Lewisville’s very own Children’s Theatre
Alice in Wonderland – 2011, Photo by Southern Exposure
The Actors Conservatory Theatre, noted as an exemplary organization by the prestigious Meadows Foundation, is a volunteer driven, 501(c)3 nonprofit children’s theatre by children and for children, presenting family oriented musicals throughout the year since it was originally founded in 1999.
As stated in its mission statement, The ACT is dedicated to bringing classic literature to young minds through theatre. During the six or seven week rehearsal period for each musical production, children not only learn theatre arts but also learn about the book or story that the production is based upon and about the author, their works, and the time period and history surrounding it.
Children must be in kindergarten during the
school year but children as young as three are eligible to participate in the “Annual Children’s Summer Musical” held during each summer vacation. There is no upper age limit as adults often audition and work alongside children. These actors and actresses who come from all over the metroplex, are mentors and examples to the youth.
No experience is necessary but each child must audition with a memorized song and a short monologue of at least one minute, preferably, however, younger children often sing a song such as “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle Twinkle” and recite the Pledge of Allegiance or a Bible verse.
Auditions are held in front of the other children and their families to familiarize 
the children with the on-stage experience. Many children get their start in theatre through The ACT and since the very first audition can be daunting, the director may take the youth and his or her parents “behind the curtain” for a private audition. Audition dates are announced throughout the year through the web-site, the school district and local papers.
Every child who auditions receives a role! There is a registration fee of $50 per child for the total 8 or 9 week program and an optional $5 charge for the cast party. Each family is asked to contribute 20 hours of volunteer time during the pre-production period and is required to work at least 2 of the 4 shows each performance weekend. In exchange, each child will receive one complimentary ticket. Extra tickets can be earned by each family for every extra 20 hours worked. All costumes and complete make-up are provided by the theatre
.
Visit getintotheact.org for directions to the theatre, information about some of the other programs we offer and audition dates. Volunteers are always welcome.
But whatever you do, Get Into The ACT!
Our 13th Season Includes:
- Sleeping Beauty Jr. July 15 – 24, 2011
- Honk! Jr. Oct. 7 – 16, 2011
- Oliver! Dec. 9 – 18, 2011
- Mulan Jr. Feb. 27 – Mar. 4, 2012
- Phantom Toolbooth Jr. Apr. 27 – May 6, 2012 & touring May 8 – 10, 2012 . See Current News below.
- The 2nd Annual Toady Awards, May 19, 2012 7 PM Coming Soon!
The 13th Annual Children’s Summer Musical and the start of Our 14th Season -
- Cinderella Jul. 13 – 22. 2012. Auditions May 26, 2 to 6 PM
- Wizard of Oz, Oct. 5 – 14, 2012 – Auditions August 18th 2 - 6 PM
- A Christmas Carol, Dec. 7 – 15 2012 – Auditions Oct. 20th 2 – 6 PM
- Little Mermaid, Feb. 21 – Mar. 3, 2013, Auditions Jan, 5th 2 - 6 PM
- Aladdin, April 26 – May 5, 2013 – Auditions Mar. 16th 2 – 6 PM
Preparations are being made for a fantastic 14th year!
(All shows at 7 Pm Fri. and Sat. and at 2 PM Sat. and Sun. All audition and production information is available online at getintotheact.org where you may purchase tickets and download a season calendar, a map and directions to The Crawford Center for the Arts, 1720 S. Edmonds Lane.)
Snow White and Dr. DoLittle Photos by Andie Smith Photography
Sleeping Beauty by Southern Exposure
CURRENT NEWS: Our annual Spring Target Tour to the LISD Title One Schools was a great success! The teachers and students really enjoyed the show. Many comments from our audiences about the quality and level of the show, too! Some suggested it was our most educational show ever! One thing is true – if you loved the book, you loved the show for sure! Thanks to all who helped so generously to provide for our tour to these deserving schools. Thanks to all the schools for having us.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2011 ANGEL, ROXANNA KRAWCZYNSKI!
Our Past Angels -
2007 – Joe Ann Brooks
2008 – Christine Donaldson
2009 – Nancy Kimbrell
2010 – Frank and Phyllis Bender