PARTICIPATE

Community Players encourages anyone with an interest in performing to audition for our productions. CP has an open door casting policy, meaning you do not need previous experience with us, or a special "in" to be cast. In fact we often cast performers the first time they auditions for us, and then they are hooked and can't stop themselves!

What would a musical be without an orchestra? At CP we believe in using all the talents of our community, and therefore every effort is made to use live musicians whenver possible. Depending on the show, we use everything from a piano player, to brass, woodwinds or strings. Contact the director or musical director about what we're looking for at the time, or to be put on our list of potential future players.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

Several rehearsals with just the orchestra as set up by the musical director

6 rehearsals with the cast

6 performances

Enjoyment of working with the public and thinking on your feet are traits of a good Box Office worker. This position involves assisting our Box Office manager with the daily ticket reservation and money collection for productions.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

Varies, Box Office is open from noon to 5 p.m., beginning two weeks prior to opening night.

The House Manager is in charge of everything in the front of the theatre during a performance. Duties include checking the cleanliness of the restrooms, lobby and theatre prior to patrons arriving; coordinating the ushers; watching for items such as cameras, pagers and cell phones; being in the lobby during performances to answer phone calls or deal with other emergencies; check with the Stage Manager regarding opening the house, beginning the performance, and starting it after intermission; straightening up the lobby and restrooms following the performance.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

1 hour 15 minutes before curtain time until the end of the performance.

A great opportunity to meet people and get involved with CP. Ushers greet the public, take tickets, help patrons find their seats and hand out programs.  We use 4 to 6 ushers per performance.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

1 or more performances per production — it's up to you. 45 minutes prior to curtain time until the show begins.

Be backstage during the performances and work with the Stage Manager to ensure the production runs smoothly and properly. The A.S.M. and the S.M. can also coordinate times so that at least one of them is present at all rehearsals for things such as prompting actors. During the run the A.S.M. is responsible for all props and set changes, as well as making sure actors make it on stage.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

Varies during rehearsal process, depending on coordination with the S.M.

5 tech rehearsals

6 performances

During the auditions this individual greets those auditioning and directs them to fill out audition forms. The audition assistant coordinates the flow of traffic in and out of the theatre during the actual auditions. A good sense of humor and the ability to make nervous actors relax is helpful here.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

2-3 hours on audition days (generally two days)

Anyone who can sew - from simple alterations to full-scale construction - can easily become involved as much as your time commitment allows. Hours and times are very adaptable, and you can work at home. This position works closely with CP's Costumer in coordinating measurements of actors, pulling items from stock and any minor repairs which may be needed during the run.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

Flexible.

The spotlight is most often used in musicals, but has also been used in straight plays as well. Training on how to run the instrument, and solve any minor lighting problems is provided to those interested.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

At least 1 rehearsal prior to tech week

5 tech rehearsals

6 performances

During tech rehearsals and performances the Board Op. runs the theatre's lighting system. If you can push a button when someone tells you, you can run the light board. The Board Op will need to attend at least one rehearsal prior to tech. week so they have a working familiarity with the show, and preferably be present to assist in the light hang.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

At least 1 rehearsal prior to tech week

Morning/afternoon Saturday light hang (preferably)

5 tech rehearsals

6 performances

This position involves helping with the hang of each individual lighting instrument prior to the first tech rehearsal of each production. Each instrument must be hung, gelled, and focused. 

TIME REQUIREMENT:

Generally a Saturday morning/afternoon work call 1 or 2 weeks prior to opening, additional time as needed

Assist actors in the application of stage and specialty make up, in addition to assisting with hair and other items of an actor's appearance on stage. Experience with the application of stage make up is preferred, though we also love to train new people.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

Varies, depending on the number of actors and how many technicians are available

2 hours prior to performance when working a show

Finding props for a production is often like a giant scavenger hunt, and the more creative places you look the more fun you have. Props at CP include any item which an actor touches or moves - it generally does not include items such as set dressings and furniture, but may. Working with the show's prop crew head, this position helps find/borrow/buy/build all the necessary items for the production. 

TIME REQUIREMENT:

Flexible. A prop deadline will be given for everything to be done, so you can work mostly on your own time.

At times it is necessary to move or alter the seating at CP. When that happens the more people who can help move the seating and risers the better. This crew of individuals help to rearrange the house for the needs of a particular production. This does not happen for every show.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

1 or 2 days for several hours, depending on the difficulty of the move

Like tools? Like to build things? Like the smell of saw dust? Then this is for you! This position involves working with the head of set construction to build the designer's plans for the set. While carpentry skills are helpful, we also set out to train people in new skills. Building the set is one of the first things which must be completed for each production.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

Flexible. Crew calls are held several Saturdays during the production process and generally someone is at the theatre who can give instruction and guidance during the day.

Ask for a schedule of crew calls.

This group of individuals is responsible for the painting and decoration of the set. This position also includes helping with the locating and hanging of things on the set or decorative items.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

Flexible. Crew calls are held several Saturdays during the production process and generally someone is at the theatre who can give instruction and guidance during the day.

Ask for a schedule of crew calls.

One of the most important positions available at CP. The S.M. serves as the director's assistant throughout the rehearsal process, and then runs the show once it opens. The S.M. prompts actors with their lines and helps the director coordinate all the aspects of the production. During performances the S.M. is generally in the booth overseeing all activities, the amount of cue calling and other activities during the performance will vary depending on the show. A complete and more detailed description of the S.M.'s responsibilities is available.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

5 days per week for 6-8 weeks depending on the production (can alternate times with the Assistant Stage Manager)

6 performances

This position is responsible for adjusting actor microphone levels during peformances. Typically we bring in a separate sound board operator for musicals.

TIME REQUIREMENT:

At least 1 rehearsal prior to tech week

5 tech rehearsals

6 performances