Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get in a show?

MTYP holds auditions for four of the productions during the school year but one production is reserved as an “enrollment show”, which all students are automatically  cast in the show. We also have camps that do shows. You should get on the MTYP mailing list to receive advance information about auditions and enrollment shows, as well as camps and other activities.

Who casts the show?

All MTYP shows are cast by the director, music director and choreographer. No one is allowed to tell them who to cast.

Are your shows full length musicals?

MTYP only produces the original licensed musical. Exceptions may be made for changing “cuss words”. Exception may be made in the case of a lengthy musical, such as THE KING AND I, when offered as a school matinee. In order to allow school groups to get to the show and back to school, performances will be shortened to approximately 2 hours. The regular public performances will be full length.

When are rehearsals?

MTYP typically rehearses Sundays, from 2-5pm, and Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 7-9pm. Usually everyone comes to Sunday rehearsals, as well as one other day each week. The other two weekdays are used for specific musical number, or blocking specific scenes, with fewer people. The closer to the production, the more frequently everyone is scheduled to rehearse. During tech week, everyone comes to all rehearsals.

How many weeks do you rehearse for a show?

Most shows rehearse for 6-7 weeks.

Where are rehearsals held?

Rehearsals are held in the Century II basement, 225 W. Douglas, Wichita. Cast can enter through the brown door on the East side of Century II, near the concert hall ticket area.

What is tech week?

Tech week begins the Monday before Friday’s opening night. Monday is usually used for learning the spacing and set requirements of a show. Tuesday and Wednesday, costumes and make-up are introduced, and Thursday is final dress rehearsal, when everything will be perfect!

Can I miss a rehearsal?

When you audition for a show, you are asked to list your rehearsal conflicts, including school concerts, vacations, after school activities, piano lessons, everything on your calendar. Then if a rehearsal schedules you to attend, you are excused if your conflict was announced prior to the scheduling. If you are not excused, you may find you miss learning a dance or being blocked in a scene. Communication with the stage manager or production assistant is crucial!How many shows do you do each year?MTYP offers four musicals during the school year. Additionally, one full musical is produced for an enrollment teenager summer camp, and one small cast audition show is produced in the summer.

Do you do school matinees?

Yes! School matinees are important to introduce more people to live theatre. Some students attending our musicals later audition and are cast in shows. Others continue to attend musicals without the prompting of a field trip! Matinees are usually offered Friday morning at 10am with a second matinee being added if needed. Have your teacher call us if you are interested in attending!

Who picks the shows, and how are they picked?

Currently, a committee of MTYP board members and several other people active in MTYP consider titles, with input from local theatre experts who know MYTP, and a recommendation is made to the MTYP Board of Directors, who actually select the shows. And they don’t have to select what was recommended to them!

Where are the performances?

At this time, all full musicals, including Teenager Summer Camp, are held at the Mary Jane Teall Theater in Century II, with 623 seats and an orchestra pit!

What happens at summer camp?

At summer camp, campers learn songs and dances and lines from a musical appropriate to their age and ability. Auditions for parts are held the first morning of camp. No previous experience is required. The focus of camp is working on the show, with a performance at the end of camp for their families and friends.

What ages go to summer camp?

Summer camp currently is divided into 5-8 year old camp; 9-12 year old camp; advanced 11-14 year old camp; and teenager camp. All camps work the same way – you enroll, get a confirmation letter, go to camp, audition, learn the show, and do a performance. The 5-8 year old camp show is approximately 25-30 minutes long. The 9-12 year olds do a 45 minute show, and the advanced camp does an approximately 60 minute long show. Teenagers do a full musical, lasting approximately 2 hours plus intermission.What ages go to winter camp?Winter Camp is for ages 5-12.

What’s the difference in summer camp and winter camp?

At summer camp, the staff (usually a music director/director and a choreographer) direct and choreograph the show. Several counselors are used as aides and mentors. In Winter Camp, the staff is aided by teenage counselors, who actually get to choreograph musical numbers for small groups. The counselors meet in advance with the staff and demonstrate their plans to the staff for approval prior to the first day of camp. Parents need to be assured the counselors are selected for their ability to work well with children as well as their talent in choreography. Close supervision is provided of all staff.

Does it cost to be in a show or do camp?

Full productions during the school year have a performance fee ranging from $110-$150, depending on the show. Camp cost varies, with typical costs at $110 for Winter Camp, $95 for 5-8 year old camp, $95 for 9-12 year old camp, $120 for Advanced Camp, and $190 for Teenager Camp. All camps include a camp tee shirt.

Are scholarships available?

YES!! Scholarships are available for all MTYP activities. If cast in a musical, ask for a scholarship application at the first rehearsal. For camps, call and ask for a scholarship form to be mailed to you. All scholarships are need-based, with income, dependents, and extraordinary circumstances considered.

Where does your staff come from?

MTYP staff are selected after careful consideration of the needs of the musical and the available potential staff. People who love working with young people are the only people considered! When using a staff person for the first time, recommendations from other theatre professionals are solicited by MTYP. Most staff are actors working in the Wichita area. MTYP has been fortunate to include newest director Matthew Rumsey; MTW director Wayne Bryan; actor/director/writer Michael Roark; actress/director Karen Robu; actress/director/writer Mary Lou Phipps-Winfrey and from Broadway, Nick Saverine as recent directors. Recent music directors include Jesse Warkentin, Ken Gale, Kim Dugger, and Tim Raymond. Choreographers include locally famed Gigi Gans, WSU student and performer Maria Tate, performer Angie Bickham, and Kyle Vespestad. World renowned Broadway designer Michael Downs and Emmy Award winner Gregory Crane are our in house designers.

Is MTYP a not-for-profit 501-c-3?

YES!!! Any contributions to MTYP are tax-deductible. Our federal tax id number is 48-1008353.

How do I donate to MTYP?

You can mail a donation to MTYP at MTYP, 225 W. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67202, or call 262-MTYP to arrange for pick-up something that cannot be mailed!

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