Clarkstown Summer Theatre Festival

  The History of Clarkstown Summer Theatre Festival

 Who could have known the impact that the seed of an idea planted in 1973 could have? The suggestion for a summer theatre program involving high school students was made by Luther Howard, then Principal of Clarkstown High School South. His idea, with help from the PTA, has grown and borne fruit of many varieties that have nourished local students, the community, and the county.

 The Clarkstown Summer Theatre Festival program encourages young adults to increase their self confidence and heighten their self esteem. The students work as a team as they learn about all areas of theatre...lighting, sound, set construction, acting, choreography, singing, and orchestration. Each component- cast, crew, and orchestra, works together with an outstanding paid professional staff to put on the show.

 All of these wonderful experiences would not be possible without a very dedicated and tireless volunteer CSTF Board of Trustees. Adult and student board members work throughout the year on committees such as Reading, Personnel, and Fundraising. During the summer, the committees work on Costumes, Props, Tickets, Playbill, and Boutique, just to name a few. Their reward is seeing the registrants gaining experience in theatre and also having lots of good, healthy fun.

 We would like to take the opportunity at this time to welcome you to the Clarkstown Summer Theatre Festival Family. We hope your experiences in CSTF equal or exceed those of the close to one thousand students and adults who have taken pride in their association with this program.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Students are required to make a commitment to attend every night of the program. The professional staff is given a very short time frame to prepare the students for Opening Night. Since the success of cast, orchestra, and crew depends on a precision team effort, we have found that the absence of even one participant can be very disruptive to the program.

 Students are expected to arrive by 6:30 p.m. each night unless told otherwise. Punctuality is very important for the success of the program, so lateness is not acceptable.  Parents should arrive at 10:30 p.m. to pick up the students, since staff strives to complete rehearsals each night by this time. There are nights, particularly during tech week, when more time is needed to refine different aspects of the show.  It is important to be patient and supportive during these times.

 Dinner/Snacks must be ordered by 6:30 p.m. Food and drinks are never permitted backstage or onstage during tech week and performances. Dinner will be provided during tech week.

 Beepers and cell phones must be turned off during program hours (although their use during dinner break is fine!)

 Program participants are supervised at all times by either professional staff, board members, and/or parent volunteers. Adults are vigilant about screening unfamiliar persons who come to visit our program. Non-program participants are requested to leave.

 Workplace safety is emphasized during all phases and aspects of the program. Students in crew are taught the safe use of tools. Performers are instructed on the safe use of their tools- voice and body.

---

 General Information about Clarkstown Summer Theatre Festival

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

It is your responsibility to make us aware of any special medical needs or conditions that your child may have by indicating this information on his or her  confidential application.

  No previous theatre experience is necessary to participate in CSTF; however, orchestra members must be accomplished musicians. All registrants are guaranteed a place in the program. Members of crew get on the job training.

All participants are required to fulfill fundraising obligations. The students must sell at least $180 worth of playbill advertising in order to receive a full refund of their fundraising deposit.  Business and/or personal ads are acceptable.  Samples of both are shown in the back of this pamphlet.

 Cast and orchestra members must leave a $50 deposit for each script or score they receive.   This check is held until the return of the undamaged script or score, at which time it is returned to the student.

 CSTF is always in need of volunteers to help.  We need responsible adults to supervise during rehearsals and performances, as well as to assist on our numerous committees. There are many ways to assist during the summer program, as well as during the entire year. We will find a perfect job for you. No experience necessary!

 The CSTF Board of Trustees is always appreciative of parental and student input.

---

 CSTF'S RESPONSIBILITIES

   To provide a high quality theatrical experience — the board strives to select the highest quality professional staff available;

¨       To provide a safe, well supervised setting — the board strives to assure that each student is well supervised and that the working environment is safe;

¨       To provide an environment for social and personal growth — students are encouraged to make new friends and to expand their personal experiences and self concept;

¨       To respond to changing program needs — the board strives to continue to enhance the program to best meet the needs of the students and the community;

¨       To exercise responsible fiscal management — the board strives to provide this outstanding program at a reasonable cost to its students and supporters;

¨       To coordinate outreach to the community — the board strives to share the joy of  CSTF with those who are needy and less fortunate.

STUDENTS’ responsibilities

¨       Behavior — exemplary citizenship always, but especially when you are representing CSTF during rehearsals, shows, outreach and solicitation; Under no circumstances shall foul language be used toward any student or adult!

¨       Punctuality — on-time arrival and being prepared and ready to work for rehearsals and shows and all other CSTF activities;

¨       Respect — for self, other students, staff, trustees, parents, environment, and property- in order to get respect you must give respect;

¨       Cooperation — follow directions, accept constructive criticism, and help out others;

¨       Commitment — an outstanding show and rewarding personal experience requires 100% physical and mental participation and attendance. Absences and fooling around disrupt  the program for everyone.

