New Actor & Family Guide
Welcome to your first show at Arts Live Theatre!
We are so glad you are joining our family!
This is a guide for new actors and their families to some of the traditions that make Arts Live
(ALT) so special, and tips from those who have participated here in multiple shows as actors
and parents. This is a general guide of what usually occurs during a show, but each show is
unique and advice may not apply to every show.
First Company Meeting /
First Read Through of the Script
At the first company meeting, actors and families will meet some of the ALT staff, the director and assistant director(s), and the other company members. Parents or guardians will listen the director discusses schedule, rehearsals, and other topics related to the show. In this time the parents or guardians also have an opportunity to ask questions they might have. Then, the parents or guardians and actors will separate so that actors can read through the script together for the first time (a table read). Usually actors will get their own copy of the script, so bring a pencil and a highlighter. Parents may stay in Studio A for the remainder of the rehearsal time; staff will be available for further questions, or you can chat with other parents.
Production Participation Fee: Once the cast list is posted and after the actor has accepted the role you will be emailed a link to pay your production participation fees. The participation fee is due 5 days upon receiving the emailed link. If you prefer to pay by check, a check is
due at the first company meeting. If you need to settle your payment in a different way or set up a payment plan please email our administrative director, info@artslivetheatre.com, and we can work something out.
Special Needs: If your actor has special needs that would impact the rehearsal process or the show (such as health, behavioral, medical issues, allergies, etc.) please let your show’s director know as soon as possible.
Rehearsals
Closed rehearsals: ALT directors hold “closed” rehearsals and do not allow actors’ families to observe the process. Unless the director indicates otherwise, assume all rehearsals for productions are drop-off only.
Food and Drinks: It’s sometimes tough to get actors to rehearsals on time and well fed, but do your best to eat a good meal before rehearsals. We try to keep ALT as clean as possible and ask that kids eat outside if they arrive early with food. Unless the director asks actors to bring snacks for eating during extra long sessions, there is generally no snacking during rehearsals. Please bring water in a reusable water bottle labeled with the actor’s name. We want everyone to stay well hydrated.
Phones and Technology: To avoid distractions, actors’ phones will be collected in the “phone bucket” at the start of rehearsal. If you need to contact an actor with an emergency during a rehearsal, please call the theatre or the director/assistant director’s phone. Phones will be returned at the end of rehearsals, so make sure to get yours. Actors need to be
focused on learning their actor’s craft during all of rehearsals, and technology is a distraction. If the actor has off-stage down time during rehearsals, and needs to work on homework, that’s often okay.
Warm Ups: Most rehearsals start with warm ups with actors gathered in a big circle. Actors play theatre games to help them focus and channel energy.
Blocking: Blocking is a major part of rehearsals. Blocking is when each actor gets instructions on where to go on stage. If a director says “let’s block scene 12,” that means that you will be figuring out where you will go during that scene.
Actor’s Homework: Actors are expected to spend time at home preparing in between rehearsals. You will be spending time to practice lines, dance moves, and review the script as homework.
Off Book: When a director sets an “Off Book” date, it’s crucial to make sure you truly have all your lines completely memorized so you are ready to rehearse without the script by that date.
Drop Off and Pick Up: Please enter the building no more than 15 minutes before the official rehearsal start time. Directors may be present earlier, but often they need some quiet time to prepare. Also, there may be acting classes in session, and we don’t want to distract those students. Parents, directors strive to end rehearsals on time, but things happen. Please be
patient if your child needs to stay a few extra minutes. Children ages 9 and younger need to be signed in and out of rehearsals.
Parking Lot Etiquette: The ALT parking lot can be a tight fit during drop off and pick up times, especially if drivers are rushing. Please be patient, and also please be aware of and watchful for our smallest actors, especially after dark.
Missing a Rehearsal: While directors will try to fit conflicts into the rehearsal schedule, unexpected events come up. It’s no fun to act when you aren’t feeling well, but sometimes you have to struggle through and show up. Try to stay in your best health by washing your hands often and getting a good night's sleep. If you are ill and have to miss a rehearsal, please let your director know as soon as possible. Try to arrive a little early to the next
rehearsal to ask either the director or one of your fellow castmates what you missed.
