Question 1

What are Poudre Theatre productions?

Accepted Answer

Poudre High School's Theatre program puts on three main-stage productions each school year. Usually there is a musical in the fall, a play in winter, and a smaller play or musical in the spring. Auditions and crew selection are held in September and December, and are open to all students. These are the highlights of the school year and showcase our talent, skill, and commitment to excellence in theatre.

Question 2

Do I need to be in a class to be in a production?

Accepted Answer

No. Being in a class will help build your skills and knowledge, which may mean more opportunities in productions, but auditions and crew selection are open to all students.

Question 3

Do I need parent permission to be in a show?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Parents are an important part of this production! You and your parent need to sign a contract to participate, and abide by the schedule and rules for the production.
 
In addition, parents are required to attend a mandatory parent meeting and volunteer to assist on the production.

Question 4

Do I get credit for doing a production?

Accepted Answer

Students in the cast and crew will be enrolled in a Theatre Production class. This class earns elective credit, and requires weekly reflection assignments.
 
Students enrolled in Theatre Production can also enroll in a concurrent enrollment course through Front Range Community College. This earns a semester of transferable college credit at no extra charge!

Question 5

I want to be involved in a production, but I do other activities. Can I do both?"

Accepted Answer

We love that you want to do many things, and we will work very hard so that you can do both. On your audition or crew form, you will write down all of your schedule conflicts, real or anticipated. We will consider if we can work around your conflicts, and we may even talk to your coach, boss or advisor. We cannot promise that you can do both, but if we want you on our show, we will try!

Question 6

Where will the Cast & Crew Lists be posted?

Accepted Answer

We will post the cast and crew lists on the call board and on the website. 
 
We try to get the cast list posted before the crew selection meeting: we want students who are not cast to have the opportunity to join the crew, if they choose. This doesn't always happen, but that is our goal. Please don't ask us when the cast list will go up: we will post it as soon as we have it set. No one is holding the cast list for dramatic effect!
 
The crew list is usually posted the day after the crew selection meeting. We aim to have the full production company at the first read-through and company meeting.

Question 7

I didn't get cast in the show or get a job on the crew. What did I do wrong?

Accepted Answer

The short but frustrating answer is: you did nothing wrong! It doesn't feel good right now, but no one gets cast in every show they audition for, and no one gets to be on the crew every time.
 
The bottom line is that, while we want to involve as many students as possible in every show, every production is different, and has different needs. Some show calls for a small cast. Some shows don't have a set, so we don't need as many on crew. Some scripts have very specific ages, genders, nationalities, or ethnicities for the characters. Sometimes, students don't have the strongest auditions. Sometimes we need different technical skills.
 
The directors are looking, always, for what will best serve the specific production. We are looking for a sound, or a presence, or a style of movement, or a particular idea we have for what that character will be. We know it feels personal, but it really isn't. If you are not a part of this show, we hope that you will keep trying, keep building your skills, and perhaps you will be in the next one. Every audition, especially the ones that don't work out, is an opportunity to learn and grow and improve.

Question 8

How do I “attend” this year’s conference?

Accepted Answer

We are working on a plan to "attend" as a troupe: details on this later. However, because the conference is virtual, you can view the content anywhere! Get creative with how you’ll “attend” the conference  this year. The important part to remember that, by participating in Virtual ThesCon, you are a part of a larger theatre community in Colorado.

Question 9

Do I need to register through my school, or can I register on my own?"

Accepted Answer

Registration needs to happen through your troupe director. The first step is to fill out the registration form. See Mr. Smith if you need help or more information.

Question 10

Do I need to prepare and present an IE to go to State?

Accepted Answer

Since State is virtual this year, we are suspending the IE requirement for attendance. However, we encourage you to take advantage of the IE opportunity!

Question 11

What will be live vs. recorded?

Accepted Answer

To help create a more engaging conference, the jr. conference showcase ceremony will be Thursday afternoon and live streamed. The High School conference Thursday evening will also be live streamed. Each ceremony will feature the State Thespian Officers, an address from Chapter Director Tami LoSasso, and the mainstage production will stream live. In addition, the High School conference Friday evening mainstage events and the Saturday afternoon critic’s choice Chapter Select showcase will live stream. Check times in the virtual conference portal when it goes live for these events to share with your students.
Workshops for Junior Conference on Thursday, and the high school conference on Friday and Saturday are recorded, so students and educators can visit those at their leisure, when it doesn’t conflict with school work. Workshops from professional artists from across the country will be available through the end of December. Select student Individual Events will also be available for students to view when it best works for them.

