At Phoenix Youth Theatre, we strive to make our classes, shows, and programs suitable for various ages and skill levels. The appropriateness of a particular program for your child can depend on several factors:

Age and Grade: Each of our offerings is designed for a specific age or grade range. This ensures that the content, complexity, and expectations are developmentally appropriate. Check the age or grade range specified for each class or show to see if it aligns with your child’s.

Interest: What type of performing arts is your child interested in? We offer programs focusing on various aspects of theatre, including acting, singing, dancing, and more. Matching a class or show to your child’s interest can enhance their enjoyment and engagement.

Experience Level: Some of our programs are designed for beginners, while others cater to more experienced performers. A beginner’s class might be most suitable if your child is new to theatre. For those with prior experience, a more advanced class or participation in a show could be appropriate.

Time Commitment: Consider your child’s schedule and ability to commit to the duration of the class or show.

Personal Goals: Is your child looking to improve specific skills, gain performance experience, or simply explore their interest in theatre? Different programs serve different goals.

To aid in your decision, we aim to comprehensively describe all our classes and shows. These descriptions give an overview of what your child can expect, including the skills they’ll learn and the experiences they’ll gain. It’s always a good idea to read these descriptions as they can give you a clearer picture of whether a particular class or show would suit your child’s needs.

However, if you have more specific questions or needs, we welcome you to book a call to speak with one of our team members.

Remember, our goal at Phoenix Youth Theatre is to ensure that your child’s experience is rewarding, educational, and fun. We’re here to foster a love of the performing arts and to help your child develop their skills in a nurturing and supportive environment.

We’re thrilled you’re interested in enrolling your child at Phoenix Youth Theatre! The best way to check the status of our programs, classes, and shows is to visit our official website. Our website is consistently updated with the most current information about enrollment availability, start dates, schedules, and any changes that may occur.

Our website lists it if enrollment is open for a particular class or show. If you don’t see a specific class or show listed, enrollment may be closed, or the class or show is not currently offered. It’s important to note that if you can enroll your child, regardless of the start date of the class, it means we deem it still appropriate for new students to join.

Our courses are designed to accommodate new entrants at different times, ensuring everyone can catch up and benefit from the program. Remember, our programs are very popular and can fill up quickly, so we recommend enrolling as soon as possible to secure your child’s spot.

At Phoenix Youth Theatre, we believe in complete transparency regarding pricing. You can directly find all prices associated with our specific programs on our website. Each program, class, or show will have its cost listed alongside the other important details like schedule, duration, and description.

We strive to be upfront about all costs of our programs, and we do not include hidden fees. This approach allows you to make informed decisions about the programs that are best suited for you or your child.

If you have any questions or need further clarification about the pricing for our programs, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help and to ensure your experience with Phoenix Youth Theatre is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Phoenix Youth Theatre operates on a ‘flex’ schedule model for lead and featured roles in our musical shows. Unlike a fixed rehearsal schedule where all participants rehearse together at the same time each week, the ‘flex’ schedule can change from week to week based on the show’s needs.

In this model, lead and featured roles may be called to rehearse at any point during the rehearsal day and time specified for that show. This allows our directors to work more effectively with cast members, focusing on specific scenes, songs, or dance numbers as needed for the show’s development.

The schedule for the following week is usually communicated as soon as possible after the previous rehearsal, providing the cast with ample notice. The objective of this approach is to use everyone’s time efficiently while ensuring the show’s content is worked on in a timely and effective manner.

So, while you may not have to rehearse every week, you should be prepared to be called for rehearsal during any of the specified rehearsal times for your show (including fixed ensemble rehearsals).

At Phoenix Youth Theatre, we understand that unexpected circumstances can sometimes result in a student missing a rehearsal, class, or lesson.

However, due to the group nature of our classes and shows, as well as scheduling constraints, we are generally unable to offer makeup sessions or refunds for missed classes.

