Parent Update: Committee Selection Clarification

First of all, I would like to thank you for signing your children up to be a part of Cinderella. Without their time and talents, none of this would be possible. It's exciting to be a part of something so grand, and your families are at the heart of this endeavor. It is our goal that your children understand that this is an opportunity for them to grow personally and together, expand their horizons, and a chance to be proud of all the hard work they are about to do! 

As with anything our children do, parent support and commitment is imperative to helping things run smoothly and keeping our children excited, learning and moving forward. Their confidence will resonate clearly onstage in March, I just know it will, but it's up to us to make sure they are committed and willing to see this thing through to the beautiful end.

Lately, several parents have asked me what their parent roles might be from now until March. 

Great question. I haven't really had a good answer for you up to this point. My apologies, as I get comfortable in my position as Communications Director, I am learning a few things, too!

Can't have a 'drama' without a little 'drama', right?! 😉 

So, I will attempt to give you all that I know to date about the subject of parent involvement/commitment and joining a committee. Some of this information may be repeated, some may be new. Please read to the end. 

I am hoping this will help clear up some of your questions and ease your minds a bit...

I would say our first role is to support our children. Get them to the rehearsals routinely, committee meetings, help them fund-raise, sell tickets to the performances, etc....

Keep in mind, this is a extracurricular activity that we voluntarily chose. What the Cinderella Staff are asking of parents isn't much more than other extracurricular activities. I am sure we have all been there and done that! Softball games all over the tri-state area, football practice every day of the week, driving the kids around to sell deliciously overpriced popcorn, selling concessions at events, and soliciting items for a silent auction are just a few that come to mind! Wow, we really are awesome parents, aren't we?!

Secondly, Mrs. Moore has asked that rehearsals and committee meetings off-site are NOT drop-off situations. This is for the safety of all children involved. Again, this is not unlike many other activities our children attend. I can't even count how many hours in the last decade I have spent sitting and waiting for my child(ren) during an art class, gymnastics, sports practice, karate, piano lessons, etc. It's what we do, because, again, we are amazing parents, of course. 

As for Cinderella, I want you to know something. This is not just some 'school play.' 😉 This is an Original Broadway-like Musical Production, folks! These children are involved in something very special! We are talking about a super cool venue (much like the Holland Center, only a tad smaller), an orchestra, theatrical lights, handmade costumes, original music being composed and beautiful choreography produced....YES, it's a big deal! (cue the music) Go ahead, you can do the happy dance for a minute, I'll wait...

Back?

Now, I would like to present you with an overview. 

Overview:

We want the Cinderella environment to be student-led committees with direction from our staff (Producers, Directors, Stage Managers), with one adult committee leader (**most of which have already stepped up), supplemented by committee 'parent helpers' (this is where most of you fit into the equation) who are willing to support their children's involvement by offering a hand, advice, expertise, tools, and positive reinforcement.

Ideally, you go where your kids go. It just makes sense, right? I mean, you will physically be there already AND you kind of have to stick around because your child(ren) under the age of 16 (who can not drive themselves) should not be dropped off. Point is, if you have signed your child up for the production, you have already committed to some time frame, somewhere, while your child participates. So, all we are asking is would you mind lending a hand?

**Now, some of you will want to offer your special talents somewhere regardless of where your children will be, which is truly wonderful and, of course, totally encouraged! For instance, a hairdresser who wants to help with hair and makeup, someone who's had experience with lighting a stage before, a seamstress who would enjoy sewing costumes, or a graphic designer who doesn't mind building a website... oh wait, that's me! If you are wanting to really get involved, perhaps take a leadership role somewhere or help in several areas, please, let me know!

So, I just don't want the committee thing to scare anyone off. In fact, think of it more as a "parent helper" situation in most cases. Mrs. Moore will be overseeing this production in it's entirety, and she will also oversee the Sets, Props, Costumes, and Hair/Makeup committees. These four committees will consist mostly of students taking direction from the Cinderella Staff, will already have an adult leader, and may just need some help from the parents. 

On the other hand, the Fundraising and Advertising/Ticket Sales committees will most likely just be parents. I plan to personally oversee those 2 committees myself and assign leaders for them. It is my hope that maybe these committees can just meet during the rehearsal time on Friday evenings. Easy peasy. 

I think it will also be easier after the cast is announced this Saturday, the 28th, to know what direction you might be heading in from now until March. Hope this information helps to clear up some confusion!

So, please direct any questions to me at Cinderella2018Omaha@gmail.com 

P.S. This message may end up in your email inbox twice. As many parents have subscribed to receive our NEWS, some have not. For this reason, I want to be sure this message gets to everyone, so I will be sending as an email as well. 

Thank you, 
Lisa Orsi 
Communications Director
www.Cinderella2018Omaha.com