Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
How often are shows performed throughout the year?
The Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance performs shows all year round! There are multiple performance opportunities which include shows and events from our current season.
Will I automatically be place in the International Thespian Troupe 398 when I join JCATD?
Unfortunately, not. You must collect the required amount of point (10 point) and log your theatre participation in order to become a part of out Thespian Troupe. A majority of the students apart of JCATD have graduated as registered ITS (International Thespian Society) Troupe members!
Am I able to be a part of JCATD and JCIB?
Yes! We have had multiple JCATD students that have been a part of the theatre and dance academy and the International Baccalaureate program. Most students participate in both programs for all four years of high school, but it is never too late to join. :)
Does JCATD have any annual events?
Yes! JCATD has the “Winter Wonderland” and “Film and New Works Festival” that occur every year! Check out our season info to get more details on the events.
What is the technical side of theatre like within the academy?
Here at JCATD we always have tech opportunities for every student. Technical theatre is just as important, (if not more important), to creating the art form. We are always looking for students who are interesting in learning more about light, sound, and set design to be able to create different worlds on our stage.
Will I be taking core classes along with my academy classes during the school year?
Yes. Our academy is attached to Shades Valley/ JCIB High School, meaning, in order to comply with Jefferson County regulations student must be in enrolled in Shades Valley or JCIB in order to be a part of JCATD. Along with your core academic classes, you must meet the required academy credits including acting, tech, musical theatre, and dance classes within the program. Classes are primarily taught by Carl Dean and Jennifer Guffin.
FAQs
Do I have to be a part of the theatre academy to be able to audition for shows?
Not at all! Auditions for shows are open to anyone and everyone who is interested in, or has a passion for the arts! Check out our season to see if you are interested.
What is Trumbauer ?
The Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance attends the Walter Trumbauer Festival each year, which has provided quality training and performance opportunities for Alabama theatre students at the secondary level since 1940. JCATD students are REQUIRED to participate in the annual Trumbauer Festival as a grade towards their academy classes. Students qualify for the state competition by earning a rating of “superior” at one of seven district festivals.
Are there any required classes for JCATD?
Yes, along with your core academic classes, you must meet the required academy credits including acting, tech, musical theatre, and dance classes within the program. These classes are primarily taught by Carl Dean or Jennifer Guffin. In order to graduate from JCATD as a senior, you should have completed these courses within the course of your four years in high school.
Do I have to audition to get into JCATD?
Yes, JCATD is an audition-acceptance academy. Therefore you must audition to get into the program. However, once you are accepted, you are not required to re-audition annually back into the program. You must, though, audition in order to be placed into specific season shows. For more information on the audition process for the academy, please check out our JCATD application.
How is JCATD active with the International Thespian Society?
JCATD is actively involved with the International Thespian Society as we participate in the International Thespian Festival every year. Academy students are encouraged to attend and participate in the Festival once they have been inducted into the society (International Thespian Society: Troupe 398).
What’s the time commitment like when being a part of the theater and dance academy?
The time commitment depends on how active you are in the academy with activities and shows. We encourage every JCATD student to be as active as possible. Your participation and engagement is vital to the steadfastness of this academy.