ASGT: Your Talents

Artistic Involvement: Your Talents

Following are descriptions of many of the activities that are involved in bringing a production up to opening night, through its run, and after it’s over. It is not unusual for a potential director to line up the balance of his/her artistic and management team — stage manager, choreographer, music director, set designer, etc.

Directing

Interest in directorial opportunities can arise any time during the year. Some people contact us with a recommendation of a production to stage and a request that they have an opportunity to direct it. Some contact us and ask to be considered for an open position next season.

But the major interest in directing is inspired by the announcement of our new season, generally within three months with the close of the previous season. A call for directors follows, and interviews take place during board meetings in December and January. Traditionally, all directors are selected by the end of January to give them plenty of lead time. Directors may not appear in productions they direct, except as understudies.

Are you interested in Directing? Email the Production Director (prod_dir@summergarden.com) to express your interest and request our Director Application Form. It will give you a good idea of what we’ll be asking you about. You can either email the form back or print and mail it to: Production Director, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, 143 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Acting, Singing & Dancing

Need we say more? If it’s your desire to stand before the footlights, give it a try. It’s very important that you read the descriptions of roles carefully to determine whether or not you believe you can fulfill them. If you want to join a chorus line, know how to do the required steps (and others) and sing the required styles (and others).

Are you interested in Performing? Email the Production Director (prod_dir@summergarden.com) to express your interest and request an Audition Application. You will be asked to perform each of the disciplines required for the role or roles you’re being considered for. All auditions will be advertised in the print media and on the ASGT website and will be open to anyone who wishes to participate.

All potential cast members must audition. Judging all auditions will be the Director, Choreographer, Music Director, Production Manager/Stage Manager, Production Director or designee and the Board Liaison. The Director has the final say on casting.

DO NOT MAIL OR E-MAIL AN AUDITION APPLICATION TO ASGT. You must submit your application in person at the time of your audition. Copies will be available at the site. For more details on auditioning, please visit our Auditions page.

Music

The frequency of live music and the size of orchestration have been increasing in recent years. All but one production in 2006 and 2007 involved live music, and orchestras numbered as many as nine. Obviously, the substance of the production will determine both the size and mix of instrumentation. You may also be asked to perform for a pre-taped musical score.

Are you interested in serving as Music Director or Musician for ASGT productions? If so, you may express interest in a specific show by emailing the Production Director (prod_dir@summergarden.com).

Better yet, get on file — Complete our Participation Form. This will give you an opportunity to let us know what you do, what you have done, and when you’re available. We will keep you on file until you tell us not to, and we will be ableto quickly select potential musicians by instrument, musical strengths and other parameters.

Stage Manager

Stage Managers work hand in hand with directors to bring productions into fruition, and then they take over full responsibility for the show as of opening night. Directors will make final adjustments after the final dress rehearsal and will attend one or more performances, but they are in touch solely with the stage manager from that point on. There is no detail that the Stage Manager does not supervise. Suffice it to say that theatre experience is essential.

Are you interested in Stage Managing? Please complete our Participation Form. It should be noted that Directors have a major say in the selection of a stage manager and may team with a candidate of choice prior to applying for their role. You can complete the form online and send it directly to ASGT’s Production Director, or you can print it, fill it out and mail it to Production Director, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, 143 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Choreography

The amount of dance requirement varies from production to production, but it is a rare instance when the choreography is not essential. Get on board!

Are you interested in serving as Choreographer? If so, you may express an interest in a specific show by emailing the Production Director (prod_dir@summergarden.com) or visit our Participation Form so that you are on file for any choreography requirement we have. Note: Do not submit this form if you want to dance in shows. That is a function of Auditioning.

Sets, Props & Costumes

ASGT is working toward the unification of sets for all productions in a given year. Given the increasing cost of building supplies and the slim window we have between the end of one production and the beginning of the next, it behooves us to create as many “common elements” as we can. Some parts of sets may transition from one show to the next, while other structures may just require redecoration.

Retention of sets from year to year is not a prime consideration, however, for two reasons. Our ability to store sets and set pieces is limited. And our sets suffer from exposure in our outdoor environment. Thus, the designers and constructors must be especially creative for one year at a time. Costumes, too, require more than design and stitchery. The ability to find suitable clothing, whether drawn from our “attic,” used clothing sources, other theatrical companies and loans is critical. Then, the ability to put all of this together with original creations can contribute as much to the success of a production than any acting or dancing performance.

Props Managers have to have a yard sale instinct too, and it helps to have a “network.” It’s a matter of find, beg and borrow to a large extent, supplemented with buy and build where necessary. Once found, cataloged and organized, the Prop Manager’s responsibility extends to maintenance and repair during the production and return/thanking after it’s over.

Are you interested in Sets, Props or Costumes? If so, you may express interest in a specific show by emailing the Production Director (prod_dir@summergarden.com) or go to our Participation Form so that you are on file for any requirement we have.

Behind the Scenes

Numerous other behind-the-scenes personnel are required, from backups for all management positions to techies to grunt-work. Even the person who sees to it that costumes are pressed every night pays a critical part to the success of the show. To some extent, actors provide some of their own scene changes. But with timing such an important part of showmanship, many other “roles” also need to be filled. So whether newbie or veteran, get in touch with us and see where you might fit in.

Are you interested in Backstage Support? If so, you may express interest in a specific show by emailing the Production Director (prod_dir@summergarden.com) or go to our Participation Form so that you are on file for any requirement we have.