We are excited to welcome you to our youth theater program! As a parent of a theater student, you may be wondering what to expect from this enriching experience. Following is an overview of our youth theater program, what your child will learn and what you can look forward to during the production.

Our Productions

Our youth theater shows are licensed productions that include high quality musical orchestration recordings and scripts.  The shows are full, age-appropriate productions directed by our professional Directors with years of theater experience.  This is a “teaching program” that is inclusive of all students.  No experience required.  Every student who enrolls is guaranteed a role (or multiple roles).  Auditions are not required to join the production, but auditions are required in order for our Directors to assign roles.  Cold reading is done in the first rehearsal and singing auditions are usually held during the second rehearsal of most productions.  We limit our shows to 27 or fewer students.  If we have more than 27 students we will form an additional cast.  We do this so our Directors can dedicate more time to each student and improve their growth in the theatrical arts.  Multiple casts also provide us a built-in “under study” for every role in every cast should we need to fill a role along the way.  Multiple casts also means more opportunities for leading and secondary roles.  Students will have a great time, make friends, and build relationships while learning and growing in the theatrical arts.

Learning Experience

Participating in a theater production is a comprehensive educational journey. Your child will develop a variety of skills, including:

• Acting Techniques:  Students will learn how to embody their characters, understand script analysis, and deliver lines with emotion and clarity.
• Collaboration:  Theater is a team effort. Your child will work closely with peers, learning the importance of communication, trust, and support in a collaborative environment.
• Creative Expression:  Students will explore their creativity through character development, improvisation, and storytelling, allowing them to express themselves in unique ways.

Costumes

Costumes play a vital role in bringing a production to life.  Costumes are not included in the program fee and must be obtained by the student family.  Most costumes can be purchased for under $50, custom made, or assembled with items around your home, thrift stores, or borrowing from friends and family.  Our Directors and production coordinators will offer guidance and suggestions to help with the look and feel for continuity with the show and other actors and actresses.  In certain situations the school might provide role-specific accessories or props.

Choreography

For productions that include dance or movement, students will learn choreography during rehearsals. They will learn how to integrate movement with their acting, enhancing their performance and adding depth to the storytelling. This aspect of theater encourages physical expression and helps build confidence.

Theater Tech

Behind the scenes, students will gain insight into the technical aspects of theater, including lighting, sound, and set design. They will learn how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere of the production. This knowledge is invaluable, as it fosters an appreciation for the collaborative nature of theater.

Microphones

To ensure that every performance is heard clearly, we provide microphones for each student. This allows them to focus on their performance without worrying about projection, enabling them to deliver their lines with confidence. Students will receive training on how to use the microphones effectively, which is an essential skill in modern theater.

Other Aspects of Theatrical Arts

In addition to acting, choreography, and technical skills, your child will also learn about stage management, audience engagement, improvisation, and the importance of rehearsal discipline. They will experience the thrill of live performance, understanding the hard work and dedication that goes into each show.

Private/Closed Rehearsals

Please note that per licensing contract and in the interest of safety, only actors/actresses, staff, crew, volunteers, and other production coordinators are allowed in the recital hall during rehearsals.

Student Conduct

We strive to create a safe, positive and respectful learning environment for all participants and aim to foster creativity, collaboration, and personal growth while ensuring that all students understand their responsibilities and the expectations of behavior.  We expect students to arrive on time, prepared, and ready to engage in the lesson. Respect for the instructor, fellow students, and the learning space is paramount; this includes listening attentively, refraining from disruptive behaviors, and maintaining a positive attitude. Students are encouraged to express themselves and ask questions, but must do so in a manner that is considerate of others. Any behavior that undermines the learning experience, such as excessive talking, distractions, or disrespectful comments, will be addressed promptly. Our goal is to foster a supportive community where every student can thrive and develop their musical talents.

For all our policies please visit our polices page:

https://jieun-lee-music-academy.odoo.com/policies

Length of Show

Kids productions (7 to 12 year olds) are usually a single act show lasting 30 to 40 minute.  Junior productions (5th grade and up) are usually two act shows lasting 60 to 70 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

Rehearsals

Fishers:  Rehearsals are in The Switch Theatre inside Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy.  Final shows are in same theater.

Carmel:  Rehearsals are in Goodwin Hall inside Meridian Music School.  Spring and Fall shows are held at The Switch Theatre.  Summer camp shows are held in Goodwin Hall.

Auditions

Auditions are not required to participate in our theater programs.  Every student who enrolls in the program is guaranteed a role (perhaps multiple roles).  There is a cold reading audition during the first rehearsal and a singing audition during the second rehearsal.  The songs for the singing audition will be taught during the first rehearsal.  This approach allows our Directors to make the best decision for role assignments.  Our Directors make their decisions based on students’ performance during the first and second rehearsals and which students they believe best fit the unique needs of each character in the show.

Program Fee

Includes the following:

• Script
• Music tracks
• Rehearsals
• Shows (2 to 3 shows per production)
• Show T-Shirt
• Video (only when video license available).  Most shows have video license.

Audio/Video Recording

Please note these programs are copyrighted works of art.  Recording any portion of the show is prohibited, but most (not all) productions come with an optional video recording license. If such license is available we will secure the rights to video record the show.  Our theater in Fishers is equipped with professional recording equipment.  When allowed, we will provide a professionally recorded copy of the final show.

Tech Week

Tech week includes at least one regular rehearsal and one dress rehearsal followed by shows on Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday.

