ICE SHOW
It seems to me that the ice show is a lot like life.
Friday evening you arrive for your child’s first show. Your video is ready, and you proudly watch a puppy or a ballerina take their first hesitant steps. They stop…wave…and after you shut off the camera, you blink once or twice (must be something in your eye), then rush downstairs with the flowers you bought before the show. Your skater is waiting for you, bursting with pride and excitement…and totally exhausted. Home to bed!
Saturday afternoon you arrive early. Your daughter has numbers in both halves, and one is a duet with her best friend in Middle School. She rushes into the rink, but quickly returns, frantically asking, “Where’s my skates?” After retrieving them from the car, you search the arena and finally locate her among a group of giggling females. She takes the skates and returns to the group’s conversation. You can take a hint. Climb the stairs, get coffee, (don’t forget the flowers) and settle in with the other parents who, like you, have been banished to the bleachers. These parents, like you, can’t wait for their daughters’ first feature. After some last minute advice from her coach, the lights come up. You share every spin and jump; your heart skips a beat when she stumbles, but her smile as the lights fade reassures you.
When you arrive at the arena for Saturday night’s show (if you ever left) your daughter rockets out of the car with her skate bag, dress and wheelie tote. In addition to her own solo, she has two other appearances. You quickly head upstairs (don’t forget the flowers) and once again find what have become your “regular” seats. On your way, her boyfriend stops to say hello. He has flowers too… While you know the numbers by heart, you can’t help but be impressed with the costumes, the props, and most of all, the skaters’ enthusiasm. Your daughter appears tired, but she seems to be skating with a sense of determination…You wonder, “Is this the same girl who can’t find the time to clean her room?” After the finale, you slowly make your way down to the dressing rooms; you know she’ll want some time to celebrate with the other skaters, probably at a house party with her friends.
Sunday afternoon…no one slept much last night. You arrive at the rink with a mixture of anticipation and dread; it’s your daughter’s last ice show. Unlike before, she takes her time entering the rink, and, wonder of wonders, she actually accompanies you inside. She remains close to you, ignoring the hustle and bustle of that last hour before the show, and you suddenly realize with a mixture of pride and sadness that this young lady shares your feelings. You wish her luck, a brief kiss, but no words now. The arena goes dark, the introduction is finished, the spotlights flip on and there, alone at center ice, is a beautiful young woman. And then, all too quickly, her performance ends. She exits the ice amid prolonged applause. Like you, there are tears in her eyes and a sad smile on her face. And as she disappears from view, you remember that just a short time ago, wide eyed and overwhelmed, she toddled out to that very same spot.
Letter by Dick Moon
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For volunteer info click here
When is the show? The performances will be on Friday evening at 7:00, Saturday afternoon at 1:00 and Saturday evening at 7:00 and Sunday afternoon at 1:00.
How many performances will each skater be in? All CFSC members are expected to perform in all four shows.
Who runs the show? You Do!! The show is produced almost totally by club volunteers. The Ice Show general chairman heads up operations. Starting in August, the Ice Show committee meets to select theme, music and numbers. Over 150 volunteers steered our production last season. Hats off to them all.
How is casting done? Casting is done by our Ice Show Committee. The primary function is to make decisions that will promote the overall look of the show. Every effort is made to be fair to every skater. There are two designations for casting: GROUP NUMBERS and PRINCIPAL NUMBERS. Group numbers: skaters are cast according to their badge or test level as of Novembers test session. Other considerations that may affect casting are age and size of skater, number of skaters at a particular level, lesson day and MOST importantly the overall look of the show. Principal Numbers: These skaters are cast according to their highest USFS test level passed and at the discretion of the Ice Show Committee.
How are costumes selected and made? The Ice Show Creative Committee in conjunction with the Costume Chairperson select costumes to correspond to the theme and to fit the music and choreography of each number. The vast majority of our costumes must be sewn by club members. If you have any sewing experience, please volunteer to help out our costume committee.
When you sign up to skate at registration, you will be asked to fill out some size information. It is critical that you be as accurate as possible! Without an accurate height and weight we cannot begin to guess your childish size. Be sure to specify adult or child sizes and if you have any doubt, order a size larger. It is easier to alter a costume that is too big than one that is too small.
When does practice begin for the show? Practice begins four weeks prior to the show. You will receive a practice schedule in the mail a few weeks before that time. Group numbers will be scheduled for approximately four 30 minute practices, one each week. You must be available for the entire four weeks of practices. Every minute of rehearsal time is critical. Please plan on arriving 10 minutes early to ensure that your skater is on the ice in a timely manner. Ice Show week will have a separate practice schedule. This will be mailed out closer to the start of the show.
What/When is picture night? Picture night is an opportunity to have professional photos taken of every group in the ice show. It will be scheduled in the later part of February. We expect 90% of all costumes to be done by then, however there are some instances when that is not possible. We do everything in our power to ensure that all costumes look great. Each group number is featured in our program and each skater will have a chance to purchase these group photos. Every skater may also have an individual photo taken for purchase as well. You will receive more information about picture night from your Costume Group Chairperson. Each group will have a scheduled photo time. If you miss this, you will not be pictured in the program but you can certainly still skate in the show.
How do we pay for Fantasy on Ice? The club incurs tremendous costs in putting on this show. All club members are required to pay an assessment fee for tickets as part of their membership fees which is primarily used to cover the ice costs and pro fees. All costumes will be provided with the exception of tights. Principle skaters are responsible for their own costumes as approved by the Creative chairperson. No skater will be allowed to participate in the show if membership fees are not paid in full by show time.
