Small Time Theatre is thrilled to be entering it’s 11th season as part of the community theatre scene in Calgary. Our upcoming season will include 2 productions,  Elf Jr., performing in December 2026 and Mary Poppins Jr. performing in February 2027. Both shows will provide many performer opportunities especially with Mary Poppins as it will be double cast! Please read through the following for important audition information.

Each performer auditioning must be signed up for 2 time slots, one for the Dancing audition and one for the Singing/Speaking audition. You don’t have to choose the same day, book your child for whichever time slots work best for your schedule. Both are required to audition, regardless of which play the performer is interested in.

Each performer is asked to prepare: a ballad, a harmony song, and learn assigned lines to be done in a group setting with other performers auditioning. The dance audition is done as a group with simple choreography being taught. You do not need prior dance experience. This is more of an exercise in following instruction and assessing the range of movement.

Both productions come with different song options and character lines to be used at the audition. The instructions for each is provided in the audition packets below. Please read carefully through the information and instructions. Performers can choose whichever audition package they’d like to audition with, but can also be considered for a different production, based on which role suits them best. Auditioners and their families can indicate their preferred shows on the Audition/Volunteer Sign-up form. Note – each performer can only be cast in one production.

Audition Tips:
– Practice your songs and script in front of as many people as you can to help you feel comfortable performing in front of others.

– Practice performing in front of a mirror.

– Script lines should have lots of energy and expression. Try to interact with the other characters. Say your lines clearly and try not to rush.

– For your music audition, try to show off any skills you might have, like range, control, dynamics, and articulation. Say the lines clearly to make the story interesting.

– Relax and have fun! Everyone is rooting for you!

Non-Singers: If you prefer not to sing at the audition, there are some non-singing roles available in our shows. You can let us know at auditions that you won’t be performing a song.

DANCE CALL:  In addition to your singing/acting audition, all performers are required to attend a dance call. You do not need to prepare any movement. Come and learn a short choreographed dance, then perform it in small groups. Performers will be given an opportunity (if they wish) to show any special movement, skills, or tricks they may feel comfortable sharing – such as gymnastics tumbling, cartwheels, dance leaps, spins, etc. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you won’t slip in. Bring a water bottle.

The link provided has the audition sign-ups with the dates/times and the volunteer sign-ups for the family volunteer. Each performer is required to have a volunteer commitment from an adult family member if cast in a play. There are many different roles and descriptions for each can be found here.

*** Mandatory Parent Meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM) ***

There will be a Mandatory Parent Meeting on May 7th for all those interested in participating in Small Time Theatre for the upcoming season. The purpose of the parent meeting is to explain the audition process, provide information on the cast/volunteer commitment and answer any questions.

*Audition Sign Up Deadline is 11:59 pm on May 8th to give families time to make decisions after attending the parent meeting.

The Parent Meeting and AGM will be held on the same evening. All are invited to attend the AGM but it is not required for participation in Small Time Theatre. The AGM is 45 minutes long and goes over the functions of Small Time Theatre as a non-profit society. It will take place before the Parent Meeting. If you’re curious about where Small Time Theatre is headed and the exciting plans we’re building for the future, you won’t want to miss it!

Date: Thursday, May 7th
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – 14540 Parkland Blvd SE

Time: AGM 6:30 – 7:15 PM (Optional, open to all STT families)

Time: Mandatory Parent Meeting: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

*Special Notes*
Can’t attend the Mandatory Parent Meeting due to extenuating circumstances? Email in advance to smalltimetheatre@gmail.com

GENERAL INFO:

While we aim to have rehearsals on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:00pm this could change depending on our rehearsal space. The Christmas production rehearses from September until performances in December. The Winter production rehearses from September until performances in February. All rehearsals will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Parkland (14540 Parkland Blvd SE).

We make every effort for all our productions to shine and have quality stage storytelling. We hope your child can find a character, a song or any piece of the story to connect too.

As a reminder, our theatre organization has intentionally focused on offering live theatre experiences for children between grades 1 – 9. Because STT works with young children and youth, each year we have children that are performing for the first time mixed in with youth that are returning for another year. You do not have to have prior theatre experience or established dance and singing skills to audition. Each play has a varying number of roles to fill and so not every audition is cast but do not let a lack of experience prevent an child from trying because that is the point – to have an experience!

We can’t wait to see you all shine at auditions!

Background image by kjpargeter from freepik