FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do I enroll in your programs?
A: Our fall and spring productions are audition based. If you are interested in performing with ACMT, you just need to attend an audition. You do not need an appointment or to register in advance, but you will be asked to fill out some paperwork at the audition. There is no charge to audition. Further information about our auditions is available at the Audition web page.
Our summer camps are not audition based. For some of our summer camps, auditions will be held at the beginning of camp or class. If you are interested in enrolling in our summer programs, please visit the Theater Camp page.
Q: What happens at the auditions?
A: It depends on the director and the show. Several weeks prior to the audtion, specific audition requirements will be posted on the Audition page on this website. Audition details will also be distributed to our email list. Please don't stress about the auditions. We want this to be a fun and supportive learning experience for everyone involved!
For our summer camp programs, the audition requirements (if any) will be explained at the first session.
Q: Will everyone who auditions for the audition-based programs get a part?
A: Probably not. Although we would like to be able to offer a part to every actor who auditions and we often double-cast roles to allow more actors to participate, we usually have more actors audition than the production can reasonably accommodate. In addition, we try to include a wide range of ages, but some of our productions have age limits because of the nature or difficulty of the material. All casting decisions are final and are at the discretion of the director in consultation with the producers.
Q: When do you rehearse?
A: For our spring and fall productions, rehearsals usually begin 8 or 9 weeks before the first performance. Normally, we have 2 or 3 weeknight rehearsals each week (generally from about 6:30 to 8:30) and a 3 to 4 hour rehearsal on Saturday. The Saturday rehearsal may be in the morning or afternoon based on the availability of the director and cast members. More information about rehearsals will be available at the audition. Generally, the entire cast attends the Saturday rehearsals, but weeknight rehearsals are on an as-needed basis. For most of our productions, the actors will not be asked to attend every rehearsal until "tech week" which is the week leading up to the first performance. During tech week, the actors should be prepared for an extended rehearsal each night.
Visit our Theater Camp page for information about schedules for those programs.
Q: I would like to participate but I have schedule conflicts. What should I do?
A: At the auditions, you will be asked to fill out a conflict sheet. We do make efforts to work around conflicts, but ACMT's fairly rigorous rehearsal schedule sometimes makes participation in other time-consuming activities difficult. If the conflicts are too extensive, you may not be cast in a production. We need our actors to be available for most rehearsals. If an actor does not inform us of conflicts in advance and does not appear at rehearsals as expected, his or her part may be recast. We expect our actors to clear all conflicts and be available every night during "tech week" which is the week leading up to the first performance.
Q: What does it cost to participate?
A: Tuition for our spring and fall productions is dependent on the number of volunteer hours the actor's parent is willing to contribute. Further information about the tuition and hours requirements will be available at the audition.
ACMT is famiily-friendly. Discounted tuition and hours are available when siblings are in the same production.
Information about tuition for our summer programs is available on our Theater Camp page.
Q: What sort of volunteer work is required of the parents?
A: For our spring and fall productions, ACMT is dependent on its parent volunteers. We could not do our productions without them. We need help backstage during the performances. Parents can be part of the stage crew. Parents can help with set construction, painting, costumes, props or publicity. Parents can work as a house manager. Parents can sell concessions. Parents can plan the cast party or design the actor bio or sponsor boards or the programs. We will distribute a list of jobs at a parent meeting (usually held during the first rehearsal), and parents can let us know their preferences. We will make every effort to accommodate those requests, but parents may be asked to do something that was not on their list. All parent volunteers should be prepared to volunteer at the theater during at least one performance -- probably more.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Yes. ACMT offers a limited number of full and partial need-based tuition scholarships. If you need financial aid, please speak with one of the producers at the parent meeting. Actors seeking financial aid for summer camp should contact us as early as possible. You will be asked to fill out a form and provide some documentation about family income. Families receiving financial aid are expected to fulfill all other requirements, including volunteers hours, recruitment of a sponsor and ticket sales.
Q: What makes ACMT different from other programs?
A: ACMT has a more than 30 year history of producing quality theater by kids and for kids. We are a community based organization. We are able to keep costs low because of the participation of our parent and community volunteers. We could not exist without their help. Our volunteers find participating in our shows to be rewarding and fun, and we believe that it sets a good example for the kids to see their parents and other community members participate in activities that benefit our community. We are a non-profit organization, and our shows are produced by our Board of Directors who all volunteer their time. The Board conservatively manages ACMT's finances to ensure that ACMT will be able to continue its mission for many years to come.
Q: Do you offer after-school classes?
A: Our fabulous after-school partner, Tomorrow Youth Repertory, is all grown up and has flown the ACMT nest. Please visit TYR's website for information about their after-school classes.
Q: How can I get added to your email list?
A: Send us an email at acmtkids@gmail.com with your full name and email address and we'll make sure you are added to our list.
Q: How can I help ACMT?
A: There are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer your time, sponsor a show or make a donation. You can even help us simply by attending our shows and spreading the word. Our actors love big, supportive audiences. ACMT is grateful to the Alameda community for your tremendous support -- through your attendance at shows and your donations of time, materials and money. We are a registered 501(c)(3), so your contributions may be tax deductible. (Please consult your tax advisor.) If you have an idea for helping us to continue with our mission of providing quality theater by kids and for kids in Alameda, please let us know. We would appreciate your help!