FAQ

 

PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

I am a parent. How can I get involved?

You can become involved in a few easy ways:

I am a parent, and I work for a business with egregious amounts of money to spend. How can I receive information about matching gifts?

If you work for a company that offers matching gifts, please Contact us for information regarding Corporate Matching. We can provide a determination letter from the IRS for tax purposes and potential exemptions. We will recognize you AND your company for your generosity both online and in our printed programs.

I love to support young people passionate about the arts. How can I become a season sponsor?

Whether you are an individual, family, or represent a business, we welcome donations of any amount. ALL donations will be gratefully acknowledged via our website; some levels of giving will also be acknowledged with various tokens of our appreciation--including show tickets, stage mentions, lobby signage, and more. Our season sponsors quickly become part of the Ovation family! Please click to find out more about becoming a Season Sponsor.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

What is EncOvation?

EncOvation (pronounced AHNK-OH-VAY-SHUN) is the portmanteau of our sister organization, Encore Choir, and Ovation Theatre. When the term is used, it signifies an event that features students from both programs. All musical productions, spring trips, and our end-of-year banquet is considered EncOvation.

Where are the productions held?

Unless otherwise noted, all productions will be held at the Dawson High School Performing Arts Center, located at 2050 Cullen Pkwy., Pearland, TX 77581.

As you enter the school from Cullen Boulevard, please park in the parking lot on the right side of the building. The building is marked “Auditorium” on that side.

How do I buy tickets to the shows?

All tickets are available online up to four weeks prior to the start of a production's run. Both reserved seating and general admission ticket options are available for most productions. All ticketing is digital; no hard copy tickets will be sold at the door. Though you may scan a QR code and purchase tickets at the show, we recommend advance purchase for best seat selection and to avoid sell outs.

Do you have wheelchair access in the auditorium?

Yes. Look for tickets marked “ADA” on the ticketing page. For further assistance/information, please contact Danielle Morgan in the Pearland ISD Fine Arts Department (281-485-3203) who can accommodate you. (P.S. make sure when you call that you thank our support staff for all they do for us… they often get saddled with a lot of work and not a lot of recognition!)

COURSE INFORMATION

Do I have to be enrolled in a theatre class to audition for a production?

No. Many of our students do not take theatre classes and still enjoy being a part of our program.

What classes should I take?

Check out the Course Selection Guide via the DHS Counselor webpage at Counseling Center. Reach out to one of the directors if you have any questions.

Can I receive a GPA waiver by being enrolled in a theatre class?

Students enrolled in any theatre class at Dawson HS may apply for a GPA waiver. More information can be found in the appendix of the Course Selection Handbook found via the DHS Counselor webpage at Counseling Center. Please reach out to your counselor if you have any specific questions.

Is there a course fee?

All students enrolled in a Theatre course at Dawson High School help offset the costs of the course by paying a $15 fee, which can be paid via Skyward. Students must pay this fee or they will not be allowed to participate in exam exemptions.

AUDITION INFORMATION

I’ve never auditioned before. What should I expect?

Auditioning in front of your peers can be scary, but it does not have to be! Most students think auditions, after coming to one, are fun! The secret is to prepare in advance. Our audition form and materials are made at least three weeks in advance of the audition as well as reading the audition expectations. Every audition is a little different, so make sure you read the expectations well in advance. If you have any questions, clear all of that up with a student officer or a director PRIOR to the audition itself.

Here’s a sample schedule of an audition for a musical so you can get an idea of what happens:

Prior to 6:00pm – students check in
6:00pm – Mr. Edgar starts the audition meeting 
6:10pm – GIRLS in the auditorium to learn choreography / BOYS in choir hall with audition cuts 
6:30pm – BOYS in the auditorium to learn choreography / GIRLS in choir hall with audition cuts 
6:50pm – ALL in auditorium for choreography audition 
7:15pm – Singing auditions begin. Students will be called up in groups of ten by song choice. 

AS A GROUP IS CALLED UP TO THE STAGE, A PRACTICE RUN WITH THE TRACK WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL STUDENTS. 

BEFORE PERFORMING, A STUDENT MUST ANNOUNCE HIS OR HER SLATE: 

“Hello, my name is Roxan Silva. Tonight, I will be auditioning with “Breathe” from IN THE HEIGHTS.” 

AFTER PERFORMING, A STUDENT WILL STEP BACK IN THE LINE UNTIL ALL STUDENTS IN THE GROUP HAVE PERFORMED. 

