DavisMusical
Theatre
Company
DavisRehearsals are scheduled Monday through Thursday between 4:30pm and 6:30pm. Rehearsals last from 6 to 7 weeks (from the week after auditions until opening) and the number of times each actor comes depends on casting, with larger roles or multiple ensemble numbers requiring more rehearsals. A performer only needs to attend on the days they are called. Generally everyone is called the first week to learn music, then as scenes and choreography are scheduled, only for the scenes/dances the performer is in, and finally everyone is called the final few weeks.
Performers are expected to be at every rehearsal for which they are called on time, ready to sing, act, dance, etc. unless a conflict has previously been cleared with the director.
Performers are expected to rehearse music, memorize lines, and practice dance moves on the specified schedule for the show. This does require time outside of the theater (like homework).
Tech Week is the last week of rehearsals when the light, stage, and sound crews are added to the production, along with set changes, props, costumes, and eventually hair and makeup. Think of it as a week of dress rehearsals. Tech Week rehearsals generally start at 4:00pm and end at 7:00pm, however, depending on the production there may be some variation. If so, those changes will be communicated ahead of time. Please note that Monday of Tech week often goes later, often to 7:30pm.
At auditions, actors are asked to list all conflicts with rehearsal times as well as whether they are willing to miss some of these stated conflicts to fit into the rehearsal schedule. Often, the show is cast and rehearsal schedules are made with conflicts in mind, so it is important to be accurate when listing conflicts. If you do not list a conflict in advance, you are expected to be at the rehearsal.
No conflicts are allowed during Tech Week or for any of the performances. Please check the calendar provided at auditions for the dates of Tech Week and of the performances. If you have any conflicts during Tech Week or performance dates, we ask that you not audition, but wait for a more convenient show. If you miss a Tech Week rehearsal or a performance, it could impact casting in the next DMTC production you participate in.
All Performances are mandatory, and occur over 4 week period:
Immediately following the final production, the set must be taken apart and transported to storage and the theater must be cleaned. This is referred to as a "strike". Parent and cast participation in Strike is mandatory.
A parent must attend each of the mandatory meetings scheduled. A parent must provide volunteer hours to help produce the show. A parent must also help with the strike following the final performance. More information about each of the meetings, volunteer hours, and strike is detailed below.
As a parent, you also have the responsibility to ensure that your child is at all rehearsals on time and ready to go. Your child should plan to arrive ON TIME for each rehearsal and be ready to go at the designated rehearsal time. A water bottle, pencil and script should be brought to each rehearsal. Appropriate shoes for dancing should be worn at all times. Always wear closed toe shoes at the theater! Cast members should plan to bring a recording device when working with the musical director. As a parent it is your responsibility to be involved by encouraging your child to memorize lines, rehearse music, and review dances between rehearsals.
All communication for cast members is done via e-mail or Facebook. Parents must commit to checking their e-mail daily for any changes and updates regarding the production. An accurate e-mail address must be provided.
Discipline is not usually an issue, but please talk to your child about the need to sit quietly while they are not on stage. During the final two weeks, there may be significant "down time" when the children can do homework or read, but they must be ready to rehearse when needed. Electronic devices are not allowed.
Each family is required to provide at least 25 hours of volunteer time in order to help produce the show. Volunteer hours include both pre-production hours and production hours. The preproduction hours include set, prop, costume assistance and theatre cleaning. Production hours include dressing room supervision, back stage monitoring, stage crew, house managing, and box office assistance. After casting, you may indicate your parent work assignment preference, but assignments are made based on production needs. If you are physically unable to provide volunteer service, sponsorship applications are available at auditions.
A Parent Meeting is scheduled the first week of rehearsals, usually at 5:30 on the first read-through rehearsal for the cast (the week immediately following auditions). The date is announced on the audition forms. All fees and online forms must be completed by this date.
Participation Fee: Each show has a $195 participation fee. This fee includes main costume pieces and a cast photo. Some roles do require some additional costs for specialized shoes or makeup, but we try to minimize those costs as much as possible. Performers are also expected to provide shoes and changing garments (this may or may not be a cost depending on if your performer already has them or not). Scholarship applications are also available and considered on a case-by-case basis.
Payment is not collected at auditions. It is only collected after a performer is cast in the show.
Optional Fees: Optionally each performer also can choose to purchase shirts ($15-35 depending on what is ordered), DVDs ($25) or Blu-Rays ($25) of the production, and/or reduced price ticket vouchers ($60 per 10 pack). None of these additional purchases are required.
Online Forms: Required online forms include Performers' contract, liability/medical waiver, emergency medical info, costume rental agreement, "extras" order form (t-shirts, DVDs, vouchers, etc.), and volunteer skills assessment and preferences.
A meeting is held generally 1-2 weeks before Tech Week. During this meeting the costumer will go over any remaining questions about costume needs, hair, and make-up. We will discuss how Tech Week works. The various volunteer positions will be reviewed. All volunteers scheduled to work on stage crew, back stage monitor, or in one of the dressing rooms during the run of the show are encouraged to attend.
Immediately following the final production, the set must be taken apart and transported to storage and the theater must be cleaned. This is referred to as a "strike". Parent and cast participation in Strike is mandatory.
With commitment from each of us, and respect for each other, it is a very rewarding experience.
Please direct any questions to ypt@dmtc.org