The Schedule
WSYTeers can expect to be there EVERY Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:00 pm Ð 9:15 pm. (See our vacation policy for exceptions to this). We expect you to be ready to work at 7:00 so arrive with enough time to settle in and be ready to go. At the beginning of the program, participants will receive a detailed schedule for the summer noting each evening's events. The schedule will be updated as necessary. Actors cast in principal roles as well as some specific ensemble groups will also be called to special MONDAY night rehearsals - your schedule will indicate what your obligation is there. We also have a couple of "late Thursdays" in August that allow us to complete some important rehearsal steps before our orchestra arrives for the last two weeks. And FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF THE PROGRAM the WSYT hours are 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm. This is vital to complete our work with our orchestra there, and then move on to our final week: dress rehearsals!
At the beginning of the program, participants will receive a detailed schedule for the summer noting each evening's events. The schedule will be updated as necessary. Our evening workshop/rehearsal time flies by, so make the most of it! We stress the importance for participants to arrive a bit early and be ready to begin at 7:00 p.m.
Companies
Participants are assigned to a specific "company" based on their grade level in school. Within each group, there will be a wide range of experience, from beginners to accomplished performers; this adds to the sharing and educational aspects of the program. Groups will follow similar workshop programs and will gather together at the beginning and end of each session. Group assignments will be made at the first WSYT session.
Workshops
All students participate in workshops covering many aspects of theatrical production, including movement, improvisation, acting, musical theatre skills, audition techniques, and makeup. Workshops are geared to WSYT's age range and all levels of experience. As the summer progresses, workshop time will gradually become rehearsal time, with workshop instruction fit in whenever possible.
Homework
Yes, homework is an important part of the learning experience and is an essential part of theatrical preparation. Students may be asked to observe and note the world around them, develop ideas for workshop skits and exercises, read background information for the production, prepare character profiles, and of course, memorize their songs, dances, and lines!
Auditions
All WSYT participants are cast in the season's musical production. WSYT views this as a valuable learning experience: the audition is an important part of any theatre production. Auditions allow us to cast roles, and to observe and highlight the strengths of our participants. The audition process with WSYT is designed to be as easy and non-threatening as possible.
Auditions will be held during regular WSYT sessions during the first and second weeks of the program. The audition has three elements: reading, dance, and vocal. All new participants will go through an audition preparation workshop to help them know what to expect and to help calm nerves.
Rehearsals
As the summer progresses and the September production nears, it will be necessary to schedule rehearsal time in addition to the scheduled evenings and hours to allow us to fully prepare the performance. Those participants with principal roles in the show will be asked to rehearse some Monday nights in July and August. The last two weeks of the program (our run-through week and dress rehearsal week) WSYT HOURS ARE 6:00-10:00 P.M. Any schedule changes or additional rehearsals will be announced as soon as possible.
A NOTE ABOUT REHEARSALS ONCE SCHOOL IS IN SESSION: We are aware that students return to school about two weeks before the production is scheduled and that this is a very important time for them. This is also the most intense time for rehearsals and show preparaton. We are sensitive to the needs of students and their families and will be sure to have students out of rehearsal on time. We will also provide a "quiet room" or space for those who, when not needed on stage, may work on homework.
Special Events
Not all of our time is spent learning and rehearsing! We hold our annual Sharing Night halfway through the program, where we invite families and friends to come see what we've been up to and preview a number from the show. We also march as a unit in the Peach Festival Parade, take a Field Trip to see a theatrical production, and host a Family Fun Night and Talent Show. To learn more about the special nights and events at WSYT, visit the WSYT Summer page.
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