FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows does Bay Theater produce?

Bay Theater produces two shows a year; a musical in the fall and a straight play in the spring.

Do I have to take drama classes to perform in shows?

Absolutely not! The drama classes at Bay are a fun way to gain more theater experience and knowledge, but it’s not a requirement to be in a production.

What does the audition process look like?

Only those interested in being in the cast need to audition. There is no audition necessary for those interested in participating in the tech crew. 

Audition packets usually go out 1 month prior to auditions. Audition information forms, student contracts, and parent/guardian consent forms must be submitted in order to be considered for the productions.  

1. Attend the audition workshop! 

The week before school begins we usually hold an audition workshop. You are encouraged but not required to attend. At the workshop you will learn a lot of valuable information about the upcoming shows, roles available, and audition procedures. If the workshop is for the musical you will have an opportunity to learn the different song cuts that you can sing at your vocal audition and learn the dance combination that you will do at your dance audition (if there is dancing in that show.)

 The workshops are also an excellent opportunity to get to know the director and ask any questions you might have, and to meet other students interested in theater at Bay.

2. Sign up for an audition slot! 

Check this website, Bay Theater's Instagram, emails, and school announcements for the link to sign up. 

3. Show up for your audition! 

You will audition in front of a small panel which will include Bay's Theater Director, other faculty members, and our student stage manager. Your actor contract and parent consent form must be submitted prior to the start of auditions in order to auditions. Auditions are held in the drama room. 

For auditions for the musical, you will sing one or two of the cuts listed in the audition packet and taught at the workshop.

If there is a dance audition, you will learn a choreography (the same from the workshop) and perform in small groups.

Traditionally, for a straight play (non-musical) you will be asked to peform a monologue and or a reading from the script.  Monologue options and scenes will be included in the audition packet.

4. Callbacks!

A callback list will be emailed out. This is a list of people who the audition panel would like to see for specific roles. For the musical, you may be asked to sing again and learn another dance choreography. You will also be asked to read from the script. 

How do I get involved with tech? 

There are numerous ways that you can help with the creation of a production! Tech crew departments include: Stage Management, Set & Scenic Painting, Run Crew, Lights, Sound, Costumes, Makeup/Hair, Props, Front of House, and Publicity.

Sign-ups for tech roles happen at the same time as auditions for actors. Links for forms will be found in the show info packet that goes out in the summer. Keep checking the Bay Theater Instagram, the call board, and email announcements for when they are available! 

Student contracts, and parent/guardian consent forms must be submitted in order to be considered for the tech crew. 

When are rehearsals and build days? 

Rehearsals are after school for the 8-10 weeks leading up to the production, Monday- Friday after school until 6 pm. Cast members are only required to be at rehearsals of scenes for which they are onstage. Sometimes rehearsals are added on Friday afternoons and Saturday afternoons as necessary. 

Build days are typically Saturdays from 10-4 pm. Occasionally we have small build days during the week during rehearsal time. Some tech positions may have assignments to do on their own time, such as publicity work and costumes. 

During the week of the show (known as tech week), the rehearsals can go as late as 9:30 as we add the various tech elements and begin to work the schedule of the production nights themselves. Tech week rehearsals are required for all actors and crew members.

I am involved in sports, another school activity, or have a job. Can I still be involved?

We ask that students not audition or sign up for tech if they are not in a position to commit fully to the rehearsal schedule.

Rehearsing a production is a collaborative ensemble-building exercise requiring discipline, professionalism, and a high level of energy and commitment from the outset. Student conflicts not only jeopardize this but also impede work on the production, making it more arduous and time-consuming for all concerned While talent is a primary consideration when casting, level of commitment will also be a consideration and final choices for roles will be made with this in mind.

Students who are involved with sports at Bay or an outside activity, (i.e. choir, theater or dance company, competitive sports, etc) with a high level of commitment that requires them to have multiple, or weekly conflicts will NOT be able to participate in the theater production. 

For more information regarding conflicts, please refer to the Casting and Conflict Policy document. 

What if I don't make a production? 

We encourage you to keep auditioning! Remember also that just because you were not cast in a production does not mean that you shouldn't still be involved. You can sign up to be on the tech crew. Enthusiastic involvement is always appreciated!

How do I get more involved in theater in my community?

There are many opportunities for theater training in the Bay Area with groups such as A.C.T. Young Conservatory, New Conservatory Theatere Center, Berkeley Playhouse Youth Conservatory, Young Performers Theatre, 42nd St. Moon School, Peninsula Youth Theater, Youth Musical Theater Company, and Marin Shakespeare.

Any other questions? email Denise Blase, dblase@bayschoolsf.org