swords and corsets.

Called @ 5:30p: Ragan & Morgan (2:9 Fight)

Called @ 6;30p: Cole (2:6 Fight)

Called @ 7p: All Except Mark (Dance Work)

Called @ 8p: Mark (2:1)

Thank You!

Kiara Steelhammer

Team,
Here is a facebook banner to use!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/d86dre736iqj85y/F_HFAC-FacebookBanner.jpg?dl=0

Jules

Rehearsal Call Times for Monday 2/9

Rehearsal Call Times for Monday 2/9

Please be at least 10 mins early for your call in order to attach swords and corsets.

Called @ 5p: Ragan & Morgan (2:9 Fight)

Called @ 6:15p: Ragan & Cole (2:6 Fight)

Called @ 7:15p: All Called except Sherry, Stephanie, and Cameron (1:7 work & 2:1 Block)

Thank You!

Kiara Steelhammer

Rehearsal Call Times for Saturday 2/7

Rehearsal Call Times for Saturday 2/7

Please be at least 5 mins early to attach swords and corsets.

Called @ 9a: Morgan, Manny, Jordan, Jared, Paul, Chris W, Chris E, Ben, JT, Taylor, Jonathan

Called @ 10a: All Called!

Thank You!

Kiara Steelhammer

Rehearsal Call Times for Thursday 2/5

Rehearsal Call Times for Thursday 2/5

Called @ 6p: Aramis, Athos, Sabine for Sword/Stance Work

Called @ 6:30p: Athos, Darty

Called @ 7p: All in Sc. 7 

Called @ 7:30p: Everyone is called!

Thank You! 

Kiara Steelhammer

Extra Notes - Update

Team 3M,

Thank you for all your work to date.  Congratulations. We are close to fully blocked on Act I and now the hard work begins--retaining and improving Act I while still learning Act II.  What does this mean?

• Act II. Begins next week, but we will continue to review ALL scenes weekly in parallel as best we can, but if we do not touch, you need to be staying fresh.  
• Off Book. Everyone should be off book and calling for lines in Act I.   Line notes will start Thursday for Act I.
• Consistency. This is the hard part. Review lines and choreography every day.  It is noticed in rehearsals. 
• Transitions. Fairly easy to learn. We will work on scene transitions once the entire cast is in place next week. 
• Character Development.  I will schedule a 15 minute discussion with each of you to discuss your development. However, please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any help or clarifications.
• Accents. Everyone please ensure you are learning lines in a classical euro/British accent, except where noted.  This is an emphasized note.
• Thursday.  2nd and 3rd time for some scenes, so expectations are that you begin working character into the scenes, know your blocking, know/use props, walk through sword fights at minimum without much deliberation, call for lines without disruption, recognize timing, cadence and beats.   If you forget blocking, do not stop and work through the scene. It's important for you and other actors to start working scenes without disruption.  We will likely stop for 2-3 minutes max between scenes to reset and assign set piece transitions.   So, be ready for the entrance into the next scene or to move a piece we assign.   We will take a lot of notes and try to hit them end of rehearsal, but definitely Saturday.
• Scabbards/Boots/Shoes, etc . Please do not wear sneakers to stage.  At minimum, wear character shoes or boots of any kind as appropriate (even hiking boots are good). Just something to give you heavy footing. It is amazing to see how character shoes, capes, rehearsal skirts, corsets, etc change a scene.  We are assigning boots, etc. so bring your own until we determine. Everyone should also be using scabbards or some kind of way to sheath your swords as required.  Fighters in 1:7 will not all have scabbards, instead there are plenty of frogs.   Girls get your rehearsal skirts on--check with Amber.  Men, grab a sword you will use, put a piece of tape on inside with your last name and use every rehearsal: first come, first serve.
• Saturday.  I would like to touch all scenes in some kind of way, even if only one moment. Everyone will be called at some point and I will ask some to stay over to work on scenes/characters as required and provide snacks/lunch to help ease the time.  1:7 will kick off rehearsal at 9am sharp.  Please be ready to roll by 9am.  Doors open at 830am.

Rehearsal Call Times for Tuesday 2/3

Rehearsal Call Times for Tuesday 2/3

Called @ 6p: Darty/Roche 

Called @ 7p: Sabine and All Males in Scene. 

Called @ 8:15p: 3M, Darty, Kiara, Stephanie, Cameron, Constance, Jonathan, Chris W, Sherry, Sabine (except Card) 

Thank You!

Kiara Steelhammer

Rehearsal Call Times for Monday 2/2

Rehearsal Call Times for Monday 2/2

Called @ 6p: Darty, Father, Rochefort (1:1, 1:3)

Called @ 7:30: Constance, Athos, Aramis, Porthos (1:5 Fight Call)

Called @ 8:30: Debris (Sean) (1:10 Fight Call)

Thank You!

Kiara Steelhammer