Productions
Whether you're looking for Auditions or Tickets,
you've come to the right place!
Read on to find out more about tickets for upcoming shows, audition materials, and our award-winning travel team!
ANNOUNCING OUR
SPRING 2025 SHOW!
The lights come up on a man sitting in a chair, who decides to share with the audience his favorite record - the 1928 musical called The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the record, the show comes to life in his apartment. Mix in two lovebirds on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, and a sleepy chaperone, and you have the ingredients for a show that will have everyone laughing!
A loving satire of the Golden Age musical, The Drowsy Chaperone JR. features hysterical numbers and colorful characters. Chock-full of classic musical comedy references, this show is the perfect vehicle for comedic actors! A true ensemble cast, The Drowsy Chaperone JR. has lots of sizeable roles. Built to showcase a talented crew of actors, singers, and dancers, this show is such a great opportunity to shine onstage!
Join our
Technical Apprentice Program!
Would you love to delve into the world of backstage theatre?
Become a member of TAP!
Our Technical Apprentice Program will introduce students to the various disciplines of technical theatre. TAP students will attend weekly workshops focusing on everything from costume design & construction to props, to set design, how to use lighting to tell a story, and more! In addition to the weekly workshop, each student will attend work days to gain further hands-on experience, with the work culminating in working backstage during our spring production Tech Week.
Our Technical Apprentice Program is a perfect outlet for artists, builders, and anyone who is curious about what happens behind the scenes!
AWARD
WINNING!
Do you dream of being part of an incredible international theater festival, digging deeper into their art, and sharing their gifts with the community? The Kettleworks Traveling Players are for you!
Travel team members will perform at the
Junior Theater Festival West in Sacramento, CA,
and every member will be given an excellent,
in-depth performing arts education. It is our goal to connect with our local community through our travel team as opportunities arise.
Be sure to check out our adventures at previous festivals
on Facebook & Instagram!
(@kettleworkspa)
PROGRAM INFO
Directed & Choreographed by: Jennifer Kessler
Music Directed by: TBD
Age/Grade Levels: Performers grades K-12. Performers in grades K - 1st will be part of our mini company.
IMPORTANT DATES
Audition Dates: September 9-10, 2023 View Audition Details HERE
Performance Dates: December 15-16, 2023 (Be sure to keep December 17th free for our cast party!!)
Mandatory Parent Meeting: September 14, 2023
- Every performer must have one parent attend this meeting.
Mandatory Rehearsals: September 13-14, 2023; December 2, 6, 7, 9, 2023
Mandatory Tech Week Dates: December 11-16, 2023
NOTE - Tech Week (Dec. 11-16, 2023) involves nightly rehearsals so please plan accordingly
Weekly Rehearsal Details:
Beginning September 13, 2023:
Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Thursdays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Saturdays, 12:30 - 5:30 PM ** Please note that Saturdays will vary but will stay within this time window.
- There will be Mandatory Rehearsals held Sept. 13th-14th, but NO Rehearsal Sept. 16th
- A full schedule will be provided to registered performers the week after auditions.
- Please note that the amount of rehearsal will vary depending on the individual's role.
Tuition: $495.00 per performer
Payment plans available (Pay in Full -or- Two Installments)
Included:
80+ Hours of Training in Acting, Singing & Dancing
Full Performance of Moana JR.
Ample stage time for every performer
Professional script & music tracks
Show T-shirt
Technical items required for productions
Performers Must Provide:
Dance shoes (TBD - either jazz or ballet shoes)
Dance tights & undershirts / shorts for performance
Personal makeup & hair products
Special Notes:
* The final performances will be the culmination of many weeks' hard work by the performers, staff, and volunteers. Attendance is a very important aspect of this program as the performers rely on each other throughout the process, building their knowledge and skills together. We understand that sickness may occur, but it is understood that barring unforeseen illness or emergency all performers will attend every required rehearsal.
* At KPA we firmly believe that every arts experience is vibrant and important. We use our performers to their fullest potential and believe that every member of the Company, and every single role in a story, is vital to a show's success. We do not support role shopping and therefore do not give refunds of any kind for tuition.
Announcing our
Spring 2025 Production!
PROGRAM INFO
Directed & Choreographed by: Jennifer Kessler
Music Directed by: Jennifer Kessler
Assistant Directed by: Malina Sichel
Age/Grade Levels: 3rd - 12th grade
IMPORTANT DATES
Audition Dates: March 1-2, 2025
Performance Dates: May 9-10, 2024 (Be sure to keep all of May 10th free for our post-show cast party!!)
