Ticket Questions

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The Cappies Gala

How It Works - 2018 Edition

Getting Tickets

How It Works - 2018 Edition (v1.1)

Performing at the Gala

How It Works - 2018 Edition (v1.1)   

New Closing #/Honorees

What to Expect and Do - 2018 (v1.0)

 

Cappies Gala Nominee Presentation Photoshoot 

Over the next few days we will be shooting headshots of the nominees for use in the Gala slide show presentation. These images are used to present our nominees to the audience at the CAPPIES Gala throughout the evening as each nominee is introduced.  These are the only times that we will be shooting for the slide presentation. Due to the quick turnaround nature of this event we cannot take appointments, and everyone will be photographed on a first come first served basis. At some times during the day there will be a wait for your shooting time, be patient and be prepared for your turn.   

Please plan ahead.  The end times are a stopping point for the day, please do not arrive at the last moment as there could already be a line.  Saturday sessions tend to be the most crowded, if you are able to attend the Thursday or Friday session it is strongly suggested. 

2018 Gala Headshot Schedule 

Thursday, May 17  6:00-9:00 PM - Fairfax High School Black Box Classroom 

Friday, May 18  4:00-8:00 PM - Fairfax High School Black Box Classroom 

Saturday, May 19 8:00 AM- Noon - Fairfax High School Black Box Classroom 

 

Fairfax High School 

3501 Rebel Run 

Fairfax, VA 22030 

 

We will be shooting only the nominees and categories that are listed on the Cappies website. Be certain of your category before arrival at the studio, and make sure to check in once your entire group arrives.  We are able to photograph small groups for ensembles (Less than 10 individuals). If your group is larger than 10 please see the information below. You must have your entire group together to be photographed, we will not “Photoshop” missing individuals into the final slide. 

 

What to wear: 

-You do not need to be in costume for your character or dress in a suit and tie, however typical business casual dress is recommended. Remember these images will be used for a formal occasion and displayed with your head 10 feet tall at the Kennedy Center, so we all want you to look your best  
-Long sleeve Collared shirts or blouses in mid tone colors, no white or black, no t-shirts. These portraits will be shot against a Black background- we do not want you to blend in to the background  

-These are mostly head and shoulder portraits so bring a comb or brush to neaten your hair before we shoot 

-Bring/wear (freshly applied) make up to look your best.  Please be advised that we use camera lights and it is best practice to remove oil from faces with an absorbing sheet in order to reduce shine on your face in your photo.   

 

Large groups, Best play, Musical, and all who can’t make one of the scheduled times: 

1. Please email a JPEG file with minimum compression (max quality in most programs) to smetcalf76@gmail.com AND glenda.meisner@cappies.org.  The max file size for our email server is 3 meg, email separately if the combine file size exceeds 3 megs. Put you school name and category in the RE line of the email. 

2.  When Properly exposed, horizontal color images of sharp focus that is a minimum of 1600x1200pixels. The subject should occupy the middle third of a horizontal frame. The subject must be shot against a neutral background that will easily separate the subject from the background.  IF POSSIBLE USE A BLACK BACKGROUND AND FOLLOW THE ABOVE CLOTHING GUIDELINES. 

3. Name photo with school and category.  Ie…EastHSBestMusical 

4.  Stage photos for large groups may be used if the primary subject fits with in the television format. We reserve the right to approve all submitted photos for quality, size and sharpness.  

5. A gold star will be used in place of a photo for any nominations that do not have a usable image available for the slide presentation. 

We understand that this is a busy time and we are just as excited for your big night as you are.  Please know that it is our absolute pleasure to take your photograph and help you look your best!  We appreciate your taking time to look over the above guidelines in order to help this process go smoothly for all.   

It is our intention to take each of your photos at our professional sessions, however, if you KNOW you can’t make any of the sessions, please email me your name, category and state that you can’t make it and plan to send a photo that fits the above guidelines in place. 

