MANCHESTER SUMMERSTAGE

Manchester Summerstage is a nonprofit organization that produces a quality theater performance each summer while teaching youth (entering 5th grade through high school and prior participants in younger grades) all aspects of putting on a production, onstage and backstage. We provide opportunities in the arts for the youth of Manchester. It is run by a volunteer Board of Directors who oversee the program and make hiring decisions about the paid creative team. Families are expected to volunteer in some capacity during the program. We have opportunities from concession donations to working on the set.

The participation fee for Manchester Summerstage 2024 is still being determined per participant. Tuition includes participation in 8 weeks of rehearsals and 4 shows, the opportunity to perform at The Red, White and Blue Breakfast and in the July 4th parade Show t-shirts are provided. Most lead costumes will be provided. A base costume will be expected from participants (usually leggings and a t-shirt).

We try to keep costs minimal. Families will be expected to provide a base costume, information on this will be provided. S ​

To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late and to be late is unacceptable! At rehearsals, students will be expected to begin work at the time listed on the schedule and should arrive early to include time to transition into rehearsal. Students should wear appropriate clothing and shoes for dancing and moving. Students are expected to be respectful of staff, volunteers, fellow participants, those they encounter in the community and the space used. This includes listening and following directions. If asked to prepare anything, participants should have the material ready. Participants should bring a pencil, water and any handouts or scripts they have been given to all rehearsals. We promote the show during several community events and participants will be expected to participate in at least one of those events.

Families can participate in many ways which will be laid out at the mandatory parent informational meeting, during the first rehearsal. Volunteers are essential to Summerstage productions. From helping us move the set from storage, to helping with the cast backstage during the performances. We post a sign-up genius each spring with tasks.

Our main goal is to encourage and build self confidence in our participants while educating them in the many facets of putting on performances. This includes teaching not only acting, singing, and dancing to those children who want to be onstage, but also training students in music, art, sound, lighting, costuming, etc. for those that are more comfortable behind the scenes, in the pit, or in the lighting booth.

Please like our Facebook page (@manchestersummerstage) and our Instagram (@summerstageofficial). We will post updates, share photos from past performances, and any updates. Emails will also be sent through the summer with schedules and events so be sure to look for those. You can also email manchestersummerstage@gmail.com with questions.

Concessions, flowers, and Kiss the Cast items will be for sale before the show and at intermission. What is "Kiss the Cast"? We sell bags of Hershey kisses with a show themed tag for your note and for you to leave in your cast/crew member's individual bag (that we provide).

Tickets will be available starting in July. We have members of the program sell in front of the Manchester Post Office on Saturday mornings closer to the show in July. We also have sales at the High School Monday-Thursday, 4-6 PM, 2 weeks before the show. Tickets are also available at the door an hour ahead of performances.

Adult tickets are $15. Tickets for children aged 12 and younger and seniors are $10.

The show will always be performed the last full weekend of July, with three evening performances, Thurs., Fri., and Sat. at 6 PM and one Sunday matinee, 2 PM. In 2024 dates are July 25, 26, 27, and 28.

Contact the Stage Manager to let them know as soon as possible at summerstage.stagemanager@gmail.com Please check in with someone in your cast about what you missed. It is the performer’s responsibility to find out what material was covered and to learn it. Please note that the director, choreographer, and musical director may not be available to reteach items from previous rehearsals.

Missing rehearsals for vacations, doctor’s appointments, illness, work and the like are considered excused absences. Families should make these conflicts known one week to 48 hours ahead of time. Any absence that is not relayed to the stage manager within the 48 hour limit will be considered unexcused. Students with three or more unexcused absences may lose out on front row spots or other additional opportunities.

On the rehearsal schedule is a list of what supplies are needed for each rehearsal. Students should always bring water, a snack if they are there for an extended period of time, pencils, and any materials related to the show.

Rehearsals will begin early June at the First Parish Community Hall, located behind Santander Bank in downtown Manchester and move late June to Manchester Essex Regional High School's Auditorium.