Frequently Asked Questions
We’re located in the Arsenal Center for the Arts at 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472. The entrance to the center is under the glass portico, next to Panera Bread. The WCT Drama Space is on the second floor mezzanine of the Arsenal Center for the Arts.
What is WCT’s relationship with the Arsenal Center for the Arts?
Our beautiful theatre space and all of our rehearsal spaces are in the Arsenal Center for the Arts, which houses resident theatre companies (WCT is one) and many other arts programs. This gives us an opportunity to interact with many other people engaged in the business of making or enjoying art. Sometimes there will be a performance going on in one of the theatres while we are having rehearsal. We want to be respectful of the other users of the building by talking quietly when outside our own room, particularly in the front entrance lobby, hallways, and directly outside the theatre doors.
WCT has programming for students in Kindergarten – 12th grade. Adults may also take private voice lessons.
How can I audition for a show?
Our shows are cast from the pool of participants who register for the program; we do not hold entrance auditions. If a child is registered in the program, that child WILL be in the show. We hold individual auditions after the program is enrolled in order for the artistic staff to determine the best casting for each child in consideration of the production as a whole.
Rehearsals are scheduled for different times on each week for any show:
- Musicals: Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- Junior Players: Mondays
- Play Factory: Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Page to Stage: Fall/Spring: Saturdays; Winter: Thursdays
- My Story: Saturdays
- Workshops: TBA
Participants should expect that some weeks they may be called for rehearsal on all rehearsal days, some weeks less than that. In addition, it is often the case that participants will be called to attend rehearsal for only part of the rehearsal time on a given day. It is WCT’s goal to keep students active and engaged throughout the process. We schedule actors only for scenes/songs that they are actively a part of in order to keep each student feeling productive and involved during his/her time in rehearsal.
Can I watch my child’s class/rehearsal?
We ask that parents not attend classes with their children, as all classes are participatory and observation by non-participants can be inhibiting. WCT makes reasonable accommodation for all children; however, parental assistance may be required in some medical and/or behavioral situations, at the discretion of program staff.
What preparation is expected for WCT classes/rehearsals?
We expect children to arrive on time, dressed in clothing and shoes that are safe and practical for movement activities. For most programs, a pencil and a bottle of water will be useful to have for each rehearsal. If any special items are needed for class, the instructor or show staff will inform the parents in advance. Dates for line/song memorization are sent home in advance, but students should start memorizing early! In addition, as no snacks are allowed during our rehearsal times except during production week, we ask that your child eat before or after rehearsals and not plan to eat during rehearsal time.
What if I miss a class/rehearsal?
It is expected that students take their commitment seriously. We ask that students be absent only in cases of emergency or illness, and that parents contact program staff if a child is unable to attend a class or rehearsal due to an unavoidable conflict. Excessive absences may result in dismissal from any program.
Should I bring my child if he/she is sick?
If your child has any of the symptoms below, we ask that you inform us, and keep him/her home from rehearsal until the symptoms subside or he/she is cleared by a doctor. Symptoms include cough, runny nose, fever greater than 101 F, chills, aching muscles. Most children with mild flu symptoms do not need to visit their doctor, but we feel it is prudent to keep your child out of rehearsal if s/he is experiencing these symptoms, especially if there is a fever.
Although our absence policy allows only 2 excused absences, any changes to a child’s role due to additional or prolonged absences due to illness will be addressed on a case by case basis. Should children arrive for rehearsals/classes presenting with flu-like symptoms, parents will be contacted immediately to pick up their child.
Although our absence policy allows only 2 excused absences, any changes to a child’s role due to additional or prolonged absences due to illness will be addressed on a case by case basis. Should children arrive for rehearsals/classes presenting with flu-like symptoms, parents will be contacted immediately to pick up their child.
Will a class/rehearsal ever be cancelled?
Due to the challenges of New England weather, there may be a time when a session is cancelled due to snow or ice. If this is the case, an email will be sent to all participants in advance regarding the status of the class or rehearsal. Messages will also be place on the homepage of our website and on the Announcements line at WCT (617-926-ARTS ext 6). NOTE: WCT does not follow the public school closing system, so please contact us to find out about the status of a class or rehearsal, even if your school is closed.
