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POLICIES & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CASTING, COMMITMENT & TUITION
At MTE everyone who registers for our productions receives a role in the show. No prior experience is necessary, however, a positive attitude, hard work and commitment is required. Everyone must do their part of making sure the show is the best it can be. This includes memorizing lines by the given off-book date, attending all rehearsals unless you are sick and being a team player in and outside of rehearsals.
If you will miss a rehearsal due to illness or emergency, please contact your director directly. Please note that we reserve the right to re-cast an actors role if they miss more than two rehearsals during the semester. You also may not be included in certain scenes or musical numbers if you miss the rehearsal where it is worked on.
While disappointment is inherent in the world of theatre, we encourage every student to accept the role they are offered with grace. Every role you play in theatre is a new experience that adds to your skills & training. Parents can help us by reinforcing this truth at home!
Cast lists will be sent out by email after auditions and the casting process is complete.
Please be aware that depending on enrollment, female students may be cast in male roles. This flexibility allows us to navigate the challenges of having more female participants at this time.
Due to limited space, tuition is non-refundable. This includes students who choose to drop out of the show. Please carefully consider your schedule before registering for a production.
DRESS CODE
For everyone's safety, no dresses, skirts, open-toed shoes or dangling jewelry in rehearsals.
Dress Code for rehearsals:
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T-shirts
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Sweatpants or leggings
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Tennis shoes, character shoes or jazz shoes
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Hair must be up and out of your face.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
At Musical Theatre East, we believe that kindness towards one another wins. Kindness is a calling of Christ in our lives. Kindness makes us better human beings. Kindness creates an environment in which we all feel valued and loved. Kindness also helps our shows and individuals to be exceptional!
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Encourage each other in our victories, and mistakes.
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Let the director give direction.
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Speak and behave respectfully to all staff, volunteers and other cast members.
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Realize that all roles are vitally important to the success of our shows, no matter how many lines someone has.
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Be respectful towards others costumes & props and do not touch them if they are not yours.
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Be kind to YOURSELF. We act as a creative outlet and all MTE productions are judgement free zones.
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Speak words of life in all situations (including ones outside of rehearsals).
We reserve the right to dismiss any student from classes due to discipline issues.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Parents, legal guardians, minor students and adult students agree to indemnify and hold harmless Musical Theatre East, its instructors, employees and rented facilities from any and all claims or liabilities that may result from acts, whether negligent or not, that may occur during scheduled rehearsal times or any other activities engaged in by students before, during or after scheduled rehearsal times. Note: Each student should be covered under some kind of individual insurance policy. Musical Theatre East will not be held responsible.
PHOTO RELEASE
Musical Theatre East has permission to use my child's photographs in its promotional materials and publicity efforts. I understand that the photograph may be used in a publication, print ad, direct-mail piece, electronic media or other promotion. I release Musical Theatre East, their photographer, employees, and designees from any liability for any violation of any personal or proprietary right I may have in connections with such use.
DOES EVERYONE RECEIVE A ROLE AFTER AUDITIONS?
Yes! Every student who registers for our youth productions will receive a role in the show. Auditions are an integral part of theatre and will help us evaluate the best roles to place our participants in.
WHAT IS THE AUDITION PROCESS? WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE?
Generally, the audition process will take 2-3 hours. There are 3 steps to auditions...
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Vocal
Auditioners are asked to prepare 60-90 seconds of a musical theatre song that best showcases their vocal range and ability. Please work with an instrumental track on YouTube that can be pulled up during your audition. Bring a device that can be hooked up to blue tooth.
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Dance
We will teach a short and easy combination to all auditioners. Don't stress about this. We just want to see where you are in your movement skills!
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Acting
Once vocal and dance auditions are complete, we will come back together as a group and do cold reads from the script.
WHEN WILL I KNOW WHAT PART I AM?
Cast lists are usually sent by email within 24-48 hours of auditions.
WHAT IF I DON'T GET THE PART I WANTED AND WANT TO QUIT?
In the event that you choose to withdraw from a production, please note that your tuition will not be refunded. Every role holds significance within a show, and MTE discourages performers from quitting due to not being cast in their desired role. Additionally, it is important to recognize that participating in each show will provide you with valuable experience and skills, no matter what role you receive.
WHY DO YOU CHARGE TUITION FOR PRODUCTIONS?
MTE firmly believes that the age at which children participate in our productions is a critical and formative stage in their lives. It is during this time that they are growing, learning, and beginning to explore their identities as performers. With this understanding, MTE dedicates extra time and attention to these young performers to nurture their love for theater, provide education, and enhance their artistic abilities.
Furthermore, in MTE youth productions, every individual who auditions is guaranteed a role. It is important to note that, similar to many youth theatre companies, MTE relies on the support of tuition fees as ticket sales alone cannot cover production expenses. The funds received from tuition enable MTA to deliver high-quality theatre experiences in the East Valley.
WHAT IS THE REQUIRED PARENT INVOLVEMENT?
We want our parents to have a relaxed experience with us. That being said, we do not require parent volunteer hours unlike a lot of children theaters. The only thing we ask is that everyone involved stays and helps with clean up after the final performance.
Volunteer jobs will be available for those who wish to sign up to help with set building, hair/makeup, running box office or concessions etc. Theatre takes a village so we love our parent volunteers! But nothing will ever be required.
WHEN ARE REHEARSALS?
Production schedules will vary by show, but usually are held once or twice a week.