Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL FAQs
How many theatre productions are there each year?
Each year, we proudly present two main stage productions and one children’s theatre production. Generally speaking, our children’s theatre production falls in December. Our first main stage production falls in October, and our second main stage production falls at the end of March.
FOR PATRONS
How do I order tickets for a Perry Theatre production?
There are three ways to purchase tickets for one of our productions. The first way is to purchase your tickets online by visiting our online box office. Here, you can pay with a credit card, choose your own seats, make donations to our program, and print your tickets from home.
The second way is to mail in your ticket order form, stamped self-addressed envelope, and check (payable to Perry Local Schools). Order forms are sent to members of our mailing list for each main stage production.
The third way to purchase tickets is to stop by Perry High School during school business hours to purchase your tickets. Our front desk workers will be happy to help you submit an order form and payment.
Is the show appropriate for my child to see?
As a general practice, we encourage parents to research the shows and make determinations about what is best for their children. The children’s show is specifically written for young audiences ages 3+. Our main stage productions, however, are often written for older audiences.
Shows are given rating using a system similar to the film industry. As a general practice, all of our main stage productions are rated PG or PG-13. Subsequently, adult language, innuendo, and other adult situations may be portrayed on stage. We are not permitted to alter the show’s language or content under penalty of law, so we do our best to choose material that both exposes our students and audiences to a variety of shows while portraying content in a tasteful but realistic manner.
If you have questions about a particular show’s content, we encourage you to visit Music Theatre International’s website or contact our box office with your questions.
How much do tickets cost?
The cost of a ticket varies depending on the show itself. Our price points are listed below:
Children’s Theatre Production--general ticket admission is $5 at the door
Main Stage October Production--reserved seating is $15
Main Stage March Production--reserved seating is $15
Our main stage productions are more expensive to produce, especially musicals. In checking with other schools in the area, Perry’s ticket prices remain competitive. We also offer discounts for Perry students, senior citizens, and season ticket holders.
How will I receive my tickets?
Tickets may be printed at our box office or sent via email.
Additionally, we offer a Will Call ticket service to our patrons. Will Call tickets will be available at our box office one hour prior to curtain. When you arrive at the theatre, simply approach our Will Call ticket booth, and your tickets will be handed to you.
FOR STUDENTS
What theatre class is right for me?
Our theatre curriculum has a class for everyone interested in learning more about theatre and the theatre arts.
Students who are new to theatre, unsure of their interests in theatre, and/or are interested in theatre from a purely academic standpoint are encourage to consider the Introduction to Theatre course.
Students who are interested in performing are encouraged to begin with Drama and Acting I or Introduction to Theatre.
Students who are interest in the Technical Theatre pathway should begin with Introduction to Theatre and move to Technical Theatre Design.
Do you have to be in a Theatre class to audition for a production?
No. Two of our three productions are open call auditions while our fall production cast is by invitation only.
Why is there no audition process for the fall production?
Our rehearsal period for the fall production begins over the summer and is considerably shorter than a traditional rehearsal period. Generally speaking, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are active members of our Perry Theatre community and members of our Perry Thespian Honor Society are invited to be members of our cast.
While our cast is by invitation only, our crews are open to every member of our Perry High School community. We encourage all students to consider a crew for this production.
What do I need to prepare for an audition?
Notifications for the specific needs of our main stage productions will be communicated via Perry Theatre website, social media, Perry High School announcements, and email. Generally speaking, students are encouraged to prepare the following:
1-2 minute memorized monologue from a play, movie, or piece of literature.
32-bars from any Broadway musical or Disney movie to be sung acapella
As a general rule, please do not choose material from the show for which you are auditioning. Choose material you enjoy or connect with. As the director, I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for energy, creativity, and acting EVEN when you’re singing. Act the song as much as you sing the song.
Can I participate in other extracurricular activities and still be involved in a Perry Theatre production?
Yes. In fact, we encourage our students to be involved in other activities. We do our best to work with your schedule to ensure a balanced participation in each activity; however, it is important to be realistic about your availability. Any student who would have to miss more than 10% of rehearsals to participate in other activities should consider their role in our theatre community. Students who participate on crews have the most flexibility, but there will come a point where theatre and the needs of the production must be the priority.
What crew opportunities are available?
We have several crew opportunities available for students covering a variety of interests and time commitments:
SHOW-BY-SHOW POSITIONS
Stage Crew: Members of our stage crew work with the stage carpenter to build the physical set for the show. During the run of the show, stage crew members work with the Arts and Props crew to place set pieces on stage and aid in scene transitions. Time commitment ranges from 2-12 weeks depending on the needs of each production.
Arts and Props: Members of the arts and props crew work with the Arts and Props Director to design and paint the finished set pieces and gather all the hand and set props that are needed for the show. During the run of the show, crew members distribute and collect props from actors and work with the stage crew to place set pieces on stage. Time commitment ranges from 2-12 weeks depending on the needs of each production.
Costume Crew: Members of the costume crew work with the Costumiers to prepare costumes for the performers. During the run of the show, crew members assist in dressing the performers, pressing costumes, and organizing costumes for each performance. Work also involves time in the dressing rooms and in the wings assisting with quick costumes changes. Time commitment ranges from 2-10 weeks depending on the needs of the production.
Makeup Crew: Members of the makeup crew work the director and Makeup Director to design and apply theatre makeup to all performers and clowns. Makeup crew members are also responsible for designing and maintaining hair styles that enhance the look of a character and fit the period of the show. Time commitment ranges from 1-6 weeks depending on the needs of the production.
Clown Crew: The clown crew serves during our children’s theatre production only. During the Friday performance for the elementary schools, members of the clown crew assist elementary school teachers by meeting each class at the bus and escorting the kids to their seats. Clowns will also keep students entertained until the show begins. During the Saturday community performance, clowns meet and greet the audience as they arrive at the theatre. The time commitment is 1 week.
Usher Crew: The usher crew serves during our main stage performances. During these performances, ushers meet and greet theatre patrons, take tickets, provide programs, and escort audience members to their seats. Ushers help audience members with their needs and maintain/clean the house following each performance. Time commitment for an usher is 1 week.
LONG-TERM POSITIONS
Sound Tech: Student Sound Technicians are responsible for all the microphone/sound equipment and needs for a show. Student Sound Techs are chosen as sophomores or juniors for a 2-3 year commitment through an application and interview process. Time commitment ranges from 1-4 weeks for each show.
Lighting Tech: Student Lighting Technicians are responsible for all the lighting equipment, design, and needs for a production. Student Lighting Techs are chosen as freshmen or sophomores for a 3-4 year commitment through an application and interview process. Time commitment ranges from 2-4 weeks for each show.
Stage Manager: Student Stage Managers are responsible the backstage management for a production. Student Stage Managers are chosen at the end of the sophomore year for a two-year commitment through an application and interview process. Time commitment ranges from 5-13 weeks for each show.
When are rehearsals?
Rehearsals are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6-9 PM in the Perry Mattachione Theatre. Occasionally, rehearsals will be scheduled for other days depending on the needs of the production. Rehearsals may run over time depending on the needs of the production, so your flexibility is appreciated.