CAST EXPECTATIONS
Our actors and producers are dedicated to creating the best shows possible year after year. So come prepared to work hard, improve your skills and learn from talented leaders.
Off the stage, you'll have fun and make new friends across multiple grades and schools.
We're glad you're here!
HOORAY! NOW WHAT?
You will receive an email from the production team with show details, including a mandatory parent meeting and first rehearsal date. Both of these happen quickly within a week of casting the show. All show info, schedules, fees and parental commitments will be explained at the parent meeting.
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COST TO PARTICIPATE
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There is a production fee of $1,000 per child/per show once your child has been cast. This fee includes a t-shirt, poster and professional photos and a video of the show (not to mention an unforgettable experience!). No child will be denied participation due to financial difficulty. Confidential scholarships are available. Inquire at: treasurer@childrenstheatrewinnetk.com
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REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
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Every production has two separate casts that rehearse and perform at different times. You will be assigned to a cast during the casting process. Each cast is carefully selected to be a cohesive group.
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REHEARSAL TIMES (DEPENDENT ON YOUR CAST ASSIGNMENT)
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Tues/Thurs 4-6pm and Sat 10am-12pm
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Tues/Thurs 6-8pm and Sat 12-2pm
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Some leading roles may be called from 10am-2pm on Saturdays
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Actors may be called for just a portion of the rehearsal time during a particular week, dependent on the scenework
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Directors make every attempt to call each child for as much time as possible each week
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Call times will be emailed every Sunday evening for the week
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ARE REHEARSALS MANDATORY?
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Given the complexity of our productions, all rehearsals are considered mandatory.
Availability is one of the many factors considered when casting, All absences must be approved BEFORE CASTING. Requests for an approved absence must be listed on the Attendance Policy & Schedule during audition registration. Absence requests are then reviewed for approval. Failure to receive approval for absences may cause recasting or possibly dismissal from the show.
Requested absences are not allowed after November 1 and April 1, regardless of holidays or school spring breaks. This is a critical time for rehearsals leading up to the show..
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Rehearsals are held over Martin Luther King and President's Day weekends. Please do not assume rehearsals will not be held over a holiday or school day off. Refer to the Show Schedule in the audition materials for clarification.
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Read our full attendance policy including more about absences here.
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WHAT IS A TYPICAL REHEARSAL LIKE
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Rehearsals generally start in Matz Hall auditorium with a check-in and notes from the Director. There's also a warm up complete with music and dancing to get everybody moving. Typical rehearsals include break outs for vocal training, scene blocking, choreography and costume fittings. We've had pop-ins from CTW alumni, the New Trier theatre program or other special guests. Finally, we always take time to celebrate cast accomplishments and birthdays.
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PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
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We are proud of our unique structure as a volunteer-based community theatre organization. As such, we value and rely on parent participation. CTW is able to present wonderful productions due in part to the hard work and dedication of our many parent volunteers.
Parents are required to volunteer for a committee(s), such as set painting, props, costumes, make-up, cast parties and lots more. Experience not required! There are many opportunities, which have varying amounts of commitment for parents to participate behind the scenes. It's also fun to experience parts of CTW with your child.
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During show week, parents volunteer for one tech, one dress and two shows (usually those of the other cast).