What if I leave something behind at class/rehearsal?
WCT has a lost and found that is kept under the green vanity in the WCT Drama Space. Always check for any missing items there. At the end of the program, please check the box for any personal items – unclaimed items are donated to charity after each quarter’s programming has ended.
The Bulletin Board is a one-stop online location for production information. On this page, the rehearsal schedules, notices, and forms for the cast will be posted in downloadable PDF format, so that parents can access any of these forms and documents without having to request extra copies from the staff. If your child misses a rehearsal, this is also a place to look for any missed information that may have gone home. A password is required to access the Bulletin Board, and will be provided to parents at the beginning of each program.
Why am I on a waitlist for Voice Lessons?
WCT’s Voice Lesson Policy allows students to keep their assigned slots as long as they continue to register in consecutive terms. As a result, new slots only become available at the transition between terms when/if any ongoing students decide not to continue.* People who are interested in having voice lessons with WCT are kept on a ‘waitlist’ to be notified as spaces become available.
*continuing student status does not extend to new students registering for summer session.
Where does our registration fee go?
To pay for space rental in this building, costumes, props, lights, show royalties, and staff salaries. The WCT is a non-profit organization, largely run by a volunteer board, and puts any money raised directly back into the programming to benefit the children.
Why are parents asked to volunteer for a committee?
In order to keep our registration fees as low as possible, and therefore accessible to all children, we require volunteer help on our major productions to supplement the work of the hard-working board and staff. Over many years we have found it a wonderful way to include parents in one of their children’s activities and to build a strong WCT community. View our Parent Committee Descriptions (.pdf) here.
How do I purchase tickets for a WCT production?
The first way to order tickets is through pre-sale. These tickets sell at the same price as public ticket sales (including a small online purchase fee), but are guaranteed as long as you order before public sales begin. Each cast member is allotted a certain number of presale tickets for each show. Once pre-sale has ended, public sales will be opened, and additional tickets can be purchased online or by phone through Brown Paper Tickets. For more information, visit our Tickets page.
Hay there I’m a 12 year old ballet student and I’m thinking of joining because my schedule changes at times r ur classes on weekends because my ballet lessons r on weekdays
We occasionally do offer classes on weekends – unfortunately, this spring there are no weekend programs scheduled for your age range. Our musicals always rehearse on a Wednesday/Friday/Sundays, and Play Factory productions always meet on Tuesday/Thursdays. We really hope one of our future programs will fit into your schedule so you can join us. Please sign up for our email list to be notified of future WCT offerings!
Hi! When you audition for one of the musicals, what are they looking for? What do you have to do? THANKS
Hi Julia,
Our shows are cast from the pool of participants who register for the program; we do not hold entrance auditions. If a child is registered in the program, that child WILL be in the show. We hold individual auditions after the program is enrolled in order for the artistic staff to determine the best casting for each child in consideration of the production as a whole.Our auditions consist of three parts – singing, dancing and acting. On the first day of auditions (usually a Sunday), the actors receive a scene to work on, learn two songs from the show, and learn a piece of choreography. The following two days (usually Wednesday and Friday), actors perform for the director, music director and choreographer. We make sure each student feels comfortable during their audition and is having fun! We hope you join us for a show soon!
I’d like to sign up my 6th grade daughter for The Pajama Game, but we are not certain yet of her weekend schedule in the winter, and rehearsals will be on Sundays. If we register her now, what is your cancellation/refund policy? What would be the latest date we would be able to cancel her registration and still get a refund?
Thanks!
Hi Kristi,
If you notify WCT of intention to withdraw within 24 hours of the first meeting of the program, you will be entitled to a refund of everything but the $25 non-refundable registration fee which is included in the tuition. That means that for Pajama Game you’d need to let us know by December 3 before 2 pm, the day after the orientation. We hope your daughter will be able to join us for Pajama Game!