Performing Arts Workshop Guide
Trailblazers Motto
Be kind. Be creative. Be a Trailblazer.
Kindness is especially key to our group functioning as a healthy co-op. This is emphasized in our Performing Arts Workshop through supportive, encouraging interactions in rehearsals and performances. We focus on building each other up, helping each other constantly improve as people and performers.
PAW Directors
Amy Butler
(405) 517-9015
amybethbutler@gmail.com
Alyssa Burnett
(816) 509-4533
alyssamburnett@gmail.com
PAW Basics
The Performing Arts Workshop of Trailblazers exists to provide an affordable opportunity for our co-op students to grow in performing arts skills. We work on singing, acting, stage presence, script writing, stage management, rhythm/coordination, and work to give every PAW student an opportunity to grow by trying something that stretches them a little bit.
PAW meets at 9 am Thursday mornings, on class days while co-op is in session. This is an optional program that requires an extra registration and costs $15 per semester per student. These fees go toward supplies and costs related to putting on a performance at the end of the semester.
We perform a show as a part of the Christmas Showcase at the end of the fall semester and the Spring Showcase at the end of the spring semester. The Christmas Showcase also includes a fundraiser for co-op like a silent auction or bake sale. The Spring Showcase includes a snack bar and either an art fair or science fair (alternating years).
Parents are not required to help with PAW rehearsals, but are required to be on site and may not drop off their students.
Parents ARE expected to help obtain items students may need for costumes/stage dress, and may be asked to help with set pieces/props and other needs leading up to the show.
The rules below are in addition to the General Rules stated in our Member Handbook. Those General Rules apply to PAW rehearsals as well.
PAW Rules
1. We are guests at First Southern Baptist Church. Always treat the building and its contents with respect, striving to leave it better than when you found it. Performing Arts Students are expected to do this with excellence. Part of performing in a space is being respectful of that space when you are done with it.
2. Please keep disruptions during rehearsals to an absolute minimum. If you are late, just come on in, find a spot, and be ready to take direction!
3. NO PHONES OUT DURING REHEARSALS. If a student is observed looking at their phone during rehearsal for any reason, it will be taken by a leader and returned after rehearsal.
4. Students will remain in rehearsal until released.
5. Students may not eat snacks or chew gum during rehearsals.
6. Students may not take out other activities or things to do during rehearsals. Part of performing is always being ready to take direction even if you are not actively performing that moment and being aware of everything else that is going on in the program. This is also a skill we build in PAW… PAYING ATTENTION AND STAYING ENGAGED.
7. All PAW students will be expected to memorize any songs we sing as a group. The amount of additional memorization will vary according to the student’s role in the show. Roles that require speaking lines and solos will be chosen based on auditions done at the retreat before the semester starts. All enrolled PAW students are welcome to participate in auditions, but it is not required. Enrollment guarantees participation in the show. We find something for everyone to do!
8. Families are expected to attend all rehearsals, including the retreat before the semester and dress rehearsal before the show, unless you have an illness or family emergency. We only have 40-minute rehearsals once a week during the semester as our basic rehearsal schedule. This means every minute of every rehearsal is valuable and irreplaceable. If you enroll for PAW, make being on time a priority.
9. Refunds for PAW enrollment fees will not be given after the first day of classes.