Swimmer Expectations and Information

QUICK NOTE

Swimming in the water ballet is fun, but it requires a big commitment. Fluid Movement is a community, and the water ballet is a true team effort. Swimmers don’t just perform; they also contribute by helping with costumes, props, choreography, and set construction. On show day, we set up and break down the stage and seating to minimize disruption. Creating a successful show takes time, effort, and dedication from both the leadership team and performers. We hope participants find it to be a rewarding, community-building experience.

Code of Conduct

Fluid Movement does require all participants in the water ballet to uphold a Code of Conduct to make sure that we continue to foster a safe and accepting environment for our volunteers. A copy of the code of conduct can be found here for review. Additionally, Fluid Movement’s Board of Directors closely monitors an incident report form that can be used by anybody at any time to report behavior they believe has violated the Code of Conduct.

OVERVIEW OF THE SHOW

The swimming portions of the water ballet are our “scenes,” usually consisting of four “adult” scenes (ages 14+) and one FM Junior scene (ages ~9-14). These scenes contribute to the larger show theme, and we end with a big group celebration in "The Finale," an exuberant spectacle of people and costumes and joy.

The swimming portions of the show are typically interspersed with land acting bits that tell a story, smooth transitions, or revel in the vibes of the show. If you want to act in the water ballet, see our Open Roles for information on how to apply.

Each show is different though, so be willing to stay fluid!

Specifics related to adult scenes is below followed by Fluid Movement Junior scene information.

JUMP TO FM JUNIOR SECTIONS

ADULT SCENE INFORMATION

TL;DR*: Signing up for the water ballet means committing to a community theater production. This includes attending rehearsals, supporting your scene directors, being respectful to fellow volunteers, and helping with stage and seating setup/breakdown on show days.

^{*Too Long; Didn’t Read}

SIGN-UPS TO SWIM

Fluid Movement doesn't require auditions for the water ballet. Instead, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Fluid Movement strives to include as many swimmers as we can, while prioritizing safety and our amazing volunteers and the constraints of our limited resources.

In 2025, we are moving to online sign-ups, which will open on April 21st at 6 PM and stay open for 24 hours. The link to sign-up will be posted on our website, our socials (Instagram and Facebook), and in in Fluid Movement’s newsletter.

After sign-ups, our production team will reach out with info on which scene you’re in or if you've been added to the waitlist.

For more info, check our Frequently Asked Questions page.

MANDATORY MEETING 0

To kick off the 2025 summer, we’ll have a mandatory in-person meeting on May 5th from 6-7:30 PM at the Zoo Pavilion in Druid Hill Park. This is your chance to meet the team, your directors, and the 80+ swimmers in the show. We know life happens, but it's important to attend and show your commitment! If you cannot attend this meeting, it must be for a reason that won't impact your attendance at June/July rehearsals. Missing this meeting will count as one of your absences for the summer.

REHEARSALS

Each adult scene rehearses twice a week from the first week of June through July, typically from 5:30-7:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Exact schedules depend on pool availability.

Swimmers are allowed to miss three rehearsals.

Scenes rehearse at various Baltimore City pools, such as Druid Hill, Roosevelt, Clifton Park, and Riverside, with occasional sessions at Cherry Hill Splash Park or indoor pools. An example schedule might be Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-7 PM at Clifton Park Pool.

Rehearsals begin on land in June before pools open. Any cancellations due to weather or pool issues will be announced by your scene directors.

For more rehearsal details, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

BEHIND THE SCENE VOLUNTEERING

In 2025, Fluid Movement will introduce a department system for creating costumes, props, and the set. Each department will have designated leads and scheduled build times at our headquarters (303 West Monument Street).

Swimmers must attend at least two build sessions, including one for costumes. More details on builds will be shared once schedules are set. If you're interested in volunteering for a department, fill out this form.

