Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Director Note 11/10/2026

 Hi Kids!

First I want to apologize for my angry outburst Sunday afternoon. I was out of line. I will ask you all to try to listen when we are coming back from a break. Time is precious to me!

This weeks  rehearsals will be from Noon to 5:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152 in Dobson Hall, upstairs. We will do more character development, costume fittings and continue on the music! 

We will begin costume fittings so please dress so you can put your costume on over your clothes. We will be sending you to the green room in groups. It’s going to be chilly! If you have questions reach out to Tracey Greene, 607-280-1655 or  tracey@kyndergarb.com


Remember to find a book to use for your music. Patrick and Kristin will be printing the small music pages for you to paste. Patrick will probably mail out info regarding that! Also, if you have a pitch pipe drop it in you bag!


On Sunday at 5:15 we will have auditions for those wishing to help out with the Off The Dock Holiday radio hour show. Please be courteous to those auditioning by staying quiet as you head out. If you would like to chat please do it outside room. Here is the info Daniel sent me!

A Very Merry Radio Hour: Audition Info & Sides

  • Auditions: 5:15 to about 6:00 PM, right after the Dickens rehearsal at First Presbyterian Church. Sunday November 15
  • Roles: four to five performers (an older gentleman, a middle-aged man, a middle-aged woman, and one or two children).
  • Working rehearsal: Saturday, December 12 or Sunday, December 13, starting at 4:00 PM at the church after Dickens.
  • Dress rehearsal (mandatory): Friday, December 18, 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
  • Performance: Saturday, December 19, 7:00 PM, First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles.

Don’t forget to sign in. Keep focused. If a director is talking please be quiet! Remember to elevate your partners, the guests and yourself! Positive choices all around!

If you need to call in sick remember, I believe you. No need to convince me how sick you are, just call or text Brett, (585) 278-0371  and  me (607)-423-1477.

Here are the instructions for ordering your mittens from Eileen:
If you want a pair of fingerless mitts, please bring me a full skein of worsted weight yarn (#4) by next Saturday.  It can be acrylic, wool, or alpaca.

The yarn should be labeled with your name and the character you're playing (just "pickpocket," "Finishing school." etc. is fine)

Thats it for now! Cheers!

Your Directors are: 

Maria DeMitchel, Artistic Director
Patrick Glaub, Music Director
Brett Norsworthy, Production Manager
John Decker, Assoc. Artistic Director
Kristin Izzo, Assoc. Music Director
Tracey Greene, Wardrobe Mistress
Kristin Palazzoli, Assoc. Wardrobe Mistress


Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles 2026 Schedule



REHEARSAL

Rehearsals located at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152  (45 minute lunch).

Sat, Nov 14, 12:00 noon -  5:00pm   Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sun, Nov 15, 12:00 noon - 5:00pm, Rehearsal, Dobson Hall 5:15 auditions for Very Merry Radio Hour

Sat, Nov 21, 12:00 noon - 5:00pm,   Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sun, Nov 22, 12:00 noon - 4:00pm, Rehearsal, Green Room, Village Garage Bays, behind the Village     Hall, 26 Fennell St. Skaneateles, NY 13152


PERFORMANCE

Performance green room Village Garage Bays, behind the Village Hall, 26 Fennell St. Skaneateles, NY 13152


Fri, Nov. 27, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm then

Skan Sings Tree lighting is 5:00 pm - 7:00pm*

Sat, Nov 28, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Nov 29, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sat Dec 5, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Dec 6, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sat Dec 12, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Dec 13, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sat Dec 19, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Dec 20, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Thurs Dec 24, Call is 11:00am, show is noon-3:00pm (cast based on availability, no trunk) 



Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Directors Notes, First Rehearsal 11/07/2026

Hi Kids!

Great first rehearsal! We can welcome new kids at rehearsal tomorrow! Please ask your friends to come play!

Tomorrow’s rehearsal will be from Noon to 4:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152 in Dobson Hall, upstairs. We will do more character development  and get started on the music!

