Nite Lite Theatre FAQ

Is Nite Lite Theatre a non-profit organization?

How is the administration organized?

When are the Board Meetings?

What is the Nite Lite Newsletter?

How do you choose which shows to perform?

Why must you choose plays so far in advance?

How are auditions for shows handled?

Should I have a theatrical background when auditioning?

Is Nite Lite Theatre a non-profit organization?                                                                                  back to list

Yes. 

How is the administration organized?                                                                                                       back to list

Nite Lite appoints three members to the Board of Directors every year, with a total of six Board members at any given time.  As June approaches each year, the Board asks three Members for their commitment of two years' service to the Board, with approval cast at the General Membership meeting for that month.

The Officers are likewise selected and approved, but those appointments are open-ended with approval from the General Membership

When are the Board meetings?                                                                                                                        back to list

All Board Meetings are conducted on the third Tuesday of each month, and held at the Nite Lite office.  General Membership meetings are held typically in June and December, and are always announced in the newsletter prior to the meeting.

What is the Nite Lite newsletter?                                                                                                                   back to list

Nite Lite News is the monthly mailed copy of Nite Lite's newsletter.  It contains information about upcoming events, including calls for auditions, upcoming show information, and information about arts advocacy.  It is edited by Suanna Geater, the Office Manager for Nite Lite Theatre.

You can receive a copy of the newsletter each month by becoming a Member, and Membership costs only $15 per year.

How do you choose which shows to perform?                                                                                     back to list

Our shows are licensed productions, from companies such as MTI, Dramatists Play Service, and Samuel French.  Each February, a Play Selection committee is formed, with the responsibility of reading plays assigned to each committee member.  Their findings are provided formally at the June General Membership meeting, where the Membership will vote on their favorite synopses (as provided by the committee members).  Those shows receiving the highest number of votes become the selections for the following season.

Why must you choose plays  so far in advance?                                                                                 back to list

It all comes down to planning.  Once the selections have been made, then the crew must be formed for each production, and the Office Manager must arrange the licensing.  The production crew will begin their preliminary work (which takes up more time than imagined!), with plenty of time to design the sets, form an actor crew, and complete a rehearsal schedule.

How are auditions for shows handled?                                                                                                      back to list

Director by director.  As the person responsible for final elements of a production, the director is saddled with the responsibility to make the show work.  There are no hard, fast rules that can be applied in this situation, because the director must do what they know will benefit the show.  Because of this, we grant the director as much latitude as necessary.

To answer the question more generally, however, Nite Lite typically holds two or three nights of auditions for each production.  They are announced in the Nite Lite newsletter, and on the website.

Should I have a theatrical background when auditioning?                                                       back to list

The answer is "Definitely not!"  We are a community theater organization, and our intent is to make public performances accessible to everyone.  When it comes to the selection process, however, we will always defer to the number one rule of dramatics:  The Director is Always Right.

Because of this rule, we might make a few suggestions:

Relax.  This is an opportunity to let your hair down (or put it up).  Don't stress out while reading for a role; life is too precious to frustrate yourself over whether you'll read well or not.

Prepare.  Meet with the director beforehand.  Talk to them about your interest.  Buy a personal copy of the script (they're usually inexpensive!), or research the play online.  Learn about characters, and develop a character that interests you.  Try on several hats in a script before making a hard choice, too. 

Backstage is not second-fiddle.  It's not the end of the world if you don't make it, but it's a valuable opportunity to work stagecraft by taking a backstage role.  All positions are necessary to making a show a success.

Use another's experience to your advantage.  While there may be a more seasoned performer somewhere in the audition hall, you can use them as an asset.  If you have researched the play, you will likely understand their motivations while doing the dry read.  When reading, this is a great opportunity to show the director how you will treat the character.

Do your best.  The director deserves to know if you have the fortitude to bring a role to life.  You deserve to know that you can surprise yourself in how well you can perform a role

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