If you have any questions please email Sara Metcalf at smetcalf76@gmail.com. 

THANK YOU!   

Performing Directors Information

Saturday, June 9 - Rehearsal at Chantilly HS. Use entrance #11.  Arrive 1 hour prior to scheduled stage time!  Check in with Drama Mamas. Have mics on prior to stage time! Bring and use ALL costumes, makeup, props and set pieces.  Strike with care and thoroughness!!  Bring costume racks/trash containers (labelled w yr school name); The KC has few!

Order of performance:
9:00-9:30 -    Gala Singers, Dancers and Honorees
9:30-9:50      Robinson - Spamalot
9:50-10:10    George Mason HS - Spamalot
10:10-10:20  (orchestra break)
10:20-10:40   Phantom of the Opera
10:40-11:00   Langley - Evita
11:00-11:20   Oakton - Titanic
11:20 -12:00  Leeway; Fixes as nec.

12:45 - 1:00 - Chantilly - Pride and Prejudice 
1:00 - 1:15   - Freedom - Flowers for Algernon
1:15 - 1:30   - HB Woodlawn - The Odd Couple
1:30 - 1:45   - Stone Bridge - Midsummer Night's Dream
1:45 - 2:00   - Jame Madison - Macbeth

 

CAPPIES KenCtr Gala Dress Rehearsal  DRAFT FOR 2018

 *** All times are approximations! We may run way ahead of (or behind) this schedule! ***  Be sure performers know which awards preceed their scene/song!

8:00     Tech/TV staff for Gala arrive Marley; BigScreen; Lighting; Orch Mics; Orch; Podiums; floor; VOG mic; HHs; 2wirelessHdsets;  TV; headsets; audio; monitors (incl_NSO,bksg) TrashcansCostRacks4NSO; 2setsStairs; Frontrow_seatsCover 8:30     Security badges arrive

9:00     GIGs and BITs arrive.    Judy arrives Conductor arrives.

10:00   Directors; Finale Honoree Wranglers; Orchestra arrive

10:30   Singers, Dancers arrive Rehearse opening/closing numbers in Rehearsal Room...

11:00   Performers incl Finale Honorees arrive Backstage tours; security badges

11:30   Directors' mtg in Green Rm. Sound Check,   Orchestra warmup White balance cameras

12:00   KenCtr union guys’ lunch (40 min) Dancers on stage w boom box

12:45   Dress Rehearsal

12:45:00 6 Trial awards for TV practice w GIGs in house as Winners

12:55:00 Drumroll/Announcement    [?]        Come On, Get Cappie       Procession/Video

Welcomes/RecCritics   Rising Critic         Returning Critic           Grad Critic      WashPost Critic

1:15:00 Robinson.        Female Dancer           Orchestra                        Male Dancer

1:25:00 Chantilly           Costumes                   Featured Actress             Lighting

1:45:00 Oakton             Effects.                       Featured Actor.                Choreography

1:55:00 JamesMadison Stage crew                 Female vocalist.               Male Vocalist

2:10:00  Westfield         Creativity                    Set                                    Sound

2:15:00 Freedom          Comic Actor-P            Comic Actress-P               Makeup

2:25:00 GeoMason       Comic Actor-M           Comic Actress-M               Marketing/Publ

2:40:00 HBWoodlawn   SuppActress-P.         SuppActor-P                      SuppActress-M

2:50:00 Langley            SuppActor-M.             Props                                Ensemble-P

3:05:00 Stone Bridge    Ensemble-M.              Lead Actress-M.               Lead Actor-M

3:15:00 ???????           Lead Actor-P.              Lead Actress-P.               Song           

3:30:00  (no perf)          Critics Team                Play                                  Musical                          
3:35-4:00 "A Cappies Gala" closing number & re-do's if nec                    Farewell

4:00     Nominees (non-performing) arrive ($23 parking fee in KC lot)

4:15     End of performers’ dress rehearsal...Dancers stay to help w procession rehearsal

4:30     Nominees’ Procession rehearsal w Singers/Dancers

5:30     Directors Mtg in Green Rm End of procession rehearsal. Eat/change to fancy duds. KC Union crew dinner till 6:30

6:00     Ushers clear house 6:15   House Opens

6:45     Nominees to places for Procession

7:00     Gala begins

10:30   Clean up. Even others’ trash cuz you are the BEST!  Sets, stuff to cars. Get out.