Don’t forget to sign in. Keep focused. If a director is talking please be quiet! Remember to elevate your partners, the guests and yourself! Positive choices all around!

If you need to call in sick remember, I believe you. No need to convince me how sick you are, just call or text Brett, (585) 278-0371  and  me (607)-423-1477.

Here are the instructions for ordering your mittens from Eileen:
If you want a pair of fingerless mitts, please bring me a full skein of worsted weight yarn (#4) by next Saturday.  It can be acrylic, wool, or alpaca.

The yarn should be labeled with your name and the character you're playing (just "pickpocket," "Finishing school." etc. is fine)

Thanks Eileen!

That’s all for tonight! Again, great job today!
Cheers!
Jim

Your Directors are: 

Maria DeMitchel, Artistic Director
Patrick Glaub, Music Director
Brett Norsworthy, Production Manager
John Decker, Assoc. Artistic Director
Kristin Izzo, Assoc. Music Director
Tracey Greene, Wardrobe Mistress
Kristin Palazzoli, Assoc. Wardrobe Mistress


Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles 2026 Schedule



REHEARSAL

Rehearsals located at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152  (45 minute lunch).


Sun, Nov 08, 12:00 noon - 4:00pm, Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sat, Nov 14, 12:00 noon -  5:00pm   Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sun, Nov 15, 12:00 noon - 5:00pm, Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sat, Nov 21, 12:00 noon - 5:00pm,   Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sun, Nov 22, 12:00 noon - 4:00pm, Rehearsal, Green Room,  Village Garage Bays, behind the Village Hall, 26 Fennell St. Skaneateles, NY 13152

PERFORMANCE

Performance green room Village Garage Bays, behind the Village Hall, 26 Fennell St. Skaneateles, NY 13152


Fri, Nov. 27, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm then

Skan Sings Tree lighting is 5:00 pm - 7:00pm*

Sat, Nov 28, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Nov 29, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sat Dec 5, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Dec 6, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sat Dec 12, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Dec 13, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sat Dec 19, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Dec 20, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Thurs Dec 24, Call is 11:00am, show is noon-3:00pm (cast based on availability, no trunk) 


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Final Director Note Jan 10, 2026

 Hi kids,

I just wanted to wrap things up now that I’ve caught my breath. 

I want ot say thank you 50 times to all of you for making the 2025 season so awesome! We braved some very cold days out there and had no fatalities! Our crowds were well pleased, the merchants were happy and we all had a pretty good time! 

This was a season of change for us. New Queen, new music directors and a new Executive Director at the Chamber of Commerce. The rewards for me this year so out numbered the challenges. Tarin totally stepped up and embraced her role as Queen Victoria and really made it her own. Well done!
Patrick and Megan worked so well together and really brought the music to new heights! Again, well done! Lindsey was thrown into her role as Executive Director in October and dealt with all the challenges that entails with grace and hard work. There are so many pieces and layers to making this festival work and she handled all of it! Our first Dickens Committee meeting is Wednesday. That’s how long it takes to put all this together.

I want to share this link to the radio play with you. I’m afraid I lost track of it till now but it did air Christmas Day on the FLX Radio group. I present it here in its entirety. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q2NzETUVx0MX0iBebTa_skJNjgTum-zK/view

I look forward to doing this again next season with all of you who care to return. I feel privileged to spend my holidays making Merry with such a talented and caring group of friends.
God bless us, everyone!

Cheers!
Jim

Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles 2026 Schedule


REHEARSAL

Rehearsals located at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152  (45 minute lunch. 