That being said, if there has been an unexpected prolonged absence due to extenuating circumstances such as illness or a family emergency, we ask that you contact us directly at support@phoenixyouththeatre.com. We can discuss your case and work together to find the best possible solution.

We understand that scheduling for youth theatre shows can be complex at Phoenix Youth Theatre, especially for our lead or featured actors who play key roles in our productions. We’re dedicated to ensuring efficient use of everyone’s time and strive to avoid having cast members waiting around unnecessarily, a situation that can be quite common in the theatre industry.

We’ve implemented a system to use our cast members’ time most effectively to address this. This does involve considering many variables, such as room availability at PYT and our instructors’ schedules, creating quite a puzzle to solve!

Regarding flex rehearsals, we aim to send out the schedule for the upcoming week as soon as possible after the previous rehearsal. This will include details about whether your presence is required at a flex rehearsal and when you should arrive.

We understand that receiving this information promptly is important to you, and we make every effort to ensure that happens. However, sometimes this process can take longer than we’d like due to the various factors we need to consider.

We greatly appreciate your patience, flexibility, and commitment to the show process. Remember, we aim to provide a rewarding experience for all involved and to produce the best possible show. If you have any specific questions about your schedule, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Leaving the youth theatre show after rehearsals have started can have a significant impact on the rest of the cast and crew. Producing a theatrical show is a collaborative effort, with each member playing an integral part. If a member leaves, particularly one with a significant role, it can disrupt the preparation process and place additional stress on the remaining cast and crew. The closer this happens to show time, the more detrimental the impact, as adjusting to such changes at short notice can be challenging.

If you need to cancel your class or show membership/subscription at Phoenix Youth Theatre, there are two ways you can do so:

Submit a Cancel Request: Log into your account on our website and navigate to the ‘Orders’ tab in your dashboard. Here, you’ll find an option to submit a cancel request for your subscription.

Email Us: You can send a cancellation request via email to support@phoenixyouththeatre.com. Please ensure to include all necessary details, such as the name of the student and the class or show subscription you wish to cancel.

Once your cancellation request is received, we’ll process it and stop future payments.

Regarding refunds, our policy is as follows:

• If the subscription is canceled before the first class, lesson, or rehearsal starts for the term, then a refund, less the administration fee of $25, will be processed.
• If the subscription is canceled after the initial class, lesson, or rehearsal but before the second, a refund minus 25% of the fee or $25, whichever is greater, will be processed.
• If the subscription is canceled after the first two consecutive classes, lessons, or rehearsals but before the third scheduled session of the term/course/program, then a refund minus 50% of the fee or $25, whichever is greater, will be processed.
• Any cancellation following the third scheduled session of the term/course/program will adopt the normal cancellation policy, i.e., the subscription will be canceled, and the student will be informed of how many classes/lessons remain within that membership payment window. No refunds for previous payments will be made.

Please note that refunds are not given for missed lessons or classes. This is because resources and time have already been invested based on the original cast and crew composition.

We encourage all our members to consider their commitment to the show seriously before joining, considering the personal investment and the impact on the larger team. We’re all in this together, and each of us plays a part in bringing the magic of theatre to life.

If you have any other questions or concerns related to your subscription or the cancellation process, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help!

If you know in advance that you will be absent or late for a rehearsal or class, there are three ways you can inform us at Phoenix Youth Theatre:

1. Text our absence/conflict line at +14158516951.
2. Submit the information using the conflict form within your PYT dashboard.

When you use either of these methods, your message is automatically sent to the appropriate parties, and you should receive an automated response to confirm that we have received it.

If your notification is received within 24 hours of your class or rehearsal, please understand that one of our team may still contact you to ask about your whereabouts. This is due to the scheduling and operational complexities of running classes and rehearsals and is not necessarily a reflection of any oversight.

Please be aware that consistent unauthorized or last-minute absences from a show run can impact the entire production and potentially put your place in the cast at risk. We understand that conflicts can arise, but we ask for your understanding and cooperation in communicating any schedule conflicts as soon as you become aware. This helps us ensure that our classes and productions run smoothly and provide the best experience for all participants.

