Frequently Asked Questions
Please be sure to review our RBV Drama Handbook which is a comprehensive guide to all things RBV Drama! The current handbook can be found here: http://theatreattheranch.weebly.com/handbook.html
Who is considered a "drama student"?
What does that mean for you, the parents/guardians of a drama student?
First and foremost, you're in for a great adventure. It's a wonderful creative outlet for your student. It's a great opportunity for you to see your child in a completely new light. However, pulling off theatre to the caliber that RBV does, requires a lot of parent/guardian help. Like band or athletics, parents/guardians are expected to support their student by donating time and/or requested items to the department. See below for ways you can donate to help the department continue to be a fun experience for your student.
How can I donate requested items to support my drama student?
There are plenty of opportunities to donate requested items throughout the school year. Requested items can be anything from food/drink items for events to costume items or props for shows. Any donation requests will be posted on our website and emailed to our booster email group. Some requests may come directly from the Director if your student's costume requires something very specific. If you would like to donate and are not sure what we need, please email rbvdramaboosters@gmail.com for more information.
How can I donate my time to support my drama student?
There are plenty of opportunities to donate your time throughout the school year. The most common type of help needed is during events such as our shows, gala, award banquet, picnics, and parties. You can also attend booster meetings which is a great help! Consider volunteering for something small. You might start with working concessions, stargrams, or tickets on show nights. This is a good way to get to know people and know the families of the peers your student is hanging out with. It’s also a great way to stay connected with your child and their interests. But there are also things you can do from home such as washing or sewing costumes, sending mailings, collecting donations or ads from local businesses, and much more! Contact rbvdramaboosters@gmail.com and let us know how you prefer to help.
What if my student says they don't want me getting involved?
The short answer – don’t listen to them! The longer one – even when our students tell us not to be involved, generally they like to see their parents/guardians interested in their activities. Sometimes they feel like they have to tell us not to be involved, as if to prove their independence. That’s part of the growing up process. If your student insists that you shouldn’t get involved, remind them that if every parent/guardian stayed away, the drama department couldn’t do any of its fun activities. We need as many helpers as we can get!
Is there something I can do that lets me help without appearing too involved?
There are plenty of times and places that you can help without being “in the way” of your student. When there is a show running, you can be behind the concession stand selling snacks, stargrams, or tickets. You can also wash or sew costumes from home or collect donations from local businesses. Attend a Booster Meeting and ask about behind-the-scenes fundraising, publicity, and other projects.
My child doesn't take a drama class. Can they still participate in productions?
Absolutely! They can audition for the three major productions: Fall Show, Children's Show, Spring Show. If they do not want to be on stage, we always need crew members to help with make-up, costumes, tech, and set construction.
How many productions are there each year?
There are three major productions each year. Two are during the fall semester (Fall Show/Children’s Show) and the one is during the spring semester (Spring Show). There are also student-led productions such as One Acts Show, a student-directed theatre production that happens shortly after the beginning of the school year, and the IB Show performed by students in the advanced drama classes towards the end of the school year. Depending on available district funds, we may also be able to offer a summer show.
What is “tech week”?
The week leading up to the first performance of any RBV Drama show is called “tech week” because it’s the last chance to get everything done before opening night such as lighting, sound, music, costumes, etc. And that means there’s probably going to be a rehearsal every day after school and well into the evening. It’s exhausting, yes, but the students run on adrenaline and learn what it means to really dedicate themselves to a common goal.
Do rehearsals during "tech week" really last until 10pm?
Yes, they sometimes do. It is important to learn to balance schoolwork and drama responsibilities. If your student is in a lower grade, have them ask an older drama student for advice! While it is difficult to keep up with homework, many students do their work between sets or when they are not on stage. Think of it as the ultimate multi-tasking, and good training for the hectic life your student will have in college. One tip for parents/guardians – the rehearsal schedule for the show is provided prior to auditions, so you can encourage your child to do as much work as possible ahead of time.
What's the process for getting involved in a production?
Your student should watch for notices around audition time. There will be morning announcements, postings on the RBV Drama Instagram page, and information is always available by coming into the drama room and asking the Drama Teacher for it. You can also email the Drama Teacher/Director.
Are there events (other than shows) I need to know about?
There are a variety of activities that happen throughout the year which typically include the family picnic, dine out nights, awards banquet, field trips, and competition festivals! The best way to learn more about all drama related events is to attend a Drama Booster Meeting where we go over the schedule of events for the coming month. If you cannot make it to meetings, join our email list by emailing rbvdramaboosters@gmail.com.
Is my child expected to be in or at all the events?
Drama students are expected to support RBV Drama and their fellow students, but they certainly don't have to be on-stage or participate in all the productions and events. For events that do require participation by students enrolled in a drama class, the Drama Teacher makes participation requirements clear to those students.
What is the difference between “theater” and “theatre”?
Theater is the place where a show is performed (e.g., Come see a show at our theater, the Mark S. Scott Performing Arts Center!). Theatre is the art itself (e.g., RBV Drama is an award-winning theatre arts department!).
Have questions not answered here?
Please email rbvdramaboosters@gmail.com and we will gladly help you!
