Hi Parents — As we close in on performances, we know that every minute of rehearsal time is precious and crucial to the final product. Looking ahead at the weather forecast for this week, there are almost daily chances of rain/storms. We wanted to touch base and let you know that the intention is to absolutely hold practices, but also to take a moment to explain the policies that we will follow in terms of weather interruptions.
As an outdoor activity, we have to follow the guidelines for lightning safety which include ceasing activities for 30 minutes after a lightning strike within 6 miles. Directors and I will watch weather throughout the day to make determinations as to whether or not practice should be canceled. We all know how the forecast can change without warning, so while we want to err on the side of caution, we also do not want to cancel a rehearsal prematurely.
In the event that rehearsals are underway and there is a lightning strike within 6 miles, activities will immediately cease and all participants will move into appropriate shelter locations. Open-air pavilions are not safe from lightning, so participants will either move into vehicles or permanent block structures. Directors will utilize Remind to communicate to parents if rehearsal will be stopping early. All kids will stay in those shelter locations until pick-up transportation has arrived.
Depending on when lightning occurs during rehearsal, directors may wait it out to see if they can resume if time allows, or they may call rehearsal immediately. They might also opt to continue to run rehearsal and practice lines/memorization from within the safe structures. We are not able to resume activities in the open-air shelters until 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning strike within that 6 mile radius.
We appreciate your flexibility as we try to maintain the rehearsal schedule while also following safety guidelines.
As you can imagine, weather conditions will have a significant role to play on our performance week. I will go through a more detailed explanation of our weather plan closer to show week.
