THEATRE 101

 

🎭 Theatre 101: Welcome to Roseville Theatre Arts Academy!

New to theatre? First time at RTAA? You’re in the right place! Whether you're a parent, performer, or curious community member, this page is here to help you feel right at home.

What Is Roseville Theatre Arts Academy?

Roseville Theatre Arts Academy (RTAA) is a nonprofit youth theatre dedicated to educating and empowering young people through performing arts. We believe in creating a safe, inclusive space where students can grow in confidence, creativity, and collaboration—both onstage and off.

💡 Our Programs

Little Ones (Ages 4–7)
An introduction to theatre for our youngest performers. These workshops focus on movement, music, and storytelling in a nurturing and playful environment.

Youth Workshops (Ages 8–15)
Our core performance program, open to all experience levels. Students rehearse weekly and perform a fully staged musical with lights, costumes, and sets!

Young Broadway Players (Ages 9-18)
For students who are ready for more performance-focused experiences. YBP challenges performers to dive deeper into character work, choreography, and ensemble building.

Masters Program (Ages 10 and up)
An audition-based program for experienced and dedicated performers looking to push their skills even further. Masters shows feature advanced material and a professional rehearsal process.

Mainstage Productions (All Ages)
These full-scale productions feature intergenerational casting and are open to both youth and adults. Mainstage shows often take place during the school year and are open by audition.

Treehouse Players (Ages 16 and up)
Our Treehouse Players productions provide actors, both young and old, an opportunity to be on our beautiful stage. We welcome actors from all around the theatre community to come and join the RTAA family. Age ranges vary according to production requirements and all productions are cast at the director’s discretion. The Treehouse Players productions have public facing performances as well as performances for our field trip series to local schools in our community.

Summer Camps (Ages 7–15)
Week-long themed camps offered each summer. Students will learn theatre skills like voice, movement, improv, musical training, and much more! Each student will have a speaking role, be involved in multiple songs and dance routines, and participate in behind the scene production activities! These camps are high-energy, fun, and great for new and returning students alike. At the end of the camp we will perform our musical for family and friends to enjoy and celebrate all we have learned!

Constellation (Ages 7–16)
Constellation theater is a children’s theater program supporting children with autism. Every year, in partnership with Roseville Theater Arts Academy, Constellation Theater enrolls 15 to 20 children with autism between the ages of 7-16 and 15-20 of their typically developing peers to participate in a musical theater workshop. The children work together to rehearse and then perform a musical theater production.

🎟 Just Here to See a Show? Welcome!

Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight—and that’s okay! If you’re here to enjoy a performance and support the arts, we’re so glad you found us.

At Roseville Theatre Arts Academy, we offer a wide range of productions—from adorable youth showcases to high-caliber, Broadway-style musicals. No matter what brings you through our doors, there's something for everyone.

✨ What You'll See on Our Stage

🎭 Youth Workshops & Little Ones Shows
These performances are filled with energy, heart, and lots of first-time performers. They're perfect for families and a great introduction to theatre—especially for kids in the audience who want to try it themselves one day.

🌟 Masters & Mainstage Productions
Looking for something more polished? Our Masters and Mainstage shows are full-scale, Broadway-style musicals featuring experienced youth performers (Masters) and intergenerational casts including adults (Mainstage).

  • These shows feature top-tier sets, costumes, live music, and professional-quality performances.

  • If you're a theatre-lover, these productions are not to be missed—they rival community theatre standards and are enjoyed by adults, whether or not they have a child in the cast.

🎫 Planning Your Visit

  • Tickets: Available online or at the door—advance purchase recommended for popular shows!

  • Location: 241 Vernon Street in historic Downtown Roseville

  • Parking: Free nearby, including in the Vernon Street parking garage

  • Accessibility: The theatre is wheelchair accessible and our team is happy to assist

  • Refreshments: Concessions are available before the show and at intermission

  • Runtime & Content Ratings: Most shows are family-friendly. If a show contains PG-13 material, we’ll include a note in the show description.

