Helpful Hints for Participating in a Heavier Than Air Season Show
Welcome to Heavier Than Air Family Theatre (HTA)! As a participant in a season
show, we recognize your experience may be a bit different than in a summer
camp production or other establishment. While we’re confident you will enjoy
the process, the focus is on the final product, creating a quality performance to
thrill the audience.
Auditions and Casting
 Auditions are relatively informal as we provide the actors with song,
dialogue, etc. – there is no need to prepare anything in advance.
 Keep in mind that all ages audition for our season shows so casting is age
appropriate. Roles often require a certain level of experience and the final
casting decisions are at the discretion of the director.
 A cast list is typically finalized after 10:30 a.m. the day following final
auditions. Please call 253.833.9111 ext. 4966, the main phone number to
the theatre, for casting information.
Rehearsals
 Rehearsals are every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 p.m. until
approximately 9:30 p.m.
 Children MUST be walked to and from the Performing Arts Building. For
safety and responsibility reasons, early dismissal requires permission of the
director. Dress rehearsal week takes place Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday evening just prior to opening night. It is imperative that everyone
attend the final dress rehearsals.
Costumes
 Each cast member is responsible for their own costume per the costumer’s
instructions. Please check with the costumer early for costume
requirements and guidance.
 All costumes must be approved by the costumer prior to dress rehearsal
week.
 While efforts are made to limit expense, season shows cannot offer the
individual flexibility of summer camp costuming.
Tickets
 A ticket order form is available from the theatre office, at
www.heavierthanair.com, and in our season brochure. You are welcome to
photocopy as needed. Tickets may be ordered by check, cash or credit
card, and turned in to the theatre office before rehearsals. Orders will
typically be filled and returned to you that same night. Tickets can also be
purchased with a credit card by calling GRCC Student Life at 253.833.9111
ext. 2400, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 Shows are recommended for ages six and above, however, EVERYONE
watching the show must have a ticket regardless of age. Because a
purchased ticket is required for each person entering the theatre, please
remember babes in arms do not show an appreciation for live performance
and may be distracting to those sitting nearby, as well as actors on stage.
Performances
 All cast members participate in every performance unless notified
otherwise.
 Plan to arrive one hour prior to show time (call) or per the director’s
instructions. All cast members must enter through the green room door
on the north side of the building, and only cast members will be allowed
backstage and in the green room.
 Children should plan to arrive in costume with make-up as directed.
Dressing rooms are reserved for ages 18 and older, but younger actors
may access the practice rooms for changes if necessary.
 Everyone should bring water and a light snack that is “costume friendly”.
Photos
 Our license agreement to produce shows prohibits the duplication of videos
by multiple people. Photographs, with or without flash, and cameras or cell
phone cameras of any type, are prohibited during all performances. In
addition, please do not take photos indoors with the props and set.
 A professional videographer will be recording our performances and a
professional photographer will be available for photographs (dates, times
and cost will be announced).
How Can I Help?
 Every family is asked to contribute cookies for concession sales, as the
concession profits help fund our cast potluck. We will distribute a list to
notify you of preferred dates for your cookie donation.
 All cast members participate with show publicity. We provide posters,
bookmarks, post cards and ticket order forms to assist your publicity
efforts. Become a “friend” to HTA on Facebook and help spread the word!
 Adults are invited to help with set construction and painting. Dates will be
announced.
 Everyone is encouraged to participate with clean up immediately following
the final performance. We are responsible for leaving the building as we
found it.
Tips
 There are countless opportunities for extra participation as rehearsals
progress. All cast members can be busy and having fun!
 Attendance is extremely important. Because time and space are critical, a
missed rehearsal could result in being worked out of a scene.
 Watch for steady communication via email and /or information packets as
details become available and timely. To that end, please be sure your
contact information is on file and updated with the theatre office.
We’re happy you’ve joined us!
Heavier Than Air Staff