General
What does it mean that the MTC is a non-profit organization?
Since becoming a non-profit arts organization, we are now able to produce shows above and beyond the level of our past productions thanks to many unique funding, networking, and partnering opportunities. Also, because of our 501(c)(3) status, time spent working in our organization may qualify as community outreach hours for students needing to fulfill service requirements and any donation to our company is 100% tax-deductible, to the full extent of the law.
How do I get to Risley Theatre?
Practice, practice, practice! Or just type your starting address into our Google Driving Directions Gadget and plot your course.
Auditions
When are auditions?
Auditions are traditionally held in late August/early September and late January/early February. Be sure to check our Main Page for details and updates.
Where are auditions?
Auditions are commonly held at a variety of locations near Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Collegetown. Precise locations for first-round auditions are published on our Main Page. For your convenience, a map of the Cornell University campus can be found HERE, and a map of the Ithaca College campus can be found HERE. The location for callbacks will be provided only if you are called back.
What do I need to bring to auditions?
If you are auditioning for a singing role, we ask that you prepare 16-32 bars of music, similar in style to the production for which you are auditioning, ideally to be sung with accompaniment.
You have 2 options for accompaniment:
You have 2 options for accompaniment:
- PREFERRED: You may use our audition accompanist. In this case, you are responsible for bringing sheet music with you to the audition.
- You may bring pre-recorded accompaniment. In this case, you are responsible for bringing all necessary recordings and sound equipment (for instance, a computer and a speaker) that you might need. We will have electrical outlets available, as well as a small speaker with a standard audio jack. If you are unable to play your pre-recorded accompaniment at the audition, you will be asked to sing a capella.
- If necessary, you may sing a capella. There will be a piano from which you may find your starting pitch.
If you are auditioning for a non-singing role, we ask that you prepare a 1-2 minute monologue.
We also ask that all auditioners bring a completed Audition Form, and a pen/pencil and water is always recommended.
You may also be provided with sides to read at the audition itself.
At the end of the audition period, you will be notified whether or not you are called back. For callbacks, we will supply you with music and/or sides to prepare. After callbacks, you will be notified in a few days whether or not you are cast.
How do you recommend I prepare for auditions?
Do your research. Learn more about our company, how we work, what we expect, about the production for which you are auditioning and what it will demand of you. Investigate which roles would best suit your range and abilities. Select a song in similar style as the show for which you are auditioning. If we are auditioning for a rock opera, “Castle On A Cloud” may not be the best choice for an audition piece. Consider what you would like us to take away from your audition and how you might best achieve this goal. Prove to us why you would make an outstanding addition to our cast. Most importantly, come well-prepared, confident, and with a positive attitude!
How long does the audition process take?
We generally hold first-round, open call auditions over the course of one to two weeks, at several locations and in several time-slots, in order to provide ample opportunity for interested participants. Callbacks are typically the Saturday following the audition period, and our “Meet & Greet” is the Sunday immediately following auditions. Within fourteen days, auditions are complete, and the show is cast. Individual first-round, open call auditions should last no longer than 10-12 minutes.
If I have been cast in an MTC show, do I have to come to first-round auditions?
No! If you have performed in a prior Melodramatics Theatre Company production, you need not attend first-round auditions. You need only attend callbacks. However, we do require that you contact us no later than a week in advance of first-round auditions if you intend on attending callbacks. Additionally, we ask that you nonetheless bring a completed audition form which can be found HERE.
If I have been cast in an MTC show, can I come to first round auditions anyway?
Attending first-round, open call auditions will never preclude you from callbacks. It merely grants you more auditioning experience and allows you the opportunity to show us something we may not have seen from you before. If you are a previous cast member who would like to come and sing for us at first-round, open call auditions, simply notify us in advance, and we would be happy to accommodate you.
Do previous cast members receive preferential casting?
Absolutely not. Every actor who auditions, whether or not they have been cast in one of our past productions, is evaluated irrespective of prior involvement with our company. Everyone has a fair chance of being cast.
What if I do not want to perform the role in which I have been cast?
The audition and casting process is often very difficult and complex. Much thought and consideration go into this time-consuming process. If we cast you in a role, we expect that you will perform in that role unless you have specified on your audition form that there are only certain roles you would accept.
Cast
What is the ideal Melodramatics Theatre Company cast member?
The ideal cast member is one who is always early to rehearsal, enthusiastic and creative, prepared and dedicated. One who is willing and able to take direction, make the necesssary changes, take risks and learn new things.
How often does the cast rehearse?
Rehearsals take place 4 hours a day, 6 days a week. How long each cast member is called to rehearsal mainly depends on the size of the role, however one should expect to be called for at least an hour each day, on average.
How large is the typical MTC cast?
The Melodramatics Theatre Company primarily performs ensemble productions, with casts ranging from 10-20 members.
I don't have a car. How will I get to rehearsals?
If you audition and are cast in one of our productions, even if you lack private means of transportation, we expect that you will find some way of getting to rehearsal when you are called, whether it means walking, biking, procuring a ride from or with a friend, taking a bus, or calling a cab. We will do our best to aid you in finding a method of transportation that is best suited to your needs, but it is utimately your responsibility to be sure you can get where you need to be when called.
