Understudies, thank you for giving us your days at KIDS camp. I hope you have a great experience learning alongside the Principals. I also hope to see you throughout the summer at shows and, of course, at auditions in 2025.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at nahirniaktaras@gmail.com or our Executive Director at tara.johnson@kidsfromwisconsin.org
Best,
Taras Nahirniak, KIDS Artistic Director ,Chief Orchestrator and Choral Director
Welcome to the Kids Family
I am looking forward to seeing all of you very soon. We have a terrific show planned, and an experience you will never forget. You will receive music shortly.
I hope you all enjoy learning and performing the show as much as we on the artistic staff have enjoyed putting it together.
You will perform this music about 60 times for thousands of people - the best summer I can think of!
Singer/dancers, I strongly recommend that you arrive at camp in good physical condition. Camp is physically demanding because of the number of hours of dance rehearsals. Horn players, arrive in good playing shape as well, with chops ready to go!
Policies and Expectations
The KIDS FROM WISCONSIN has developed an outstanding reputation over the years as a group of young people who exemplify the highest professional standards, both on and off the stage. This reputation and public image are something we take very seriously, both for the future good of the KFW program and for the benefit of each member. Because of the unique public role played by each “KID,” a wholesome, courteous and professional image is essential and expected.
Additionally, it is our hope that the guidelines will help to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the KFW camp and tour as well as to foster good relationships among the KIDS, staff, sponsors, parents and friends.
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With the production show in its final stages of completion, we will be assessing how talents will match the show. Artistic staff, as in any professional production, have a responsibility of placing the appropriate talents in slots that best enhance the production. We have a commitment to the organizations who contract our show, and its audience, for the production to be at its highest entertainment value. Artistic staff reserves the right to adjust roles and solo/features at camp or during the tour season. Also note every performer is NOT guaranteed a solo or featured position.
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The attached document includes guidelines, policies and expectations for each member of the KFW.
We need to make sure the standard of the organization is upheld with each and every member of the organization. With this comes the responsibility of representing the high standards and integrity of each member that has been chosen to represent the group in 2024. Our social media policies must be followed in order for your name and bio to be represented on our page. Please be in check and send us those bios soon. Please print guidelines and policies and keep for your reference.
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Show Camp
Mini Camp
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Mini camp is scheduled for May 24th with a start time of 5:30pm and will continue until May 26th concluding by 2pm. Location: Tommy G Thompson Youth Center located within the Wisconsin State Fair Park - 640 S 84th St Milwaukee WI 53214. This is an opportunity to get acclimated with the troupe and staff. You will be provided music for the show, and it is your responsibility to learn as much as you can prior to the start of show camp.
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Show Camp Day 1 (June 8)
Show Camp will open on Saturday, June 8th. Report to Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) 8800 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, between 9AM and 11:45AM to check in.
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Days of Show Camp
During the show camp, 43+ students are brought together to learn a fully staged, two-hour, Broadway style performance. All students are required to reside at the WLC dorms and be able to rehearse and learn every day in order to get the show on the road at its highest quality.
Students entering college will have to do all they can to fulfill the entire season. Please read the College Conflict Guidelines
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Basic Camp Schedule
Monday-Saturday:
7:30 am Walk led by Student Leaders
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Morning rehearsal
10:00 Break
10:15 Resume morning rehearsal
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 Afternoon rehearsal
2:30 Break
2:45 Resume afternoon rehearsal
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Evening rehearsal
9:30 Announcements
10:30 KIDS return to dorms
11:00 pm Room check
2nd Sunday: June 18
The morning will be free for rest, worship, laundry, etc.
10:30 am Brunch (not required)
12:30 pm Announcements
(all KIDS must be present for announcements)
1:00 Afternoon Rehearsal
2:30 Break
2:45 Resume rehearsal
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Evening rehearsal
10:30 KIDS return to dorm floor
11:00 Room check
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Times and activities are subject to change
Snacks for the troupe are a welcome treat!
Dietary Restrictions. How is this handled?
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The physical exam form at the end of this page has a space for your physician to insert any dietary directives.
