Life of a Theatre Show: Beginners Guide!

AUDITIONS: So, I want to audition as a student or am I parent who wants my kid to audition. What do I do?

Perfect! Participating in any theatre show/company is a privilege first and foremost. Here at Top Hat Theatrics we follow a set of rules for all shows produced. Take some time now as a student, parent, or someone curious to theatre to better understand the guidelines of a proper theatre company.
Click here for Top Hats GENERAL PRODUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Where do auditions and callbacks take place? Auditions AND callbacks are both held at the same location for Top Hat Theatrics. Please refer to the audition form page when you signed up as it will detail the location. Typically the location is the same as the rehearsal space! In the event the space is not available we may opt to request a video audition instead. This is detailed in an email to parents and students if needed.

Before we dive in further let’s start with the basics for an audition. Get familiar with a couple of terms used in the beginning of auditions. Every section from here on will have a “Definitions Table“, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading the definitions as it will help navigate the terms used in everyday theatre.

Definitions Table (Click the dropdown arrows on the far right of each word!)

So what are the steps in doing an audition?

1. Review the Audition form of choice you want to sign up for.
2. At Top Hat Theatrics we require a student to do a 1 minute song that’s relative to the show you, or the child is auditioning for. Here are some rules of guidance when auditioning.
   • No Acapella
   • Provide a Backing track via a YouTube Link or MP3 File
     • You can provide it us in person with a USB, email it to us, whichever you prefer!
   • Slate before you perform!
3. A monologue is also required to be performed. Top Hat Theatrics will provide a monologue for the student to choose from when the audition form was released. You will perform the monologue after the song audition.

I’ve signed up, I picked my audition song and monologue!

The next step is that the student performs both the song and monologue in front of the Director(s) and Music Director(s).

It’s important to note that this is a fun process and we completely understand that it may be nerve wracking to perform in front of others! Take your time, and know that we’re here rooting for you!

CALLBACKS: I did it, I did my audition! I got called back! What’s a callback?

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the second and final stage called a CALLBACK. We’re getting close to casting a show!

A callback is the second round of the audition process. The director(s) decided they wanted to see more of you, the student, perform some other material from the show you’re auditioning for! Being called back may not mean you’re in the show, but it also doesn’t mean you’re not in. Consider the callback a second review to ensure the director knows where they want students in a particular show.

CALLBACK EMAIL: For Top Hat Theatrics we will typically send out an email containing a callback list of which character we want a student to read lines and/or sing for. There may be files attached to the email titled with characters name from the show. Make sure you take the time to see what the student is called back for and match it with the named files! If you have any questions, always email info@toptheatrics.org – There are no such thing as silly questions, we understand this process can be nerve wracking no matter how prepared students can be!

Definitions Table

Callbacks are done in three parts, follow along below!

PART ONE – Dance Call: The choreographer of the show who creates the dances will hold an hour to do a dance call where students will learn a dance number together with the choreographer to then perform it in smaller groups of students. This is an opportunity for the choreographer to understand the different skill level of dancing for each student and where to place them best. We accept students of all dance levels regardless of experience and we make it a point to work within the actors skill set.

PART TWO – Music Call: The music director will have students sing sections of particular songs from the show being auditioned for. The songs are provided on paper and are called vocal scores (sheet music). The student is NEVER required to know how to read sheet music, the music director will teach the music. This is an opportunity for the music director to understand the vocal skill, health, and vocal capability and how it can fit into a character role. Each character role may require specific vocal ranges and that can have an effect on where students are placed. We want to always ensure students are singing in roles that are healthy for their vocals but also a worthy challenge to expand their experience!

PART THREE – Sides and readings: The director hands out sides for students to read. Directors use this to see the student ability in acting, decision making, and how the student chooses to stand out while interacting with their scene partner(s).

Add it all together! Sides, Dance, and Music! When all three parts of the callback are done for each student it gives the Director a better understanding of where a student may place in a show. Because these callbacks can go for almost four hours in some instances, we at Top Hat Theatrics do a rolling dismissal so we are using everyone’s time wisely in the process.

