| Rainbow Kids Questions |
| What and who are The Rainbow Kids? Regular Rainbow Kids are boys and girls six through 13 years who like to perform variety entertainment, i.e., songs, dances, acting, and comedy routines. Shows are presented in a professional atmosphere with a quality sound system and full costuming. How does a child join the group? Since there are a limited amount of space, we obtain new members by open auditions. We normally have two auditions per year (usually in August and January) to fill any of the slots of performers who have moved or have outgrown the group. Is this some type of a dance class? No. The Rainbow Kids are not a dance, music or vocal class. While the director does teach choreography/routines, the group is not designed to teach basic dance techniques. However, the children do learn style, stage presence, performance techniques and professionalism. The group gives the young entertainers an outlet to perform and thereby learn. Who is the director and what are his qualifications? Ron Joy. He started in the entertainment field when he was 10-years-old working with Lew King in Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. King started the careers of Wayne Newton, Marty Robbins and Tanya Tucker. Ron has a BA in theatre and a master's degree in Broadcast Communications. He has also appeared in many stage shows, TV programs, movies and commercials. He is currently the Public Affairs Specialist for USDA's Natural Resources and Conservation Service in Phoenix. What is the cost of the group? There is a $25 monthly donation that goes into a central fund. These funds will be used to maintain the equipment and costumes, purchase new equipment and costumes and to help offset the cost of parties and group special events. The director does not get paid for his work and no performer under any circumstances will be paid. If there is a financial concern, don't let this be a deciding factor. Again, it is a donation and no one will be calling you and asking for your payment. Pay if you can as the money goes back to help your child look and perform better. What does full costume mean? It means, complete, dedicated, show style costumes to include special shoes and pantyhose for the girls. The performers could wear several different costumes during a performance. Who pays for these costumes and where are they made? Ron has many costumes that might be used. However, if there isn't just the right one for a performer, then, if there's money in the budget, Ron will try and have them made. All costumes made from the group's fund will become the property of Ron and the group. If a parent has a costume made and then that child resigns, Ron may ask to purchase that costume at a reasonable cost. Can parents come to rehearsals? One parent is required to be at each rehearsal. A list will be sent out saying who is required to be at the rehearsal. Parents may change dates among themselves. Parents and performers are encouraged to ask questions before and after rehearsals. If it's not a distraction, then parents may stay and watch. Are there any other Rainbow Kids groups? Yes. Wherever Ron has been assigned, he has started at least one type of performing group. These places include: Phoenix and Lakeside, Arizona; San Bernardino and San Diego, California; Colorado Springs and Fort Carson, Colorado; Stuttgart and Frankfurt, Germany; Hickam AFB, Mililani and Makakilo, Hawaii; Scott AFB, Illinois; Osan Air Base, Korea; Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; Wright-Patterson AFB and Trotwood, Ohio; and Fort Bliss and El Paso, Texas. What is the director looking for in a potential new member? Personality, poise, talent, honesty, potential, charm, enthusiasm and the desire to perform. What do you expect the performers and their parents to give to the group? It must be totally understood that if a child is chosen to be a member, it is essential for him/her to be at all the shows and rehearsals. A performer cannot come when he/she feels like it, as it would not be fair to the other performers or the director. It is a large commitment for the entire family. How do the performers get to the shows? Normally, parents must provide transportation or carpool. How can parents get involved? Through a parent's support group, helping during rehearsals, working backstage with costume changes (each parent will be assigned this duty also so all the parents can see the shows), helping with set up and break down of the sound system, make costumes, transport the performers and assist with other performance activities. How does my child become a star? This group is not designed to make "stars" out of the children! There will always be some kids that are more advanced than others, however, this a group and not individuals. It should be noted that3 many past performers have gone onto successful careers in feature films, television, recordings and on stage. Where will the group perform? Parks, malls, military and community events, youth centers, churches, etc. My child is a little shy, would this group help him/her? Yes. The more a child presents herself in public, the more confidence she will gain. However, you should be aware, when a person is in a theatre type atmosphere, shyness cannot exist. There will be times when the performers will have to change costumes in front of other people, including the director and sometimes fathers. The young people do not have time to worry about who is there when they have one minute or less to do a complete change. What if my child is selected for the group and then decides the group is not for them. Can she/he quit? Of course. It would be wrong to press a child into performing when he/she does not want to. Ron does request that if the group is close to a performance date, that the child wait until her leaving will not affect the group or upcoming shows. However, if he/she decides to return to the group at a later date, the child must re-audition at the next scheduled audition date. Do many kids quit the group? No. If my child doesn't make the group, can he/she still be involved? Yes. They can become a guest star, volunteer to help the director or backstage, help with the sound system, costume changing and many other areas. Ron does use children as assistant3 directors, choreographers and helpers. Will my child have the chance to do other things with the group or Ron? Yes. Ron also does television video taping of scripts he has written. These shows (there's been 19 made to date) are family style programs that are normally in the ABC After School Special format. Every person connected to the project are volunteers and funding comes from the Rainbow Kids budget. It normally takes six to eight weeks to complete the taping. The final product is then presented to community access broadcast television for possible airing. A special "premiere" of the video will also be done for family and friends. Families may have copies of the programs free of charge if they supply the videotape. You may also check out any of the other videos for viewing. How often are the rehearsals and what are the times? Normally, the full group meets on Tuesday evenings at Ron's house (4215 W. Acoma Drive in North West Phoenix) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Special routines, solos, duets, and small groups will rehearse other nights and possibly on some Saturdays. During this special rehearsal times, music will be issued, songs and choreography learned and costumes issued. Children should be prepared with a tape recorder and blank tape, dressed to rehearse and be prepared to try on costumes. When you hold new auditions and my child is already in the group, does he/she have to re-audition? No. Once the child is a member, she can stay in the group for as long as she likes or unless she is non-responsive or disruptive, then there is a problem. Do you ever take children under the age of six? Yes. Ron has used children as young as three in several instances. However, the child must be very mature, can listen and wants to be there. The group is not for baby-sitting. The child must audition, want to perform and be able to keep up with the other children. When will we find out if my child has made the group? Within a week after the audition and normally by mail. If your child does not make the group this time, please encourage him/her to try again. Are you licensed? No. This is not a professional company who is trying to make money off of the group. It's a small group designed for kids to learn how to perform in any situation and to have fun. As a matter of fact, Ron loses money every year on equipment and costumes. |
| Rainbow Kids Questions |
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| Rainbow Kids Questions |