Spending time as part of the crew is a great way to pick up new, practical skills that will help you in your career. Whether you’re gaining experience in sewing costumes, building sets, fixing wigs, or actually running the show from the desk, you are building your portfolio of skills. It’s worth remembering also that many summer stocks or small theatre companies will hire an actor with backstage or technical experience as they will be more useful than those without. Here are four good reasons to work backstage while you’re studying your craft.
Annapolis, MD – Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA), a beacon of creativity and education, is thrilled to announce a magical and whimsical production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed entirely by a talented cast of children aged 12 to 18. This enchanting event is set to captivate audiences of all ages with its imaginative portrayal of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies.
Date: February 2 – 18, 2024
Time: 7 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. ASL and sensoryfriendly performance on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00am.
Location: Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, MD 21409
In this unique adaptation, the timeless tale of love, mischief, and transformation comes to life through the eyes and voices of our young performers. The production showcases the boundless creativity and enthusiasm of children, offering a fresh and delightful perspective on Shakespeare’s classic work.
Audiences can expect a night filled with laughter, wonder, and a touch of magic as the young actors bring to life the iconic characters of Puck, Oberon, Titania, Hermia, Lysander, and more. The imaginative direction and vibrant costumes will transport the audience into the enchanting realm of the fairy-filled forest, where love takes unexpected turns and dreams come to life.
“We are immensely proud of the dedication and talent displayed by our young performers,” said Ally Tierney, the visionary director behind this captivating production. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a celebration of the magic that unfolds when children embrace the world of Shakespeare and storytelling. It’s a testament to their creativity, teamwork, and the transformative power of the arts.”
This family-friendly production is not only an entertaining experience but also an opportunity to support and celebrate the performing arts within our community.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic unfold on stage as the young stars of Children’s Theatre of Annapolis present A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
For more information, please visit www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org or contact April Forrer at aprilforrer@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org. CTA welcomes all inquiries about interviews with the director and cast.
Introducing children to the works of William Shakespeare can offer several educational and developmental benefits. While the language may seem odd and challenging at first, there are compelling reasons why Shakespeare is considered good for kids:
1. Cultural and Literary Heritage:
Exposure to Shakespeare introduces children to a significant part of literary and cultural heritage. His works are considered timeless classics, and understanding them can provide a solid foundation for appreciating literature.
2. Language Skills:
Shakespeare’s language is rich and complex. Reading his works can help improve vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills. Although the language may be challenging, it encourages students to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
3. Complex Characters and Themes:
Shakespeare’s plays often explore complex characters and universal themes such as love, jealousy, friendship, and the consequences of actions. Exploring these themes can help children develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and a deeper understanding of human nature.
4. Creativity and Imagination:
The vivid imagery and poetic language in Shakespeare’s works stimulate creativity and imagination. Children can benefit from the opportunity to engage with stories that require them to use their imagination and think critically about the characters and plot.
5. Diverse Range of Genres:
Shakespeare wrote tragedies, comedies, and histories. This variety allows students to explore different genres and gain exposure to various literary forms, broadening their understanding of storytelling.
6. Performance and Public Speaking:
Many of Shakespeare’s plays were intended for performance. Studying and performing scenes or plays can help children develop confidence in public speaking and acting. It encourages teamwork, cooperation, and a sense of accomplishment.
7. Cognitive Development:
Wrestling with the complex language and intricate plots of Shakespeare’s works can enhance cognitive development. It challenges children to think critically, make connections, and analyze situations from different perspectives.
8. Relevance to Modern Themes:
Despite being written centuries ago, Shakespeare’s themes and characters remain relevant today. Many of the issues explored in his works, such as power, love, and justice, are still pertinent, allowing for meaningful discussions about timeless human experiences.
9. Preparation for Future Study:
Exposure to Shakespeare lays a foundation for future studies. As students progress in their education, they will encounter references to or adaptations of Shakespearean works in literature, theater, and other arts.
While Shakespeare’s works may initially seem challenging, adapting them to suit the age and comprehension level of children, through abridged versions or interactive activities, can make them more accessible and enjoyable. And CTA is doing that with their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Ultimately, introducing children to Shakespeare can foster a lifelong appreciation for literature and the arts.
It’s the holiday season! We closed out the fall with the inaugural Halloween Extravaganza and a beautiful, well-received Little Mermaid, then started the holiday season with the inaugural DFC’s Holiday Cabaret – even Santa could not stay away from CTA!