What’s a rolling dismissal? Simply put, during the callback we may have seen everything we needed from a student and we initiate a rolling dismissal by simply asking the parent to pick their child up from the callback date. This does NOT mean the student isn’t cast for the show, we simply saw what we needed and we ask for your patience as we work through in reviewing the rest of the kids!

I got an offer email! What does this mean? First off, congratulations! You’ve made it to this point where you’re given an opportunity to finally join the cast. You’ve conquered auditions and callbacks! From here, the student and parent will discuss the offered role from the director and will decide whether to accept or decline the role. For Top Hat Theatrics, we simply ask that you reply to the offer email with “Accept” or “Decline“.

Though we hope every student accepts the roles offered, we understand a student may be indifferent with the role given, or another factor introduced to decline the role, but we completely understand! If you happen to be a student who declines an offered role please come back to audition for another show!

In the event a student feels disappointed by the casting decision please take the time to read through the below section of ‘working through disappointment’ as we understand the difficulty of not getting a particular role we had wished for, but this is also a learning/growth opportunity if the time is taken to understand the decisions made.

We know students may be particularly interested in playing certain characters depending on the show we’re producing. It’s best to enter into an audition, hoping for some thing, but not setting your sight on a specific role.

Here are some strategies for students to help them cope:

1. Acknowledge their feelings: Let your child express their emotions openly. Acknowledge their disappointment and let them know it’s okay to feel this way.
2. Encourage Perspective: Help them understand that not getting a role doesn’t diminish their talent or worth, Sometimes, casting decisions are based on many factors beyond their control.
3. Highlight Growth and Learning: Focus on the positive aspects of auditioning, such as the experience gained, skills improved, and the courage it took to try out. Reinforce that each audition is a learning opportunity.
4. Discuss Resilience: Teach them about resilience and perseverance. Encourage them to keep practicing and trying again if they’re passionate about acting.
5. Explore other opportunities: Help your child explore other activities or roles they might enjoy. This can shift their focus and provide new goal to work towards.
6. Offer Support: Be there to listen and provide support. Let them know you’re proud of their effort and that setbacks are a normal part of pursuing goals.
7. Maintain Balance: Ensure your child maintains balance in their. Encourage hobbies and interests outside of acting to reduce the pressure on any single audition or role.

In the below dropdowns we’ve provided the policies followed within Top Hat Theatrics for any student that is auditioning for our shows. The policies detail the steps of what our directors have to take into consideration when casting a show properly. With realistic expectations, we hope to encourage students to keep auditioning, and frame their perspective in a positive mindset for growth.

So you’re in the show and now you have to start preparing for the journey of the rehearsal process. In this section you’ll learn what things to bring to a rehearsal and how to properly dress for it too!

What should I bring to a rehearsal?

Here’s a list of things to consider bringing as a student for rehearsals.

1. A hoody/sweater during the winter!
2. Rehearsal bag to store your personal items. Backpack, handbag, or tote bags are great options!
3. Plastic water bottle, with water.
4. Snacks for yourself during breaks.
5. Script if you were given one.
6. Hair ties!
7. Extra pair of socks, shirt, and pants if possible!
8. Deodorant.
9. Character/Jazz shoes!
10. Notepad/Journal to write in.
11. Pencil (Not pen—has to be erasable!)

Rehearsal Apparel

Rehearsals may require us to move frequently through dance, acting, and running the show! To make sure we’re comfortable and properly dressed we recommended a quick DO’S and DON’T of rehearsal attire!

DO’S!

1. Wear close fitting, yet stretchy clothing!
2. Character / Jazz shoes! This is your safest and easiest go to shoe apparel for rehearsal and on stage!
3. For students with long hair, tie your hair back! We want to see your face so bring hair ties!
4. Proper undergarments. Actors choose to wear loose clothing to move in, but please make sure you’re wearing proper undergarments that cover any parts of the body that may be deemed too revealing. A good rule of thumb is think proper gym apparel at school!

