Chapter 25 / Production Information

Production Information

Production is an integral part of the applied learning process for all theatre majors. Students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they discover in the classroom through Main Stage, Second Stage, and additional lab activities. Participation in SPA theatre productions is open to all university students. Auditions are open only to WSU students. Exception: In cases where the director wishes to enhance the learning experience of the student, or is unable to cast a role from the regular auditions, the director may bring in a faculty member or guest artist from outside the university to perform with the students.

Any major who goes through the audition process is assumed to be available for the cast. All BFA Performance majors on scholarship are required to audition for all theatre productions. BFA Performance majors not on scholarship are expected to audition for all theatre productions. BA students are encouraged to audition, take on technical responsibilities, or in some other way participate in the production process. Design and Technical Theatre majors receive design and technical assignments based on level of progression and development.  Majors may request to be excused from participation in a particular production for academic reasons such as poor academic standing, class conflict, or a directing or designing assignment in Second Stage. The request must be made in writing and submitted to the Program Director of Theatre in advance of the scheduled auditions.

1. Main Stage Season

   The School of Performing Arts Theatre program presents two major productions a year in the Main Stage Season; often one stage production and one feature length film. All types of plays are produced in order to give audiences and students working in the program an understanding of as many different styles and periods of drama as possible. The Main Stage Season consists of Faculty or Guest Artist directed and designed shows. A student may assistant direct if the director consents and the student is in good standing in the program. Advanced Design/Tech students may be given the opportunity to design for a Main Stage production

2. Second Stage Season (lab program)

   The Second Stage Theatre Season includes all student-directed and student-designed productions. The program is under the supervision of the SPA Theatre faculty as part of the academic curriculum of the School. Students must have had the appropriate class to direct or design in the Second Stage. Students may receive directing credit under THEA 375 Directed Projects or 675 Directed Study. Design students may receive credit under THEA 375_, THEA 675_, or THEA 510 Design Project.

   Complete Guidelines for Directing and Designing in the Second Stage can be found in the Appendix.
   

3. Auditions

   Auditions for all fall and spring theatre productions will be held during the first full week of the fall semester as part of the general School of Performing Arts auditions. Audition announcements are posted on the Callboard outside the SPA office and posted on the SPA webpages.
   
   If you have further questions about the audition expectations for a specific play, ask the director. Procedures for auditions for musicals can be found in the Musical Theatre section of this handbook.
   
   

   Audition Procedures:

   1. Student’s should be prepared to present two contrasting monologues of 1-minute in length each.
      
   2. A current headshot and resume should be emailed (prior to audition) or provided at audition to the Director of the show.
   3. Upon arrival at the designated audition location the student will fill out a form listing name, address, past experience, special abilities (or they may turn in a résumé that contains all of the requested information). Students will also fill out a form indicating any technical opportunities sought.
   4. Students perform their prepared audition pieces.

   5. The director then asks students to read cuttings from the play. The usual procedure is to have everyone read one time in order to determine what role or roles an individual might be suitable for, then competitive readings are held for each role.

   6. Callbacks will be announced for the second or third night. The names of the individuals needed for callbacks will be posted on the Callboard outside the School of Performing Arts office.
      
      The specific callback process may vary somewhat from director to director. Be sure to check the Callboard for updates on audition requirements. 
      

4. Casting

   Students are advised to be realistic about the roles they are suited for. A student should realize that if he or she is not cast for a particular play it is because others seemed more suitable for various reasons at the time, not because he or she does not have talent or is of less worth. Those who are not cast are urged to get involved by working backstage and to audition for future productions. A student is likely to be cast in future productions particularly if she or he is recognized as dependable and responsible
   

5. Technical/Production Opportunities

   There are numerous technical opportunities available each semester including paid and volunteer positions. Paid positions may include Student Assistant positions in the Scene Shop, the Costume Shop, the Publicity Office, and Administrative Office Assistants (see Student Assistants in the SPA section of this Guidebook).

   The Theatre program’s production policy involves a total theatre concept, and we expect each major to work in every area of the theatre to gain as much experience as possible over a four-year period. This enhances the student’s awareness of the workings of this collaborative art form, and provides a unifying experience for the students in the program. We also encourage Theatre minors and non-majors to participate in this total theatre concept. Student volunteers in the shops are welcome. Volunteers and other workers should plan to work consistent hours if possible every week. Students accepting responsibility for major technical positions must attend the production meetings. Students interested in working in the technical area should fill out a production form at auditions or see a member of the Design and Technical faculty or staff. 

