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FAQs

Below are some of the common questions that we receive. Click any of the questions to expand/contract the answers or click one of these links:
How long will the audition process take?
Please count on anywhere from a half hour to three hours depending on the complexity of the show and number of auditioners present.
Can I download the Conflict Calendar and Registration Materials prior to auditions?
Yes! Click here to download this information.
What are the age ranges for your productions?
Jr. MTA productions feature ages seven through fourteen. MTA Productions are for ages fifteen through adult.
Can I audition for any show, regardless of how old I am?
No. You must be within the posted performer age range for the specific production. We understand that you many look older or younger than your age, or that you may be very mature or experienced, but we do not make exceptions to the posted age requirements.
Will MTA ever cast younger performers in certain Mainstage productions?
Possibly. If MTA is producing a show that requires a young cast member of Jr. MTA age for a specific role(s), then a younger performer will be able to audition.
What song should I sing?
Choose an audition song that best shows off your voice and acting abilities. Please do not sing a song from the show you are auditioning for because that may pigeon-hole you for that role only; whereas after the directors hear you, you may be considered for a multitude of roles. Choose a song that is similar in style and time period. For instance, if the show you are auditioning for was written in the 1990s, choose a contemporary musical theatre song to audition with. Still, at MTA, any song will do, and many first-time auditioners sing tunes like “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
Should I bring an accompaniment CD/tape or sheet music?
Please bring an accompaniment CD, instrumental only with no voices. Choose a one minute portion of the song to sing, and be certain of the track number (for CDs) or have the tape cued. When an accompanist is provided (dependent upon the show), you will have the option of bringing sheet music and singing with a live accompanist. You will be able to tell the accompanist where to start and stop, what tempo you’d like the song to be played, as well as any other musical notes.
What should I wear?
Wear something nice that you are comfortable in. If there is a dance audition, wear dance attire or something that you can move in. Wear closed toe shoes for the dance portion of the audition (when applicable).
What are callbacks?
Callbacks are a chance for the artistic staff to see you sing or read for a specific role(s) before casting the show. If you are not called back, that does not mean that you are not cast! It just means that you may have showed the artistic staff enough at your intial audition and we feel confident about how to cast you in the show.
When will I know what part I got?
Cast lists will be posted on the MTA website, usually within a week of auditions. Please do not call or email MTA about casting results. The directors and MTA registration table representative will be sure to inform the auditioners about when to check the cast list.
What if I don’t like my part and want to quit?
If you decide that you want to quit the show and auditioned for a Jr. MTA Production or MTA no-cut production, your tuition will not be refunded. You should know that every role is important in a show, and MTA strongly discourages performers from quitting if they don't get the role they wanted. Furthermore, you will gain a wealth of experience from each show you participate in.
How much does it cost to be in a Jr. MTA Production?
The tuition fee for participation in a Jr. MTA Production and other MTA no-cut productions are $175. Costume fees vary depend on the show and role, but plan for a minimum of $50. Optional costs are t-shirts or sweatshirts, personal messages in the program, the cast party, and photographs..
Why do you charge tuition for the Jr. MTA Productions?
It is the belief of MTA that the age of children participating in Jr. MTA Productions is an impressionable age where they are growing and learning, and are just beginning to identify who they are as performers. Extra time is given to this age group to foster a love for theater, and to educate and enrich the performers' abilities. In addition, in the Jr. MTA Productions and MTA no-cut productions, every participant that auditions is cast. Also note that like many non-profit theatres, we are not able to cover our production expenses with just ticket sales and the tuitions received help allow MTA to offer high quality theater in the North Valley.
Will there ever be tuition fees for MTA productions ages fifteen and over?
Yes, if the production is a no-cut production or involves ages seven through adult. Please see Auditions page for specific requirements.
Why do I need to audition, if you cast everyone in the Jr. MTA Productions?
MTA staff strongly believes that auditioning is an skill that is essential if you would like to participate in musical theater. Auditioning takes lots of practice and we are here to help guide you along in the audition process so that you will feel comfortable for future auditions.
Do you offer a sibling discount for productions or workshops?
Yes! There is a 10% sibling discount for tuition and workshops.
What if I can’t afford to participate?
Please let the MTA staff know, as we would be happy to look into available money from the donor scholarship fund.
What are the costs of tickets?
Tickets for most shows are $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors and $12 for children 12 and under.
When are rehearsals?
Rehearsal times and dates vary depending upon the production. Not all cast members will be at all rehearsals. MTA respects your time and will have a detailed rehearsal schedule for each production.
What is Tech Week?
Tech Week is generally the week before a show opens and will involve rehearsals that run later into the evening. During this time, we will move into the performance space/theater and adjust spacing if needed, as well as get used to lighting and sound.
What if I am unable to attend a rehearsal?
A performer makes a commitment to attend all of his/her rehearsals that he/she is called for once cast in a show. If you are sick or will be late, please call the phone number provided from the director that will be given to you at the beginning of the rehearsal process. Leave a message if no one answers. If you are late to, or miss more than three rehearsals that were not indicated on your conflict sheet, you may be dismissed from the show without a refund. Putting on a show is a team effort, and we need all of the "team" to be there when called for a rehearsal.
When are performances?
Performances vary depending upon what show is being produced. See the calendar for specific dates.
What is double casting?
Double casting means that two performers are the same role, but have their own performance dates. Double casting allows MTA a chance to feature more performers and allows the performers to learn from each other.
What is the volunteer time commitment for the performers’ families?
MTA asks that the performers’ families donate as much time as they would like to. Community Theater productions can not be done without support from the community. During the Mandatory Informational Meeting, there will be a volunteer sign-up. There are many ways to help; some of them include: show coordinator, volunteer coordinator, house management, costumes, sets, props, cast party, hair and make-up, stage crew, ushers, concessions, and monitoring cast behavior. MTA thanks you in advance for satisfying this volunteer requirement, and appreciates your time and talents.
Are performers required to volunteer?
In addition to fulfilling your performance requirements, performers volunteer approximately five hours during the course of the show, whether it is for set or prop work, or clean-up.


If you have additional questions, please email or call MTA: musicaltheatreofanthem@gmail.com
602-743-9892