Students can expect to rehearse 2.5 to 3 hours per day, 3–5 days a week, averaging 8–15 hours per week during the rehearsal period. The schedule varies based on the type of production—plays (fall) or musicals (spring)—and the needs of the show. The rehearsal process typically runs for about 2.5 months leading up to opening night. Students who serve as members of the Drama Board should also plan for an additional 30–60 minutes per week for leadership meetings and production-related responsibilities.

Tech Week is the final week before performances when directors, cast, and crew bring all elements of the show together. Tech rehearsals are like dress rehearsals, running the show with the live band, microphones, full costumes, lighting, sound, and set changes. Rehearsals are longer to ensure everything is ready for opening night.

Strike happens after the final performance. Directors, cast, and crew work together to take down the set, pack up props and costumes, and restore the space to its original condition. All students involved in the production are expected to stay and help. Parents are encouraged to stay and pitch in as well—many hands make light work!

Each production is a 2 ½ month commitment. The fall play production season is typically from September through the second or third weekend in November.  The spring musical production is typically from January through the second or third weekend in March. Auditions are sometimes held in late December for the spring musical and early September for the fall play.This information can be found on the students google classroom pages.

The Dramatic Arts Program offers several important behind-the-scenes roles. Tech Crew operates lighting and sound equipment. Stage Crew manages set pieces, props, and transitions backstage. Run Crew assists with scene changes during performances. Students with prior experience in graphic design or content creation may also contribute by designing a logo for the show. Additionally, a student may be selected to help run the program’s student-led social media pages to promote the production.

Yes, however the Drama Club needs to take priority. So for example, if rehearsals are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays it is a student’s responsibility to inform their job or other activity of that commitment. At auditions students will need to write down all conflicts that they have with the schedule to the best of their knowledge and the Creative Team will do their best to schedule around that conflict.

Board members need to be in cast and/or crew. The President of the student board needs to be in both the fall play and the spring musical for continuity of leadership. It is preferred that other board members be in both productions, but the position can be covered by two separate individuals who cover the two productions between them. Co-board positions are a possibility.  Board positions typically include: President, Vice President, Secretary, Graphic Designer, Set Crew Representative, Treasurer, and Member at Large.

Rehearsals over school holidays are optional. Weekend rehearsals are required—typically one day per weekend, sometimes increasing to two days in the final weeks before the show. This schedule is determined by the director based on how rehearsals are progressing.

Once a student accepts a role, they should submit any known schedule conflicts to the director as soon as possible. If a new conflict arises during the production or the student becomes ill, they must communicate with the Director or Student Liaison right away.

Google Classroom is the primary hub for all student-related information, including rehearsal schedules, tech hour requirements, and announcements from the Director and Student Liaison. The Fine Arts Booster supports the program by sending weekly email updates during show season and monthly or quarterly updates in the off-season. Public show information is shared on the Boosters' Facebook and Instagram pages. Information specific to parents—such as volunteer needs or schedule reminders—is emailed directly and shared in a private Facebook group for parents of students involved in the production.

Yes, there are opportunities available! Please email our director at gmhsbooster@gmail.com for more information since the opportunities will vary throughout the year and the Fine Arts Board will forward any questions to our director.

This depends on the show. In some productions, students have used items from their own wardrobe to create costumes. In others, costumes may be provided by the director. Any requirements will be communicated directly to your student during the rehearsal process and at parent meetings.

The Fine Arts Booster Club supports the program through fundraising to cover production costs, and by coordinating volunteers and logistics for each show. Parents are welcome and encouraged to join—information on how to get involved is included in Booster emails and shared at parent meetings, or can be found on our website through the contact us page.

Yes. A separate organization hosts summer theater programs at GMHS. These programs are not affiliated with the Fine Arts Boosters, but many students participate in both. Students interested in summer opportunities can speak with the director for more information.

If you have a question please email gmhsartsbooster@gmail.com and we will answer it or connect you to someone who can.

Yes. All cast and crew members are required to participate in set building and complete a set number of tech hours each production. The required hours—typically 2 to 4 per show—are determined by the stage designer based on production needs. Students will be expected to stay after school or after rehearsal to complete these hours. The schedule of available times for tech hours will be provided to Student Board members and shared with cast and crew via Google Classroom. Student Board will also help track and communicate progress toward completing these hours.