Starlight Stage Youth Theatre - Philosophy - Acting

acting - directing - stage/house management - carpentry - prop/costume design & const. - make-up - sound & lighting - photography - publicity

ACTING

All students have the option of acting, technical work, or both.

The first day we have readings for parts. Experience is not necessary and we try to make the process as fun and enjoyable as possible.

Students are placed into parts because the directors feel they can best portray a particular role. The director's decision is final, and we do not recast.

Once the play has been cast we begin reading the script and making any preliminary changes (additions or deletions) to dialogue before the students begin to memorize lines.

The lines are explained. Proper pronunciation of words or phrases & expressions are made. Initial questions regarding character and motivation are discussed. Diction, projection, and timing are part of the early rehearsals.

As things progress we move off book (script) and block the play - first in a general nature and more specific as we move along. Gestures, movement, character development, interaction, all follow at the appropriate times.

When the show has been memorized and can run without interruption by the directors, notes are taken and given following rehearsed scenes. Eventually costumes, set, props, make-up, lighting & effects are added. Dress and technical rehearsals refine the show and then we move into four evening performances.

Those students not on stage during rehearsal of a particular scene are involved in all of the other aspects of the program. We have a relatively short period of time from our first casting to final performance - so there is little if any idle time.

A standard day begins promptly at 8:30 AM with a company meeting, announcements, job assignments, expectations, criticisms, concerns, and then we move into rehearsals.
Usually we take a break at mid-moming and then resume rehearsals until dismissal at 12:30 PM which is preceded with a short summary of progress for the day and expectations for the following day.