9:00pm – Auditions end 

Callback lists will be posted by the director within a reasonable time after the general audition. Requests for verbal feedback after auditions must be made by the student only in writing to the Head Director no later than seven days after the posting of the company list. Feedback will focus on individual student growth and is not a debate or explanation of casting decisions. 

Any other advice on auditions?

  • Prepare as much as possible prior to the audition. Try your best to attend a pre-audition workshop held by the directors (if offered) as they will help you build confidence with the material.

  • Start by reading our audition expectations.

  • Be on time.

  • Make sure you have filled out the proper paperwork. We are paperless… after living through a global pandemic, the days of bringing signed papers to us are over. Please make sure you are up-to-date with what production paperwork is required of you by checking out the TeamApp.

  • Wear appropriate attire, especially if you will be moving. No flip-flops, please (your lower back will thank you).

  • Be courteous to those around you. Actively participate in the audition by minimizing talking and other distractions.

  • Eat and drink before or after the audition, but don't bring it with you. Water is permitted… but make sure you take your water bottle with you… and recycle. Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans. It's equivalent to five grocery bags filled with plastic for every foot of coastline in the world. Do your part and love the earth.

Can parents and friends attend auditions?

No. Auditions -- and most rehearsals -- are closed to the public. We want to provide students with a safe and efficient learning environment free from potential distractions.

Does everyone get a part in the show?

Our goal is to have as many students involved in a production as possible. That said, there is no guarantee that all who audition will get a part, including those who may have been cast in a previous production.

I am interested in being on the crew. Do I still need to audition?

Please fill out the audition form and indicate that you are interested in being on crew. An interview, audition, or a meeting will take place to determine your specific role, dependent on the production’s needs.

What is the time commitment for each production?

Each production is different with varying timelines, and a detailed rehearsal schedule will be released after a cast list is announced.

Rehearsal times during the week may vary, but are typically in the 6pm-9pm time frame. Not all cast/crew members are called to every rehearsal. Saturday rehearsals may be called depending on the production.

We ask that students put all scheduling conflicts on their audition form as considering conflicts is part of the casting process. If a student misses the majority of the rehearsal process, (s)he may not be cast.

Is there any paperwork I need to fill out to be a part of a production?

Yes. Every student will need to fill out an online audition form. This form gathers certain information from you so we can adequately plan our production. Once a student has been offered a role, they will be sent a production offer to accept or decline.

Mr. Edgar will give you more instructions as to when these forms will be due. All forms are digital, and we try to get forms signed at one time.

What additional production fees need to be paid?

Production fees are determined by the Pearland ISD Fine Arts Department and are subject to change based on the needs of the production. The fee and its due date will be announced at the start of auditions. All company members (cast and crew) will pay the same fee.

Current production fees as of July 2023:

Fall Musical - $100

Winter Musical - $100

UIL One Act Play - $60

Can I audition for Cabaret/Pop Show... even if I'm not in choir?

Yes! Make sure you audition with appropriate repertoire. When in doubt, please reach out to the appropriate director.

I can't be in this upcoming show, but how can I find out about future auditions?

  • Download Ovation Theatre 24-25 on GroupMe for the latest updates.

  • Listen to the morning announcements. We'll include information about auditions!

  • Check us out on Dawson ETV.

  • Look for flyers. We typically post announcements on a bulletin board outside of the choir hall.

  • Follow us on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

ONCE YOU’RE A PART OF THE COMPANY…

How do I know when to come to rehearsal?

A lot of work goes into planning the rehearsal schedule as there are many moving parts. Students should always refer to the Rehearsal Schedule located on the Student Hub. This document will tell you the entire schedule, when to report to rehearsal, and for how long. It is the student’s responsibility to check this document. Changes may be made to the schedule with as much advance notice as possible, but every cast/crew member is responsible for regularly checking both the schedule and TeamApp/GroupMe for updates.

Absences are only excused if the director knows about it in advance and/or approves unforeseen circumstances. Planned instances such as social events, driving instruction, or any other extracurricular activity not listed on the initial audition form will not be approved. Students with excessive absences during a production may be dismissed and/or future participation in productions will be evaluated. All absences not included in the initial audition form should be logged in the Absence Reporting Form located on the Student Hub.

Above all else, students should take initiative to communicate potential rehearsal conflicts as much in advance as possible. This shows the director that the student is reliable and responsible. When students demonstrate these qualities, they are preparing for future employment and opportunities given to citizens who prove themselves as such.

