Cast Responsibilities and the Stage Show Process
Here are some details you should know if you become a cast member of a stage production.
- Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, with Thursday evenings added when necessary. Spring show rehearsals begin as soon as possible after the auditions. Fall show rehearsals usually begin right after Labour Day.
- Tuesday & Thursday rehearsals run 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at Edithvale Community Centre, 7 Edithvale Dr., south of Finch between Yonge and Bathurst. Sunday rehearsals run 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at either Toronto Operetta Theatre, Queen St. E. and Carlaw, or Edithvale. You will be informed of any changes in these locations or times as necessary.
- You'll be given a schedule outlining when you are required. Please refer to it and show up when scheduled.
- If you cannot be at a scheduled rehearsal, or will be late, you must contact the Stage Manager. If you know about an absence in advance, inform the Stage Manager as soon as possible, so that the schedule can be adjusted if necessary.
- If you miss three rehearsals without good reason, you may be asked to leave the cast. Your absence puts others at a disadvantage, especially if you are learning movement, dance steps or harmonies.
- There may be a deposit required on all music scores loaned to you (approx. $10), to be refunded when your copy is returned at the end of the production.
- If you are 18 years or older, you be required to become a Yorkminstrels member. The membership fee is $35, and lasts one full season (two shows). Membership fees help offset administration costs involved in putting on a production, including such things as photocopying and performance makeup.
- Almost all our expenses are covered by ticket sales. Cast members selling tickets to friends and family helps us fill the theatre (and make our budget!). Please sell as many as possible.
- You are expected to help out 'off-stage' too, in areas such as set building and painting, costume preparation, distribution of publicity flyers, etc. You indicate which areas are best suited to you on your audition form.
- We rent space in a "factory" location where we store and build our sets and costumes. You'll be given a schedule of when you will be needed at the factory, probably 4 or 5 sessions during the rehearsal period. We usually work there Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Mondays, 7 to10 p.m.
- All cast members will be required at move-in to the theatre, and to strike the set and return everything to our factory space after the last performance. You will have time to meet friends and family in the lobby after the show, but won't be able to leave for dinner, etc. This huge job gets done much quicker when all hands are helping.
- Cast members are usually asked to supply their own footwear and bodystocking or hose (tights). Other minimal purchases may be requested of you. When possible, special purchase prices are arranged for you.
- Basic stage make-up will be supplied. You may, however, bring your own, including lipstick (clear bright red for women), eyeliner, mascara, brushes, sponges, etc. Don't forget soap, a towel and tissue!
- Other expenses may be incurred during the rehearsal/run period. These are all optional, except for a small designated amount to be collected for thank-you gifts for some production personnel. Here are some approximate costs (subject to change): cast photo, $15; show logo t-shirt/sweatshirt, $16/$32; video/DVD, $30.
- Use of fragrances is discouraged, because some people are very allergic to them. Remember that you will be working in close proximity with other cast members and crew throughout the rehearsals and the production run. Showers and deodorant are essential!
- Traditionally, we hold a cast and company party after one of the later performances, although smaller 'wind-downs' generally take place at local restaurants after each performance. You will be informed of details at show time. Cost of food at the party is usually around $10 per person. Depending on space, significant others are usually welcome. By the way, we are always looking for willing hosts/hostesses for our parties. We will provide all the requirements for the party, and clean up afterward.
- Another longstanding tradition is for people new to the Yorkminstrels stage ("rookies") to provide entertainment at the cast party. Skits, songs, poems, parodies, etc., alone or in groups, really add to the fun of the event. You can even show off your talents that may not have been highlighted in the show. A note to those rookies who choose not perform: The Yorkies have long memories!