 

Dressing Room Assignments 

Opera House #1- (100)     Female Orch, GIGs, Singers, FHonorees             #3- (50) Honoree storage space? Orch?          #4 (100)- Male Orch, BITs, Singers, FHonorees   
                       #7 - (30'x57') Dance rehearsal space                                                   Choral Dressing room(s) (40 ea) - ?

Concert Hall:

Green Rm- Photos; Directors' mtgs;  DramaMamas; KeyDrop (or Hall of Nations)

Visiting Artists - Gala Staff

Production Rm - Director & Prod Asst

Dressing Rm A -   Lead Players

Dressing Rm B - EmCee Hosts (Judy, Janie)                                  

Dressing Rm  C - Female Lead Player

Multipurpose Rm (125)-      Robinson, Freedom, Langely

Men’s Locker Rm (40)-      Chantilly, GeoMason, StoneBridge

Women’s Locker Rm (40)- JMadison, HBWoodlawn

Concert Hall/Musicians Lounge (15)-    Dancers

Dressing Rm #1  (5)-         Oakton                                 Dressing Rm #2  (5)-         Westfield

Dressing Rm #3  (5)-         Male Directors                       PMO/Facilties conf rm (27) - Female Directors             NSORehearsal Rm - ?

 

 

 

 

Cappies Gala Nominee Presentation Photoshoot 

Over the next few days we will be shooting headshots of the nominees for use in the Gala slide show presentation. These images are used to present our nominees to the audience at the CAPPIES Gala throughout the evening as each nominee is introduced.  These are the only times that we will be shooting for the slide presentation. Due to the quick turnaround nature of this event we cannot take appointments, and everyone will be photographed on a first come first served basis. At some times during the day there will be a wait for your shooting time, be patient and be prepared for your turn.   

Please plan ahead.  The end times are a stopping point for the day, please do not arrive at the last moment as there could already be a line.  Saturday sessions tend to be the most crowded, if you are able to attend the Thursday or Friday session it is strongly suggested. 

2018 Gala Headshot Schedule 

Thursday, May 17  6:00-9:00 PM - Fairfax High School Black Box Classroom 

Friday, May 18  4:00-8:00 PM - Fairfax High School Black Box Classroom 

Saturday, May 19 8:00 AM- Noon - Fairfax High School Black Box Classroom 

 

Fairfax High School 

3501 Rebel Run 

Fairfax, VA 22030 

 

We will be shooting only the nominees and categories that are listed on the Cappies website. Be certain of your category before arrival at the studio, and make sure to check in once your entire group arrives.  We are able to photograph small groups for ensembles (Less than 10 individuals). If your group is larger than 10 please see the information below. You must have your entire group together to be photographed, we will not “Photoshop” missing individuals into the final slide. 

 

What to wear: 

-You do not need to be in costume for your character or dress in a suit and tie, however typical business casual dress is recommended. Remember these images will be used for a formal occasion and displayed with your head 10 feet tall at the Kennedy Center, so we all want you to look your best  
-Long sleeve Collared shirts or blouses in mid tone colors, no white or black, no t-shirts. These portraits will be shot against a Black background- we do not want you to blend in to the background  

-These are mostly head and shoulder portraits so bring a comb or brush to neaten your hair before we shoot 

-Bring/wear (freshly applied) make up to look your best.  Please be advised that we use camera lights and it is best practice to remove oil from faces with an absorbing sheet in order to reduce shine on your face in your photo.   