Who are the Ovation Theatre Student Officers?

2024-2025 Student Officers
Camden Baker
Jadyn Burrows
Channing Grace
Hannah Lundberg
Maddie Parker
Amber Schaefer
Mallory Thornton

Our student officers can help you with 95% of your questions. Students should reach out to them with questions FIRST before contacting a director.

I don't have a car. Can I carpool with someone to rehearsal?

Yes. We can always help you find a ride to rehearsal.

...but don't be late.

I’m a parent. How do I know when to pick up my student from rehearsal?

Times posted on the rehearsal calendar note the start and end of rehearsal only. At a certain point in the production schedule, students will be responsible for putting away costumes, props, or any other materials needed during rehearsal. Sometimes, this can take an additional 10-15 minutes after the end of posted rehearsal times. We will communicate this with you and your student during the run of a production, but it is always a good idea to check in with your student so you are not waiting for a long period of time in the parking lot.

What is Production Week?

Generally, the week before we open a show is called Production Week. Rehearsals may run later on these days, and all cast and crew members are required to participate to make sure that the show is ready.

It can be challenging for students to balance their commitment to the production with their workload for school, but it is a balance they need to seek. By talking to their teachers well before Tech Week and advocating for themselves, students will find it far easier to manage their work during this time. Teachers are willing to work with students to let them work ahead or to schedule projects, tests, etc. to allow them to complete the work with the demands of the show in mind. Our teachers are very supportive of Ovation Theatre and its productions. However, not turning in assignments or missing class and using the show as an excuse to do so is never acceptable.

Participation in theatre is subject to the same academic eligibility standards from UIL as other sports and activities, so it is critical that students maintain good standing.

I’m a parent. How do I volunteer to help with a production?

  • Join the Booster Club.

  • Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities that are sent out via SignUpGenius.

  • Download the Ovation Theatre 24-25 GroupMe. Parents often think that GroupMe is solely for students, but students do not always relay pertinent information to parents… by having access to GroupMe, you can have access to all the information your student has as well.

  • Contact our Booster Club Executive Board and Committee Chairs. Our board and committee members are always looking for help, and they are in contact with Mr. Edgar about what needs to happen. Reach out to the Booster Club via email.

Do we ever travel together?

Yes! Every year, Ovation Theatre goes to the Texas Thespian Festival at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX. For four days and three nights of workshops, performances, and competitions, students travel by charter bus to focus on becoming better theatre students. The trip usually costs between $400-$450 per student, and registration is limited to the first forty students who apply. Parents are invited to attend as chaperones and have the option of paying to participate in the festival or not.

Students who participate in UIL One Act Play travel between different host schools should they advance. If students advance to the State Meet, Pearland ISD provides all funding for travel, accommodations, and meal stipends as required by the competition.

Every other year, EncOvation takes an out-of-state trip during Spring Break. We usually alternate between New York City and Disney World but have traveled elsewhere in the past. Mrs. Silva helps organize this trip, and parents are also invited to chaperone. The cost is usually between $1,400-$1,700 per student, but prices vary due to economic conditions.

What leadership opportunities are available in Ovation?

Dawson High School has a rich history and tradition of excellence. Our students naturally stand out because of their desire to serve themselves through one another. As a result, some of the best and brightest students choose membership in Ovation Theatre because of our shared dedication to the four pillars of our school’s mission: spirit, opportunity, achievement, and respect.

There are several ways that students can serve in leadership positions in Ovation Theatre:

  • Production Roles - becoming a principal (what we call a “lead” role) is a privilege and an acknowledgement from the directors of hard work in preparation, demonstration of reliability, and a successful audition. We consider these leadership positions because not everybody can be a principal, and the work doesn’t stop once the show has. You are under the constant eye of your department, campus, and community, and your academic and social behavior is paramount. Remember… many people often perceive auditions as a competition, but when it comes to leadership, a student is only in competition with themselves. The truth is that every principal once had a smaller role, but it’s how they prepared, performed, and valued their smaller role that got them to becoming a principal.

  • Stage Management - Stage Managers (SM) and Assistant Stage Managers (ASM) are appointed by the Head Theatre Director and are closely involved in the production process. Together, the stage management team helps appoint crew heads who oversee certain departments of the backstage crew and who in the crew will serve in each department. Crew heads are seen as a mid-management position between the running crew and the stage managers, and it is a great opportunity to prove a specific set of skills. Just as in the cast, students who become a stage manager have demonstrated a wide variety of leadership skills, including dynamic problem solving, communication, and deal with situations well under pressure. How they treated their crew role and their crew head roles determined if they were ready to be stage managers.