TECH DAY/TECH WEEK

Tech Day is an exciting but long day, running from about 10 AM to 6 PM on the Saturday before the first show (usually the second-to-last Saturday in July). It's the first time we run the entire show with actors, microphones, and speakers, and all swimmers must attend.

Scenes re-block their numbers in the new pool, and everyone learns the finale number, starting on land. We also load and unload sets and tech equipment for the show.

After Tech Day, there are two to three additional rehearsals during the week to rehearse the full show before the first performance. After the first weekend of shows, we move to a new pool and have extra rehearsals to adjust.

Attendance at Tech Day is required, and additional rehearsals are highly encouraged and may be required by scene directors.

SHOWTIME, BABY!

Finally, it’s showtime!! The thing we’ve been rehearsing for all summer! Typically, the big shows occur on the last weekend in July and the first weekend in August, usually with eight or nine shows over the course of two weekends.

A typical show schedule is

Saturday, last weekend in July: 5 and 7 PM, call time at 1 PM
Sunday, last weekend in July: 5 and 7 PM, call time at 2 PM
Saturday, first weekend in August: 5 and 7 PM, call time at 1 PM
Sunday, first weekend in August: 5 and 7 PM, call time at 2 PM

Note: Schedules may change based on pool availability and safety, and night shows (including 9 PM or Friday shows) may be added.

Call times are early because there’s a lot to do to prepare the pool and ourselves. Show days are long but rewarding, offering a true community theater experience.

CAST JOBS AND SET UP/BREAK DOWN

Swimmers are expected to help set up and break down the stage and seating to ensure everything’s ready for our audiences. Though it may not be the favorite part of the experience, it’s crucial because our pools are open to the public between shows, and we want to minimize our impact on the community.

Cast jobs include setting up tents, moving bleachers, hanging set pieces, running tech cords, organizing storage, and making sure everyone has snacks.

Sign-ups for these tasks will be sent out before Tech Day, along with a request for help with load-out at our headquarters. We’ll accommodate different abilities, but the more people chip in, the easier it is for everyone. All participants are expected to contribute in some way.

EXPECTATIONS CLOSING STATEMENT

We don’t want to scare anyone away from joining the water ballet, but we want to be clear about the commitment involved. While swimming in the water ballet is joyful, it takes a lot of work to make the show happen. Like any community, we share both the fun and the hard parts together. Please consider the requirements above before signing up.

If you want to be in the water ballet but you need special accommodations, please reach out to volunteers@fluidmovement.org.

Fluid Movement Junior Scene Information

SIGN-UPS AND REHEARSALS

Fluid Movement Junior is for strong swimmers aged 9-14 who want to be part of the show. While it's aimed at younger swimmers, kids 15+ who wish to join are welcome.

Junior scenes are like adult scenes but with younger participants. They have their own directors, costumes, props, choreography, and are an integral part of the show.

Rehearsals for FM Junior take place Monday through Friday for 90 minutes in mid-July, typically during the second or third week.

FM Junior sign-ups are online. Details about rehearsals and sign-ups will be posted on our socials and in the newsletter.

Since rehearsal time is limited, full attendance is expected for FM Junior.

TECH DAY/TECH WEEK

Tech Day is an exciting but long day, running from about 10 AM to 6 PM on the Saturday before the first show (usually the second-to-last Saturday in July). Juniors are not expected to be on-site until 12 PM or later.

Attendance at Tech Day is required, and additional rehearsals are highly encouraged and may be required by scene directors

SHOWTIME, BABY!

A typical show schedule is

Saturday, last weekend in July: 5 and 7 PM, call time at 2 PM
Sunday, last weekend in July: 5 and 7 PM, call time at 3 PM
Saturday, first weekend in August: 5 and 7 PM, call time at 2 PM
Sunday, first weekend in August: 5 and 7 PM, call time at 3 PM

Note: Schedules may change based on pool availability and safety, and night shows (including 9 PM or Friday shows) may be added.

If you have a child in your life that wants to be in the water ballet but needs special accommodations, please reach out to volunteers@fluidmovement.org.