MTC Kids Production Workshops

MTC is committed to bringing you quality theater productions while fostering the talent and creativity of our community's youth. The MTC staff is a group of experienced and devoted individuals who truly love working with kids in the arts. We are so excited to work with you and get started on a kids production!

This is a 6 to 8 week session commitment (depends on season and production) (Summer Camp 2 week session).

• MTC productions are auditioned performing groups, and commitment is expected (please see Conflicts section).
• Dance techniques and singing are required. Additional dance classes are encouraged (please see McLaughlin Studio dance schedule).
• It is also strongly recommended that members of MTC productions take private voice lessons (please see McLaughlin Studio Music Faculty for instructor options and contact McLaughlin Studios to schedule lessons).
• Most productions include the costumes, however parents may be asked to purchase shoes, tights and other needed accessories (please see Costumes section).
• Parents are required to provide a minimum of 12 hours of volunteer work during each production (please see Parent Volunteer Hours section).
• Some productions also offer one or two need based work scholarships. Please contact the studio office if you feel you are eligible for a need based scholarship: (916) 652-6377.

Ages

Most MTC kids Productions are for students age 6 to 12 or 14(depending on the production). Some Exceptions (such as 5 year olds)  are clearly posted on the individual productions.

Tuition for MTC Kids Production Workshops

Production Workshop Tuition Includes

Program participation, t-shirt, basic costume, cast party, head shot. Parent responsible for costume shoes, undergarments, accessories, hair and makeup. Payment must be received at time of registration. Maximum production size is 40. No refunds or make-ups. Credit/debit cards may be used for registration. Payment may be made in advance or in 2 monthly instalments. Further details to be handed out at auditions and parent meeting.

NOTE: This is an audition only musical theatre production; however, everyone who auditions will be included in our production. Auditions are for character placement only.

Parent Volunteer Hours

Parents will be required to complete 12 volunteer hours or may choose to pay a $100 opt out fee. A deposit of $100 must be submitted prior to the start of rehearsals and will be refunded if parent volunteer hours are completed. More information will be provided at the MANDATORY parent meeting when your child is cast.

Costumes

Most productions include the costumes, however parents may be asked to purchase shoes, tights, unitards, and other needed accessories and makeup pertaining to their child's role.

Conflicts

An MTC kids production is a 6 to 8 week session commitment. MTC productions are auditioned performing groups, and commitment is expected. If a member misses more than 4 rehearsals during a production the student will be placed on probation with the possibility of not participating in the performances. If a student is absent when choreography is taught, they will not be in that number. Attendance at performances is required, unless very sick. Not all cast members will be called for every rehearsal. A rehearsal schedule will be provided at the first rehearsal and updates will be emailed as needed. All cast members are expected to attend every rehearsal unless specified by the director. Also, NO absences will be permitted during tech week. Cast Members with more than 3 excused absences notated on their conflicts section of the audition and registration paperwork will not be eligible for lead roles in the production.

Cast Bios & Headshots

All cast members must have a printed bio for the production's program. Bios must be no more than 400 characters including spaces, written in 3rd party form and must be submitted by the bio deadline in order to be printed in the program. Bios received after the deadline will not be printed. Bios will be due no later than the fourth week of rehearsal. Please e-mail your bio to the theatre email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Headshots of each cast member will be taken for the program. The date will be announced one week in advance on the production calendar.

Script Rental/Purchase

The script that is given to each actor needs to be kept in the same condition in which it is received. Parents are required to give a $35 script rental deposit prior to cast member receiving their script. Or you may opt to purchase your script for $35. Scripts are handed out after the Mandatory Parent Meeting immediately following the first production rehearsal. Script deposit is refundable at the end of the show's run provided the scripts are returned in good condition and without any highlighter, pen or pencil markings. If notes have been taken in pencil, please make sure they are completely erased before the script is returned. Note: scripts are available for purchase for $35, instead of the deposit. If scripts are not received by the last performance date it is yours to keep and we will process your entire deposit as payment for the script.

