EASY Theatre's Home Page
EASY Theatre AUSTIN 
50 productions in 33 venues (including 24 world premières)
since 1999
(As of July 2009)

Upcoming Shows 
Past Shows
Fun youth show pics

Children's Theater Classes Austin
(Engela's Thursday Austin day time rehearsals groups are below.)
(Link to john daniels, jr.'s Thursday rehearsal group.)
Currently there are no afternoon or evening rehearsals scheduled in Austin.  If there are a minimum of 6 people who would like a show which rehearses at those times, we will try to provide it.

Shows are full.  Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss out on our spring shows.

Children's Theater Classes Austin
There is a lot of important info on this page, because we refer to it all semester. If you have any questions, call Engela at 303-5516.
ENGELA'S Austin Dougherty Arts Theater Shows 
Director
Rehearsal &
Performance
Locations
Rehearsal
Group
For
Ages
Weekly Rehearsal
Day
Time
Rehearsals Start
Space available
Payment Plan 1
Pay in full
on or after Sept. 11
Work Scholarship
Space Available
Engela
Edwards
Dougherty Arts Theater, Austin Teen Troupe

Beyond Tolerance by Alan Haehnel

12-19 Thur.
9-Noon
Sept. 17, 2009 Yes
$50 now

$45 Oct. 1
$45 Nov. 
$45 Dec. 1
No payments in January or February

Additional Payment button

$45 payments
$185
$50 now

and a commitment to buy or sell $170 dollars worth of program ads by December 1, 2009.
Full
Engela
Edwards
Dougherty Arts Theater, Austin
Musical

Wonderland!

5-up
Thur.
12:30-3 p.m.

All or part, depending on role.

Sept. 17, 2009
Yes
$50 now

$45 Oct. 1
$45 Nov. 
$45 Dec. 1
No payments in January or February

Additional Payment button


$45 payments
$185

and a commitment to buy or sell $170 dollars worth of program ads by December 1, 2009.
Full
Children's Theater Classes Austin
Helper fee for parents who choose to NOT help during one (1) performance per student.
$25

Thursday Rehearsal Info
Austin FALL 2009
directed by Engela Edwards
There is a lot of important info on this page, because we refer to it all semester.  If you have any questions, call Engela at 303-5516.
Learn theater while doing theater.  These are actually rehearsals for shows which will be performed.  Please look at all the dates carefully.  If you have any conflicts with the rehearsal or performance dates, you must inform the director on your registration form. 

No rehearsals during over the Thanksgiving / Christmas / New Years Holiday time period.

  • Director / Instructor:  Engela Edwards Résumé on line
  • Registration:
    • Use the payment buttons on this page to pay. After you pay, you will then be sent a registration form to complete and return. 
    • All rehearsal conflicts and performance must be noted on the registration form!
    • In our attempt to make this experience affordable, we keep optional expense like video, tickets, and costumes, separate from registration fees, and we offer great discounts for registering early and purchasing tickets early.  These fees do not cover the cost of the project, so we will expect everyone to sell tickets and program ads for the show!
  • Shows:
    • Everyone performs
    • Roles are cast by the director after orientation.
  • Orientation: 
    • When:  Sept. 17, 2009 at your regular rehearsal time. 
    • WhereDougherty Arts Theater, 1110 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, Texas (Check at desk when you arrive.)
    • Who:  Performers.  One parent per family must attend the first day of rehearsals if the performer is a minor. Bring your calendar or refer back to this page.
    • What:  In this orientation session we will get to know the performers strengths, and all the performers will get to meet each other.  It is fun and stress free.  Performers do not have to prepare anything.  Just come dressed to roll on the floor and have fun.  If you'd like to sing a song you've prepared that is ok, but not at all necessary.
  • Weekly Rehearsals: 
    • The once-a-week rehearsals are held Thursdays starting Sept. 17, 2009.
    • These are fast-paced high-energy classes / rehearsals. 
    • Come dress to move!  Comfortable, stretchy clothing appropriate to rolling on the floor and stretching.  Barefoot or wearing ballet, jazz, or non-marking shoes. 
    • Teen Troupe will not rehearse from Nov. 20, 2009 - Jan. 3, 2010.
    • Musical will not rehearse from Nov. 20, 2009 - Jan. 20, 2010. 
    • It is mandatory to bring water, your script, and a pencil to every rehearsal and performance..
  • Show-week Camp: 
    • Actors will participate in a daily performance camp the week of the show. (This means they will be doing classes, exercises, dress rehearsals, and technical rehearsals.) 
    • Feb. 1 - Feb. 6 is Austin show week. Tech, Dress, and Performances are scheduled during that week. 
    • Note:  Some Teen Troupe performers doing Beyond Tolerance may choose to do the Bastrop Show weeks, January 4-9 & 14-16 in addition to the Austin show week..
    • Performers need to be committed to coming daily during show week as needed for either performances or rehearsals. If a performer has any conflicts they must be on your registration form, (including evenings).  Three shows will be rehearsed that week and scheduling is critical.  Teen Troupe Rehearsal M-Th 9-Noon.  Musical M-Th 1 p.m. until done. 
    • Location:  At the theater. 
  • Visitation: 
    • All parents are welcome to stay for all rehearsals as long as they are quiet and not distracting. 
  • Absences
    • While being at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory, we know illness and emergencies happen. 
    • We expect that if your performer is sick that you keep them home.  Performers must be fever, diarrhea, and vomiting free for 24 hours before coming to a rehearsal. 
    • Call as soon as you know that you will be absent. 
    • Director will consider each case individually to determine if missed rehearsal will keep a performer from performing his role. 
    • Director must be informed at registration if there are any rehearsal or performance conflicts.
  • Costumes: 
    • Performers are responsible for acquiring their costume.  More info given after the shows are cast.  All actors will require black shoes.
    • Come to the Nov. 19, 2009 rehearsal in costume and makeup exactly as you will wear them in the show.  Publicity photos will be taken at the start of rehearsal. 
  • Tickets
    • Performers may pre-purchase tickets online for $5 each for friends and family prior to Nov. 19, 2009. 
    • All audience members must have tickets.
  • Scripts:
    • Some musical scripts are only rented and must be returned with no marks on them.  The damage fees charged to the performance company is ridiculously high if this isn't the case.  This fee will be paid by the performer if their script isn't returned on time and in excellent condition with no visible pencil marks.  You may NOT use a highlighter in a rented script. 
    • For scripts we've purchased, you may mark in your script with a yellow highlighter and write in them with pencil only. 
  • Performances: 
    • Dougherty Arts Theater, 1110 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, Texas. 
    • During the week of Feb. 1-6, 2009. 
    • The exact times and dates for the regular performances will be given after everyone has registered and I have conflict sheets. 
    • Each group will perform an minimum of two times.
    • Everyone is welcome to attend the performances if they are well behaved.  For the enjoyment of all and to facilitate recording, we request young children sit with their families, and that noisy children be immediately removed to the lobby.  Tickets are required.
  • Videos
    • A DVD of the show will be available to cast and crew members for  $25 plus tax and shipping and handling, if the playwright allows taping. 
    • The video is not immediately available.  You may make arrangements to purchase the video after it is complete.  These videos will be made available by a separate production company.
  • Work Scholarships:   
    • Actors and their parents may sell program ads to pay for their class starting NOW.  Eighty percent of the value of what they sell up to the cost of their course will be applied to what they owe.  Anything over their class cost goes to the production fund.  They are responsible for any amount not covered by their ad sales.  Follow payment dates to avoid added late fees. 
    • The amount of ads sales needed is $170.
    • You can start selling ads now!  Simply contact friends, family, businesses, neighbors, and any potential sponsors and send them this link :

    • http://easytheatre.com/ads.html
Some fun kid pics from past shows.  One past youth theatre project.

If you have any questions, email info@easytheatre.com or call 512-303-5516.

Children's Theater Classes AustinChildren's Theater Classes Austin
Payment Info:
  • Pay securely on line with check or credit card.
  • For bookkeeping purposes, ALL payments need to be made online. 
  • Pay by check or credit card ONLINE. 
  • Your $50 first payment or your payment in full reserves your space.  Sign up early to ensure a spot!
  • When you make your deposit, you are committing to paying the whole rehearsal fee.
  • Note payment deadlines.  There is a $20 late fee for each late payment. 
  • We strive to make our costs low to make it affordable for as many actors and families as we can.  But if you need sponsorship, work scholarship, or other payment arrangements to make it possible for you or your child to participate, please email me or call.
If you have any problems using the payment links below, please contact Engela by email or call 303-5516. 
Children's Theater Classes AustinChildren's Theater Classes Austin
Children's Theater Classes Austin
Responsibilities of parents if performer is a minor.
1.  Attend Orientation Day.  (See above.)

2.  Work one performance as a chaperone, usher, or in ticket and refreshment sales as needed.  This would necessitate attending one dress rehearsal to learn what needs to be done for the performers.  We understand that some parents would prefer not to do this, and that is perfectly ok.  In lieu of helping one could pay a $25 fee at registration, and we'll arrange for someone else to take your place. 

3.  Costumes:

  • Have their performer's costume ready before Nov. 19, 2009 .
  • Have their performer dressed in costume and makeup before rehearsal starts on Nov. 19, 2009 .  Publicity photos will be taken at this time. 
  • The parent is responsible for seeing that their performer has their complete costume for this date and for all dress rehearsals and all performances. 
  • Very important:  Make sure your performer's costume is hung neatly after every rehearsals and performances.  This impacts the whole cast.
4. Bring your young performer, and make sure they have a water bottle with their name on it, a pencil, and their script at every rehearsal and performance.

5.  Delivery and pickup of Minors: A parent (or a previously designated person) must come into the building when delivering or picking up their minor child.  This includes all rehearsals and performances unless the child drove themselves to rehearsal.  This is an City of Austin ordinance! 

6.  Talk about the show to everyone you know.  We're serious.  This is a performance, and it is very important for the performer's development to have good audiences for all their shows.  We advertise the shows, but personal invitations to the shows work better than any publicity campaign!

7.  Sell tickets and ads in the program.  Your fees do not cover all of the expenses to put on the show.  Show tickets are the way theater groups should raise money.

Children's Theater Classes Austin
Engela's Austin Quick-Check Calendar for Spring 2009
Who
What
Date
Time
Where
Notes
Completed
Performers Payment Deadlines See chart above. Midnight On line or by arrangement. Call 303-5516 before deadlines if you need to make other arrangements.   x
Performers Orientation Sept. 17, 2009 Regular rehearsal time. Dougherty Arts Theater Performers dress to roll on the floor. x
One adult per minor performer. Orientation Sept. 17, 2009 Regular rehearsal time. Dougherty Arts Theater All rehearsal and performance conflicts must be noted at registration. x
Performers Dress Photos Nov. 19, 2009 At the start of rehearsal. Be ready before rehearsal. Dougherty Arts Theater All costumes, and makeup.  Exactly as one will wear in the show.
Musical Performers and 
Teen Troupe Performers
Once-a-week Rehearsals Sept. 17, 2009 - Nov. 19, and
Jan. 21 & 28, 2010
Regular rehearsal time.  Dougherty Arts Theater No Rehearsals Thanksgiving - New Years.
Teen Troupe Performers who are performing Bastrop Opera House Additional Show week January 4-9 & 14-16  TBA Bastrop Opera House Will try to keep it from being an everyday drive, if possible.
Advertisers Ad copy needed BOH: Dec. 1, 2009
DAC: January 1, 2010
Midnight On line or in person See ad page for more info.
Teen Troupe Performers Dress Rehearsals
Tech Rehearsals
Feb. 1-4, 2010 9-Noon + may be needed to set lights, build sets, and various other activities in the evenings. Dougherty Arts Theater Important to note any conflicts on registration sheet.
Musical Performers  Dress Rehearsals
Tech Rehearsals
Feb. 1-4, 2010 1 p.m. until done.  Dougherty Arts Theater Important to note any conflicts on registration sheet.
Teen Troupe Performers Performances Feb. 5 & 6, 2010 Reserve the whole day & evening for this. Dougherty Arts Theater Important to note any conflicts on registration sheet.
Musical Performers  Performances Feb. 5 & 6, 2010 Reserve the whole day & evening for this. Dougherty Arts Theater Important to note any conflicts on registration sheet.
Performers Return Script Varies After the last show. Dougherty Arts Theater You may have to return your script in good condition immediately after the last performance. 
Performers Possible additional performance February TBA Afternoon. Odyssey School
4407 Red River
Optional performance.
Teen Troupe Performers Optional Bastrop
Performance
Jan. 8, 9, 15, 16 Evenings. 7:30 performances.  
June 6, Wednesday 10 a.m. rehearsal
Bastrop Opera House
711 Spring Street
In costume at theater no later than one hour before show time.
ADDED PERFORMANCES
TEEN TROUPE
DAC FEB. 12, 13 Show at 6:30 be there at 5:30 on Friday and 6 on Saturday.  Dougherty Arts Theater
Engela's Austin Calendar Fall 2009
Children's Theater Classes Austin
More Shows:
Children's Theater Classes Austin
*DISCOUNTS are only available to those who pay in full by Sept. 10, 2009.
Discount Type
Qualifications
1. Multiple shows or Sibling If you and your sibling is in one of john's shows in the Fall, you qualify. 
If you or your sibling is in one of Engela's shows this Fall, you qualify. (NOTE:  You must pay each director separately, but you're still eligible for the discount.)
2. Returning cast members If you have been in a show directed by Engela, you qualify.
Children's Theater Classes Austin

Weekly Rehearsals Start in September 2009
Join us!
Austin
Dougherty Arts Theater, 1110 Barton Springs Rd.
Wonderland!
Wonderland! 
The Musical Misadventures 
of a Girl Named Alice
Book adapted by James DeVita
Music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur 
Directed by Engela Edwards 
Feb. 5 & 6,  2010
Dougherty Arts Theater
1110 Barton Springs Rd.
Is an unabashedly silly adaptation of Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass. With hip-hopping music, it is an upbeat, coming-of-age story that audiences of all ages will adore! You'll recognize some of your favorite familiar characters of Alice's Wonderland along with meeting dozens of new ones: a baseball team, a gospel group called The Responsibilities, a train conductor, star-struck tourists, knights, a unicorn and much more. An eclectic mix of music that ranges from gypsy swing to doo-wop to bluegrass! You’ll love the toe-tapping musical renditions of “Jabberwocky” and “The Walrus and the Carpenter” as well as other great numbers such as “Anything’s Possible,” “Step by Step” and the hysterical “I was a Good Egg But Then I Done Went Bad,” sung by Humpty Dumpty and the Dixie Chickens! Listen to song samples here.

Lots of good roles.  Actors may play more than one role.  Everyone will sing, dance, and act.

12:30-3 p.m.  All or part, depending on role, and the week.  Rehearsals will be broken down into scenes.  Everyone one will rehearse every week for at least an hour, but not everyone will rehearse the full 2.5 hour rehearsal period.  It will depend on their role. 

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
ALICE the same one that chased the rabbit down the hole
MOTHER Alice's mom
RED KING soporific monarch
WHITE KING defender of the crown
RED QUEEN vicious, nasty temper
WHITE QUEEN befuddled but beneficent
RED PAWNS pawns in the hands of their queen
WHITE PAWNS ditto
DAISY a talking flower
TIGER-LILY a talking flower
ROSE a talking flower
PROPER AUTHORITY #1 sees to it that everything is proper
PROPER AUTHORITY #2 helps #1
PROPER AUTHORITY #3 also
ANNOUNCER #1's alter ego
UMP #2's alter ego
CATCHER #3's alter ego
VENDOR generous popcorn seller
HATTA White King's messenger
TWEEDLE DUM not a statue, nohow
TWEEDLE DEE contrariwise; a poet
TRAIN CONDUCTOR by-the-rules tour guide
TOURISTS slaves to the cameras
TICKET SELLER sells tickets, of course
HUMPTY DUMPTY just don't tell him he looks like an egg
DIXIE CHICKENS Humpty Dumpty back up group
UNICORN hungry for power (and cake)
LION likewise
WHITE KNIGHT defends his queen's honor
RED KNIGHT also defends the White Queen's honor
EMCEE masters the ceremony
THE RESPONSIBILITIES jazzy Manhattan Transfer-style singing group of any size 
Chess Pieces & General Ensemble as DANCERS, FANS, and BASEBALL PLAYERS at baseball game, TOURISTS, the CHESS PIECES, etc.

Beyond Tolerance Graphic by Engela Edwards (c)2009
Beyond Tolerance
by Alan Haehnel
Directed by Engela Edwards 
Teen Troupe
Feb. 5 & 6,  2010
Dougherty Arts Theater 
1110 Barton Springs Rd.
About the Play:  Beyond Tolerance by Alan Haehnel

"If you’ll forgive me for using an introductory phrase that has historically been the opening of tales often ending with cliché and naive triumphs of good over evil, two terms we now know to be
entirely subjective and absolutely riddled with cultural bias, let me say this: Once upon a time..."  From this first line of Haehnel's play we are thrown into a bazaar circus of events, that are chilling and compelling, and humorous and scary.

The play is highly stylized, very physical, and mostly done in commedia masks.  Because of the physical style of the script and the masks, it is important for the actor to have full control of the body.  Be prepared to spend the first hour in a dance-like physical warm-up, before even getting to the text. 

The ensemble must be very dedicated to this challenging show, the style, and each other. 

You can read the beginning of Beyond Tolerance here at http://scriptpreview.brookpub.com/BeyondTolerance.pdf

9-Noon Rehearsal, Teens 12 up
Noon to 12:30 lunch together.

CHARACTERS
P.T. BURNEM - The Headmaster of U. Burnem
GRACIOUS MARY SENSIBLE - a naïve new student at U. Burnem
THE SELLER - A missionary
TONI KUSHENHEIMER - A very self-important theatrical artiste
ANDY THAPPLEMORP - A rabid student at U. Burnem
MS. MUSSENTOUCH - A U. Burnem professor
MOTHER - Mother to Gracious
FATHER - Father to Gracious
THE EXAMINERS - U. Burnem employees evaluating candidates’ mental fitness
THE CHASERS - Toadies of P.T., intent on catching The Seller and other subversives
TEACHERS - U. Burnem professors
KUSHENHEIMER’S - Actors
SNEAKING 1, 2, 3 - Gracious’ Converts
CROWD MEMBERS - Students at U. Burnem
(Some cast members may also choose to perform at the Bastrop Opera House the first two weeks in January.)

jdj Plays
jdj Plays
Written and directed by john daniels, jr.
Feb. 5 & 6,  2010
Dougherty Arts Theater 
1110 Barton Springs Rd.
john and the actors will build a production from scratch.  This will be the sixth show in the series.  Open to all the young actors who have been in one of the previous shows.  Accepting a limited number of new actors.  Parents play, too. In fact all young actors must have a responsible adult on site.  Register with john.



Children's Theater Classes Austin
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EASY Theatre's Home Page
 
Children's Theater Classes Austin
If you notice a mistake on this page or this website, please contact Engela by email or call 303-5516.