Every Natick Drama Workshop is a labor of love. Often involving lots and lots of labor! As the saying goes, many hands make light work. We look for help during the two phases of the show:
Rehearsals: (Saturday mornings or at home) This is work with building and painting sets, gathering and creating props, sewing costumes, fundraising, office management, graphic design, and lots of other things. We’d love to have you come by. Remember, no experience is necessary—we’ll train you on everything! If you have any questions, drop us a line! board@natickdramaworkshop.org
Tech Week and Show Weekend: (Saturday before show weekend through the last rehearsal) Tech week is where all the disparate parts of the show come together. The actors start using props and seeing each other in costumes. We test the microphones, design the lighting scheme and practice using the spots lights. And of course there’s the ever-famous load-in, where we transport all the props, costumes, sets, and so-on from our home base at the Cole Center to the show venue (Wilson or Kennedy Middle School). There are so many jobs! From concessions to ticket sales, Green room monitoring to ushering, we need lots and lots of help! We need each actor’s family to take on two slots to make the show go smoothly. Please sign up here or read the job descriptions below.
Thank you!
Job Descriptions
LOAD-IN & STRIKE
Involves loading & unloading the truck with all the sets, props, costumes and additional materials needed for tech week and show production. Load in will be during our last Saturday morning rehearsal at Cole Center before Tech Week. Strike begins immediately following the Sunday performance.
Green Room
Arrive the same time as the cast. Supervise the cast when they are not on stage, ensure they respect the room, their costumes, and each other. Ensure they are paying attention to the performance so they don’t miss cues. You will need to attend at least one Tech Week night rehearsal to get into the swing of things.
Costumes
Tech week: assist in organizing, ironing and steaming costumes.
Performance weekend: arrive the same time as the cast and be available after performance while cast returns costumes. Help with putting on costumes as needed. Assist with costume changes and repairs during the show. Help actors to put away costumes after the show and re-organize for next performance. Attend “costuming training” during at least one Tech Week dress rehearsal.
Concessions
You will need to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time to assist in the set-up of the concessions tables. You are responsible for selling concessions before and during the show as well as during the intermission.
Props
Arrive the same time as the cast. Ensure that props are laid out on table(s) and all items are accounted for. Assist cast with retrieving props and returning them as they go on/off stage. Repair props as needed during Tech Week and between shows. Attend “props training” during at least one Tech Week dress rehearsal.
Tickets
Arrive 1 hour prior to show time to assist in selling tickets. Exception: Friday night arrive at 5:30PM. Once the ticket table has closed, you will be assigned to either sell refreshments or work as an usher for the remainder of the show.
Usher
As an usher, arrive the same time as the cast. Assist in set-up of the “house” and collect tickets at the door, pass out playbills, assist with seating and crowd control in general. During the show you will guide guests to the restrooms, concessions, etc. While not ushering, you may enjoy the show from the walkway near the entrance doors. You will assist in clean-up at the end of the show.
Mid-Show Meal
On Saturday, in between the shows, coordinate ordering, reception, and set up of the meal including utensils, food, etc. Supervise cast in the cafeteria and in the hallway to the restrooms. Help to keep the cast together. Lead the cast in cleaning up after themselves. Ensure room is left clean and free of all trash. Arrive by 3pm or sooner to complete all tasks above.
Cast Party
Coordinate ordering and set up of food, supplies and entertainment for the cast party that takes place on Sunday after the show.
Spotlight
Requires you to be available at least one Tech Week Dress Rehearsal to learn the ropes. You will receive lighting cues from the Stage Manager via headset.
Note: This job is often filled by NDW Alumni. Occasionally we request additional help from parent volunteers.
Stage Crew
Make scene changes, shush kids, and chase after props. Our stage crew chiefs will communicate specific arrival times – please wear black clothing and black shoes! You will need to attend as many Tech Week rehearsals as possible to learn the ropes.
Note: This job is often filled by NDW Alumni. Occasionally we request additional help from parent volunteers.