Calling all Actors

We are excited that you are interested in joining us! At AAWSN you are in the company of greatness-yes- we said greatness. You will be meeting new friends and having a chance to see your old friends too. We hope you like to sing and dance, because many of our productions are musicals.

Registering for our class can be done easily in a few minutes. Click on the Actor Registration Form button below, and you will be taken directly to our registration form, it is that easy.

If you have any questions about our group or the application process, please submit your questions in the link below, someone will get back to you shortly.

Our program is for adults 22 years and older. We welcome individuals who love to perform, sing and dance. Whether you’re a budding actor, just starting your journey, or looking for another group to join, we have a role for you, everyone will participate.

“We do whatever we can to adapt the materials, so all our actors are able to learn their parts as successfully as possible,” said Rehak-Grohne, who also has a degree in theatre arts education. “We always try to be fair and give everyone a chance to be heard and shine.”

Actors must be able to commit to the rehearsal schedule and the dates of performance. (see rehearsal schedule below)

We take our program, and the registration process seriously and want to make sure we get to know all actors and all their wonderful attributes and skill level.

Class size is limited, register today!

Among the 20-30 actors in AAWSN’s annual productions are adults with a wide variety of disabilities, including physical, developmental and emotional.

Actors are required to bring a binder for their script, a positive attitude, as well as a light snack for the break during rehearsals.

Roles are assigned to actors, keeping their strengths in mind and offering them reasonable challenges and support.

REGISTRATION AND FEES

The nominal fee to join our band of friends is only $200 per production. (Payment may be paid in two installments.)

• Fees collected are applied towards:

  • Facility Rental

  • Licensure

  • Costumes

  • Scenery

  • Storage

  • Publicity

  • Equipment

  • Educational materials (scripts, CDs, etc.)

Note:

We understand that life gets in the way and you may not be able to commit. If you need to drop your class prior to the start of the term, and up to three weeks after rehearsals begin, you will receive a full refund (minus a $15 processing and material fee).

If you drop the class after three weeks, the full tuition is non-refundable, non-transferrable, and may not be kept on file for a future class.

REHEARSALS/TIMES

We meet primarily in the spring and fall from 7 PM - 9 PM (once a week). We sprinkle in a rehearsal or two a month during the summer to help our actors stay focused and prepare them for entering into the fall. We will rehearse twice a week in the fall, leading up to tech week (the week leading into the production), where we will meet daily.

At rehearsals, actors are introduced to the play/musical, develop their character, read and memorize their lines, blocking, learning their entrances and exits, sing songs, as well as learn some cool dance moves.

Our experienced staff will help each actor along the way. There will be group activities, group breakout sessions and one-on-one coaching. We are all in this together and together we will soar.

CASTING

Casting takes place within the first month of rehearsals. Many times, auditions and cold readings give our actors a chance to try out for a particular role. Keep in mind that all roles are important, and each actor depends on the other actors to be successful. We take into consideration the roles that were held the previous year as well as giving the opportunity to actors who are ready for a larger role. We try to spin the wheel of fairness, whenever we can.

COSTUMES

During a designated rehearsal, you will be measured for costume fittings. Once we come closer to the performance, we will have each actor try on costumes that correspond with their character. There will be a costume night dedicated to making sure each actor is ready for their close-up!

SCENERY

The scenery is worked on throughout the year. As well as obtaining props to enhance the actors’ character needs. Scenery is not loaded until the Monday before the performance. The actors will be provided with a picture of the scenery and will be coached throughout the rehearsal season to get them acquainted with the background.

DAYS OF PERFORMANCE

We highly suggest that actors eat something prior to actor check-in at noon on performance days. Bring a light snack (nothing chocolate, or red). Water will be provided.

Be mindful of others. Personal hygiene is important, take showers, wear clean clothes, brush those fangs. Respecting each other and your costumes makes a difference to our program.

LOCATIONS

Rehearsals are held at the First Congregational Church of Downers Grove, located at 1047 Curtiss, Downers Grove, IL

Performances are held at one of the Lyons Township High Schools.