DON’T!

1. Jeans! Jeans are restricting and can pose as a disadvantage when dancing.
2. No flip flops or crocs to rehearsals.
3. Revealing articles of clothing.

Character Shoes, Jazz shoes!

A type of shoe used in acting, dance, and a formal shoe apparel for being on stage or rehearsals! The character shoes typically come in black or beige. We typically recommend to buy a pair in black first before getting one in beige.

Here are some examples from Amazon of character shoes:

Traditional Character/Jazz Shoes – Commonly used in rehearsals and the performance space for shows. These are typically unisex.

Character Shoes with Heels – 2 inch heeled character shoes.

Which ones do I get? The safest approach is always having a pair of traditional character/jazz shoes!

Not sure of shoe sizing and ordering online is stressful? Here’s an alternative! We recommend going to any dance apparel store as this will be a more convenient way to try on shoes as needed. A place of interest that’s close to Top Hat Theatrics area would be DanceMax Dancewear at 3016 Canton Rd, Marietta, GA 30066.

You made it! You’ve accepted the role you were offered and now you’re attending your first rehearsal. Let’s dive in to everything you’ll want to know during a rehearsal. As the rehearsal section is a tad bit longer, please take your time! The definition table will be at the end of this section.

Top Hat Theatrics holds their rehearsals at great gig DANCE co.

4200 Wade Green Rd NW #128, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Rehearsal times are on the weekends as follows:

Saturdays from 5pm to 9:30pm

Sundays from 4pm to 7pm

We generally follow and watch for Cobb, Cherokee, and Fulton County School breaks!

Day 1 of rehearsal: First and foremost, every first day of rehearsal has a parent meeting followed by a read through!

Parents will meet the directors, Top Hat Theatrics staff, and will receive more insight about the production and how things will go! This is a great opportunity to make new friends, ask questions, and be a part of the community!

Parents! The scale of these shows require all the help we can get! As part of your child being in our program we’d love to have your help as well. Check the dropdown below to get an idea of what roles we need filled by parents!

Students afterwards will then do a read through of the script! This is a moment for all of the cast and staff to listen and enjoy the official Broadway track of whichever musical we’re producing. This is also an opportunity for students to understand the flow of the musical and ask questions to better understand the story!

Before we can just take off onto the stage and dazzle the audience we need to know where we’re going on the stage!

Stage directions: Let’s learn what the directions of a stage are! Directors typically refer to certain parts of the stage with direction phrases. Take a look at the stage directions diagram below!

When moving on stage we refer to specific phrases of stage direction to communicate. Some common examples you may hear.

“Move downstage when you deliver your next line.”

“John went upstage right to reveal what was behind the cloth.”

“Matilda, go left center when you enter the stage.”

“Hey, go downstage center more!”

“You will enter from stage right to cross to downstage center.”

Before we move on to the music part of this section, take some time to understand some general terms used within the rehearsal space!

Definitions Table

Led by the music director in a show, their job is teach the vocal music to each student! Before we get into what that looks like, here are some definitions to help you along the way!

Definitions Table

PLEASE READ: Please keep in mind that all music is taught without any expectations of actors being able to read sheet music.

Group Music Rehearsals:

When you and your performer see that there is a music rehearsal on the weekly call, the first thing you need to do is listen to the song(s) at home for the week leading up to the rehearsal.

Our music directors recommend that all performers be familiar with all of the songs in the show; but take extra time to get to know the songs on the weekly call. This is important because it will help your performer immensely if they already know the song before going into the music rehearsal.

When it’s music rehearsal time, your actor will need a few things: 

•Script
•Pencil (Not pen—has to be erasable!)
•Water
Note: Cell phones are permitted only as a device to view the script on, or as an audio recording device for the music rehearsal.