 

Large groups, Best play, Musical, and all who can’t make one of the scheduled times: 

1. Please email a JPEG file with minimum compression (max quality in most programs) to smetcalf76@gmail.com AND glenda.meisner@cappies.org.  The max file size for our email server is 3 meg, email separately if the combine file size exceeds 3 megs. Put you school name and category in the RE line of the email. 

2.  When Properly exposed, horizontal color images of sharp focus that is a minimum of 1600x1200pixels. The subject should occupy the middle third of a horizontal frame. The subject must be shot against a neutral background that will easily separate the subject from the background.  IF POSSIBLE USE A BLACK BACKGROUND AND FOLLOW THE ABOVE CLOTHING GUIDELINES. 

3. Name photo with school and category.  Ie…EastHSBestMusical 

4.  Stage photos for large groups may be used if the primary subject fits with in the television format. We reserve the right to approve all submitted photos for quality, size and sharpness.  

5. A gold star will be used in place of a photo for any nominations that do not have a usable image available for the slide presentation. 

We understand that this is a busy time and we are just as excited for your big night as you are.  Please know that it is our absolute pleasure to take your photograph and help you look your best!  We appreciate your taking time to look over the above guidelines in order to help this process go smoothly for all.   

It is our intention to take each of your photos at our professional sessions, however, if you KNOW you can’t make any of the sessions, please email me your name, category and state that you can’t make it and plan to send a photo that fits the above guidelines in place. 

If you have any questions please email Sara Metcalf at smetcalf76@gmail.com. 

THANK YOU!   

We're looking for GIGs and BITs for the 2018 Cappies Gala!

Cappies critics and theatre students can audition to be a GIG (Girl in Gown) or BIT (Boy in Tux) for the National Capital Area Cappies Gala on June 10 at the Kennedy Center. GIGs and BITs are the students who escort VIP presenters onto the Kennedy Center stage to present Cappies trophies to winners. GIGs and BITs also serve many other roles onstage and backstage at The Kennedy Center and are an important part of the Cappies Gala. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of this very special event!

Auditions for the 2017 NCA Cappies GIGs and BITs are on Wednesday, May 16, from 7-9pm in the Lecture Hall at Oakton High School. Enter at Door 5 or 6.

• Girls must bring and model their formal gown and shoes that they plan to wear to the Gala.
• Boys do not have to wear tuxes to the audition, but they must have access to a tuxedo for the Gala.

We need approximately 30 boys and girls to fill a variety of roles onstage and backstage.
In choosing GIGs and BITs, priority will be given to returning GIGs and BITs, followed by Cappies Critics, followed by any student who attends a Cappies school.

GIGs and BITs must be available on the following dates:

• Saturday, June 9, 12:30pm, at Chantilly High School -- Rehearsal (late arrival excused due to standardized testing only)
• Sunday, June 10, 10am to 11pm, Kennedy Center -- Rehearsal/Gala

Questions? Please contact NCA Cappies Gala GIGs and BITs coordinator Lori Knickerbocker. Also, please join the Facebook group page.

(Deadline: March 24 @ Midnight)

Please upload one video of yourself singing 2 minutes or less of a musical theatre or Disney Song. You MUST have accompaniment.

It may be a prerecorded track as long as you are not singing along with another singer.
(Backup vocals are acceptable.)

Use this form to register and submit your video:
https://goo.gl/forms/jL2cGlpvFr8FG4lg2

Questions?

Please contact dhvanslyke@fcps.edu or jimvs@jimvanslyke.com

Want to experience performing on the Kennedy Center stage for a televised sold-out crowd on the Concert hall Stage? Audition to be a presitgious Gala dancer! (Deadline: March 24 @ Midnight)

To audition, you must include a video of yourself in form fitting dance attire performing the following:

• Kick Series
• Turn Series
• Leap of your choice
• 32 Count jazz combination
• OPTIONAL: 32 Count tap combination.

