THINGS TO KNOW

If you are a performer, please take the time to read this.

We have some rules! They're pretty easy to follow, so read on.

By signing up, you have made a commitment to yourself, the organizers, your fellow musicians, and the audience to arrive on time and prepared by having your song choice and the finale memorized.

How do I reserve a spot to perform?

The sign-up sheet will be available 6 weeks prior to each event and no sooner. Reserve a spot on the line-up by filling in this information on the sheet:

Your name
Your email address if you've never performed with us before
Song choice (no TBA's and please make sure that your song choice hasn't already been taken by someone else)
Video or audio link to the song (you may not make any changes to the form of the song without notifying our music coordinator Heather King first; if you want the song in a different key, please note the new key directly on the sign-up sheet)
Accompaniment: if you don't know how to play an instrument or don't have a family or friend who can play for you, that's OK. Just put a "Y" if you need accompaniment, and we'll provide that for you. If you're providing your own accompaniment (no backing tracks allowed), put an "N." You will be asked to reimburse our music coordinator Heather King for sheet music at the rehearsal if it is purchased in order to prepare the accompaniment for your song
Confirmation of your availability on the rehearsal date if accompaniment is required

What if there aren't any spots available?

If the spots are filled, add your name and song information to the waitlist. If this is your first time performing at the 815, you'll notice that we have a 5 spots reserved every month for new performers. Please enter your information in that section. We love new people!

What's the finale?

All vocalists participate in the finale. This is something we do every month to cap off the event. A finale breakdown with assigned solo and chorus parts will be emailed two weeks prior to the event. (No lyric sheets or phones on stage.)

Can you tell me about the rehearsal?

Rehearsal usually occurs the day before the event at Crossroads Christian Church at 2312 Essington Rd in Joliet. If you require accompaniment, rehearsal is mandatory. Requests for a specific rehearsal time or position on the line-up cannot be taken. We will email rehearsal times no later than the Wednesday before the event. Rehearsal times usually fall between 12 - 3pm and are no more than 15 minutes in length per performer. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time. You may leave as soon as your rehearsal time with the band has ended.

When will I perform on show day?

The sign-up sheet will "close" 7 days out, so the line-up and other details can be finalized. The line-up order will be emailed to all participants 5 days prior.

What if I cancel?

A lot of work goes into preparing the music and scheduling. Barring illness or family emergency, if we are providing accompaniment for a performer and he/she backs out of an event on or after the Monday prior to the event, he/she will not be able to perform for the next two months.

What should I do when I arrive at the event?

Please arrive when doors open 30 minutes before the event. Head to the left of the stage and check in with event coordinator Monica Minogue upon arrival.

Performers should meet our music coordinator Heather King upstairs at The Forge fifteen minutes prior to showtime to practice the finale.

What happens during showtime?

You may sit with your friends and family until you see the person before you start performing on stage. At that time, you are asked to head to the backstage (to the left of the stage). Once you are finished performing, you may go back to your seat.

All performers are expected to stay and be attentive to the others performing until after the finale. You are not just there for yourself, but to support your peers.

As a member of the audience, we respectfully suggest that your electronic devices only be used for the purpose of recording/taking photos or sharing the event on social media.

Please refrain from talking during performances.