During the music rehearsal, the music director will take the song with one small portion at a time, and build all of the vocal sections together, before moving on to the next part.. This is often a tedious process as many songs have 3 to 4 vocal parts, so actors have to be patient and wait for their vocal section’s turn.

Music rehearsals can range from learning one song, to learning a handful of songs. Be ready for anything!

One on One Music Rehearsals: When being cast in a show, it is equally as important as it is to know your lines, to know every song that your character is in. Whether it is a solo song or a group song, be sure to take note of every song your character is in, and get to know them quickly.

When you and your performer see that there will be a one on one music rehearsal, the expectation is that your performer knows how the song goes. The music director is expecting to work technique and musicality: not play notes and rhythms as if your actor is hearing the song for the very first time.

In a one on one music rehearsal, music directors will focus on the following things:

•Dynamics (Volume)
•Breathing
•Placement (What part of your voice are you singing with?)
•Acting through Song (Directors will also work on them with this!)
•Notes and Rhythms, if needed.

Dancing is one of the main elements in story telling for any musical. In this part of the rehearsal you’ll learn some definitions and what we do when dancing. Below are some basic dance terms to know when in rehearsals!

Definitions Table

Learning the Steps: The choreographer, who is like a dance teacher, shows the performers the dance moves that go with each song. They break it down into small parts so it’s easier to learn.

Practicing: The performers practice these steps over and over. They might do it slowly at first and then faster as they get better.

Adding Details: Once everyone knows the basic moves, the choreographer adds details like expressions, arm movements, and timing. This makes the dance look more polished and exciting.

Working with the Music: The performers practice dancing with the actual music from the show. This helps them get used to the rhythm and timing of the songs.

Combining with Acting: Since musical theatre also involves acting, performers practice dancing while saying their lines and interacting with others. This helps make the whole scene look natural.

Rehearsing on Stage: Finally, the performers practice on the stage where the show will be performed. They get used to the space and make sure they know where to be during each part of the dance.

Acting is a crucial part of musical theatre because it brings the characters and story to life.

At Top Hat Theatrics our directors are big on actors making CHOICES!

Let’s define choice!

Choice – An act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.

As with life, we’re always making choices, but we are also making choices on the stage. Whether it’s the way we say a line or they way we move our body when reacting to someone else’s line – there’s always an opportunity to make a choice!

Remember this now! There is no such thing as a wrong choice in acting, only the ability to make a different choice the next time!

In order to stimulate the mind in making choices, we at Top Hat Theatrics incorporate easy to get into acting games so students are engaged with others and can have the chance to demonstrate their understanding of acting, and ultimately grow from their experience!

We also encourage actors to think of the below factors of how acting is used in musicals!

Character Portrayal: Actors use their skills to become the characters in the story. They take on the characters’ personalities, emotions, and behaviors, making the audience believe in the story’s world.

Emotional Expression: Acting allows performers to express a wide range of emotions, from joy and love to sadness and anger. This helps the audience connect with the characters and feel invested in their journeys.

Storytelling: Through their actions, words, and expressions, actors help tell the story in a clear and engaging way. They convey the plot, conflicts, and resolutions, making the narrative easy to follow and compelling.

Interaction and Relationships: Acting involves interacting with other characters on stage. These interactions show the relationships between characters, such as friendships, rivalries, and romances, adding depth to the story.

Blending with Music and Dance: In musical theatre, acting is combined with singing and dancing. Actors must stay in character while performing songs and choreography, ensuring that their acting supports and enhances these elements.

Hey, you did it! And now after your first couple of rehearsals you’ve probably got the idea of how rehearsals generally flow! Here are some tips from our instructors of how to approach the two-three month long rehearsal process.