All submissions must include a Cappies Information sheet signed by a parent/guardian.

Callbacks will be scheduled at Fairfax HS on Sat., April 14 from 10am-1pm in the cafeteria.

Cappies rehearsal schedule will be released after auditions.

Rehearsals will be scheduled to accomodate dancers conflicts when possible from April 14 until June 10.

Dancers missing multiple rehearsals may be removed from the performance.

Please download/fill out: Dancer Application

Send Pictures To: amcook2017@gmail.com

May 2017

Cappies Gala Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's new this year?

A: All payments online by credit card. No checks to Cappies. Also, Background Checks for all adults going backstage at any time for any reason. All we need is First name, Last name and Email so we can send out the questionnaire.

 

Q: What if our school has conflicts Sat or Sun (graduation, baccalaureate, testing, etc)?

A: We've done our best to accommodate conflicts. Contact Chip.Rome@cappies.com ASAP, but frankly, there's not a lot of flexibility left in the arrangements from our end. Note that security badges will not be available except at designated times, so random kids arriving when they can, may find there's no way to get in... ARRIVE ON SCHEDULE!!! Yes, the rehearsal often conflicts with either SAT's or ACT's...we just haven't found any way around that :(

 

Q. Re-blocking on Saturday??

A: Yup. Chip, Chris & the Ch21 guys may make minor adjustments to your staging, to accommodate the TV camera shots for the gala. This usually means bringing actors in closer than you've been doing, or moving some upstage business to downstage, or restaging duets or dialogues so performers can be in the same camera shots. Curt will be working closely with you to assist. Not to worry--please be supportive, not territorial! ☺

 

Q: What if my scene just can't fit within the 3 minute limit?

A: Sorry, but keeping the gala to 3 hours is a huge feat that must be supported by everyone. Better to cut it yourself now than have the lights go down before you're done! With their intro--and please give whatever help you can on this-- Janie or Judy can lead into your scene and enable your cast to get right to the key parts. With songs, we want all the best parts, and the big finish, but we don't need every repeat chorus, or every dance extension. The politics of these cuts are your concern; don't argue them with us.

 

Q: How many adults can I have backstage as we prepare?

A: You + 1 adult (only) per 25 students (ok to round up... so 38+ → 2 adults). No add'l.

Include those you truly need to make your performance/backststage behavior go smoothly. This is not a way to compensate for not getting as many tickets as you wanted. NO non-performing Nominees backstage (even just to change clothes or a quick visit). Sorry.

 

Q: Who needs to be on the Security List?

A: Any human who plans to step through a backstage door, be they director, musician, parent, student (actor or techie), messenger, or pizza delivery person (not a good plan...). Background checks take 24 hr. Submit names now!

 

Q: Where do we find parking on Sunday?

A: Downstairs, in the Kennedy Center lot. You'll have to pay $23. The Concert Hall is on the south side, near the first bank of elevators as you enter. You should be able to park very close to those, as you enter. If you metro, the KC sponsors shuttle buses from the Foggy Bottom metro station.

 

Q: How do we get backstage?

A: The backstage door, and security checkpost, is at the eastern end (away from the river) of the Hall of Nations. We'll have a desk there to check you in.

 

Q: What about drop off of set pieces?

A: Any driver dropping off set pieces MUST provide vehicle description (make, model and license plate #) or the KenCtr police will forces them to "move along…!" before you can fetch your stuff. Hey, it's post 9-11; make your drama mamas/dads be cooperative.

 

Q: Can we watch other schools rehearsing, Sat and Sun?

A: Yes, as long as everybody's quiet and we don't have to hold things up while you try to track everyone down.

 

Q: What about food?