  • Student Officers - Student officer candidates may interview before being chosen by the Directors every spring. These students can be cast or crew members, but they must be inducted members of the International Thespian Society and meet the other qualifications listed for the position. The number of officers appointed is determined by the Head Theatre Director. Student officers are often the “life” of Ovation, and they are the liaison between the student participants and the director.

How do I become a student officer?

Students interested in becoming an officer will attend an interview with the directors, usually held a few weeks prior to the Black and White Ball (EncOvation Banquet). The interview will be judged on the creativity of a student’s answers and the ideas you have as a leader for Ovation in the upcoming school year. Your interview will last no longer than 10 minutes total in length, so ideas must be succinct and easily communicable. More information about what specific questions the officers will be asked will be released when interview times are announced.

Ovation Theatre officers must serve Ovation Theatre for one year (beginning and ending in May at the Black and White Ball) in a variety of capacities, including but not limited to: 

  • Must have been in at least three Ovation Theatre productions 

  • Must be an inducted member in International Thespian Society Troupe #8922

  • Must audition for every production and attend every production-related event (i.e. set build) 

  • Must attend Texas Thespians Festival 

  • Must have the ability to stay in constant communication via text, email, and social media 

  • Must meet deadlines and have good time management skills 

  • Must be proactive and responsible 

  • Must serve as an example of the ideal student, including being on time, being a high academic achiever, and being kind to one another (and/or any other behavior deemed worthy by the Director) 

Before interviews, all students should: 

  • Discuss making this commitment with your parents. Explain that you are applying as a candidate and that they understand and support you in this process, including rehearsal schedules and the time commitment above and beyond the average Ovation participant. 

  • Submit a copy of the student’s most recent grade report from Skyward. 

INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN SOCIETY

What is International Thespian Society?

The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) is an international association with more than 100,000 active members. EdTA’s mission is shaping lives through theatre education; honoring student achievement in theatre; supporting teachers by providing professional development, resources, and recognition; and influencing public opinion that theatre education is essential and builds life skills. EdTA is the home of the International Thespian Society, an honorary organization established at nearly 5,000 schools, which has inducted more than 2.4 million theatre students since its founding in 1929.

What is a Thespian?

During the sixth century B.C., one of the writers of tragedy who won the approval of the priests at the Festival of Dionysus was Thespis. About 535 B.C. a new dimension was added to drama when Thespis, who was a prominent leader of the Greek chorus, stepped from that group and recited portions of the drama alone. In the moment he separated himself from the chorus, Thespis became the first actor. We also believe that it was he who first used masks so that a person could portray more than one part.

Because of Thespis, all actors are called Thespians.

What is a Troupe?

The Thespian troupe is a subset of Ovation Theatre. It is our student honor society for Theatre students (a separate student organization), and membership is earned. Only students who have been officially inducted and registered with the International Thespian Society are members.

As of 2021-2022, students pay a one-time fee of $35 to be inducted into ITS Troupe #8922 at Glenda Dawson High School. Once inducted as a Thespian, a student can remain a Thespian in Good Standing as long as they demonstrate adherence to Pearland ISD Code of Conduct policies.

Why should I join?

The recognition students gain through induction in ITS signals to colleges and employers their leadership, service, and extracurricular achievements. It gives theatre students the same validation common for sports or academic success.

Thespian festivals provide students and teachers with unparalled learning, recognition, and engagement ― at both the chapter and international levels. Regional and national events offer Thespians a chance to compete for thousands of scholarship dollars, earn commendation through competitions, and audition for hundreds of college theatre programs.

Does Troupe #8922 have student officers?

Yes. Part of the qualifications for being an officer for Ovation Theatre means you are also an inducted Thespian. Therefore, the Ovation Theatre officers are also the presiding officers of Troupe #8922.

How do I join Troupe #8922?

Eligibility for membership is determined through a point system. Students need 10 points to join the troupe.

Every spring, eligible students are invited to join Troupe #8922. Students pay a one-time induction fee of $35 for the year. New members are celebrated in an induction ceremony meeting. Though we have Thespian meetings during Eagle Hour, there is not a requirement to maintain membership once inducted.

Once inducted, students are ranked and leveled by the number of points they have. These ranks help distinguish them on college applications and resumes.

What is ThesFest?

