STUDENT FAQ.

Welcome to the Frequently-Asked-Questions section written specifically for Sehome Drama students. If you're a new student at Sehome or just interested in joining Drama for the first time, here is where you will find answers to your most burning questions. Select a question below to explore the answer.

Can I do a sport and audition for a show at the same time?

Not usually. Being involved in the play is about the same time commitment as a sport. It’s just not realistic to expect to do both. Some athletic seasons only overlap part of the rehearsal process for the play, however. Reach out to McGowan if you have specific questions about your situation.



What is the time commitment for acting in a show?

Being involved in a show is similar to the commitment in a sport or another extra-curricular activity. Rehearsals are 3-4 days a week and occasional Saturdays. Weekday rehearsals are usually after school from 4:00 – 6:30 and weekend rehearsals can vary. Cast members only need to attend rehearsal for the scenes that their character is in, therefore, a larger role means a larger time commitment. There are a variety of sizes of roles in each show. The rehearsal process for one play tends to last 9-12 weeks from audition to performance. Show performances run for two weekends with a total of 6 performances. The last two weeks before the first performance is called “Tech.” This time usually has a larger time commitment. See below for more info. Check The Callboard for more detailed information and a rehearsal calendar for each show.



What do I do if I have to miss rehearsal or I'm sick?

It is each student’s responsibility to communicate with the Director and Stage Manager if you need to miss rehearsal for any reason. In the audition packet, you will be asked to fill out a conflict calendar to share what dates you are not available for rehearsal. It is a good idea to check with your family before turning this calendar in. The directors build the show’s schedule based on these conflict calendars and work hard to accommodate any prior commitments. We understand that sometimes life still gets in the way. If you get sick, if you can't attend school during the day, or if can’t attend rehearsal for another reason, please reach out and communicate with the Director and the Stage Manager as soon as possible. Most issues can be managed with good communication!



Do you need to be in the Drama class to be in the play?

Nope! Play auditions are open to any Sehome student. That being said, you learn valuable skills in the drama classes that you can use to improve as an actor or technician.



What drama classes can I take at Sehome?

There are three levels of acting classes and two levels of technical theatre classes. Check out the list of class offerings here.



How can I get involved in drama activites at Sehome?

There are lots of ways to be involved in drama at Sehome. You can take a drama class, audition for a play, or work in backstage crew. You can also participate in one of our many Thespian events. Find out more about all of our drama activities here.



What is "Thespians"?

The International Thespian Society, or "Thespians" for short, is the student Drama Club at Sehome. Our club has officers, organizes drama fundraisers and events. Club members can also compete in acting and tech theatre competitions. Actors and crew can earn points for all of the work they do and once they earn enough points they can be "initiated" as a full Thespian! Click here for more details about Thespians and how you can join.



I have another question that isn't covered here.

Please feel free to send an email Mrs McGowan anytime. She’s happy to talk with you more about all things Sehome Drama!



What is "Tech Rehearsal"?

Tech Rehearsal is when the cast and crew combine all of the technical elements of the show. We work together to practice scene changes, add costumes, set lights and sound cues and everything else that makes a show magical. This can be a very busy time for the cast and crew because and we need to finish everything so that the show is ready for an audience. Tech rehearsals are notoriously long and every single member of the production (cast, crew, leadership) must be in attendance the entire time. Tech Rehearsals are held during the last two weeks before performances. They are usually scheduled after school 3-4 days a week from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. One of our favorite traditions is our “tech week family dinners” where dinner is provided to the cast and crew by our amazing drama parents.



How do you join the tech crew?

There are three different ways to be involved as a crew member at Sehome. Build Crew is the most flexible way to be involved in the show. Build Crew meets after school 1-2 times a week to create sets, costumes and other technical elements for the show. Students can come as many or as few Build Days as they would like. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience level. It’s a very casual and flexible way to get involved. Stage Crew members are students who have committed to working backstage during the performances of the show. They are required to attend all Tech Rehearsals and performances. See below for more details on Tech Rehearsals. Crew Leadership positions are available to students by application only. This is a way for experienced crew members to take on a student leadership position in the production. The largest time commitment is needed from Student Stage Managers and Assistant Stage Managers who are needed at all of the same rehearsals as actors in the cast of the show. Other Crew Leadership positions include designers, board operators and backstage managers. The time commitments can vary. For more information on Tech Crew opportunities click here.



Should I audition for a show?

Well, there are two reasons you might be asking this question – is it because you’re afraid but your heart telling you that you should? If so, listen to your heart. Go for it. Are you worried that you’re taking on too much with everything else that you’re doing? Welllllll, perhaps you are. Think about your priorities, your class schedule, your mental wellbeing, and your balance. If you are too busy and don’t think you can be healthy, keep up your grades, and still do the show, we love you, but don’t audition. If you are ready to commit and your heart is singing to be onstage, then YES. Learn more about the audition process here.



Do I need to keep my grades up to be in the show?

Yes, you need to maintain academic elegibility to participate in any after school activity at Sehome. These rules are set by the ASB office and students should check the school handbook for more information.



What is "Strike"?

Strike the theatrical word for “clean-up”! Strike takes place immediately after the last performance and is when the cast, crew, production team and parents work together to take down the set, clean up backstage, put away costumes and props and wrap up any other projects related to the show. Everyone involved in the show MUST participate in Strike. It is important because it returns the theater to neutral and makes it available for the everyone to use.