FAQ

The following notes you may know, but are there to help you when you come to the Competitions at HMT.

Venue

• Her Majesty’s Theatre, 17 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat.
• General entrance is at the front, but all props & costumes must be brought in via the back door (Stage Door) off Lewis Street.
• The RSSS Office is in the basement, with additional access to the theatre via Unicorn Lane to Sturt Street (Ballarat’s main thoroughfare).

Help

• If you are lost, unsure, or curious, please ask the Kiosk, Ushers, RSSS Office staff, the Photo room, or any Back Stage crew.
• Any problems, go direct to RSSS Office. We are very happy to help.
• Generally RSSS members wear a blue jacket, our many Helpers have a large RSSS name badge. Theatre technicians wear black shirts.
• First Aid is available via the Kiosk, Stage Managers, Photo Room, and Theatre Techs.
• An “hospital” room is available in the lower dressing room area (room 8).

Dressing Rooms

• In the basement, 2 levels, beneath the stage. Access from the front via many stairs, Unicorn lane, or the back door. Look for noticeboards with maps and lists.
• Some schools will have a specific room. Those not listed will share “Solo” rooms.
• On Group nights there may be changes to rooms, so watch the notice boards for advice lists.
• Please do not leave valuables in the rooms! Leave precious items at the RSSS office.
• Absolutely No notices or decorations stuck on the walls, ceilings, or passages; just on notice boards. Use only Blu-tac.
• No smoking, cooking, boiling jugs etc in the rooms. (Hot water available in Green Room.)
• Please keep your room clean and undamaged, or an extra-ordinary cleaning fee may come to you.

Props

• Can only be brought in via the back door (Stage door) or stored in the Container near the back door.
• Only props for use-on-the-day may be stored back stage.
• Carry them up the stairs especially if you need them soon. Large items can come up on the yellow lift, but only when loaded and operated by a theatre Tech.
• Props must be removed at the end of session or that night. Anything to be kept for next day, please tell the stage manager.
• Props should have a school or student name on them (otherwise they get lost or borrowed).
• Any parent may help back-stage with prop preparation before or between sessions.

Registration

• Students, you must register at the Side Stage desk, or in the Green Room, as soon as possible before the start of the session you are performing in. (A Session is a morning or afternoon or night). You will also be given a Pass which allows you free access to the Auditorium for that session!
• Music tapes etc can be handed in then, or at the start of your actual section, or just before you perform.
• Ask the Stage Managers any questions and problems you have, we are there to help.

Stage

• Access is via the basement, many stairs, and the Green Room. Be careful, don’t run.
• At stage level are the Green Room, Photo & Video Room, Teachers retreat, hot water, First Aid kit, Stage Managers and Music player.
• No access to stage during a performance please! Wait in Green Room.
• You will be called side stage before your performance. Remain with your Teacher.
• No watching from wings front OP stage.
• If you are new to the stage, there may be a “walk on stage” familiarization time first thing in the morning, ask the Stage Manager.

Performance

• Just ask the Stage manager if you are not sure of anything. Note no rosin to be use on shoes or feet.
• Remember to look at the Adjudicator sitting in the middle level auditorium with a red light in front.
• If wrong music, mental blank, injury, or an unsafe situation occurs, just run off.
• If you have injured yourself badly, lie down at once and we will rescue you. Your future is important, no need for heroics.
• After your performance, collect music/instruments/etc and perhaps go back to your room or the audience.
• Please do not have bare feet elsewhere in theatre.
• Crits and prizes are collected from the RSSS office in the basement, after adjudication.

Parents backstage

• Generally no parents allowed during solo sessions, Except by special request, eg no Teacher at the comps, soloists under 8yr old (if Teacher requests), or for medical reasons.
• In all cases parents must have a general admission ticket (see below).
• Parents may help with props between sections.

Admission to the Auditorium

• Tickets are purchased at the Ticket Box in the front foyer until about 7.30pm. Everyone needs a ticket or pass to enter:-
• General admission - Concession is available for Competitors, Students, & Children over 14 years; Pensioners, Senior Citizens, and UFS members. Show ID at purchase.
  Child is 6 - 14 years. Children under 6yrs are free.
• A session (morn, or afternoon, or night) costs about $10 /adult, $9 /concession, $6 /child. There are all day tickets ($24 / $21 / $13), and specialised passes.
• Competitors have free admittance only during the session of their performance.
• Solo performers obtain a ticket at registration time.
• On group or band nights, just stay in hair/make-up/uniform. At other times you need a normal ticket or pass.

In the Auditorium

• Students please wear tracksuits etc, and shoes. (No bare feet beyond the stage.) Keep feet off seats, do not rock the seats.
• Drinks, water only in bottles.
• Please note, no standing, no prams or big bags in the Auditorium. No entry during a performance. Mobile phones must be off.
• No video or photography (copyright laws).
• Please show respect and silence during a performance, and applaud at the end for everyone. We all share a special journey in the world of performing arts.

Videos of performances must be arranged beforehand, with our official photographers Lloyd or Lorraine Harvey in the Green Room or Photo room, or phone 5331 2742.

Lost Property Immediately get the Chairman to make a general announcement (ask Ushers, Chair, or Office). Check with Kiosk, and RSSS Office then, and the next day.

More information see our website for program, results, safety, copyright, and articles of general interest. southstreet.ballarat.net.au

Car Parking

• There is street parking around, but watch the expiry times please. Weekend parking may be free, but limited to only 2hrs! Read the signs. Council parking Officers are relentless.
• You cannot park behind the theatre or in the private car parks next door.
• Lock all valuables in the boot, out of sight!
• The multistory car park south of Target, corner Doveton / Dana streets, is open 7am to 6pm. It is 2 blocks away, thru Central Square shops and Bath lane (behind Town Hall) to theatre.
• Check at RSSS Office for details, and map of other parking areas.

Going Home Please check the Green Room, Dress room, backstage, and Container for your “frequently forgotten” music, instruments, clothes and props. Videos & photos from Harvey’s shop.

Take home proud memories of your efforts, our thanks for the pleasure of your company, and our best wishes for your future.

2009 Draft Timetable The 2009 draft timetable is now available. Click here to download a copy. Enquiries over Christmas and New Year Please send any enquiries over the Christmas and New Year period to rsss@netconnect.com.au. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. Merchandise Sale RSSS has badges and spoons from previous competitions for sale at discounted prices. Click here to view what is available.

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