This list of commonly asked questions that should give you more information about participating in EDMT's productions. Please read it thoroughly before registering for a show. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please ask us by e-mail.

When are rehearsals and how often are they scheduled?

Show rehearsals and other show related events for each EDMT production are scheduled in advance. Times are listed on the Show Calendar page and accessed by clicking the show title. Usually, rehearsals are scheduled Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (with the addition of Wednesday for summer shows) with some Saturday rehearsals closer to the show opening. Not all cast members rehearse every day. Monday rehearsals are usually for the lead characters only. Tuesday and Thursday rehearsals are for the full cast, however depending on progress of performers special calls may be scheduled as needed.

Weekday rehearsals are usually from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, rehearsals are usually from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

During production weeks, all rehearsals are MANDATORY for the entire cast. Mandatory rehearsals may run later in the evening. You may not miss any rehearsals during production weeks, or you may be removed from the show.

The Parent Meeting, scheduled after the cast list is posted is the first Mandatory event. You will incur one full absence if you miss this meeting.

Where are rehearsals?

Rehearsals primarily take place at EDMT, 5011 Golden Foothill Pkwy, Unit #4, in the El Dorado Hills Business Park off of Latrobe Rd., however during summer productions we must utilize at other locations for some of the rehearsals, usually at a near by school or church. Specific rehearsal locations are listed on the calendar and provided in the weekly news bulletins.

Where are the performances?

Venues will be announced prior to each show. In the past we have performed at Oak Ridge High School and Folsom High School.

What if I have a schedule conflict?

All known schedule conflicts must be noted on your audition form. You are allowed up to 3 absences. An Appeal for Reinstatement form must be signed in order to continue rehearsing if more than 3 regular rehearsals are missed. Conflicts will NOT be allowed during production weeks or during the performances, period, or you may not be able to do another EDMT production. (Extenuating circumstances such as a death in the family will not have consequences.)

Who do I go to when I have a question?

Please go to the Parent Volunteer Coordinator. Please avoid disrupting rehearsals by going directly to the Director, or artistic staff. You will meet the Parent Volunteer Coordinator(s) at the Mandatory Parent Meeting. A Contact List is also distributed at the Parent Meeting.

What is Sidelining?

Sidelining is a disciplinary action in which a cast member is temporarily removed from rehearsal activities for inappropriate behavior. The authority administering that sideline determines its duration. Once the sideline duration has been completed, the cast member may return to rehearsal.

Each sidelining results in an automatic half (1/2) absence. A cast member may incur multiple sidelines in a single day. Cast members may be permanently removed from the production immediately upon their total absence count (including absences, tardies, early departure, and sidelines) exceeding three (3) days.

EDMT staff may administer sidelining. This includes but is not limited to: Director, Choreographer, Choreographer's Assistant, and Vocal Director.

What does it cost to participate in an EDMT production?

The Tuition Fee, or your cost to participate in a show, is typically $295. (Training Shows are lower. Please see the specific audition information for those shows.) In addition there is a Parent Participation Deposit fee of $75 (*see below) per family, and each family is also responsible to purchase one raffle ticket book of 20 tickets for $5.00 each for a total of $100 to help underwrite the production expenses. You may choose to sell the raffle tickets and reimburse yourself or turn in the raffle tickets for a chance to win the prize.

Some additional costs you can anticipate include: make-up (approximately $20), wigs if needed, any specific performance shoes if needed. Optional items include; show sweatshirts/t-shirts or other collectibles, personal messages or advertisement in the playbill, photographs, and tickets to the shows.

Cast members do not receive complimentary tickets. Individual ticket prices range from $12 - $20.

*A Parent Participation Deposit of $75 is required at auditions/registration. This deposit is returned at the end of the production if the 20 hour minimum participation is met. (more information.)

If I have more than one siblings in a production, is there a price break?

Yes, if two siblings participate in the same show the tuition is $275 each. If three or more siblings participate in the same show the tuition is $250 for each.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes. The EDMT Board of Directors awards up to three (3) full scholarships for a show with a cast size of 50, or up to six (6) full scholarships for a show with a cast size of 100, to individuals deemed most appropriate from the pool of applications.

Each scholarship is equivalent to one tuition charge. In addition, EDMT will waive the $75 parent participation deposit, but not the parent participation. High school students may opt to complete the parent volunteer hours on their own. Award decisions will be made by the board of directors based on desire to attend, potential benefit to applicant, and financial need. Scholarship recipients must be in good standing with the company and commit to remain in the show regardless of whether or not a lead role is obtained.

The deadline for applications is typically a week prior to the beginning of online registration for that show.

To apply for a scholarship, please submit in writing via e-mail a letter which begins: Please consider me for an EDMT scholarship because.... Include reasons that would motivate the board of directors to offer you a scholarship. Include your name, address and a telephone number at which you can be reached.

Please e-mail letter to wadesherman@edmt.info.

What is my volunteer time commitment as a parent?

Without a certain number of volunteer hours from every cast member family, the show cannot go forward. By having a performer in an EDMT production, as a parent or guardian, you agree to contribute at least 20 hours of your time. Depending on how involved you wish to be, your total volunteer hours will average from one (1) to ten (10) hours per week during the next six (6) to eight (8) weeks. More details will follow at the Mandatory Parent Meeting.

If you choose not to participate as a parent, you will forfeit your $75 parent participation deposit. If you decide you do not want to volunteer you may fill out a Forfeit form (on the EDMT parent page) and turn it in. If you do not sign up after 3 weeks into rehearsal the show staff will automatically assign you to unfilled positions and notify you. It is then your responsibility to fulfill that role or find an appropriate substitute.

Is the volunteer time commitment for EACH child I have participating?

No, parent participation is a per family, per workshop/production commitment and does not increase with additional children you have in the show.

Am I required to sell Raffle Tickets?

Each Family registering must pay $100.00 for raffle tickets as part of the registration fee for their child, up front. There is a prize for the winning raffle ticket holder. You may sell your raffle tickets to recoup you cost. It's a fun and worthwhile way to get your neighbors and friends informed, involved and supporting EDMT.

How am I kept informed during the production?

E-mail is the primary source of communication. This communication will be sent on a weekly basis and at times on a daily basis. It is extremely important that you check your e-mail for periodic updates regarding details of the production. In addition, EDMT has a web "Cast Page" with information and forms.

What else should I know?

Being a part of this show will require all the members of your family to make this production a priority within their schedules. It will require teamwork, support and flexibility from everyone. It will also require you to smile and laugh a lot, have fun, meet new people, watch your child grow as a performer, and enjoy the time spent with the entire El Dorado Musical Theatre family.

We are glad you are here.

Welcome.


If you have any questions that have not been answered here, please ask us by e-mail or call (916) 941-SING.