1) Leaders

Students who are positive leaders on and off the stage. The impression our team makes at national competitions remains for years to come.

2) Respectful Students and Parents

Students and parents who are kind, respectful, supportive, and honest. We are NOT looking for Dance Moms. We are looking for families who want to work together to make the team experience the best it can be. In addition, we expect parents to support the DRMT staff and their decisions. Any issues must be brought directly to Miss Debbie. Negative chat on social media and/or behind the back of anyone associated with the team harms the whole group and it will not be tolerated.

3) Team Players

Although all the programs feature individual opportunities, the team’s success is the most important thing. We will not compromise the team’s integrity for any one individual. Not to sound corny but there is no “I” in “team”.

4) Hard Workers

“Nothing is given, everything is earned” is a quote I saw on the back of another group’s shirt at MTCA 2023. We expect DRMT students to work hard and rise to the challenges given to them so that everything we present is done at the highest level possible.

5) Time Commitment

Sometimes the most talented kids are the busiest kids. We are okay with busy as long as you willing to make your DRMT competition/travel team your first priority activity. Any potential absences must be approved by Miss Debbie BEFORE rehearsals start.

7) Flexibility in Scheduling

We are aware that when you schedule a child you schedule a family, however, when unexpected situations arise, we must be flexible. Last year we had a last-minute opportunity to work with Derek Bowley from iTheatrics and, on the flip side, we had a terrible outbreak of illness in January. Both situations required additional rehearsals. We are looking for students and parents who are willing to make those additional rehearsals work. Remember that most additional rehearsals are scheduled on the directing team’s day off!

8) Adaptability

Students must be okay with change. In the entertainment industry, things change at the last minute A LOT. That is the nature of the business. Although we plan ahead as much as possible, there will always be unforeseen obstacles awaiting us and we have to be adaptable in casting, choreography, song choice, etc.

9) Advanced Skills

All our travel teams are next level opportunities. We are looking for those students who have a track record of singing on key, projecting their voice, understanding harmony, conveying the story in their face, making strong character choices and mastering choreography.

10) Constructive Criticism

During the rehearsal process we will send out rehearsal videos with director’s notes. It is imperative that students read and process the notes before the next rehearsal. Students must also have the emotional maturity to handle constructive criticism. It is NEVER our intention to single out a student and make them feel bad.