Each year, Texas Thespians host a state-wide festival called the Texas Thespians Festival (lovingly referred to as “ThesFest”). With over 8,000 students in attendance, it is one of the largest annual Thespian festivals where theatre is everywhere. It includes workshops, performances, competitions, and more! The festival always occurs on the Wednesday through Saturday prior to Thanksgiving. The average cost is $450-$550 per student.

Attendance at ThesFest is approved by Pearland ISD, and the district allows for students to be excused from class on the Thursday and Friday prior to Thanksgiving Break. Students are responsible for making up any missed work in advance of their absence.

Here is a sample itinerary from a previous festival:

WEDNESDAY

3:00 PM - Leave for the Gaylord Texas from Dawson HS

8:00 PM - Arrive at the Gaylord Texas, Registration  

11:30 PM - Lights out 

 

THURSDAY

8:00 AM - Breakfast, Turn in room keys to chaperones 

8:30 AM - Tech Challenge and Workshops begin 

12:30 PM - Lunch/meetup 

7:00 PM - Dinner  

8:15 PM - 9:30 PM- All Convention Event  

11:30 PM- Lights Out  

 

FRIDAY

8:00 AM - Breakfast, Turn in room keys to chaperones  

8:30 AM - Tech Challenge and Workshops begin 

12:30 PM - Lunch/meetup 

7:00 PM - Dinner  

8:15 PM - 9:30 PM- All Convention Event  

9:30 PM - 10:30 PM- Festival’s Got Talent  

11:30 PM - Lights Out  

 

SATURDAY

8:00 AM - Breakfast, Turn in room keys to chaperones 

8:30 AM - Tech Challenge and Workshops begin 

12:30 PM - Lunch/meetup 

3:00 PM - All convention Event  

~6:00 PM - Leave for Houston  

~11:00 PM- Arrive at Dawson HS

Registration opens in August for interested students, and all registration requirements will be communicated by the Head Theatre Director. Number of participants may be limited based on transportation and lodging availability.

How do I audition for competition at ThesFest?

Auditions and interviews for individual events (IEs) are held in late September/early October. Students should read the guidelines of all individual events as the auditions and interviews will take the same format. Remember, only students who attend the Texas Thespians Festival may audition.

It is okay if the audition is a “little rough” at this point in the year. Potential is part of the audition criteria.

UIL ONE ACT PLAY & THEATRICAL DESIGN

What is UIL One Act Play?

The UIL One-Act Play (OAP) contest is a competition where similarly sized Texas schools present an 18-40 minute play and may be adjudicated by a panel of three judges. The contest is held on a single day and open to the public. There are six possible levels of competition: Zone, District, Bi-District, Area, Region, and State. At each level of competition, the judges award individual acting awards as well as selecting three productions to advance to the next level of competition (up to the Regional Level where only two will advance to the State Level). After the awards are announced, each judge gives an oral critique to each of the schools.

Typically, 20 cast/crew members and 4 alternates are selected to be a part of the UIL OAP Contest.

More information on the UIL OAP Contest can be found here.

Who is Dr. Ivins?

Dr. Jerry Ivins (lovingly referred to as “Doc”) is the Chair of Fine Arts and Artistic Director of Theatre and Film at San Jacinto College-Central Campus. You can read more about him here. He was adopted by the cast of 33 VARIATIONS when they went to the 6A UIL One Act Play State Meet in 2021 because he was our contest manager for the entire contest. A tradition that cast started was to have a “Dr. Ivins Appreciation Day.” We are happy to have him be a part of the Ovation family!

What is UIL Theatrical Design?

Students can compete in the UIL Theatrical Design Contest, either individually or as a team, in four categories: set, costume, hair/makeup, and marketing. Each year, a “directorial prompt” shall be provided based on a published play. In it, students will be given certain conceptual parameters from which they will develop design concepts. The prompt can be found on the UIL website and in the current Theatrical Design Guide.

More information on UIL Theatrical Design can be found here.

BANQUET INFORMATION

What is the Black and White Ball?

The Black and White Ball is the annual banquet of EncOvation (the portmanteau for Encore Choir and Ovation Theatre) students, typically held in May of each school year. Any student who is currently enrolled in Encore Choir classes or has been in at least one Ovation production throughout the school year is invited to attend. Students may bring one high-school aged guest.

The cost is between $50-60 per student and includes a premium catered meal, event photography, and an evening of dancing and music. The attire for the event is black and white formal wear.

Parents and alumni do not usually attend this event as it is a celebration of the school year for current students only.