PROGRAMMATIC FAQS
CTC Musicals
Lauded by the National Endowment for the Arts for 'creating a new voice in American Musical Theater", CTC's resident composers have produced a catalog of original musicals for four age groups - acclaimed by the New York Times as "stirring…" and "grandly funny…". The Children's Theater Company was selected as number one in the Top 12 Great Children's Theater Companies Across the U.S. by Backstage Magazine
Built into each musical are universal themes inspired by the United Nations Days for Human Rights; Environment; Race Amity; Advancement of Women; Literacy; Religious Tolerance; Elimination of Poverty; People with Disabilities; Indigenous People and more. Cast members will participate in a weekly facilitated discussion of the moral, spiritual and social implications of each CTC musical. Cast members will be invited to participate in honoring the spiritual traditions of all people by finding common language and common ground while avoiding theological lectures.
Recording Studio
Each returning cast member will be invited to a professional state-of-the-art recording studio to record the previous seasons' musicals resulting in professional audio CD recordings which will be published with full credit to each cast member.
Professional Auditions: Talent Agents & Casting Directors
Agent Representation
CTC will produce Industry showcases for all age-groups - allowing agents and parents to consider professional representation. There are several NYC talent agents and managers who work closely with CTC parents and youth and who provide regular pro bono services, advice and workshops for all CTC cast members and artistic staff.
Casting Opportunities
While it is NOT the central goal of the Children's Theater Company to actively seek professional and paying auditions and bookings for its cast members, CTC is however a highly respected organization and has worked closely with top casting directors in New York including:
Bernard Telsey Casting (Various Bway shows)
Binder Casting (Lion King)
Kathleen Chopin Casting (Annie - Movie Musical)
Tara Rubin Casting (Various Bway shows)
Bonnie Finnegan Casting (NBC - Blacklist)
Lynn Kressel / Suzanne Ryan (Law & Order)
Professional Headshots
Each cast member will be scheduled to receive a complimentary professional studio headshot that will be published in playbills and headshot marquee during performance run.
Parent Programs: Parent Cafe
Each week CTC parents are invited to Parent Cafe, a facilitated weekly discussion group on a variety of topics led by professionals and experts in a variety of fields from early childhood development to parenting to career development in theater / tv. Parent cafe includes a complimentary continental breakfast or afternoon-tea.
Home-Rehearsal
Each cast member receives a full at-home-rehearsal kit which includes: Tutorial audio CD of all songs; vocal warm-up CD; Audio Book CD of full script; choral songbook, script, choral songbook / CD. Cast members are urged to practice daily with their home-rehearsal kit. All CDs are also available via dropbox account provided to each parent upon registration.
Staff Selection & Professional Development
All staff, associate directors, teaching artists and interns are selected based on their active and proven track-record in adhering to the highest values which embody CTC's core values and as active stake-holders in promoting theater as tool for moral reasoning and ethical development. All CTC staff recognize that the process, imbued with love and respect, is as important as the product.
Tours & Off-Site Performances
CTC cast members are invited to off-site performances several times a year. Previous performances have included annually at the United Nations (General Assembly); Public and Private School Performances; DC Tour, Boston Tour and Maine Tours, which include an annual retreat in Eliot Maine. Attendance is NOT mandatory, and is by invitation only.
PRODUCTION FAQS
Scholarships
To ensure the participation of all interested students, The Children's Theatre Company offers a limited number of full and partial scholarships for all classes and camps. Parent volunteers can receive full and partial service scholarships for their assistance.
Absentee policy
Calendar conflicts must be submitted in advance; excused absences must be emailed in writing. Three or more absentee days will result in role reduction or replacement.
Mandatory Tech Week
In addition to the rehearsal schedule (that includes a Saturday or Sunday track), there is a mandatory three-day "Tech week" which takes place on the final week of rehearsals.
Wardrobe
Mandatory jazz, ballet or character shoes is required. Final performance under-garments must be black tank tops and leggings for girls and boys (unless otherwise stated). No flip flops, sneakers, open toe or backless shoes. Clothing must allow for movement. No tight clothing, jeans, mini skirts, or low cut shirts.
Photo/Video Release
The Children's Theatre Company reserves the right to use photos or video recordings taken during the course of a program or class for promotional purposes only. Such photos or videos may be used in print or online marketing materials.
Waiver of Liability/Hold Harmless Agreement
The Children's Theatre Company is committed to conducting all programs in a safe manner and strives to reduce risk to all of our participants. However, in choosing to participate in a program, students and parents must recognize that there is an inherent risk of injury. All families registering for a class, camp, or other programs agree to hold The Children's Theatre Company harmless in case of accident or injury.
In the event that a parent or emergency contact cannot be reached, parents further authorize The Children's Theatre Company employees to administer first aid treatment and/or authorize medical treatment in accordance with the information provided on student emergency forms.
Code of Conduct Policy
In order to provide students with a safe and supportive environment, The Children's Theatre Company does not tolerate any form of physical or verbal abuse, or vandalism. Any behaviors found in violation of this policy will be addressed and the student may be asked to leave camp, and no refunds will be issued.
Child Protection Policy
All full-time and part-time employees and all independent contractors of The Children's Theatre Company who interact with children (minors under the age of 18) are required to submit to a nationwide background investigation. The staff screening process is rigorous and its primary purpose is to promote safety for the students who participate in The Children's Theatre Company's productions and education programs.