Walpole Children's Theatre
For children, by children since 1969
Announcing Winter 2021 Show
WCT is happy to announce that we are putting on “Bottle of Joy” by Charles E. Bright this winter in accordance with state guidelines! The show will not be performed in front of a live audience; instead it will be pre-recorded and shown virtually as a streaming event on this spring.
Children aged 10-20 are welcome to submit audition videos by Tuesday, February 23. Bottle of Joy is different than a typical WCT production, with it having a running time of around 30 minutes and only 8 individuals in the cast. Rehearsals will be virtual to start, but actors will be required to meet in-person towards the end of March when recording will begin (with a schedule that minimizes the number of actors together at one time).
There was a lot of thought put into how we can safely deliver a theatrical experience for our actors, families, and patrons during these challenging times this past summer, and even more so now this season. We look forward to working with you again to put on an amazing production.
Background
WCT usually puts on shows that involve months of in-person rehearsals, which culminate in several performances for live audiences. Given the situation with COVID-19, it is not possible for us to have performances with live audiences this production. Instead, we will be pre-recording the show and hosting a live virtual event later this spring.
We will not be having in-person auditions. Instead, children aged 10-20 who are interested in auditioning for the show are asked to fill out a form, which will involve uploading several different audition videos. The deadline for these submissions is Tuesday, February 23. A portion of auditionees will be asked to attend virtual callback auditions on Saturday, February 27 at 12pm. See below for more detailed information on auditions.
Virtual rehearsals will begin on Sunday, February 28 for those who are cast in the production. Cast members will be required to have an internet-connected device with a camera in order to participate in these virtual rehearsals (if this would be a problem, please reach out to us).
Schedule
Audition Information
In lieu of in-person auditions, auditionees are asked to:
- Assess whether they will be able to meet the expectations for this special show (detailed below)
- Complete the audition form: BOTTLE OF JOY AUDITIONS
- As part of the audition form linked above all auditionees are asked to upload three videos
- Audition submissions are due by Tuesday, February 23 at 7PM
- If you have technical issues with the above form, please email wctboxoffice@gmail.com
If you would you like to see an example of a "Madame Dido" monologue being performed, play the video to the right to see WCT alum, Madeline Adelle Phillips, perform her version. In addition to modeling, Madeline has been performing on stage and in films across the country. To learn more about her, go to www.madelineadellephillips.com
State Guidance on Covid-19
The state of Massachusetts has a phased approach to re-opening. On July 6th, 2020, the state entered “Phase 3” of the reopening plan. In Phase 3, state guidelines allow for “non-athletic instructional classes in arts/education/life skills for youths under 18 years of age”.
Phase 3 also allows for “indoor theaters, concert halls, and other performance venues of moderate capacity”, but WCT will not be performing for live audiences for this show.
Our Expectations for Participating Cast Members
In-Person Rehearsals
- Cast members are expected to attend in person rehearsals beginning on 3/18/21 at the earliest (unless state guidance changes)
- See our in-person rehearsal protocols below for more information on expected behavior for cast and crew when meeting physically
- Cast members have access to a computer or phone with a camera and are able to join Zoom video calls
- If you think this might be a problem, please reach out to us
- Listed on audition form
- Family/medical emergencies
- Not listed on audition form, but informed production staff as soon as possible (not recurring)
- Non-emergency, production staff informed day of rehearsal
- Absent without informing production staff
- Any absences after 3/18/21
- After two unexcused absences family and cast member will meet with production staff
- Unexcused absences can potentially result in loss of role and/or impact future casting
- Consequences are at discretion of production staff
In-Person Event Protocols
As stated, in-person rehearsals will not begin until 3/18/21 at the earliest. During these rehearsals/film sessions the group will abide by the following protocols:
- All attendees must self-certify that they have not experienced Covid-19 symptoms before arriving at the in-person event
- All attendees will participate in a temperature check upon arrival
- Rehearsals will be scheduled to limit the number of cast members present to the greatest extent possible
- Social distancing
- All persons are recommended to remain at least six feet apart to the greatest extent possible.
- Face and nose coverings required for contact less than six feet
- Hygiene and sanitation
- All common surfaces to be disinfected prior to and at the close of each day.
- Handwashing immediately after close contact. If facilities do not have bathrooms WCT will provide hand sanitizer 60% alcohol or greater.
- Regular sanitation of high touch areas will be conducted. Disinfectant spray and gloves will be available at all venues for sanitation purposes.
- Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and exit doors.
- If a member of WCT has tested positive for the virus:
- All WCT members in contact with that individual will be notified. (copy of attendance lists will be furnished upon request of Public Health Officials)
- All venues will be contacted immediately.
- All members of WCT will remain on Self-Certify Protocol
- Any member who tests positive will need to complete a “Safe to Return” questionnaire before a return is considered
- If the positive member had come into physical contact with other WCT members, we would defer to the Board of Health and likely put the entire production on hold until further notice
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you put on a show during a pandemic?
Even though state guidelines may allow moderate-sized audiences for theatre productions by the time our show is ready in March, we will not be performing for a live audience. We will have virtual rehearsals until 3/18/21 at which point there will be in-person rehearsals.
Is this in line with state and local guidance?
Yes. Phase 3 of Massachusetts’ reopening plan allows for “non-athletic instructional classes in arts/education/life skills for youths under 18 years of age”. For more information on Massachusetts' COVID-19 regulations please visit: mass.gov/lists/covid-19-regulations-guidance.
When will cast members be required to meet in person?
The first scheduled in-person rehearsal is 3/18/2021. Not all cast members will attend all in-person rehearsals. Rehearsals will be broken up by scene to minimize the number of people at each rehearsal.
What processes are in place to encourage safe interaction during in-person rehearsals?
Physical distancing and mask-wearing are required during in-person rehearsals. Hand sanitizer will be available at interior entrances and exits. All surfaces will be sanitized daily. Temperatures will be recorded for both cast and crew upon arrival.
How can cast members remain 6 feet from each other, wearing facemasks, if they are recording a play together?
All cast members are expected to wear facemasks. Cast members will remain more than 6 feet from each other, unless rehearsing or filming dictates a shorter distance. All crew members will wear facemasks at all times and remain more than 6 feet from cast members as much as possible.
What if Massachusetts reverts back to Phase 2 of the reopening plan?
WCT will review any new restrictions and regulations of Massachusetts' reopening plan and revise our protocols as needed. We are prepared to modify our in-person rehearsal and filming schedule to accommodate and prioritize safety.