So your kid is into theatre...
What does that mean for the parents? First and foremost, you're in for a great adventure. It's a wonderful creative outlet for your student. And, it's a great opportunity for you to see your child in a completely new light. Here are a few of the things other parents have passed on over the years.
FAQs
Getting Started
How many productions are there each year?
There are 2 main stage productions, one in the fall, one in the spring. In addition, there is a children's show each December, a one-act play competiton during the winter and Dinner Theatre in the spring.
My child is interested in drama and in choir. Is it possible to do both, or will that cause scheduling conflicts?
Unlike many other schools, where students need to choose one or the other performance activity, Herndon High School Drama coexists cheerfully with the activities of the Show Choir, Vocal Jazz, Chorale and Madrigals groups. Our Drama coach, Zoë Wages Dillard and Herndon’s Choir Director, Dana Van Slyke, do all they can to coordinate their rehearsal and performance schedules so that a student interested in both can, indeed, get the best of both worlds!
Another thing to consider – many students, when they get to junior year, have the option of taking an additional elective class. A lot of our students who chose drama as an elective class in their earlier high school years join a vocal class when they reach junior year, or vice versa.
Booster Business
What is the best way to start getting involved with the Boosters?
Consider volunteering for something small. You might start with working concessions, flowers or tickets on show nights. This is a good way to get to know people and know the families of the students your child is hanging out with. It’s also a great way to stay connected with your child and their interests.
What if my son/daughter says they don't want me getting involved?
The short answer – don’t listen to them!
The longer one – even when our kids tell us not to be involved, generally they like to see their parents interested in their activities.
Sometimes they feel like they have to tell us not to be involved, as if to prove their independence. That’s part of the growing up process. If your child insists that you shouldn’t get involved, remind him or her that if every parent stayed away, the Drama Boosters couldn’t do any of its fun activities. We need as many parents as we can to help!
Is there something I can do that lets me help without appearing too involved?
There are plenty of times and places that you can help without being “in the way” of your child. When there is a show running, you can be behind the concession stand, or sell flowers or tickets on show nights. Attend a Drama Boosters meeting (which only adults show attend!) and ask about behind-the-scenes fund-raising, publicity and other projects.
Show Life
What is “hell week”?
The week leading up to the first performance of any HHS Drama performance is called “hell week” because it’s the last chance to get everything done before the Big Night. And that means that there’s probably going to be a rehearsal every day after school and well into the evening. It’s exhausting, yes, but the students run on adrenaline – and food supplied by the Boosters – and learn what it means to really dedicate themselves to a common goal. As the saying goes, “it’s a good kind of tired.”
Do rehearsals during "hell week" really last until 10pm?
Yes, they sometimes do.
Typically, older students are the ones involved in the main stage productions and they have learned to balance their schoolwork and Drama Club responsibilities. If your student is in a lower grade, have him or her ask an older Drama student for advice!
While it is difficult to keep up with homework, many students do their work between sets or when they are not on stage. Think of it as the ultimate multi-tasking, and good training for the hectic life your child will have in college.
One tip for parents – the rehearsal schedule in the weeks leading up to a show is generally planned and posted ahead of time, so you can encourage your child to do as much work as possible ahead of time.
Other questions about HHS Drama?
Contact us and we'll do our best to get you an answer!
