2022-2023 Theatre Company Handbook

MTC Registration Form

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY

The Munster Theatre Company (MTC) is the producing organization for all theatre productions based at Munster High School. Our main goal is to produce quality productions on par with the many fine regional theatre groups in the area.  We have received critical acclaim for our productions, with MTC audience sizes constantly growing. 

The Auditorium Staff of the Munster Theatre Company works with many other school organizations in the fine and performing arts fields.  Theatre represents one activity that brings together a wide variety of technical and artistic disciplines into a single venture. We apply this philosophy to bring as many different talents on each and every production. Please refer to the Auditorium Staff Handbook for more information on opportunities afforded to MTC students.

OUR SEASON

We generally produce three to four productions during the school year.  The season may vary from year to year depending on the talent pool of the members of Theatre Company.

FALL PRODUCTION

Our fall production is open to all students. It is generally full length non-musical production or a series of one-acts.  Cast and crew positions are open to all students, and the cast is generally flexible to include as many students as possible.

CONTEST SEASON

Our Contest Season consists of a contest play, participation in the International Thespian Excellence Awards (Thespys), and college and scholarship auditions.

Our contest play is a one-act play that is entered into the Indiana Thespians Regional Play Competition.  This is our “varsity” team of actors and technicians.  The show is cast in early summer so that all students have time to study the script.  Public performances are in early November.  The show competes in Regional competition in November, and if it advances to State, performs at State in January 

The International Thespian Excellence Awards (Thespys) are individual, duet, and group competitions in musical and non-musical acting, technical theatre, and short film.  Students prepare pieces throughout the fall semester for entry into the state competition in late January.

College and Scholarship auditions are for Juniors and Seniors who are inducted Thespians.  Each year at our state competition dozens of college theatre programs audition students for their upcoming freshmen classes.  MTC has a history of students earning tens of thousands of dollars each from numerous theatre programs.  The Indiana Thespians also awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors who intend to pursue the performing arts.  Students interested in these opportunities work throughout the fall semester to prepare for these events.

SHORT FILM SHOWCASE

Throughout the fall semester, groups of filmmakers will engage in the process of making a short, 5-minute film.  The films will be streamed in early to mid-February.

IMPROV THEATRE

This is a more informal production that involves utilizing “thinking on your feet.”  Students will audition by way of participating in improvisational exercises and will be cast in groups.  Rehearsals will entail practicing playing several improv games, many of which will be presented to an audience a la Whose Line is it Anyway?  Performances are in a more intimate setting, with minimal technical elements.

SPRING MUSICAL PRODUCTION

This is almost always a major musical production with a full orchestra, large sets and costumes. We especially try to involve as many students as possible on this production from throughout the school, and even open up chorus or other roles to Junior High School or younger students if the production permits.

OPEN AUDITIONS

The directors cast roles for the all productions at an open audition. Students are eligible if they are in good standing (no pledge violations) and have otherwise good school citizenship. The process is very competitive, but no roles are pre-cast.  Additionally, we engage in color-blind and color conscious casting.  Some productions will require preparing a monologue, song, or a scene, while other productions will rely on cold readings to place actors in roles.  Other non-performance opportunities exist on every production and we encourage those, who do not get cast to participate in these areas).

How Do We Cast in MTC?

Putting together a production is like a science experiment.  We hypothsize about who best fits in each part of a production, but it is not until the end (after the show has been performed) that we know if our hypothesis was correct.  The procedure--the rehearsal process--is what leads to our results and conclusion. 

However, it is not an exact science, and often, many variables enter into the process after the show has been cast.   To help mitigate those variables, below is our casting philosophy.  In this case, casting also includes assigning students technical responsibilities.

COLOR-BLIND AND COLOR-CONSCIOUS CASTING

The Munster Theatre Company employs colorblind and color-conscious casting.  Color blind casting means that, unless the script specifically calls for it, actors are placed in roles they are best suited to play, regardless of skin color.  Color conscious casting means that, after we cast the show, we look to see if the colorblind casting will lead to unintended messages being sent to the audience.  An example of this might be having all of the weaker characters played by those with darker skin than those playing stronger characters. 

Our primary goal is to produce the BEST PRODUCTION POSSIBLE.  Casting is not a perfect science, and much relies on how well an actor prepares for the audition.  Sometimes we get to the end of a show and we know that we cast the show the best way possible with those who auditioned, and sometimes we realize that (through the production process), another actor might have been better suited to a part.  But, as with any casting situation, we have to balance scheduling conflicts, actors’ desires for parts, past experience, and ability.  We thank you very much for your understanding of the challenge that comes with casting this show.

DEPENDABILITY AND RELIABILITY

Our goal is the best possible production.  We want the strongest people in each role and technical position.  However, we also need people who are dependable and who can take coaching and constructive criticism in order to create the best production possible.  It is true that sometimes a person may be afforded an opportunity in a show because of their dependability and coachability.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Our theatre company is a welcoming, inclusive program.  We desire to give as many people the opportunity to work on productions as possible, given scheduling issues, past experiences, and of course, the audition.  Much of that depends on you, the student.  Not only what you are willing to put into your audition, but what you are willing to do to encourage others to do the same.  And, if you are selected to be a part of the production, to carry that same mentality throughout the production process.

So work hard, be open, and break legs!

Mr. Palasz and Ms. Matanic