Mandatory Parent Meeting: March 5/6, 2025 (Final date will be announced in early Spring)
- Every performer must have one parent attend this meeting.
Mandatory Rehearsals: March 5, 6, April 26, 30, May 1, 3, 2025 + Tech Week (see below)
Mandatory Tech Week Dates: May 5-10, 2025
NOTE - Tech Week involves nightly rehearsals so please plan accordingly
Weekly Rehearsal Details:
Beginning March 5, 2025:
Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Thursdays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Saturdays, 12:30 - 5:30 PM ** Please note that Saturdays will vary but will stay within this time window.
- A full schedule will be provided to registered performers the week after auditions.
- Please note that the amount of rehearsal will vary depending on the individual's role.
Tuition: $495.00
Payment plans available (Pay in Full -or- Two Installments)
Included:
A minimum of 70 Hours Training in Acting, Singing & Dancing
Two Full Performances of The Drowsy Chaperone JR.
Ample stage time for every performer
Professional script & music tracks
Show T-shirt
Technical items required for productions
Performers Must Provide:
Dance shoes (TBD)
Dance tights & undershirts / shorts for performance
Personal makeup & hair products
Special Notes:
* The final performances will be the culmination of many weeks' hard work by the performers, staff, and volunteers. Attendance is a very important aspect of this program as the performers rely on each other throughout the process, building their knowledge and skills together. We understand that sickness may occur, but it is understood that barring unforeseen illness or emergency all performers will attend every required rehearsal.
* At KPA we firmly believe that every arts experience is vibrant and important. We use our performers to their fullest potential and believe that every member of the Company, and every single role in a story, is vital to a show's success. We do not support role shopping and therefore do not give refunds of any kind for tuition.
* Due to the slightly shorter rehearsal period for this production, we highly recommend completing your registration ASAP so you may receive the full script and music early!
About
Music & Lyrics by Book by
LISA LAMBERT and GREG MORRISON BOB MARTIN and DON MCKELLAR
Original Broadway production of The Drowsy Chaperone produced by
Kevin McCollum, Roy Miller, Bob Boyett,
Stephanie McClelland, Barbara Freitag and Jill Furman
We always encourage our students to arrive as prepared as possible for auditions, and we love providing the right tools! Check out the show info below - it's everything you need to build your confidence before you arrive!
Synopsis
A loving satire of the Golden Age musical, The Drowsy Chaperone JR. features hysterical numbers and colorful characters. Chock-full of classic musical comedy references, this show is the perfect vehicle for comedic actors!
The lights come up on a man sitting in a chair, who decides to share with the audience his favorite record - the 1928 musical called The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the record, the show comes to life in his apartment. Mix in two lovebirds on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, and a sleepy chaperone, and you have the ingredients for a show that will have everyone laughing!
A true ensemble cast, The Drowsy Chaperone JR. has lots of sizeable roles. Built to showcase a talented crew of actors, singers, and dancers, this show is such a great opportunity to shine onstage!
Character Descriptions
Man in Chair: The narrator of this story and the audience's guide to the story, The Man's passion and enthusiasm for this musical brings the story into existence. He is a bit lonely, a definite homebody, and very particular about his privacy and his space. He has strong opinions about the musical and a strong emotional connection to its characters. Very strong acting skills are required for this role.
Vocal range: C3 - C5
Mrs. Tottendale: The befuddled hostess for Janet and Robert’s wedding. She is always happy, always looking on the bright side, and often confused about what is happening. A light-hearted, sweet, and goofy role, confident acting skills and solid singing skills are required for this role.
Vocal range: C3 - Db 5
Underling: Mrs. Tottendale’s much-put-upon right hand man, Underling strives to do his best but often gets exasperated. No one is more surprised than he when she confesses her love for him, and also when he realizes he loves her too. The "straight-man" in the comedic duo with Mrs. Tottendale, strong comedic timing, focus, and solid singing skills are required for this role.
Vocal range: Gb3 - Gb5
Robert Martin: Fiance of Janet Van De Graff, Robert has the air of a debonair leading man, but wrestles with insecurities over his upcoming wedding. This leads to a complex but comedic character. Strong energy, solid singing and dancing skills are required for this role.
Vocal range: C4 - D5
George: Robert’s stressed-out best man. He is happy to take on the role of best man, but is having to really work to keep the wedding on track. Though George spends a good amount of the show in a tizzy, he knows how to pull it together to get things done. Solid acting, singing, and dancing skills are required for this role.
