When: Saturday, January 25, 7pm (doors at 6:15pm, singers please arrive by 6:30pm)
Where: Stratford Theatre, Main Street, Stratford, CT

Where do we get tickets?
$10 in advance: go to mymmvs.com and click on "Events." You can buy as many seats as you need with a credit card. BRING YOUR RECEIPT with you to the show; we'll have your tickets there.
$12 at the door: We accept credit cards, checks (made out to Melissa Mulligan Vocal Studio) and cash.

Is the show open to the public?
Yes! The more the merrier.

What time do we need to get there?
The doors open at 6:15pm. Performers must be there by 6:30 in order to warm-up, check in with the MMVS coaches and get to their assigned seating area.

Where do performers go when they arrive?
Singers should go into the auditorium, to the front of the house and check in with Chelsea, who will be at the piano helping with warm-ups.

May we sit anywhere?
Performers have an ASSIGNED SEATING SECTION in the front left section of the house (stage right, for you theatre peeps). This will be marked "Performers Only." Families and friends may sit anywhere they'd like.

How long is the show?
The entire show will run approximately 7pm - 10pm.

Do we have to stay for the entire show?
We would really appreciate it, thank you! Our award ceremony is at the end of the show, where we recognize our most improved and committed singers of 2013. It's an amazing night filled with talented young performers and songwriters. They have all worked very hard to prepare for this, and it would be wonderful to have everyone get the chance to sing to the large, enthusiastic crowd of MMVS families and friends.

Why are some performances small groups while others are solos?
Level 1 and Level 2 students sing in duos or small groups of three or four people. This is an effective way for performers to learn to harmonize, create new arrangements and improve their stage presence. It's fun, too, and makes for a great show! Level 3 and 4 singers and Artist Development students have the option to perform a solo, often taking the opportunity to perform one of their own compositions.

What should the performers wear?
Some groups are already talking about this and have decided upon what "look" they want for their performance. Otherwise, be yourself! Try to wear something that says "I'm on stage today" rather than something that blends in with the audience.

Will there be a videographer?
Yes, and there is no charge to you for this service. A video of each performance will be made. Within a week or two they will be posted to our YouTube channel (melmmvs). You can share them with your friends, family and fans around the world.

May we take photos and video of our own?
Certainly! Please be sure not to obstruct the view of others in the audience if you do so.

Will there be water and snacks?
Water and snacks will be for sale in the lobby. All funds will be donated to the non-profit organization that we are creating called "I Have a V.O.I.C.E." for the benefit of bullied children, teens and young adults.

It's the day of the show, I'm texting my coach and she/he isn't getting back to me! What do I do?
Your vocal coach is currently running around like a chicken without a head, making sure everything runs smoothly! Please refer back to this collection of FAQs and see if your question is answered here. If not, be patient and I'm sure she'll find her phone soon... it's probably in the bottom of this bag of cables.... :)

What are the awards?
Level 1 Most Improved
Level 1 Commitment Award
Level 2 Most Improved
Level 2 Commitment Award
Level 3 and 4 Most Improved
Level 3 and 4 Commitment Award
Artist of the Year

How do you choose the nominees for Artist of the Year?
The nominees have all completed at least Level 2. They are chosen based upon their improved vocal technique, their commitment and their accomplishments inside and outside of MMVS assignments.

How is the Artist of the Year Selected?
All nominees are scored on a variety of attributes:
1/3 of the score comes from their vocal ability (including pitch, tone, and technique)
1/3 of the score comes from work ethic and other attributes (including improvement, stage presence & creativity)
1/3 of the score is an average of the scores their videos receive from a panel of MMVS coaches and mentors from the music industry.

What are the prizes?
The Improvement and Commitment Awards include a framed certificate and $25 of MMVS Money
The Artist of the Year receives
Career consultation with Grammy winner Mike Mangini
Social media consultation with Mike Falzone
Photo shoot with Rob Staub
$100 MMVS money
A special showcase at a local venue
One hour music lesson with Eddy Bakhash of Fairfield