Community expectations

So you are thinking about becoming involved in a MYT production but you are nervous about expectations. Let’s talk about it.

The first thing you should know is that we take theatre seriously around here. If you are looking for a production that you can low key commit too, we are not it. We expect a lot from our students. We expect a lot because we know they are capable of a lot. We like to have fun and goof around as well but at the end of the day if our students produce a show that they are embarrassed by, how fun is that? Not very. For low key commitment and expectations, try one of our classes or workshops.

General community expectations

These are the general expectations in a community of mutual care. We hold each other to the same expectations: staff and students alike.

We are committed. Be where you need to be when you need to be there.
We are hardworking. Be open to learning new things and sticking with something until it is completed.
We are focused. Put the phone down. Don’t run around distracting others from their work. There will be time for play when your task is complete.
We follow through on our responsibilities. If you said you were going to do something, do it. Whether this means finishing a paint job or learning your lines.
We communicate when we need help. If you don’t know how to do it, ask. Asking for help is part of the learning process.
We apologize when we act poorly. Recognize that sometimes you make mistakes and people get hurt. Apologizing clears the air and strengthens the community. Forgive others when they apologize and do not hold grudges.

Parent expectations

Be on time. We understand life happens and sometimes it can’t be helped, BUT if your child is habitually late, that is a scheduling problem. Address all of these issues before the first Teams meeting so that your child doesn’t miss out on important activities or lose their spot in the program.
Read EVERY Saturday email. We spend a lot of time making sure that all the information you need is in the Saturday email. It’s true there will be repeating items but be assured there is always at least ONE piece of new information that is important for you to know.
Do not make excuses for your student. They know what is expected of them. If they mess up or don’t follow through with their responsibilities, they should feel bad about it. They let people down. It’s ok for them to feel bad about that.
Volunteer time. There will be volunteer time leading up to the performances or between performances. Please fill out the Parent Volunteer form so we know what you are comfortable doing.
Contribute to Community Meals. Our Community Meals are a tradition. On the Saturday and Sunday between public performances families contribute to lunch for all students.
Contribute to concessions. Typically, families spend around $20 on their donations of snacks or drinks. If everyone contributes something, the burden is shared by all.
Earn FREE tickets with more volunteer time! Additional volunteer opportunities will earn tickets to the performance of your choice.
NEW! Bring Your Parent to Work Day! Support your student by attending with them.

Student expectations

Tour! If you are an actor, student stage manager, student director or on the lights and sound team, you will tour with the group. This means you will be excused from school for 2 or 3 days as we take our production to local schools and elder care facilities.
Attend all your scheduled meeting times. If you can’t make it to something, communicate ahead of time with your team lead.
Meet your deadlines. Whether this is for line memorization or completing a project. You might need extra help during off-hours to get it done, that’s ok — we’re here to support you.
Put your phone away.
Communicate concerns with the staff.
Get to know the team. Actors should know props. Props should know lights. Lights should know Costumes. Be open and friendly with everyone. Be engaged. Ask how you can help. We are a community of equals.
Clean up after yourself.
Play the games. Even if it makes you uncomfortable. You can choose to take a backseat but watch the other students and cheer them on.
Be a leader. Don’t be afraid to tell someone to get back to work and have a good attitude when someone says the same to you.
Be a helper. Done with your work? Ask your friends how you can help. Many hands make light work.