Rink

NAME Julie Patterson POSITION Director of Programming RINK/LOCATION Alltel Ice Den / Scottsdale, Ariz . Annual Ice Show he Alltel Ice Den's Julie Patterson, Director of Skating and Programming, sees star potential in every Learn-To-Skater who walks through the rink doors. To enable this star power to shine, she and her staff have developed and produced an annual Ice Show since 1998. All LTS participants and figure skaters who train at the Ice Den are invited to perform in front of sold-out crowds. "Each show is only 75 minutes long, but we perform four shows in two days. We had over 240 skaters in this year's show," states Patterson. "Usually our soloists are the national level competitors, and the rest of the cast skates in ensemble numbers. In the past we have skated to various themes such as Blades On Broadway, Ice Den Rocks, Love2Skate, Dreamskate, and this year's show, Journey. We have so many families involved, which results in a wonderful dynamic for our program and facility." The process of planning the show starts a year out, virtually as soon as the last show is over. "I start with creating a name, theme and brainstorming musical ideas," adds Patterson. "Approximately seven months before the show is scheduled to run in May, I set rehearsal ice blocks with management. The hours needed are based on the number of groups and the prior year's show numbers and judging how long each number will take to choreograph and be show-ready." Hosting the show in the spring allows more available ice time, as the youth hockey program season is over. At six months out, music selection for each group number is determined, along with costume selections. Also at this juncture, the registration process for the program is finalized. The form has historically contained such information as theme and show name, times and dates of rehearsals, dress rehearsal and finale dates, cost per participant ($40, which includes rehearsal ice, coach fees and one ticket for dress rehearsal; costume fee is extra). Pre- order ticket forms go out with this, since all shows are sell-outs. Other information in the packet includes show running order, DVD and T-shirt orders. "We also include a volunteer registration form as this participation is a key piece of the success puzzle with this show," says Patterson. "We welcome the help in many areas including chaperones, ticket takers, security, ushers, program distributors, and crew for set-up and take-down." Forms are usually due four weeks before the show and costumes are also ordered. At all phases of the planning and show production, the coaching staff is involved. "Some like to choreograph and some like to assist," confirms Patterson. "I really enjoy using all of my very talented staff." To prepare for the show, Patterson and staff start rehearsals four weeks before the show. Each group averages 2.5 hours of rehearsal time, with about 40 hours of rehearsal time total. Four shows are produced over a two-day period: one dress rehearsal on Friday at 5 p.m. followed by the first show at 8 p.m. and two shows on Saturday, one at 11 a.m. and the last at 2 p.m. The building is scheduled for the ice show only, with preparation beginning Friday afternoon. "We really give the feel of a theater by covering the boards with black plastic, utilizing black curtains on the ice and very effective lighting." To make it fair, each skater is allowed four tickets per performance, until general ticket sales open four days before the show. The arena seats 320 people per performance. Each show is a sell-out, and standing-room-only tickets are sold 10 minutes before each show. All seats are pre-assigned and revenue from ticket sales assist in offsetting ice rental costs. This show has become a hit as participation continues to grow. "We are going into our 10th anniversary, so the theme for next year is pretty much set." ★ 46 R INK MAGAZ INE November/December 2007 real programs T Put on a great show. Make some extra dough. PHOTOS BY JULIE WILSON The successful ice show at the Alltel Ice Den started in 1998. More than 240 skaters participate. by JULIE WILSON

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