Policies

Auditions

In order to audition for one of the Drama Club productions, students should sign up for an audition slot in advance. Audition sign up forms are available online at least one week prior to auditions. Walk-ins will be permitted time permitting. There is also an informational meeting held prior to sign-ups.

In order to be cast in a production, students must complete the entire audition process. For the fall musical, this means completing a vocal, acting and dance audition.

For more information regarding auditions, please visit the respective pages under the auditions tab at the top of the website.

Casting

Casting is a very complex process. Ultimately, the production team will choose students who are the best fit for the roles in the play, based on the talents and skills they present at their auditions. The directors involved take this process very seriously, and spend a long time analyzing and discussing what is seen in the audition process. Casting is not done by seniority; freshman have as much of a chance as seniors to be cast in lead or supporting roles.With that said, typically, most freshman start in ensemble or cameo roles and work their way up, the same way in a sport they might start out at a JV level and work their way up to Varsity.

We know auditioning is an exciting process for students, but we know that it also can be stressful. We strive to make the audition environment as friendly and welcoming as possible. If a student is confused by the result of a casting process, we strongly encourage him or her to speak with the directors and seek feedback. A good rule of thumb is that the more a student auditions, the stronger and more comfortable they will become. We ask that parents encourage their children to continue auditioning, and to continue to work at sharpening their skills onstage.

A note on the two different productions – The fall musical is a larger production that will be cast from all auditioning students; if you complete the audition process, you will be cast in the production unless there are scheduling restrictions that would make your participation impractical. The spring production will focus on character development and scene study, and may include up to 15 – 20 students. It will be either a straight play or a collection of one acts or short plays.

Off stage roles - There is a great deal more to theatre than the actors onstage. In fact, most professionals working in performing arts are only onstage a small percentage of their professional lives and often hold other positions within the industry as well. If you are considering a career in engineering, design, technology, management, administration, marketing, teaching, etc. there are important jobs to fill in the production that will afford valuable practical experience and learning opportunities.

For parents: If your child is struggling with disappointment after an audition, here are a couple of resources.

A general guide for helping your student work through not reaching their goal. [ Download: Helping Kids Deal with Disappointment ]

An article with more of a professional bent. [ Download: 5 Ways to Help Young Actors Deal With Rejection ]

Rehearsals

We will start out by having rehearsals between 2 – 4 days per week from 2:30pm-5pm. As we get closer to the production dates, we will may increase rehearsal time by adding a day and/or extending the hours. Not everyone will be needed for every rehearsal. You will be able to check the “call board” every week to find out what days you are needed. The call board will be posted by Sunday evenings.

The week before and the week of the production will be considered “tech week” and we will have at least two dress rehearsals. Please mark these dates in your calendar immediately – all tech week rehearsals and performances are 100% mandatory, no exceptions.

  • For the fall musical, some students will receive a libretto. We will be asking for a $25 script deposit in the form of a check (made out to Colchester School District). All markings must be made in soft pencil only. At the end of the performances, once scripts are returned with all markings erased, you will receive your script deposit back.
  • If you receive photocopied music, PLEASE do not lose it. Please regard it with the same importance that you would a book. We strongly encourage you to get a folder or 3-ring binder that you will designate for rehearsals to keep your music in.
  • Please come to rehearsals prepared. This means: bring music, a pencil, water, and a healthy snack. If it is a choreography rehearsal, you must be dressed properly. Please wear comfortable clothing (yoga pants, leggings, sweat pants, gym clothes, etc). If you own dance shoes (ballet, jazz, character heels), please bring them. If not, sneakers are fine for rehearsals.

Attendance Policy:

You must be present at rehearsals for which you are called. We have the conflicts that are listed on your conflict sheets, and we are taking them into consideration when we make the rehearsal schedule. Students who have more than three (3) unexcused absences from rehearsals will be asked to leave the cast. (Extenuating circumstances, such as illness or family emergencies, are obviously taken into consideration and students will not be penalized for such matters.) If you know you are not going to be at a rehearsal, please email or speak with the stage manager.

Academic, Athletic, and Co-curricular Eligibility Policy:

Policies related to Colchester High School's eligibility requirements for participation in any Colchester Theatre Company production can be found in the CHS Student Handbook beginning on page 31.

Behavior Policy:

The Basic Rule: SAVE THE DRAMA FOR THE STAGE!!!!!!

This will undoubtedly be a fun and exciting experience; however, when we are at rehearsals, we are here to work. Putting on a musical is a long process, and we need everyone’s effort, determination, and cooperation. Misbehavior and inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. Bullying of any kind, whether it is in-person, online, or via text message, is inexcusable. Please refer to the student handbook for specifics on the expectations for school conduct. Students who disregard this policy will receive a phone call home to the parent/guardian, and may be asked to leave the production if the offense is repeated.