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If your dietary needs are a medical requirement, we will do our very best to accommodate your needs.
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If not directed by a physician, it may be necessary for you to make your own arrangements during tour.
Housing at Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC)
Each dorm room has 2 –3 beds. There are 2 –3 KIDS per room which have a shared bathroom with an attached room.
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A dresser for each kid, large closet with two bars (bring hangers), microwave and small fridge, air conditioning, WIFI, laundry facilities, common area with a television/cable, a common kitchenette on each dorm floor which is open for kids to use.
IMPORTANT: Cleaning services are NOT provided. Kids must take responsibility to cleanup after themselves at all times. Cleaning products as well as vacuums are always available. Staff will be monitoring cleaning at room checks.
To honor the space that WLC graciously provides and help guide the respect needed of members to continue our great relationships, there are camp policies. Please see the Camp Policies here. Print and keep a copy
Preparing for Show Camp
SUGGESTED
REHEARSAL ATTIRE FOR DANCERS
Tenor and Bass Dancers
· Well fitted sweatpants (lycra, cotton or nylon)
· Jazz pants or biker shorts
· NO slippery, baggy, oversized shorts
Soprano and Alto Dancers
· Leggings, jazz pants, tasteful biker shorts, tights, leotards with support bra or sports bra
· Rehearsal skirts are recommended but not required.
· Hair to be tied back or away from face at all times.
SHOES
· Tennis shoes; NO bulky or heavy treaded tennis shoes. Should be light weight/cross trainer type, or jazz shoes.
Sopranos and Altos- Heeled character shoes (any color). They are quite easy to find used.
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· No hats please
· Tasteful T-shirts and/or tanks, No bulky clothing
BAND ITEMS NEEDED
· Brass players: variety of mutes, valve oil
· Percussion: Drum Set, variety of sticks/brushes and headphones with 1/4” adapter
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· Guitar/Bass: picks, replacement strings, small practice amp, pedals if desired and earbuds with 1/4" adapter (preferably without mic for cell phone use)
· No hats please
· Tasteful T-shirts and/or tanks.
A rooming list will be sent out before the June Show Camp begins. Make sure to connect with your assigned roommate and introduce yourself.
Having the proper rehearsal attire is very important for the singer/dancers. Please see the sidebar list of items to the left.
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Singer Dancers: Be prepared to sing and dance like you never have. Aerobic conditioning is recommended.
Band: You will be playing a lot. Start to condition for this.
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Music: Music will be available to you in pdf format and sent out as soon as it is available.. It will be announced on the 2023 KIDS and Tour Staff Facebook group when medleys are available. Pay attention to emails. If a response email is needed, be respectful by responding to email promptly. Learn your music prior to camp.
- Print copies of all music will be provided at camp.
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- Due to copyright restrictions, the KFW music is not to be shared outside of the organization.
LEARN ABOUT THE STAFF AND THEIR BACKGROUND
KFW prides itself in selecting some of the best teaching artists from across the country. Prepare to learn from these talented professionals. The staff bios area available here. More to come as we update our site with current staff members.
Principals and Understudies, a private facebook group will be created and we will communicate that after the cast has all accepted.
Parents, there is an alumni family page we hope you will connect on. Past parents are also connected on this group. It is a great place to ask questions on how to handle certain aspects of the summer. Once a KID parent, Always a KID parent!
Questions?
How do I dress on tour? While travelling the troupe will be wearing a uniform look. We are pleased to provide most of the clothing you will need as travel wardrobe. Travel wardrobe will be worn at pre-determined times such as outreach workshops or other "all troupe functions" other than the performance. These items are considered a uniform and will be returned at the end of the season. There will be a $25 deposit required on tour wardrobe provided for KIDS. Deposit is returned if all items are returned on August 19th and in good condition. A list will be provided for items that the performers will provide such as khaki shorts, belts, skirts and 1 pair of tennis shoes in good condition, must be predominately white with white laces. These can be cross trainer style. No high tops please.
