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1.
Getting Involved
2.
Show Stuff
1.
Getting Involved
1.1
How do I get involved in KHCT productions?
Show
up at auditions. You can find out when they are by requesting
a free copy of the KHCT News , or by watching the entertainment
calendars in The Kearney Courier, which is Kearney's local
newspaper. Email us at: khct@msn.com. We typically
produce three shows each year, and we're always hungry
for new talent, on stage and off.
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1.2
I've never been on stage before. Is that a problem?
Not
at all. We do on-the-job training! Everybody was new at
this once, and many of our most veteran actors got their
first parts right here. If you're nervous about trying
out for a play, stop by auditions and see what they're
like - it's the best free entertainment in town! Talk
to the director and find out what he or she is looking
for.
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1.3
Yeah, but don't your veteran actors have an edge?
Not
necessarily. Our theater welcomes new faces and talent
to our productions. We are committed to bringing fresh
talent to our stage - and our history shows it. Of the
nearly 300 people who take part in our shows each year,
on stage and off, many are new to our theater - and some
are enjoying their first theatrical experience ever.
Although
directors have a lot of leeway in how they cast their
shows, we do have one firm rule: Absolutely no roles are
to be pre- cast.
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1.4
What are auditions like? Do I have to come with a prepared
audition piece?
Different
directors handle auditions differently. In general, though,
our directors do not require prepared audition pieces,
unless you're trying out for a musical, in which case
you'll probably be asked to sing a song you've learned.
For "straight" plays, auditions usually involve reading
from the script with various combinations of other actors.
Some directors like to use theater games or improvisations,
too. The director will let you know what to expect.
Auditions
typically run three consecutive nights, from 7:30 to about
10 p.m. Most directors prefer that you come at least two
nights. A few directors will reserve the final night to
call back actors being seriously considered for parts;
if that is the case, the director will announce it.
Sometimes
- when plays involve children, for instance - a director
will hold a special audition session for certain roles.
That, too, will be announced in advance.
Before
auditions begin, you'll be asked to fill out a form that
includes questions about your personal and theatrical
background (for publicity purposes), your height and weight
(for the costumer) and your schedule conflicts. It's especially
important to list all your conflicts so the director can
create a workable rehearsal schedule if you are cast.
The form also asks which roles you are interested in.
Be realistic, and be honest. Casting is a tough job, and
directors really hate it when someone indicates they'll
accept any role and then turns one down when it's offered.
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1.5
I just want to work backstage. How do I do that?
Stop
by auditions and fill out a form, indicating that you
are specifically interested in working on the crew, and
in what area (if you have a preference). Make a point
of telling the director or assistant about your interest.
On
weekends when no production is on stage, there are almost
always afternoon work parties to build sets, hang lights
and take care of other backstage needs. Feel free to stop
by and volunteer!
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1.6
How much time does it take to be in a show?
No
doubt about it, a play is a big commitment. Actors can
expect to rehearse from one to five nights a week for
four to ten weeks, depending on the show and the size
of the part. Our directors recognize that community actors
have real lives, and do their best to break early rehearsals
into blocks so that only those actively involved in scenes
have to show up. For the final two weeks before a show
opens, however, you can expect to spend every weeknight
at the theater.
Some
crew members, such as the designers, stage manager and
assistant director, are involved in the show from the
beginning. Others are added in during the rehearsal process
as their skills are needed; most shows want everyone on
board for at least the two weeks before opening.
Even
though we try to have plenty of backstage crew, we expect
actors to help out with set building, painting and other
backstage work by coming to at least one weekend work
party. Your commitment also includes set strike, usually
from around noon to 2 p.m. the day after your show closes.
If
you don't have a lot of time, ask about helping with set
construction, scene painting, light rigging or other short-term
jobs. If you really want to get involved, we can find
a place for you!
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1.6a
How long do rehearsals last?
We
ask our directors to respect the fact that our actors
have jobs, school and families. Most weeknight rehearsals
start at 7:00 and are over by 9:30. In the final week
or two before opening, rehearsals may run later. Some
weekend rehearsals may also be planned. The director will
let you know.
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1.7
Who runs this place, anyway?
KHCT
is governed by a board of directors, who are elected each
summer by our membership. Anyone can be a member by paying
the annual dues ( currently single membership - $5; family
membership - $10 ). Membership entitles you to vote on major
fiscal matters, each season's play selection and other
theater business during our quarterly membership meetings.
The
Board meets monthly; visitors
are welcomed.
Our
membership also provides us with dozens of volunteer managers
who are responsible for everything from recruiting our
ushers to putting up our advertising displays and maintaining
our light and sound equipment.