Question 12

Are students limited in how many workshops they can attend?

Accepted Answer

No! They can attend all of them if they have the time and interest. Attendance at the workshops is on their own time throughout the month of December.

Question 13

How do students upload their Individual Event recordings?

Accepted Answer

To upload your student video, simply add a link to the performance in your Thespian account, the same one you register through. To help students achieve optimal recording, share or resource video with them found at the bottom of the Teacher Conference Virtual Hub page.

Question 14

How are the university and scholarship auditions being run?

Accepted Answer

University auditions and the scholarship competition are all virtual. We are still anticipating a high number of college and university representatives and they are already eagerly registering to see your students. Auditionees will submit a 2 minute audition video. Acting will be 2 minutes of a monologue or contrasting monologues. Musical Theatre will be 2 minutes of a song and a monologue. Tech Theatre will be a 2 minute presentation of a design, portfolio, prompt book, or whatever is appropriate to the design or technical discipline. Be creative and sell yourself! Remember, time starts when you introduce yourself. If you’re auditioning in Musical Theatre, someone off screen can start and stop your music for you. 
To upload the audition video as a Mp4 or a .MOV file - NOT a link to YouTube please - students must upload in their personal Thespian account where they signed up for and paid for the audition. Please remember: students MUST be seniors, must have a 2.75 GPA, and must be inducted into your troupe to audition. They must have a membership NUMBER, not a troupe number, and they have to be inducted before the November 10 deadline. No late inductees will be accepted.

Question 15

In what format should videos be submitted?

Accepted Answer

ALL videos (IEs, One Acts, College Auditions, Improv) should be direct Mp4 files or .MOV files. Please DO NOT link to a YouTube video.
 
Mr. Smith can help troubleshoot video issues and questions.

Question 16

Will there be a Critic’s Choice showcase?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Critic’s Choice Chapter Select showcase will be live streamed on Saturday, December 12. Check the virtual conference platform for times. In addition, the middle school ceremony will feature some outstanding IEs by middle school students.

Question 17

What do conference fees go towards?

Accepted Answer

Conference registration fees go towards offsetting the cost of the virtual platform as well as setting up Colorado Thespians for future conferences, just like it always does. IE costs go towards paying adjudicators to screen students’ work.

Question 18

What are deadlines for registration, video submissions, and audition uploads?"

Accepted Answer

Registration Deadline: November 10, 2020, midnight
Late registrations accepted and assessed a late fee.
Use your personal login information to register.
IE Registration Deadline: November 10, 2020 
No late IEs accepted. Use your personal login information to register.
Sr. Audition Registration: November 10, 2020, midnight
No late registrations accepted. Students register by creating their own
profile and selecting and paying for an audition at the end of the process.
IE Uploads (inc. Tech & Film): December 1, 2020
Upload in the troupe director’s personal account.
One Act Uploads: December 1, 2020
Upload in the troupe director’s personal account.
Improv Showcase Upload: December 1, 2020
Upload in the troupe director’s personal account.
University Audition Upload: December 1, 2020
Upload in the student’s personal account (after payment).

Question 19

How do I audition for productions?

Accepted Answer

Auditions are open to all students. Students usually do not need to sign up or prepare in advance: just show up! (Always check show-specific auditon requirements on the website to see if you need to do anything in advance.)
 
The audition process usually starts with filling out an audition form that tells ubout your skills, experience, schedule, and other important info.
 
The auditon will usually consist of a prepared monologue, or a workshop, or a cold reading, depending on the needs of the production. See details on our posters, call board, and website for instructions on how to audition for specific shows.

Question 20

Where and when are auditions for the 2022 Fall Musical?

Accepted Answer

Auditions will be in the auditorium from 4:30-6:30 on August 30 and 31. You need to come to both days, and you need to stay the whole time on the day you attend. The cast list for the show will be posted on the call board and on the website on September 1 or 2.

Question 21

What is the audition process for musicals?

