FAQs

While we endeavor to answer any questions you may have here, if there is anything we have left out, or anything you are unsure about, please do not hesitate to ask any member of our team at workshops, rehearsals, or by visiting our contacts page.

WORKSHOPS

Workshops will take place each weekend on Sunday afternoons. The time will depend on the team your cast member has been assigned. Each team's workshop time stays the same from week to week. Younger teams will rehearse for approximately 45 minutes while older teams rehearse for a maximum of 2 hours. Extra rehearsals may be required but those needed, will be notified well in advance via our weekly newsletter. Most workshops are held at Ponsonby Primary School, which is conveniently located for cast coming from either side of the bridge.

Cast members should dress comfortably in clothing that enables them to dance and move freely including jazz shoes or sneakers. Skirts are not suitable rehearsal attire.

Parents are invited to watch during our first weekend workshop to get a feel for the way rehearsals will operate. After this time we will close workshops and rehearsals to eliminate distractions.

SCRIPTS, SONGS AND DANCES

Scripts / song sheets will be distributed early in the programme. Songs and dances involving each team will be taught during rehearsal times and our staff are always there to help those who need extra assistance in order to be confident with their performing skills. Every cast member who attends rehearsals is included in every one of our stage performances. It's important to stress that while we are preparing the cast to perform a show, this is not the primary purpose of the programme. Our aim is for every cast member to grow in confidence and talent throughout the three months of workshops.

LEAD ROLES

The staff will assign some roles during the first few weeks of workshops. Leads may come from any team according to the roles within the production and each cast member has the opportunity to audition for a lead role. Auditioning will be a regular part of our workshops, and take place in a friendly group environment to ease nervousness and encourage cast members to gain confidence in their talents.

Cast members assigned a significant role may be called to rehearse with a smaller group and attend additional rehearsals. All roles will be multiple cast, giving a larger number of cast members an opportunity to perform. The NYTC Team give each cast member in a role, equal opportunities to rehearse their parts, and exact performances are assigned two weeks prior to opening night. When a cast member isn't required in their lead role, they will still perform in group numbers and scenes their team has rehearsed.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is important at all workshops and rehearsals. If a cast member is ill or unable to attend for some reason, we would appreciate if someone could notify us by leaving a message on our answer phone or sending us an email. This is essential so we can update you on any information you may have missed. Dress rehearsals, especially those in the theatre, are extremely important, and shouldn't be missed if at all possible.

COSTUMES

Our costumes come from a wide range of sources depending on the requirements of the show. Often we will ask our cast members to assemble parts of their costumes from basic items they have in their wardrobe at home. We also have a large stock of costume items available to borrow, should you be unable to find something that fits the bill.

Each cast member is required to provide their own shoes and socks and we advise well in advance of show time what sort of shoes and socks will be required for each costume. Our volunteer costume sewers are always looking for help, no matter how limited your sewing skills. Please give your details to a Staff member so that we can contact you.

T-SHIRTS

We offer at least one souvenir promotional t-shirt per show. You can purchase this as part of a package with your registration fee, or order it as a one-off. All of our promotional t-shirts are provided by Davis Doherty Corporate Apparel in Albany, Auckland - longtime supporters of the National Youth Theatre Company, who also assist us with our costuming and branded merchandise.

NEWSLETTERS

Newsletters will be distributed to cast members on a regular basis and are important for keeping informed. Newsletters contain ticket, costume and extra rehearsal information as well as a way to celebrate any successes a cast member may have had in a particular area of their lives. Please make sure you read each newsletter carefully and take note of information that applies to your cast member.

TICKETS

Tickets to all our productions are made available early in the rehearsal programme. We use a variety of ticketing providers depending on the venue - so there is always a ticketing link available on our home page as soon as sales are open. We encourage every cast member to invite friends and family to watch them perform to show off their new talents and all they have learnt throughout our programme.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Putting on a show takes lots of volunteer man ( or woman) power and there are many ways in which we are reliant on our parents to assist . Costumes, Backstage Co-ordinators, Fundraising, Set Construction and Painting, Props and many other areas always need your help to ensure our production is successful. To get in touch with us please visit our contact page, or speak to a team member at one of our Sunday rehearsals