Theatre Program

KVPAC's theatre program has developed from a few children in 2001 to a large, energetic, dynamic program that it is today. The plays are broken up into audition and non-audition categories. For audition plays, all actors will audition in front of a panel of directors who cast the plays. Auditons are held in August for the fall semester and in December for the spring semester. Members of KVPAC's Junior and Senior Company are guaranteed a role offered to them in a fall and spring play. But, if an actor shows a high level of talent during the audition process and is not in Company, they will still be considered for a role in an audition play. Actors sign up for the non-audition plays without having to audition.

So what is Company? Company is KVPAC’s signature theatrical program which showcases our most talented students under the artistic leadership of our dedicated and accomplished Theatre Arts faculty.  Company is designed to give experienced, talented young people an opportunity to further their theatrical knowledge and develop their acting skills within a serious production process.   Participation in a Company production develops the student’s performance skills and gives them a taste of the speed and intensity of a professional theatre process culminating in a public performance.

Company Members are a select group of talented kids that have successfully auditioned for a panel of directors and have been invited to become a Company Member.  There are not special auditions for Company. The auditions for the plays are used to evaluate the actors and determine Company membership

• Junior Company is the 8-12 year old that may have limited experience but shows great potential or innate talent (Occasionally, a truly gifted and experienced younger talent is invited to be a Senior Company member outside of these age guidelines.)   
• Senior Company is the 13-18 year old that may have more experience and demonstrates continued growth and talent. 

These members are then selected and cast by the individual directors of the scheduled Company productions each season/semester.  Each Company Member is guaranteed an offer of at least one role in an age appropriate show in both the Fall and the Spring Seasons.  

Company Auditions are open to everyone and held annually each Fall over 2 or 3 scheduled dates, usually in August and September.  KVPAC holds a second round of Company Auditions in late December/early January to fill positions left open by existing Company actors that have conflicting Spring commitments.  Returning Company members must re-audition each Fall.  Being accepted into Company in a previous year, does not guarantee acceptance in subsequent years.  Your previous year’s work as well as your audition will be taken into consideration during the selection process.  KVPAC will select approximately 60 Company Members each year. 

Upon arrival at the audition, actors fill out an audition form and provide a resume’ (if available) with a snapshot or head shot photo attached (photos can be copied and returned if necessary).  In order of arrival time, actors present privately to a panel of experienced KVPAC directors:

• a prepared 1-2 minute monologue

(For younger actors auditioning for Junior Company, a memorized poem may be substituted for the monologue, however characterization is strongly encouraged.)

• a 1-2 minute song selection

(The song may be presented a’cappella or accompanied by a CD of pre-recorded instrumental music.   Singing over a vocal track is not accepted.) 

After the final date of auditions has been held, the panel of directors will convene to review all candidates and select the Company membership for the upcoming theatre season.  Every actor will receive notice from KVPAC regarding their acceptance or non-acceptance into Company within 2 days of the FINAL audition date.  

At the beginning of each Season (Fall & Spring), Company Members should contact KVPAC to express their preference for which show(s) they would like to be considered for and what scheduling conflicts they anticipate. 

The individual directors for the upcoming Company shows will meet to discuss their casting requirements and preferences.  Based on this discussion, and taking into consideration the actor’s preference or conflicts when possible, Company members will be slated for a particular show.  Each individual director will then cast each role in their show using the pool of talent as it was divided during that meeting.  It is then the director’s responsibility to contact each actor to offer them a role in their show.  This will be communicated via email or by phone. 

Each Company member can expect to be offered one role per season.  Though it does happen occasionally, if an actor declines a role (whether for preference or conflict), it should NOT be expected that they will be offered another role in a different show.  

It has been said that “directing is 90% casting”.  Casting is not always based solely on talent or ability.  Some of the ingredients that are considerations for casting or not casting an actor include:

• The director’s vision for the whole show.  The director is casting an ensemble, not just one or two ‘lead’ roles. 
• Certain characters require a particular type, age, special skill or physical trait. 
• The relationships and dynamics between all of the characters combined (the ensemble).
• The relationships and dynamics between the actors during the rehearsal and production process.
• An actor’s level of experience.
• How easy or difficult it is to work with that individual actor, both on and off stage.
• The actor’s reputation for preparedness, hard work and focus, or lack thereof.

