Any endeavor has terms, activities, and processes that are unique to it. Theatre is no different. We hope this list of terms helps you get to know Freedom Theatre a little better.
FREEDOM THEATRE BOOSTERS: A group of Theatre parents who volunteer their time and talents to support the Freedom Theatre program. They meet monthly, and offer sweat-equity to the department by helping on build days and Hell-week, working back stage, volunteering on performance nights, and raising funds. There are no dues. For more information about the many ways to volunteer, please visit www.freedomtheatre.net and LIKE us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/freedomtheatreboosters. Any specific questions can be sent to .
BLACK BOX: The name of the Theatre classroom.
BUILD DAY: Held on Saturdays before performances when parents, crew and other volunteers come to help build the set. There is a special Facebook page that communicates these activities; search Freedom-Theatre Booster Set Build or https://www.facebook.com/freedomtheatre.boostersetbuild?fref=ts.
MAIN STAGE: The big productions during the year (Fall, Winter and Spring; with Winter being more scaled back).
BREAK-A-LEG-O-GRAMS: Small, decorated notes that can be purchased on the night of the show to send backstage to any cast, crew, orchestra, production or staff member. A note of encouragement goes a long way, and we include a small sweet on your personalized note. All you need to do is fill it out and we will have a “runner” deliver them! All proceeds come back to the Theatre Boosters to continue support of the Theatre Department.
STRIKE: After the final performance, when the set is broken down; costumes returned; props put away; and the Theatre is cleaned. All cast and crew are expected to participate in the Strike.
HELL/TECH-WEEK: The week of Opening Night, when the cast/crew work extra late and run dress rehearsals. The Boosters provide meals this week for the cast/crew/staff that are working. These meals are either donated or provided at reduced cost from local business, or we provide a pot-luck where parents of students involved sign up to bring in something.
CAPPIES: A Critic and Award Program for High School Theatre. Think Tony Awards, but for high school. The Critics are students from participating high schools, who travel the area to see the CAPPIE show for other schools. Freedom Theatre has been nominated for several CAPPIE awards over the years! Toward the end of the school year this program is capped off by a formal gala at the Kennedy Center to honor all of the nominees and announce the winners. Please visit www.cappies.com for more information. If a student is interested in becoming a Critic, please see Mr. Rogers.
VTA: Virginia Theatre Association. Each year the VTA holds a convention which offers competitions, workshops and exhibits. Winners of the competitions go on to represent Virginia at the regional Southeastern Theatre Conference. Additionally, many colleges and universities are represented at the annual convention, and senior students are given the opportunity to audition for their Theatre programs. For more information on VTA please visit www.vtasite.org.
VHSL: Virginia High School League. An organization that oversees interscholastic competition among public high schools in Virginia. Competition includes Drama and One-Act Plays. Students compete at the District Level, and the top-placing schools move on to Regional/State competitions. For more information on VHSL please visit www.VHSL.org.
INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN SOCIETY: An honorary student society recognizing excellence in high school theatre. Members of this honor society are called Thespians. There are qualifiers to apply and become a member and that information can be found on the ITS Website. A point system set by the ITS is based on level of involvement and participation. Students must keep track of their theatre activities and hours. Because this is an honors society, academic focus is also required. There is a $25 membership fee upon induction and this is a lifetime membership. This looks great on college applications! For more information on the International Thespian Society and to see the point system please visit www.schooltheatre.org/its.
FHS_Theatre 101
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