- Any student enrolled in a drama class (Drama 1, Drama 2, IB Drama, or Stage Production)
- Any student who participates in a production as cast or crew
- Any student who joins Bravo Club or ITS Club
What does that mean for you, the parents/guardians of a drama student?
First and foremost, you're in for a great adventure. It's a wonderful creative outlet for your student. It's a great opportunity for you to see your child in a completely new light. However, pulling off theatre to the caliber that RBV does, requires a lot of parent/guardian help. Like band or athletics, parents/guardians are expected to support their student by donating time and/or requested items to the department. See below for ways you can donate to help the department continue to be a fun experience for your student.
How can I donate requested items to support my drama student?
There are plenty of opportunities to donate requested items throughout the school year. Requested items can be anything from food/drink items for events to costume items or props for shows. Any donation requests will be posted on our website and emailed to our booster email group. Some requests may come directly from the Director if your student's costume requires something very specific. If you would like to donate and are not sure what we need, please email rbvdramaboosters@gmail.com for more information.
How can I donate my time to support my drama student?
There are plenty of opportunities to donate your time throughout the school year. The most common type of help needed is during events such as our shows, gala, award banquet, picnics, and parties. You can also attend booster meetings which is a great help! Consider volunteering for something small. You might start with working concessions, stargrams, or tickets on show nights. This is a good way to get to know people and know the families of the peers your student is hanging out with. It’s also a great way to stay connected with your child and their interests. But there are also things you can do from home such as washing or sewing costumes, sending mailings, collecting donations or ads from local businesses, and much more! Contact rbvdramaboosters@gmail.com and let us know how you prefer to help.
What if my student says they don't want me getting involved?
The short answer – don’t listen to them! The longer one – even when our students tell us not to be involved, generally they like to see their parents/guardians interested in their activities. Sometimes they feel like they have to tell us not to be involved, as if to prove their independence. That’s part of the growing up process. If your student insists that you shouldn’t get involved, remind them that if every parent/guardian stayed away, the drama department couldn’t do any of its fun activities. We need as many helpers as we can get!
Is there something I can do that lets me help without appearing too involved?
There are plenty of times and places that you can help without being “in the way” of your student. When there is a show running, you can be behind the concession stand selling snacks, stargrams, or tickets. You can also wash or sew costumes from home or collect donations from local businesses. Attend a Booster Meeting and ask about behind-the-scenes fundraising, publicity, and other projects.
My child doesn't take a drama class. Can they still participate in productions?
Absolutely! They can audition for the three major productions: Fall Show, Children's Show, Spring Show. If they do not want to be on stage, we always need crew members to help with make-up, costumes, tech, and set construction.
How many productions are there each year?
There are three major productions each year. Two are during the fall semester (Fall Show/Children’s Show) and the one is during the spring semester (Spring Show). There are also student-led productions such as One Acts Show, a student-directed theatre production that happens shortly after the beginning of the school year, and the IB Show performed by students in the advanced drama classes towards the end of the school year. Depending on available district funds, we may also be able to offer a summer show.
What is “tech week”?
The week leading up to the first performance of any RBV Drama show is called “tech week” because it’s the last chance to get everything done before opening night such as lighting, sound, music, costumes, etc. And that means there’s probably going to be a rehearsal every day after school and well into the evening. It’s exhausting, yes, but the students run on adrenaline and learn what it means to really dedicate themselves to a common goal.
Do rehearsals during "tech week" really last until 10pm?
Yes, they sometimes do. It is important to learn to balance schoolwork and drama responsibilities. If your student is in a lower grade, have them ask an older drama student for advice! While it is difficult to keep up with homework, many students do their work between sets or when they are not on stage. Think of it as the ultimate multi-tasking, and good training for the hectic life your student will have in college. One tip for parents/guardians – the rehearsal schedule for the show is provided prior to auditions, so you can encourage your child to do as much work as possible ahead of time.
What's the process for getting involved in a production?
Your student should watch for notices around audition time. There will be morning announcements, postings on the RBV Drama Instagram page, and information is always available by coming into the drama room and asking the Drama Teacher for it. You can also email the Drama Teacher/Director.
Are there events (other than shows) I need to know about?
There are a variety of activities that happen throughout the year which typically include the family picnic, dine out nights, awards banquet, field trips, and competition festivals! The best way to learn more about all drama related events is to attend a Drama Booster Meeting where we go over the schedule of events for the coming month. If you cannot make it to meetings, join our email list by emailing rbvdramaboosters@gmail.com.
- See CALENDAR section for a list of events for the year
Is my child expected to be in or at all the events?
Drama students are expected to support RBV Drama and their fellow students, but they certainly don't have to be on-stage or participate in all the productions and events. For events that do require participation by students enrolled in a drama class, the Drama Teacher makes participation requirements clear to those students.
What is the difference between “theater” and “theatre”?
Theater is the place where a show is performed (e.g., Come see a show at our theater, the Mark S. Scott Performing Arts Center!). Theatre is the art itself (e.g., RBV Drama is an award-winning theatre arts department!).
Have questions not answered here?
Please email rbvdramaboosters@gmail.com and we will gladly help you!