At Phoenix Youth Theatre, we understand that scheduling conflicts can sometimes prevent you from attending our in-person auditions. If this is the case, we offer the opportunity to submit a video audition instead.

A video audition allows us to see your performance skills and potential in a flexible manner that accommodates your schedule. You can find detailed instructions for submitting a video audition on the specific program sign-up page on our website.

This alternative audition method ensures that no talented performer misses out on the opportunity to participate due to scheduling conflicts.

At Phoenix Youth Theatre, our primary goal is to ensure that every cast member has the best possible experience. That being said, the final decision on casting lies with the PYT Directors. They have the authority and expertise to assign roles based on several factors, including but not limited to ability, age, and behavior.

While we appreciate and consider the preferences of our auditionees, it’s important to understand that the directors might evaluate an individual to be better suited for a different role than initially requested. This is done with the best interest of the show and the individual’s growth and experience in mind.

We ask that all auditionees and parents respect the directors’ decisions. They have extensive experience and expertise in casting roles to best serve the show and provide a valuable learning experience for the performers.

Absolutely! While auditions are optional for our MainStage shows, we highly encourage you to audition for the experience it provides. By enrolling in MainStage, you are already guaranteed a role in the show. Auditioning can be a valuable experience, allowing you to showcase your skills and be considered for various roles.

However, please note that this differs from our Premier program, where auditions are mandatory, and you only participate in the show if you secure a role through auditions. If you aren’t cast, you will not participate in the Premier show. For this reason, we recommend enrolling in the MainStage cast before it fills up, so you are guaranteed a part in one of our spectacular shows, regardless of the outcome of the Premier auditions.

Yes! In fact, this is the only way to access this program.

Unfortunately, if you audition for our Premier program and do not secure a role, you will not participate in that specific Premier show. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to perform at all.

We recommend enrolling in our MainStage program and indicating that you’d like to be considered for both programs. The audition will apply to both shows and our directors, leveraging their expertise and understanding of your abilities, will place you where they think you will thrive the most.

This way, you ensure that you have the opportunity to be a part of one of our amazing productions, no matter the outcome of the Premier auditions. Remember, every audition experience is a valuable learning opportunity contributing to your growth and development as a performer.

No, the same audition counts towards either cast. You will have the opportunity to choose to be considered for either MainStage or Premier by noting your preference on the audition form.

Sometimes, directors may offer you placement in both MainStage and Premier. Although you can’t be in both productions, you can choose which role to accept.

At Phoenix Youth Theatre, we place a strong emphasis on ensuring each participant has the best possible experience in our programs. We aim to provide an environment where all participants can grow, learn, and excel according to their unique abilities and comfort levels.

Ensemble group assignments at the start of our programs are not fixed. As rehearsals progress, our directors better understand each participant’s strengths, skills, and potential. Sometimes, they might find a participant better suited to a different group or program.

For instance, they might identify that you could shine in a lead role in a different program or that another ensemble group might match your skill level and experience more closely. These recommendations are made with the participant’s best interests, aiming to enhance their learning and performance experience.

However, we always respect the decisions of our actors and their families. While we provide recommendations, the final decision on whether to switch programs or groups is yours. If you choose to move to a different program or ensemble group, your membership, and payments will be automatically adjusted to match the new program.

This flexibility is one of the unique aspects of Phoenix Youth Theatre – we have a range of options available, and our directors are genuinely invested in the development and success of every participant. We want to help you find the right fit within our programs to ensure you can thrive in your performing arts journey.

Audition material and helpful Instructions detailing how and what to prepare will be sent to all performers before their audition.

A $25 Admin Fee will be charged during your audition booking.

We understand the anticipation of waiting for casting announcements at Phoenix Youth Theatre. To keep everyone informed, we send out notifications via email as soon as casting decisions have been finalized.

