Mainstage & Audition FAQ’s
What is a typical rehearsal schedule for Mainstage shows?
While each show is different depending on the director and creative team availability, rehearsals are generally in the evenings between the hours of 5pm-8:30pm, some weekends, and up until 9 or 10pm on tech weeks. A draft detailed rehearsal schedule for each show will always be published with the audition announcement and we encourage you to reference it when deciding on dedicating time to a production.
Where are rehearsals located?
ATY has a warehouse space located on Fireweed. We also routinely rent space at ASD schools, UAA Fine Arts Building, and occasionally rehearse at our studio in the Turnagain Arts Building. It is our greatest wish to have a dedicated ATY home in the near future that will allow us to rehearse, hold classes, and small performances all in one place! But for now, please pay close attention to rehearsal schedules and announcements for the location of each rehearsal.
What is “tech week”?
In theater, tech week (or technical week) is the final week of rehearsals leading up to opening night, during which all technical elements of a production, such as lighting, sound, set, props, and costumes, are integrated with the actors' performances. It's a crucial period for ensuring the technical aspects of the show are synchronized and ready for an audience. This includes running through scenes with all the technical elements, adjusting cues, troubleshooting problems, and making sure everything works smoothly. Tech week is often associated with long hours and intense work, as everyone strives to bring all the elements together. While it can be a stressful time, tech week is vital for a successful opening night, as it allows for necessary adjustments and ensures the technical elements enhance the performance. At ATY we always try to give at least one night off to the performers before opening night.
How many days of school will my child miss to be in a show?
Students will potentially miss 2 days of school in the mornings to perform in school shows. ATY makes every effort to reduce missed school time, while also allowing classmates to come support their peers on stage with more affordable ticket prices and school field trips.
How many shows do you perform?
We typically do a run of 8-11 shows with 8 public performances and 2-3 school shows. Our typical show schedule is two weekends with performances on Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 3pm and 7pm, and Sunday at 3pm. School shows usually play Tuesday or Thursday mornings at 10:30am.
How much is the production fee and what does the production fee cover?
The production fee is $75-$100 and assists ATY with affording the venue space and paying contracted directors and creative team. Production fees also include a show t-shirt and cast party! Anyone may reach out to us to request a scholarship for the production fee. Additionally, many homeschool programs will pay for the production fee as part of a homeschool curriculum.
Why do we pay a production fee? Don’t ticket sales cover the cost of the production?
ATY strongly believes in producing quality shows while also ensuring our ticket prices are as low as possible. Because of this, ticket sales often do not cover the entire cost of the production. We also rely on funding from grants, donations and sponsorships.
Are tickets to my child’s show included in the production fee?
No. The production fee often does not cover the cost of the theatre spaces and we rely on ticket sales to supplement this expense. We keep ticket prices as low as possible for all shows. Tickets are $15-20/adult and $10-17/kid depending on the production. Additionally, parents of students in our productions are given volunteer opportunities in which they may received complimentary tickets for each shift worked.
What is the audition process like at ATY?
Depening on the show and the director, ATY’s audition process varies. We may hold open auditions (where students get to watch each audition) or closed auditions (only the student and creative team in the room). To prepare for most auditions, you will want to have a monologue and a song ready to go so you are prepared when the audition announcement drops - most of the time, these materials do not HAVE to fit the show. At ATY we believe in students showing their best, most confident selves and sometimes that means a song or a monologue that they’ve already prepared for multiple auditions. ATY strives to create a safe atmosphere in all auditions and make the process as encouraging and painless as possible. We also frequently provide audition feedback to help learn what to work on for the next audition!
What are some resources to help my child navigate disappointment with the casting announcement?
If you have a stage obsessed kid and see more auditions in their future, here are a few more resources to help with navigating casting announcements:
Great advice on getting cast in the ensemble:
Steps to help kids process disappointment and learn:
https://www.treasurevalleychildrenstheater.com/audition-rejection-how-to-deal-a-parents-guide/
Witty and heartwarming story from a theatre mom of a tree:
https://momsoftweensandteens.com/the-time-my-daughter-was-a-tree-school-play/
Why does it feel like the same kids always get the lead roles?
It can be challenging to understand the complicated puzzle of putting a show together and it can seem unfair and like favoritism is at play when the same people always get lead roles. While ATY strives to spread the love and opportunities to as many kids as possible, it is more than likely a numbers and statistics game when the same kids often get cast. These kids are usually attending every audition, workshop, conservatory, and camp, refining their skills and gaining experience on stage. Because of this, they are more confident at auditions and able to share their talent in a more carefree manner. If your child has never attended an audition but dreams of being on stage, we encourage you to take advantage of our free workshops and affordable Drama Center classes and camps. Additionally, we are more than happy to provide you with a list of qualified singing instructors, dance programs, and acting coaches in the South Central area that can help your child have the most successful audition possible. Never hesitate to email us with any audition questions and we will be happy to assist with choosing songs, monologues, and giving tips to anyone who asks!
My child sometimes gets overwhelmed, is there a quiet space they can go when they feel overwhelmed?
Yes. ATY will maintain quiet rooms where kids needing space and quiet can retreat until they feel like returning to rehearsal. We will also have various support tools like noise canceling headphones, fidgets, and weighted blankets to continue creating a safe and welcoming environment for all kids who need it. We encourage you to send any aids along with your child that will assist them to be successful in rehearsal. That being said, we are not equipped to provide 1-1 support for students.
How do we contact you during rehearsal?
The best method is to email us at aty@alaskatheatreofyouth.org if it is not an emergency. Additionally, we use the BAND app to communicate with parents and cast during each show. It is mandatory to join our BAND for each show.
My kid has to miss a day of rehearsal/performance, is that ok?
Generally…yes. However, since they will be part of a team working together to produce a show, please be mindful that every day they are not in attendance leaves the cast at a significant disadvantage. If you will be gone for more than 2 days or absent for a performance, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can make adjustments to the rehearsal schedules and plan for understudies.
My child doesn’t have any theater experience - will they be ok in a show?
We think so! There are so many opportunities for actors with varying levels of expertise. If they want to jump in feet first and go for a leading role, we welcome that! If they want to have fun dressing up in a costume and being on stage with friends, but not the star, there is a place for them! We work hard to meet each kid at the level of participation for which they feel comfortable. However, we do ask for a good attitude, a willingness to try new things, and an actor who is able to take direction.
What is your EIN number?
Our EIN is 92-0102436.
Have more questions? Contact us HERE. We will continue to update this page!