We generally produce three to four productions during the
school year, and in the future plan Summer Stock musical productions.
The season may vary from year to year depending on the
talent pool of the members of Theatre Company.
NOVICE PRODUCTION - is open only to freshman and
sophomores or upperclassmen who have not appeared on Stage before. Generally,
this is training production to give our least experienced actors chance to
improve their skills without having to compete with experienced upperclassmen
for roles. The novice production is usually a student directed play, and is
not done every season.
FALL PRODUCTION - is usually a major non-musical
full-scale play or a contemporary lighter musical, needing only combo-Pit
orchestra or piano, with inexpensive sets, costumes, and production costs. It
is a full-scale production in every sense however. A fully staged musical
revue may be produced in lieu of an actual musical, or even a play depending
on available talent of the Company.
WINTER PRODUCTION - is generally a non-musical play,
which may be open to qualified students as a directing project. Also, guest
directors from the region may be asked to direct in order to broaden the
horizons of students to differing directing methods.
SPRING PRODUCTION - is almost always a major musical
production with a full orchestra, large sets and costumes. It is generally
more traditional show like a Rogers and Hammerstein or Lerner & Loewe
style of show. We especially try to involve as many students as possible on
this production from throughout the school, and even open up chorus or other
roles to Junior High School or younger students if the production permits.
OPEN AUDITIONS
The directors cast roles for the all productions at an open
audition. Students are eligible if they are in good standing (no pledge
violations) and have otherwise good school citizenship. The process is very
competitive, but no roles are "pre-cast". Other non-performance
opportunities exist on every production and we encourage those, who do not get
cast to participate in these areas. (see Artistic/Production Staff)
ARTISTIC/PRODUCTION STAFF
Because theater is much more than performing, Theatre
Company includes many opportunities for work behind the scenes from the crew
level through to crew executives and directors. We encourage all members of
Theatre Company to gain a broad based background by working in as many fields
as possible, so actors understand set work and "techies" understand
performing.
Production Staff is selected by applications taken before
the production, and of course no audition is required. Executives, Assistants,
and crew are chosen for their experience and ability to complete their tasks.
Our sister organization, Auditorium Staff supplies many of the people for our
production staff, though holding a position there does not guarantee that same
position on the production staff, which is chosen for each show.
DIRECTING - Students have opportunities to direct under
the director on the major musicals, or become the Student Director of a
complete project either on the Winter or Novice productions, and Junior High
plays. Acting Experience is very important, plus a good understanding of the
backstage elements. Usually experience may be gained starting as a Production
Assistant, and then later as an Assistant Director, which gives a student an
insight into the workings of the directing process. Choreography, which is
dance directing, and student pit conductor also is included.
SCENIC - This field covers everything from design to
artistic painting to construction, so a broad base of talent is needed. We
work with a wide variety of set production styles, varying from the simple to
complex. Strong artistic or carpentry background will be useful in the field.
STAGE - This field is moving actors, scenery, and props
on and off stage during a production. It requires precise planning of each
movement, and is gained mostly by hand-on experience. Many of the Scenic crew
also works on stage during performances
LIGHTING - This field is responsible for creative
lighting on the production. The Technical Director coordinates the lighting
and sound set-up and operation through the crew executives. Usually it is the
last element of the production to be finished. Good electrical and mechanical
skills needed, and experience on set-up before operation of console or follow
spots is required.
SOUND - This field is responsible for the various sound
and sound effects on productions. Experience in wireless microphone and mixer
board use and set-up are important, plus tape recording.
HOUSE - This includes ushering, house set-up/clean-up,
concession stand operation, ticket sales at the door.
COSTUME/PROPERTIES - This area includes non-scenic
pieces and costumes, which may be done by different crew executives.
MAKE-UP/HAIR - This area includes preparing for, and
putting on make-up prior and during performances.
POSTER/FLYERS - Designing and distributing
poster/flyers throughout the area for publicity.
Some of the positions available on Production Staff are:
DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER, PRODUCTION ASSISTANT SCENIC
DESIGNER, SCENIC/GRAPHIC ARTISTS, MASTER CARPENTER, CARPENTER, SCENIC CREW
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER, STAGE MANAGERS, STAGE ASSISTANTS and CREW HOUSE
MANAGER, ASSISTANT HOUSE MANAGER, CREW, TICKET MANAGER TECHNICAL DIRECTOR,
LIGHTING DIRECTOR, ASSISTANTS SOUND ENGINEER, SOUND ASSISTANTS, TECHNICAL
CREW, MAKE-UP/HAIR DESIGNER, COSTUME DESIGNER, PROPERTIES DESIGNER, BUSINESS
MANAGER, POSTER PUBLICITY DIRECTOR, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, PIT CONDUCTOR, MUSICIANS
