Club Policy

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Auditions

In order to audition for one of the Drama Club productions, students must sign up for an audition slot in advance. Audition sign-up sheets are posted to the 2nd floor bulletin board the week prior to auditions. Walk-ins are discouraged, and will be given the last time slots (if any are available). Information about sign-ups are made available to students every day via the morning announcements, and there is also an informational meeting and Q&A held prior to sign-ups.

Students must complete the entire audition process in order to be cast in a production. For the spring musical, this means all students must attend both the vocal audition and the dance audition. (Note: The vocal workshop is not mandatory.)

For more detailed information regarding auditions, please visit the respective pages under the particular production's tab on the navigation bar.

Casting

Casting is a very complex process. Ultimately, the production staff will choose students who are the best fit for the roles in the play based on the talents and skills they present at their audition, not based on seniority. Mrs. Prindiville and the production team take this process very seriously, and spend a long time analyzing and discussing what is seen in the audition process. Again, students are not cast based on their grade levels whatsoever; sixth graders have just as much of a chance as eighth graders to be cast in lead or supporting roles. That being said, typically most sixth graders start in ensemble roles and work their way up with experience, much the same way as freshmen athletes might start at the JV level and work their way up to Varsity.

Auditioning is an exciting process for students, but we know that it can also be quite stressful. We strive to make the audition environment as friendly and welcoming as possible. Peers do not sit in on auditions, and instead wait for their own auditions in the hall outside the auditorium. This is a learning experience for all students, and we encourage all to try out for our productions! The more a student auditions, the stronger and more comfortable he or she will become with the process. If a student is confused by the result of a casting choice, we strongly encourage him or her to speak with the directors to seek feedback. We ask that parents/guardians encourage their children to continue auditioning, and to continue to work at sharpening their skills onstage.

All students who audition for the spring musical will be cast. If the student attends the monologue/vocal audition and the dance audition, they will receive a part. However, if the student wishes not to accept the role he or she has been given, they should see Mrs. Prindiville to let her know of your decision. I encourage students who do not want to perform on stage to participate in another way, such as through stage crew!

For Parents/Guardians: If your child is struggling with disappointment after an audition, please download and read this helpful article published by a drama teacher in Newton. It outlines some of the do's and don'ts for helping a child get through what is understandably a difficult time. [ Parents/Guardians Guide for Helping Disappointed Kids ]

Rehearsals

For the spring musical, we will start out by having rehearsals Monday, Tuesdays and Thursday from 2-4pm. Times may change, so please check the Rehearsal Calendar!! As we get closer to the production dates, we will increase rehearsal time each month. Not everyone will be needed for every rehearsal. You will be able to check Rehearsal Calendar on this site to find out what days you are needed. Students will also receive a paper calendar for the fridge!

The week before and the week of the production are 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 all three performances are 100% mandatory, no exceptions. Students are aware of these dates before the audition process begins, and therefore there should be no surprise time conflicts.

Each cast member will be receiving a script with music. Please do not lose this. Treat it with the same importance that you would a book. We strongly encourage you to get a folder or a small 3-ring binder that you will designate for Drama Club.

Please come to rehearsals prepared. This means you should bring: music, a pencil, water, and a healthy snack. If it is a choreography rehearsal, you must be dressed appropriately in comfortable clothing (no jeans) and dance shoes or sneakers.

Pick-Up Times

Because most rehearsals run past the typical 2:40pm after school activity time, student pick-up times are extremely firm. Students should communicate with their parents/guardians and make sure they have a ride scheduled for every rehearsal for which they are called. There is limited to no supervision in the school after these hours. The production staff have other commitments and schedules after rehearsals, and it is essential for students to arrange for prompt and timely pick-up.

Attendance

You must be present at rehearsals for which you are called. We have the conflicts that are listed on your audition sheets, and we are taking them into consideration when we make the rehearsal schedules each week. Students who have more than three unexcused absences from rehearsals will be asked to leave the cast. (Extenuating circumstances, such as illness or family emergencies, are 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 Mrs. Prindiville.

Behavior Policy

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 show 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 or online, via text message, etc. 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.