Vinnies Show Handbook

As show day fast approaches, here is our Show Handbook to help you make sure your child is fully prepared for their performance. Please read fully, even if you've done a show with us before, to make sure your child has everything they need for the show weekend!

ALL STUDENTS NEED:

  • Vinnies T-shirt

  • Black leggings

  • Black socks

  • Black jazz shoes, black plimsols or other black shoes (no heels or boots).

Students must arrive at and leave the theatre in this outfit on both days.


YOUR BACK STAGE TOOL-KIT
Please put together this tool-kit for your child:

  • Own makeup for touch ups (see makeup list)

  • Spare hair grips, pins, bobbles, hair brush, bun nets

  • Small mirror

  • Colouring / book / small toy for when waiting between dances (no pens!)

  • A zip-up top/cardigan to put on while eating

  • Water bottle

  • Packed tea and snacks – no nuts as we have students with allergies. No chocolate (it gets hot in the dressing rooms and we don’t want melted chocolate on any costumes!)

All own clothes and shoes need child’s name on. Do not name hired costumes.

PERSONAL ITEMS
Please name ALL personal items including uniform t-shirts, leggings, inside dance shoes and any own clothes being used as costumes. Lost items are much easier for our Chaperones to return if they are named!
If your child is only in 1 or 2 classes they may wish to bring a book or small toy/activity to keep them entertained backstage. Please do not bring pens or felt-tips as we don’t want any accidents with costumes!
Vinnies is not responsible for loss or damage to any personal items. Please do not bring expensive devices.

All earrings, necklaces, bracelets and any other jewellery must be removed before arriving at the theatre on Saturday and Sunday.


COSTUMES
DO NOT write anything on the hired costumes. If you are given costumes to take home before the show they will be in a named bag or on a named hanger and must be returned in the same way. Not all students will be given their costumes before the show, we will let you know if your child is being given their costumes. All other costumes will be ready for you at the theatre.

DO NOT wash or make any alterations to hired costumes. If you discover a problem with a costume please phone Miss Lillian straight away.

  • Students must bring a storage box or suitcase to the theatre, big enough to hold all their costumes for the show. For size guide: your child will have 1 outfit per class they do at Vinnies, plus any clothing you have been asked to provide. Ideally students should be able to carry the box/suitcase themselves.

  • Make sure your box or suitcase is clearly labelled on the outside with your child’s name.

  • Please bring your box to the Saturday dress rehearsal where all costumes will be handed out and left overnight at the theatre ready for the show.

  • You must make sure your child has all items from your Costume Information list in their box when they are dropped off at the theatre on the Saturday.

  • Hired costumes must be left in the changing room after the show.

  • Dance shoes and any food or drink must be in a separate bag to your child’s costume box/suitcase.

  • If your child causes loss, damage or stains to a hired costume, you will be liable for any charges incurred by the hire company.


SNACKS & DRINKS
Saturday: Please send your child with plenty to drink and a packed tea. They can have squash for the afternoon technical run through, but only water is allowed in the dressing rooms and back stage during the dress rehearsal.

Sunday: Please send your child with plenty of water. Younger students may bring a packed tea, older students who are in lots of classes should bring snacks that are quick and easy to eat.

  • No nuts as we have students with allergies.

  • The theatre rules state only water in the changing rooms. Please do not bring cartons, cans, or fizzy juice.

  • No chocolate as it gets very hot at the theatre.

  • Please think carefully about what food you send - eg. Wotsits are not great as they are messy!

  • Food and drink must be kept in a separate bag from any costumes. Pack a napkin or paper-towel to wipe their hands.

  • On both days students must have a zip-up jumper, cardigan or jacket to wear when they are eating (not something that has to pull over their head).



PHOTOS

  • There must be no photography or videos taken by audience members during the performance.

  • Photographs and videos are not allowed in the changing rooms. Please make sure your child knows this if they have their own phone/camera.



CHAPERONES
Parents are not allowed backstage or in the dressing rooms at the theatre.
As well as Miss Lillian and Miss Keely, we will have licensed chaperones backstage to look after our students. They are friends and colleagues of Miss Lillian and are all experienced with looking after children during dance shows and getting them ready to go on stage. For our dress rehearsal we have parent volunteers helping backstage who all have an Enhanced DBS.
ONE LAST THING...
Most importantly, we want everyone to have a fun and positive experience on stage! All our students are brilliantly supportive of each other, and Miss Lillian and Miss Keely will be on hand to calm any last minute nerves on the day. If your child is worried about any aspect of the show please do let us know so we can reassure them, and everyone can arrive happy and excited at the theatre on show day!

If you have any questions please get in touch as soon as possible via email or phone call. Please try to avoid asking questions on Saturdays as we are very busy getting everything rehearsed for the show.

Thank you for reading our Show Handbook!