Stagekids Productions – FAQ
How do I know if my child is ready for a Stagekids Production?
The first step is to understand the overall experience. It is suggested, although certainly not required, that a child be an audience member for at least one Stagekids Production prior to registering. A good place to begin participation is in our Stagekids Jr. Productions which is the same format only done on a smaller scale. If young enough, participating in our Stage-kinder-kids program helps develop self-confidence early on. Because we expect students to take the commitment seriously, it is a good idea if she/her understands the amount of time needed for the rehearsals and performances. Missing rehearsals/practices is strongly discouraged. Participation in all productions during the production weekend, unless otherwise determined, is required. Talking with previous participants, looking at the past production photo boards displayed at NSAA, renting musicals to watch, and determining the interest in singing, dancing, acting and performing are all helpful strategies.
How do I register for a Stagekids Production?
Registration for next year’s production varies depending upon the season and the show. Please visit our website, read our brochures, follow us on twitter, and watch for emails which notify of upcoming registrations opening.
When we hold registrations the night of a show at the theatre, the amount due at the time of registration is for the entire tuition. Registration will not be accepted without proper payments. Because those interested in being involved in a production come from various parts of Southeastern Wisconsin, this method provides an equal opportunity for interested parties rather than receiving registration information at various times through the mail or through email which can also be unreliable. In addition, when registrations are taken in person, the staff has the opportunity to answer any last minute questions and have parents sign all forms necessary prior to registrations being accepted.
Do I need to be present to register my child?
No-you can have a friend register your child-just make sure he/she has your child’s age, contact information and the tuition fee. His/her signature will be required acknowledging your commitment for the production and the understanding of the no refund, no transfer policy. There are times when you can register online or call and register over the phone.
Why do we have to register so far in advance?
Registration is opened a year in advance because to develop a show, the NSAA crew actually begins working even more than a year out. At a year out, NSAA starts making commitments and so it is important to insure that we have a cast that is as committed.
What if the production is already filled? Does my child have to wait a whole year to be involved with Stagekids?
We are working diligently to bring enough opportunities for each child interested to have a Stagekids performance opportunity during the season. However, sometimes this isn’t possible and the production cast is filled. Our suggestion is to get on the waiting list, which costs nothing and requires no deposit. At times, students will be offered a part in the show from the waiting list. You can also call NSAA to find out about other Stagekids opportunities offered at other locations in Southeastern Wisconsin. Finally, if another opportunity is opened during that season, those on the waiting list will be the first to have the opportunity to register. You may also explore other NSAA opportunities such as the Jr. Show, private voice or music lessons, the GLEEK program or get involved in helping backstage or explore other outside opportunities.
What if I don’t know my child’s school schedule, (therefore my schedule) that far in advance to register?
Don’t register yet. The closing date for registration is when the parent packet is mailed out, which isn’t until one month prior to the first rehearsal. While you take the risk of not getting into the show, you need to make sure you can commit to the rehearsal and production schedule before registering. Many cast members make the decision to register knowing they may need to give up something else on the show weekend. So do the crew members. We expect commitment from the whole team-crew and cast. Keep in mind; we will never schedule a performance during a national holiday or during winter break or spring break.
What are my chances of getting in the cast list if I am on the waiting list?
We study each musical carefully prior to opening registrations in order to determine the cast requirements and the number of students in each grade level required to make it a multi-age experience. We assign a certain number of open positions for each grade level, and take registrations on a first-come, first-served basis to fill these spots. We also have a certain number of “non-graded” spots to fill as well. We put people on the waiting list when their grade level and the non-graded spots are filled. It doesn’t necessarily mean the whole cast is filled, but that we have enough for the grade level they are at. If our cast numbers are low and more cast members are needed to run the show, we have the discretion to pull someone from the waiting list and fill a spot from a different grade level prior to closing the cast list for the show.
We keep constant track of the amount of students on the waiting list and if we find that the cast needs have been met for the show, we will do our best to alert those on the waiting list as soon as possible. We also try to offer other performing arts opportunities so that those students that were so hopeful to be in a production, have such an opportunity. Aladdin Jr., 2006 is an example of an “add on” show. While we don’t always have the resources, crew, budget or venue to run another show, we do our best to meet the needs of the community. Although not obligated, those on the waiting list will have first chance to register for additional opportunities. We try and let the people on the waiting list know ASAP if they won’t get in the cast so that they can either make commitments to another NSAA program or other outside opportunities. Suggestions for other performing arts opportunities, related to or not related to NSAA, are available upon request.
If a conflict comes up, can I drop from the show and get my money back?
