FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows does WRHS Theatre Company produce?

WRHS Theatre Company usually produces three shows a year; a straight play in the fall, and children's show in the winter, and a musical in the spring.

Do I have to take theatre classes to perform in shows?

Absolutely not! The theatre classes at WRHS are a great way to gain more theater experience and knowledge, but it’s not a requirement to perform.

What does the audition process look like?

Only those interested in being in the cast need to audition. There is no audition necessary for those interested in participating in the tech crew. 

Audition packets usually go out 2 weeks prior to auditions. Audition information forms, student contracts, and parent/guardian consent forms must be submitted in order to be considered for the productions.  

1. Attend the pre-audition meeting! 

The week before school begins we usually hold a pre-audition workshop. You are encouraged but not required to attend. There you will learn a lot of valuable information about the upcoming shows, roles available, and audition procedures. If the workshop is for the musical you will have an opportunity to learn the different song cuts that you can sing at your vocal audition and learn the dance combination that you will do at your dance audition (if there is dancing in that show.)

 The workshops are also an excellent opportunity to get to know the director and ask any questions you might have, and to meet other students interested in theatre at WRHS!

2. Sign up for an audition slot! 

Check this website, our Instagram, emails, and/or school announcements for the link to sign up. 

3. Show up for your audition! 

You will audition in front of a small panel which will include WR Theater's Director, other faculty members, and our student Director's Assistant. You should come to the audition with all your online forms submitted. Auditions are held in Rehearsal Hall 1.

For auditions for the musical, you will sing one or two of the cuts listed in the audition packet and taught at the workshop.

If there is a dance audition, you will learn a choreography (the same from the workshop) and perform in small groups.

Traditionally, for a straight play (non-musical) auditions are comprised of cold readings from the script. The director will choose a variety of short scenes that you will perform during the audition session. These scenes will be in the audition packet.

4. Callbacks!

A callback list will be emailed out and posted on this website. This is a list of people who the audition panel would like to see for specific roles. For the musical, you may be asked to sing again and learn another dance choreography. You will also be asked to read from the script.

 If you are not called back, that does NOT mean that you are not in the show! 

The evening of callbacks, the cast list will be sent out. Rehearsals typically start the next school day. 

How do I get involved with tech? 

There are numerous ways that you can help with the creation of a production! Tech crew departments include: Deck Crew, Scenic Design & Painting, Set & Prop Construction, Wardrobe, Makeup/Hair, Audio & Lighting, Front of House, and Publicity.

We also have opportunities for Student Leaders in roles such as: Stage Manager, Director's Assistant, Costume Designer, Set Designer, Props Master, and Front of House Manager. Students apply for these separately. Applications are usually sent out a month prior to auditions.

Sign-ups for tech roles happen at the same time as auditions for actors. Links for forms will be found in the show info packet that goes out in the summer. Keep checking our Instagram, the Call Board, and email announcements for when they are available! 

Student contracts, and parent/guardian consent forms must be submitted in order to be considered for the tech crew. 

When are rehearsals and build days? 

Rehearsals are after school for the 8-10 weeks leading up to the production, Monday- Friday after school until 5 PM. Cast members are only required to be at rehearsals of scenes for which they are onstage. Sometimes rehearsals are added on Friday afternoons and Saturday afternoons as necessary. 

Build days are typically Saturdays from 10-3 PM. Occasionally we have small build days during the week during rehearsal time. Some tech positions may have assignments to do on their own time, such as publicity work and costumes. 

During the week of the show (known as tech week), the rehearsals can go as late as 9:00 PM as we add the various tech elements and begin to work the schedule of the production nights themselves. Tech week rehearsals are required for all actors and crew members.

I am involved in sports, another school activity, or have a job. Can I still be involved?

Rehearsing a production is a collaborative ensemble-building exercise requiring discipline, professionalism, and a high level of energy and commitment from the outset. Student conflicts not only jeopardize this but also impede work on the production, making it more arduous and time-consuming for all concerned. While talent is a primary consideration when casting, level of commitment will also be a consideration and final choices for roles will be made with this in mind.

For more information regarding conflicts, please refer to the Casting and Conflict Policy document. 

What if I don't make a production? 

We encourage you to keep auditioning! Remember also that just because you were not cast in a production does not mean that you shouldn't still be involved. You can sign up to be on the tech crew. Enthusiastic involvement is always appreciated!

How do I get more involved in theater in my community?

There are many opportunities for theater training in the Stockton with groups such as Stockton Civic Theatre, Changes Faces Theatre Company, KUDOS Children's Theatre Company, Elevate Dance Company, and many others. 

Any other questions? email Ethan Albala, ealbala@musd.net