1. Always check the Weekly Call that comes out on Monday or Tuesday’s! The best way to prepare is knowing what the Directors are wanting to work beforehand.
2. Rehearse at home. Spend 30 minutes or an hour a day to review what you learned the weekend of – so you can come in to the next rehearsal ready to go!
3. Get in the habit of warming up vocally, physically, and run through your lines to keep them fresh on your mind before getting to rehearsals.
4. Arrive 5-10 minutes early to rehearsals so you can settle in and check in with your castmates.
   We have a saying here at Top Hat Theatrics: If you’re on time, you’re late! (But if you’re able to arrive on time, that’s okay too!)
5. Always ask questions! No such thing as a silly question! Directors love to see students be inquisitive and wanting to learn more about acting, dancing, or singing!
6. Your instructors aren’t mind readers unfortunately. If by chance you, the student, are struggling with a part in the show then we encourage you to please let the directors know by speaking up. We are a support system in making sure you’re successful in all things theatre.
7. Most importantly: Have fun! Theatre is not only about getting on stage and performing, but it’s also about being with your friends throughout the process and building connections with others along the way. Many students we’ve worked with over the years have found friendships within the casts of shows that now extend outside of our education program!

With all that said, you’ve finished the Rehearsal section!

Congratulations! Rehearsals are the biggest part of a theatre production, by going into the next section it means you’ve learned all there is to know about learning a show and participating in your role, but now we need to make it all come to life on the main stage! Let’s go!

Tech week, also known as production week, or tech, is the week before a play or musical’s opening night when all technical elements are incorporated into rehearsals for the first time. These elements include sets, props, costumes, lights, sound, and makeup. The goal of tech week is to combine these technical elements into the actors’ performances, work out any issues, and help the cast and crew feel prepared before opening night.

Top Hat Theatrics actually takes the ‘Tech week’ and expands into two tech weeks, allowing more time for both the staff and students to prepare for the show! From this point forward, please assume there are two weeks of tech for Top Hat Theatrics Fall and Spring shows. This excludes the Summer Camp, JTF Show, and Cabarets as these typically only need one tech day, it’s very low maintenance!

Top Hat Theatrics typically performs their Fall and Spring shows at the Art Place in Marietta! We also showcase our cabarets at this venue as well!

3330 Sandy Plains Rd, Marietta, GA 30066

Before we move on to the next section, here’s your final list of definitions to help you understand more of these tech week(s).

Definition Table

We’re almost to the finish line! Let’s get to preparing!

For Top Hat Theatrics, tech weeks are one of the most enjoyable weeks for us, but in order to make the best of this week before the show goes live we want to ensure our student setup for success by being prepared beforehand! Here’s a list of rules student follow when going into tech.

You will be dismissed at the end of night once props and costumes are put back in their correct areas, NEATLY.

No open drink containers on stage or backstage. (Please plan to bring a water bottle that is sealed tight with WATER ONLY. GLASS WATER BOTTLES ARE NOT ALLOWED.)

Food and beverages are to be consumed in your regular attire. Do NOT consume food or beverages while in costume. (Bottled/Sealed containers with water are appropriate while in costume)

No glass objects backstage for any reason.

At call time for cast, students are to make sure their props are reset for the top of the show. Students, if a prop is misplaced/missing, notify the Top Hat Staff immediately!

Restaging may happen, where we require students to reposition themselves for dances and/or scenes!

At the end of every night make sure your props are put on the prop tables as required.

At the end of every night your costumes should be NEATLY put back on a clothing rack as designated.

Scheduling of tech week(s): Scheduling the weeks of tech can be quite interesting and it’s real test of endurance for the staff, students, and parents. Always refer to the schedule released by the staff to make sure you’re kept up to date of when to be around for tech.

Here’s an example of a tech week schedule. This is NOT consistent for every production but this should give an idea of what to expect in a standard Top Hat Theatrics Fall and Spring show.

WEEK ONE:

Mon/Tues: These days are commonly titled as Q2Q, Cue to Cue, and Load in of the set. These days are STAFF ONLY days. Parents are welcome to help, but students are asked to not come to these tech days.

Wed/Thurs/Fri: From 5:30pm to 10:00pm each night, students will arrive and get acquainted with the set and begin the process of running the show in the performance space.