If you’re worried you might have missed an email, the first step is to check your inbox, including any spam or junk folders. Sometimes, emails can be filtered out or overlooked.

You can contact us directly for confirmation if you cannot locate the email. Alternatively, you might also find the information on our website or via our other communication channels, depending on our typical practice.

It’s important to note that the timing for casting announcements can vary depending on the show. The anticipated date for these announcements will be listed in our website’s FAQ section for that particular show. Please refer to this for show-specific information.

Please keep in mind that casting is a complex process that takes time. We strive to ensure all decisions are made in a way that best suits the production and provides a valuable experience for all our young performers. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this process.

And remember, no matter the outcome, every role is important in bringing a theatre production to life!

Tech week is an essential part of the rehearsal process in youth theatre. It is typically the week leading up to the final performances where the technical elements, such as lighting, sound, and costumes, are incorporated into the production.

During tech week, actors work closely with the production team to ensure a seamless performance, adjusting lighting and sound cues, practicing costume changes, and perfecting their stage entrances and exits.

Actors must attend Tech Week as it allows them to fully understand and participate in the production process and build their confidence in the new theater environment. Most importantly, Tech Week helps actors understand how not to get injured by moving set pieces, and they can see how their individual role contributes to the overall success of the production.

Self-costuming is a term used in youth theatre to refer to the process by which an actor is responsible for providing or creating their own costume for a production. This typically means that the actor is expected to come up with their own costume ideas and to provide their own clothing and accessories that fit the character they are playing.

As PYT provides the main costume for its actors in the Debut, Mainstage, and Premier programs, self-costume requirements are generally limited to undergarments, makeup, and hair accessories. Information for specific programs will be distributed on enrollment pages of the website.

Our definition of a ‘tech box’ is the clear plastic box that our actors bring to the theater for tech week and shows, containing their personal items needed, such as makeup, hair products, undergarments, and any other show-specific items they may need. The personal tech box is typically stored in the actor’s dressing room or a designated area backstage. We inform our families what’s needed for the tech box and hold tech box checks before tech week to help our families ensure they have everything set by the time we get to tech week. The tech box needs to have the actors’ names clearly labeled.

A conflict in youth theatre refers to a scheduling issue or a commitment clash that prevents a young actor from attending a rehearsal or performance. This type of conflict can occur when the actor has prior engagements, family trips, or other important events that coincide with the production’s schedule. It is essential for the participants and the production team to communicate openly about such conflicts so that they can plan accordingly and ensure the smooth functioning of the rehearsals and the eventual performance.

A slate is a brief introduction that an actor gives at the beginning of their audition. It typically includes their name, age, and sometimes the role or roles they audition for. Slating helps the casting team keep track of who is auditioning and allows them to match the actor’s face and name for future reference. It also lets the actor make a good first impression by showcasing their confidence, poise, and professionalism.

A callback is a follow-up audition after the initial round of auditions. Callbacks are held when the casting team wants to see more from an actor or further evaluate their suitability for a particular role or roles. During a callback, actors may be asked to perform additional scenes, read lines with other actors, sing specific songs, or showcase certain skills relevant to the character they are being considered for.

Callbacks are essential in helping the casting team make final decisions about casting roles in the production. They allow young actors to further demonstrate their talents, abilities, and potential chemistry with other cast members.

In theatre, the term ‘ensemble’ generally refers to a group of performers who work harmoniously to present a theatrical performance. An ensemble can play multiple roles within a production, provide background or context to a scene, or contribute to large group numbers. They often form the backbone of the production, enhancing the story and supporting the lead actors.

At Phoenix Youth Theatre, the concept of an ensemble extends to our Debut, MainStage, and Premier programs. In this context, the ensemble groups provide consistent training classes for participants, offering a stable foundation and regularity that parents can count on. While they work on big group numbers that feature throughout the show, their role is not limited to the background. Participants with lead roles may also be involved in ensemble numbers, allowing for a richer and more diverse experience. The ensemble group at PYT substantially contributes to our performances and fosters teamwork, discipline, and a shared sense of achievement among our young performers.