Can I ever go home? We would encourage kids to go home on OFF days during tour, or after a performance to reconnect with friends and family. They were to clear arrangements first with the tour staff and follow the expectations of sign out and sign in out sheet. This will be provided once we start camp. The safety of our troupe and staff is our highest priority.
A ZOOM parent and troupe member Q and A time will be scheduled shortly in order for our staff to help answer questions on how the summer will be handled in this manner.
Tell me about per-diem. Per-diem is a weekly stipend supplied to the Principals once tour starts. $320/week is directly deposited to a checking/savings account while on tour. The stipend is intended for any incidentals while on tour. There is also an opportunity to earn through button sales. In 2022 these sales averaged $40/week per KID. This is cash in hand. Disbursement is handled on Mondays or Tuesdays. If a KID has an infraction of policy or expectations, typically a fine is incurred and taken from button disbursement. In addition each Principal will be awarded a scholarship after the completion of a successful season while following all guidelines and policies.
Are my meals provided? On tour days, meals are typically provided. There will be some instances where kids purchase their own, but not often. There are refrigerators at WLC in each dorm room. During the fair, vouchers will be disbursed each day for a meal provided at the Tommy Thompson Center. We will find an isolated location in the building in order to eat safely while at the Wisconsin State Fair.
Can I bring a car? You can bring a car but NOT as a form of transportation to and from performances. Free parking is available at WLC dorm parking ramp.
Workshops & Outreach
Like most professional performers, you will have duties outside of performing. Some duties include stage set up and strike, performance workshop sessions and many other duties that help the troupe and organization run smoothly and stay on mission.
Along with performing a live show, an important aspect of your experience will be mentoring and sharing your talents with Wisconsin’s youth. All of the kids performers take part in this activity. Understudies are also invited to participate in any workshops over the season.
In many of the communities we visit, the troupe hosts an hour-long workshop called “Realize Your Dream” for youth ages 7-15, along with a Jam Session for instrumental students in junior high and high school to play along and JAM with the iconic KIDS band. Since 2014, KIDS have “paid it forward” to hundreds of youth who typically would not have the opportunity to experience a hands-on performing arts workshop. The number of participants can vary from small to large groups with different backgrounds and levels of experience. If you reside or have connections within any of these communities, we hope you will spread the word.
Role of a Kids Parent
Parents who are new to the KFW program, you are in for a real treat. There is nothing better than seeing your son/daughter perform at the level of KFW in front of thousands all summer. You will become their biggest fans.
Parents are a very important part of a KIDS summer. We ask all kids parents to connect with each other via the parent Facebook group. We found this a great way for parents to meet and get to know each other, AND update you on any last minute details. You are now part of a very special family.
We like to have at least one parent at each performance. We call this parent a "TOUR PARENT". It is a great opportunity to observe what these performers do each and every day. The Tour Parent responsibilities include arriving at the performance site the same time as the bus, having a car available for any emergency runs and for possible help that the tour staff might need at any given time. Setting up the promotional table and being available to sell items before the show, intermission and at the end. This last duty can be a shared responsibility between parents attending the said performance. When the Director is present, he will take care of the promotional table.
“Without a solid mission and stellar organization, volunteers can be more of a hindrance than an asset. The staff at KIDs are the reason parents were willing to help and in turn bring this organization one small step closer to providing our children with an amazing experience. It takes a village !”
- Parent of a Alumni
Some of the ways you can get involved are:
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TOUR PARENT: Stated above
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LUNCH/DINNER HOST: At some locations, a meal is not provided - dates of needed meals will be shared with you at a ZOOM meeting before camp begins. These can be served in a local park or other type of area that social distancing can be observed by the hosts, or simply dropped off at the performance site.
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SNACK HOST: The KIDS love snacks to share either at camp, at the dorms, or on tour.
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PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION: We always need help during the State Fair, making sure all our fans receive a printed program. Understudies can assist with this as well.
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COSTUMES: During camp we will need help from a few parents to label, press and sort costumes. Typically the last week of camp is our greatest need for costume assistance. Come for a couple hours and then observe at a distance during the evening rehearsal.
