Frequently Asked Questions



Below are some of the common questions that we receive.

How long will the audition process take?

Please count on anywhere from a half hour to three hours depending on the complexity of the show and number of auditioners present.

Can I download the Conflict Calendar and Registration Materials prior to auditions?

Yes! Click here and download this information from the Auditions page.

What are the age ranges for your productions?

MTA productions are grouped by age (i.e., 6-9, 10-12, 13-19, etc.). We also do at least one combined age production including adults each year.

Can I audition for any show, regardless of how old I am?

No. You must be within the posted performer age range for the specific production. We understand that you many look older or younger than your age, or that you may be very mature or experienced, but we only make exceptions to the posted age requirements in special circumstances.

Will a performer ever be cast in a show outside their age range?

Possibly. If MTA is producing a show that requires a young cast member for a specific role(s), then a younger performer will be able to audition and vice versa. Or, for example, if there is a 6-9 year old show and a performer turns 10 during that season, they are eligible to age up to the 10-13 year old show or stay in the 6-9 year old age group.

What song should I sing?

Choose an audition song that best shows off your voice and acting abilities. Please do not sing a song from the show you are auditioning for because that may pigeon-hole you for that role only; whereas after the directors hear you, you may be considered for a multitude of roles. Choose a song that is similar in style and time period. For instance, if the show you are auditioning for was written in the 1990s, choose a contemporary musical theatre song to audition with. Still, at MTA, any song will do, and many first-time auditioners sing tunes like "Happy Birthday" or "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

Should I bring an accompaniment CD, iPod or sheet music?

Please bring an accompaniment CD or mobile device and it is recommended that it is instrumental only with no voices. Choose a one minute portion of the song to sing, and be certain of the track number. When an accompanist is provided (dependent upon the show), you will have the option of bringing sheet music and singing with a live accompanist. You will be able to tell the accompanist where to start and stop, what tempo you'd like the song to be played, as well as any other musical notes. If you are a first-time auditioner or beginner, just sing whatever you are comfortable with. It can even be acapella.

What should I wear?

Wear something nice that you are comfortable in. If there is a dance audition, bring dance attire or something that you can move in. Wear closed toe shoes for the dance portion of the audition.

What are callbacks?

Callbacks are a chance for the artistic staff to see you sing or read for a specific role(s) before casting the show. If you are not called back, that does not mean that you are not cast! It just means that you may have showed the artistic staff enough at your intial audition and we feel confident about how to cast you in the show. All performers ages 6-19 are cast.

When will I know what part I got?

Cast lists will either be emailed, or the stage manager or designated MTA representative will call the auditioner usually within a week of auditions. Please do not call or email MTA about casting results. The directors and MTA registration table representative will be sure to inform the auditioners about when they will be notified.

What if I don’t like my part and want to quit?

If you decide that you want to quit a production, your tuition will not be refunded. You should know that every role is important in a show, and MTA strongly discourages performers from quitting if they don't get the role they wanted. Furthermore, you will gain a wealth of experience from each show you participate in.

How much does it cost to be in an MTA Production?

The tuition fee for participation in MTA Productions ranges depending on the show. This amount includes the costume fee, but depending upon the show and role, plan for an additional amount of $50 for shoes, tights, and other personal garments. Optional costs are MTA Merchandise, MTA Messages in the program, the cast party, and photographs.

Why do you charge tuition for MTA Productions?

It is the belief of MTA that the age of children participating in MTA Productions is an impressionable age where they are growing and learning, and some are just beginning to identify who they are as performers. Extra time is given to these performers to foster a love for theater, and to educate and enrich the performers' abilities. In addition, in MTA youth productions, every participant that auditions is cast. Also note that like many non-profit theatres, we are not able to cover our production expenses with just ticket sales and the tuitions received help allow MTA to offer high quality theater in the North Valley.

An MTA cast member's tuition fee includes many hours of instruction in acting, vocals, and dance, as well as all aspects of the performing arts and theater. In addition, MTA cast members will receive a show t-shirt.

Why do adults not pay tuition?

Adults do not pay tuition because they are not guaranteed to be cast in the production.

Will there ever be tuition fees for adult MTA productions?

Yes, if the production includes youth performers, then the youth in that production will pay tuition. Please see the Auditions page for specific requirements.

Why do I need to audition, if you cast all youth in MTA Productions?

MTA staff strongly believes that auditioning is a skill that is essential if you would like to participate in musical theater. Auditioning takes lots of practice and we are here to help guide you along in the audition process so that you will feel comfortable for future auditions.

Do you offer a sibling discount for productions or workshops?

Yes! There is a 10% sibling discount for tuition and workshops.

What if I can’t afford to participate?

Full scholarships are available via the Lyle Kishbaugh Scholarship Fund. Scholarship applicants who would like to apply will write a brief paragraph about why they would like to be considered for the award and email it to musicaltheatreofanthem@gmail.com prior to auditions for each production.

We also offer payment plans and other flexible payment options.

What are the costs of tickets?

Tickets for full-scale productions are $25 per person, regardless of age. Other performance ticket prices will vary by show and will be displayed on the Tickets page.

When are rehearsals?

Rehearsal times and dates vary depending upon the production. Not all cast members will be at all rehearsals. MTA respects your time and will have a detailed rehearsal schedule for each production. The Conflict Calendar for each show can be found on the Auditions Page.

What is Tech Week?

Tech Week is generally the week before a show opens and will involve rehearsals that may run later into the evening. During this time, we will rehearse with lighting and sound as well as other technical aspects.

What if I am unable to attend a rehearsal?

A performer makes a commitment to attend all of his/her rehearsals that he/she is called for once cast in a show. If you are sick or will be late, please call the phone number provided from the director that will be given to you at the beginning of the rehearsal process. Leave a message if no one answers. If you are late to, or miss more than two rehearsals that were not indicated on your conflict sheet, you may be dismissed from the show without a refund. Putting on a show is a team effort, and we need all of the "team" to be there when called for a rehearsal.

When are performances?

Performances vary depending upon what show is being produced. See the Season page for specific dates.

What is double casting?

Double casting means that two performers are the same role, but have their own performance dates. Double casting allows MTA a chance to feature more performers and allows the performers to learn from each other.

What is the volunteer time commitment for the performers’ families?

MTA asks that the performers' families donate as much time as they are able to. We require a minimum of five hours of volunteer time from each family. Community Theater productions can not be done without support from the community. During the Mandatory Informational Meeting, there will be a volunteer sign-up. There are many ways to help; some of them include: volunteer coordinator, house management, sets, props, cast party, hair and make-up, stage crew, ushers, concessions, and monitoring cast behavior. Families that do not sign up to volunteer will be invoiced for $100 ($20/hour). MTA thanks you in advance for satisfying this volunteer requirement, and appreciates your time and talents.

Are performers required to volunteer?

In addition to fulfilling your performance requirements, performers volunteer approximately five hours during the course of the show, whether it is for set or prop work, or clean-up.