Staff
What is the ideal Melodramatics Theatre Company staff member?
The ideal MTC staff member is someone who excels at his/her position through diligence, efficiency and ambition. We are looking for experienced and skilled individuals, in their respective craft, who are self-motivated, capable of working independently and as part of a team, who are mature, conscientious, reliable, able to meet deadlines and are excited to learn from, as well as teach, others through their experience.
How do I become an MTC staff member?
We accept applications for staff positions year round. If the position you are interested in is currently staffed, you may specify that you would like to be considered for that position in our next production or even request to serve as Assistant to the position you are interested in as a way to get your foot in the door and demonstrate your abilities. If you are interested in becoming a member of our company, please send an e-mail to apply@melodramatics.com telling us a bit about yourself and why you are interested in the position/s, and we will get back to you as soon as possible to set up a meeting.
I submitted a hard copy of my application materials, which I would like returned to me. Why have I not received it back?
Due to the sheer volume of applicants, any application materials delivered to the Melodramatics Theatre Company will not be returned. Please do not send original, irreplaceable materials. If you have a portfolio or other materials you would like us to review, make copies and only send materials with which you are willing to part. If there is something you would like us to see but cannot make a copy and are not willing to part with, feel free to bring it with you to your interview, and it may be reviewed in person at that time.
What staff positions are available?
A list of the staff positions that we offer can be found on our Getting Involved page. While much of our staff consists of returning members, we are always on the lookout for new talent. Even if the position that you are interested is currently staffed, we encourage you to apply as an Assistant to the position or in advance for the following production.
Why are positions being offered for which you already have staff?
The Melodramatics Theatre Company strives to be the best at what it does and to provide our patrons with the highest quality of artistic talent available. Thus, we are always on the lookout for talented, new staff members to join our production team. In instances in which the position is staffed by a returning member, we may offer you an Assistant position to help acclimate you to the job and our company, until the position you are seeking becomes available.
How much of a time commitment is it to work as an MTC staff member?
Mandatory staff meetings take place for approximately two hours each Saturday, however each staff position requires a different time commitment. The cast rehearses four hours a day, six days a week, until technical rehearsals begin. A director, musical director, stage manager or choreographer, etc. would be expected to be at all rehearsals for the entire duration of each rehearsal, or as called, while a costume designer, business manager, webmaster, etc. is expected to meet certain deadlines but is not confined to specific hours of work. Ultimately, the best answer we can provide to this question is that each job only takes as long as it takes to get the job done right.
Tickets
Where can I order tickets to see one of your productions?
Tickets usually go on sale three or four weeks before the first performance date and may be purchased online at www.melodramaticstickets.com. Tickets are also technically available at the door one hour before curtain, but tickets most often sell out online, well in advance of the performance date.
I don’t have a credit card. How can I purchase tickets online?
We always recommend that you purchase your tickets in advance, online, as seating is limited and the tickets move quickly. If you do not have a credit card, we recommend giving cash or a check to a friend who does have a credit card and having them order you a ticket. Just be sure you know whose name it is under for when you pick your tickets up at the door!
Is it possible to purchase tickets at the door?
It is theoretically possible to purchase tickets at the door, however, tickets often sell-out online well in advance, so we do not recommend this practice. Also, we cannot accept personal checks or credit cards at the door so if you wish to pay by credit, ordering online in advance is your best option.
I ordered my tickets. How do I pick them up?
We always recommend printing out the order confirmation for your tickets, however, your tickets will be waiting for you at the theatre under the name which you provided with your purchase.
How do I cancel a ticket order?
Tickets are non-refundable and once they are ordered. No refunds or exchanges can be issued, so be sure the tickets you are ordering are of the correct type and for the correct date and time you wish to attend! If you have ordered tickets that you do not intend on using, please e-mail us at tickets@melodramatics.com with your name so that we can plan on accommodating other patrons on our waiting list.
I see that you are sold out of tickets. Is there any chance I can still see the show?
Due to the size of the theatre in which we perform, tickets sell out very quickly. We always recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible. Once all of the tickets are sold, it is unlikely you will be able to attend, however, we do keep a waiting list in case tickets suddenly do become available. If you send us an e-mail with your name and how many tickets you would like and show up to the theatre a half-hour before curtain, we will do our best to accommodate you should tickets become available.
I am interested in purchasing a block of tickets. Do you offer special group rates?
Yes, we do! If you are interested in purchasing over 10 tickets for your group, please e-mail us at tickets@melodramatics.com, and a representative will get back to you as soon as possible with a quote. Our seating is normally general admission, however if you purchase a block of tickets, we will ensure that a block of seats is reserved for your party so that everyone is able to sit together. Please note that while we will always reserve a section of seats for your party of 10 or more, the special group rate may vary from production to production and may only be available for certain dates or times.
I would like to purchase a ticket for a friend who does not attend Cornell University. Should I purchase a non-student ticket?
No! As long as each ticket holder is able to present his/her student I.D. upon retrieval of your tickets at the theatre, any student may purchase a student ticket.
I have a physical disability. Will I be able to attend your performance?
Absolutely. If you require handicap accessible seating, just send an e-mail with your name and the date you will be attending to tickets@melodramatics.com and we will have someone ready to assist you upon your arrival at the theatre.