   The following description should help students understand the kinds of positions available. Some of these positions may qualify for practicum credit (see Regulations for Credit for Practicum).
   
   1. Stage Manager: Responsibilities include setting up for rehearsal; calling, attending and running production meetings; serving as liaison between directors and designers; recording show blocking; sweeping stage when needed; arranging furniture and props for rehearsal; taking notes for director. During performances the stage manager is responsible for running the show, calling all cues, and is responsible for all backstage.
   2. Assistant Stage Manager: Responsibilities include prompting actors and helping the stage manager with production.
   3. Student Technical Director: Responsibilities include working with designer in determining materials and methods of construction; coordinating a build and paint schedule with the School Technical Director; aiding in set construction; attending all production meetings; supervising load-in and setup of set, props, and special effects; supervise all tech crews during tech week; assume responsibility for any set pickup arising from tech week; supervise strike and load-out. Must attend all technicals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
   4. Student Shop Assistants: Assume a major part of constructing elements for productions. Includes scene shop assistants who construct sets and help in all areas of technical production, and costume shop assistants who construct costumes, make alterations and repairs, assist with costume crafts, and assist with wardrobe crew supervision.
   5. Running Crew: Position and responsibilities include stagehands: those who change scenery; costume crew: those who change and maintain costumes; hair and make-up crew: assist with hair, wigs, and make-up during run; props crew: those who set up and maintain props; light crew: assist with hanging, focusing and running lights including followspots. All running crews must attend all technicals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
   6. Props Master: Responsibilities include obtaining and maintaining all hand props, set props and set dressing for the play; supervising props running crew; setting up prop table and ‘running’ props during technicals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
   7. Make-up Supervisor: Responsibilities include designing make-up; making certain that proper make-up is available and replacing depleted supplies; assisting actors with make-up and clean-up during the run of the show. Must be at all dress rehearsals and performances. Works closely with the production Costume Designer and the faculty Costume Designer to plan the design and needs of the production.
   8. Master Electrician: In charge of hanging, focusing, and running lights. Must be at work sessions and run-throughs, dress rehearsals and performances.
   9. Light Board Operator: The actual running operator of the light board. Must be at all technicals, dress rehearsals and performances.
   10. House Manager: Responsibilities include setting up stations, ensuring cleanliness of front of house and auditorium, overseeing ushers, acting as liaison between front of house and stage manager.

6. Rehearsals
   

   The rehearsal period for a theatre Main Stage show ranges from five to six weeks. Rehearsals are generally held weekday evenings five nights a week. Occasionally, afternoon weekday rehearsals or weekend rehearsals may be scheduled.

   Students are given a rehearsal schedule usually at the first or second meeting of the company. Weekly rehearsal schedules and/or changes in the schedule are also posted on the Callboard. Actors must check the Callboard daily. Actors must attend all rehearsals calling for their scenes. No one should miss a rehearsal unless there is an emergency. If an emergency necessitates a delayed arrival or a missed rehearsal the actor must notify the director and stage manager in advance.

   Actors are expected to be in the rehearsal space at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled rehearsal start time, and are expected to come prepared and ready to work. They are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner during the rehearsal which includes self-discipline, initiative, responsibility, openness, honesty, and the ability to work with others.

   Actors should wear appropriate clothing during rehearsals. Avoid clothing that will hinder the freedom of movement needed for the role. Going barefoot and/or wearing open-toed shoes are not considered rehearsal appropriate unless specified by the role.

   Students who are found to be undependable because of frequently missing rehearsal or being late, who are found under the influence of alcohol or drugs, who have contracted an extended illness or sustained a severe injury, or who cannot successfully continue their participation because of extenuating circumstances will be released from the cast or crew and replaced according to the discretion of the director and the theatre faculty.

   Members of the production staff should check with the director or stage manager to find out when they are needed at rehearsals. The stage manager and assistant to the director must be at every rehearsal. Props manager, master electrician, stagehands, and lighting crew must be at all run-throughs, technical rehearsals, and dress rehearsals starting a week to ten days before opening. Make-up and costume crews are required to attend all run-throughs the week before technical rehearsals begin, all dress rehearsals and all performances.

