No Fear Friday
What is No Fear Friday?
No Fear Friday is our official Open Mic Night at the Gordon School. This Middle School tradition was started in 2014 by our beloved former theater director, Ms. Massey, as a way to welcome students and families into the then-brand-new Wales Theater. In its thirteenth year running, No Fear Friday is a highly anticipated venue for students to express their individual voices as performers among a safe and supportive group of peers.
To support the success of this exciting event, here are the official No Fear Friday schedule and guidelines. Please take a moment to look these over carefully and to sign your children up if they will be in attendance.
Official No Fear Friday schedule
3:30pm - 5pm
Arts Council, Ms. Clark and Mr. Mays will be setting up the Wales Theater. All other performers and audience must go to YAP or home.
5:00 - 5:30pm
Performers will arrive and report to the No Fear Friday Green Room, aka the art classrooms. Arts Council members will support performers through check-in and sound checks.
5:30pm
Doors will open to all guests, pizza is served! Arts Council requests a $1 donation per 2 slices of pizza from spectators. Pizza is free for all performers. Please note that student cell phones must be turned in to a designated adult, just like at Middle School dances. Students will not be permitted to be in possession of a cell phone during open mic nights.
6:00pm
The show will begin!
The event will end between 7pm and 7:30pm, depending on the number of participants. Caregivers who are not accompanying their child should arrive no later than 7:30 to pick their child up.
Performance guidelines
Each performing artist may participate in up to two numbers, limited to five minutes apiece.
We ask performers to keep in mind that we are an Nursery to eighth grade school, and they should craft their performances accordingly. For instance, they should choose appropriate language, themes, and content (and should consult a trusted adult if they have any questions!).
Each performer will choose an adult on campus to vet their performance before the day of the show.
This is a Middle School event
The whole school is welcome to attend, and many younger students are big fans of No Fear Friday, but Early Childhood and Lower School students must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver, and only Middle School students may perform.
Attention Middle School parents and caregivers
If you are not accompanying your child, please arrive no later than 7:30 to pick your child up.
Mrs. Clark and Mr. Mays will email a Google form to sign your child up for No Fear Friday, indicating whether or not they are performing and whether or not they will be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Please feel free to reach out with any questions that you may have!