Saturday: From 12pm to 5pm, we continue our first week of tech and continue to work through the show.

Sunday: No tech. The performance space is closed. If you show up you may find a ghost waving back at you.

WEEK TWO:

Mon/Tues: From 5:30pm to 10:00pm each night students will continue to run the show and clean up scenes/dance/music.

Wednesday: From 5:30pm to 10:00pm, typically called the day before performance day, FINAL DRESS, or DRESS REHEARSAL. Students will run the show as if it’s a live performance with all props, costumes, make up, and technical elements in place. We may have guest come in like parents, special needs audience, and other private guests!

Thurs/Fri: Show days! Call time for students to arrive is at 5:30pm. House opens (audience seating) at 6:30pm typically if there are no delays. The shows start at 7pm typically end by 9:30pm. Expect/assume a 15 minute intermission in the middle of the show for bathroom breaks, snacks, and a moment to stretch from sitting!

Saturday: Two show day! Call time for students to arrive is at 12pm. First show starts at 2pm and finishes around 4:30pm. After the first show we typically do dinner at the art place with parents donating some kind of catering (Pizza, Sandwiches). The second show starts 7pm, typically ending by 9:30pm. After the show is done we commence the STRIKE, or as others call it a LOAD OUT of the set, props, and costumes. This load out is a crucial piece, and is an all hands on deck process for staff, parents, and students to ensure the place is left spotless like we were never there! Our Top Hat Theatrics staff will coordinate this load out on this Saturday!

For all of us here at Top Hat Theatrics we have a combined experience of SEVERAL DECADES worth of shows. Here are some tips from us to be successful during tech and show days! Some of these may seem familiar from rehearsals!

1. That rehearsal bag you’ve been using? Keep using it for tech and shows! All those personal supplies mentioned in the rehearsal section are just as crucial during tech weeks and performance days!
2. Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene! Be mindful of your body odor and bring deodorant and body spray. Other students and staff may be sensitive to smells.
3. Warm up vocally and physically before you get to the performance space!
4. Get to the performance space 5-10min early! We have a saying here at Top Hat Theatrics: If you’re on time, you’re late! Those few minutes can help you get settled and adjusted for the day!
5. Set your personal belongings away in the dressing room and go out to touch your designated props. It is YOUR responsibility to make sure the props you use for a show are put back where they were because YOU handled them last. If you cleaned up properly from the night before this will not be an issue! Set yourself up for success!
6. Check that all of your costume is present. Again, if you took the time to put your costume away the night before then you should have no issues. Once again, set yourself up for success!

These are habits even professional theatre performers follow. These little habits will not only help you be successful, but positively influence other actors to make good habits too! Be a leader by setting the example!

We made it to the big night! Emotions are high, anxiety may be through the roof and we’re all excited to finally show what we’ve been working on! A pat on the back to you, the parent, and everyone else for putting in so much work.

While this can be a stressful time we want you, the student, to keep in mind the positive things.

1. You have worked hard to get this point in performing a LIVE theatre show. That alone is an achievement that most could not say they’ve done!
2. You’ve overcome challenges during the rehearsal process and it made you STRONGER!
3. At the end of the day, this is live theatre, things can happen that is out of our control. Remember to stay calm, stay in character, and work your way through the scenes.
4. Parents! You’ve been a huge support to your child through this process, and they’ll need your support even more during show time. We always suggest checking in with your child to ensure they are comfortable and prepared to tackle every performance with confidence!
5. Perfection is not reality, and that’s okay! At the end of the day what’s important is that you’re having fun on stage. Part of the joy of live theatre is that it’s NOT perfect. Embrace the imperfections and you’ll learn to grow as a performer and roll with the punches without issue.
6. Think back to where you started in the audition process. Take the time to have self reflection and see how much you’ve grown. Parents, we encourage you to have these conversations with your child. Top Hat Theatrics takes self reflection and feedback very seriously and it’s helped each of us immensely to become the performers we are now.