Whether you're watching your grandchild’s first musical or enjoying a date night with a glass of wine and a show, we’re honored to have you in our audience.

🎉 Come see what makes our theatre family so special!

🎟 How Do I Get Involved?

Register:
Our Youth, Little Ones, and Summer Camp programs are open enrollment—no experience necessary! Just pick the right program for your child’s age and interests.

Audition:
Some programs (like YBP, Masters, and Mainstage) require auditions. If it’s your first time, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through what to expect.

Volunteer:
Family participation is a big part of our community! From ushering to helping backstage, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

🎭 Theatre Terms You Might Hear

Blocking: Where and how actors move on stage.
Call Time: When actors are expected to arrive for rehearsal or performances.
Tech Week: The final week of rehearsals where we add lights, sound, costumes, and crew.
Dress Rehearsal: A full run-through of the show in costume, just like a real performance.
Strike: The process of taking down the set and cleaning up after the show closes.
House: The audience seating area.
Wings: The sides of the stage where actors wait before going on.

(We’ll explain these and more—no need to memorize anything!)

🎤 All About Auditions

Auditions at RTAA are a chance for us to get to know you—not just your talent, but your personality, energy, and enthusiasm! We know auditions can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new, but we work hard to keep things friendly, supportive, and fun.

🌟 How to Prepare for an Audition

✔️ Age Requirements:
 Some workshops have age minimums. For example, you must be at least 10 years old on the day of auditions to be eligible for our Masters program.

🎵 Song Selection:
 Choose a short song from a musical (but not from the show you’re auditioning for).

  • Prepare 16 bars (or 32 bars if in cut time)

    • 🎼 What Does “16 or 32 Bars” Mean?

      In musical theatre auditions, you’re often asked to sing a cut of a song—usually 16 or 32 bars (measures). This helps us hear your voice and personality without needing the full song. If you’re not sure how to create a cut, don’t worry—we’ve got you!

      🎯 Here’s how to cut your music:

      Look at the sheet music. Most songs are written with bar numbers at the beginning of each measure. If not, you can count each measure (or ask a teacher or coach to help).

      Choose a section that tells a mini story. You want something with a clear beginning, middle, and end—or at least a strong emotional arc.

      Start with the chorus or a verse/chorus combo that shows off your vocal range and acting skills.

      Make sure your cut is clearly marked on the sheet music for the accompanist. Use a pencil to draw in where to start and stop, and if needed, where to pause or slow down.

      💡 Pro Tip:
       A 16-bar cut is about 30–45 seconds long. A 32-bar cut runs about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Keep it short, strong, and full of energy!

      If you’re not sure how to cut your music, a voice teacher, choir director, or even a musically inclined friend can help you prepare. And if you're still unsure, we’re always happy to answer questions in advance.

  • Bring sheet music for the accompanist—we do not allow a cappella or recorded tracks

  • Choose something that shows off your voice and personality!

🩰 Dance Call:
 All auditions include a short dance or movement combination.

  • Wear something comfortable you can move in

  • You can also bring a change of clothes or dance shoes if you prefer

  • Don’t stress—just have fun and try your best!

📝 What to Bring:

  • Completed Audition Form

  • Conflict Sheet with any known schedule conflicts
    Both forms help us cast you in a role that works with your availability and strengths.

📅 Callbacks:
 If you’re called back—congratulations! That means you’ve officially been cast in the workshop.

  • The registration fee (varies by program) will be due at the callback

  • Payment is required before the callback audition for roles begins

  • Please note: this fee is non-refundable

🤔 What If I’ve Never Done This Before?

That’s okay! Many of our students start with zero experience. Just come with a good attitude and a willingness to try something new. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

💬 Questions?

Our team is happy to walk you through the process. Reach out any time, and don’t forget to check the program-specific audition page for detailed instructions and important dates.