P2K YOUTH THEATER FAQs
THE PROGRAM
Who is eligible to participate?
Our programming is open to children and youth ages 8 to 18 (through the summer after high school graduation) from any geographic area as long as they can attend rehearsals.
Does the program have a cost?
Yes, there is a tuition fee for each production (see the audition packet for each show for more information). However, we never want to turn someone away for financial reasons. Thanks to fundraising efforts and gifts from our generous donors, we have a Youth Theater scholarship fund that can help cover tuition for anyone in need.
Is a long-term membership or commitment required?
No. Each play production is a complete project from start to finish and independent of any other productions. Families may pick and choose which productions they would like to participate in and are not required to commit to any future shows.
AUDITIONS
Are auditions required?
Yes! Each production will have its own auditions which are required for anyone interested in participating. Everyone is required to audition whether it is their first time or if they have participated in a show with us before.
When are auditions and what is required?
An audition information packet will be published (about 3-4 weeks before the audition) for each upcoming production with detailed information and forms specific to that production. It will include information about the audition dates and times, how and what to prepare for the audition, details about the rehearsal schedule, and more. Please check the audition page [link that page to the audition page] for more information about upcoming auditions.
Will everyone who auditions be cast in the show?
Not necessarily. Cast size will vary for each production. While we will always strive to cast as many young actors as possible, to maintain a high-quality production, and a safe and productive learning environment, we will be limiting the cast size to what each specific play or musical can accommodate while maintaining the artistic integrity of the piece. Therefore it is possible to audition and not get cast. It will always depend on the needs of the show, and how many people audition.
What are you looking for in auditions?
The needs of each production will vary, but in general we are looking for actors who can immerse themselves in portraying a character – physically, vocally, and emotionally and who can make interesting and intelligent character choices. Having a loud and clear voice with excellent diction and enunciation is also very important. We want actors who are creative, willing to take artistic risks and try different things, and who can work well in an ensemble. This involves being kind, supportive, and working well with others throughout the rehearsal process. We need actors who are hard-working, dedicated, responsible, and passionate artists.
How is casting determined?
Each production is cast by the director of the show (with some assistance from their production team). The director’s responsibility is to the production itself and will cast each show based on what they see at the audition and any relevant information they have available at the time of casting regardless of an actor’s age or previous performance experience.
We at Playhouse 2000 are pleased to affirm our commitment to being a welcoming inclusive company. P2K Youth Theater is committed to this principle – we wish our casting to reflect the diverse community in which we live!
Every role in a production offers opportunities for exciting challenges, growth, learning, and lots of fun! Please trust that we want every young actor to shine and have the best experience possible while putting on a fantastic production for everyone to enjoy.
Are there opportunities for children and youth who don’t want to be on stage to help out “behind the scenes” in technical theatre areas?
We do not have specific opportunities for youth in technical theatre roles at this time. We hope to be able to add this element to our programing in the future, but for now, this is not part of our program.
REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
When are rehearsals?
For our productions that take place during the traditional school year (fall and spring), rehearsals are typically held for 1.5 to 2 hours in the late afternoon or early evening (somewhere between the hours of 4:00 and 6:30 PM). Each production typically has a rehearsal period of 6-7 weeks. Our summer musical theatre camp rehearsals are held during the day (usually 10 AM to 2 PM) for 4 weeks. Always check the audition packet for each upcoming production for the most accurate information.
When are performances?
We typically have four performances in one weekend: a Friday evening performance, a Saturday afternoon performance, a Saturday evening performance, and a Sunday afternoon performance. Always check the ticketing information and/or the audition packet for each upcoming production for the most accurate information.