Vocal Range: D4 - G5
Victor Feldzieg: A big-time producer, Victor has a lot of people putting pressure on him, including a gang boss, his pseudo-girlfriend Kitty, and Janet - the leading lady who is leaving his show. He always seems a bit on edge as he schemes to stop the wedding and save his own life. Fun, broad acting energy is required for this role.
Vocal range: Gb3 - D5
Kitty: A chorus girl who is gunning to take over Janet’s role. Though Kitty has a lot of heart, she isn’t very bright and has trouble convincing Feldzieg that she would be able to carry the show. An over-the-top comedic role, bold energy is required for this role.
Vocal Range: Eb4 - Db5
Gangster 1 & Gangster 2: What do you mean gangsters? 'Dese guys are clearly pastry chefs! These "chefs" have been sent by Feldzieg’s largest investor to ensure that Janet re-joins the show and apparently still stop at nothing to stop the wedding. But they may get distracted by their cooking duties. Strong comedic acting skills and a bold presence are required for these roles.
Vocal Range: Ab2 - Db5
Aldolpho: A famously charming man who believes he is a true gift to women and will do anything to uphold his honor. He is secure in his actions and goes after what things he must. A bold presence and strong singing skills are required for this role.
Vocal Range: C3 - F5
Janet Van De Graff: A glamorous showgirl who is giving up her career to wed Robert Martin. She presents herself as confident and powerful, but underneath she wonders if she is doing the right thing. Very strong acting & singing skills required, solid dancing skills desired, for this role.
Vocal Range: Db3 - D#5
Drowsy Chaperone: Played by the famous Beatrice Stockwell, the Drowsy Chaperone is a diva leading lady who takes pride in chewing the scenery. Though Ms. Stockwell is a bit too old to play an ingénue, she remembers those days well and is bitter that she now plays supporting roles. That is until she finds love, which she latches onto with the all her might. A unique opportunity to play a complex comedic role, very strong acting & singing skills are required for this role.
Vocal Range: C2 - E5
Trix: Trix the Aviatrix is one spunky pilot! She saves the day at the end of the show by officiating all the weddings! A bold presence and strong singing skills are required for this role.
Vocal Range: Ab3 - D5
The Superintendent: A hilarious cameo role, the Superintendent is a great foil for Man In Chair. The actor playing this role will also be part of the ensemble.
Ensemble: There are lots of big production numbers in this show, featuring a variety of household STAFF members, GUESTS for the wedding, and REPORTERS. The ensemble will be heavily featured throughout the show and have ample stage time. Some actors cast in featured roles will also be a part of the ensemble.
AUDITION DETAILS
In order to be part of The Drowsy Chaperone JR it is necessary for every interested performer to attend auditions. All who audition for the full production will be given a role. This will be a fun way for us to get to know our performers and see their individual talents.
WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2025 - CALLBACKS to be held Sunday, March 2, 2025
*NOTE - we will not know who is called back until late at night on March 1st. Be sure to keep both of these dates open as many performers will likely be called back.
WHERE: KPA Home Studio (address will be sent upon registration)
WHAT TO PREPARE: Please prepare one minute of a MUSICAL THEATRE song. It is our desire that our performers have fun and be comfortable with their song choice, but we do strongly encourage a solid musical theatre song for this particular production. We also highly encourage you to take a look at the Audition Materials available to help you prepare for the acting portion.
**NOTE - due to the slightly shorter rehearsal period for this production, we highly recommend completing your registration ASAP so you may receive the full script and music early!**
TIPS: - Make sure your song is completely memorized.
- Be sure to use a background / karaoke style track with no voices - we want
to hear YOU. We highly discourage singing a capella.
- Choose a song that shows off your strengths!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions!
WANT MORE PERSONALIZED HELP?
Sign up for Coaching with KPA Founder, Jennifer Kessler, at a discount! Indicate your desired quantity of Coaching Sessions on your registration form. Coaching can help your performer choose a song, prepare acting sides, and build confidence! We highly recommend booking two or more sessions to help prepare.
Please note that specific roles will not be promised to anyone, including students of our Coaching program.
Audition Materials
We want to help young performers to feel confident at auditions! Please check out the materials below to help your performer prepare. We know they will blow us away!
**NOTE - due to the slightly shorter rehearsal period for this production, we highly recommend completing your registration ASAP so you may receive the full script and music early!**
Check out portions of the script and sheet music for each character -
This is the main Audition Central page. To view materials for our show, scroll down and select "The Drowsy Chaperone JR." from the pull-down menu.