Do I need to help? Our entire show is put together by VOLUNTEERS. This is the only way this show can happen. The Ice Show Chairperson and Committee put in countless hours working towards the success of the show. Please indicate at the ice show information table which areas you feel you can lend a hand. Remember, this show can not happen without YOU! See attached for the committees that need your help.
What happens Ice Show Week? Plan on being at the rink every evening of Ice Show week to the conclusion of our show on Sunday. Long evenings require lots of patience from both parent and skaters!
Please try to provide some activity to keep your child busy during this time. Limited space is available backstage during this week. Volunteer sign-up sheets for dressing room helpers will be available in Mid February through the creative chairperson. More information to follow.
What happens at lighting Rehearsal and Dress Rehearsal? Lighting rehearsal is a full run through of both first and second half with full lights and props. The Costume chairperson will ask three skaters from each group to dress in costume for lighting practice. No make up is needed.
Dress Rehearsal is a full run through of the entire show with full costumes, light and props. No make up is needed. As with many performances, the dress rehearsal is critical for the success of our show. This is where all the final details are worked out, and often runs longer than planned. Every attempt is made to have the very youngest skaters scheduled in the first half so that they can go home earlier. First half generally runs 5:00pm-7:15pm Second half 7:15-9:30.These times are subject to change.
Both of these nights are school nights. We know this is not ideal for younger children, but unfortunately it is unavoidable. Planning ahead with schoolwork and/or a nap that day may be helpful for many skaters. All skaters must exit the arena by 10:00pm each night, and must attend school the following day.
What happens on show days? Skaters and volunteers need to arrive 40 to 45 minutes prior to show time. This will leave plenty of time to change into costumes and apply makeup. All costumes are to stay in the Arena at all times. Room assignments will be posted on Tuesday night. Please report to your assigned dressing room upon arrival. Once you are in costume, you will not be allowed upstairs. Parents that do not volunteer on that particular day, MUST purchase tickets to the show. First half skaters may leave after the first half finale is done.
Fantasy on Ice is intended to be a fun and memorable experience for the skaters. For many, if not most of them, it is the highlight of the skating year. They love to show off their accomplishments. With everyone's help, it can be rewarding and fun not only for the cast, but for all the people who work on the show as well.
So, Thank you in advance for all your help and hard work.
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Fantasy On Ice Volunteer Descriptions:
General Chairperson: This critical position is responsible for the coordination and management of the entire show. The chairperson will report regularly to the Board of Directors and will prepare a report of the procedures and outcome of the show.
Ice Show Committee: Represented by the Creativity, Support and Production Chairpersons, these three individuals work directly with the general chairperson in overseeing the show and are responsible for specific areas designed to promote the overall outcome.
Creativity Committees:
Costume Chairperson: Must be a good communicator. Works directly with the creativity chairperson. Organizes individual group chairpersons. Selects, designs, and fits costumes. Attends regular ice show meetings. Available for picture night, all rehearsal nights, and all ice show performances. Must know how to sew.
Individual Group Chairperson: 1 or 2 people needed. Sewing not required. Works closely with the Costume chairperson. Responsible for fitting each skater in the group to a costume selected by the Costume Chairperson. Responsible for all costume and accessory completion for picture night. Maintains the overall look of the costumes during the shows and is required to be backstage during the shows.
Music Committee: Selects music for each number in the show. A broad range of music is needed for different levels and styles of skating.
Creative Props Committee: People with great ideas. Works with the professional staff in selecting props to be used with each number. Also selects props to be used for picture night.
Choreography Committee: Works closely with pro staff. Collects written plans from pros for each number. Skating background useful but not required. Available to watch practice times for consistency.
Backstage: 4 per room per show. Good communicator. Organize skaters, helps with costumes and skates. Keeps skaters quiet and occupied during rehearsals and shows. Keeps costumes neat and orderly.
Make Up: 4 or 5 Moms needed. Helps with the selection of and application of make up on skaters during all shows.
Production Committees:
Lighting: Runs spots or assists with set up and /or take down of lighting. Required to be at lighting rehearsal night as well as show nights.
Props: Highly creative and talented people needed to design, construct, and paint props for picture night and show.
Parking: Not needed until show time. Handles shuttle transportation and set up. Responsible for Arena lot parking.
Ushers: Not Needed until Show Nights. Need lots of ushers. Responsible for seating of patrons. Places group sales.
Backstage Crew: Needed at show time only. Helps with placement of props on the ice during shows.
Backdrop: Men needed to paint and set up backdrop. To be done Saturday or Sunday ice show week.
Video Crew: Tapes each show. Promotes sale of DVD/VHS,
Copies and distributes tapes/DVD.
Support Committees:
Photographs/Picture Night: Selects photographer, Helps and organizes picture night, Good job for friends.
Program Book: Expertise in desktop publishing needed. Assistants needed. Works closely with Ad sales Leader.
Ad Sales: Help sell ads for program book. Easy to do. We really need YOUR HELP HERE.
Program Book Sales: Needed at show time. Sell programs to patrons during show time.
Social Functions: Help with cast party after Friday nights show. Decorations needed. Fun!!!
Publicity: Help get the word out. Radio, newspaper, schools around town.
Tickets: Hand out tickets to membership starting in January. Work information table until Show time. Collect membership ticket money during ice show weekend.
Group Ticket Sales: Contact area organizations (Girl Scouts, Church Groups, Elderly Homes, Youth Organizations) for group discounted rates and priority seating sales. Aggressive people needed. Creative ideas sought. Can be done in advance.
Corporate Sponsors: Acquire donations from area corporations to be used to offset production costs.
Vendors: Find suitable vendors for lobby during shows.
50/50 Raffle: Help sell tickets for raffle during show times. Highly energetic people needed.
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