It has also been said that “there are no small parts, only small actors”.  Minor characters, by simple definition, are characters that do not play a major role in a work of literature.  However, every character serves a purpose.  Simply because a character does not have many lines or appear in many scenes does not mean that character isn’t a major part of the overall story.  The author created every character for a reason and every actor has an opportunity to create a memorable character that can leave a lasting impression and significantly impact the overall success of the play.   It is important to remember the importance of working together as an ensemble and to see the production as a whole – not as individual parts that seem more or less important than others. 

Counting the number of lines or minutes onstage never makes one role more important than another.  However approaching a role with the attitude that it isn’t important (or declining a role because of that), or behaving like your role is the most important, will also leave a lasting impression, just not a positive one.

KVPAC Directors are required to see all Company productions, and in doing so, are always on the lookout for developing talent and their next cast.  Remember, every opportunity to perform on the KVPAC stage is like another opportunity to audition.

Due to the fees associated with rehearsal materials, including scripts, it is expected each script will be returned to KVPAC when the show closes, unless you are specifically instructed otherwise.   Often, the scripts are rented from the publishing company and must be returned to them.  When you receive your script and/or music, each director will give instructions on the acceptable method for writing notes or highlighting lines for that show.  Blocking notes should ALWAYS be made in pencil.

While each director will create their own, unique rehearsal environment, there are basic expectations shared by all.   They are as follows:

• Be on time.  There are very few hours to mount this production, and every minute is precious.
• Be prepared.  Bring your script, a pencil, and proper attire and footwear to every rehearsal. 
• Memorize as soon as possible.  Each director will give you an “off book” date for that production.  It is essential that everyone meet or beat this date because the real acting work and creativity begins when the scripts are not in hand.  This includes lyrics and music.
• Be quiet and focused.  Every second the director or staff spends asking for quiet or trying to get someone’s attention is wasted.   When not in the scene being worked on, quietly reviewing lines or watching others work is expected.  There is a lot to be learned from witnessing the entire process, not just your own.
• Be a team.  Every single person involved in a production is equally important from the stage hand to the lead character.  Finding every opportunity to support each other on and off stage will greatly enhance the process and the end result. 
• There is one director.   Never direct each other on or off stage.  If you have an idea or observation, share it with the director, not with your fellow actor.
• Be respectful.  Each person has their own method or process.  Gossip and ridicule are damaging to everyone.   
• Be flexible.  With large casts and tight schedules, often times the intended focus for a rehearsal changes mid stream.  Even if you don’t know why, know that it is necessary and go with it.
• Be aware.  What you do and how you behave offstage is as important as what you create onstage.  Directors and production staffs share information on an ongoing basis, and your reputation both on and offstage are considered during casting. 
• Communicate.  Let the director know of any scheduling conflicts in advance.  Tell the director about any difficulties you are having during the process – personal or creative. 
• No eating or drinking while in costume or on stage.

READ-THRU:  Usually at the first rehearsal, the entire cast receives their scripts and reads the play aloud for the first time.

BLOCKING:  The actions and stage movements given by the director for each character

CHOREOGRAPHY:  The dance steps designed to enhance musical numbers

TECHNICAL REHEARSAL:  The director adds the technical elements to the production, which may include sound, lights, props, scene changes and special effects.  Tech rehearsals tend to be long and sometimes tedious, but are where the important details of the show are ironed out.

DRESS REHEARSAL:  Costumes and costume changes are added. 

STRIKE:   After the closing performance, the cast and crew take down the sets and return props and costumes to storage or original owner.  The director or scenic designer will assign tasks to cast members to help with strike.  This can take 1-2 hours after the final bows and is required of every Company member unless specifically released by the director.

MEMORIZING:  
The author’s use of specific language often enhances the intention of the line or the character, particularly with comedic timing or dramatic emotion.  Paraphrasing should be avoided.  Remember lyrics to songs are just as important to memorize as your lines.  Usually, children memorize lines, songs and dances easily.  If you are struggling, here are some ideas:

• Have another person read the other character’s lines in the scene and prompt you. 
• Review songs, dances and scenes outside of rehearsal and in front of a supportive group.
• To memorize scene work, break down the point of the scene:  What is it about? What’s the most important information presented or action taking place in that scene?  Answering these questions will help you understand the scene and be able to improvise if something goes awry during performance.
• Read over lines and/or scenes before going to sleep and first thing in the morning.
• Practice dialogue, songs and dances out loud and in front of a mirror rather than in your head.  This enlists muscle memory as well as visual and aural memory to help learn the part.

