FRESHMAN PLAY FAQs

What is the Freshman Play?
Like many ninth grade sports, the Frosh Play is an opportunity for freshman actors and techies to discover and hone their skills without having to compete with upperclassmen for a limited number of parts and backstage roles. It is a fun and relaxed learning environment for students of all experience and skill levels to explore high school theatre. One of our goals is to provide acting and stage crew opportunities for as many students as possible. Rather than trying to find a play that has a cast of thirty, Mr. Knoedler and upperclassmen will direct a night of 10-minute plays.

When are auditions for the Frosh Play?
Auditions will be held the week of Sept. 15 in the Lab Theater (Room 9135) after school-5:15 (You can catch the late bus home). Details will be posted here and on the South Stage call board (between the chorus room and auditorium) as they become available.

What will I have to do for auditions?
The directors will have you play theatre games and read or create scenes. Details will be posted here and on the South Stage call board (between the chorus room and auditorium) as they become available. Directors are looking for actors who can use their faces, voices, and bodies to communicate characters and stories to an audience. Don’t be afraid to make bold choices!

When are rehearsals?
In September and October, actors should be available after school 3-4 days a week until 5:15. We will do our best to work around known conflicts. Missing three or more scheduled rehearsals may result in being re-cast or cut. Students interested in stage crew can be more flexible with their schedules.

In November, actors will need to be available after school every day. All actors and stage crew will need to attend a mandatory Saturday tech rehearsal on November 15 from 9 AM-5 PM. Otherwise, there is no rehearsal on non-school days.

When are performances?
Performances will be Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 20-22 at 7:30 PM.

I can’t make one of the performances. Can I get a part and have someone fill in for the performance I miss?
No. The directors, cast, and crew work hard to prepare the production for our audience. It would be unfair for your fellow actors and techies to gamble on a stand in.

I play a sport in the fall. Can I be in the Frosh Play?
If your coach will let you out of after school practice three times a week to rehearse, it’s possible. Coaches typically don’t allow that. If you are available during the winter or spring, we would love for you to audition. Athletes often make good actors because of their physical coordination, confidence, and collaboration skills.

What about stage crew?
The South Stage tech crews are vital to the success of our shows and are a fun way to get involved. No experience is necessary and the schedule is flexible.

Set and Props Crew Builds and paints set pieces. Gathers, builds, maintains, and keeps track of props and furniture.

Lights and Sound Crew Hangs and focuses lights, plays music and sound effects.
Costume Crew Finds, builds, and alters clothing, hats, and shoes. Make up Crew Assists actors with make up application and hair before performances. Organizes make up stock and cleans up application area. Running Crew Performs scene changes, costumes changes, and other backstage duties during shows. Must be available for tech day, dress rehearsals, and performances.

Email Mr. Knoedler, Director of Theatre with questions.
jeff_knoedler@newton.k12.ma.us

Last updated on September 3, 2008