Category: Archive

Dear Understanding Dance Families,
You have paid for one more dance class…which will take place next week: Tuesday, May 7th and Wednesday, May 8th.
These classes are NOT mandatory. They are:
– a fun opportunity for HST to see their peers again after the whirlwind of show season – an opportunity for HST dance teachers to assess skills/ proficiency/speed for students who are eligible to move up a dance level.
How do I know if my student is eligible to move up?
– AGE – students MUST meet the minimum age requirement – Jazz 2 & Tap 2 – age 11 – Broadway Jazz 1 & Broadway Tap 1 – age 13 – Broadway Jazz 2 & Broadway Tap 2 – age 13 – Jazz 3 & Tap 3 – age 14 – Jazz 4 & Tap 4 – age 16 – Skills (see attached sheets), proficiency (correct technique) and speed (the ability to put steps together into sequences. – NOTE: It usually takes 2 years to achieve the proficiency & speed to move up
If I can’t make class next week does it mean I won’t move up?
– Not necessarily. Some students have already been assessed as clearly ready to move up or clearly needing to stay where they are. Others are “on the line” and need to be reviewed by the teachers to make a final decision. – Students who were “on the line” who do not attend classes next week will be kept at their current level.
If I am not moved up now, could I be moved up in the fall?
– We will NOT move students up based on skills in the fall, so “working hard” over the summer will not change your skills assessment. – We MAY move students in the fall based on class size and overall class level.
Will there be conditional contracts for moving up?
– Yes. Some students who are ready to move up except for one area of weakness, will be offered a conditional contract. The contract will give the # of private lessons a student will need to take before fall classes start back up (in order to move up to the next level).
*Special note to Jazz/Hip-Hop students.* Please try to attend next week’s class. We will be assessing the Jazz skills that you have mastered in order to determine if this class will continue to count as the one required dance class for SR Troupe members.
Feel free to reply with any additional questions. Blessings, Marilyn

2019-Dance-Level-Requirements.docx

Dear Understanding HST Families,
I have been praying all year for God to show me *how to make HST’s production schedule less stressful, and how to get things done with less volunteer hours. * I’ve learned that when you ask God for guidance, you don’t always get the answer you expect.
I believe it is *possible that one solution God is suggesting is to drop HST’s program.* Our program takes an enormous amount of volunteer time (to sell the ads that cover the cost) and it is quite stressful to put together. In the past I felt this effort was worthwhile because a professional program indicates the quality of our program. I also felt it was a valuable resource for sharing information about our program, as well as enhancing the enjoyment of our shows for our patrons and our families.
*There are several factors that are combining to make me think that the program may not be accomplishing what I thought it was. * Comments that parents have made indicate that they have *not *read the program because they were unaware of information that was included in my Executive Director note, or a Troupe Director’s Note, or in one of HST’s information pages. Additionally, the raffle contest that we advertised on the index page of the program had 2 students (out of 180) email an answer. Considering that the prize is $50 in Starbucks gift cards, that is a surprisingly low number.
Now, to be fair, our students are busy. However, I announced the contest to the 140 students in Showcase and there appeared to be great interest. *The goal of the contest was to get families to look at all the advertisements. * This is important to the businesses that advertise with us and it should also be fun because of the many creative congratulatory ads.
SO – in case the contest was too complicated – I’m going to simplify it. Count the # of congratulatory ads and the # of business ads and send the two totals to me in an email. If you are correct – I’ll put your name in twice to the raffle box, if in-correct I’ll put it in once. The two students who sent in responses already will be entered 3 times (and treated to a candy bar). We’ll pick the winner at HST’s Pool Party. Note: Parents can enter as well as students.
*When you go through the program, *be thinking about whether you feel the level of professionalism is important or whether a xeroxed paper with cast list and Order of Show would be adequate. Please include your comments when you send in your entry. Comments without an entry will not be considered because I can’t know if you really looked through the program. *I am seeking an honest review of the program we produced – not just generic opinions. *
*Ultimately, the decision to continue a professionally printed program will be made with prayerful discernment.* It is never easy to let go of something that has been enjoyed by some (if not all). However,* HST has survived for 24 years by constantly reviewing what works and what doesn’t so we can proactively change. * In the past we’ve let go of an HST yearbook, Shoutouts, class pictures (in the program) and Peer Reviews….all because we could no longer justify the volunteer time these projects took. *HST’s mission is to “provide training in the cultural arts to home school students and to make wholesome family entertainment accessible and affordable to the community. “* *The program, as is, is not essential to accomplish our mission. *Therefore, we need to take a look at it’s time/cost/value ratio.
Thank you, in advance, for your entry/feedback. Blessings, Marilyn