• Please arrive 30 Minutes before your audition time to fill out registration paperwork. This may be completed in advance.
• Closed toe shoes are required. If inappropriate shoes are worn, you will not be allowed to participate.
• NO FLIP FLOPS or BARE FEET!
• Hair should be out of eyes and pulled back off face.
• Clothing should allow actors to move freely.
• Open cast call; all participants will be accepted. Lead and ensemble roles will be given out after callbacks.
• Please prepare and bring sheet music or karaoke CD for a 1 minute portion of a song from a Broadway show (not from the show you are auditioning for). Children under age 10 can sing a simple song of their choice.
• A karaoke track is needed or you can sing acapella.
• Headshots and resumes are recommended but not required.
• No prepared monologue needed.
• Please bring a list of dates that conflict with rehearsals to your audition day and time.

To sign up for auditions you may follow the link on the MTC website to schedule your audition time online or you may call the studio to ask questions and register by phone. You are also more than welcome to stop by McLaughlin Studios and register in person. We are always happy to help. Call (916) 652-6377 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Callbacks

After all auditions are completed for a Kids Production, the artistic team will schedule callback auditions. Callbacks are second auditions that help the team decide the best actors for certain roles in the production. Please be assured that if your child does not receive a callback audition time we have already made a decision regarding which role they will be cast as in the production.

Cast List

Cast lists will be posted prior to the first rehearsal or given out at the first rehearsal for each MTC Kids Production (Directors choice). It will include the child's name and the name of the character they have been cast as for the production. In the case of large production casts, we will double cast many roles. In this instance the double casted actor will perform 50% of the performances as the double casted character and 50% of the performances as an ensemble member of the cast. Each cast member of the production will participate in every performance.

Normal Rehearsal Times

• One or two weekday evenings (usually Tuesday/Thursday), and Saturday and Sunday morning/afternoons.
• Rehearsals times will be added as needed as we near opening of our production.

Individual cast members will not be called for every rehearsal. It is important to check the posted schedule frequently to notate scheduled rehearsal times, dates, and to keep up on schedule changes. The rehearsal schedule is emailed to the cast and updated as needed.

Parent Meeting

A Mandatory Parent meeting is held immediately following the first rehearsal for all Kids productions. Each cast member must have a parent, guardian, or adult family member in attendance at the parent meeting.

The majority of MTC Kids Productions will consist of three performances as well as one to four community performance dates. Dates and details are dependent on the time of year our show is produced, the number of cast members in the production, and available community events. It is the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian(s) to be aware of all production activities including rehearsal schedule, performance dates, bio deadlines, etc. All of our dates and details are available in the emails in our production calendar.

Tech week is a very important part of all MTC Kids Productions. It is the week that we polish the show and have the opportunity to work with sets, props, sound, and lights for the first time. It is mandatory that all cast members attend each and every tech week rehearsal. Tech week is five to seven consecutive days of rehearsal to get ready for opening night. It's fun, it's exciting and exhilarating. Please make sure your child gets lots of sleep, eats well, and is ready for this rigorous week of rehearsal.

There is a MANDATORY STRIKE DAY for all cast members. "Strike" is a load-out work day which consists of tearing down sets, returning all costumes and props, cleaning out the theatre space, etc. For all jr. productions, strike will take place immediately following the closing performance. Strike contributes to the 12 hours of parent volunteer hours, and the opt-out fee will be incurred if cast member does not participate in strike.

There will be a cast party immediately following the final performance and strike (or the coming week) of each MTC Kids Production.

• Be familiar with the rehearsal schedule and attend all scheduled rehearsals.
• Be on time.
• Wear proper attire for rehearsal.
• No open-toed, or backless shoes. Dance, character, or tennis shoes only.
• Please have hair pulled back and out of actors face.
• No short skirts. (wear clothes that can be easily moved in)
• No cell phones or any other electronic devices during rehearsals.
• No gum chewing at rehearsals or performances.
• Be prepared for rehearsal.
• Always bring a PENCIL for taking notes/blocking.
• Bring only WATER in a CLOSED CONTAINER to drink.
• Be familiar with scenes before you rehearse them.
• Memorize all lines and songs by their deadline.
• Be prepared for all entrances and exits.
• Do not distract other actors or disrupt the rehearsal.

If you are going to be late to rehearsal for any reason, please contact MTC at (916) 652-6377 to let us know!

Still have questions? We are always happy to help. Please feel free to give us a call or email and we will do our best to get back to you promptly.