Current Season
Yearly Theatre Productions
Fall Show #1
The first performance of the school year is put on by Fine Arts Students with auditions generally taking place within 1-2 weeks of returning to school. Typically, the show is performed near the end of September or the beginning of October.
Fall Show #2 - Children's Show
This is a children’s show that we take on tour to the Lovejoy ISD elementary schools. Performances typically run about 45 minutes in length and will include one home performance.
Fall Mini Shows: Fine Arts Festival
The Fine Arts Festival is a joint venture among all of the fine arts organizations on campus. Acting students will perform in a small show produced in the Black Box Theatre, while Tech students are expected to set up and run the festival.
Winter Musical
The musical is produced in conjunction with the choir department, but auditions are open to anyone enrolled in a Fine Arts Class. The directors will generally announce their pick for the musical in October. After the musical is announced, there is a two to three week turn around to learn audition pieces before the audition. The musical takes place towards the end of January.
UIL One-Act Play
One-Act auditions are open to Production Class students with the possibility for allowing auditions from other students enrolled in a theatre class depending on space availability. One-Act Play is a UIL competition, and the directors are highly selective with their cast and crew. Auditions generally occur in December with rehearsals starting after the musical ends. The cast, crew, and alternates are expected to change their schedule to be in the Production Class second semester, if not already enrolled in that class.
Student Direct / Acting Showcase
Annually we will showcase the culmination of work done in our directing/acting classes. These performances generally take place in our Black Box Theatre.
Depending on the number of students enrolled in Directing, we may have a one-act play or an actors showcase directed by students.
Audition Tips
-
Be as memorized as possible! Familiarize yourself with difficult vocabulary and character names.
-
Do as much research as you can on your own before the actual audition. Read the play and research the time period, place, and important events that occurred during that time.
-
Prior to your audition, fill out all paperwork, including: COMPLETE conflict calendar, the required parent signature. Make note of all the important dates included in the packet for your personal schedule.
-
Choose what roles you select on your audition form wisely. Make sure you’re okay with being cast in any role you select. Declining a role after casting could result in you not being considered for casting again.
-
Dress well. Don’t dress “in costume” for the role you want to be cast as. Dress in a way that helps you “find” the character.
-
Arrive fifteen minutes early.
-
Be respectful of how others rehearse and prepare.
-
Be supportive.
-
Let your nerves go. The directors want you to succeed!
-
Your script is not a mask! The directors understand you will not be completely memorized, however be present- don’t hide behind your script. Allow the paper to become an extension of your arm.
-
Be brave. Take risks. Being memorable is more important than being safe, and the directors will respect strong choices, regardless of whether they agree with them. Set yourself apart.
-
Try to find differentiation in each character you read for. Vocal and physical changes are wonderful in an audition room.
-
Be open to roles you haven’t considered. The director knows where to place you to make the best show possible.
Rehearsal Etiquette
Rehearsals for a production are highly valuable and essential to the successful execution of a stage play. The rehearsal process is not only where the direction of the show is found, but also where actors and technicians develop and grow the most, expanding their knowledge and experience. Some important considerations for rehearsals are:
-
If you have issues with another person in the cast or are disappointed with how the casting of the show turned out, then leave it at the rehearsal door. Don’t let your conflicts ruin the experience for you or others around you.
-
Always come overly prepared. Bring your script and a pencil to every rehearsal.
-
Know your lines within the first two weeks of rehearsal.
-
Be respectful and kind to everyone.
-
When the directors ask you a question, give you a note, or give instructions, always respond with: “Yes, ma’am/sir.”, “Thank you.”, or “Can you please explain?” Go with the flow and don’t argue. The time to share ideas or have a brief discussion is after rehearsal.
-
If you’re an actor in the show, do character work- this may be on your own time. Rehearsal is for putting the show together with others. It really does help, I promise! This can include writing in a journal, making a collage, making a playlist. Find whatever works for you!
-
Be on time! (Early is on time, on time is late!)
-
Stay quiet backstage so the time we have together is focused and efficient.
-
There is no division between actors and technicians. Have mutual respect and get along.
-
There is always something to do. Ask your fellow actors or technicians if they need help and be proactive or study lines.
-
While positive feedback is encouraged, try not to direct your peers.
-
If not previously written on a conflict calendar, send a written notice of conflict at LEAST 48 hours in advance to the stage manager and director (email is preferable). However, not all conflict will be approved, it must be a legitimate reason.
-
If you are an understudy, you are expected to know your lines as well as the lines for your understudy role, as well as blocking for both roles.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email is the best way to communicate with the director and is in accordance with Lovejoy ISD policy. Please allow 24 hours for a response.
Questions about the rehearsal schedule? Please, look in Google Classroom or contact your stage manager.
