Frequently Asked Questions

Kentlake Theatre Company

• Q: How can I get involved as a student?

A: There are a few different ways to get involved. You can register for theatre classes, attend our bi-monthly Drama Club meetings, and/or join our fall and spring productions! Just let a drama student or Mrs. Blair know that you are interested and they can help get you started.

• Q: How can I get involved as a parent?

A: There are plenty of ways to help out as a parent! During productions, we have several committees: publicity, box office/ushers, costumes/hair and makeup, cast and crew meals, concessions, and set construction. To learn more, please see the "Volunteer" page! Please keep in mind that all volunteers are required to pass a background check through KSD's VIPS system.

Theatre Classes

• Q: What theatre classes are offered at Kentlake?

A: In 2025-26, Mrs. Blair is teaching a CHS Drama class during 3rd period, Leadership in 4th Period (Semester 1), and Drama 1 (Semester 2) and a Theatre Technician class during 5th period. Find out more when registering for classes at KL!

• Q: Where is the drama department located at Kentlake?

A:  We can be found in the Performing Arts Center between the Rainier and Cascade halls in the cafeteria. Classes take place in room 1814 in the music hall across from the orchestra/choir room, and this room also houses our dressing room and Mrs. Blair's office.

• Q: I have never taken any drama classes before now, but I want to register for a class. Will I be behind everyone else?

A: Absolutely not! Although we do not currently have multiple classes for varying skill levels, our drama teacher will work very hard to meet you where you're at and provide a valuable education for you as a beginning actor or technician.

Productions, Auditions, Rehearsals

• Q: Do I have to be in the club or classes to act in the fall and spring productions?

A: Nope! Anyone and everyone is welcome to audition for our fall play and spring musical. Just come talk to Mrs. Blair when you hear about auditions over the announcements and she will help get you signed up for a time slot.

• Q: How big is the commitment for a student in a production?

A: Depending on need and the size of your part, you will be called for different amounts of rehearsals. However, you are expected to take the production seriously and attend all rehearsals and meetings you are called for unless it is previously arranged. All cast/crew members involved in a production are given a thorough contract to review with their parents that explains the expectations and committment for that particular show.

• Q: How does the audition process work?

A: The first step of the audition process is signing up. Every production has an info meeting during drama club time where you will be told what you need to prepare for the audition, as each production and project requires different things. On audition day, you should arrive at Room 1814 at least 10 minutes before your time so that you can fill out some paperwork and prepare yourself. You should receive an email within the next day following auditions letting you know of callbacks and cast list.

• Q: What are rehearsals? When are they?

A: During rehearsals, actors work on their performances, explore character, learn blocking (your character's movements), and rehearse the show. Rehearsals take place after school most weekdays during a production run, but the days and times depend on the particular show.

Tech Crew

• Q: What if I'm interested in the productions, but I want to work behind the scenes?

A: You can join tech crew! Every production has a "Tech Tryout" day, in which students interested in being a part of a show's crew demonstrate their problem-solving skills, ability to work with a team efficiently, and any other technical abilities they may have. 

Students in tech crew work behind the scenes to build sets, design sound and lighting, create costumes and props, and so much more to make sure everything runs smoothly during performances. While actors are rehearsing the show, tech comes in at the same time to work and create everything else that the audience will see and hear on stage.

• Q: What are the different parts of tech that I could join?

A: The teams in our tech crew are backstage technicians, costume, hair, makeup, fly/turntable, sound, lights, props, etc. Specific teams are created to fit the needs of a particular show.

• Q: Do I have to "audition" to be part of the crew?

A: Yes! Usually a "Tech Tryout" date is set 2-3 weeks following the casting of a show. Tech usually generates a lot of interest, but it is imperative that our tech crew is able to work through creative problems while maintaining a team-mindset. These tech tryouts allow uour tech leads to assess that and choose the right team for each show. If you are not chosen to be in the tech crew, there are other ways to get involved such as ushering, dramaturgy, or attending Tech Work Days voluntarily to help build the show! But either way, you can always tryout again at the next show!

• Q: I'm just starting to look into theatre, and I've heard a thousand new words and terms. What do they all mean?!

A: Don't worry! You'll have plenty of time to learn, and nobody expects you to pick up all the terminology immediately. Before you know it, you'll be a theatre master and saying things like "let's check Narnia", or "lineset 30 coming in!" without even thinking. We'll get you up to speed!

Production Information

• Q: Are there any fees associated with participating in a KLTC production?

A: At this time, there are no required fees! During productions, we will offer optional show shirts that can be purchased by cast and crew before the show opens. As well as other fundraisers we use for our drama club booster and productions to help fund our amazing shows!

• Q: I've heard a lot about "tech week", what is that?

A: Tech week happens in the week leading up to the opening night of a performance, and it is when all of the aspects of the show come together and final touches are made. Actors begin to rehearse in costume, lighting designs are applied to the stage, and any errors are corrected. This week can be hectic, and both cast and crew are usually expected to be at Kentlake for longer hours. It is also a great bonding experience for the cast and crew, and many people look forward to it!

Drama Club and I.T.S.

• Q: What is the Drama Club?

A: Drama Club is an after-school activity in the Green Room advised by the drama director that has student officers who plan meetings, games, fundraisers, and other theatre-inspired activities for its members. It meets after school every other week on Thursdays (the day that the activity bus comes). All are welcome!

• Q: Do I have to be in the classes or productions to join the club?

A: Absolutely not! Drama Club is open to ANY students interested in theatre, not just those in the classes and productions. Even if your only drama experience is that you love the musical Hamilton, we would love to have you! Theatre is for everyone!

• Q: What is the International Thespian Society (a.k.a. ITS)?

A: The International Thespian Society is an honor society for high school theatre students. The ITS sponsors many activities such as actor and technician workshops and state conferences, and they can be a great resource for theatre students. Students will be able to become a Thespian at the end of the school year after they earn 10 points, equivalent to 100 hours of work in the high school theatre. Those hours can be earned in both the technical and performance sides of theatre.

• Q: What are region/state Thespy's?

A: The WA State regional/state thespians are the state-version of ITF. Region is usually a gathering of high schools in our area. We prepare pieces to take to thespy's (such as costume construction, scenic design, monologues, musical theatre solos, etc.) and adjudicators at the festival give scores. Those who receive overall Superior scores qualify for Nationals. At State Thespy's, high schools gather for a conference (usually at a large venue such as the Seattle Convention Center), and there students are able to attend endless workshops, shows, tours of historic theatres, and so much more! If you're interested in these, every year we host a drama club event to explain the next stes for students to attend! Keep an eye on our events!

Have a question we missed? Email us and we'll respond shortly!