General Questions
Auditioning Questions
Casting Questions
Rehearsal Questions

General Questions

• My child has never been in a play before.  Is that OK?

Absolutely! This class will teach them acting basics to help them feel confident as well as prepare them for the performance. 

• How much theatre experience does my child need to have to participate?

None! This course is meant to challenge the least experienced actor to the most experienced.

• My child is an experienced actor.  Will this program challenge him?

Definitely. Although the course will focus on basics, every student will have an individualized experience when it comes to creating a character for performance. 

• Will my child have to sing or dance?

There may be some group singing and dancing involved in a performance. Students will receive necessary direction to approach these skills with confidence.

• I’m concerned that my child might not be able to memorize very many lines.  Can they still participate?  How does memorizing lines work?

Many actors worry about whether they will be able to memorize their lines. We will be reviewing material in class so often that lines will become very familiar. However, there are many approaches to memorizing outside of rehearsal, which the director will go over in class. If your child is just learning to read, this will be a consideration during the casting process.

• How do you discipline children who are acting inappropriately during a rehearsal?

Students learn early on in classes that their behavior not only affects them and potentially what part they will receive but also the rest of the class. A director always looks for actors that can listen and follow directions. Of course, there may be circumstances that require discipline. In this case, the director will give the student a warning. A second transgression leads to sitting out of an activity or rehearsal for a brief time, with the director always following-up with the student before having them rejoin rehearsal, making sure they are aware of the behavior that lead to the time-out. A third transgression or any situation that escalates quickly, causing an unsafe situation or major disruption may lead to the child being dismissed from the program. In the unlikely event of this occurrence, parents and guardians will be contacted. It is requested that any behavioral or medical situation that could lead to discipline issues be brought to the director’s attention in advance, so accommodations can be made.

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Auditioning Questions

• Do students audition for specific parts?

We do audition for certain roles. However, I am extremely sensitive to making sure the child is comfortable in his or her role. Ultimately, though, I try to put students in roles that will best reflect their talents.

• What are the auditions like?

The audition process employed by the “Rise and Shine Players” director is a little less traditional. Although students may read from the script, the audition will mainly focus on a student’s ability to listen and follow directions. For example, the director may ask a student to state their name and age loudly and clearly. Or, the director might give a student a simple sentence to say in a variety of ways. Always, the director is looking for students that show responsibility, desire and creativity, while focusing on those that are good at following direction. This style of auditioning helps the director find a part perfect for the student’s talents, helping them to succeed.

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Casting Questions

• Can they offer feedback about which roles they would like?

Students are welcome to suggest which role they would like to be considered for. In the end, though, they are cast in a role that is perfect for the skills they have to offer.

• Are they auditioning for a specific role?

Each semester, students will be filling specific roles within the chosen play. All students are considered for every role.

• What if my child doesn’t like the role they’re cast in? Can they change?

Casting is final. However, they are always welcome to speak with the director about why they received a certain role. As well, auditions won’t occur until the second or third class, so each students abilities will be factored into the casting process. Finally, there are many things a director considers when casting a show, not the least of which are the ability to listen and follow directions, work ethic and attitude.

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Rehearsal Questions

• What is a typical rehearsal like?  What do you do?

The first few class meetings will focus on the basics of acting like diction, projection and pizzazz. After auditions, we will start immediately on putting the performance together. Students will learn about creating an interesting character, how to move confidently on stage, how to follow the directions of the director and ultimately what it takes to put on a show. Each rehearsal will focus on a learning the lines and movement of a new scene or reviewing previous work. Students will be expected to have their lines memorized within a couple of weeks of being cast.

• What if my child has to miss a class?  What is the max amount of rehearsals we can miss?

Ideally, your student will be able to attend every class/rehearsal time.  If your child has to miss one or multiple classes, please let us know ahead of time. Absences affect everyone. However, we do understand that there will always be emergencies and unforeseen events. If your student is forced to miss multiple classes for any reason (illness, vacation, etc.), their ability to participate in the performance may be affected. Absences will be reviewed on an individual basis.

• Do I have to stay at the YMCA with my child or can I drop them off and leave?

This is up to you. Students will remain with the Director until they are picked-up. Class will start promptly at 2 pm and end promptly at 3 pm.

• Can parents stay and watch rehearsals?

Parents are not allowed to sit-in on class or rehearsal as it is often easier for students to be themselves when their parent is out of the room. Students will be supervised and safe during the duration of the class. Should you have concerns with this policy, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with the director, Steven.

• What should my child wear to rehearsal?

Students should wear comfortable clothes in which they can move well. Because we will be sitting criss-crossed and sometimes moving on the floor, skirts or dresses without shorts or leggings underneath are not preferred. Gym shoes work best. Please no flip-flops, sandals or hard-soled dress shoes.

• Who do children go to when they have a question during rehearsal?

Students will be given ample opportunities by the director to ask questions during class. However, there may be times when a particular group of students is required to sit patiently watching part of a rehearsal process with another group of actors. In this case, questions will be addressed at the end of rehearsal.

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