Q) How can I get involved with VST? 

So glad you asked!  There are several ways to go about becoming a part of Student Theatre.  The most direct way is to audition for whichever show is going up.  Even if you are not cast in the show, you will have made contact with the director and can, based on this connection, become involved with the backstage crew for said show.  Another way to join VST is to contact the Executive Board and volunteer to assist with one of the production aspects of the show: marketing, publicity, social activity planning, etc.  In summation, anyone wanting to be a part of the group will be welcomed into our ranks: we are always in need of motivated, creative, and positive individuals who share our love for theater. 

Q) I’d like to try out for a show but I get nervous at auditions?  What should I do? 

Everyone gets anxious about auditioning, but it would be a shame to let these feelings inhibit you from trying out.  Be confident, reassure yourself, and remember, that the person you’re auditioning for is most likely a student who has gone through the exact same things you’re going through. 

Q) What are my chances of getting cast in a show? 

This depends on a variety of factors, the most important of which are cast size, and the number of people who try out.  Obviously, if you are one of twenty people trying out for a cast of eighteen, your chances are pretty good.  If you are one of thirty-five people trying out for a ten person show, it is more difficult.  However, it is worth noting that VST does NOT cast based on what grade you are in.  In the past several years, several freshmen have gotten lead parts, and in our spring 2003 production, Rumors , five of the ten parts were given to freshmen.  In other words, VST is unbiased in its casting; one of the benefits of having a student director. 

Q) What is the rehearsal schedule like? 

Directors set their own rehearsal schedule without the involvement of the Board, but they are only allowed to have rehearsals six days a week (traditionally, Fridays are left rehearsal free).  Obviously, not everyone is called for every rehearsal.  As the production approaches, rehearsals become more intense and longer.  Rehearsals are typically held during the evening on weekdays and the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.    

Q) Who decides what shows are going to be produced?
 

Ultimately, the Board of Directors decides what VST’s season will be, but the general membership does have a say in the matter.   When the time comes to pick a season, a meeting of the general membership is held, and suggestions for shows are taken.  From these suggestions, all those members present vote for their top seven.  The Board of Directors than reads these seven plays, and from them, picks the two plays for the following season.  

Q) What kinds of shows does VST produce?   

To quote William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “tragedy, comedy, history, pastoral, pastoral-comical, historical-pastoral, tragical-historical, tragical-comical-historical-pastoral.” (II.ii.387-390)  In other words, ALL kinds!   Typically, we refrain from producing musicals as there is a separate undergraduate organization that produces solely these kinds of shows.  However, there are basically no limits to the kinds of shows we produce; be they masterpieces by Shakespeare, or side-splitters by Neil Simon. 

Q) I’m not one for acting but I like to build sets.  Is there a place for me in VST?

Of course there is.  VST does not have a permanent stage crew, but assistance with set-building is ALWAYS very highly appreciated.  The best way to become involved in this is to contact the Director of Operations for the organization, who will be able to discuss the job with you.

Q) How many people are a part of VST?

Active membership is constantly changing due to the fact that new shows bring new casts.  Some people do a VST show for the fun of it and do not stay involved, while others become hardcore participants in all of our productions.  As of Spring 2003, Active Membership is at about thirty-five people, give or take a few.

Q) Are you associated with the theatre department or graduate theatre program?

No, we operate independently of both these groups.  However, we do have friendly contact with several professors in the department, and with people involved in the graduate theatre.

Q) What has been your best play to date? 

This is a difficult question because there are so many different ways to answer it.  If by best you mean most successful, the answer would be A Christmas Carol.   If you meant highest quality, The Tempest was probably the most beautifully staged show ever produced by the organization, while Rumors probably had the best set.  However, The Laramie Project was probably the best show VST ever produced from an overall standpoint; from its passionate performances to the awareness that it created on campus, Laramie will no doubt be an archetype  against which many future shows are measured.   In every production we produce, we try to raise the bar in terms of overall quality, and every one of our shows has been special in some way.    

Q) How many people see your shows?  

Once again, this depends on a variety of factors, including when the show opens, the name-value of the show, and how well it was promoted by the directors and marketing officers.  Certain shows sell much better than others, but every production promotes the VST name a bit further.

Q) How are directors chosen?  

When a show is announced, an advertisement is sent out encouraging potential directors to apply.  Directors prepare and submit a written application and the Board of Directors selects a show director based on this application and the subsequent interviews with potential candidates.  

Q) What do dramaturgs do? 

Dramaturgs assist the director by researching the show that is being produced, the historical time period in which it is set, the playwright who wrote it, and any other relevant information, then presenting their research to the cast to help with character development, background, etc.  

Q) What is Music Camp? 

Music Camp is an event sponsored by the Office of Music Activities as a precursor to Orientation for all freshmen interested in different artistic activities on campus.  VST participates in Music Camp by holding different workshops on improv, auditioning, etc.  Music Camp is a TERRIFIC opportunity for freshmen to take advantage of, and the Board heartily encourages all those interested in our organization to sign up for Music Camp.  For more info on this activity, email us.

| © 2004 Villanova Student Theatre |