In general theatre terminology, a ‘lead’ role refers to one of the main characters in a play or musical. The leads are at the forefront of the storyline, often driving the narrative with their actions and decisions. They typically have the most lines, songs, and stage time and are a crucial part of the performance’s success.

At Phoenix Youth Theatre, the term ‘lead’ maintains its traditional definition but with an added dimension of leadership. Our leads are central to the performance on stage and serve as role models off stage. We believe a lead role extends beyond the performance and encompasses elements of mentorship, leadership, and responsibility within the theatre community.

Our leads are expected to uphold a high standard of conduct, setting a positive example for the rest of the cast. They are encouraged to support and inspire their fellow cast members, fostering a sense of unity, respect, and mutual growth. Therefore, when casting for lead roles, we seek performers who demonstrate talent and suitability for the role and a commitment to leading by example and contributing positively to the Phoenix Youth Theatre community.

Generally, in theatre, a ‘featured’ role refers to a part that, while not a main character, has significant moments in the performance. This could be through speaking lines, songs, dances, or pivotal actions that add depth to the narrative or the overall production.

At Phoenix Youth Theatre, ‘featured’ roles align with the broader theatre definition but also carry additional specificities. While these roles might not carry as much responsibility as lead roles, they give performers key opportunities to shine in smaller speaking, singing, or dancing parts.

One good example is our ‘featured dancers.’ They often play a significant role as the main dance troupe, showcased in multiple scenes throughout the show. This role is typically assigned to those with more dance experience.

A featured role is a valuable stepping stone for performers transitioning from ensemble to lead roles. It allows them to experience more focused stage time and character development without being overwhelmed by the full responsibilities of a lead role.

While the directing team ultimately determines the casting, understanding your performing options can be invaluable in setting goals and seeking growth opportunities within Phoenix Youth Theatre.

In theatre, a ‘revue’ is multi-act entertainment that combines music, dance, and sketches. The performances don’t necessarily follow a traditional narrative storyline but instead offer a variety of short performances unified by a common theme.

At Phoenix Youth Theatre, within our Debut program, ‘revue’ takes on a unique format. Instead of a traditional revue, our Debut performances provide a condensed version of the show by our older participants in the MainStage and Premier programs. This adaptation includes selected scenes and songs, presenting a shorter, more manageable show for the younger age range.

Our Debut ‘revue’ format offers younger participants an excellent opportunity to engage with the themes and music of a larger production, giving them a taste of performing in a full-scale musical as they develop their skills and confidence on stage.

The ‘Off-book’ deadline refers to the date by which all actors are expected to have memorized their lines and cues, enabling them to perform without needing to reference their script. This important milestone in the rehearsal process allows the focus to shift to performance elements like staging, timing, character interaction, and overall production refinement.

At Phoenix Youth Theatre, the specifics of the ‘Off-book’ deadline can vary depending on the program and show. For some of our programs, actors receive the script after casting is complete, and they are given ample time, sometimes months, to memorize their parts before the first rehearsal. In these cases, the ‘Off-book’ deadline typically aligns with the first rehearsal, and it is crucial that all cast members come prepared with their parts memorized.

The exact ‘Off-book’ deadline for each show will be clearly communicated. It can also be found in the ‘Important Dates’ document available on the specific program page on our website. We encourage all our actors to aim to meet this deadline as it is an integral part of preparing for a successful performance.

‘Audition Only’ or ‘Cut Show’ means that there is no way to enroll in this show without auditioning. In other words, your audition will have to secure you a role in the show, or you will not participate. This is why we recommend enrolling in the MainStage cast before it fills so you are guaranteed a part in one of our spectacular shows no matter the outcome of auditions.

This means you don’t have to audition to be in this show, but you can if you want to. We encourage it for experience, but there it is not a prerequisite.