Cats performance of the El Dorado Musical Theatre

Family Involvement Expectations

While we are fortunate enough to have a professional production staff, parent volunteers are an essential component of each EDMT show. Both you and your child have roles in the production. For example, a typical EDMT show includes a total of about 1000 hours of volunteer time. This is divided among the families of all cast members.

You may have experienced a volunteer commitment requirement if your child has participated in a sports program. Similarly, by having a performer in a show, you agree to contribute at least 20 hours of your time in any of the areas listed below. Parents work under the guidance of the Show Coordinator or simply a coordinator in each area.

There are a number of ways you can help, from creating sets, to selling advertisements, distributing promotional flyers and show posters, scheduling fund-raising events, monitoring rehearsals or supervising backstage, sewing costumes, among many other roles. We encourage you to consider coordinating a whole area, which will automatically earn your 20 hours.

Please read the examples below and consider where you would like to participate. There will be an opportunity to sign up for various roles online (link sent by your Show Coordinator).

Mandatory requirement for ALL FAMILIES: 3 hours either helping move sets into the theater (load-in) or taking down the sets after the last performance (load-out).

This volunteer role entails working with others to load the set pieces into and out of the theater. You may elect to fulfill more of your parent volunteer hours by staying for the full time of either load-in or load-out.

Show Coordinator: Generally responsible for making sure all volunteer opportunities/needs are filled. Should be personable and organized since you will be the liaison between parents and production staff as well as do clerical work including preparing weekly e-mail communication. Parents new to EDMT can assist someone more experienced for the first show.

Rehearsal Monitor: Attend a rehearsal to monitor cast member behavior, keep noise levels down, facilitate clean up after rehearsal and make sure everyone gets picked up safely after rehearsal ends. (Written guidelines are provided; you will work as part of a scheduled team).

Attendance: Take accurate attendance at each rehearsal. Requires the ability to arrive at 3:15. Daily notification to the producer or parent coordinator and follow up with parents regarding any absences.

Poster Blitz Coordinator: Coordinate Poster Blitz, which is a day of cast members distributing show posters and postcards promoting the show.  The PB Coordinator will pass out printed material, tape and zones to cast members at EDMT, be available during Poster Blitz hours in case cast members need more materials, and then will meet cast members at Round Table Pizza (Broadstone) for a Poster Blitz photo.  The PB Coordinator will collect all unused materials and zone packets and update PB binder.

Costumes: Assist costume designer(s) with taking performer’s measurements, record keeping, and accessory construction and or shopping for various items for costumes or props. May include taking make-up, leotard, and shoe orders and coordinating distribution of items.

Seamstresses: Assist in costume sewing or assembly.

Clerical Office Help: Assist Show Coordinator or Producer with various copying, projects and administrative duties throughout the production to include typing and proofing personal ads, personal messages, and performer biographies.

Set Construction & Painting: Help put together and paint the set pieces and backdrops for the show. No experience necessary. Dates to be advised closer to showtime.

Collectible Order / Cast Photo Coordinator: Collect orders from cast and place on spreadsheet ready for placing orders; distribute orders once available at EDMT or theater.

Cast Party Coordinator: Secure a venue for cast party at the end of the run. Purchase (minimal) decorations and organize the food, beverage, and entertainment. Make flyers for cast. Make poster for backstage. Collect funds (if applicable).

Backstage Coordinator: Attend all tech rehearsals to take notes on what cast members will need help with backstage to ensure a successful run. Assigns backstage monitors specific duties (props, dressing rooms, quick changes on stage right or left, dock parent, etc.) and ensure all performers’ safety, respectful behavior, noise control, and meeting cues at the proper time.

Backstage Monitors: Assist Backstage Coordinator with cast member preparations, behavior, noise control, and assisting cast members with costume maintenance and quick changes during performances to ensure proper cues. Recommend volunteering for a minimum of 3 performances as there is a learning curve and it takes time to become acquainted with and proficient in backstage performance needs and flow. Must attend backstage meeting (usually during first tech rehearsal). Must attend at least one dress rehearsal.

Gofer: Be available for errands for staff members during Tech Week at Harris Center. You must have a vehicle and ability to purchase items needed, which will be reimbursed usually within a week. This could involve driving to retrieve things from EDMT, running errands in town (i.e., Michaels or Home Depot), etc.

Lobby Photo Display: Create welcoming, show-themed display in lobby. This includes one display with all cast photos and a second display that shows live photos of the show. Will need to purchase lobby head shots, velcro and other items that will be reimbursed.

Prop Master: Manage the prop table by assisting cast members in dealing with their props.

Stage Crew: Work in the wings to move set pieces and scenery.

Spotlight Operators: Two people operate spotlights at the theater during ALL tech rehearsals and performances. Training provided.

House Manager: Responsibilities include ensuring the safety and comfort of the audience during performances, front of house duties including liaising with the backstage during performances and with the ushers, box office interface and problem solving. (House Manager is training and assigned by the Harris Center.)

Ushers: If you are interested in being an usher, you must go through Harris Center training and will be trained on how to take tickets and direct members of the audience to their assigned seats. You will assist audience members during the show and monitor the lobby during the performance.

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