Get Involved

Pit Orchestra

Footlite Musicals is always seeking Pit Orchestra volunteers. Individual directors and or musical directors will determine who will participate in the ensemble, either by selection or audition. The amount of rehearsal time needed will vary from show to show and will depend on the difficulty level of the musical. Due to Encore Association regulations, all work must be on a voluntary basis.

A general schedule for orchestra time commitments that can be expected are; 2 or 3 rehearsals before tech week, 4 rehearsals during tech week, and 7-14 performances over 2 or 3 weekends depending on where the show falls in our schedule.

Please note, all submission information will be held in a database maintained by Footlite’s musical directors. Directors will call to fill positions as needed. Musicians will be called only when positions are available!

Production Resources

Click here to view the bylaws of Footlite Musicals.

Forms & Resources

• Download the Footlite Expense Form in Excel (calculates the total) or as a printable PDF Expense Form.  Completed forms for show expenses should be signed by the Producer or Director for approval and sent to treasurer@footlite.org or left in the Treasurer’s inbox in the board room.
• Want to get your expense reimbursement deposited directly to your bank account?  Complete the Direct Deposit Form and send to treasurer@footlite.org. This form only needs to be completed once.  We will send your information to the bank and destroy the original form.
• If you are an individual performing a service for payment, please complete the IRS W9 (link) form and send to Treasurer@footlite.org so we can provide you with a 1099 tax form as required by the IRS for services over $600 in a calendar year.
• View Instructions for Sales Tax Exempt Purchases
• Download Footlite’s General Sales Tax Exemption Certificate
• View the Production Manual

Directing at Footlite

Footlite Musicals seeks director proposals for every season.  Proposals are typically requested in early Fall.  Watch for news or sign up for our email list (see below).

Season Description

Our season consists of:

• Four Mainstage productions

• • September, March and May for 3 weeks/11 performances

• • A November holiday production for 4 weeks/14 performances

• • A January cabaret-style production for 3 weeks/9 performances

• A July Young Artists (age 13-18) production for 2 weeks/7 performances

We typically seek to balance our season in the following way:

• Young Artists shows often work best when there is name recognition, as it is a challenging time to attract big audiences. This production team should be very mindful of the time constraints for building their sets.

• September and May: premiere or other highly recognized, popular show to start and end the season with excitement.

• November: a holiday or family friendly offering likely to attract large audiences.

• The January cabaret production also has limited time for set construction, so small shows and casts work best. On-stage seating means intimate productions play well.

• March: an art or “theatre people” show, as this is often our most challenging time slot to attract audiences, regardless of the title.

Qualifications to direct at Footlite

We are proud to be the largest community theatre facility in the area, and since we work exclusively with volunteers and no permanent staff, we face unique challenges. Directors who have only worked in smaller venues often underestimate the complexity of mounting a Footlite production.

It is our desire to welcome new directors to Footlite, but it’s critical we make informed decisions. If you have not directed a show at Footlite, please read the following carefully:

• We prefer that you assistant direct a show at Footlite before applying to direct.  Contact us to get connected with an experienced directing team that will support you in learning the ins and outs of directing a show at Footlite.

• Your proposed staff must include at least one producer who has produced or directed a show at Footlite.

• A seasoned, experienced staff will make your production run much smoother and increases the chances the committee will choose your proposal. Consider using Footlite veterans or include brief biographical information on any staff new to Footlite.

• We are specifically looking to see that your lighting designer, technical director and stage manager has experience at Footlite or a venue of comparable size.

Questions? Contact Footlite Musicals by email at footlite@footlite.org.

Thank you for your interest in Footlite Musicals!

Overview of the Process

Directing at Footlite Musicals: Submitting Your Show Proposal

Do you have a vision for a musical production and want to bring it to life at Footlite Musicals? We are now accepting show proposals for our upcoming season! This is your chance to direct a production on the Footlite stage, working alongside talented artists to create unforgettable performances.

Here’s an overview of the process, including how to submit your application and prepare for your show pitch and presentation.

How to Submit Your Show Proposal

Application Requirements:

To submit your proposal, please complete [this form] which will ask for the following information:

• Show Title & Version: Include the title of the musical and specify which version (e.g., Broadway, junior, concert).
• Preferred Show Slot: Indicate your preferred production slot (September, November, January, March, May, July, August) and any flexibility in scheduling.
• Rights Availability: Confirm that you have checked availability for the show’s performance rights.
• Thematic Concept: A maximum two-page description of your concept, including mood, script interpretation, and character elements.
• Technical Concept: Share your ideas for scenic design, costumes, lighting, and sound.
• Budget Overview: Provide a general breakdown of your estimated budget for the production including specific action plans for costly show aspects i.e. costumes, special set effects, etc.
• Special Considerations: Address any sensitive material or complex elements in the show (e.g., intimacy scenes, fight choreography, unusual music challenges). Explain how you will manage these aspects, including potential hires like an intimacy coordinator or fight director.
• Staffing Plan: Provide a comprehensive list of team members from whom you have secured commitments, with particular emphasis on the roles of Producer, Director, Vocal Director, Music Director, Technical Director, Choreographer, Costumer, and Stage Manager.

Additionally, please include any team members for the positions of Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Master, Soundboard Operator, Lightboard Operator Hair/Makeup Designer, Set Designer, Scenic Artist, as well as optional or as-needed roles such as Assistants, Spot Operators, Intimacy Coordinator, Fight Choreographer, Dialect Coach, Crew members, Dressers, Deck Captain, and Rail Captain.

Once you submit your proposal, our Show Selection Committee will review your materials and, if your application is selected to move forward in the process, contact you for an interview and pitch presentation.

Preparing for Your Show Pitch & Presentation

If your proposal is accepted, you’ll be invited to present your concept to the Footlite Musicals Show Selection Committee. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare for your pitch:

1. Show Concept (5 minutes):
   Provide a high-level overview of the show, your unique interpretation, and why it’s a great fit for Footlite Musicals.
2. Staffing Plan (5 minutes):
   Introduce your production team, highlighting key staff and their relevant experience.
3. Visual Representation (5 minutes):
   Present your vision for the set, costumes, lighting, and sound. Use a vision board or scale drawings to demonstrate your creative approach.
4. Budget Plan (5 minutes):
   Share a clear breakdown of your proposed budget, covering major categories like set construction, costumes, lighting, sound, and more.
5. Marketing & Recruitment Plan (5 minutes):
   Explain your marketing strategies, including how you will attract a diverse group of auditioners and patrons.
6. Directing Style & Philosophy (5 minutes):
   Describe your approach to directing. How do you manage people? How do you coach actors? How do you handle differences in opinions or conflicts? Outline your casting process and strategies for ensuring the safety and well-being of your cast and crew.
7. Questions & Answers (20 minutes):
   Be prepared for a brief Q&A session with the committee about your proposal, concept, and plans for the production.

Ready to Apply?

Submit your online application to the show selection committee by October 4, 2024.  Should your proposal move forward in the process, you will receive an invitation to pitch your show to the committee (no later than October 13th).  We will communicate final decisions about our recommendations to the board by mid-November.  We can’t wait to hear your vision and how you plan to bring it to life on the Footlite stage!

Prefer a fillable PDF instead of submitting an online form?  Download it HERE and send your completed application to showselection@footlite.org.

If you have any questions or need additional guidance before submitting your proposal or preparing your pitch, feel free to contact us at showselection@footlite.org.

Take the stage with Footlite Musicals—where creativity, passion, and community come together!