CMT Rehearsal FAQ
How Do I Find Out About Your Next Show?
Check out our Website for the name of our next show, and if you are interested, come out to our Information Night, where you will learn what our next show is about, meet the directors and producers and find out what you need to do to audition.
How many shows a year do CMT perform?
We usually do two shows a year - one in November and one in the spring, usually a Spring Concert.
How Do I Audition?
Often you will be required to present a memorized monologue and sing a song. These decisions will vary with the requirements of the director of that particular show.
When do we hold auditions?
CMT preceeds each new show with a series of auditons. The spring show is often auditioned in January. The November show is often auditioned in late May. Once parts are cast we do not audition again till the next show. Audition requirements are given at our pre-show information evening, then
on this web page
Do I have to audition for each show?
Once you have auditioned and as long as your membership is in good standing, future audition is only required for principal roles. If more than one
person fits a principal role, preference will be given to the one who is a CMT member. Clarkson may occasionally need to audition every role, depending on the show.
Can children join CMT?
We are always pleased to encourage young people in theatre. Our bi-laws require members be 16 or older... unless our current show requires special
age groups (e.g. Sound of Music).
How are children safeguarded?
An approved chaparone is required for all children under 16. The chaparone will attend all the rehearsals and shows. Chaparones are encouraged to join CMT as a non performing member (no audition required) and work on props or
backstage etc.
Where and When do we rehearse?
Traditionally, Clarkson rehearses from two to three times a week, depending on the director. At this time, we hold rehearsals on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Christ Church on 1700 Mazo Cres is our most frequently used rehearsal space.
Are there other membership requirements?
Since Clarkson is a Community Theatre Group, we depend on our members, particularly those appearing on stage, to volunteer their time towards the successful production of each show. These activities might include set building, set painting, props, front of house. Members have usually found these experiences opportunities to learn as well as have fun - a requirement at Clarkson.
Need more information?
If your Son or daughter is eligible to be a member and is interested in being involved in one of our shows, they should check our webpage which
provides notification of the information evening and auditions.
If your question is not answered here, please email us for more information (Email Us )
Cast Move-In and Dark Week
Dark Week (*so called as you ain’t seeing the sun this week)
Day One - Sunday:
"Dark Week" begins the Sunday before our opening – [If you are called to the Tannery (where the set has been built) – it’s at Tannery Road and Broadway in Streetsville. Meadowvale Theatre is at 6315 Montevideo Road north off Battleford, west of Erin Mills Parkway.] You will be assigned a task by our stage manager. For most of you, this will involve hands-on help with: our move-in of set, costumes, props, and help with the light hang, set construction etc. Others might do snacks or coffee for the run. If you have a hard hat, let us know. General Dress should include work gloves, work clothes (no shorts), heavy shoes (metal toes are a plus). Bring your wireless drill if you have one.
No one is allowed "on deck" (on stage) without a hard hat, as per theatre rules.
Do not bring valuables to the theatre. Similarly, do not leave valuables in your car as there have been break-ins in the past.
Only Cast and Crew are allowed backstage please.
Actors are assigned a space in one of the four dressing rooms. Most of the ensemble women are upstairs. The men’s dressing room is also located upstairs. Dancers will be located downstairs due to the number of costume changes. Each actor’s space includes a makeup mirror, and a cubby for your costume. You can bring costumes this first day, or wait till the Tuesday. Remember to bring your costume to the theatre by Tuesday. Keep your dressing room clean. There are no cleaners assigned for the run of the show.
We must leave it the way we found it and some of you will be assigned to this task when we strike the set at the end of the show.
After the move-in, you will have a short lunch break, and then you will meet back at Christ Church at 2 p.m. for a full cast sing-through with the orchestra.
Day Two: Monday
You will have a full run of the show at Christ Church – this will be our last rehearsal in this space. During this time, the crew is working to build your set; to hang and focus and program your lights; to organize props; to complete set painting, etc.
Day Three: Tuesday: Q to Q
The Theatre staff will outline expectations and general house rules… Theatre staff will only open the theatre at the call time. Don’t expect to get in early…
Today is our Q to Q – you will have a chance to familiarize yourself with the stage, and "find" your entrances. Be patient on this day. You might literally be jumping from "cue" to "cue" as we complete light programming into the board, and identify problem areas regarding movement of set pieces. This day is really for the crew to find out their jobs. As per theatre rules, cast are not allowed to sit in the audience during the rehearsal. Also, please do not invite outsiders to rehearsals. Obey the Stage Manager promptly backstage please.
Day Four: Wednesday – Tech Run
We put the show and the sound and lights and set and props together. Orchestra will be included today. Sound levels will be checked for our mix of sound (orchestra, principals, phantom, cast). You are encouraged to do your costume changes in order to let dressers know when they are needed and for you to test how much time you have.
Day Five: Thursday – Full Dress
Best case scenario allows cast to get into makeup / hair by 7:30 for your voice/ physical warm-up. We run the show as close to 8 p.m. as possible, just like opening night. Louise Ferguson will be taking action shots through the evening for our archives and for your purchase, should you so desire.
Make-Up Notes : There will be two to three makeup artists to assist you with hair and makeup should you need it. (Etelka Austin, Michelle Malin, Jane Adamson)
Cast members are expected to provide their own makeup. You will need:
a) A foundation base colour which is close to your own complexion tone.
b) Lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, blush as needed, powder to set your makeup and absorb moisture under the lights.
c) Soaps / face cloths or baby wipes or cold cream/tissues for clean up
d) Hair products (eg: bobby pins, gel, hair spray). See:style handout provided earlier.
As a courtesy, please refrain from using heavy scents / perfumes during this time as some people are allergic… Do use deodorant.
Hosiery / Shoes
Ladies should provide their own hosiery – which might include a body suit – especially for the dancers, and shoes. Cathy Smith has kindly offered great rates on these. A sketch of required Stage Shoes has already been provided.
Clarkson Music Theatre
Fall 2008 Show
Sweeney Todd
Information Night
May 21st at 7.30 at Christ Church 1400 Mazo Cr. Mississauga.
Auditions
May 28th, 29th. Call Back: May 31st
Audition information
1. Prepare a one to two minute memorized monologue, no Shakespeare please.
2. Prepare a song of your choice. Please bring accompaniment for the pianist, double sided, in a binder.
3. Please be prepared for a 30 minute movement workshop which will be held at from 8.15 to 8.45pm on each audition evening, The group will be taught and perform a dance combination. Come suitably dressed.
4. You will be told on the night of the audition if you are going to be called back.
Email Rita Ferguson for an audition time