Accepted Answer

For a musical, we are going to want to see how well you act, sing, and dance. That's a lot, so we want to make it as simple and accessible as possible.
 
Musical auditions usually start with an audition workshop, where we will teach you everything you need to do for your audition. Our vocal director will provide song materials and help you learn the song or songs we want you to sing for the audition. Our cheographer will teach you a bit of dance, and our director might give you some sections of script to practice or learn. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PREPARE ANY OTHER MATERIALS FOR YOUR AUDITION! We will teach you everything you need!
 
The audition itself will take place over two afternoons. We will give you an audition form to fill out. We might take a reference picture of you. We will ask you to sing the auditon materials, one at a time. We will ask you to dance the audition choreography. This is usually done in small groups. The director might ask you to do a cold reading from the script, either individually or in a small group.
 
Some people might be asked to read more than once. This is usually to even out numbers. We might ask questions about things on your audition form, like conflicts or schedules.
 
Auditions are not open to the public, but they are not private: you will be auditioning in the same room as everyone else auditioning.

Question 22

I can't make it to the audition workshop. Can I still audition?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The workshop is not required, but it is highly recommended. If you cannot make it, you will be able to pick up printed materials in the Band Room, and get audio and video materials on the website. You will need to prepare on your own, but we won't disqualify you if you miss the workshop.

Question 23

There is one audition for both spring shows. Am I required to be in both productions?

Accepted Answer

No. You can audition for the winter show, or the spring show, or both! There will be one opportunity to audition, in December, and one for crew selection, in January. Students will indicate on their forms if they want to be considered for both shows, or just one or the other.

Question 24

What do I need to prepare for my audition?

Accepted Answer

For our musicals, nothing!
If you come to the audition workshop (usually a week before auditons), we will teach you everything you need to audition!
 
For our plays, you might need to prepare a monologue or two, or practice with a script we will provide in advance. Make sure you check the audition posters and website for audition requirements, as they change from show to show.

Question 25

What is a cold read?

Accepted Answer

A cold read is a reading from the script without any rehearsal or memorization. When doing a cold read, the director is not looking for your level of preparation or polish, just your raw and immediate interpretation of the material. 
 
When you do a cold read, be sure to speak clearly and project your voice, maintain strong posture and presence, and do your best to find some hints of character and awareness. 
 
Since the director knows that you have not had any time to prepare the material, don't worry about tripping over words or choosing the "wrong" character. Just show confidence, enthusiasm, poise, and purpose.

Question 26

How do I choose audition monologues?

Accepted Answer

If monologues are required for the audition, generally you need to choose 2 contrasting monologues from published plays. These monologues should be rehearsed, polished, and memorized: the monologue audition is a performance, not a cold read. Usually, the performance of the entire piece should not exceed 2 minutes. Choose monologues of about a minute each. Avoid monologues from TV, film, prose, or other non-theatrical works.
 
Your audition should start with a Slate, an introduction where you say your name, the names of the plays and the playrights for your monologues. Sometimes students include their age or their school or their troupe number.
 
There should be a beat between your slate and your performance, as well as a beat between the monologues, to show transition and shifts in character.
 
Most importantly, your monologues should show off your skills and your range, showing the director not just your best materials but also your ability to play comedy, drama, young, old, movement and stillness: you can do it all!

Question 27

How many days a week are rehearsals? How long do rehearsals last?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your part in the show: if your character is in every scene and sings every number, you might be in rehearsal 5 days a week most weeks. If you are in the chorus or ensemble, it might be 2-4 days a week. As we get closer to the performances, more and more people will be called every day. Rehearsals typically last 2-4 hours, but not everyone will be required to stay the whole time.
 
We try to build a rehearsal schedule that maximizes our time: we don't want people just sitting arund! The schedule is published in advance so that people can plan around their rehearsal times. There is usually a draft of the schedule posted on the website before auditions and crew selection.
 
Tech and dress rehearsals, as well as performances, will require everyone in the cast for the whole time.
 
IMPORTANT: There is no real way to "make up" rehearsal time: missed rehearsals affect the whole show. We will work around conflicts and schedules if we know about them in advance, but we have little tolerance for "no shows". Being in a show is a commitment!

Question 28

What do technical and costuming crews do?

