Try Something new in 2024 with SEACT

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Posted by: SEACT
Date: Dec 19 2023 1:19 PM

Southeast Alabama Community Theatre (SEACT) has a mission to enrich the cultural lives of Wiregrass residents through the presentation of high quality theatre, to provide creative opportunities to talented individuals to perform on stage and behind the scenes, and to introduce the theatrical experience to school-aged children. The SEACT Student Company is dedicated to this purpose!

I’ve never done theatre before, so how do I get started at SEACT as a student?

The SEACT Student Company is open to students of all experience levels, but camps and classes are the perfect starting point for anyone looking to learn the basics and build their confidence.  Find enrollment information here.

Is the SEACT Student Company a competition team?

SEACT offers competition opportunities for students throughout the year, but the SEACT Student Company is not a closed "competition team," nor does SEACT cast productions from an exclusive pool of team members. We want everyone who walks through our doors to have fair access to fulfilling artistic opportunities.

If I’m a SEACT Student Company member, does that mean I can’t perform with my school theatre program or other companies?

SEACT believes that all students who are interested in theatre should pursue a diverse range of theatrical opportunities. In fact, many of our students are leaders in their school drama departments and communities. While we expect students to honor their commitment to a Student Company production once they are cast, we also make every effort to schedule rehearsals and performances in a way that allows students to remain active participants in their school programs and elsewhere.

Why should I work with the SEACT Student Company?

The SEACT Student Company offers exciting theatrical opportunities to students of all experience levels from kindergarten through 12th grade. Our rehearsal rooms are safe and encouraging.  Students serve in leadership roles and receive guidance from qualified teaching artists who are community leaders and MFA-level practitioners.  Our fingers are on the pulse of what’s happening in the American theatre, and we strive to select productions that will unite students of all backgrounds and creeds through the rigorous and joyous process of theatre-making.

Do you have a casting policy?

Student Company productions are cast based on the criteria set forth by the playwright, including but not limited to: age, gender, race, vocal range, and dance ability. Ultimately, an actor must embody the spirit of the character they play and meet the technical requirements of the role.  We will bend typical notions of casting in order to promote artistic exploration and expression when given license to do so by the playwright.  

Although audition requirements may vary from show to show, roles are never precast and we demand that our directors align with professional standards and practices.  As a general theatre rule, we teach our students that talent opens doors, but conduct will ultimately determine the opportunities that are available to them in the future.   

Does the SEACT Student Company have an honors society?

Beginning in 2024, the SEACT Student Company will offer membership to our International Thespian Society (ITS) troupe.  To join, students must earn points through involvement in SEACT classes, camps, and productions.  Aside from the invaluable reward of making theatre with like-minded collaborators, being an ITS member grants students a unique distinction that will help them stand out on college applications and resumes.  

Do you have backstage opportunities?

Yes!  The Student Company includes assistant directors, stage managers, crew members, technicians, and designers.  If you’d like to work behind the scenes for a specific production, please fill out an audition form and indicate your interest in joining the crew.  Then, attend the auditions to interview with the director. You will not be required to perform. Over the summer, we typically offer at least one intensive to help students hone their technical theatre skills.

How can I stay up to date on SEACT Student Company programming and auditions?   

Join the SEACT Student Company Band or follow us on our socials for the latest news and updates.  Keep an eye on SEACT.com for audition announcements, tickets, and class registration.  

Facebook and Instagram: @seactdothan

Tik Tok: @seactstudentco

Where is the SEACT Student Company located?

Office hours are by appointment only. SEACT operates in downtown Dothan, AL.  Most rehearsals and performances take place at the following locations:

Cultural Arts Center 

909 S. Saint Andrews Street

Dothan, AL 36301

SEACT “Bus Station” Rehearsal Hall

285 S Foster Street

Dothan, AL 36301

Do you offer tuition assistance? 

Need-based tuition assistance is available.  Applications are available and must be completed BEFORE registering for a class, camp, or production.  Please allow 3-5 business days for processing. You will receive instructions by email to register if your application is approved.

I have more questions.  Who do I contact?

You can email Program Manager Billy Hutto at [email protected] with any questions you might have regarding SEACT’s student programming.  You can also leave a message on the SEACT voicemail at 334-794-0400, and a staff member will return your call as soon as possible.

SEACT is a 501(c) organization and depends on the support of its community to bring theatre to life in the Wiregrass. The organization is funded through season tickets, sponsorships, advertising, and donations.

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