FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...

I am interested in joining a run crew or helping with lights/sound/costumes/projections/art. Who do I speak to about that?

Please contact our Tech Liaison officer, Anika Shah or our director: Mrs. Piechotta

Can I participate in both the Fall Play and Fall Musical?

Yes you can!

We offer two shows in the fall to give students as many opportunities as possible. While participating in both shows is doable, it will require full commitment to both rehearsal schedules. If you are a singer, you will be auditioning in the fall for both the play and the musical. You can request your preference of show/role, but ultimately, casting is the decision of Mrs. Piechotta and the creative team (in the case of the musical)

Will there be cuts (will some students not get cast)?

Essentially, yes.

All mainstage shows in 2025/26 will require certain attributes for casting. With our fall play being a Shakespearean tragedy, students will be required to memorize Shakespearean dialogue and be comfortable with recitation. Time will be spent working on diction and delivery, but this may not be suited to some performers. Similarly, the fall and spring musicals in most cases will require performers who can dance/move well (more for spring) and in all cases these performers will be required to sing. However, whether you are new to Harlequin or a returning troupe member, every effort will be made to find roles for those who are committed to the production and club!

How many rehearsals a week are required for one of the fall shows?

During the general rehearsal period (before tech/dress rehearsals) there are typically 2–4 rehearsals a week depending on your role. Attending rehearsals is vital and when you commit to joining the cast, crew or orchestra pit for a show, you should take note of ALL the rehearsal dates before joining and communicate any conflicts UP FRONT on your audition form (or with Mrs. Piechotta). Last-minute conflicts will not be excused (other than illness or other mitigating situations).

Where do I find information about the club, ask questions or send messages?

READ THE NEWSLETTER: The Newsletter has the most up-to-date information about the rehearsal schedule, upcoming dates, events, to-dos and deadlines.

CHECK CANVAS: Almost everything you need to know will be posted on CANVAS. Parents can find the same information on the CB WEST Homepage > Activities > Harlequin Club.

JOIN REMIND! Club Reminders and quick communication will be sent through the REMIND APP. You can also send quick messages directly to Mrs. Piechotta on REMIND.

EMAIL: If you have questions, problems or concerns, simply email one of your officers or Mrs. Piechotta directly. Additionally, if you have questions for Kate (choreographer), Sharon (costumes) or our Musical Directors (Adam or Patrick), you may also email them directly or send them a message on REMIND.

Where is the Rehearsal Schedule?

The general rehearsal schedule can be found on the club calendar on the CB West Homepage >Activities > Harlequin Club > Club Calendar or on the Harlequin Club Canvas Page. This general calendar can be used to plan your commitment to each production and relay any conflicts up front to your director.

Every week we send out a Harlequin Club Newsletter which has important dates, links and information. In that Newsletter there will be a Rehearsal Schedule Breakdown that is updated every two weeks. Check this schedule for rehearsal breakdowns to see if you are called, and any last-minute changes.

What are the fees to participate, and how do I pay them?

We are a fully self-funded club. While we do fundraisers throughout the year to help defray the costs of trips, festivals, transportation, workshops, publicity photos etc., our company participation fees cover our more personal expenses like show t-shirts, playbills, mics, meals, snacks, promo photos, makeup etc.

New for 2025/26, we are rolling the Playbill AD fee ($30) into the participation fee (because it historically has been unevenly paid by the cast/crew)

Once you sign on to participate in a show (ie: commit to be a part of the cast/crew/pit) you will be required to pay your $80 participation fee within the week!

This fee covers: your personal AD in the playbill, show T-shirt, promo photos, ALL Tech meals/snacks and special COMPANY DINNER, miscellaneous expenses (group makeup/supplies, mic batteries, print materials etc.)

Payment can be made online through MYPAYMENTSPLUS or by check to the "CB WEST Student Activities Fund/Harlequin Club" - place checks in drop box.

If I have to drop off check/cash or a permission slip or other written documents, who do I give it to?

Please DON'T hand it to Mrs. P, Sharon or Mikayla Bradley-Student Treasurer...it may get misplaced or lost.

Please drop all paperwork, including checks (in an envelope with your name and what it is for clearly on it) in our Harlequin Club Drop Box right outside the office in Music Wing.

Who do I contact about the club. Getting involved? Questions about upcoming dates/deadlines? Rehearsals? Permission Slips? Events? Tickets?

In general direct all your questions to our Student Secretary, Zoey Olson or to our Student Co-Presidents: Julia Kingsbury and Julia McCarty. If they cannot answer your question/questions, they will direct you to another one of the officers or directly to Mrs. Piechotta.