WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THE CLASSES?

Most Play Theater classes are an introduction to Musical Theater, which is an American art form that combines the performance skills of singing, dancing, and acting, often seen on Broadway. Some other classes focus on just one aspect of the theater but are also introductory. Each session will include instruction, games, and practice in using your voice for singing, your body for dancing and your emotions for acting.

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I'VE NEVER DONE ANY OF THOSE THINGS BEFORE, IS THAT OK?

Absolutely!  Students will enter the class with many levels of experience and we will work with everyone's individual strengths and abilities and encourage them to grow from there.

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I DID THE CLASS BEFORE, WILL IT BE THE SAME?

Nope! We will learn new things and build on the skills you're already starting to develop.

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TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE SHOWS?

Play Theater chooses shows with featured roles for a lot of kids.  We have room for approximately 50 kids in the cast so everyone who registers will be in it.  We will then hold auditions to figure out who will perform particular roles.  

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HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

As soon as the show is announced, we recommend watching the movie (when applicable) AND getting to know the soundtrack very well. (Other kids at the audition will have likely listened to the music many times, and even know it by heart.)

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WHAT WILL WE DO AT THE AUDITION?

At Play Theater auditions, everyone learns the same short song and dance and will then have the chance to perform it individually or in small groups. After the audition, we may hold a call-back to see certain kids learn and perform a few more things.

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DO I HAVE TO SING BY MYSELF IN FRONT OF EVERYONE?

We will never force everyone to sing in front of a group but if you don't sing by yourself at the audition, you likely won't receive a solo singing part in the show because it is sort of a test to see if you can do it.

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HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO GETS WHAT PART(S)?

This is the trickiest part of the process.  We will look at talent and skill as well as stage presence and confidence.  Just as important, we are most likely to cast kids who show that they can follow directions and behave in a supportive and positive way throughout the process.  That said, sometimes we have to make decisions for casting based on how tall someone is or how high or low they sing. That's just the way the theater works.

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I'M NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE AUDITION.  IS THERE ANOTHER WAY I CAN TRY OUT FOR THE SHOWS?

Yes.  While it's not ideal, you can email a video of yourself amy @ playtheaternj.com a week before the auditions.

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DO I HAVE TO TAKE A CLASS TO BE IN THE SHOW?

Play Theater classes are not a prerequisite to be in the shows but the audition and casting process are much easier when I know you and what you can do.  Then we don't have to depend on what we see during one audition when you may be nervous.

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DO I HAVE TO BE AT EVERY REHEARSAL?

No - you should only be at the rehearsals you are called to attend. Show rehearsals will take place Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays, November - January. The full schedule is available here.  You will NOT be called for every rehearsal. Instead, you will be asked to declare conflicts during the audition process so we can TRY to work around your schedule. That said, once you say you WILL be available and you are called to a rehearsal, you need to be there.

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WHAT IF I MISS A REHEARSAL?

If you miss a rehearsal, it is your responsibility to get together with someone in the same part and learn what you missed  If you aren't able to do that or miss a rehearsal that you hadn't stated as a conflict, you may be removed from that song or scene because we sadly don't have enough time to re-teach things. Unfortunately, we have to be very strict about this in order to be fair to everyone.

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TELL ME MORE ABOUT CABARET.

This is an advanced program for kids who have been in many shows and are very, very comfortable and experienced performing by themselves in front of an audience.  We put together a 30-minute show and perform it at local venues in the early summer. 

 

I SIGNED UP FOR A CLASS OR SHOW AND CAN'T DO IT ANYMORE. CAN I GET A REFUND?

Play Theater programs sell out quickly and your enrollment means that another child missed out and may no longer be available.  Because we have been holding that spot for you, you can only receive a 50% refund if you cancel more than a month before we start. If it is less than a month before the first class/rehearsal, we cannot offer a refund as we have already incurred costs for you to participate. 

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CAN MY MOM AND DAD STAY FOR AUDITIONS, CLASS, OR REHEARSALS?

In order to focus and utilize our time to the best of our ability, we have closed auditions, classes, and rehearsals.  Moms and Dads will sometimes be invited to watch the last few minutes to see what we're working on!

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WHAT IF I'M SHY?

Then Play Theater is perfect for you!  Musical Theater helps build confidence and personal presentation skills. They are meant to be a process-based, fun, and no-pressure environment.

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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO AUDITIONS, CLASS, OR REHEARSAL?

There is no specific uniform necessary.  Just wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes that you can move in.

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WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO CLASS AND REHEARSAL?

For classes, bring a bottle of water and a folder to hold your lyric sheets and scripts.  For rehearsals, bring your script, a pencil, and water.

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HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?  Contact me.