HS Handbook 9.8Student-led Productions

The Theater Division supports students in good standing artistically and academically wishing to produce their own studio productions in NWSA studio spaces, pending availability. The Theater Division accepts applications and proposals for student-led productions twice per academic year.

Approved projects must have a faculty member agree to serve as advisor on the project, and all rehearsals after school hours require a faculty or staff member present and in the building.

The Theater Division agrees to cover the cost of royalties and script copies for approved projects; any other items needed for the production must be borrowed from stock pending availability and faculty permission, or provided by the student.

Proposal and Application

All students wishing to produce/direct a play must submit a proposal/application to the dean before the announcement deadline. Included in this proposal should be a synopsis of the plot, why the student(s) chose the play, what the director’s personal budget is, (how they intend to pay for needed items), who the faculty advisor is, along with any other notes. The dean will notify the student(s) whether permission is granted or not, based on discussion with the faculty.

2025-26 Student-led Production Proposal Deadlines:

Fall 2025 Productions (performances in October-December): September 8, 2025
Spring 2026 Productions: November 4, 2025

Student-led Production Proposal and Application Form

✔︎ After permission is granted, students must abide by all of the rules set by the Theater Division, as stipulated in the student handbook and production application.

❌ Any rule broken by any member of the cast or crew of the production will result in the student being removed from the play, and/or the entire production being terminated.

Polices and Procedures

✔︎ After discussion with the cast, crew, and faculty advisor, the student leader submits a rehearsal schedule request to the Division Secretary, who will arrange studio space for rehearsals.

✔︎ Any alterations in the schedule must be requested and approved in advance. Studio space is not guaranteed to accommodate revisions in the schedules.

❌ High school students may not rehearse after 7:00pm, and must be released from the building no later than 7:15pm.

✔︎ A faculty advisor must be available and in the building during all rehearsals, as required by Public Safety.

✔︎ High school students involved in any production cannot rehearse if absent or tardy from school on that day.

❌ Any high school student who is suspended cannot participate in a production, even if they were not suspended when the show was cast.

❌ Students on probation are not allowed to audition for, or participate in, student production.

❌ Props needed for rehearsals may not be moved from another studio without authorization from the production manager.

✔︎ All props and sets must be put away, and studios must be cleaned and restored after every rehearsal and performance. Remember that Theater Division spaces all hold classes during the day, and student-led productions must not disrupt classes or mainstage productions.

✔︎ The student leader is responsible for providing any portable equipment needed for rehearsals. No equipment belonging to the Theater Division may be used, with the exception of lighting equipment already installed in the studio.

✔︎ Costumes and/or props belonging to the Theater Division must be requested on the applicable request form, and must receive faculty and dean approval to be loaned to the production. Being able to use costumes and props from the Theater Division's stock should not be expected and is not guaranteed to be available to use in any student-led production. Mainstage productions take priority in using stock.

❌ No publicity, external to the NWSA building, printing of invitations, flyers or posters will be made without the dean’s advance written approval.

✔︎ The use of the school’s name in any publication must have the dean’s approval.

❌ The student will be responsible for reservation of tickets, house management, and any printing or copying needs. There will be no charge for admission.

❌ The Theater Division phone number may not be printed on any advertising or PR materials for the production.

✔︎ All sets and props must be struck, and the performance space cleaned, immediately following the last performance of the show. If floors need to be cleaned, report this to the division secretary in advance.