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SHARE KIDS NEWS: A simple thing that all can do that makes a big impact...share our posts on social media. Talk about your kids experience while you are glowing with pride.
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Parent opportunities will be presented to you and with postings on the Facebook group. We couldn’t do KIDS without involved Parents!
Forms etc...
I know you just want to get started in this thing we call KIDS, but we need to stress the importance of getting the forms filled out and in place before the season gets underway.
Here are links to all the forms and items that must be returned
by May 1st. Sooner if possible!
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Physical Examination (All)
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Medical/Parental Release (All)
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Copy of the back and front of your insurance card (All)
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Copy or photo of your COVID Vaccination card. (All)
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Hold Harmless Form (All)
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Direct Deposit Form (Principals only)
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Bio Information ASAP in order to announce the 2023 performers and understudies.
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Size Forms Tenor and Bass or male identifying or Soprano and Alto or female identifying (Principals only)
All these forms must be completed and emailed to keven.rigglekidsfromwisconsin.org or mailed in.
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Shoes and other wardrobe needs
Discount Dance Amazon Lands' End
Show Shoes (order and purchase)
• Sopranos/Altos: Capezio character tan/black character shoes (1 or 2 pairs) from Rosy Cheeks & Co.
Bring shoes to May mini-camp.
• Tenors/Basses: Black shoes (1 or 2 pairs) under Amazon link.
• Band can choose Tenor/Bass shoe or any black oxford shoe.
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Undergarments
• Sopranos/Altos and Ava
-- Tights: Choose your own natural color tights under the Discount Dance link. Suggest 2-3 pairs,
choose either convertible or footed.
-- Bras-tan: Suggestions and options under Discount Direct link, straps must be removable.
• Tenors/Basses:
-- Dance Belts if you wish, are available at Discount Dance.
-- Suggest 4-6 pairs of all black dress socks (ankle or over the calf, no 1/4 socks).
• Band:
-- Suggest 4-6 pairs of all black dress socks (ankle or over the calf, no 1/4 socks).
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Uniform Shorts and Shoes
• "Mostly white" sneakers (required for load in/load out), plain white socks (no 1/4 socks).
• Black Dress Shorts w/belt loop and at least fingertip length (mid-thigh).
-- Suggested 2-4 pairs of shorts.
-- If Cargo type shorts, no strings hanging and no bottom side pockets.
-- Use the Lands' End link to the KFW Store provided but not mandatory to use. Also, good places
to shop to compare prices are 32 Degrees and Kohl's.
-- Everyone must wear a black belt with the black shorts.
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Communication and Itineraries
All parents and kids will be invited to view a special Google Calendar with all dates and times of every activity, including bus load, meals, performances and workshops. The instructions will be sent to you by our Production Manager.
Dates to take note of:
(Please note that a full tour calendar will be released shortly. We are projecting 6days off during the tour season)
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June 30th : Premier Performance,. Understudies should join us to be recognized that evening. Understudies are then released after the performance or the next morning.
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August 4 - 13
Wisconsin State Fair
Housing will be provided by the Radisson Mayfair until the final show.
August 18
Final Show.
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August 19
Closing Ceremony.
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Alex Knoepker, Band/ Tour Director and Outreach Assistant
alex.knoepker@gmail.com
608-343-2741
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Production Manager -TBD
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Keven Riggle, Administrative Assistant and Volunteer
keven.riggle@kidsfromwisconsin.org
414-266-7067
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Michael Sander, Executive Director
Michael.Sander@kidsfromwisconsin.org
414-266-7067
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Taras Nahirniak, Artistic Director
tnahirniak@oslc-wi.org
608-235-8298
Peggy Strimple, Operations Director
Peggy.Strimple@kidsfromwisconsin.org
414-266-7067
Address of facilities below:
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This address for Mini Camp and for MAIL
[Kids name]
Kids From Wisconsin
640 S 84th St
Milwaukee, WI 53214
(State Fair Grounds)
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Wisconsin Lutheran College Do not use for mail
8800 W Bluemound Rd,
Milwaukee, WI 53226