Parents - You are needed!

Some important things for you to know:

Please check the rehearsal calendar on the web site as it can change often . Depending on your child’s part, they will not be required to come to every rehearsal. You will have that information on the calendar.

*There will be time for your child to study during rehearsals. It is their responsibility to bring the appropriate materials.

*You will also receive a contract which must be signed by you and your child.

*Dress rehearsals and tech week are mandatory for everyone.

*Each student is responsible for the fee of $60 and they can also sell program ads to help make that amount. The theater program is self-supporting and this is the only way we can produce a quality theatrical production. You will receive more information on that later.

*Parent support and help are vital to the success of our productions.

Letter from our Director

Dear Parents,

For those of you, whom I have not yet met, let me introduce myself. I am Kathy Paladino, the Theater Director at CMHS/MS. This is a GRADED class and, as such, missed rehearsals will greatly affect your child’s grade. Please let me know of any time that your child will not be able to attend a scheduled rehearsal. Attendance for the tech week/performances) is mandatory.

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*Your child will not be called to every rehearsal. I will update the rehearsal schedule often.  Please always check the website to be sure you have the most recent schedule.

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*There will be time for your child to study during rehearsals. It is their responsibility to bring the appropriate materials.

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*There is a $75 fee for participation in the play. You may also sell program ads to cover the cost. For more information on program ads contact our Volunteer Coordinators.

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*Parent support and help are vital to the success of our productions. We have an incredible group of parents and I thank you all for the generous gifts of your time, talents, and resources. For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact our Volunteer Corrdinators.   Your help is greatly needed and appreciated!!

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I am so looking forward to working with your children. Thank you in advance for your part in getting them to and from rehearsals. I know how difficult that can be. If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call me.

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Kathy Paladino
CMHS Theater Director
949-650-3247 (home)
714-865-3259 (cell)
kathypaladino@hotmail.com

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A word from our Volunteer Parent Team.

Dear Drama Parents,

Students are expected to bring a mature working attitude to this program. We welcome all who are willing to work and to contribute to a fun and challenging learning experience. There are many activities that are available to members of the program and commitment to those projects is vital. In committing to a project, we dedicate ourselves to the project and make ourselves responsible for its success. Please help us by supporting your son or daughter as s/he commits himself/herself to these projects.

Some do not recognize the value of Drama, but by being participating members we've learned a lot about being better artists, workers, and persons. The Drama program provides practice in the essential skills of teamwork, leadership, ownership, project management, and creation on and off stage. These skills help in and outside of Drama. Not many activities provide for such a complete educational environment.

We are grateful for your support as parents of a Drama program member. CMHS Drama is not a frill. It is a reading, writing, moving and learning experience that sets high standards for those who choose to achieve.

 

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ANSWER TO QUESTIONS PARENTS OFTEN ASK
(But go ahead students, read them too!)

How does drama affect a student's ability to do his/her other class work?

It really depends on the discipline level of the student. Good work does take time. However, every effort is made to keep rehearsal time to a minimum, to stress and teach time management skills, to emphasize focus so things get done as quickly as possible. Students who take these lessons seriously often improve their grades. Students who get distracted may have problems. In defense of drama, balance and the ability to juggle a variety of commitments are important life skills. Involvement in drama gives students lots of practice with these skills (and practice has its ups and downs.)

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How do I contact the teacher, Drama Club and/or my son/daughter, especially if the need is urgent?!?

Kathy Paladino 714-865-3259 cell 949-650-3247 home kathypaladino@hotmail.com

If a conflict with rehearsal pops up, contact Kathy immediately.

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I'd like to support! How do I get involved?

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An Important Note About Support

Sometimes students convey the message that parental contact is unwelcome. This is not true!

It is communicated that students must take ownership of their own work, problems, concerns and issues. When a student graduates from high school, the more advanced the ability to act as a self-advocate the better. Practice is critical to gaining this ability.

Therefore, in all cases, a student will be held responsible to represent him/herself. (Yes, fear of authority is understandable, but this is also something that must be handled in life.)

Drama is a deeply personal and communal art. It often requires vulnerability and exposure. It involves direct critiques that may stir up "stuff" and provoke issues.

In all such cases, a student had two honorable choices:

Parents are encouraged to act as coaches, to alert the student and/or the director when there may be a need to explore an issue and to stand in support during meetings.

However, students will always be responsible to "own their own" problems and to act as their own advocates.

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Please let us know if there are any questions we still need to cover. Thank you for your consideration.

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