Parent FAQ
New to TCT? You’re in the right place.
Whether your child has been performing for years or has never stepped on a stage, we know joining a theater program can come with a lot of questions!
We’ve answered some of the questions families ask us most below. Still can’t find what you need? We’re always happy to help.
Getting Started
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Absolutely! Many TCT students come to us with little or no previous theater experience. Workshops, camps, and Rising Stars productions can all be great places to begin, depending on your child’s age and interests.
Not sure where to start? Visit our Explore Programs page to explore your options.
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TCT offers opportunities for a variety of ages and experience levels. Age and grade requirements vary by program, workshop, camp, or production, so be sure to check the individual opportunity for eligibility information.
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No! Students come to TCT with all different strengths and levels of experience. Theater is a place to learn, and we don’t expect students to arrive knowing how to do everything.
Some audition-based productions may require certain skills for particular roles, but previous training isn’t required to begin participating at TCT.
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A quick way to think about it:
Workshops - try theater or develop a specific sill
Camps - short-term, immersive theater experiences
Rising Stars - full production experience for 1st-4th graders with guaranteed participation
Mainstage - audition-based full productions
Private Lessons - individualized training for students in 2nd-12th grade
Rehearsals & Performances
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It depends on the production.
Mainstage productions typically rehearse multiple times each week over several weeks. Rising Stars rehearsals are generally held on Mondays and Fridays from 4:00-6:00 PM during the rehearsal period.
Families receive the applicable schedule before committing whenever possible.
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Tech Week is the final stretch of rehearsals before a production opens. This is when performers, costumes, scenery, lighting, sound, props, and other technical elements all come together.
Tech Week rehearsals are especially important and may be longer or more frequent than regular rehearsals. Cast members are expected to attend all required Tech Week rehearsals.
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Families should review the rehearsal schedule carefully and report known conflicts according to the instructions provided for that production.
Because theatre is a team activity, attendance matters! Missing rehearsals can affect not only your child’s preparation but also scenes, choreography, and other cast members.
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Requirements vary, but students should generally arrive with a securely closing water bottle, appropriate shoes and clothing for movement, their script/materials when applicable, and anything specifically requested by their production team.
Specific requirements will be communicated to each cast.
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Students should wear comfortable, appropriate clothing that allows them to move freely. Closed-toe or appropriate dance shoes may be required depending on the activity.
Production-specific requirements will be communicated by the creative team.
Registration, Tuition & Costumes
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Tuition varies by program. Current pricing is listed on each workshop, camp, lesson, or production registration page so families can review the cost before registering.
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Production tuition helps cover the many elements that go into creating a TCT production, including rehearsal and performance materials, instructional and production staff, venue rental, costumes, and a cast t-shirt. Additional production-specific items may also be included depending on the show.
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Yes! Costumes are included as part of production tuition and are provided by TCT. Families may occasionally be asked to provide simple personal items such as specific shoes, undergarments, socks, or base layers when needed. Any required items will be communicated well in advance.
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Refund and withdrawal policies vary by program and are provided during registration. Families should review all dates, commitments, and policies carefully before completing registration.
Parents & Volunteering
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Yes! Productions require lots of helping hands, and there are opportunities both behind the scenes and during performances.
Because TCT works with minors, certain volunteer positions require training and must follow TCT’s child-safety procedures.
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Not necessarily! Many volunteer roles don’t require previous theatre experience. We’ll provide instructions or training when needed.
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For the safety and security of our performers, backstage access is limited to authorized TCT staff and approved/trained volunteers.
Parents should not enter backstage, dressing room, or other restricted student areas unless they are serving in an authorized role.
Communication
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TCT uses BAND as our primary communication platform for productions. Once your child is registered or cast, families will receive instructions for joining their production’s BAND group, where we share rehearsal updates, reminders, schedules, important links, and other production information.
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For general questions, contact TCT through our website or general email. Once your child is participating in a program or production, families may also receive specific instructions about who to contact for program-related questions.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to help.
Theater comes with a lot of new words, schedules, and traditions - you don’t have to know any of them before joining us!
If you’re unsure where your child should start or have a question we haven’t answered here, reach out to our team.