   Visitors are generally not allowed during the rehearsals. These are work periods and not finished productions, and visitors may inhibit actors or may report unfavorably on the production without understanding the work in progress. Students are to ask the director’s permission before inviting visitors. Visitors are not allowed backstage before, during or after performances. Friends and family are welcome to wait in the house or lobby. Actors may come out to visit after the performance. Actors must change out of costume and wigs before visiting with the public. For visitors on strike night, see Strike
   

7. Costumes, Make-up & Props

   In most cases, costumes are supplied for the actors. Occasionally, students may be asked to supply their own shoes or outerwear. Students must furnish their own under garments.
   

8. Fittings
   

   Costume fittings are scheduled through the stage manager at times that both the shop supervisor and designer are available in the costume shop for the fitting.

   It is imperative that actors do not miss their fittings. If you are going to be late or an emergency occurs which prevents you from making your fitting, please call the costume shop at least 30 minutes before the scheduled fitting time.

   Guests are not allowed in costume fittings.

   Be prepared for your fitting by wearing appropriate under garments, have long hair secured up from the neck area, and by being clean.

   If costume problems arise during dress rehearsals and performances, report the problem to the Wardrobe Crew. Actors must wear deodorant for dress rehearsals and performances. Smoking, eating and drinking (other than water) in costume is prohibited. If a costume is damaged by any of these habits it is the actor’s responsibility to pay for cleaning costs or replace it.

   Theatre majors must supply their own make-up kits and learn to do their own make-up. Be advised that it is not a good idea to leave your make-up kit in the dressing room. The SPA Theatre program will supply specialty make-up items, hairpieces and wigs.

   It is the actor’s responsibility to keep their dressing room area clean during the run and to clean up their area after the close of the show.

   Actors are encouraged to use props early in rehearsals. Props will be in the care of the stage manager or the props manager and are always to be returned to them or to the prop table. Students are not to remove props from the theatre under any circumstances
   

9. Valuables

   Students should not bring valuables to the theatre. Money, rings, watches, and similar items are easily stolen. Do not leave such items in the dressing rooms or backstage. Purses, wallets, money, rings, watches, keys and other items of value should be given to the stage manager
   

10. Workdays

    Generally, the Saturday one week before the first tech of a Main Stage show is a Workday. All theatre majors (scholarship and non-scholarship) and cast members are expected to participate in the workday. The Saturday one week before first tech of a Second Stage show is also a workday for those involved in the specific show.
    Workdays for specific shows may deviate from this Schedule.  Please keep yourself informed.
    

11. Strike

    All students involved in any theatre program production (Main Stage, Second Stage) are required to help with strike immediately following the last performance of the show.  Do to the time constraints, it is requested that students do not visit with family and friends after the show on strike night. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and appropriate footwear (no open-toed shoes or heels) for strike.
    

Off-Campus Commitments

Theatre scholarship students’ primary commitment is to the Theatre program, and they are required to participate in SPA theatre productions, be it in an onstage or technical capacity.

See Student Eligibility section

Non-scholarship Theatre majors are also expected to participate in WSU theatre productions before accepting off-campus assignments.

Graduation Requirements: All theatre majors must participate in some area of the production of all university theatre plays, after consultation with faculty and staff.

Second Stage

See Appendix for Worksheet for Play Analysis, Guidelines for Directing in the Second Stage, Guidelines for Designing in the Second Stage

General Rules & Guidelines for Welsbacher 

1. Outside doors are secured by a security alarm system.

2. Keys to the doors and codes for the security alarm are issued to School of Performing Arts faculty and staff. During specific productions in progress, the production director and stage manager will be issued keys.

3. When leaving the building at night or on weekends, the security alarm must be reset. All inside and outside doors must be secured before alarm will set.

4. Everyone must be out of the building by midnight.

5. Do not move, or in any way, use equipment or furniture in parts of the building (other than those designated above as the Welsbacher facility) unless you have prior approval of the facilities manager.

6. Do not enter areas of the Hughes Metropolitan Complex that are not designated as the Welsbacher facility as these are on separate security alarm systems and the School of Performing Arts does not have access to those security codes.

7. Areas designated as Tornado Shelters are clearly indicated. Familiarize yourself with their locations. Technical directors and stage managers must be aware of the procedures to follow in event of a tornado warning.

8. On behalf of the School of Performing Arts, the chief person in charge of the facility is the Program Director of Theatre, who delegates most of the day to day responsibilities to the Technical Director.

9. Please take good care of this facility as if it were your own, because it is!