Sat, Nov 07, 12:00 noon - 4:00pm,  Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sun, Nov 08, 12:00 noon - 4:00pm, Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sat, Nov 14, 12:00 noon - 4:30pm, (4:30pm – 5:00pm  as needed) pm Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sun, Nov 15, 12:00 noon - 4:30pm, (4:30pm – 5:00pm  as needed) pm Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sat, Nov 21, 12:00 noon - 4:30pm, (4:30pm - 5:00pm as needed) Rehearsal, Dobson Hall

Sun, Nov 22, 12:00 noon - 4:00pm, Rehearsal, Green Room,  Village Garage Bays, behind the Village Hall, 26 Fennell St. Skaneateles, NY 13152


PERFORMANCE

Performance green room Village Garage Bays, behind the Village Hall, 26 Fennell St. Skaneateles, NY 13152


Fri, Nov. 27, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sat, Nov 28, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Nov 29, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

*Fri Dec 4, Skan Sings. Call is 5:30 pm, show is 6:00 -8:00pm*

Sat Dec 5, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Dec 6, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sat Dec 12, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Dec 13, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sat Dec 19, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Sun Dec 20, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm

Thurs Dec 24, Call is 11:00am, show is noon-3:00pm (cast based on availability, no trunk) 

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Revels Set List Christmas Eve

 Good afternoon everyone!

I can’t tell you how proud I am of all of you! You’ve done an exceptional job! One which we will build on next year to become even better! 
For those of you joining us on Wednesday, attached below is the revels set list. 
We will split up hosting duties that morning to try to include as many of you as possible! 
I can’t wait to see you all again! 
I couldn’t think of a better way to begin the holiday proper, than being able to spend it singing with all of you! 
See you on Christmas Eve! 

Patrick 

“Listen to each other and work together “

Revels Set List 2025 Christmas Eve

Here We Come a Caroling - Vs. 1,2,and 5 (C)
Deck the Halls - Vs. 1,2,and 3 (B)
Angels We Have Heard - Vs. 1 and 2 (A)
Good Christian Men Rejoice - Vs. 1,2,and 3 (F)
Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Vs. 1 and 2 (C)
Joy to the World - Vs. 1,2,and 3 (D)
Jingle Bells - (B) - Mrs. O'Hara
12 Days (C) - Dickens
Silent Night (G) -Scrooge
I Head the Bells (C) - Irving
We Wish You a Merry Christmas (A)
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Director Note 12/23

 Hi kids!

Well I’m looking forward to seeing those of you who are coming in tomorrow! Christmas Eve is a really special day. There are so many people who have made the Christmas Eve Revels a big part of their family Christmas tradition. It really fills me with gratitude to be able to be a part of this.

That being said, please remember that many of the folks there are trying to get all those last minute errands run. Be sensitive to folks who don’t take the time to chat with you. They are busy and may be somewhat distracted. Be patient. Also bear in mind if shops are really busy give them space. 

We are finished after the revels. It may be closer to 3:00pm as we may want to sing an extra carol. That’s fine. 

Remember to check the pockets of your costumes as you carefully hang them up and collect all of your personal stuff! Please leave white shirts and any soiled pieces on the wardrobe table. 

For those of you not coming in please enjoy your Holidays and family time! I want to thank all of you for making this Dickens Christmas season so special! You all did a great job and have been a big part in making great Christmas memories for literally thousands of people! You should all be very proud of yourselves! I am so proud of all of you!

Cheers and Happy Christmas!

Jim

Your Directors are: 

Maria DeMitchel, Artistic Director
Patrick Glaub, Music Director
Brett Norsworthy, Production Manager
John Decker, Assoc. Artistic Director
Megan Gagnier, Assoc. Music Director
        gagnierme(at)gmail(dot)com
Tracey Greene, Wardrobe Mistress
Kristin Palazzoli, Assoc. Wardrobe Mistress

Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles 2025 Schedule

PERFORMANCE

Performance green room Village Garage Bays, behind the Village Hall, 26 Fennell St. Skaneateles, NY 13152

Wed Dec 24, Call is 11:00am, show is noon-3:00pm (cast based on availability, no trunk) 

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Director Note 12/18

Holy Smokes! Last full weekend is upon us!
You have all been doing such a great job! Thank you 50 times!

Here is some stuff.

