Saddle River Youth Theatre - at Highlands Regional Playhouse 201-825-8805 srytheatre@aol.com
 
Contact Us
(please scroll down below for answers to
Frequently Asked Questions)
~Should a child with no acting experience audition for a show?
~What does an SRYT audition consist of?
~Where can I get a show cd to practice for my audition?
~Who are the teaching-artists at SRYT?
~Can I request a cast time that best works for my child's schedule?
~What happens at a typical SRYT rehearsal?
~ What is the general make-up of the children involved in a production?
~What should my child bring to SRYT? What clothes are appropriate?
~How do you cast shows?
~What if my child's unhappy with his or her role?
~What forms of tuition payment do you accept?
~Are there refunds on tution?
~What is the discilpinary procedure at SRYT?
~Is it okay to miss days during rehearsals?
~What can I expect from the final performance?
~How can my child become an Intern?
~Do you have scholarships?
 
 
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
 
Should a child with no acting experience audition for a show?
Most definately! Our Youth Musical Program auditions are for
character-placement only--every child gets a part. This is a
stress-free, non-competitive audition designed for children
of all different levels of experience. We encourage new children
to audition with a sibling or friend if they would like additonal
support during the audition. Remember: this program is not
about the final performance but your child's journey there.
 
What does a SRYT audition consist of?
Usually our auditions consist of singing a short portion of a
song from the show and reading aloud a "Cold Reading".
Your child can choose any song from the show and will sing
along with the actors on their cd. (We encourage students
of this age not to sing accapella as they tend to lose their
key and tempo. Many times, karaoke versions are available
for use.) Please bring in a cd and not a cd-rw to the
audition. If using an iPOD, please send your child in with an
iPOD dock. The cold reading is given to the children at the
time of their audition. Often times, we also post it on our
PROGRAM page within this website for children who are just
learning or have trouble reading.
 
Where can I get a show cd so I can practice for my audition?
Show soundtrack cds can be found at most major bookstores
or can be found online at websites like Amazon.com or individual
songs can be downloaded from iTUNES. If you write or call ahead,
certain times of year we have cds available for free. Please feel
free to write/call us in advance of the audition to confirm what
version of the show soundtrack we are using for that particular
show: srytheatre@aol.com or 201-825-8805.
 
Who are the teaching artists at SRYT?
Our teaching artists are working actors, stage managers, directors,
designers, vocal coaches and choreographers. We are very proud
of our teaching artists and curriculum. To learn more, please visit
our TEACHERS pagewithin this website.
 
Can I request a cast time that best works for my child's
schedule?
Of course! Our Youth Musical Programs consist of 2-4 casts that
meet at different times. Often, Cast Parents will ask for
their child to be in a certain cast time based on schedule conflicts
or they would like the child to be with a sibling or friend. Please
note though that this may have the effect of limiting their part in
the show only because they are limiting their cast times. We would
rather a child show up 15 minutes late because of a previous
activity than limit their chances at roles. Let our Managing Director,
Alexandra Nolan, know of your cast time preferences at the time
of the audition so we can do our best to accomodate your schedule.
 
What happens at a typical SRYT rehearsal?
For the first 15-20 minutes, the whole groups meets together to do
a warm-up game or improvisation. Then the group divides up into
smaller groups to work with specialists on scene & character
studies, vocal work and dance numbers. At the end of these skills
classes, the group will rehearse for the final performance. At the
end of each session, the whole group participates in a "cool down"
game or activity.
 
What is the general make-up of the children involved in a production?
Based on past numbers, we generally have an equal amount of
veterans and new students in all of our productions. Age ranges
will vary by show and we recommend emailing us in advance of the
audition to see the specific breakdown of girls to boys and their various
age ranges.
 
What should my child bring to SRYT? What clothes are
appropriate?
A snack (not peanuts or popcorn), bottled water, a writing utensil and any necessary medication. We provide all worksheets, a bound script and costumes. Students will be asked to bring in their own "costume basics" for hygiene and size reasons. This is for dress rehearsal and performance. "Costume basics" include dance shoes, leotards, tights, etc. --anything that the child needs in order to make group costume
changes comfortably in the dressing room. For rehearsal, we ask that the students wear sneakers or dance shoes and not to come wearing clogs, sandals, Ugg boots or any shoe that makes dancing/movement
prohibitive. Scripts need to be brought to every rehearsal or note-taking.
 
How do you cast shows?
Students who can be heard and understood, stand comfortably on-stage and seem energized and committed, are likely to be cast in roles with a larger amount of stage time.
 
It is SRYT Policy not to discuss casting. Any calls or emails regarding casting will not be answered. Please work with your children to celebrate the roles they received versus the role they wanted.
 
SRYT teachers are available year-round to work with your children on a one-to-one basis to improve their auditioning technique and to counsel
them on how to achieve their goals.
 
What if my child is unhappy with his or her role?
Most students, even if they are initially unhappy with their casting, find that they love their roles after a day or two of rehearsal. We find that even if cast in a role that only has one scene and a few lines, an actor with a good attitude can make the most of it and often becomes one of the most memorable actors in the show!
 
What forms of tuition payment do you accept?
We accept cash, personal checks made out to "SRYT, Inc." as well as
Visa/Mastercard. Sorry-we do not accept Amex or Discover.
Additional information regarding fees can be found on our Membership/Fees/Registration page)
 
Are there refunds on tuition?
Tuition will be refunded in full (less a office processing fee) if we are
informed by phone of a student's choice to withdraw from a program BEFORE the start of our second scheduled rehearsal; otherwise, tuition will not be refunded.
 
What is the disciplinary procedure at SRYT?
Each cast parent must sign an agreement of our Guidelines before the
start of a program saying that their children will agree to follow our
basic rules of respect for teaching-artists, respect for the site, and respect for each other. During the first session, the Director will
review this agreement with the students. If a student violates an
SRYT rule, he or she will first receive a warning, then a time-out with the Managing Director then a parent call or email from the manager
then a final call and expulsion from SRYT. Major infractions will result
in immediate expulsion. We do not tolerate behavior that interferes with other student's enjoyment of SRYT.
 
Is it okay to miss days during rehearsals?
The students who are able to attend every session will undoubtedly have a more rewarding experience. Even a short absence during a
key skills-learning week can cause your children to miss a lot! Of course, emergencies and illnesses happen, and we do our best to work with them. Parents and children should remember that putting on a play requires a team effort from all cast members, and absences hurt the production. Please write down all possible schedule conflicts for
us at the time of your child's audition.
 
What can I expect from the final performance?
We guarantee your child will be a more confident performer! You
will get to see them shine on-stage. Our performances involve beautiful sets, colorful costumes and delightful special effects. From show to
show, you will watch your child's skills in acting, dance and voice grow
and grow.
 
My child has been attending SRYT for many years and wants to take the next step. How can she/he become an Intern?
Ideally, Interns should be former students at least 13 years of age.
(please see Memberships/Fees/Registration for fee details) Please
send an email indicating availability and a brief resume of experience.
Internship Training runs January through June.
 
Do you have scholarships?
Yes. We offer need-based scholarships on a case by case basis.
Please submit a letter stating your need with your registration form
(please go to our Membership/Fee/Registration page and follow the
point-and-click instructions), indicating how much you are able to pay and attaching any documentation that may advance your case. We have never had to turn a student away with genuine financial need.
(Payment plans are available when using VISA/MASTERCARD.
Credit card fee apply.)
 
 
 
 
 
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