Frequently Asked Questions
How do the workshop classes and the shows work together?
We do the workshop skills-based, weekly classes in conjunction with scheduled scene rehearsals that will prepare us to perform a Musical at the end of the semester.
Do you have to be in the show to do the class?
You do not need to participate in the show to do the class, you will still learn all the skills you would learn if this were a regular class.
When does the Children’s Class perform?
They will put together their own show that will be at the beginning of the Youth Performance. This gives them all the fun parts of performing, without the difficult rehearsal hours of tech week.
How are roles assigned in the musicals?
The musicals will be cast based on the needs of the show. Every part is important and an opportunity to learn and grow. Typically as you grow in the program, so does the difficulty of the roles you will be considered for.
What specific criteria are considered when casting?
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Fit for the role – Does the performer suit the character in terms of personality, energy, and physical presence?
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Vocal ability – Can the performer sing the required songs with the right range, tone, and expressiveness?
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Acting skills – How well does the performer embody the character, deliver lines, and convey emotions?
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Dance/movement ability – Depending on the show's choreography, how well can the performer execute dance routines or stage movements?
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Stage presence and confidence – Does the performer command attention and engage the audience effectively?
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Growth and experience – Has the performer demonstrated progress in previous productions, potentially qualifying for more demanding roles?
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Availability and commitment – Can the performer dedicate the necessary time and effort to rehearsals and performances?
How much does it cost to participate in the program?
To support the long-term success of Blue Forest Theatre Academy while accommodating the needs of participating families, our fee structure and volunteer hours work in harmony to create a flexible and inclusive solution for all.
Kids Workshop (K-2nd grade)
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Full Tuition: $225
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Partial Tuition 1: $175, plus 2 hours
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Partial Tuition 2: $125, plus 4 hours
Youth Workshop (3rd- 7th grade)
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Full Tuition: $350
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Partial Tuition 1: $250, plus 4 volunteer hours
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Partial Tuition 2: $150, plus 8 volunteer hours
Teen Workshop (8th- 12th grade)
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Full Tuition: $350
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Partial Tuition 1: $250, plus 4 volunteer hours
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Partial Tuition 2: $150, plus 8 volunteer hours
*Fees/volunteer hours are per child. We will continue to offer a $15 fee discount for siblings.
Are there any additional costs to participate in the production?
Each actor will need to provide their own costume and make-up. We will have a costume assistant and idea boards to guide you in this process. Costumes do not need to be expensive. They are best when they are collected and creative! We have a collection you can look through as well.
What does volunteer hours entail?
For those who are opting to volunteer we will be emailing a sign up sheet where you can claim the areas you would like to volunteer in. Here are some examples of jobs parents can do for volunteer hours: set building, set painting, props, costumes, hair and make-up, poster design, printing posters, program design and layout, fundraising, selling tickets and concessions (depending on the venue), photographer, selling ads, organizing love notes for the program, cleaning the rehearsal space, etc.
Can my child do their own volunteer hours
Yes, participants 14 years and older can assist in the completion of their hours.
What is the rehearsal/ class schedule
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Kids: Wednesday 4:30 - 5:30pm
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Youth: Tuesday 4:30 - 5:30 pm (all), Thursday 4:30 - 5:30 pm (scene work)
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Teens: Tuesday 5:30 - 6:30 pm (scene work), Thursday 5:30 - 7:30pm (all)
SATURDAY REHEARSALS
These rehearsals are scheduled out scene by scene. Cast members only need to attend the scenes they are in.
Teens 9am-12pm / Youth 12pm-2pm
Tech and Dress Rehearsal week: TBD
What is your absence policy?
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All absences must be cleared with the director before the first day of rehearsal.
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If a student has 3 unexcused absences, they will be asked to leave the show.
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No absences during tech week without pre-approval.
Do you have to audition to participate?
No, you do not have to audition! We can still cast you in the show/ enroll you in class, let us know if this is the case.
Auditions
Auditions can be a nerve racking experience, sometimes it comes with disappointment. Even Broadway Actors only get a tiny percentage of the roles they audition for. Everyone who even tries is a hero to us! Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the role you were excited about. Every single role is important! Keep learning and trying with every opportunity you have. Auditioning is just another opportunity to perform, have fun, and learn! We will hold auditions to cast the show, but everyone will get a part based on their audition and their class level.
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Prepare a 30-60 second audition cut from a song from any Musical. Preferably one that fits the genre of the show. We would like you to fully prepare this song with strong acting choices as if it were lines in a script, just sung! You may sing acappella or with backing tracks. We will not have an accompanist.
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Prepare to read sides (cuts from the script) the link to the sides is below.
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Please prepare a side(lines from the script) to read that you believe is appropriate for you, but note that the side you read does not necessarily determine what character you are auditioning for and you may be asked to read other sides as well. The Director will cast the show based on the needs of specific roles.
Workshop Dates
Fall 2025 Workshop Dates TBD
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Payment due by first day of class.
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Register and Pay online at http://www.rockbridgetheater.com/workshops
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*Please contact us if you need a payment plan.
Workshop Locations
Saint John’s Methodist Church
351 E 21st St.
Buena Vista, VA
*The entrance is the pointed white door in the courtyard facing 21st street.