We are so excited to present ourA Midsummer Night’s Dream, opening February 2nd. Be prepared to be transported and immersed in magic and whimsy! This production is not to be missed.
Sixty-five years means it’s our Blue Sapphire anniversary. Celebrate with us on March 2nd, 2024, at the fantastic hotel, The Graduate. This is going to be an amazing event with food, drink, and entertainment. Keep your eyes and ears open for your invitation and information about this exciting event.
Our seat sale is still ongoing! Own a part of CTA with a seat naming opportunity. Pick your favorite seat and/or row and get your name on our new theatre seats. Questions? Want to buy your seat now? Contact our executive director, April Forrer, at aprilforrer@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org. Buy quickly! Installation to happen spring/summer of 2024!!
We love our surrounding and local community. We have more than 6,000 people come through our doors annually. With the annex build-out, this number will only increase! Sponsorship with CTA is a great idea for any local business or business that is child-focused. See the link below for sponsorship opportunities.
Finally, the holiday season is when we reflect on our loved ones, the cherished moments, and our higher callings. I cannot be more appreciative and honored to have your support – your support that brings joy to so many. Thank YOU.
Our family here at CTA wishes you and yours a wonderful, safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season and new year.
Age requirements: CTA makes every attempt to provide a fair and equal audition opportunity for all actors ages 8-14 (as of the audition date; must not have graduated from high school). No experience is required and selection is made entirely by the artistic staff and based solely on the performance that each auditioner presents on the day of auditions. Actors are cast based on their ability and suitability for the parts.
Volunteer requirement: If cast in the show, each actor will be REQUIRED to volunteer five (5) hours to a technical area (set construction, set decoration, costumes, props, lighting, and/or sound).
Auditions: Actors should sign up online for auditions and submit the audition form electronically through the provided links on the website. Actors should only sign up and attend one day of auditions.
Auditions are held at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, MD 21409. Auditions for this show require singing, acting, and dancing. Auditioners should come with sheet music, digital recording, or compact disc, as accompaniment of a song in the style of the show. Please prepare approximately 16-30 bars of music. No recorded music with vocals or a cappella singing is allowed. A piano accompanist will be provided.
Auditioners should wear attire appropriate for movement. Dance shoes, character shoes, and sneakers are acceptable. NO open toed shoes, flip flops, crocs, or bare feet are allowed. Dance auditions for this production are VIRTUAL. Please visit our website to view the dance audition. Record yourself performing the audition and email it to shows@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org
Callbacks: Some actors auditioning will be asked to return for a “callback,” that is, a second look. The called-back actors may be asked to do more extensive acting than in the first phase of auditions. Please remember that an actor may be cast even if not called back, and an actor may be called back but not cast. For example, an actor who only wants to play the lead role will not be cast if the director decides that someone else is more suitable for that role.
Ensemble: Yes or No? When you fill out the audition form for any CTA show you will come across the question, “Will you accept an ensemble role?” Please answer truthfully. Please only answer “Yes” if you truly intend to accept an ensemble role in the production. We understand that many people desire a lead role, however the ensemble is an integral part of every production. Participating in the ensemble gives every actor valuable experience. If you really feel that ensemble is not acceptable for you for this production, please answer “No” to the ensemble question. You will be given equal consideration for the specific roles you indicate on your form. Please remember that you have a better chance of getting cast if you are willing to accept any role or an ensemble part. The fewer roles you indicate that you will accept, the fewer the director’s options for casting you.
Time commitment: Participating in a production is a HUGE time commitment. Be sure you are prepared to commit to all rehearsals and mandatory dates before you audition. You will be asked to submit a list of all possible conflicts at the audition. If you have a definite conflict with any mandatory or tech rehearsal, you should not audition. Rehearsals are typically Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1-5 p.m. Times and days change for tech rehearsals and shows.
Parent/Guardian Information: There is also a time commitment for parents/guardians. CTA is an all-volunteer organization that relies upon parents/guardians to provide the much-needed support to make each production a success.
Parents/guardians are required to attend meetings, volunteer time to the production, ensure that their actor arrives at rehearsal prepared, and provide costuming support. This is a commitment each parent/guardian must make in supporting their actor in the production. Please be sure you, as a parent/guardian, are also aware of the commitment to the production before your actor auditions. Theatre is a cooperative effort and every part of the team is essential!