Call Time

60 to 70 minutes before showtime

Locations

Fishers:  The Switch Theatre inside Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy.
Carmel:  Goodwin Hall inside Meridian Music School

Tickets

Final shows are ticketed events with assigned seating.  We will notify families multiple times before the start of ticket sales so everyone has equal opportunity to purchase tickets.  All sales are final.  NO REFUNDS!  Due to assigned seating and the fact most of our shows sell out, we do not refund ticket purchases.  Purchase tickets here:

Switch Theatre:  https://switchtheatre.simpletix.com
Goodwin Hall:  https://goodwinhall.simpletix.com/

The Switch Theatre

All productions (except Carmel summer camps) take place in The Switch Theatre in Fishers.  This black box style theater is located inside Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy.  With comfortable seating for up to 175, our theater has a raised, 30′ x 20′ stage, theatrical lights and special effects, high quality audio, and back stage green rooms for our young actors and actresses.  When entering the theater you are greeted with a nice lobby featuring a concession stand serving many standard concession candies, cotton candy, popcorn, wide variety of drinks, and other concession items.

Enrollment in our youth theater production guarantees your young actress/actor will be cast in the production -- no audition required.  There is an audition (usually during second rehearsal) that Directors need to determine casting.  Students will receive basic audition prep and guidance before audition day.

How to prepare for an audition.

Preparing for a musical theater audition can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. To set yourself up for success, it’s essential to start with a solid understanding of the material you’ll be performing. Choose a song that showcases your vocal range and acting abilities, and make sure it aligns with the character you’re auditioning for. Spend time analyzing the lyrics and the emotions behind them; this will help you deliver a more authentic and compelling performance. Additionally, practice your song repeatedly, focusing on both technical aspects, such as pitch and rhythm, and expressive elements, like dynamics and phrasing. Remember, confidence is key, so the more prepared you are, the more comfortable you will feel on audition day.

In addition to your song, be ready to demonstrate your acting skills and movement abilities. Many auditions will include a cold reading or a dance combination, so familiarize yourself with the material and be open to direction from the audition panel. Always remember to shake the director's hand when you first meet them; this simple gesture shows professionalism and respect. Warm up your body and voice before the audition to ensure you’re in peak condition. It’s also helpful to research the production and its characters, as this knowledge can inform your choices and help you connect with the material on a deeper level. Finally, remember to bring your unique personality to the audition; casting directors are looking for individuals who can bring characters to life in a way that is fresh and engaging. Embrace the experience, and no matter the outcome, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a performer.

### Things to Do at Home to Prepare for the Audition:

• **Choose Your Song:** Select a song that fits the character and showcases your vocal strengths.
• **Practice Regularly:** Set aside time each day to practice singing your chosen song, focusing on both technique and emotion.
• **Learn the Lyrics:** Memorize the lyrics thoroughly to ensure you can perform confidently without looking at the music.
• **Record Yourself:** Use a phone or camera to record your practice sessions. This will help you identify areas for improvement.
• **Work on Acting:** Practice delivering the song with emotion and character. Consider how the character would feel and express that in your performance.
• **Warm-Up Exercises:** Incorporate vocal and physical warm-up exercises into your routine to prepare your body and voice.
• **Research the Show:** Learn about the musical and its characters to better understand the context of your audition piece.
• **Mock Auditions:** Have family members or friends act as the audition panel and perform your song for them to simulate the audition experience.
• **Prepare Your Outfit:** Choose an outfit that is appropriate for the audition and makes you feel confident.
• **Stay Positive:** Practice positive affirmations and visualization techniques to build your confidence and reduce anxiety before the audition.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to shine in your musical theater audition!

Our youth theater productions conclude with 2 or 3 shows on the same weekend.  The shows are ticketed with assigned seating, but unlike many theater companies in the area, we do not have mandatory or minimum ticket purchase requirement.

The enrollment fee includes the following:

• Rehearsals (Kids -12 weeks; Jr. - 15 weeks)
• Professional script
• Professionally recorded practice song tracks with sing-a-long vocals
• Professionally recorded song tracks with no vocals (used during the shows)
• T-Shirt
• Video:  Recording of final show.  Only when video license is available.  Most shows have a video license

The Wizard of Oz is about Dorothy Gale, a Kansas farm girl swept away by a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. To get home, she must follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City and ask the Wizard for help. Along the way, she befriends a Scarecrow who wants a brain, a Tin Woodman who wants a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who wants courage. They journey together, facing challenges and the Wicked Witch of the West, ultimately discovering the Wizard is a fraud but that they already possessed the qualities they sought.  

Principal roles

• Dorothy Gale: A young girl from Kansas who is transported to the Land of Oz. She is kind, supportive, and wants to find her way home.
• Toto: Dorothy's small dog who accompanies her on her adventure.
• Scarecrow: A scarecrow who believes he lacks a brain and is seeking one from the Wizard.
• Tin Man: A man made of tin who desires a heart.
• Cowardly Lion: A lion who thinks he is a coward and is searching for courage.
• Wicked Witch of the West: The main antagonist who is after Dorothy's magical slippers.
• Glinda the Good: The benevolent Good Witch of the North who helps Dorothy.
• The Wizard of Oz: A mysterious and powerful figure who lives in the Emerald City.
• Aunt Em and Uncle Henry: Dorothy's aunt and uncle who live in Kansas. 

Ensemble roles

• Munchkins: The small, singing inhabitants of Munchkinland who greet Dorothy.
• Winged Monkeys: The Wicked Witch's minions.
• Crows: A group of crows in the Scarecrow scene that can be played by singers who harmonize.
• Apple Trees: Talking trees that can be played by actors.
• Jitterbugs: Dancers who perform the "Jitterbug" number.
• Poppies: Dancers who perform a dance sequence.