Cirillo Summer Theatre

Question - What are the fees for 2009?

Answer -  The Town of Windsor Recreation Department charges a fee to offset production, building, and maintenance costs.  As taxpayers, Windsor residents pay $120 for the junior division program and $130 for the senior division.  The non-resident fee is slightly higher, $160 for junior division and $170 for senior division.  Junior division participants are urged to register early at the L. P. Wilson Community Center, 599 Matianuck Ave., Windsor.  Casting is guaranteed for all who register for junior division, but registration is capped at 40 participants.  Senior division actors may register early in-person but in any event are required to register at their audition, if they have not yet done so.  Sr. division actors must book an audition date by e-mailing the Artistic Director at suejvin@cox.net, prior to June 8.  Unfortunately, casting cannot be guaranteed for the senior division.  All monies submitted will be refunded to those unable to be cast. 

Question - We are going on vacation.  Does that mean that my child cannot participate?

Answer - Not necessarily.  It's always best to discuss vacation plans with me, the Artistic Director, before registration/auditions.  Certainly, attendance is critical to the success of any production.  We encourage families to schedule vacations after the shows, whenever possible.  However, we do try to work with families.  Write to suejvin@cox.net with the following information: (a) junior or senior division; and (b) planned vacation dates.  Additionally, on the registration form, we do supply an area for conflicts.  It is important that you note those conflicts on that form, whether discussed previously with me or not.

Question - When do you rehearse?

Answer - Our junior division rehearses afternoons from 1:00 - 3:30 P.M., daily for five to six weeks.  Our senior division rehearses evenings, beginning at 6:30 P.M., on average, four times per week for eight weeks..

Question - When are the shows?

Answer - For our 2009 season, the junior division will perform on July 31 at 7:30 P.M. and on August 1 at 1:00 P.M. and again at 7:30 P.M.  The senior division will perform on August 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 at 7:30 P.M. and on August 9 at 2:00 P.M.

Question - How do you cast the shows?

Answer - For the junior division, casting is the responsibility of the Junior Division Director and her Rehearsal Assistant/Choreographer, both of whom are very experienced in acting, singing, and dancing.  Casting takes place later in the first meeting, and students generally go home that first day knowing which part(s) is assigned to them.  Students enrolled in the junior division are guaranteed a role within the production. 

For the senior division, casting is the responsibility of the Directing Staff and any other adults appointed by the Directing Staff.  (Any appointees are generally experienced professionals in the field of music, dance, and acting.)  Present during auditions and at the casting committee meeting are a few others who will be working on the show in various capacities.  Their presence is needed to help with administrative details, but they are not in any way involved with the casting process.  Casting takes place following "call back" auditions, if any.  Each student who auditioned will either receive a phone call on the weekend following the audition to alert them to casting information or a general e-mail will be sent out to all auditioning students.  Most students who audition will receive a role.  For those whom are unable to be cast, a refund of the registration fee is guaranteed.

For both divisions, the following applies:  It is the policy of the Cirillo Summer Theatre to keep casting information confidential.  It will not be discussed with the auditioning student, other students, or any other person.  All casting decisions are final.  Lastly, teamwork is the cornerstone to a successful production!  No one part is more important than any other part in a show, and no one, absolutely no one, is bigger than the show itself!

Question - What is the senior division waiting list and why do you have it?

Answer - Due to the popularity of the Cirillo Summer Theatre, we are, unfortunately, unable to offer an audition to all who would like one.  We have a limited amount of time to see people and rather than rush people through their audition, we have chosen to institute a waiting list.  This year, we will offer auditions to the first sixty people who request one, expecting to cast a total of fifty.  Other students who would like an audition are put on our waiting list and are called on a space available basis.  It is definitely worth it to join the waiting list!  As summer plans become solidified, some students who had previously scheduled an audition find that they are unable to make the commitment.  In that case, we go to our waiting list!  As of this writing (April, 2009), our audition spots are filled and we are appointing people to the waiting list.  However, there have already been changes so that we have been able to move people from the waiting list to the audition list!  Therefore, we urge you not to hesitate.  Send an e-mail to suejvin@cox.net with the following information:  name, age in June 2009, home address, e-mail address, home phone, and cell phone.

Question - My child would like to work backstage.  To whom do we speak about that?

Answer - We are always looking to develop talent in the various backstage areas.  Contact the Artistic Director at suejvin@cox.net to inquire.  Note, students who work backstage are doing so as volunteers.  They do not pay a registration fee to the program.  However, we do expect the same level of commitment as we do from any other member of the program.  Our commitment to these volunteers is that we will offer them as much opportunity to learn and explore their area of interest as possible.

Question - Do you use a live band?

Answer - The senior division uses a live primarily student orchestra for its show.  (Of late, we have also welcomed experienced adult instrumentalists.)  Selections for the pit orchestra are made by the Instrumental Director.  Generally, to qualify, students will be of high school or college age.  Those who have played successfully with us are contacted first to see if they would like to return the following summer.  Newcomers are welcome as spots become available.  Generally, the Instrumental Director will speak to the student's music teacher regarding that student's level of expertise and may ask the student to audition.  Students involved in the orchestra do not pay a registration fee for the program.  However, the same level of commitment that is expected of any other member of the theatre group is also expected from them. 

Music for the junior division show is pre-recorded by the company from whom we purchase scripts and pay a royalty.