Personal Conflicts/ Bullying/ Teasing/ Exclusive Friendships: Arts Live Theatre has a strict no bullying policy that is part of the actor’s agreement signed during the first company meeting. ALT is a place where many of our actors have made life-long friends. Sometimes seeing friend groups form up can make others feel left out. Please make sure that as you are creating
wonderful friendships, you are reaching out to kids who don’t make friends as easily. Believe it or not, some members of our acting family are brave on the stage but quiet or shy in real life. Bullying isn’t always clear cut. Sometimes joking crosses lines, and sometimes we hurt others feelings unintentionally. If an actor is having conflicts with or feels uncomfortable with other actors or staff members, please speak to your show director, executive director, or reach out to any ALT Board Member.
Show Week
Even experienced actors get nervous. Turn that nervous energy into positive show energy!
Program Ads: For some show programs, there is ad space for sale. Companies will have the opportunity to place advertisements promoting local business, and families have the opportunity to congratulate and celebrate actors.
Tech Rehearsal: Tech rehearsals start the Sunday or Monday of performance week. For the Spring or Fall musical, tech week is when ALT moves show operations to an outside theatre where we will be performing (such as The Medium in Springdale). The rest of the time, productions are at our Sang Ave. location.
Parent Volunteers: We always need extra help from parents during the show week. We ask parents to sign up to assist with backstage supervision of actors, ticket sales, set up, clean up, and other important roles. We also always appreciate parents’ help in promoting ticket sales for the show on social media.
Seats: We ask that actors, parents, and others not save seats before the start of performances. If you’ve had the chance to view the performance from some of the best seats in the house, please allow other audience members the opportunity to get in the front rows for other shows. Every actor is the “star of the show” to his or her family, so please be considerate.
Opening Night: Actors will be nervous, but don’t worry, everything will turn out well.
Cast Party: The cast party is usually after the Friday night performance. After changing out of costumes, the cast spends an hour together celebrating, eating, and usually karaoke-ing. Parents are welcome to stay and chaperone or to pick up actors at the end of the event. Parents are
asked to contribute food and drinks for the celebration. Our Volunteer Coordinator will send out communication about organizing the food, drinks, and director’s gifts.
Director’s Gift: Our Directors do work incredibly hard teaching the actors with patience and kindness, and planning all aspects of shows; however, no gifts are necessary. If your young actor wants to show an expression of gratitude, you can contribute cards, flowers, or a small gift. These are usually presented to the director and assistant director(s) during the cast party or after the last performance.
Photo Call: The photo call is when the cast reenacts each scene of the play in costume while the executive director / ALT photographer takes photos. This usually takes place in between the Saturday shows. These photos are used for publicity and are available on the ALT Facebook page. Parents are welcome to share and use those photos. Parents are also welcome to take personal photos during this time.
Break Between Saturday Shows: Actors will have down time between the two shows on Saturday. Parents need to make arrangements to take their child off-site for food and rest during this time. Often some parents will organize a group activity for cast members during the break. ALT staff will not be on supervision duty.
After the Show
Breakdown / Strike: After the final performance, the cast and families help with the breakdown of the show. Costumes need to be returned, dressing rooms cleaned, materials brought from home collected, and all aspects of the set taken down and put into storage. All hands are needed to make this a smooth and efficient process. It’s usually very efficient and completed in under an hour.
Post-Show Blues: After the show is over many actors feel what we call “The Post-Show Blues.” It’s hard to be away from the folks that you form such tight bonds with during the show. Focus on the positive memories of every rehearsal and performance. Also remember you can always try out for another show. It’s not uncommon to do another show with actors that you’ve performed with previously, so don’t be worried you won’t see your Arts Live friends again. If you’re sad about a show ending, think about the good parts of the show and make the most of your time before you audition again!