FAQs

1. What is the Port Summer Show?

We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to summer teen theater in Port Washington. We are not part of the school district, although we do perform at the high school and have a great relationship with the district. Please see the “Info” section of the website for more in-depth information.

2. When are auditions?

Auditions usually happen the third week in May.

3. Will my child still have a part if they don’t get a callback after the audition?

Yes, we do not make cuts. If your child is not cast in a named role, they will be in our world-famous rollicking ensemble.

4. Do you have to have professional training to be in the Port Summer Show?

No! We welcome all potential performers. You will be cast according to your experience and the needs of the show.

5. When is the show?

The Port Summer Show is always the first full weekend in August. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:00.

6. How old do my kids have to be to audition?

Students may audition the summer in between 6th and 7th grade. Sorry, no exceptions.

7. Do you need to be a Port Washington resident?

Yes, cast members must be residents of Port Washington.

8. Do the parents participate?

Yes, please see the “Info For Parents” section of the “Info” page. This section outlines the family contribution.

9. Are there ways to participate other than being a cast member?

Yes! We need pit orchestra members (both students and adults) and crew members. The different types of crew opportunities are set building crew, set painting crew, stage crew, and technical run crew.

10. Can my kids go away for the first part of the summer and participate when they return?

Not as a cast member. Rehearsals begin the last week of school. Please contact us at info@portsummershow.org to discuss possibilities for crew or pit orchestra members.

11. What if my child has to miss a rehearsal?

Attendance is mandatory. The directors have only 5 weeks to put together a high caliber musical. If you miss one rehearsal, you will be cut from that number. If you miss more than one rehearsal, you will be cut from the show. Every single rehearsal matters! Requested absences due to once-in-a-lifetime events will be reviewed by the Board of Directors in conjunction with the Director.

12. How much does it cost?

The registration fees are announced at the beginning of each season.

Registration fees help cover the many costs of the show, including: the professional staffs' salaries, rights to the musical, lighting, insurance, costumes, advertising, printing, the PWUFSD fee per child, the custodial staff, Port Summer Show T-shirt, a DVD of the performance (for the cast) and two cast parties. No one will be turned away for financial reasons. Please see Co-Presidents Michael Siskin, Melissa Williams or Bonnie Young for special circumstances, even if you made arrangements in the past.

A contract will be mailed to you and your parents. The signed contract and registration fee is due by the first rehearsal. Note: for insurance reasons, you will not be allowed to attend rehearsal until your registration fee is paid.