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Competition Countdown!

It’s been a minute since I’ve written a post, and so I thought it might be time to collect a few bits and pieces as you prepare in these final weeks before the competition! Here you’ll find info on:

  • Upcoming group events
  • Finalizing your costumes and props
  • Group schedule and competition expectations
  • Participating in and watching competition events

Too much to read just now? Just remember:

  • National Showcase 2021 logoCostuming/props party Sunday, July 25th 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
  • Run-throughs for ensembles Wednesday, July 28th from 6:15 – 8:15 p.m.
  • Ensemble exhibition on Sunday, August 1st, time TBD
  • Parents must buy separate tickets for competition entry
  • Be kind to each other!

Upcoming Group Events

Along with our usual rehearsals Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (through July 29), we will also have a costume/prop decoration party at the Martey house, about 1 mile from the rink. That will be Sunday, July 25th 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

At that party, we’ll also go over make-up and hair, and we’ll train those interested in helping out with those during competition. We’ll have dinner for you at the party, as well.

Please bring with you to the party:

  • All costumes in need of crystals or fixes – Mermaids: we have to do some serious decoration on your shell tops and crystal those pants!
  • Hats, crowns, and any other head pieces that need final fit, adjustment to stay on your head firmly, or additional decoration (especially top hats!)
  • Any props that need repairs or adjustments

sign up There is also a club-sponsored program run-through on Wednesday, July 28th from 6:15 – 8:15 p.m. Sign up for singles/duet/trio run-throughs on your own, and we will do run-throughs of ALL ensembles at that time.

Finally, we will have a program exhibition on late morning or early afternoon on Sunday, August 1st, time to be finalized. It’s been added to the EP calendars.

Finalizing Your Costumes & Props

Many of you need a few items still to finalize your costumes. Some I have here (SpongeBob, Squidward, eels) and others we’re tracking down (for example, Patrick). Please take a little time before Sunday to go through both your mini and large costume to make sure you have the items below, and take note of what is still missing. Bring that list with you to the party, and/or send a Slack message to Rosa about it.

You should have:

  • All main pieces
  • Boot covers
  • Any headpieces
  • Any props

Group Schedule & Competition Expectations

National Showcase is a much longer, busier, more crowded, and more intense competition than most of us have ever been to. This year is even more so – there are almost double the usual number of competitors at 550 registered skaters and well over 1,000 starts!

That means that you will get tired. We always do, and even though you get to sleep in your own bed, you will feel the intensity this year, too. It’s incredibly exciting and fun to wander around, watch events, and meet cool new people. Between practice ice and events, some skaters have around 17 different scheduled ice times! Download the Master Schedule from Slack or the email I sent so you can keep track. I suggest you also add your personal singles/duet/trio practice ice to the document (there’s an editable Word version available).

And of course, it’s vitally important you warm up well off ice, and attend the EPIC Production off-ice sessions held each day. So, please pace yourselves, take opportunities to rest, eat lots of protein, drink lots of water, and stay away from that energy-sucking sugar.

As an EPIC Productions team member as well as host representing our rink and club in a national competition, we ask that you be your best self – we know you are amazing, so let’s show that to the national skating community!

  • Show up to practice ice and scheduled off-ice on time and wearing your EPIC Productions gear (if you need a t-shirt, please let me know – I have extras!)
  • Support your EPIC Productions team members with kindness and patience – we’ll all be stressed, let’s help each other out!
  • Please NEVER speak badly of other teams or anyone at the competition (from judges to parents) in public. (Honestly, this can be hard, especially if someone does something that insults you. But rise above, my friends!)
  • Post lots of pics on Instagram, SnapChat, and TikTok (or Facebook for us olds)! But please do not make negative or derogatory comments about others when you do so.
  • Prioritize EPIC Productions events. Your team is depending on you, and if you miss a practice on or off the ice, the whole team is lesser for it. YOU MATTER! WE NEED YOU! It’s never the same without each and every one of you.

Participating In & Watching Competition Events

All skaters have all-access passes to watch competition events. Parents must purchase a separate pass to watch events. This can be done via the National Showcase entryeeze site, or at the door once the competition begins. In entryeeze, login, then go to Competition > Merchandise and select a ticket type. For those 12 and older, these are $40 for the week.

Entry tickets are different than previous years, when parents received a badge with their competitors. This year they must be purchased separately, and you can buy them on entryeeze for other people if you wish. Parents CANNOT use skater badges. Tickets for audiences are wristbands.

We ask and encourage you to watch your fellow EPIC Productions skaters in their singles/duet/trio events! All EP skater events are listed on the Master Schedule (download it from Slack). Prioritize your rest and health, but if you can come support your teammates, please do!

As a skater, you will have a lanyard and badge. Do not lose this! They are expensive to replace. You will keep it on at ALL TIMES, and give it to the coach who puts you on the ice for practice or event just before you step onto the ice.

Finally, and most importantly, remember to cheer for your teammates with your loudest, “THAT WAS EPIC!!!

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