See also our Box Office Policies and FAQs.

I want to get involved with Reston Community Players. How do I start? What are the membership requirements? What about opportunities for children?

Participation is open to everyone!

Each show at Reston Community Players is cast by open auditions, which are held about eight to ten weeks before the first performance. RCP is a non-Equity (indeed, non-paying) organization. Each show will vary in its age requirements. We have performed shows that call for many children (musicals like Annie and Oliver!) as well as shows that don't (1776 and A Streecar Named Desire, for instance). The auditions page gives the casting requirements for each show as it comes up.

To serve backstage, you can contact the producer or director for an upcoming show, or anyone listed on our contacts page, including Volunteer Coordinator David Segal. Each production will offer a number of challenging opportunities for technicians (both experienced and beginners), from operating lighting and sound equipment, to designing makeup and hairstyles, to shifting scenery and props with split-second timing.

Where can I find out about other companies' auditions?

The first place to look is the Guide to the Lively Arts listings in the Weekend section of each Friday's Washington Post.

Online, check The Theatre Pages @SRBNET, and most community theaters provide up-to-date information on their auditions through their individual web sites.

There is a paid-membership organization, the Actors' Center, that runs an audition hotline.

Can you recommend places to take acting classes?

Acting classes are a lot like dance classes—there's something to learn from every teacher. Here's a couple of places you might consider.

Close to home, the Fairfax County Park Authority offers beginner classes. Several of the professional companies in the area offer classes, including Round House Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Classes are also announced in the Guide to the Lively Arts in the Washington Post Weekend section on Fridays.

I have written a script. Will you consider producing it?

Due to economic considerations, the only new plays we currently accept for production are one-acts, which are entered into a regional competition each summer (the NVTA One-Act Festival). If you have a one-act you'd like us to consider, please submit a synopsis to the Artistic Committee. You can contact the Artistic Committee through the webmaster.

Can you give me any tips on auditioning?

The following thoughts were offered anonymously. Please consider them as general suggestions. Most directors and producers can offer you more specific guidance.

BE PREPARED. Read the audition notice carefully; know what is expected of you; get the script and read it beforehand; don't hesitate to call for more information—a good director welcomes questions. Prepare thoroughly, even though the director may know your work.

BRING A RESUME. Nothing fancy: just a neatly-typed list of your previous theater experience, listing the roles you have played in which plays for which companies. Most audition forms have space for you to write in your experience by hand, but simply attaching your resume to your form saves you a step and lets you focus on your audition.

BE ON TIME. Or better still, be early if you think there will be a crowd. Give yourself time to sign in and relax.

BE COMFORTABLE. Wear clothing that is comfortable and doesn't inhibit you in any way (save those brand new shoes for another day!). Some actors like to "dress the part:" this can be a good idea if you are going for a role that is opposite from your type. However, don't over-do it so that you can't fully participate in the movement/dance audition.

PRESUME NOTHING. Remember you are on stage from the moment you enter the audition space. When you are called, step up to the task with energy and confidence! Whether you speak or sing, project with the vigor and enunciate with the same clarity you would during a performance.

MUSICALS. Choose a song that is in the same style of the show you are auditioning for, but not specifically from the show (that is, don't sing a song from The Mikado if you are auditioning for Grease). The audition notice should tell you if there are any restrictions of this nature or if they would prefer to hear a song from the show (unusual, but not impossible). Choose a song that you have rehearsed and are very comfortable with. Know your vocal range, and bring your own sheet music. Don't depend on music being supplied (as it will most likely not be in your key!). Take as long as you need to discuss your song with the accompanist (you usually will not have a time limit here). Be sure that he/she knows exactly where the tempo and key changes are, and which verse(s) you will be singing. Step away from the piano so that your voice can be clearly heard, introduce yourself, and tell the staff what song you will be singing. After your audition, thank the accompanist (and don't forget to take back your music). Don't be offended if you are stopped before you have completed the song (the director will probably tell you this before the auditions even begin). Usually it is a time constraint, rather than a reflection on your performance. However, if you have a big finish, be sure to tell them before you begin singing or plan your audition segment so that you will be sure to reach the end.

NON-MUSICALS. The audition notice should clue you in as to whether you will need a prepared monologue or you will participate in cold readings from the script. Again, the director should be able to answer any questions (especially about the prepared monologue). Don't throw something together at the last minute: it shows (and you'll probably forget most of it). If you are asked to read a scene with another actor, pay attention to any special directions given by the director. If you have the opportunity to read the same scene twice, be bold! Try something different so that your versatility shows, but always take the direction seriously and try to show the director you can interpret his/her wishes. Above all, be flexible!

DON'T OVERSTAY YOUR WELCOME. If the auditions are "open" and casual, it may be perfectly fine to hang around and chat with other actors, but you should leave if you have been excused and you are certain that you are no longer needed.

What is the inclement weather policy? How can I find out whether a performance is cancelled?

For status of a performance, on the day of the show, phone the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500 after 4:00 PM (noon for matinees).