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NAILED IT! Finding Your Place in High School Theater
Julianne O’Connor is a trained actor and director, with a master’s degree from Castleton University and nearly a decade of experience as a middle and high school theater instructor, choreographer, and director. Here she shares some guidance for finding your perfect role in your high school’s theater program. Break a leg!
What was Andrew Garfield - a.k.a. The Amazing Spider-Man - doing in high school? Well, to start, he was onstage! In fact, most of our favorite actors got their start in acting during high school. It’s during one’s high school years where many acting and technical students decide if theater, film, or television is in their future.
Maybe you want to jump right in and audition for an onstage role, or maybe you want to learn what backstage life is like, or how to run the sound or lighting board. Whatever path you choose, if your school has a theater program, then there’s a spot for you. And if your school doesn’t, look around to other schools in your area (for example, I’m a director at an all-boys school so we feature young women who go to other area schools in our productions) and check out community theater.
When considering diving into a theatrical production, it’s first important to think about the time commitment an onstage or backstage role requires.
“I want to do theater, I just don’t want to give a whole two months of my time. How about, like, a few weeks?”
PERFECT! Stage crew is for you!
Stage crew is about a three-week commitment (check with the director at your school to confirm) when those working offstage come in for the last few weeks of production to help get all of the final pieces in place. An offstage role could be: stage crew (moving set pieces on and off stage), costume assistance, set painting, light board operator, spotlight operator, sound board operator, makeup design, etc.
I’ve had a number of students begin their time in the theater department by working offstage. After students get a show or two under their belt, some even decide to audition for an onstage role.
"I kind of just want to go for it and try for an acting role!”
PERFECT! Let’s get you ready for your audition!
Those cast in a production should be willing to give about two months of their time. When I run a show, rehearsals are typically Monday-Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. You may not be called to every rehearsal, but it’s possible you’ll be needed for a majority of rehearsals. It’s important to manage your school work as well as rehearsals. For my actors, they get from the last school bell at 2:30 until 4:00 p.m. to hopefully knock out all of their homework and get it done by the time rehearsal begins!
Middle and high school theater is all about inclusion and exposure. We want to include as many students as possible, so that everyone gets a chance to test out theater and see if they’re interested in pursuing it long-term. That’s why I do everything in my power to include everyone who wants to be involved in a show in some way, shape, or form. If you want to be involved, be sure to reach out to your school’s director ahead of time to find out what his or her expectations are, and what options are available to you.
"So what are some quick tips?”
- Once the shows for the school year are announced, start learning about them!
- Look up the plot, learn about the characters, consider reading the script if you have access, and definitely listen to the songs on YouTube if it’s a musical!
- Look for the audition announcements. These can be in a student newsletter or newspaper, in “morning announcements,” on posters around the school, or wherever your school advertises important student information. You’ll want to make note of whether or not you need to prepare anything (a song, a monologue, etc.) ahead of time.
- Consider reaching out to the director in advance.
- This is certainly not a requirement, but I’ve had some students reach out either via email or in person before an audition to simply introduce themselves and tell me of their interest in auditioning. It can be helpful to establish a connection with the director ahead of audition day, especially if this is your first time auditioning!
- Arrive on time.
- While this may seem small, it is incredibly important to arrive on time to the audition (and all rehearsals that follow). By arriving on time, you show your commitment to the production and demonstrate that you are serious about helping the show succeed.
- Be positive!
- Whether you’re nervous about acting onstage, singing in front of others, or dancing for the first time, the most important thing you can be is positive! One important thing I always observe is how students present themselves. If you stay positive, cheer on the other students, and work hard, you’ll be wanted on the team.
- Breathe and Prove Yourself
- Acting, singing, and dancing can be intimidating, especially in front of others. When you’re feeling nervous, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down and regain focus.
- It’s important to keep two things in mind during an audition:
- One - If you mess up, shake it off because everyone messes up at some point.
- Two - Show what you can do. Going into an intimidating situation, like an audition, can be tricky to navigate. However, with the mentality of “I need to show what I can do,” you immediately set yourself up for success because you know you have to prove something to those in the room. Be awesome and grab everyone’s attention.
Whether you’re pursuing a longtime passion, looking to challenge yourself in the short-term, or simply hoping to make new friends, joining your high school’s theater department can be a great way to invest your time and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Xaverian Brothers High School
Phone: 781-326-6392
Fax: 781-320-0458
Directions | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
EIN (Tax ID Number): 04-2314036
Fax: 781-320-0458
Directions | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
EIN (Tax ID Number): 04-2314036
Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.
