[Singer]

Hi, everyone!
I am going to start attending a university this fall, and there is a FABULOUS community theatre group based very close to it. I would be absolutely thrilled if I could be part of their group, and I am hoping to, only there are a few problems. First of all, the theatre group is a whole hour away, and I can't stay for their rehearsals because they go too late. (I wouldn't mind this, but my brother and I are attending the college together, and I can't make him wait for hours every day because of rehearsals.)
Anyway, my question is whether you can tell me how many rehearsals are usually required depending on the size of the role. I've never been in a show before, and I don't know the scene at all.
I'm trying to find out from the actual group itself, but they haven't returned my email or call yet, and I'm very eager to figure out what exactly I might be able to do, and what not.
Thanks so much!

[Melindaisy]

A lot depends on how many weeks they rehearse before opening....

Early on in rehearsals if you have a small role or a chorus role, you might be needed only one or two nights a week. When I direct I try to group people and schedule nights were we cover all the chorus numbers, or rehearsal all the scenes a certain charcter is in. That might last for maybe two weeks (Out of a ten week rehearsal period for a musical).

We run blocking/dialogue two nights and music two nights a week four about four weeks more. The last four weeks alll the cast would be required most nights as we start to do act run throughs and so on. Even for small parts it is a big time commitment.... even more so if they rehearse fewer weeks .

I wouldn't call a group an hour away very close. Plus you won't have as much time on your hands as you might think.... freshman year is a big adjustment. You might be best off waiting a semester or two to see how much time you might have to devote to theater.

To become more familiar with the group you might volunteer to assist with the house or do something like help with set or props or something. You get to know them and they get to know you and you can see how they work.

[Singer]

Thanks for replying! I don't consider an hour away very close either. In fact, right now it could be a million miles away for all the chances are I can be part of their group. I understand what you are saying about the adjusting time, too. That's what my parents keep telling me, bless their hearts! But I want to be in shows NOW! Patience, patience... Gotta remember...

[Celeste_SM]

The company that I work with rehearses 6 days/week, 4 hours per rehearsal (7 on Saturdays), for an eight week rehearsal period prior to opening. The amount of time that folks are called is highly dependent on the show. Ensemble is typically called the first full week, then off and on for the week after, then probably 4 days a week for the next four weeks, then six days a week for the last couple of weeks prior to opening. But it's totally dependent on the structure of the show, how much dance is involved, and how many scenes you're in. Most college students can't do it, though. The time commitment is just too much with school, especially if you're doing any academic theater.

[Singer]

Thanks for the reply! I definitely won't be doing any college theatre. They have a terrible show selection, and an even later schedule, so that's out of the question.

[MademoiselleMusicals]

Hey Singer

Funnily enough I'm in the same situation but applying to uni this autumn, to study Journalism and English come September 2008.

The uni I want to go to, has a whole centre dedicated to the performing arts so any student can go join which is SO good as I don't want to stop doing shows!

Good luck with everything! You did the right thing contacting the company - have you heard back from them at all?

[Singer]

Nope, not yet! I'm thinking that I may need to try tp contact them again! Thank you for the reply!