Cast Party Pot Luck is Saturday evening! Dobson Hall! Someone will be up there from 10:00am to receive your food drop offs. Please label any allergens, and put your name on any pans or serving dishes you want to take home. 
Please bring your own table settings, dish, bowl, silverware with you at 4:30. You will have a chance to wash them if you need to before you leave. Also, please do not start eating before everyone has a chance to get there. It takes the Imponderables a little extra time to change!  I expect all of us to pitch in to clean up before we leave! 
We will be out at 6:30pm. Your family is welcome to join us! Make sure your rides on on time!


On Sunday there will be a person filming for a Christmas special next year. They have permission and you may be asked to speak with them on camera. Stay in character unless you are not near patrons, then you may speak freely. You may also decline to be interviewed if you are not comfortable with this.

The raffle drawing will be at the end of Revels. You are all eligible to buy tickets and win something! Do it at the Chamber on Saturday as Sunday gets a little hectic! 

Fezziwig’s Ball is Sunday evening at Dobson Hall. Tickets are available at the Chamber or online: 
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/YA1BFA47AJ2BP/checkout/CN3PZYT2SMCAKHA3UK2JINPK?src=sheet

As always, VOLUME and FOCUS! Especially during Opening and Revels! 

Dress warmly, drink water and watch traffic!

Cheers!
Jim

Your Directors are: 

Maria DeMitchel, Artistic Director
Patrick Glaub, Music Director
Brett Norsworthy, Production Manager
John Decker, Assoc. Artistic Director
Megan Gagnier, Assoc. Music Director
        gagnierme(at)gmail(dot)com
Tracey Greene, Wardrobe Mistress
Kristin Palazzoli, Assoc. Wardrobe Mistress

Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles 2025 Schedule

PERFORMANCE

Performance green room Village Garage Bays, behind the Village Hall, 26 Fennell St. Skaneateles, NY 13152


Sat Dec 20, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm *Cast Party!*

Sun Dec 21, Call is 11:00am, show is noon - 4:00pm *Fezziwig's Ball*

Wed Dec 24, Call is 11:00am, show is noon-3:00pm (cast based on availability, no trunk) 

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Cast Party! Dec 18,

 Hello everyone! It's me! Not Charles Dickens!

You asked and here it is. Below are what people have signed up to bring to our pot-luck cast party. There were several others who signed up to bring something yet to be determined. Can't wait to see what that turns out to be.
 
Remember that this is now at the Presbyterian Church in Dobson Hall. This is where we held our rehearsals. At the end of the day feel free to head straight up there from the green room. Just remember the cardinal rule of waiting till EVERYONE arrives at the church before you start eating.
 
This year more than ever I feel it is important that everyone bring a place setting for themselves. Meaning bring a plate, bowl, silverware etc. I do not mean the disposable kind. Remember that at the church, we need to bring out all the trash that we bring in. I would prefer to see nothing disposable if at all possible.
 
Remember also to label your food for possible allergens. Some people have specific needs when eating and these labels are very important.
 
So roughly the hours of the cast party are 4:40 - 6:30 so make sure your rides are on time. Better yet, have your folks come and join the fun. If not for them and their support, you might not be able to be part of this.
 
Looking forward to enjoying a meal with you all! See you Saturday.
 
Brett & Fran Norsworthy -  Meatballs in sauce
Eileen Parkman -  Stuffed Squash
Jason Parkman  -  Squash/Apple/Leek Bake
Ian Cook -  Lemon Cookies
John & Patti Adams -  Shrimp Dip & Crackers
Mike Donnelly - Fruit Cake
Aaron Searor  - Cookies
Joe Aztolos  - Soda
Patrick Glaub -  Mom’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Byron Lee -  Buffalo Chicken Dip (or something else)
Jim Drew  - Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Kevin Pelletier -  Scotch Broth
Tracy Pileski  - Jello Salad
David Hoy -  Pulled Pork
Emily King  -  Figgy Pudding
John Decker -  Soda Pop & Chips
Jim & Tracey Greene  -  Ham
Morgan Zepp  - Sheet Pizza
 

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)