What does it mean that the MTC is a non-profit organization?
Since becoming a non-profit 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.
Auditions
When are auditions?
Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester. Be sure to check our website for details and updates.
What do I need to bring to auditions?
For first-round auditions, we ask that you prepare 16-32 bars of music, similar in style to the production you are auditioning for, to be sung with accompaniment. Please make sure your sheet music is in order, marked and clearly legible. If necessary, you may sing a cappella and there will be a piano from which you can find your starting pitch. For callbacks, we will supply you with music and/or sides to prepare. A pen/pencil and water is always recommended. You will be notified within a few days, whether or not you are called back and whether or not you are cast.
How do you recommend I prepare for auditions?
Do your research. Find out about our company, how we work, and our show. See which parts would best be suited for you. Pick a song in the same 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. Think about what you want to show us with your audition. 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 auditions Monday-Thursday, callbacks on Saturday and our “Meet & Greet” on Sunday. Within seven days, auditions are complete and the show is cast. Individual first-round auditions generally take no longer than ten 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 come to first round auditions. You need only attend callbacks. However, we do require that you contact us no later than a week in advance if you intend on attending callbacks and also that you 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?
Auditioning at first-round auditions cannot hurt you or prevent you from attending callbacks. It not only grants you more auditioning experience, but also allows you the opportunity to show us something we may not have seen in you before. If you are a previous cast member who would like to come and sing for us at first-round auditions, just let us know in advance and we would be happy to accomodate you.
Do previous cast members receive preferential casting?
Absolutely not. Each actor who auditions, whether they have been cast before or not, is evaluated equally. Everyone has a fair chance at 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. 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 which you are willing perform.
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, willing and able to take direction, make the necesssary changes, take risks and learn something new about his or her self and character in the process.
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.
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, whether you have a car or not, we expect you to find some means of getting to rehearsal when you are called, whether it means walking, biking, getting a ride 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?
Generally, we only staff positions at the begining of the semester, however, we accept applications for staff positions year round. Send an e-mail to mail@melodramatics.com telling us a bit about yourself and why you are interested in the position, and we will get back to you as soon as possible to set up a meeting.
I sent in a hard copy of my application, which I would like returned to me. Why have I not received it back?
Any application materials presented to the Melodramatics Theatre Company will not be returned. Please do not send original, irreplaceable materials and expect them to be returned. Make copies and only send materials, which you are willing to part with. We receive too many applications to be arranging the shipment of materials back and forth. 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 to your interview, and it may be reviewed in person then.
What staff positions are available?
While much of the MTC staff is comprised of returning members, we are always on the lookout for new talent. You are always welcome to e-mail us with an application for any staff position in which you are interested, and we will keep you in mind when staffing our next production at the beginning of the following semester. Please check our Getting Involved page for a list of currently available positions.
Why are positions being offered that you already have staff for?
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 filled by a returning staff 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: each job only takes as long as it takes to get the job done right.
Tickets
I don’t have a credit card. How can I purchase tickets online?
We always recommend 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.
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 can be issued. 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 mail@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?
Unfortunately, due to the size of the theatre in which we perform and the number of performances we offer, tickets sell 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 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 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 us an e-mail at mail@melodramatics.com when you order your tickets and we will have someone ready to assist you upon your arrival to the theatre.