The Program
2011 Season
Expectations
What you should expect from us:
The Schedule
WSYTeers can expect to be there EVERY Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:00 pm - 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 obligations.
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.
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!
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. Some activities will be done with mixed companies to form relationships across the age groups.
Generally, companies are divided as listed below, but can change based on group demographics.
Grades 5-7 |
Junior Company |
Rachele & Greg |
Grades 8-10 |
Senior Company |
Kait |
Grades 11-12 |
Advanced Acting |
Deb & Carolyn |
Within workshops, all students explore 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.
Sometimes, company leaders require WSYTeers to complete homework. 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.
For auditions, WSYTeers are divided into three groups to go through rotating auditions on three different nights. The vocal audition (Deb & Teri) showcases singing. All WSYTeers will be taught a song from the show, but can perform any song of their choice. The choreography audition (Kait & Rachele) involves learning a full-length dance. The music is not from the show and is designed to show off attitude and personality as well as dancing ability. New to the 2011 season, the acting audition (Carolyn & Greg) will consist of a series of exercises and improvisations to allow WSYTeers to show off their acting skills without doing cold readings from the script.
While all auditions can be nervewracking, the WSYT audition process is both educational and fun!
Rehearsals
As the summer progresses and the September production nears, it will be necessary to schedule extra 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. For 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.
Due to the nature of any production, not all rehearsals will involve every WSYTeer. However, on regularly scheduled nights (Tuesday-Thursday), all WSYTeers are still expected to attend. The WSYT staff is sensitive to this downtime and will have other important activities planned.
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 take a field trip to see a professional production, and host a talent show featuring WSYTeers, WSYT staff, and special family and friends. To learn more about the special nights and events at WSYT, visit the WSYT Summer page.
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