Young Performers Theatre

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tech week?

Tech week is the last week before the show opens. It is the time when the light, stage and sound crews are added to the production, as well as costumes, make-up and props. All rehearsals this week are mandatory, and they can run as late as 9:00 p.m., depending on how much time is needed to get the show ready for opening. Thursday night is the final dress rehearsal.

The Hoblit Performing Arts Center

All rehearsals and performances are at the Hoblit Performing Arts Center. It is located at 607 Peña Drive. The phone number is (530)756-3682, but the best way to contact the director during the production is using the phone numbers provided on the cast list.

How much work is involved?

This can vary greatly from show to show and depending on the commitment of the parent. Each family is responsible for their child's costumes, and working 25 volunteer hours per child on the production. Many families work more hours, and the Young Performer's Theatre appreciates community involvement.

What if I can't sew?

You can pay someone to make your costumes for you, and the costume designer may help you find someone. You can also trade sewing for work hours. For example, someone in the cast may sew your costumes for you, and you do an extra 4 hours work for them (depending on the difficulty of the costumes). Once again, the costume designer will help you find out if there is a willing parent.

What are the basic etiquette rules of the theater?

Actors are not allowed in the lobby or house (audience) in costume or once the audience has started to arrive.
Actors are not to eat in costume, and no one is to eat in the house or backstage.
Water bottles are allowed and encouraged.
Actors are to clean up after themselves in the dressing rooms, and take good care of their costumes. They are not allowed to touch anyone else's costumes, makeup or props.
All talking backstage must be kept at a whisper.
Actors are not to be in the wings watching the show unless they are about to go on stage. They should wait in the dressing room at other times.
Actors and parents assigned to work backstage are the only people allowed backstage (including dressing rooms) or on stage. Following the production, family, friends and siblings should wait for you in the lobby.
Absolutely no running in the theater.

What are Bios?

Bios are biographies of the actors and are displayed in the lobby of the theater for the audience to view. Each actor writes a bio in third person, and turns it in to the appropriate person. Bio pictures are usually taken two weeks before the show opens. The actors should be in their regular clothes, no makeup or costumes are necessary. At the end of the last show, you may take your bio home.

What about after the last show?

After the final show, everyone needs to participate in a mandatory strike. A strike is simply the time where we remove all of our production materials from the theater. Each child in the show must have one parent participate in the strike. We need everyone to help clean the theater and dressing rooms, strike the set and move the pieces into the storage area. After the strike is complete, the cast (and family) is invited to attend a no-host cast party. Also, the bio pictures are yours to take home so be sure you pick up your bio from the lobby before leaving the theater

Are Cast Photos taken?

Cast photos are generally taken before the second Saturday show. Call will be earlier that day (around noon), and the actors need to be in costume and make-up for these pictures. These pictures are available for purchase in packages, and order forms will be given out the week before. We want everyone to be in the photo, even if they choose not to order any. The cost is roughly $15.

How do I know when to work?

You can do your work hours before or during the run of the show. Parents will receive a volunteer schedule based upon information they provide at the mandatory parent meeting. This schedule will be handed out during the second week of rehearsals. After you receive your scheduled hours, you may then look for additional volunteer opportunities to fulfill your required work hours. Look for e-mail messages about work parties if you are interested in construction and painting. Most likely, no one will call you personally and ask you to help. It is your responsibility to ensure you have found sufficient volunteer opportunities to fulfill the 25 volunteer hours.

How do I purchase tickets for the show?

Each cast member will receive two complimentary tickets to the show that may be used for the first two performances. You will also received two buy-one-get-one free coupons that can be used at any of the six public performances.. Additional tickets can be reserved on-line from the web site at www.dmtc.org or by calling the Ticket Reservations Line at 530-756-DMTC. The cost for tickets to the YPT Productions is $7.00 each. You may also see the show free of charge by signing up to usher. Ushers must arrive 45 minutes before the show, take tickets and assist patrons with finding their seat, help to sell concessions during intermission, and pick up stray objects in the theater following the show. If you are interested in ushering, you may contact the usher coordinator.

Who are the DMTC YPT Committee Members and what do they do?

The YPT Committee is a group of individuals committed to various volunteer jobs needed to successfully present a YPT show. Responsibilities include selecting the season shows, addressing any issues that may arise involving a YPT production, helping during auditions, coordinating school shows, advertising, designing and copying the program for each show, creating the bio board display, coordinating ushers, distributing T-shirts, and much more! A lot of background work goes into making each production successful!

01/11/08