PARENTS’/guardians’ RESPONSIBILITIES

¨       Financial —  fees must be paid on time and show support to CSTF through boutique, refreshments, ticket sales,and fundraising;

¨       Punctuality —   to drop off and pick up your child on time;

¨       Support Your Child —  encourage your child’s commitment to the program;

¨       Volunteer —  help CSTF  in any way you can — no talent required!

GLOSSARY

Advertising- publicity to tell people about CSTF and our show- also a form of business and personal publicity used to support the program; see Business Ad and Personal Ad

Assistant to...- the person who assists a member of the professional staff

Auditions- tryouts for acting, singing, and dancing roles.

Booster- a one line ad

Boutique- the shop that sells souvenirs, flowers, balloons, and T-Shirts at the performances

Business Ad- the way businesses support our program while publicizing their product or service

Callback- a return audition

Cast- the on-stage performers

Choreographer- the person who plans and integrates the dance numbers into the show and teaches them to the cast

Chorus- the supporting cast members

Committee- a group of people who work together to complete a specific task essential for the success of the program

Crew (Stage Crew)- the students who build and paint the set, as well as move and light the set during performances

Director- the person who translates the written story and music into the actual show by directing the performers 

Dress Rehearsal- a formal performance of the show in full costume with or without a formal audience

Executive Board- President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Corresponding/Recording Secretaries,Business Manager and Coordinator of Membership

Fundraising- one of the ways CSTF finances the program

Lead- a main acting and singing part

Matinee- an afternoon performance of the show

Musical Director- the person who rehearses and conducts the orchestra and musical numbers

Notes- information shared at the meeting held before or after each night’s rehearsal

Opening Night- the first night performance of the show

Outreach- what CSTF gives back to the community through support of less fortunate community members

Orientation- the meeting held for all registrants which lets them know about the program

Orchestra (pit)- the musicians

People to People- an outreach program- CSTF students volunteer one Saturday to collect food for the needy

Personal Ad- the way parents and friends show support for students and the program

Playbill- the magazine which tells all about the show and displays the advertisements

Props- the objects used during the show to add realism

Recruitment- publicizing the program to attract students

Refreshments- the food and beverages served during rehearsals and performances

Registration- signing students up as program participants

Score- the book of music for the show

Script- the book which has the spoken and sung words of the show

Set Designer- the person who designs the scenery for the show

Stage Manager- the person who coordinates the performers, the scenery and the lighting during performances of the show

Strike Night- the night used to disassemble the set

Technical Director- the person who coordinates the work of the stage crew during the building, painting and placement of the set

Tech Week- the week just prior to Opening Night during which all the last minute fine tuning is done to prepare the show for  its debut performance

Trustees- the volunteer Board Members of CSTF

Website- summertheatrefestival.com

Who’s Who- short staff and student autobiographies appearing in the Playbill

TICKET SALES

  Adults (at the door)..................................$12

Student.........................................................$9

Seniors & Children (12 & under)…...........$8

Group Advance Sales* …………………...$6

(*Minimum 20 for same performance)

 AD PRICES

 Back Cover (1)..........................................$400

Inside Covers (2).............................$300

Full Page...................................................$275

Half (1/2) Page..........................................$155

Quarter (1/4) Page.....................................$85

Eighth (1/8) Page........................................$45

Supporter....................................................$20

Booster (per line)..........................................$1

REGISTRATION FEES

Registration...............................$260

PLAYBILL AD DIMENSIONS

 1/8 page ad

(2.15” x 1.78”)

1/4 page ad

(4.5” x 1.68”)

 1/2 page ad

(4.5” x 3.65”)

full page ad and of all cover ads

(4.5” x 7.5”)

---

Previous CSTF Productions

1973 - BRIGADOON

1974 - ANNIE GET YOUR GUN

1975 - KISS ME KATE

1976 - CAROUSEL & WHEN YOU’RE ONE

1977 - MY FAIR LADY & THE THREE PENNY OPERA

1978 - OF THEE I SING & MAD WOMAN OF CHAILLOT

1979 - WEST SIDE STORY

1980 - PIPPIN & THE BEST OF SUMMER THEATRE

1981 - PIRATES OF PENZANCE

1982 - THE MUSIC MAN

1983 - KISMET

1984 - OKLAHOMA!

1985 - GOOD NEWS

1986 - FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

1987 - GYPSY

1988 - ANYTHING GOES

1989 - LI’L ABNER

1990 - 42ND STREET

1991 - BRIGADOON

1992 - HELLO, DOLLY!

1993 - BABES IN ARMS

1994 - OKLAHOMA!

1995 - GUYS & DOLLS

1996-  BYE BYE BIRDIE

1997-  FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

1998-  THE PAJAMA GAME

1999-  OLIVER!

2000– BARNUM

2001– CRAZY FOR YOU

2002- ANNIE GET YOUR GUN

2003– GEORGE M!

2004– SINGIN IN THE RAIN

 2005-WEST SIDE STORY

2006-ANYTHING GOES

2007-THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE