HOW STUDENTS GET INVOLVED
Audition for a Show
To audition, students need to attend the information meeting for each show, and pick up the audition form. Prepare for your audition with the material requested by the staff. Bring your form and do your best on audition day. Some students will be selected for callbacks, and may be asked to prepare different material for the callbacks. Following callbacks, a final cast list is posted. Cast rehearsals start immediately and run for about six weeks in advance of the performance dates. The dates for information meetings, audtions and peformances are on the SMS Theatre calendar.
Participate in a Show Crew
Students run the the backstage crews for every show. We often have as many or more students working on the crews as are in the casts. Crew applications are available at the information meeting for each show. We have a lot of demand to work on our show crews, and students apply for the crews that most interest them. A crew list is posted when the crews are finalized for each show.
Work Days
Work days are scheduled at times during the school year on Friday evenings and Saturdays when extra work is needed on the set or other aspects of the show. Students dedicate a number of hours on these days to work on the set, props, costumes, and any other projects needed to prepare for the upcoming show. Students earn hours on work days that go toward joining our Thespian troupe.
Theatre Classes
SM South offers a number of theatre classes, and students often first get involved by taking Drama. Many students involved in theatre continue to take classes throughout high school and become our department's student leaders. Learn about the theatre classes offered here.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Theatre Rally
Shortly after the start of the school year, our theatre student leaders host a social gathering where anyone who is interested in theatre can meet students in the department and learn about how to get involved in SMS Theatre.
Backstage Pass Night
Each September, the Repertory Theatre students host a buffet dinner for new parents and students to learn about the department. Guests take a backstage tour where they learn about the work of each crew, and meet the student leaders and crew members, along with the faculty and staff.
Tech Certification Day
Students must be trained and certified to use power equipment and work on technical parts of a show. To become certified, students must attend this 1-day workshop. Safety is a priority, and our staff ensures that all students are trained, certified and comfortable when using all technical equipment in the theatre.
Thespian Troupe
Shawnee Mission South Troupe #2491, is a proud member of the International Thespian Society, an honor organization for theatre students. To become a Thespian, students must earn 10 Thespian points by participating in our shows' casts and crews, and attending work days.
South's Thespians often attend the annual Kansas State Thespian Conference, where they see shows and attend workshops with other Kansas Thespians. On designated years, the SM South Theatre department hosts a trip for students to go to New York City. Thespian troupe members particpate in various activities during the school year.
SMS Thespian Troupe #2491 at the 2020 Kansas State Thespian Conference in Wichita, KS