Examples of the many areas needed for a production are as follows: ◦ Actor ◦ Tech Help ◦ Set Builder ◦ Make Up ◦ Director ◦ Back Stage Monitor ◦ Musician ◦ Stage Crew ◦ Costume Designer ◦ House Manager ◦ Box Office ◦ Light Designer ◦ Choreographer ◦ Props
No school? No worries! CTA has you covered! Why sit at home with nothing to do on your day off from school? Join us for a day of drama-themed fun! Students will work with a group acting scene, a song (vocals + light movement/choreography), theatre games, crafts, and a live performance at the end of day (free for family & friends.)
Lunch & Snacks: Students must bring a healthy lunch each day and two snacks each day. Bring a water bottle with your child’s name on it.
Appearance: Students are required to dress appropriately for movement. Wear dance shoes or sneakers secured with laces or velcro. No open-toe shoes, flip-flops, sandals, or crocs. Hair must be pulled back and away from the face.
***************************************************** ANNUAL REGISTRATION POLICY: All participants must pay an annual registration fee ($20 for one or more students within the same family) to participate in a workshop/camp. Valid from July 1st through June 30th annually.
***************************************************** CANCELLATION POLICY:
Minimum of 3 weeks prior to class: Full refund minus the annual registration fee.
2 weeks prior to class: Refund minus $75 administrative fee and annual registration fee.
No school? No worries! CTA has you covered! Why sit at home with nothing to do on your day off from school? Join us for a day of drama-themed fun! Students will work with a group acting scene, a song (vocals + light movement/choreography), theatre games, crafts, and a live performance at the end of day (free for family & friends.)
Lunch & Snacks: Students must bring a healthy lunch each day and two snacks each day. Bring a water bottle with your child’s name on it.
Appearance: Students are required to dress appropriately for movement. Wear dance shoes or sneakers secured with laces or velcro. No open-toe shoes, flip-flops, sandals, or crocs. Hair must be pulled back and away from the face.
***************************************************** ANNUAL REGISTRATION POLICY: All participants must pay an annual registration fee ($20 for one or more students within the same family) to participate in a workshop/camp. Valid from July 1st through June 30th annually.
***************************************************** CANCELLATION POLICY:
Minimum of 3 weeks prior to class: Full refund minus the annual registration fee.
2 weeks prior to class: Refund minus $75 administrative fee and annual registration fee.
No school? No worries! CTA has you covered! Why sit at home with nothing to do on your day off from school? Join us for a day of drama-themed fun! Students will work with a group acting scene, a song (vocals + light movement/choreography), theatre games, crafts, and a live performance at the end of day (free for family & friends.)
Lunch & Snacks: Students must bring a healthy lunch each day and two snacks each day. Bring a water bottle with your child’s name on it.
Appearance: Students are required to dress appropriately for movement. Wear dance shoes or sneakers secured with laces or velcro. No open-toe shoes, flip-flops, sandals, or crocs. Hair must be pulled back and away from the face.
***************************************************** ANNUAL REGISTRATION POLICY: All participants must pay an annual registration fee ($20 for one or more students within the same family) to participate in a workshop/camp. Valid from July 1st through June 30th annually.
***************************************************** CANCELLATION POLICY:
Minimum of 3 weeks prior to class: Full refund minus the annual registration fee.
2 weeks prior to class: Refund minus $75 administrative fee and annual registration fee.
No school? No worries! CTA has you covered! Why sit at home with nothing to do on your day off from school? Join us for a day of drama-themed fun! Students will work with a group acting scene, a song (vocals + light movement/choreography), theatre games, crafts, and a live performance at the end of day (free for family & friends.)
Lunch & Snacks: Students must bring a healthy lunch each day and two snacks each day. Bring a water bottle with your child’s name on it.
Appearance: Students are required to dress appropriately for movement. Wear dance shoes or sneakers secured with laces or velcro. No open-toe shoes, flip-flops, sandals, or crocs. Hair must be pulled back and away from the face.
***************************************************** ANNUAL REGISTRATION POLICY: All participants must pay an annual registration fee ($20 for one or more students within the same family) to participate in a workshop/camp. Valid from July 1st through June 30th annually.
***************************************************** CANCELLATION POLICY:
Minimum of 3 weeks prior to class: Full refund minus the annual registration fee.
2 weeks prior to class: Refund minus $75 administrative fee and annual registration fee.
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