What Happens When It’s “Show Time” At DAPA
The Planning Stage
There is something so exciting about the build up to our theatre performances. The planning stage comes first when DAPA conducts its Parents Meeting to discuss options with the parents and student. We plan dates and themes and often choose a “Production Committee” made up of parents and students who will assist in coordinating some of the aspects of preparation.
Rehearsals
Once the programme is ready, we begin our initial rehearsals. Usually, class time now begins to be focused on preparation for the show. That way, even those who are not performing can still learn the work. The first few months are a little relaxed as students learn their songs, choreography, and stage blocking and acting for each segment. Andre provides his notes between segments to help improve each one. The cast, crew and committee have the opportunity to go over things, ask questions and feel really ready to ‘nail it’ on the night.
The last few rehearsals are the most important. They focus on the set-list and the perfecting of harmonies and moves, getting accustomed to the awesome costumes, working on entries and exits and putting it all together with the musicians, whilst of course, having a lot of fun! The attention to detail is fantastic and is essential to the delivery of the best performance possible.
Dress Rehearsals
At this point in the process the anticipation is at an all-time high and everyone just comes together. Andre gives the students and team a nice pep talk which really builds everyone’s confidence for the final rehearsal and the big night.
The Big Night
The night everyone has been waiting for arrives. Students eagerly arrive at the theatre and complete a sound-check which is when the excitement really starts to build. Everyone stands proudly on stage anticipating how it will feel the moment the curtains draw back and you’re looking out on the audience.
Once make-up and costumes are done, the entire cast and crew usually stand around in a big circle and have a moment of silence. This allows each person to say a prayer or meditate on what is to come. This moment of calm and togetherness also helps everyone relax, take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand. Just before the curtains are drawn, everyone is given one last pep talk, and then – Lights! Music! Places! Curtain’s up – IT’S SHOW TIME!
Every member gives it their all!
You can feel the positivity and power capture the room!
There’s no Business like Show Business
The David Academy of Performing Arts tries to get involved in many varied and unique performances throughout the year, but performing in theatre with the magic of the stage, music and lighting is an incredible experience and one we are all very grateful for. It’s why….
“There’s no business like show business, like no business I know.
Everything about it is appealing, everything the traffic will allow.
Nowhere can you get that happy feeling, when you are stealing that extra bow.
There’s no people like show people, they smile when they are low!
Yesterday they told you that you’d not go far, that night you open and there you are,
Next day on your dressing room they’ve hung a star,
Let’s go on with the show!”
[Excerpt from Harry Connick’s “There’s No Business Like Show Business” from the Musical ANNIE GET YOUR GUN]