Listen to some of the songs from The Drowsy Chaperone JR. -
This is the main show description page. To listen to songs, scroll down until you see the SONGS option on the right-hand menu. Click on SONGS and you will be able to listen!
PROGRAM INFO
PARDON OUR DUST!! Updated info for Spring 2025 COMING SOON!
Grade/Age Range: 6th - 12th grade (must not have graduated high school)
IMPORTANT DATES
Mandatory Tech Week Dates: November 18-23, 2024
NOTE - Tech Week involves nightly rehearsals so please plan accordingly
Performance Dates: November 22-23, 2024 (Be sure to keep Nov. 24th free for our cast party!!)
Weekly Workshop Details:
From September 19, 2024 - November 14, 2024:
Thursdays, 7:15 - 8:45 PM
Weekend Work Days (specific dates & times TBD based on group availability)
Tuition: $300 per tech student
Disciplines to be covered:
Costuming/Wardrobe
Set Design/Construction
Prop Design/Construction
Light Design/Operation
Sound Operation
Included:
25+ Hours of Training in Technical Theatre
Experience working backstage at two performances of our spring show
Professional script & music tracks
Show T-shirt
Expectations:
* The final performances will be the culmination of many weeks' hard work by the performers, crew, staff, and volunteers. Attendance to the workshops and work days is a very important aspect of this program as the company relies on each other throughout the process, building their knowledge and skills together. We understand that sickness may occur, but it is understood that barring unforeseen illness or emergency all tech students will attend every required workshop, work day, and Tech Week rehearsal.
* With such a short amount of time to cover a wide variety of technical disciplines, being on time for every workshop and event is extremely important. Students are expected to arrive on time.
* Tech Week will provide a wonderful opportunity for our technical students to work on a production in real time. A large part of Tech Week is very fast-paced and students will be expected to jump into a number of tasks quickly under the guidance of our professional staff. All TAP students will be given tips for preparing ahead of time in anticipation of Tech Week's quick pace, and we highly encourage support at home with these preparations.
TRACK OPTIONS
Track #1 - Full Tech Apprenticeship
Members of the Full Tech Apprenticeship will attend all required workshops and work days, as well as working backstage for the entirety of Tech Week. This will allow FTA students to apply what they have learned in real time during a production tech week and performances. Being a part of the FTA option will also give students the opportunity to work hands-on with equipment only available in the theatre space, such as the light board, sound board, and curtain.
Track #1 - Full Tech Apprenticeship is the default form of enrollment - ONLY students who also wish to perform in our current production will be eligible for Option #2.
Track #2 - Performer/Tech Combo Apprenticeship
The Performer/Tech Combo Apprenticeship option is for those students who wish to perform in a mainstage production concurrently with learning as a technical apprentice. P/TCA students will attend all required workshops and work days, but will not work backstage during Tech Week. During Tech Week these students will fulfill their role as a performer in the company.
All P/TCA students will receive a reduced rate of tuition ($250 per student) for the Tech Apprentice Program. Due to this discount, if your student wishes to participate as a Track #2 student we ask that you please EMAIL US BEFORE COMPLETING REGISTRATION to arrange enrollment in both the production + TAP.
TRAVEL TEAM OPTION
We are thrilled to announce that we will have a technical track option for this year's travel team, the Kettleworks Traveling Players. KTP Technical Theatre students will not only be a vital part of our Fall ’24 production of Alice in Wonderland JR. but will also attend JTF West ’25 on the Technical Track. Technical Theatre students will explore design and construction for costumes, set, and props. They will also be trained as a run crew for productions, learning about lighting and sound through this process. Technical program for KTP students will:
-
Participate in the Fall 2024 Technical Apprentice Program (TAP) for Alice in Wonderland JR.
-
Attend the Junior Theater Festival West ’25 in Sacramento, CA.
-
Compete in the Tech Olympics at JTF West ’25 as part of our Tech Olympics Team (up to 4 team members).
Interested? Please read all the KTP '24-25 DETAILS below! Email us with questions about tuition.
*Be sure to click on the "Classes" tab*
PROGRAM INFO (for 24-25 season)
Age/Grade Levels: Auditions for The Kettleworks Traveling Players are open to all performers ages 8 - 18.
*Please note that performers must remain 18 years old or younger through Spring 2025.*
Audition Date: Auditions for NEW team members will be held simultaneously with auditions for our full production of
Alice in Wonderland JR. Travel team participants may be asked to attend one extra audition session.
