Lewisville’s very own Children’s Theatre
Alice in Wonderland – 2011, Photos 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 short 16 bar selection from a memorized song and a short one minute monologue. Younger children, however, often sing a song such as “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle Twinkle” and recite the Pledge of Allegiance or a Bible verse.
Auditions are frequently held in front of the other children and their families to familiarize the children with the on-stage experience. This is up to the director’s discretion. 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! The ACT has only one show it calls a “select” show which requires all those auditioning to have some stage experience. This is our Spring Target Tour show. All other shows cast each and everyone who auditions!
The ACT is the lowest priced theatre experience for children anywhere! The ACT routinely keeps their fees and costs low so that every child may participate. 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 and an optional $5 for cast and production photos (yes, ALL of them!). 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. Each child is provided with all costuming with make-up done by a trained staff at the theatre.
Visit getintotheact.org for directions to the theatre, information about some of the other programs we offer such as:
Monday Nights Teen Improv – at 7PM – please see our calendar on line at our website for dates.
Actor Labs – scheduled throughout the school year.
ACE – The ACT’s own teen group for those 13 and up who are participating in the Annual TnT Conference.
– all lead by The ACT’s Youth Director Tyler Brodess
School of Dramatic Arts (SODA) with classes all year. Taught by trained professionals.
Summer Camp Show – usually held in August each year. Check out the website for audition dates and times.
Friday Night Mic Nights – Check our calendar on line for dates and times.
But whatever you do, Get Into The ACT!