Accepted Answer

The technical and costume crews are responsible for everything that goes on backstage and behind the scenes. Depending on the production, this might mean designing and building the set, designing and working on lighting, sound, music, and microphones, costume design and construction, special effects, and more!
 
If you are interested in construction, designing, sewing, fashion design, or you really love theatre but don't want to be onstage, crew is a great way to be creative, work on a fun and exciting team, learn new things, and join a great community!

Question 29

When do crews meet and work?

Accepted Answer

Crews work after school and on the weekends. At first, crews will work two afternoons a week. Once we get going, we will add Saturday work days (10-4). Once we get to technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances, many members of the crew will be putting in long afternoons and evenings everyday.
 
Usually, costumers are put on teams that work together on a rotating schedule. Like with technical crew, we will usually start with 2 days a week, after school, and then add more days when we get closer to the show.
 
It IS a major time commitment, but it is totally worth it!
 
See the posted draft calendar for specific dates and times.

Question 30

How do I join the tech or costuming crews for the Spring 2023 productions?

Accepted Answer

Crew and costumer selection will be in January, after school in the auditorium. You do not need any experience, and all students are welcome. Please bring a pen/pencil to complete your crew form. Crew lists will be posted the next day, and crew meetings will start that week.

Question 31

Do I need technical or costuming experience to be on crew?

Accepted Answer

No! We will teach you! Some of our crew and costuming leads couldn't sew a stitch or cut a board when they first started. We will train you (and get you ready to show off those new theatre skills for colleges and professional theatres!).

POUDRE THEATRE

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Production Frequently Asked Questions

What are Poudre Theatre productions?

Do I need to be in a class to be in a production?

Do I need parent permission to be in a show?

Do I get credit for doing a production?

I want to be involved in a production, but I do other activities. Can I do both?"

Where will the Cast & Crew Lists be posted?

I didn't get cast in the show or get a job on the crew. What did I do wrong?

How do I “attend” this year’s conference?

Do I need to register through my school, or can I register on my own?"

Do I need to prepare and present an IE to go to State?

What will be live vs. recorded?

Are students limited in how many workshops they can attend?

How do students upload their Individual Event recordings?

How are the university and scholarship auditions being run?

In what format should videos be submitted?

Will there be a Critic’s Choice showcase?

What do conference fees go towards?

What are deadlines for registration, video submissions, and audition uploads?"

How do I audition for productions?

Where and when are auditions for the 2022 Fall Musical?

What is the audition process for musicals?

I can't make it to the audition workshop. Can I still audition?

There is one audition for both spring shows. Am I required to be in both productions?

What do I need to prepare for my audition?

What is a cold read?

How do I choose audition monologues?

How many days a week are rehearsals? How long do rehearsals last?

What do technical and costuming crews do?

When do crews meet and work?

How do I join the tech or costuming crews for the Spring 2023 productions?

Do I need technical or costuming experience to be on crew?

Production Frequently Asked Questions

What are Poudre Theatre productions?

Do I need to be in a class to be in a production?

Do I need parent permission to be in a show?

Do I get credit for doing a production?

I want to be involved in a production, but I do other activities. Can I do both?"

Where will the Cast & Crew Lists be posted?

I didn't get cast in the show or get a job on the crew. What did I do wrong?

How do I “attend” this year’s conference?

Do I need to register through my school, or can I register on my own?"

Do I need to prepare and present an IE to go to State?

What will be live vs. recorded?

Are students limited in how many workshops they can attend?

How do students upload their Individual Event recordings?

How are the university and scholarship auditions being run?

In what format should videos be submitted?

Will there be a Critic’s Choice showcase?

What do conference fees go towards?

What are deadlines for registration, video submissions, and audition uploads?"

How do I audition for productions?

Where and when are auditions for the 2022 Fall Musical?

What is the audition process for musicals?

I can't make it to the audition workshop. Can I still audition?

There is one audition for both spring shows. Am I required to be in both productions?

What do I need to prepare for my audition?

What is a cold read?

How do I choose audition monologues?

How many days a week are rehearsals? How long do rehearsals last?

What do technical and costuming crews do?

When do crews meet and work?

How do I join the tech or costuming crews for the Spring 2023 productions?

Do I need technical or costuming experience to be on crew?

POUDRE
THEATRE

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