FAQ AP
FAQ: Applause Players Musical Theatre Troupe
(updated 9/09)
Why should I consider a Musical Theatre Program for my child?
There are many social, physical, and mental benefits to drama. We focus on a fun and professional environment where the students learn how a real theatre company operates. They are encouraged to be expressive and creative, while staying open-minded and non-judgmental toward their peers. We strive to create a comfortable classroom where a child can build self esteem through their own ideas and efforts. Each student learns true responsibility as everyone has many duties and the cast must depend on and trust each other in order for the production to happen successfully.
They practice setting aside differences to work as a team and focus on the art in themselves, not themselves in the art.
How often does the Applause Players group perform?
Main Production (double header): “CATS” and “A Tribute to Vaudeville” (April 2010) – This cast will have (3) performances the end of April (30th, May 1st, May 2nd), with technical rehearsals at the theatre the week of the production (Driftwood Players theatre located on Main Street in Edmonds). We also participate in the studio’s recital with our special “7-minute condensed, condensed, abridged version” of the show (first weekend of June). We then do a 45-minute version at “The Mill Creek Festival” in Mill Creek and “The Imagine Children’s Museum” located in downtown Everett
(both shows in July).
When are auditions?
Saturday September 26th from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. (held at Applause Studio). Classes begin the first week of October. How you are cast will determine if you’re in CATS or the Vaudeville and which day you rehearse. You may check our website at www.applausestudio.org for specific information as we get closer to time. Ages are eight through Adult and we do invite guest artists for smaller roles and fewer rehearsals. No preparation necessary – be prepared to move, sing, read and have a really good time! This audition is for both CATS and the Vaudeville – you may express an interest in one or the other at the auditions.
How often do Applause Players meet?
We meet once a week for two hours (October – June) and one Saturday a month for 2 to 3 hours, depending on where we stand in preparation for the show. The Saturdays are decided by which day has the least amount of conflicts and are determined a couple of months before so people have a better idea what their schedules are. CATS will meet Thursdays from 5 – 7 and the Vaudeville on Fridays from 5 – 6:30.
How much does it cost?
The two-hour, weekly sessions are standard tuition rates, which is $95 a month. Extra tech rehearsals, vocal recordings, and photos are free of charge. The families participate in fundraising throughout the year to pay for the production. This has truly made it a family affair and a huge success! Guest artists do not pay tuition, but do participate in fundraising. There are stipends available for our Tech Staff.
What makes your program different from others?
This year, CATS has been tweaked slightly to include more “main” roles for everyone. The Vaudeville, is in essence, a variety show where everyone is a star. Usually, we write and produce our own material. This allows us to, not only tweak certain roles to truly fit our students, but also create enough parts for everyone to be a “main character” in some shape or form. We pride ourselves in the fact that our chorus roles have just as much to do, if not more, than our main roles.
Everyone in the production gets to sing, dance, have lines, and get a moment in the spotlight! There is no such thing as a small roll! That, in and of itself, makes us unique as every cast member gets the same experience as our “lead roles.” We are also proud to boast that our productions are not only professional quality, but are entertaining to ALL ages! We challenge skeptics of “youth” theatre NOT to enjoy our productions. We are yet to be disappointed.
If you have any other questions,
You may contact Laura West for more information through the studio at 425-482-2075
or through email at lauracwest@me.com