Crew Opportunities & Responsibilities
Publicity
-
Create a logo that you think would be good for the play and share it with the directors
-
Write a press release
-
Create a flyer and then get approval to hang the fliers all around the school
-
Create an event for the play on Facebook
-
Advertise on social media
-
Assist director with painting a big poster to hang in the Commons
Props
-
Look upstairs (prop loft) for props you can use that we already have
-
You are in charge of keeping up with all props
-
Make sure all props are put away on tables or carts at all times
-
Keep the prop table or carts clean
-
During the show assist actors with their props
-
At the conclusion of a rehearsal or a show make sure all props are put away in the appropriate places
Props Master
-
You are responsible for reading the script and marking all the places where a prop is used throughout the show
-
Create a master prop list (The list should include the prop, a description, where you could find it, and what page it is used on)
-
Look upstairs for props you can use that we already have
-
Provide the director and the stage manager with a prop list and keep it updated with what you have found/bought
Costumes
-
Take measurements of all cast and understudies, and fit their costumes to them
-
Once you receive a script read the play and research the time period of the play
-
Create a list of what you think each character needs to wear and good colors for them to wear and then show it to the director to see what she thinks
-
Start pulling costumes onto a clean rack that you think could work for the show
-
If using Rose Costumes, schedule a time to go with the director to pick up costumes
-
If using Rose Costumes, you are responsible for keeping a binder with every single item that is rented, marked. When you receive the costs for a trial period to try them on, make sure every single item is tagged with either, a “No thank you” or a “Yes” tag. If the item is tagged with a yes tag, write down the character that will be using it and what they will be wearing with it. You also will fill out costume sheets for every single character that state what their costume is and whether it is LHS’s or Rose Costumes’
-
Create a list of what you are missing and still need and give it to the director
-
During a show you will need to be backstage or in the dressing rooms to assist all quick changes
Hair/Makeup
-
Research the time period of the show and write down, draw, or find pictures of what makeup and hair you see each character having
-
Show your ideas to the director
-
Make sure we have all the supplies necessary
-
At dress rehearsals and performance dates make sure a table is set out with all of the makeup and hair supplies needed (Usually on the small stage in the theatre room)
-
Help the actors with their makeup and hair
-
Keep up with all supplies
-
Keep the makeup and hair area clean and organized
Sound
-
A sound designer will design all of the sound cues in the show (be sure to get them all checked by the director)
-
A soundboard operator is responsible for running the sound board during rehearsals and during the show
-
Soundboard operators will either be backstage on a portable sound system or in the booth with a sound board
-
You are required to provide a sound cue sheet to the stage manager and communicate your cues to the stage manager
-
You will be working a lot with garageband as well as QLab so if you sign up for sound be sure you know how to use both
Lights
-
The Light Designer creates a light plot and programs the light design
-
Master Electrician is in charge of focusing
-
Electrics Crew assists the Master Electrician in hanging the light plot. They also take notes each rehearsal on what the director wants changed in terms of lighting
Stage Manager
-
Once you receive a script read through it and take basic cue notes
-
Keep and update rehearsal reports for every rehearsal
-
Post the rehearsal reports on the call board
-
Rehearsal reports should include the following: Notes for actors and tech, attendance, rehearsal schedule for that day, and important information that needs to be communicated to the company and directors
-
Make sure everyone who is called to the rehearsal comes and that they come on time
-
Creating a production book (Usually a 3 inch binder, with multiple tabs)
-
The book should include: all paperwork, blocking, cues, cast and tech information, calendars, attendance sheets, rehearsal reports, etc.
-
Keep the rehearsals on task and assist the director as needed
Set
-
Set Designer is in charge of creating the plans for the set
-
Master Carpenter is in charge of building what the Set Designer creates
-
Scene Shop Foreman is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the scene shop
-
Builders are responsible for constructing the set.
-
Scenic Artist is responsible for creating the scenes on backdrops of flats.
-
Painters are responsible for painting what the scenic artist designs
-
Once you receive a script read the play and research the time period of the play
-
Backstage run crew assists with scene changes
-
Stage Crew Head direct the stage crew
Actor and Technician Health
In addition to maintaining high grades and being a well-rounded theatre student of Lovejoy High School, student health and well-being is a top priority in our theatre department. This includes both physical and emotional health.
​
Physical Health
-
Be safe! Always follow safety precautions in our theatre and shop areas- Nothing is more important than your safety.
-
Drink water! It’s important that students are hydrated during rehearsals. However, DO NOT share any drinks, because it can spread diseases from 1 actor to 20.
-
Avoid germs! Wash your hands and don’t eat or drink after others.
-
Sick? Stay home! Please do not come to school or rehearsal if you have had a fever or are throwing up/had diarrhea in the past 24 hours. Don’t risk the health of your fellow castmates. If you have to miss a rehearsal, be professional and communicate with the director through email. Be truthful about your illness - and how we can support you.
-
Stay healthy! Take time to take care of yourself by getting the right amount of sleep. Make sure that you aren’t eating too much or too little. Your body is your tool and, in theatre, a healthy body is essential to create successful art. Be cautious about anything you put in your body.
Mental Health
-
Stay ahead of classwork and homework. Stay ahead on your work, create routines that work for you. Don’t let school stress you out to the point of mental instability. Communicate in advance with teachers about your busy schedule if you think you won’t be able to do everything on time. They will be more willing to work with you if you talk to them ahead of time.
-
Know your limits. You can do it all, but you can’t do it all at the same time. Be able to recognize what is going to be too much in your schedule and do not overcommit.
-
Limit social media time. While social media is a great tool to interact with friends, if social media is hurting you more than helping you, consider limiting your use to further your positive mental health.
-
Maintain family time. Keep good relationships with your family members and do your part to contribute at home. Mom and Dad are the ones that allow you to participate, and their support is essential!
-
Medication. Be sure that any medication taken is prescribed to you, and don’t bring it to school, unless it is distributed or handled through our school nurse.
-
Seek help. Your mental health is important- if you are ever at risk or are engaging in unhealthy behavior, discuss with your parents the benefits of seeing a therapist or psychiatrist if you think it could help you.