A Bit About Registration

When EYT started in 2011, we had 36 total students enrolled.  It was a delightful year with a new program and a reasonably sized number of participants.  But as EYT became a very quick success, the numbers jumped from 36 in the first year to 69 for the second.  It became obvious to us that the program would have to have a cap, and we decided that the maximum number of students that could enroll in the program would have to be 72.  The Empress building simply can't hold more backstage!

Considering the goals of EYT that extend beyond just putting on a production each summer, the early representatives on the Youth Council helped decide that EYT should continue using a registration process (instead of a straight audition process) to determine which 72 students get to be involved.  And to thank the returning families who have dedicated summer after summer to the program, often scheduling their entire lives around rehearsals and performances, the idea of Priority Registration was born.

In the subsequent registration season, this process has served the program well.  I have first accepted registration forms from returning students, then filled remaining spots with additional students looking forward to returning to the program.  Each summer I have had to turn away a few students in the ever-popular junior-high girl demographic, but I have also been able to welcome in several 6th grade and high school girls.

As demand has increased, we have tried to meet the needs.  In 2017, we introduced an additional component to the program with EYT Interns, allowing the program to serve an additional 10 teens interested in learning skills on and off stage.  That program continues this summer.

However, having completed this year's priority registration, I find EYT in an unprecedented position.  There are no open positions for girls in the full day program.  In fact, the program is over-full just from the priority registration, and I am needing to make adjustments to fit the needs of the production, the building, and the community we serve.  At present, general registration will open on Saturday with only 21 spots open; 15 for boys across a span of ages and 6 for elementary girls.

What does this mean for you?

• If you are a junior high or high school female who was hoping to join the program this year, registration is currently full.  Please still register on April 21st.  I will put names on a waiting list on a first-come-first-served basis and will fill any spots that become available from this list.  
• If you are hoping to enroll in the half-day EYT program, this means there are 4 fewer spots available this year, as I have had to shift enrollment to an even 36 half day students and 36 full day students.  I would suggest submitting your registration early on April 21st to try to get one of the available spots.
• If you are enrolled in the full day program, this means there will be 4 more students enrolled this year who are eligible for speaking roles, making the audition process more important than ever.  While all enrolled full day students will participate fully in Singin in the Rain, Jr., the competition for high profile stage time will be a little tougher.
• The priority registration procedure will need to undergo some revisions before the 2019 season in order to meet the needs of this growing community.  If you are interested in serving on an enrollment committee, please email me at eyt.empresstheatre@gmail.com.  I want to get parent and student feedback before making the necessary changes to the enrollment process.

Thank you to everyone who is a part of or wants to be a part of the Empress Youth Theatre program.  I hope I can find room for as many of you as possible!

Andrea