Got Questions?

Below are some of the things we do at BackStory that tend to be standard across classes and casts! If you ever have a question, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Artistic Director, Christa Romig-Leavitt for more info!

Expectations

We write our blocking in PENCIL

but our LINES are Highlighted

This means we stay flexible in our thinking but we know our roles extremely well. This includes memorizing lines and blocking by the deadline and respecting the director(s) as the leader(s) of the production.

We Assume Positive Intent

We choose to believe everyone is trying their best, and they also want us to succeed too.

We Are More Curious and Less Certain

We don’t assume we know what’s going on. We approach conflict with sincere curiosity asking questions and exploring instead of assuming we’re right.

We Are in Person and Off Screens

We’re here to have an IRL experience that requires empathy and risk.

So phones go in a basket before rehearsal and you pick them up at the end.

We Obsess over Quality not Perfection

Mistakes are part of making art and we are all here to help each other grow into better artists and people which means ditching perfection and leaning into what makes us human! This also means we care a lot about the tools of our craft like costumes, props, sets and physical boundaries. We keep ourselves, our stuff and each other safe.

Where do we perform?

What do I bring to class?

What does my "Call-time" mean?

What is a "base layer"?

What does "off book" mean?

What If I have to miss a class or be late?

What is different about "Tech Week?"

Fall Musical is typically performed at the Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Rd. Other performances take place at the Broomfield Community Center (280 Spader Way) or The Crescent Grange (7901 W 120th Ave, Broomfield)

A Water bottle, script, pencil, highlighter, paper* to take notes, non-messy snack. *Some students like to take notes on their phone but this can be inefficient for capturing blocking changes or complex movement. Other things you might be asked to bring - A device that can record (music rehearsal or classes), your base layer, costume pieces or props for yourself, a replacement prop (basically a stand in until you have your real prop), lunch or dinner for longer rehearsal days.

This is the time you need to be ready to warm up, rehearse, etc.

This is a layer of clothing for actors to wear that goes under their costume. This layer fits fairly tightly and could be black, white, or match your skin tone. Directors may ask for different colors based on costuming. The base layer protects costumes from excess sweat, provides modesty during costume changes, and may protect the skin against irritating fabrics. A good base layer is comfortable, breathable, and keeps you covered from your knees up to your shoulders. Ex. Leggings and a t-shirt.

This means you have your lines memorized, your blocking (where you go on stage) learned, and you're ready to perform. After you're off book, the director, or an assistant may be "on book" to give you a line if you forget. If you're in REHEARSAL and forget your lines, you just call, "Line!', to be reminded of the first 2-3 words so you can stay in character and keep going. At some point, you won't be able to call for line and will use the skill of "covering" to keep going as in a performance.

If you're going to be late, don't understand a direction, or need something, let your teacher, director, producer, or stage manager know right away!

These rehearsals are focused time to resolve blocking issues, incorporate additional tech (lights/sound) and are often treated like performances (using props and costumes and covering rather than "line" calling). However, they may also involve cue-to-cue runs or hone in on specific scenes to coordinate lights/sound on stage.

What we mean by "Inclusive"

Backstory Youth Theatre recognizes the unique power of theater to hold space and give voice to diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas. We have a commitment to ensuring that all peoples who step within our program will feel safe, protected, and heard; and never discriminated against due to race, religion, gender, sex, sexuality, or any variety of self-identifying factors that allow us to be individuals. We are rooted in a mission to serve and enrich our community in a manner which seeks to understand, cultivate, and build upon the unique differences that each individual brings into the room. These include but are not limited to: 1) Reaching out and asking questions of our community about how best to serve their needs and overcome barriers to participation; 2) Recognizing missteps and proactively working to evolve and adapt; and 3) Actively acknowledging difference and modeling inclusive behavior to ensure all participants know they are seen, heard, and celebrated.

BackStory Theatre is committed to inclusivity across all programming; making programs accessible for all groups (including low-income/disadvantaged families, at-risk youth, seniors on fixed income, underserved cultural and LGBTQiA+ individuals, and people with physical/developmental disabilities) is a critical part of our delivery model. BackStory’s vision is “community is enriched by theatre”. This occurs through the enjoyment of and appreciation for live productions, through participation in shared community experiences, and through confidence-building and development of life-skills (such as teamwork and communication) which result from participation in live theatre.

A guiding principle of the organization is that ability to pay and special needs should never stand in the way of a child receiving confidence and joy in theatre. While BackStory’s home community is majority comprised of Caucasian, middle to higher income families, we prioritize access and services being shared with our marginalized community members who often don’t see equitable inclusion and representation.

Inclusivity is a complex and ever-evolving process. We commit to recognizing our mistakes and taking accountability for with a growth mindset. We commit to interrogating our own biases on an on-going basis and to address such behavior with a lens toward learning, growth, and progress. Persistent acts of discriminatory or non-inclusive behavior from participants, staff, contractors, or board members will be grounds for dismissal from position or participation in programming. We commit further to recognizing and celebrating diversity in all its forms; to model inclusive behavior as educators and set strong examples for receptive language, civil discourse, and solutions-based problem solving.