January 27, 2020
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Gala?
Think of Gala as an end-of-season "recital". It is an opportunity for all our skaters to show their family and friends all that they have learned throughout the season in a fun and entertaining way.
Does my child have to participate?
No, your child’s participation is up to you. However, each Pre- CanSkate/CanSkate Winter registration included a fee to off-set the cost of costumes for the Gala and one admission ticket to the Gala. All skaters who are participating will need to register for the Gala by February 15th. Pre-Can/CanSkate StarSkate
Is my child too young to participate in the Gala?
No! Most often our youngest skaters steal the show. Family and friends love to watch the littlest ones show off what they've learned. The coaches will be rink side and the Program Assistants (PA's) will be on the ice to help guide the skaters.
What does the revenue from admission tickets cover?
It is expensive to put on a year-end show, with the ice fees being a big cost as we must rent the arena for most of the day for the set up, dress rehearsal, and shows. Your regular registration fees and participation in our fundraising events help pay for a portion of this ice time but do not cover all of the other costs. Expenses such as lighting, costumes, props, music, program printing, and advertising all add up very quickly.
Does my child get to watch the Gala?
Yes, but only half. If your child is in the first half of the gala you will pick up your child at intermission. They will be able to sit with you for the second half (no ticket required). If your child is in the second half of the gala you will be asked to sign in your Child at intermission. Your child will be able to sit with you for the first half (no ticket required)
Can I miss a Gala practice and still be in it?
We strongly suggest that skaters attend all the practices; however, we understand that sometimes you must miss. It is very important for all skaters in the show to know their routine(s) and be comfortable with their “performance”.
Why can I not send a snack or drink into the dressing room with my child?
The only drink, which will be allowed in the dressing rooms, will be water bottles. (Preferably those with a sports lid, to avoid spills.) No food can be brought into the rooms for several reasons: we want to eliminate any risk of food allergies, costumes are used for both shows that day and sometimes for future Gala’s so we want don’t want costumes to be soiled, and we have a lot of kids to manage backstage so like to keep the rooms clean and organised.
Do I have to volunteer?
Volunteers are essential to a successful Gala. If you do not think you will be able to volunteer on the weekend itself there are several jobs that need to be done before hand.
Costume Sewing (if applicable): Items may be distributed for easy sewing tasks. If you are a more advanced sewer and have some time to help, please indicate that on your registration. and you may be given items, which need to be taken in or out or need to be hemmed. This job would begin right away, as all costumes will be handed out the first week of March.
Construction of Props (if applicable): A committee will be organized for the making of or painting of Props, which will be used on the ice during the show. Some volunteers may be need during the show to help move items if the need arises.
Dressing Room Attendants: This is one of the most important jobs and one of the ones we need the most volunteers for. The dressing room volunteers are required to be in the room for the skaters during the show. You will be required to help with skates, costumes, bathroom trips (no child is to leave the room unattended), etc. You will also be required to have the groups ready to go when the ice captain comes to get them for their number. Two volunteers will accompany the ice captain, one leading the group and one at the back to ensure everyone makes it to their destination. These two will then meet the group at their exit point from the ice to escort them back to their dressing room. You will also help with the removal of skate guards and the retrieval of them once the skaters leave the ice. This job requires you to be in the room for the entire show. For the safety of all of our skaters only the parents signed up to be in the dressing rooms will be allowed in.
Gala Set up: this job will be done during the morning (Saturday, April 4th). It involves helping to set up props, curtains, spot lights etc.
Gala Cleanup: this job is done directly after the evening show (Saturday, April 4). It involves taking all of the props, curtains, etc. down and a general cleanup of the ice and surrounding areas.
Picture Day: A professional photographer will take group and individual photos.
Each of these jobs must be filled with volunteers to enable us to put on a quality show. Your help and co-operation is greatly appreciated.