We don’t offer any refunds or transfers, which is stated on the registration information, unless it is an audition for roles vs. register and then audition, show. We strongly advise that prior to registering you do your best to determine your child’s interest in participating in the production. Because NSAA makes a commitment to the crew and venue, we need the same level of commitment from the cast. We have adopted this policy because in the past, when we’ve required smaller deposits, we’ve had situations where parents have allowed their children to drop from the production after not getting the part they wanted. This creates a problem because by the time everyone is cast, it is too late in the process to bring children on from our waiting list. Not only does that put undo pressure on the remaining cast, it puts the entire production in jeopardy. Therefore, we have had to enforce a strict no refund policy. Of course, there are extenuating circumstances where a refund would be granted, such as illness with documentation. In these cases, a request must be written and shared with the board of directors, at which time the board will determine if the refund is to be granted.
Our no-refund/no-transfer policy encourages people to be fully committed at registration as well as insure that the production will be the high quality experience the participants expect.
Who will my child be working with?
Your child will be working with a crew that was carefully selected and hired to make the experience rewarding and enriching. The crew has experience working with children, has expertise in their discipline, are team players, and enjoy the process of the production. He/she knows the time commitment needed for a musical of this magnitude. He/she knows the philosophies of NSAA and does his/her best to make the experience challenging yet keep it fun. Many have degrees and/or are award winners in their field.
What part do auditions play in the process?
Auditions are an opportunity for students to gain another experience in the world of theatre. Each child who auditions will receive a part in the production. While we try to give as authentic of an experience as possible, we still do our best to make the process a learning experience beyond just that of trying to get a part. Judges carefully consider the casting needs of the show, character of each role, as well as the characteristics and talents demonstrated at auditions. Performances in past productions may be discussed during auditions but cannot play a role in the final determination because not all have had prior experience with NSAA. Because everyone will receive a part, the goal for auditions is to make it enriching and valuable for each student. We do our best to draw out the parts so that each student can grow and blossom in the show. While sometimes it is very challenging for the directors to have cast members perform in more than one role, we do this when possible to give kids additional experiences.
How can I help my child do well at auditions?
Help the child understand the part he/she is auditioning for. What is he saying? Who is he saying it to? How is he feeling when he says it? Those who have their parts memorized and perform in character stand a better chance because of their self confidence of being prepared. Many who audition seek outside instruction-either from taking private lessons from NSAA staff, or hiring outside help such as a vocal or audition coach. We also offer courses strictly geared toward audition preparation. Encourage your child to do his her best and to relax and enjoy the experience.
Why do you double cast with some shows, single cast in others, and use an understudy yet in other shows?
Careful consideration is taken into account about these decisions. Factors the crew considers are: During rehearsals, how would the cast’s time be best utilized? What are the production’s costume needs? What is the familiarity of the show? And finally, because it is the philosophy to build self-esteem with the cast, if, at auditions, it is determined that it is unlikely that the two casts could be filled that would be balanced in character portrayal, a decision is made not to double cast. In these cases, it sometime, makes sense to offer some participants the opportunity to be an understudy and give students additional opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise have had.
How do the judges grade auditions and fill each role?
Participants are graded in several categories. Each judge makes evaluations on cast members independent of the other judges. After the audition, the judges discuss their evaluations. The grade given by each judge is averaged to determine each participant’s final score. Roles are assigned based on these scores. Because there are several judges, each child has an equal opportunity to be judged and can rest assured that the outcome is the combined input of four these adults. No one judge can cast an actor. Unlike professional theatre, however, we do give the children a chance to express the type of part they are seeking–and try to accommodate their wishes when appropriate. Each judge that participates is selected based on his/her ethical, conscientious philosophy of auditions, his/her grasp of the process and understanding of the components needed to make casting decisions, and those that are willing to spend the many hours prior, during, and after auditions needed to make sure that each child is challenged (yet not over burdened) to create a balance with the needs of the production. It is not uncommon for audition judges to work until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning to make certain that the casting is done with much care and consideration.
If my child had a lead role in the last production, will he/she automatically not be given one in this show so other kids can have a chance?
All kids have a “chance” to grow and learn in each production. Past experiences, parent involvement and previous parts earned have no bearing on the part they will receive in this production. Each production, in fairness to all auditioning students, begins with all children having a “clean slate.” Audiences may see some of the same faces on stage for a few shows in a row-applaud their dedication and their commitment. Soon they will move on and new students will come in and take their place. Sometimes, new students will come in and earn principal roles while having no previous Stagekids experiences. Life lessons can be learned from each scenario for all involved.
Why don’t you cast those that have “served their time” in the chorus, as a lead in next production?
Casting is not based on acrued participation. Please refer back to casting questions above. We base our casting on the requirements for the current production. In auditions, the talents and skills of these young actors and actresses that enable them to portrait a character can change dramatically from one production to the next, which requires our audition judges to base our casting on the current audition process and not rely heavily on past auditions, past performances, or past experience. Also some of the best shows that we can expose our cast to has a limited number of “principal roles” but yet the cast is filled with more cast members who can portray these roles than there are principal parts.
Why don’t you cast by age (older cast members get the lead roles, the younger cast members get chorus roles)?
We do not believe in casting a cast member based on age. Each production and each cast requirements are different. We need to base our casting on the requirements for the current production.
Why do you allow some children to be cast as a lead in more than one production?
