Welcome, Showtime Families!

Please read these procedures carefully and keep them for reference throughout the semester. Students and parents are responsible for knowing and following the information below. Thank you for helping us create a safe, organized, and successful production experience!

Class Website

Each class has its own page on the FPMT website. Please bookmark your class page and check it regularly for:

• Audition information

• Cast lists

• Costume and make-up requirements

• Performance and ticket information

• Important announcements and schedule updates

The class page is the primary source for class-specific communication.

Rehearsal Location

FPMT Studios
14180 Northdale Blvd.
Rogers, MN 55374

All regular classes will be held at this location.

Casting and Auditions

When a student enrolls in Showtime, they are officially part of the current musical.

• Every enrolled student will receive a role, which may include speaking parts, solos, ensemble work, and dance groups.

• Roles are determined through the audition process.

• By enrolling, families agree to accept the role assigned to their student and trust the directors to cast the production as a complete, cohesive puzzle.

• Dropping out after casting affects the entire production. Every role matters!

• Our intention is to have one cast, with lead roles double-cast when appropriate. Final casting decisions will be made after auditions.

• Students must commit to no absences during the final month of rehearsals or on any stage dates.

Arrival Time

Students should arrive 15 minutes before class to change shoes and begin stretching with the choreographer or assistant. Warm-ups begin promptly at the scheduled class time.

Rehearsal Attire

Students should wear comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely.

Appropriate rehearsal attire includes:

• Sweatpants, yoga pants, or exercise pants

• Shirts that fully cover the midsection during all movement

• Hair pulled back and away from the face

Please observe the following guidelines:

• No hats

• No shorts unless they are knee-length

• No low-cut necklines

Dance Shoes

• Students ages 12–18 should wear black jazz shoes whenever possible.

• Boys may wear jazz shoes or clean tennis shoes.

• Please speak with your choreographer if you have questions about footwear.

Dance shoes may be purchased from:

• Amazon

• Step ’N Stretch in Minnetonka

• Dancin’ on Broadway in Maple Grove

• Jeté Dance Centre in Rogers

• Just For Kix online

• Once Upon a Child or Play It Again Sports for used options

FPMT also has a small collection of donated shoes available for trade or donation.

Scripts and Music

• Clearly label all scripts with the student’s name.

• Bring the script and a sharpened pencil to every rehearsal.

• Students may mark in their scripts.

• Scripts may be kept or returned at the end of the production. Please do not throw them away.

• Students should listen to the provided music at home regularly and memorize all assigned songs.

• Rehearsal music and downloads are licensed for enrolled students only and may not be shared.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Please drive slowly and carefully through the North 101 Business Park parking lot.

• After entering the lot, turn immediately right into the counterclockwise traffic loop.

• Approach the entrances facing north, with the driver’s side of the vehicle nearest the building.

• Use the entrance shared with Quilted Treasures.

• Do not block the entrances of neighboring businesses.

Drop-Off

• Do not park or idle in the carpool lane.

• Students should wait in the designated orange-cone area until greeted by an FPMT staff member.

Pick-Up

• Form a carpool line at the designated entrance.

• Please do not arrive early. Wait until five minutes after class ends to form the line.

• Students may not walk through the parking lot to parked vehicles alone. They must be picked up from the carpool line.

• Students should enter vehicles from the driver’s side whenever possible.

Student Drivers

• Park near the studio, away from the main entrance and carpool lane.

• Drive slowly and use extra caution at night.

• When it is dark, leave with another student or request a staff escort.

Phones and Driving

Please stay off your phone while driving or moving through the pick-up line. Safety is our top priority.

Parent Visits

• Classes are normally drop-off and pick-up only.

• Because of limited space, parents may not remain on site during rehearsals.

• Siblings who need to wait on site must receive staff approval and use the designated waiting area.

• FPMT has an open-door policy and welcomes scheduled parent visits.

• Visits are limited to one or two parents at a time and must be arranged in advance.

• Please do not bring young siblings to a classroom visit.

To schedule a visit, email frontporchmusicaltheatre@gmail.com.

Illness and Absences

If your child is sick—especially with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea—please keep them home and email frontporchmusicaltheatre@gmail.com to report the absence.

Please also update your family’s contact information so we can reach you when needed.

Winter Weather

FPMT does not typically cancel rehearsals because of winter weather. Parents should use their own judgment when deciding whether it is safe for their family to travel.

If FPMT closes because of weather, an announcement will be posted on the front page of the website at least two hours before class.

FPMT T-Shirts

Show your theatre pride with an FPMT T-shirt! Shirts are perfect for rehearsals and casual wear and will be delivered during class.

Personal Stage Make-Up Kit

Students in Showtime are encouraged to purchase their own Ben Nye crème make-up kit. These kits are designed for student actors and can be used for multiple productions.

Backstage Theatre Bag

Each student must prepare a personal backstage theatre bag to bring to dress rehearsals and performances. Additional information about required contents will be provided before performance week.

Student Conduct

Students are expected to treat directors, staff members, volunteers, fellow cast members, and the FPMT facility with respect.

Foul language, bullying, or rude and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may be grounds for dismissal from the production.

Production Photos and Recordings

• Some productions will be professionally recorded.

• DVDs or Blu-rays may be available for purchase when performance rights allow.

• A professional photographer will photograph the full cast.

• A $25 photo fee will be billed during the final month of class. This fee gives families access to hundreds of professional production photos.

Parent Volunteers

Parent volunteers play an important role in bringing each production to life!

There will be opportunities to help throughout the semester and during performance week. Volunteering is also a wonderful way to meet other families, support your student, and become part of the FPMT community.

Volunteer information, confirmations, and assignments will be shared later in the semester.

Help Us Promote the Show

Help us fill the seats!

• Share performance information with friends and family.

• Distribute flyers and display posters.

• Invite neighbors, classmates, and community members.

• Mark performance dates on your calendar as soon as they are announced.

Program Advertising

Do you own or work for a local business? Advertise in an FPMT playbill and reach thousands of patrons!

For advertising information, contact Mrs. Linda Lindeen at frontporchmusicaltheatre@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading and following these procedures. We appreciate your partnership and can’t wait to see your student learn, grow, and shine onstage.

Now, on with the show!