Frequently Asked Questions

What is it like to be in a Jr. Players Workshop? / What will I learn?

Wonderful!!  You make new friends, exercise your brain by memorizing lines and by learning new things like how the set is built, strengthen your body by dancing and moving, gain confidence by performing in front of a live audience and surviving.  Also, in our workshop setting, you will get to practice your art by painting scenes and building props and costumes. 

Do I need to Audition?

No.  We’re a workshop, so you just sign up, show up, and after the first few days of rehearsals, when the director has had a chance to get to know you, he/she will assign roles.  Workshops are limited to 40 children.  Please be prepared to accept the role you are given.  All roles are vital to the success of the show.

How old do I have to be?

Currently we are working with kids from 1st through 8th grade.  Volunteers of 9th grade and beyond greatly appreciated.

Where are Auditions and Workshops Held?

Northwood Presbyterian Church
518 Pike Place
San Antonio, Texas 78209
210-824-7238

click for Driving Directions

See Current Production information for specific dates and times.

Do I have to know how to read?

You don't have to read well, but you might need to memorize some lines (unless you only want to be in the chorus or ensemble).

What if I have never been on Stage?

No problem!  We are a workshop, and will teach you everything you need to know.

Can I bring a friend to watch rehearsals?

We'd prefer you didn't, unless your friend would also like to attend the workshop.  If you bring all your friends to rehearsal, there will be no one left to come see the play when we open.

What will a Jr. Players Workshop cost?

Tuition is variable, depending on the type of show, but is roughly $150 per child per workshop.  If 2 or more children from any one family participate, there is usually a discount for siblings.  Please see current production page for current prices and details. 

Payment is due with reservation to hold space.  Full refund or tuition is allowed if, after you attend orientation, you decide this is not what you want to do.  We will hold your tuition for 24 hours after the orientation date.  No refunds after that time.  Payment may be mailed or delivered to the Northwood Presbyterian Church office, 518 Pike Place.  Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00pm and Friday 8:30am to Noon.  Check or money order made out to Northwood Presbyterian Church, or NPC. with Jr. Players on the memo line.

Class fee includes director’s thank you gift, cast party and t-shirt* (one per student – t-shirts for other family members and friends will be offered for an additional fee).

• Clothing: Parents will need to provide a basic stage outfit (e.g., shirt and pants or shorts, and shoes) that will be worn under the costume pieces. These items can often be found at thrift stores, which we recommend, because sometimes we do some major modifications to them.  

 • Shoes: should be soft soled (quiet on stage), color to be determined per production.  Sometimes we require official stage or dance shoes (split sole jazz/dance shoes).  These normally cost between $17 and $25.  We have some sources listed for your convenience, but there may be other sources as well. Dance or Stage Shoes will work for both girls & boys

• Makeup:  We will ask you to apply Mascara and Lip color to your student at home prior to Dress Rehearsals and Show nights.

• Props & Costumes: We may request parents to loan or donate items for costumes or props.  We will ask parents and students to help build costumes and props.

• Flowers and Candy: We will be selling flowers and candy for guests to give to the actors at each performance.  Purchase is entirely optional. 

*For some productions t-shirts are not included in tuition due to limitations of contract.

What is a Tech Day?

A tech day is a workday, normally before or after a weekend rehearsal, where we will paint sets, sew or glue costumes, and/or create props.  We request parents and players attend at least one tech day.

Responsibilities of Parents

  • Pay workshop fees prior to first rehearsal
  • Volunteer at least one adult per family to serve on a production committee (set, props, costume, etc)
  • Attend one “tech day”
  • Serve as a rehearsal monitor twice during rehearsal period
  • Provide basic costume (possibly black or brown pants and shirt, jazz shoes if necessary)
  • Drop off students prior to start of rehearsal (no more than 15 minutes early)
  • Pick children up promptly at rehearsals end
  • Encourage appropriate behavior
  • Assist in your child’s homework (learning lines, choreography)
  • Assist children in being responsible for props, costumes, scripts
  • Be responsible for integrity, cleanliness of facility (help children pick up after themselves)
  • Communicate with Director or Jr. Players Board if you have questions or concerns.

Responsibilities of Players

  • Arrive a few minutes before scheduled rehearsal start
  • Arrive prepared (bring script, pencil and be ready to work)
  • Attend all rehearsals, tech/dress rehearsals, and performances (more than 5 missed rehearsals results in dismissal from class)
  • Participate at all rehearsals
  • Be responsible for your part (learn your lines, blocking, choreography)
  • Do your acting homework (practice at home)
  • Practice appropriate classroom behavior
  • Assist with set building, costuming and prop making
  • Attend at least one “tech day”
  • Participate in STRIKE - (tear down of production – after final performance)
  • Be responsible for integrity, cleanliness of facility (pick up after yourself)
  • Be responsible for condition and location of scripts.  No replacements are available
  • Be responsible for condition and location of costume and props
  • No sodas or sugary snacks during rehearsals
  • Communicate with Director or Jr. Players Board Member if you have any questions

Responsibilities of Board

  • Ensure all children are picked up from rehearsals by appropriate guardian
  • Sign children in and out of rehearsals
  • Ensure facility is prepared for rehearsals and performances
  • Schedule and manage production’s stage craft/technical days
  • Communicate responsibilities and job descriptions for actors, parents and production personnel
  • Determine rotation of attendance for rehearsals, performances and workdays (at least one board member should be present)

Definitions

Chorus:  A group of persons who speak or sing in unison a given part or composition in drama or poetry recitation.
Ensemble:  A group of musicians, singers, dancers, or actors who perform together.

Strike: When we take down the set and put away or return all props and costumes.


last updated 11/08/2010