See further Audition Details for full production HERE
Junior Theater Festival West '25 Dates - February 7-10, 2025
Tuition: Please email us regarding tuition. There are a variety of pricing options, depending on travel & rooming choices.
**We offer payment plans (pay in full -or- monthly).
** All of these details were covered at our Info Meeting on May 30, 2024 -
- Did you miss the Info Meeting? EMAIL US to receive an info pamphlet + meeting video
Included (in addition to the full production - see above):
A trip to the Junior Theater Festival West in Sacramento, CA
100+ Hours of Training in Acting, Singing & Dancing /
30+ Hours of Technical Theatre student training (TAP)
A guaranteed role / crew position (TAP) in our
Fall Production of Alice in Wonderland JR.
Opportunities to perform for, and connect with, our local community
Training workshops
Professional script
KTP team SWAG including T-shirt, bag, water bottle, and hoodie/jacket
A fabulous theatre family!
Dates & Details
* September - November 2024 - Rehearsals for Fall production + Local performance opportunities (TBD)
* January & February 2025 - Team-focused rehearsals to create a 15-minute adjudication performance. This selection will be presented and adjudicated by performing arts professionals at the Junior Theater Festival West (JTF) 2025.
* NEW!! - March - late May/early June 2025 - Training workshops to deepen performing arts education + local performance opportunities (TBD).
* End of the year Team Party!
** Important note regarding the Spring schedule - KTP performers will attend workshops and rehearsals approximately two hours per week during this time period. Specific days & times will be determined during Winter so that we may take personal schedules into account.
Junior Theater Festival West
At JTF West our performers will get to participate in exciting and exclusive workshops, performances, talk-backs with industry professionals and more! Former JTF guests include Arielle Jacobs (Aladdin, Here Lies Love, Between the Lines) & Adam Jacobs (Aladdin, The Lion King), Krystina Alabado (Mean Girls), Pasek & Paul (The Greatest Showman), Stephanie J. Block (Wicked), Alan Menken (Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast ... all things Disney, really!), and many more big names in the business. We may occasionally have brief additional rehearsals as local performance opportunities arise during the year, dates & events TBD.
A Special Note: It is the goal of the Kettleworks Traveling Players/Kettleworks Performing Arts to create a true theatre family with this troupe. We here at KPA strive to nurture mutual respect in every performer who passes through our doors and to instill a strong sense of work ethic while encouraging passion and building community. A big part of this character building is consistency in our rehearsals, activities, and performances. Attendance is a very important aspect of this program as the performers rely on each other throughout the process, growing their knowledge and skills together. We understand that sickness may occur, but it is understood that barring unforeseen circumstance all performers will put in their best effort to attend every required rehearsal, and if a missed rehearsal is unavoidable the performer/performer's family will do all they can to independently catch up on any missed materials. In the case of potential COVID-19 exposure within a performer's family, said performer may be asked to attend rehearsal virtually in order to keep up with new materials.
Did you miss the
Info Meeting for
KTP '24-25 Season?
EMAIL US
to request info!
KTP Auditions - Additional details
In order to be part of the Kettleworks Traveling Players, it is necessary for every interested performer to attend auditions. Please note that while it is our intent to accept any performer who is committed to being a part of the team, acceptance into the program will also be dependent upon the teamwork and collaboration that is demonstrated in the auditions. Our travel team will require focus and a strong sense of professionalism when we are "on the road" so it is important that each travel team member be able to work well with others, behave respectfully towards new instructors and fresh audience members, as well as maintaining focus onstage.
AUDITION DATES/TIMES:
First round - Saturday, September 7, 2024 (Times TBD)
Callbacks - Sunday, September 8, 2024
(specific callback slots between 12:00 - 6:00 PM will be determined after Saturday's audition)
WHAT TO PREPARE:
* Please prepare 45-60 seconds of a musical theatre style song. (Performers are welcome to choose a song from any musical, including Alice in Wonderland JR.)
* Each performer will perform his/her song individually and we will also conduct a workshop-style group audition including a group song, improvisation activities, acting sides from Alice in Wonderland JR. and a dance portion.
* We highly encourage you to take a look at the Audition Materials available to help you prepare for the acting portion.
TIPS: - Make sure your song is completely memorized.
- Be sure to use a background / karaoke style track with no voices - we want to hear YOU!
* We highly recommend using a background track or live accompaniment as opposed to singing a capella*
- Choose a song that shows off your strengths.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions!