Rehearsal Procedures

1.      Rehearsals will begin and end at times specified in the final rehearsal schedule. Times listed are actual rehearsal time.  If performers are late or if something else takes away from the rehearsal, then they may run longer than planned.

2.      If cast, you must agree that your picture, alone or in a group, taken by the theatre, can be used for publicity in print or on the web page by the theatre.

3.      The technical fee must be paid by two weeks after the first read through.  Further minimal costs may be required for costumes, script deposit and/or show t-shirts.  Technical fees for full productions are $20 per person or $30 per family.  For one-act plays, production fees are $10 per person or $15 per family.

4.      It is imperative that you are in attendance and on time to all required rehearsals.  Being late is not only disrespectful but, in effect, wastes the time of the other performers who are on time.  In addition, it is often said in the theatre that it is more beneficial to cancel a rehearsal all together rather than try to run one where not everyone is in attendance.

5.      In regard to attendance, be sure to list any known conflicts, including school or class schedule, on the audition form.  Those dates and times will be excused absences if a rehearsal is scheduled during that time.  Any other absence not cleared with the director at least 24 hours prior to a missed rehearsal will be unexcused.  Two unexcused absences during the rehearsal schedule may be grounds for removal from assigned role or the production as a whole.  If known class times are not listed, it may be grounds for immediate removal from the production.

6.  Parents of children in the cast must volunteer to assist with at least one rehearsal and one performance.  The rehearsal assistance will include supervising children who are not on stage in the rehearsal space or an adjoining room.  Positions for assistance during performances will be announced by the director.  Parents not willing to assist during at least one rehearsal and one performance will be required to pay a fee so that additional assistance can be arranged.  

7.      You should not alter your appearance in any way (do not color or cut hair, do not shave yourself bald or any other major alteration in appearance) without consulting with the director.

8.      If asked to, you should be prepared to make slight adjustments in appearance for the benefit of the show.

9.      All rehearsals are closed and only those involved in the production (or the children’s parents) should be in attendance.  An obvious exception is children of participants who have no other available childcare.  If you are not scheduled for a rehearsal and want to watch it anyway, that is okay but refrain from bringing anyone with you who is not involved in the production.

10.      All actors will be asked to complete a character sketch.  Further information on this, including due date will be given at the first read through.

11.  Scripts will be handed out by the first Read Through rehearsal.  The director will discuss whether or not you will be allowed to mark in the scripts.

12.  During rehearsals, pay attention to everything that is happening.  Talking when you are not on stage is not only disrespectful but also very distracting.  If you must talk to someone during rehearsals, please leave the room but be sure you are back in time to go on stage.  Also, by paying attention to directions given to others, it can eliminate the need for those same directions to be said again to you.

13.  As of "off book" in the rehearsal schedule, there will be no scripts used on stage during rehearsals.  The sooner you know your lines the better.  The scenes will not come together fully until scripts are completely out of your hands.

14.  Bring a PENCIL (not a pen) to every rehearsal.  It may help you to attach one with string to your script.  Any directions given during rehearsal should be immediately written in the script in pencil.  Written down so that when we return to the same part, you will remember what you are supposed to do.  Written in pencil so that it can be changed if/when necessary.

15.  Be prepared to wear costumes and make-up that reflect the appropriate time period and culture, and that are approved by the director as well as the costume and make-up heads.

16.  Remember, even the smallest scene is critical to the overall effect of the production.  So, whether you have 0 lines or 125, it is important for you to know what purpose your character has in the overall effect.  If you are having trouble deciding once the first sectional rehearsal is done, ask the director and he/she will be glad to help you find the purpose.

17.  If you have suggestions for changes to a scene, let the director know.  However, don’t take it personally if your suggestion is not used.  While a certain suggestion may work in one specific context, it is also important that it works with the entire production as well.

18.  The director has the final say in all decisions regarding the production.  If you have a production-related problem with another cast/crew member, which cannot be resolved on your own, let the director know so that it can be resolved as soon as possible.

19.  The director will discuss the availability of discount tickets at the read through.  Discount tickets must be purchased at least one full week prior to the OPENING performance date.