Member Handbook 2017-18 Season www.kittiwakedancetheatre.ca Email: to info@kittiwakedancetheatre.ca KittiwakeDanceTheatre 1
Table of Contents 1. Message from the Artistic Director 2. About Kittiwake Dance Theatre 3. Organization I. Artistic and Administrative Team II. Board of Directors III. Parent/Guardian and Member Support 4. Operations I. Kittiwake Membership New Member Auditions Current Member Placement Auditions II. III. IV. Dancer Agreement Rehearsals and Workshops Performances V. Communications and Social Media 5. Member Responsibilities I. Attendance & Reporting Absenteeism II. Punctuality III. Resignation and Dismissal IV. Independent Preparation 6. Season Schedule 7. Dancer Agreement Form 2017- - 2018 8. Photography and Video Release Consent Form 2
1. Message from the Artistic Director On behalf of Kittiwake Dance Theatre, I would like to welcome all of our returning members and our one new member to the 2017- - - 2018 season. This is shaping up to be an exciting year! Building on the success of our 30 th anniversary gala in December 2016, Kittiwake will have two performances with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra for this year s The Nutcracker. Early in January 2018, we will welcome Janie Richard back to our province for a choreographic residency, which will kick- off the preparation for our spring performance in early May. We also hope to have an assortment of workshops offered through the season presented by a variety of teachers and dance artists. A new one- act ballet is being created for fall of 2018 and plans are developing for Kittiwake s first- ever tour late in 2018. It will be thrilling to progress toward becoming a regional touring company that will be able to perform dance repertoire, including The Nutcracker, in other parts of Newfoundland and Labrador. We have a dedicated and talented core group of dancers and it is our long- term goal to share this talent and nurture additional talent with and within our great province. In order to achieve our vision, Kittiwake counts on the continued hard work and commitment of a core group of members willing to make Kittiwake a priority in support of these objectives. Looking forward to the 2017- - - 2018 season! Martin Vallée, Artistic Director 2. About Kittiwake Dance Theatre Kittiwake Dance Theatre (Kittiwake) was incorporated in 1987 as a not- - - for- - - profit organization. Kittiwake is a performing company that is run by a volunteer Board of Directors elected annually. Kittiwake has a company repertoire of over fifty works incorporating a variety of styles and subjects from the dramatic to the humorous and the traditional to the contemporary, with numerous works reflecting Newfoundland s rich history and cultural heritage. In addition to providing the public with quality performances which reflect the width and breath of the world of dance, Kittiwake s mandate includes an obligation to nurture the art of dance by providing local students with workshops and residency projects, with not only Kittiwake s artistic staff, but with touring companies as well. These events are open to all local dancers and students with the appropriate level of technical training. 3
3. Organization I. Artistic and Administrative Team Martin Vallée Artistic Director and Choreographer Sharon King- - - Campbell Administrative Coordinator II. Board of Directors Kittiwake is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprising community- minded professionals whose interest is the artistic growth of youth and dance programs. Board of Directors 2017 2018: Manon Avoine Donna Ball, Chair Kimberly Evoy Dowden Lauren Flynn Nicole Helwig Kimberley Horwood Leon House, Vice- Chair Meaghan McCaw Meaghan Ludlow, Treasurer Anthony Payne, Secretary Martin Vallée, ex- officio, Artistic Director The board is responsible for overall oversight of the company, supporting the artistic vision, fundraising and promotion. III. Parent/Guardian and Member Support The Artistic Team endeavors to provide the best possible experience for our members. This can only occur when our parents/guardians of child/youth members and adult members play an active role in their involvement with Kittiwake. Parents/guardians and members must ensure that Kittiwake has a current email address for sending regular communications and also ensure this and the Kittiwake Facebook page are checked regularly for updates and notices. Support from the dancers and families may be sought with requests to volunteer during the season in some way. Of course, attending and promoting events is often the best form of support. 4. Operations I. Kittiwake Membership Dancers who have a successful audition will be placed in the appropriate level, solely at the discretion of the Artistic Director. This may not necessarily be by age, but rather to realize the whole vision of the company.
