Find answers to common questions about auditions, productions & more.
Theatre productions can be overwhelming (especially as a first-timer). Check out the information below and feel free to contact our staff. We want your Blue Water experience to feel like smooth sailing.
- How old do kids need to be to join a class or show?
- We work with students in Gr. 3-12. For summer classes and shows, rising 3rd graders and recent high school grads can participate. Alumni are sometimes welcome, too. If your child is outside of the recommended grade level for a show, you can reach out to auditions@bluewatertheater.com to ask if they can audition. If accepted into the production a Mature Content Permission Form will need to be signed.
- Is prior experience needed?
- No. All experience levels are welcome!
- Do younger & older kids ever perform together?
- Grade levels vary by each production, but will be listed in the audition information.
- How do we get started?
- Look under the Auditions tab to find upcoming audition opportunities or under Summer Camps & Shows for summer options. Each offering has details of what prepare (if needed) and what to expect.
- What happens at auditions?
- Actors read from sides (short portions of the script) and/or recite a monologue (excerpt from a play, book, movie, etc.). Sometimes actors might be asked to play a theatre game or do an improvisation exercise. Materials are found in each offering under the Auditions page.
- What do auditions for a musical involve?
- Acting, singing & sometimes dancing.
- How is acting demonstrated?
- Actors read from sides (short portions of the script) or recite a monologue (excerpt from a play, book, movie, etc.). Materials are provided in each offering under Auditions.
- How is singing demonstrated?
- Blue Water often provides younger actors with audio tracks and sheet music for a few songs from the show. Actors choose their favorite one and sing part of the song during the audition.
- Older actors choose their own song. They can sing acapella or play a karaoke track of the song on a cell phone or another device.
- The music director might lead an actor in singing scales in order to determine their vocal range.
- How is dancing demonstrated?
- If the musical has a lot of dancing or features a specific style of dance, actors may be taught a short dance combination at the audition or callback to show their skills.
- What are callbacks?
- Callbacks are like a 2nd audition. They occur when a director needs more time with actors in order to make casting decisions.
- When do callbacks happen?
- Often during the same week as auditions or the following week. Each offering under Auditions will provide dates and times.
- If not invited does that mean a role won’t be offered?
- Not necessarily! Plus, being invited to callbacks doesn’t guarantee an actor will be offered a role.
- When & where is the cast list posted?
- The cast list is posted a few days after auditions or callbacks end.
- You’ll find it on our website where audition details for the show are found.
- How will we know when it is posted?
- The deadline for posting the cast list is shared after auditions are completed.
- What is an ensemble role?
- Ensemble roles are a part of the supporting cast for a production that may or may may not include speaking lines.
- As a collective group, ensemble performers are tasked with the important job of making the production feel more 3- dimensional and driving the story forward.
- What makes ensemble great?
- Every good show needs a talented ensemble. Without a great supporting cast, the integral plot points of a play or musical can feel less important to an audience.
- Playing an ensemble role is an awesome way for a theatre artists to learn and practice positive teamwork while sharing and strengthening their skills and talents.
- How are casting decision made?
- Overall, the director is in charge of final casting.
- For musicals, the choreographer and music director assist with casting, too.
- The Artistic Director will sit in on auditions, as needed, and give guidance and feedback on all casting.
- An actor’s work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to take direction and try new things are big factors in casting at Blue Water.
- The number of conflicts an actor has with the rehearsal schedule can influence casting, too.
- What does it cost to participate?
- Plays & Musicals: tuition is roughly $400-$435 per actor. Summer rates may differ.
- Classes: fees vary depending on the length and offering.
- What if tuition costs are out of our reach?
- Payment plans can be arranged through by sending an email to info@bluewatertheatre.com.
- Scholarships (full, half, & partial) are available.
- When does payment need to be made?
- Classes/Camps: payment due upon enrollment.
- Plays & Musicals: payment due by the end of the first week of rehearsal.
- What is registration?
- Registration involves completing important online forms for each child.
- Forms include youth code of conduct, media release, health/medical information, & release of liability. Updates to registration is required for each production.
- How long do rehearsals last?
- Actors typically rehearse for 6-8 weeks for each production.
- What times & days of the week does rehearsal typically occur?
- Grades 3-8: typically around 6pm on weekdays and noon on Saturdays.
- Grades 9-12: typically around 8pm on weekdays and 1pm on Saturdays.
- Specific information can be found in each offering under Auditions.
- What if my child has conflicts?
- Conflicts are expected as many students are involved in more than one activity.
- For shows, it is important to list all known conflicts on the Actor Audition Form. These absences, along with absences due to illness, will be excused.
- If an actor has three or more unexcused absences, they may not be able to perform with the cast.
- How many performances are there?
- There are typically 8 performances of a play or musical taking place over two weeks.
- Some classes and camps also involve performances (free or ticketed; number varies). See the class/camp description for more details.
- For our Wayzata Musicales concert series, there is only one performance of each offering.
- What days and times are the performances?
- Typically, performances are held on Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights at 7pm, with a Sunday matinee at 2pm.
- When do tickets go on sale?
- For most productions, tickets go on sale at the beginning of our season and are on sale through the performance dates (pending availability).
- What is strike?
- Strike is a time to take down the set and put away costumes and props to make way for the next production. It usually happens immediately after the final performance of a show.
- Strike at Blue Water also involves reflecting on the show and thanking members of the cast, crew, and creative team.
- Does my child need to stay for strike?
- Participation in strike is required unless the absence is approved in advance by the director.
- We use email, but rely on the BAND app to assure safe, organized communications.
- Download Google Play
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- Performance Arts Example on BAND
- Set Up Notifications (so you aren’t pinged too much
- Review these important policies and procedures.
- Tuition Refund Policy
- Blue Water Privacy Policy
- Adult Youth Engagement Policy
- Whistleblower Policy
- Youth Code of Conduct Policy
- Sexual Misconduct Policy
- Mature Content Permission
- Do you have feedback you’d like to share with the Board?
- Please the Feedback Form or email board.president@bluewatertheatre.com.
- Do you need to report an incident to Board Governance Committee?
- Please use the Incident Report Form or email board.president@bluewatertheatre.com.