Dear Understanding HST Parents,
I wish I could tell each of you how valued you are. HST could not exist without your sacrifices of time, talent, and treasure. It is my great privilege to not only get to know your amazing children, but to also be inspired by their amazing parents. *Please accept my sincere thanks, in advance, for all your efforts to give your students and our audiences a wonderful show experience!*
*Please check the attached list of volunteer jobs.* *ALL shows are included *- so you can verify your commitments for every show weekend!
*If you have a conflict – it is your job to find a substitute.* Please email hstalents@gmail.com to let us know who will be working for you.
– Anyone over 21 can do your shift (relatives, neighbors, adult siblings). – If you are asking another HST parent to help you out – please SWAP with them because everyone is supposed to be doing at least 2 hours of theater work. – HST parent phone numbers are attached to assist you in finding a sub.
*If you have an emergency or an uncontrollable circumstance* please call or text my cell (which the House Managers will have) – 240-997-5796.
Since* it is essential that HST keep our performers safe and serve our audience efficiently* (particularly when we have 2 shows in one weekend), EVERY volunteer is important. Therefore, *we will issue a $50 fine for an absence that is not an emergency or uncontrollable circumstance.* We rarely have to do this because our families are so responsible, but we still need to make people aware of this policy.
Blessings, Marilyn

Theater-Workers-Schedule.docx
2019-Family-Phone-Numbers.pdf

Dear Understanding Acting Students,
Proper undergarments today, jazz shoes (or black shoes – or whatever you were assigned to bring).
Come in HST attire (black pants & HST tee shirt).
No make-up today.
Bring your scripts so you can review lines while waiting to go onstage.
Arrive at Noon – do NOT go into theater right at Noon. Please give the HST volunteer a couple minutes to set out the sign-in sheets.
*Eat a big lunch* – we prefer no snacks today because choirs are practicing in the lobby so we can’t send you out there to eat (no eating in auditorium).
Parents – your children will be starved when you pick them up. We suggest snacks in the car!
Last, but never least, be praying for God’s blessings and protection for this show week. Blessings, Mrs. Mullan

Dear Understanding HST Families,
With 142 students in Showcase – and a different act on the stage every 3 to 5 minutes, It is essential that students listen to instructions. Student safety is our first priority, so we have a straight-forward discipline policy when we are in the theater for Showcase.
– Honor Society Members and Backstage Adult Volunteers are authorized to give your student a warning about following a rule (loud talking, rough housing, eating, etc.). If your child has multiple warnings – their name will be given to me. – *Any student whose name is given to me will have their parents called that evening or the next morning to request your help in reinforcing the rules.* – If the behavior issues are not resolved at the next rehearsal/performance – your student’s seat will be reassigned to a location that is closer to adult supervision.
We rarely have to use this policy because once a warning is given students usually work hard to avoid having their parents called..
Blessings, Marilyn