New Member Auditions Membership into Kittiwake programs is by audition. Auditions are held prior to the start of each season when member positions are available. Candidates for membership into Kittiwake must be twelve (12) years or older; outside of this range is at the discretion of the Artistic Director. Auditions are judged based on dance ability, attitude, commitment, and willingness to learn. Audition candidates for all levels will be asked to participate in a group audition process. The Artistic Director will assign successful applicants to a level appropriate to their ability. The auditions are held in front of an artistic panel of adjudicators. Parents and teachers are not permitted in the audition room, but are welcome to wait at check in. Auditions last approximately one hour in length. The Artistic Director will assign successful applicants to a level appropriate to their ability. After all auditions have been completed, the applicant will receive an email from Kittiwake informing them of their audition results. Current Member Placement Auditions Kittiwake Members eligible for level advancement will be asked to participate in a group audition process. The Artistic Director will assess dancer ability and promote applicants as necessary to a level appropriate to their ability. II. Dancer Agreement Members are required to review the Member Handbook and sign the annual Dancer Agreement (see attached form). This form must be signed and returned in person at a Nutcracker rehearsal or by email to info@kittiwakedancetheatre.ca on or before November 12, 2107. If the completed forms are not returned by this date, the dancer may not be able to participate. III. Rehearsals and Workshops Rehearsals are held at the Arts and Culture 3 rd Floor Dance Space and alternate locations when the Dance Space is unavailable. Detailed weekly schedules are distributed to Members by email and posted to the Kittiwake Facebook page. The Dance Space has been reserved on Sundays from 12 to 7 pm for the months of October through May to accommodate Kittiwake rehearsals and workshops. While rehearsals and workshops will not be scheduled every week, members must commit to being available weekly during this timeframe to ensure attendance. Performance related staging, dress rehearsals and performances will be scheduled outside of this regular time at the performance venue. Members should commit time for the three afternoons and evenings prior to any performance for this purpose. IV. Performances Kittiwake has a least two performances this year The Nutcracker and spring concert. All members are required to take part in performances in their assigned roles. Members will not be required to audition for roles in The Nutcracker but will be assigned roles by the Artistic Director. Members will be required to audition for roles in spring performance and will be assigned roles by the choreographer(s) and/or Artistic Director. Kittiwake may also take part in special performances by invitation or participate in community events as opportunities arise. Costumes for such performances will be provided by Kittiwake. V. Communications and Social Media The Kittiwake website and Facebook page are excellent resources for members and parents throughout the season. A current schedule will always be posted on the webpage and Facebook page. Any changes or important information will be posted on the webpage and Facebook site as they arise.
Email communication will also be used to distribute and/or request important information as required. Please ensure you have provided Kittiwake with an email address that you check regularly. Social Media Please follow us on our Social Medial Channels and promote us to your circles. We appreciate your comments and shares! The more you comment, share and like our posts, the more you will see us in your feed. Facebook: Kittiwake Dance Theatre Instagram: @KittiwakeDance Twitter: @KittiwakeDance Snapchat: kittiwakedance Photo Release Form Please sign and return the attached photo release form in person a Nutcracker rehearsal or by email to info@kittiwakedancetheatre.ca on or before November 12, 2017. 5. Member Responsibilities I. Attendance and Reporting Absenteeism Attendance at all rehearsals, dress rehearsals, workshops and performances is a compulsory to maintain Kittiwake membership. When joining Kittiwake, both the member and family must be prepared to take on all of the season s commitments. The limited time available for company development and preparation requires maximum attendance. Dance is a team activity, and every member makes a unique and valuable contribution to the piece. In order to rehearse and perform as a company, all members must be present. Members may request to be excused from a Kittiwake activity for extenuating circumstances, by following these steps: For Illness or Family Emergency: In the case of illness, contact Kittiwake by email as far in advance as possible before the start time of the activity. If it is later than 5pm on Friday, please phone or text the Artistic Director, as it may be too busy to check emails leading up to rehearsal. The Artistic Director can only grant permission for absence because of illness or family emergency. Probation: Any member with an unexcused absence may be placed on probation. Probation requires a meeting of the member, and a parent if the member is under the age of 18, with the Artistic Director to discuss the issue and identify solutions. The probation period may be up to two months. During this time, any additional unexcused absences from Kittiwake activities may result in the dismissal of the member from the company. To request to be excused from any workshop, rehearsal, performance, or other Kittiwake event, please contact: Martin Vallée martinvallee@bellaliant.net 709- - - 765- - - 4499 II. Punctuality It is the responsibility of all members and parents to make sure members arrive for rehearsals and performances in plenty of time. All Kittiwake members are expected to arrive 15 minutes early to warm up and prepare for the class or rehearsal. The Artistic Director will normally set an earlier arrival time for dress rehearsals and performances. Members with special or extenuating circumstances for not being punctual, should contact Martin Vallée by email at martinvallee@bellaliant.net. The Artistic Director may place members with problematic punctuality on probation.
