910 Washington St
P.O. Box 1722
Manitowoc, WI 54221

Junior Theater Festival (JTF)
2024 JTF PERFORMING TEAM
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DIRECTING TEAM
Deanne Stokes & Lisa Heili, Co-Directors
Shannon Meulbroek, Music Director
Karen Rohrer, Co-Choreographer and Trip Planner
Madde Gilmore, Co-Choreographer
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Auditions open to experienced actors, ages 10-18, who have previously appeared onstage in at least one (and preferably several) MAIN stage (JR level) Treehouse Theater musicals. Tech students are also welcome to attend as there is a festival track just for them!
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REHEARSALS
​OCTOBER
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10/01: 1-5 pm (CASTING)
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10/15, 10/22 & 10/29: 4-8 pm
NOVEMBER
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11/05: 6:30-8 pm
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11/19: 4-8 pm
DECEMBER
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12/05, 12/07, 12/12, 12/14, 12/19, 12/21: 6:30-8:30 pm
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12/09, 12/10, 12/17, 12/30: 4-8 pm
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12/31: noon-4 pm
JANUARY​
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1/02, 1/04 & 1/09: 6:30-8:30 pm
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1/07: 4-6 pm PLUS the 7 pm SHOWCASE/MOCK ADJUDICATION
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AUDITIONS
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​Wedn, June 28: 1-2:30 pm OR 3-4:30 pm
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Thurs, June 29: 4:30-6 pm OR 6:30-8 pm​
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Sat, July 1: 10:30 am-noon OR 12:30-2 pm
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More dates, if needed
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WHAT TO PREPARE for Auditions
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Memorize a one-minute
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SOLO that highlights your vocal range (with accompaniment)
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MONOLOGUE that highlights a range of expression
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Wear nice, comfy clothes and be ready to MOVE with the Choreographer
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Bring jazz shoes, a water bottle, and a positive attitude
STUDENT TEAM MEMBERS
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Christian Dodge, Susanna Ehle, Denzel Estrella, Mazie Frahm, Andi Gallagher, Soraya George, Grace Glaser, Lucy Griffin, Quintella Groothoff, Alesha Hassamer, Christopher Iannitello, Teresa Iannitello, Lilian Jacobson, Paige Jeske, Caroline Johanek, Chloe Johanek, Keira Koenig, Sarah Ladwig, Dion Limon, Katie Naegele, Elaina Reindl, Breleigh Schultz, Sophie Skrepenski, Mackenzi Stokes, Lucas Such, Leyah Van Ells, Elizabeth Wallander
TRIP EXPENSE
Cost includes all instruction with local mock adjudication, trip planning, festival fees, round-trip ground transportation and airfare, four nights lodging at host hotel, script, T-shirts, and online access to show music files and video
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STUDENTS: $1,150* ( includes $100 cash back upon departure for food/beverages)
ADULTS: $1,000*
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Payments 1 & 2 (due by Sept 1 & Oct 1) are $350 each for both students and adults.
* Final payment (due Nov 1) may be adjusted once all known costs are confirmed
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To make an online payment using your credit card
(processing fees apply):
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PAYMENT 1 OR 2, student or adult
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PAYMENT 3, student
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PAYMENT 3, adult
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WHAT IS THE JUNIOR THEATER FESTIVAL -- "JTF"?
Team-focused experience for 20-30 student performers, ages 10-18, to prepare for and attend this national festival in Atlanta, GA, each January. Primary goals are personal growth and enrichment for each student while developing a 15-minute, team-focused "mini musical" showcase for a competitive national environment with adjudication by performing arts professionals.
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Annual convention of 6,500+ people from across the USA, gathered to celebrate music theater
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Long weekend filled with energy, fun, judging, performances & workshops
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Opportunity to see what other theater companies are performing and how you compare
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Chance to bond with actors from THT and an opportunity to meet other kids who love theater
WHO CAN ATTEND JTF?
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Boys and girls, ages 10-18, who must audition
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Production Team members
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Adult Chaperones ** mandatory for team members ages 10-12
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Adult Guests
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THIS TRIP?
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All local instruction and round-trip travel arrangements
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Team t-shirt to be worn during "mini-musical" performance in Atlanta
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Round-trip bus and airfare to/from Manitowoc and Atlanta
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Four nights lodging
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Student meal allowance of $100
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Festival participation fee (t-shirt, educational workshops, special guest speakers, yearbook)
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WHY ARE REHEARSALS NEEDED?
Each attending group performs their 15-minute "mini-musical" of selected scenes and songs that highlight an MTI "Jr." production for nationally recognized judges. They score each group's performance and provide immediate feedback to the actors and production crew. Highest scoring groups and individuals are recognized at the Awards Ceremony.
Treehouse Theater will strive to bring another polished, professional-looking "mini-musical" piece to perform at JTF 2024. In order for this to occur, ALL members of the Performing Team must be committed to properly preparing for and attend all rehearsals, when called.
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