We truly go by our philosophy to cast youth that best fit each character. Some actors are able to successfully portray more than one type of character, and when auditioning, is able to portray this readily.
Why does NSAA believe that every role is important?
Our goal is to build lifelong skills in the children and youth that we work with. These skills, while obviously helping them in any role they play in a production, are to help them as they grow into successful, self confident adults. Each role that a child would play in a production offers challenges in various ways. We, along with directors and production companies everywhere, feel that there are no ≥small roles.≤ Someone said it best when they said, ≥chorus is the backbone of the American Musical.≤
How can I become involved in the production?
We believe that the most successful participants are often those that have “cheerleaders” from home supporting their best interests. We always welcome parent support and volunteers and we have many positions to choose from. We do have limited positions that are for hire, such as director, choreographer, etc. Please call NSAA or look on our website to learn how to apply.
How is the cost to participate determined?
The cost breaks down to be approximately $5 per hour of instruction, including the rehearsal time where students are coached and instructed. Since we do not “charge” for performance time, it is not factored into the fees. For this price, the students will work with directors and many other crew members to help them develop self-confidence, a love of the arts and specific theatre skills. Our curriculum is based on the drama/theatre task force DPI recommendations.
What is the best thing I can do for my child while he/she is involved in Stagekids?
Believe in him/her. Help him/her rehearse their lines, songs, and choreography. Encourage them to embrace the role they have been chosen for in the production. Help them to realize that they received that role because the director, other cast members, crew, and entire production staff, need their special talents in that role. Cast members quickly realize that they can grow and learn in any role. We try to teach the kids to reach for the stars, and that there are no small roles; just small people.
What is the best thing that I can do for the production?
Be supportive of the cast and crew as a whole. It is normal and appropriate to have questions. Please discuss these with the associate producer. Also, realize that we try and create a support system and team work among the cast and crew members. Remember, our goal for this experience is to be so much more than getting up on stage-it is the process of working together, growing, and taking risks while building friendships. We want this to be a safe and supportive environment for all children and all crew members. Your support of these goals will make the experience that much more rewarding for all involved.
Why do you select the production(s) you do?
Hours and hours of careful consideration go into the production selection, making certain it meets our criteria of being family-orientated, giving the students an opportunity to learn, allowing us to meet the casting needs, having vocal parts that fit children’s voices, and many other factors. We choose productions that we feel will provide the best overall experience for the children. We also factor in the productions other community groups and schools have done so that our children and audiences have opportunities to participate in and attend other shows.
You say that one of your goals is to build self-esteem, yet when my child doesn’t get the part he/she wants, she feels badly about her/himself.
The philosphy of our shows is to build life long skills such as the self- confidence to get up in front of an audience, and to speak clearly, etc. We stress time and time again that the cast is made up of team members, and that team members are all important. While we realize it is natural for a child to be disappointed if he isn’t cast in a “lead” role, we encourage them to realize that it isn’t based on talent, but more on character fit. When parents, crew and the cast understand and believe in this philosophy, it can be accepted by those disappointed cast members who will eventually gain self esteem by challenging herself in the role she was cast in. We foster self-esteem into our programming aside from roles within the production.
What will my child be doing during rehearsals?
While we try and keep every child fully immersed in rehearsals at every moment, because of the structure of each production, it is at times, impossible to do so. However, your child will spend the majority of the time doing one or many of the following at each rehearsal:
- Working on blocking
- Line delivery
- Character development
- Lyrics
- Music
- Choreography
- Going over lines
- Warm up exercises
- Drama skill building workshop activities
Are there hidden costs?
No costs are hidden. The tuition cost is upfront. The costume cost is minimal, never being over $35.00. There are other opportunities to purchase additional items-such as ads in the playbill, flowers, cast buttons, lobby items, etc. None of the additional items are mandatory to purchase.
How would I get my child’s school to go to the matinee?
Be the first to invite and encourage them to purchase tickets. First-come/first-served. Have them call the CPAC box office, at 262.376.6161 to order their block of tickets or contact the producer to find out the process if it is at a different theatre. They won’t be disappointed and your child will be thrilled to have his/her peers attend. In addition to it being fun and enjoyable for the performers as well as the students in the audience, we offer matinee shows because it is part of the DPI recommendations to offer opportunities to see peers on stage as an overall quality opportunity in theatre.
How were all of the rules and organizational methods established?
Many of the policies and ideas have come about through experience and NSAA was driven to adopt them. Board input, professionals in the field, NSAA administration, research into other businesses and organizations and input from parents have all helped to shape and mold what Stagekids is today. Hundreds of hours and thoughtful consideration have been put into each and every rule and procedure. It is a continual work in progress. Thanks those that gave their input!
I have a suggestion for the shows or the organization. How can I share it?
Simply hit this link, info@northshoreacademyofthearts.org , and send us an email. While we may not be able to adopt every suggestion, we always appreciate suggestions and will consider all thoughts. Please indicate in your suggestion if you’d be willing to help initiate the change, should it be adopted.
