FAQs
1. Who are the RC Players?
The RC Players is a student-run theater group housed in East Quad, courtesy of the Residential College at The University of Michigan. We present several productions each semester which you can learn more about on our About Us page. You do NOT need to be in the RC to join the RC players!!!
2. How do I join?
There are a number of ways in which you can join. Most common is acting, but we take all types of theater enthusiasts: techies, directors, writers, board members, officers, etc. The important thing to realize is that you don't have to be a member of the Residential College to participate!
3. How do I become a general board member?
It's quite simple really. Every week, we have a board meeting. This term it's Tuesdays at 9:30 PM (sharp) in the East Quad Greene Room. All you have to do is show up and contribute and you can be part of the decision- making process. After attending three meetings, you will be officially designated as a board member(!!!), and will be added to the board email list. Board members can vote on Full-Lengths, EOS scripts, e-Board members, and more!
4. Are there any leadership positions on the board?
Yes! We have a wonderful e-Board who are all elected at the beginning of Winter term each year. Additionally, there are several other positions available throughout the semester, such as Liaison to keep the board apprised of the progress of every production and vice-versa, and EOS Producers, who organize and stage manage our Evening of Scenes.
5. I like to act, when are auditions?
Auditions happen several times each term and are announced after we've selected plays and their directors have set times. As soon as directors have picked out times to audition, this information becomes available to the board through email, will be announced at meetings, and will be posted right here on our homepage! Just keep checking back regularly, but the most common way to find out about auditions is through an email to the trusty RCP e-board (rcp-eboard@umich.edu).
6. I like tech! How can I help?
There are lots of ways. We can always use help backstage, in set construction and design, prop-gathering, costuming, stage-managing, etc. No prior experience is necessary.
7. I've found something I want to direct, what do I do?
Each term we select a number of full-length shows to produce depending on how many weekends we have available in the Keene Theater. At the beginning of each term, these dates will be announced along with a deadline to turn in Proposals. If you have a short scene, you can propose it at the start of each term for Evening of Scenes. However, if you want to direct a full-length show, we usually ask that you apprentice with a current full-length to get the proper experience necessary and become acclimated with RCP resources before proposing your own full-length show.
8. I have prior directing experience elsewhere, does that count?
The more experience you have with bigger and more demanding productions, the better off you are. When we select proposals, those with more experience handling bigger productions have a better shot of being chosen. As long as you demonstrate this knowledge in your proposal, you'll have a fair shot at being selected.
9. I wrote something, how do I get it performed?
Fantastic question; there are several possibilities. First, if it's a short scene (under 15 pages/minutes) then submit it to Evening of Scenes and you can direct it (also a great opportunity to gain directing experience)!! Secondly, if it's longer, like a one-act or full-length production, then you can propose it for the open slots we have each term. If you don't have prior directing experience of large productions, it may be best to solicit a director by emailing the RCP Board and we can help you find one; or, you can apprentice with other productions to gain the experience you need to direct your show - either way is acceptable. In fact, we encourage both!!
10. What's Evening of Scenes?
EOS is the first production we put on each semester. It's a collection of short scenes written and directed by some of our members. This is a great way to get your feet wet, either as an actor, director, or writer. We especially love student-written scenes, but pre-published scenes are fine as well. Anybody can be a director for this - there's no experience necessary! If you need help, you can consult one of your Producers or indicate in your scene proposal that you'd like a co-director. There's generally a lower level of commitment, since each group is preparing a 5-15 minute scene. Even if you don't get cast, you can come see the show anyways and join in the merriment, because admission is free! Plus, you'll have a taste of EOS and "how we do" at RCP.
11. What is Red-Eye Theater?
Red-Eye Theater is our 24-hour theater program. From 8pm on Friday to 8pm on Saturday, we write, stage, memorize, and perform two original play productions. Auditions are held about two weeks before the performance date, and 24 people are cast into the following groups: actors, writers, directors, and techies. If you'd like to write, we send out a call for short writing samples about a week before Red-Eye auditions. Whatever you submit will not be used for Red-Eye, but will help us pick who we'd like to be writing for us! The entire cast and crew assemble for the first time 24 hours before the curtain goes up; at the end, out pops a brand-new, original production. This is a great way to get involved with the RC Players because of the low time commitment requirements and the lasting friendships that form.
5 Ways to Get Involved!
1. Acting
Separate auditions are held for each show produced by RC Players. No previous acting experience is ever required and auditions are usually quite laid back and fun to attend. The director of each show is responsible for deciding how their auditions will be run. Some require that the actors come prepared with a monologue. Most (including all EOS auditions) will have readings from the script available for actors look over and then perform. Information on auditions is posted on the RC Players bulletin board located outside the Keene Theatre in East Quad at the top of the stairs. An email announcement is also sent out to the members of the RC Players email list.
2. Directing
The RC Players g-Board accepts and reviews proposals for shows at several designated times throughout the year, usually at the beginning of a semester. Anyone may submit a play proposal; however, before a director proposes a full-length show they must have had directing experience within RCP before. A good way to do this is through Evening of Scenes or Red-Eye. Guidelines for show proposals are outlined during the proposal process. If you need help, just contact the RCP Board.
3. Submitting Original Work
RC Players often produces new student work. If you are interested in having a short piece of yours performed for a real, live audience, consider submitting it for the Evening of Scenes. This event takes place near the beginning of each semester. If you have written a play and would like to have it directed, you can email rcp-eboard@umich.edu to get in touch with directors who might be looking for a piece to put up. If you want to direct it yourself, that is also fine, but see the requirements in the Directing section, above.
4. Teching
If you don't get cast but would still like to be involved in the production, you can always help with a technical theater position (lights, set, costume, design, construction, running crew, etc.). Leave a note on your audition form or contact the RCP Board if you would like to be a techie for a production. Tell them what aspect you are interested in pursuing and what experience you have in that field (none is required!). They will put you in contact with the director who can use your assistance. Techies are always welcome because a show can't go up without them.
5. Join the RCP Board
RC Players is a student-run organization overseen by RC Drama Professor Kate Mendeloff. All the decisions about the RC Players are decided in weekly meetings by the RCP Board. There are several established e-Board positions, as well as several other voluntary positions. Board meetings are Tuesdays at 9:30pm in the Green Room in East Quad, and all are welcome to attend. After three consecutive meetings, you can become a Board members and gain voting privileges, which means you get a say in what productions we put on!
As of January 2024, meetings occur every Tuesday at 9:30 PM in the Green Room or on zoom. You may email the Board at rcp-eboard@umich.edu to check current times and for the zoom link.
12. How do I get taken off of the mailing list?
Fill out this google form and our lovely secretary will get you removed as soon as possible. We will be sad to see you go!
East Quadrangle
701 E University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109