OFF-BOOK:  Being memorized and able to rehearse on stage without your script.  At the beginning of the rehearsal process, the director assigns a date to be off-book, usually at least 4-6 weeks prior to Opening night.  In the rehearsal process, character development cannot be achieved with the script in hand.  The real creativity begins when the actors get off-book. 

COSTUMES:
KVPAC has limited back stage space.  Because of this, costume changes and privacy tend to be difficult.  Every actor should wear appropriate, modest underclothing (leotards, shorts/tank tops) underneath their costumes to ensure their comfort and that of others backstage.
 
KVPAC also has a limited Wardrobe department and sometimes relies heavily on the creativity of the cast members for costuming.  Anytime you have an item that is appropriate for any show please label it carefully and send it to rehearsal with your child.  It will be returned to you at show close or before if it isn’t used.  (KVPAC accepts permanent donations as well). 
Directors will send out a notice regarding footwear and base costume pieces required.   Usually, foot wear should have a soft or rubber sole to minimize sound on stage.

Sometimes a costume my be uncomfortable or is not what the actor hoped for, but it is important to remember that the costume is a vital part of the overall design of the show.  Supporting the costume designer is important.  Do not eat or drink while in costume.

The $75.00 annual Company Fee provides:

• A Company Certificate and Company t-shirt.
• Guaranteed offer of at least one role in an age appropriate Company show in both the Fall & Spring Season.
• A photo shoot with a professional photographer, with the option of purchasing head shots at a reduced rate if desired.
• A single 8x10 black and white head shot, to be displayed throughout the year on the Company Member wall and on the cast boards of each production.  This photo will be given to you at the beginning of the following year (September).
• Discounted tuition on all KVPAC Theatre Tech and Design classes.

For Senior Company Members:

• A field trip to a local professional theatre experience or show.
• Occasional KVPAC sponsored social gatherings.

For Junior Company Members:

• A summer party at Pump It Up!
• A professional theatre workshop or production.

The tuition fee for each production is used in part to cover production expenses including:

• Rights and Royalties to produce the play
• The Production Staff’s fees (director, designers, assistants)
• Marketing and publicity for that production
• Costumes, Lighting and Sound equipment
• Performance technical crew fees
• Set/scenic design materials and labor
• Scripts and music purchase/rental/CD duplication

Please see the current catalogue for tuition rates.  Tuition is due by the first day of rehearsal. We appreciate your support of KVPAC and the Arts in Katy.  We aspire to give our students the best possible education and artistic experience through our signature Company productions. 

What if I am cast in more than one production per semester?
Occasionally, an actor is requested by a Director to join more than one production per semester.  If you are willing and available to do so, the tuition for the second production will be a $50 materials fee.

Why do major and minor roles require the same tuition?
Please refer to the Casting 101 discussion of small parts.  In addition to that, all of the production expenses listed above, covered in part by tuition, are the same regardless of the size of the role.  Often an Ensemble or Choral part will require more costuming than a lead role.

Why is there not a tuition break for multiple family members?
Again, the production expenses listed above are generated by each cast member. 

Academy is a weekly class designed to build step-by-step theatrical knowledge and skill development.  Academy’s focus is on fine-tuning techniques to build a personal repertoire covering all aspects of theatre training.  The Academy program runs throughout the school year, beginning in October and ending in May, following KISD’s holiday/vacation schedule.  Faculty members are theatre professionals (with a minimum qualification of a BA in Education and/or Theatre) who are particularly skilled in working with young actors.  Progressive courses based on skill and age levels are designed to take young talent to the next level through consistent practice and providing progressive focused instruction.  The Theatre Academy experience culminates with an invitation only showcase presentation in May.  

While they are notably different in scope, Academy and Company are inherently intertwined in developing the young actor.  Academy classes offer individual actors the very foundation of acting principals and theory and provide the opportunity to build young confidences which will enhance every performance.  Company provides the opportunity to experience the production process from read-thru to performance, however with time and space limitations, the ability to focus solely on individual acting is inhibited.  Being involved in both is highly recommended for any serious actor. 
(Note:  Company Members registered for Theatre Academy classes save $50 on annual Company Membership Dues.)

Below are the email addresses for KVPAC’s Company Directors.  You may send a general notice to info@kvpac.org which will be forwarded to whom it may concern, or leave a phone message with the front desk at 281.829.ARTS which will also be forwarded.