We're
all volunteers. KHCT has no paid employees. Some specialized
help (i.e. pianist for large musical productions) have
sometimes received token stipends. This is determined
by the required commitment involved and must be specifically
approved by the Board of Directors.
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1.7a
How do I become a member?
Memberships
(see above) may be purchased from our house staff during
performances, or by mail to:
Memberships
Kearney/Holt Community Theatre
P.O. Box 151
Kearney, MO 64060
As
a member, you have the right to take part in our quarterly
membership meetings, where we decide such things as our
annual budget, season of plays and and any other special
events or group efforts. You get to vote for the Officers
and other members of the Board of Directors, have the
opportunity to serve as a manager in one of many areas
(ranging from designing our lobby and window displays
to helping keep our props, costumes and lighting instruments
organized) and who knows, once you've had a couple years'
experience, run for the Board.
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1.7b
How do I donate money or properties to KHCT?
In
large bills, of course!
But
seriously........ As a not-for-profit organization, KHCT
always welcomes donations in any kind or amount - and
because we have federal 501(c)(3) status, those donations
are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
At
present, we're operating from one show to the next. Having
our own facility is only a dream at this point. Any donations
may be made payable to ;KHCT. You may also designate your
donation for any purpose allowed by our Bylaws. You will
receive a thank-you letter which can serve as a receipt
for tax purposes - and the knowledge that you're supporting
a valuable community resource!
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1.8
You guys really ought to ...
We
welcome ideas - even more so when the people with the
ideas volunteer to help us carry them out. Becoming a
manager, or serving on a committee, is as easy as asking.
We survey our members at the beginning of each season
to see what they're interested in doing, but you can also
corner a board member any time and make a suggestion or
volunteer your services.
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1.9
I'm a kid. Does KHCT offer anything for me?
Yes!
Many of our shows include parts for children, we recognize
that our community is short on performance opportunities
for young people. Young people are also welcomed to work
backstage, and many of our staunchest crew people are
"under age." We only ask that parents recognize the commitment
theater involves, and arrange for their youngsters' transportation
to and from the theater.
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2.
Show Stuff
2.1
How do you pick the shows you produce?
KHCT
is a director-driven theater. Each spring our Event Selection
committee asks people who would like to direct for us
to submit plays for consideration. We recommend that would-be
directors choose plays they really want to direct, and
that they consider offering a mix of different kinds of
plays.
All
the scripts submitted are reviewed by an Event Selection
committee, appointed by the President from among our board
and membership. The committee weighs many factors; including
director experience, individuals' schedules and the scripts
themselves, and tries to come up with a season that features
a balance of comedy and drama, new shows and old, musicals
and straight non-musical. They must keep in mind the tastes
and preferences of our audiences and our actors. and choose
a season which will provide a wide range of opportunities
to our community.
The
committee recommends its choices to the membership in
September each year, at the annual membership meeting.
The members vote, and then we can announce the approved
season. The season begins in October.
If
you have an idea for a Plays or other special event, contact
the Board of Directors or the Event Selection Committee,
preferably early in the calendar year, when we begin the
process of mapping our our next season.
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2.2
How do I get on the Event Selection committee?
Become
a member and volunteer by filling out the membership form
and then contacting any member of the Executive
Board and expressing your interest. Because we try
to maintain a variety of interests, backgrounds and theater
expertise on the committee, you may not make it first
time out, but keep trying!
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2.3
Who gets to direct?
Anyone
who submits a play we like, assuming they can convince
the Event Selection committee and the Board that they
know what they're doing - as long as their choices and
personal schedules fit into the coherent season the committee
tries to create. The committee looks at would-be directors'
experience here and at other theaters. First-time KHCT
directors are asked to provide evidence of other theater
experience, on stage or off, and to arrange to work as
either a stage manager or assistant director on one of
our shows. That not only gives us an idea of how they
work under pressure, but assures that new directors know
how our theater operates.
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2.4
How much leeway does a director have?
Artistically,
a great deal. Directors recruit their own crews (with
help from our board, if they ask for it); they have complete
authority over casting and artistic decisions. The producer
of the shows, sets the show budget and meets with the
director periodically before and during the rehearsal
period. The board intervenes in shows only rarely, in
case of serious safety or personnel problems.
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2.5
What if I have a problem with a director?
Because
our board members have many other duties (and because
directors don't really want board members breathing down
their necks), we've established a system of liaisons.
A KHCT Board member is named as Executive Producer to
liaison each show, serving as a resource person for the
director, a conduit to and from the board and a mediator
in the rare case where problems arise that can't be resolved
among director, cast and crew.
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