Dear Understanding HST Families,
With 142 students in Showcase – and a different act on the stage every 3 to 5 minutes, It is essential that students listen to instructions. Student safety is our first priority, so we have a straight-forward discipline policy when we are in the theater for Showcase.
– Honor Society Members and Backstage Adult Volunteers are authorized to give your student a warning about following a rule (loud talking, rough housing, eating, etc.). If your child has multiple warnings – their name will be given to me. – *Any student whose name is given to me will have their parents called that evening or the next morning to request your help in reinforcing the rules.* – If the behavior issues are not resolved at the next rehearsal/performance – your student’s seat will be reassigned to a location that is closer to adult supervision.
We rarely have to use this policy because once a warning is given students usually work hard to avoid having their parents called..
Blessings, Marilyn

I am sorry for the confusion.
There are several different listings for tech tomorrow. Since we got a lot pre-loading done over the weekend – I don’t need techs to arrive at my house until 11:30am
(Dakota – should just go to the theater at Noon for choir rehearsal & Peter you will switch to A Cappella practice at 1pm.)
*Any parents dropping off who can stay and help transport items to the theater will be greatly appreciated! *
End time is 1:30pm for everyone but everyone except Zach Potter & Anthony Grancagnolo (who have siblings rehearsing until 5pm).
Blessings, Mrs. Mullan

This email went out in Feb. so we hope you have notified teachers if your student needs to miss a class to be at a rehearsal. All of these rehearsal are mandatory. Blessings, Marilyn
———- Forwarded message ——— From: HST Administration <hstalents@gmail.com> Date: Wed, Feb 6, 2019 at 10:24 AM Subject: 2019 Theater Schedule To: Marilyn Mullan <hstalents@gmail.com>
Dear Understanding HST Families,
There has been some confusion about theater rehearsal times. The theater schedule has been on our website, but I have also attached it to this email to make it simpler for people to print up.
Please put these dates on your calendar. As explained at the September parent meeting – the theater rehearsals are mandatory. Please let teachers know that your student will be missing class if they have a conflict.
Blessings, Marilyn

2019-Theatre-Schedule.pdf

This email went out in Feb. so we hope you have notified teachers if your student needs to miss a class to be at a rehearsal. All of these rehearsal are mandatory. Blessings, Marilyn
———- Forwarded message ——— From: HST Administration <hstalents@gmail.com> Date: Wed, Feb 6, 2019 at 10:24 AM Subject: 2019 Theater Schedule To: Marilyn Mullan <hstalents@gmail.com>
Dear Understanding HST Families,
There has been some confusion about theater rehearsal times. The theater schedule has been on our website, but I have also attached it to this email to make it simpler for people to print up.
Please put these dates on your calendar. As explained at the September parent meeting – the theater rehearsals are mandatory. Please let teachers know that your student will be missing class if they have a conflict.
Blessings, Marilyn

2019-Theatre-Schedule.pdf

Dear Understanding Tech Team,
The next two Fridays are MORNING rehearsals at Redland Baptist (9am to 12:30pm) because we have performances in the evening.
– GB, SH Troupe you have ONE Friday morning rehearsal (4/5). – JR, SR Troupe, you have TWO Friday morning rehearsals – (4/5 and 4/12). – If you are working more than one show – you can watch a run to get familiar with the show before it loads into theater. This is not required, but it is advisable. NOTE: *If you do sit in on a troupe run you MUST be silent. The directors don’t need extra people causing distractions* . – Mario can watch SH 4/5 and SR on 4/12. – Dakota can watch SR or 4/5 and JR on 4/12. – Zach can watch JR on 4/12. – Joel can watch SR on 4/12.
*PLEASE remember to leave extra time for driving to morning rehearsals *as traffic is much worse at this hour of the day.
It is a great idea to be praying for all our shows at this time of year. It is not possible to do what we do in the time we have to do it…and no theater program puts up five shows in four weeks. It is because of God’s grace that we are able to pull this off year after year. While I totally trust in His provision, I don’t take it for granted. *Please join me in begging God to meet all our needs, protect all the equipment, keep everyone healthy, and bring us great audiences for us to share our productions with *- for HIS glory!
Blessings, Mrs. Mullan