A: Kids can "brown bag" it (label everything w name & school), and eat on the Terrace level or River Terrace Plaza seating area, but may not buy food in the private basement Canteen (11:30am-8:00pm). There will be over 300 performers + 200 or so Nominees (plus directors and other adults), though, so y'all ain't gonna fit anywhere all at once! Still, do not permit your kids to leave the KenCtr once they arrive. There must be NO FOOD or DRINK (except water) backstage!! They will get a 30% discount upstairs, though, for showing their ID badge.

 

Q: What should we wear when? When/where can we change?

A: Each school will be assigned a (shared) dressing room area where (labeled!) garment bags (you surely don't want ANY loose clothing items!) and set pieces can be stored. So come comfortably dressed, and leave costumes or fancy duds in the car or dressing room. You can all get gussied up after the rehearsal, before the procession. Leave nothing behind at the end of the night!! PLEEASE check this yourself, not just your "trustworthy" kid. We are NOT responsible for lost Ipods, wallets, jewelry, tux's etc. ONLY PERFORMERS/staff in the dressing rooms! No non--performing nominees may go backstage for any reason.

 

Q: During the Gala, what will our cues be, to leave our seats and go backstage?

A: Think about how long it will take your cast to get in costume and make-up. We'll want you at places not later than one award category (three minutes) before your performance, and assume it will take you three minutes to get backstage. We assume that the minimum changing time is six minutes, the maximum about twelve. If you need more than that, we'll need to know that.

 

Q: What if someone in our performing cast is up for an award while we're away, getting ready?

A: As much as possible, the show program has been prepared to keep this from happening, but it may, a few times. Study the program carefully, and if anyone needs to be side-stage and available to go on-stage to accept an award, then that person should leave his/her seat earlier than the others, to get changed. Also, please check the program for award categories immediately following your performance, to see if anyone needs to linger side-stage for those.

 

Q: What about performers who are also nominees? How does the nominees' rehearsal fit into this?

A: The nominees' rehearsal will be at 4:30pm on Sunday. The performers' rehearsal will be done by then, so that your performing nominees can (and MUST) attend the procession rehearsal! DON'T let them skip it; it is NOT the time to get stuck in the Canteen!

 

Q: Where should nominees change clothes? Where can they store the clothes and stuff they're not currently wearing?

A: Not in the dressing rooms. They can stay in their fancy duds the whole time, leave stuff in their (or friend's) car, or change in the various rest rooms around the Kennedy Center. Nominees should not visit, change or be backstage.

 

Q: Can adults and students have cellphones?

A: Yes*, but backstage only*. Please turn them off when you're sidestage, onstage, or in the seating area.

And stress NO phones (or similar) during the gala (makes for embarrassing camera shots of your school). Reception is terrible, by the way...

 

Q: How about cameras?

A: Very important point--and we need your help with it. We allow no photos in the Kennedy Center auditorium during the gala. Not videocams, not digital cams, and (worst of all) anything with a flash. You know how disruptive this can be. It's even worse when it happens at the Kennedy Center. We're counting on you to make sure all your students, and all their parents, respect this rule, because we don't want any flashes popping off when your kids perform. If that happens, we'll ask an usher to intervene, and whoever does it will be embarrassed. Tell them there's no need. Everyone can tape the TV broadcast of the gala, and excellent photos of every performance number, and every award, will be posted online in the weeks after the gala. Last year, we had perfect compliance from everybody on this, zero flashes through the whole gala, and we're counting on that this year too.

HOWEVER: Photos backstage, and photos during your rehearsal are OK, as long as they don't get in the way--and no flash any time anywhere, please.

 

Q: Anything else?

A: Both Saturday & Sunday, PLEASE be on time. Keep your kids under control. PLEASE be patient. This year Ed will be doing triple duty all Gala weekend as writer/host and director, the music is new to the orchestra, and they to your kids. We're trying our best. Be supportive. All directors, parents, kids should respect the Gala staff, -- KenCtr, Robinson kids, and Drama Mamas. We all want the same thing: a wonderful Cappies Gala experience.