ESSOPA presents
Show 2027
Saturday 22 May 2027
Medina Theatre, Newport
11:00am + 2:30pm
Everything performers and families need to know about rehearsals, costumes, hair and make-up, performance times and important show information.
At a glance
£10
Commitment fee
Per student by 31 December 2026
£10
Costume hire
Per dance genre by 14 February 2027
20 MAY
Compulsory rehearsal
Tech and full dress at Medina Theatre
22 MAY
Show day
Two performances: 11:00am + 2:30pm
Drama, Singing and Parent & Me performers provide their own costumes; details will follow. Parent & Me pays no show or costume fee.
Plan ahead
Important dates
31 DEC 2026
Commitment fee due
£10 per student, covering rehearsals, insurance, licences and show arrangements.
14 FEB 2027
Costume hire due
£10 for each Ballet, Tap, Modern, Acro or Street genre. Instalments are welcome.
20 MAY 2027
Tech & Full Dress Rehearsal
Thursday at Medina Theatre. Arrive 3:45pm. Compulsory for participating performers.
Compulsory rehearsal22 MAY 2027
Show Day
Saturday. Performances at 11:00am and 2:30pm.
29 MAY 2027
Costume return deadline
Late returns may incur a charge.
Thursday 20 May
Tech & Full Dress Rehearsal
Attendance is compulsory
Performers who are absent cannot participate in the show. Rehearsals help everyone feel confident, happy and safe on stage.
There are no normal classes on 20 or 22 May.
- Arrival
- 3:45pm
- Pre-Primary not in other numbers
- Approx. 4:45pm finish
- All other performers
- Approx. 7:30pm finish
- Venue
- Medina Theatre
Saturday 22 May
Show day timeline
10:00
Registration
10:30
Tuesday Pre-Primary Ballet arrival — only if not in another class
11:00
First show
~1:30
Pre-Primary collection
2:00
Saturday Pre-Primary Ballet arrival
2:30
Second show
~5:00
Collection for all performers
What to pay
Costs & payments
£10
Commitment fee per student
Due 31 December 2026. Covers rehearsals, insurance, licences and show arrangements.
£10
Costume hire per genre
Due 14 February 2027 for Ballet, Tap, Modern, Acro and Street. Instalments are allowed. Drama, Singing and Parent & Me provide their own costumes; details will follow.
Prepare carefully
Costumes, shoes & appearance
Arrive ready
Hair & make-up
Hair
Arrive at dress rehearsal, tech rehearsal and show day with hair already styled in a slick bun. Use hair bands, a hair net and hair pins matching the performer’s hair colour. A full product list and tutorial will be emailed separately.
Make-up
Details and a tutorial will be emailed. Arrive with make-up already applied for dress rehearsal, tech rehearsal and the show. Label every product and keep it in a labelled make-up bag with the performer’s name. Pre-Primary does not need mascara; seniors may wear false eyelashes.
Backstage checklist
What to bring
Please bring
- Plenty of water
- Food
- Books and magazines
- Playing cards
- Colouring and small games
- Other quiet activities
Please do not bring
- —Fizzy drinks
- —Nuts
- —Chocolate
- —Electronics
- —Felt-tip pens
ESSOPA cannot accept responsibility for lost belongings.
Morning performance
Parent & Me
Parent & Me performers pay no commitment fee and no costume hire, do not attend the rehearsal, and take part in the morning performance only.
Performers remain with their parent or guardian in the auditorium until called. Parents must purchase a ticket. Costume information will come from the teacher.
Seating guidance
We recommend the first five rows Stage Left, closest to the toilets and bar. Please explain that you need the reserved Parent & Me seating when booking.
A legal requirement
Licensed chaperones only
Only licensed chaperones may enter the rehearsal building or be backstage during the tech rehearsal and performances.
ESSOPA warmly welcomes volunteers who would like to become licensed chaperones.
Audience information
Tickets, media & updates
Tickets
All audience members require a paid ticket and allocated seat under fire regulations. The show lasts approximately two hours. Pre-Primary families should check which performance their child is in before buying.
Ticket sale information will be confirmed by ESSOPA.
Photography & video
No photography or video during rehearsals or performances, and no performer photos or video on social media before the show finishes. Professional photos and video will be available to purchase afterwards; information will follow.
Programme advertising
Businesses and supporters can contact Ella for programme advertising information and pricing.
Enquire about advertisingKeep up to date
Check ESSOPA emails, Facebook, website updates, letters and the studio notice board. Collection-time changes and other important updates will be shared through these channels.
Performer administration
Show 2027 Performer Form
Complete one form for each performer. Your progress is kept while you move between steps.
- 11. Performer
- 22. Classes
- 33. Emergency & Medical
- 44. Chaperone
- 55. Permissions
- 66. Review & Submit
Step 1 of 6