The Children's Theatre

What else should I expect?

2010-04-20T22:49:29.684-06:00

Production photos will be available for students after the production. (for purchase)
Personal photography or video of the production is not permitted. A video may not be available due to licensing restrictions and/or company preferences. Depending on the production, students may be asked to provide footwear or stockings/tights/leotards. Students will be asked to provide personal makeup as needed.

Why do we have to pay tuition

2010-04-20T22:47:48.401-06:00

Tuition is a vital part of providing the space, staff, designers and costs of producing a Youth Stage production. It is important to the program to keep the class size smaller so each student receives the training needed to perform. Tuition is due once the student has been accepted. Tuition can be paid over the phone, or at the Box Office during regular hours.

What part will I receive?

2010-04-20T22:47:18.013-06:00

The first audition is to accepted into the program. After a student has been accepted, the Director will hold an audition for character roles. The assignment of roles is dependent on a student’s ability. A show typically requires a wide variety of abilities which makes it perfect for Youth Stage students to grow within the program. We have seen many of our students go back in forth from a lead character, supporting role, or a background character. In theatre companies it is very typical for actors to play a lead in one show and then a background character in another. A good example of this is any Shakespeare Festival. Theatre at it's best is an ensemble.

What’s the time commitment?

2010-04-20T22:47:14.643-06:00

You should plan on approximately 70+ hours of instruction plus performance times. Students meet twice a week until two weeks prior to opening where they will meet 4-5 times/week. Generally students perform 6 - 10 shows depending on cast size. Parents should be prepared to volunteer 2-5 hours during production or during performance times. Is this going to be harder than we thought? It can be fairly intense at times, but if parents and students are prepared to work hard in an environment that has great expectations, then you’ll love it. Students should be prepared to come to all rehearsals. Missing performances is not accepted under typical circumstances.

Why do students have to audition?

2010-04-20T22:32:48.737-06:00

Youth Stage is not suited for students with no training or experience, it is a complex performance class which requires focus and discipline of each student. Youth Stage requires students to audition to show previous training in performance and be able to understand the vocabulary that is traditionally used when taking direction. Students must also be familiar with the discipline of memorization, speaking and movement skills.

Why Youth Stage instead of participating in my school play?

2010-04-20T22:32:20.876-06:00

The Children’s Theatre is known for being the best training place in the State for children in drama. We keep class size small, which allows us to focus on the individual within the programs. Children receive specialized training and learn discipline at a higher level at our theatre. Youth Stage is truly a unique experience.

Why don’t I just audition for a Mainstage Production?

2010-04-20T21:45:18.253-06:00

First of all, we do have many of our students audition for our Mainstage and it is encouraged. Typically in our Mainstage there are not as many roles for young actors, but when there are students who have been well trained, they have a significant advantage over those who have not. A significant difference is students who are accepted into Youth Stage have an abundance of opportunities to portray characters that they typically would not at their age, which helps them grow in their ability at a much faster rate. Some of our advanced students have performed in both Mainstage and Youth Stage productions.

What is YOUTHSTAGE?

2010-04-20T21:43:42.504-06:00

Youth Stage is a performance based class that teaches the discipline of working as an actor in the theatre. Actors ages 8 - 18 are invited to audition for entry into the program. Students will investigate all styles of theatre such as musicals, dramas & comedies. Students will benefit from working with Professional Directors and a variety of artists. This program challenges young actors to work in the “real world of theatre”. The only difference between our Mainstage and Youth Stage is that the actors are ages 8-18. Youth Stage showcases young actors and their ability to draw the audience into the story and touch their hearts.

Youth Stage is not meant as a way for your child to be “discovered”. Many talent agencies have asked us to see our students, but we have declined, as we want students while at our theatre to focus on the ability to perform on stage without distraction. Many of our actors have gone on to perform at local, regional, and national theaters, as well as television and films. The Children’s Theatre objective is not stardom, but to learn the discipline and skills of the stage for the student’s performance.