Welcome to Theatre Society! The Theatre Society consists of actors, managers, singers, dancers, stage managers, builders, technical crew, and many other roles. Don’t be shy if you are new to the group – everyone here will soon make you feel at home, and you will have a lot of fun this year learning everything that you need to know about the Theatre Society and theater in general! Being involved in each and every show in some capacity is a great way to become an invested part of the club, but you can participate as fits your schedule. You do need to be a member in order to participate.

What do I need to do to be a member? What does membership involve? The membership dues is $25 per year, payable as soon as you are ready to participate, but due at the beginning of the first show you are involved in. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE CONSIDERED A MEMBER WHEN YOU PAY YOUR DUES. The yearbook photo is in November. If you want to be listed as a member of the club for the photo you want to be sure to have paid your dues in the fall before that time. A member in good standing is someone who participates in a show fully. After you have participated in four shows you are eligible to receive a letter. Lettering entitles you to be able to run for office and also makes you eligible to apply for Theatre Society scholarships and participate as a leader in other capacities in your senior year.

In order to letter you must:
1) Have paid your dues each year (our treasurer, Lenny Senkovsky, will collect dues, cash or check made payable to MHS Theatre Society).
2) Participated fully in four shows, meaning you have either performed on stage or worked backstage, fulfilled at least four hours of tech work (helped to build the show, paint the show, costume the show, etc.)
3) Attended all rehearsals for which you are called, including technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and STRIKE (the day after the show closes when we take down the set and clean up the stage.) Rehearsals will usually be held after school from 2:30 to 4:30 in the auditorium.
4) Abide by all school rules as set forth in the student handbook.

The Theatre Society is a strong collaborative effort and, as such, we all help to put our shows together. This means that we become more of a team and can learn as much as possible about all aspects of theater. If you are unable to attend a tech day on Saturdays, see the stage manager for the show or one of the directors and we will be happy to assign you a task to complete.

As you probably already know, Theatre Society members enjoy working together to put on great shows for the community throughout the school year. We also may participate in competitions and workshops. We are involved in other activities such as this year’s rededication of the High School. Our crew members help other community theater groups with the technical aspects of their productions and also help with technical issues of the music department concerts. The group also plans other fun activities during the year. We enjoy a very entertaining banquet at the end of the year!

If I have any questions about what Drama is like, who is a good person to ask? Usually, the best person to ask about a show currently in production would be the Production Stage Manager. General drama questions can be asked of one of our four elected Drama officers:

Or the club advisor/director: Mrs. Mary Ann Hatem, assistant director: Mrs. Kelly Ferland Notes:

• Not everyone who auditions for a show will be cast. If you are not cast we still need you because there is a big need for behind the scenes help! And if you still want to be on stage…try again next time!
• Please consider your other commitments when auditioning or becoming involved in any aspects of the productions. We need you at all rehearsals for which you are scheduled. Anyone who has other afternoon conflicts during the week cannot be considered for a leading role in a play. Chronic absences from rehearsals without a prearranged excuse could lead to your being asked to step out of a show. Please communicate with us about your conflicts.
• Tech Days are scheduled on Saturdays throughout the year. There will be sign up sheets on a regular basis on the Drama Board outside Room 105.
• Be aware that if you are cast, you may be required to provide or purchase part of your costume. All drama members will be given information to purchase a student theatrical makeup kit and will learn to use it.
• For all Drama news, listen to the announcements, keep your email account current (and check it!!) and make it your mission to check the Drama Board daily for last minute updates!