freedom theatre 101
Any endeavor has terms, activities and processes that are unique to it. Theatre is no different. We hope this list of terms helps you get to know Freedom Theatre a little better.
BLACK BOX: The name of the Theatre classroom.
BREAK-A-LEG-A-GRAMS: Small, decorated notes that can be purchased on the night of the show to send backstage to any cast, crew, orchestra, production or staff member. A note of encouragement goes a long way, and we include a small sweet on your personalized note. All you need to do is fill it out and we will have a “runner” deliver them! All proceeds come back to the Theatre Boosters to continue support of the department.
CAPPIES: The Cappies is a writing and awards program that trains high school theatre and journalism students to be expert writers, critical thinkers, and leaders. Think Tony Awards, but for high school. The critics are students from participating high schools, who travel the area to see the Cappies show for other schools. Freedom Theatre has been nominated for several Cappies awards over the years, moving from the National Capital Area Cappies to the Blue Ridge Cappies for the 2022-2023 school year. Toward the end of the school year this program is capped off by a formal gala at the Hylton Center to honor all of the nominees and announce the winners. Students who are interested in becoming a critic should speak with Ms. Wickham.
ITS: International Thespian Society. An honorary student society recognizing excellence in high school theatre. Members of this honor society are called Thespians. Students earn points for their participation in theatre programs and activities, and must earn a certain number in order to be inducted. Students must keep track of their theatre activities and hours, and report them to the ITS secretary. Because this is an honors society, academic focus is also required. There is a $25 membership fee upon induction for a lifetime membership. This looks great on college applications! Get more information on the International Thespian Society.
MAIN STAGE: The big productions during the year (Fall, Winter and Spring; with Winter being more scaled back).
STRIKE: After the final performance, when the set is broken down; costumes returned; props put away; and the theatre is cleaned. All cast and crew are expected to participate in the Strike.
TECH BUILD: Held on Saturdays before performances. The crew, parents and other volunteers come to help build the set.
TECH WEEK: The week of Opening Night when the cast/crew work extra late and run dress rehearsals as their final show preparations. Students can opt in for Tech Week meals that are arranged by the Boosters for the cast/crew/staff who are working.
VTA: Virginia Theatre Association. Each fall the VTA holds a convention which offers competitions, workshops and exhibits, which juniors and seniors can attend. Winners of the competitions go on to represent Virginia at the regional Southeastern Theatre Conference. Additionally, many colleges and universities are represented at the annual convention, and senior students are given the opportunity to audition for their Theatre programs. For more information on VTA please visit www.vtasite.org.
VHSL: Virginia High School League. An organization that oversees interscholastic competition among public high schools in Virginia. Competition includes Drama and One-Act Plays. Students compete at the District Level, and the top-placing schools
BLACK BOX: The name of the Theatre classroom.
BREAK-A-LEG-A-GRAMS: Small, decorated notes that can be purchased on the night of the show to send backstage to any cast, crew, orchestra, production or staff member. A note of encouragement goes a long way, and we include a small sweet on your personalized note. All you need to do is fill it out and we will have a “runner” deliver them! All proceeds come back to the Theatre Boosters to continue support of the department.
CAPPIES: The Cappies is a writing and awards program that trains high school theatre and journalism students to be expert writers, critical thinkers, and leaders. Think Tony Awards, but for high school. The critics are students from participating high schools, who travel the area to see the Cappies show for other schools. Freedom Theatre has been nominated for several Cappies awards over the years, moving from the National Capital Area Cappies to the Blue Ridge Cappies for the 2022-2023 school year. Toward the end of the school year this program is capped off by a formal gala at the Hylton Center to honor all of the nominees and announce the winners. Students who are interested in becoming a critic should speak with Ms. Wickham.
ITS: International Thespian Society. An honorary student society recognizing excellence in high school theatre. Members of this honor society are called Thespians. Students earn points for their participation in theatre programs and activities, and must earn a certain number in order to be inducted. Students must keep track of their theatre activities and hours, and report them to the ITS secretary. Because this is an honors society, academic focus is also required. There is a $25 membership fee upon induction for a lifetime membership. This looks great on college applications! Get more information on the International Thespian Society.
MAIN STAGE: The big productions during the year (Fall, Winter and Spring; with Winter being more scaled back).
STRIKE: After the final performance, when the set is broken down; costumes returned; props put away; and the theatre is cleaned. All cast and crew are expected to participate in the Strike.
TECH BUILD: Held on Saturdays before performances. The crew, parents and other volunteers come to help build the set.
TECH WEEK: The week of Opening Night when the cast/crew work extra late and run dress rehearsals as their final show preparations. Students can opt in for Tech Week meals that are arranged by the Boosters for the cast/crew/staff who are working.
VTA: Virginia Theatre Association. Each fall the VTA holds a convention which offers competitions, workshops and exhibits, which juniors and seniors can attend. Winners of the competitions go on to represent Virginia at the regional Southeastern Theatre Conference. Additionally, many colleges and universities are represented at the annual convention, and senior students are given the opportunity to audition for their Theatre programs. For more information on VTA please visit www.vtasite.org.
VHSL: Virginia High School League. An organization that oversees interscholastic competition among public high schools in Virginia. Competition includes Drama and One-Act Plays. Students compete at the District Level, and the top-placing schools