Probation: Any member marked as late three times may be placed on probation. Probation requires a meeting among the member and a parent with the Artistic Director to discuss the issue and develop solutions. The probation period may be up to two months. During this time, any unexcused late arrivals, may result in the dismissal of the member from the organization. III. Resignation and Dismissal Any member who wishes to leave during the season without prejudice from the organization must inform the Artistic Director of the resignation and reasons for the resignation. This notification must be made in writing and sent to the Artistic Director. If the member wishes to rejoin at a later date, an audition may be required. The audition will be at the discretion of the Artistic Director. The Artistic Director will notify any member who is dismissed from the organization for attendance reasons in writing. If the member wishes to rejoin at a later date, an audition will be may be required. The audition will be at the discretion of the Artistic Director. IV. Independent Preparation It is expected and required that members practice their parts in between rehearsals. Members should also take regular dance lessons with a qualified teacher. 6. 2017- - - 2018 Season Schedule All auditions, rehearsals and workshops are held at the Arts and Culture Centre, 3 rd Floor, Dance Space, unless otherwise notified. All dates and times are subject to change; members will be notified by email and/or via our Facebook page. The Nutcracker 2016 Show Dates Thursday, December 14 Thursday, December 14 Friday, December 15 Saturday, December 16 Saturday, December 16 Sunday, December 17 Morning Matinee - - school and seniors Dress Rehearsal with invited audience Evening Performance with NSO Afternoon Matinee Performance Evening Performance with NSO Afternoon Matinee Performance The Nutcracker Rehearsals Specific rehearsal times for members will be dependent on the roles assigned and will be communicated via our Facebook site, when finalized. *Rehearsals times and locations between Sunday, December 11 and The Nutcracker show dates will be communicated when finalized. All dates and times are subject to change. Choreographic Residency with Janie RIchard January 4 to 8, 2018 Spring concert First week of May, 2018
7. Dancer Agreement Form 2017-18 I have read the Kittiwake Dance Theatre Member Handbook for the 2016- - - 2017 Season and understand and agree to comply with all responsibilities and requirements contained therein. Name of Dancer Date Signature of Dancer or Parent/Guardian if under 19 Please Print Name 8. Photography and Video Release Consent Form 2017- - - 2018 Background Kittiwake Dance Theatre (Kittiwake) events and/or rehearsals may be documented/recorded for promotional and archival purposes, Kittiwake publications, social media sites, the Kittiwake website and media, both print and broadcast. By signing the following, parent/guardians or participants (19 years of age and older) grant permission to Kittiwake and the media to take photographs, recordings and film footage and publish same. Consent I (name of participant if 19 years and over / name of parent or guardian if participant is under 19 years) herby consent and agree that the photograph, recording and/or film and recorded statements of my child myself (check one) may be used by Kittiwake Dance Theatre and/or its agents or authorized agents for use in advertising, publications, exhibits or any other form of public communication. Release I agree and consent to the photographs/films/videos/recordings in which myself/my child (circle one) appear being maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public. l authorize Kittiwake Dance Theatre, its authorized agents and the media to include the footage with other footage and with sound effect and/or music; to incorporate the footage into the series or other program or not; to exhibit, transmit, distribute, manufacture, release and reproduce throughout the world (whether by means of motion pictures, radio, television, videocassette, video discs, printing, Internet or any other means). Participant s Name Participant s Signature (if 19 years of age or over) Parent/Guardian s Name (if participant is less than 19 years of age) Parent/Guardian s Signature (if participant is less than 19 years of age) Please return these completed forms at a Nutcracker rehearsal or by email to info@kittiwakedancetheatre.ca on or before November 12, 2017. If you have questions, please contact us at info@kittiwakedancetheatre.ca