ST. EDWARD THEATER PROGRAM

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"The Edwardian Players" is the theater troupe at St. Edward High School.  They present two productions each year, a “smaller-scale” show each fall (occasionally a non-musical) and a large-scale musical each spring.  Participation is open to all students in good standing at St. Edward as well as Magnificat High School and St. Joseph Academy.  Students are involved in every aspect of the production.  From acting to set construction to costuming to sales to ushering there are ways for everyone who wants to utilize their talents.  Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue theater in their communities, college and professional careers.

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Click here for the Edwardian Players Archives.

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FALL PRODUCTION

The fall production is usually a smaller-scale show, frequently a non-musical.  The various aspects of the production usually involves 60-90 students.  Recent productions include "Clue" and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Students who are interested in being in cast or stage/technical crews typically audition and sign-up during the week following Labor Day.

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SPRING PRODUCTION

The spring production is a large-scale musical.  Well over 100 students are usually involved in this production. Recent shows include "Jekyll & Hyde," "Big Fish," and "Pippin." Auditions and crew-sign-ups for the spring production are typically the first week following Christmas break​

 

AUDITIONS

Audition requirements vary by show.  Students are encouraged to start preparing early.  In the weeks prior to auditioning, students should pick-up information and sign-up for times in the Performing Arts Office (Band Room).

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Click here for Audition Advice for general information regarding how to audition.

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REHEARSALS

Cast rehearsal dates and times may be found on the calendar linked on these pages.  In general, fall rehearsals for everyone are Sunday, Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 until 9:00.  Spring rehearsals are Monday through Thursday from 6:30 until 9:00.  Additional rehearsals may be scheduled for leads and soloists.

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STAGE & TECHNICAL CREWS

Stage Crew members build the set.  Many have additional responsibilities as part of props crew, paint crew, running crew (moving the set), lighting and rigging, sound, costumes, ushers, etc.  

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Stage crew sign-ups coincide with the posting of audition results.  Students who do not make cast are encouraged to join crew.  Sign-up dates are listed on the calendar which may be accessed from the link in the sidebar.  Students may choose to participate in stage crew for one show or both. 

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Crew calls, during the months of production, are Saturdays from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm and Tuesday (in fall) or Monday (in spring) from 4:00 until 8:00.

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LEADERSHIP

In order to create an authentic theatrical experience, student leaders play a pivotal role in Edwardian Players’ productions.  The stage manager oversees the coordination of all elements within the show.   Wing managers coordinate the efforts of the members of running crew who move and set the scenery.  Various crew chiefs oversee set construction, the building and managements of props, the hanging and circuiting of lights, the rigging of curtains and flying scenery, the set-up and mixing of sound, and the set-up and management of the house.   A student musical director may conduct the orchestra.   Dance captains or associate choreographers facilitate the learning of dance routines.  These students develop valuable skills enabling them to work collaboratively and become leaders - both in high school and beyond.  For many, these experiences rank among the most meaningful of their high school career.

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TECH WEEK

The week prior to the show’s opening is known as tech week.  On Sunday the entire company - cast, musicians and all crews - gather together and begin the process of putting the show together - combining acting, scenery, costumes, lights, etc. for the first time.   This monumental undertaking takes all day, from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm.  The next few days are filled with dress rehearsals from after school until 10:00 pm.  When the show opens, what seemed like unorganized chaos a few days earlier is a smooth-running well-oiled machine - another outstanding collaborative performance presented to appreciative audiences.

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