Frequently Asked Questions
Auditions & Casting
Which musical is right for my kid?
Watch this video from Mr Jim explaining the different levels of musicals, and tips to help you decide which one is right for your family
How do I find the rehearsal/audition space?
Our daytime homeschool classes and rehearsals take place at:
Bel Air United Methodist Church
21 Linwood Avenue
Bel Air, MD 21014
Please enter through the glass doors. Go up the ramp, and follow the hallway. We are in room 202, near the library.
Our auditions and evening rehearsals take place at:
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
303 N Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
Please park in the lot off of Ellendale. Walk around to the courtyard. Find the first set of double doors. (Please do not park in the alcove)
How do auditions work at HMAA?
Auditions are done in 15 minute slots, and several dates and times will be available, usually Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Some time after registration, you will receive an email about auditions. This will include audition requirements and sign-ups for time slots.
In general, we ask for a 30-60 second monologue, and for musicals, a song. For some musicals, we may send you a short choreography piece to learn and perform.
Some pointers: The monologue should have more than one emotion. If you are auditioning for a musical, don't pick a song from that musical, but from something similar.
Around here, we like to say that our auditions are more like private lessons. We are all about meeting kids where they are. We will generally give feedback and ask them to try again, to see if they can apply the feedback. We may take them to the piano to find out vocal range. But we want the entire process to be comfortable and personal, not intimidating!
Kids musicals are a little different. Instead of a traditional audition, we have "Meet the Directors" appointments. This 15 minute, no-stress session allows us to get to know each child and learn their vocal strengths.
There are no auditions for our Homeschool Little Theater Troupe, Homeschool Junior Theater, or Improv Club.
When does the cast list come out?
Cast lists usually come out the Sunday evening before the first rehearsal.
(Sometimes they come late! It may be 11:59pm, so please hang in there with us!)
Rehearsals
You are welcome to do whatever makes you and your student comfortable. Some parents choose to stay and watch, and some choose to drop off. Either is fine!
We do ask parents and guardians to stay for a few minutes at the beginning of the first rehearsal for a short orientation meeting.
Do you have a Code of Conduct?
Our code of conduct is generally sent out the week before the production begins. You can see it here:
Backstage Page
The Backstage Page will be your go-to stop for all things specific to your production! Rehearsal materials, schedule, information and updates will be posted on the Backstage Page.
The Backstage Page is only accessible through the private link for that production, so please bookmark it! The link will be sent about a week before class.
How do you handle behavioral issues?
First and foremost, we advise our students to advocate for themselves. If they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, they are encouraged to find Mr Jim, Ms Cara, or another of our trusted adults.
Depending on the severity of the issue, we strive to first encourage students to resolve the issue. We want to empower the kids to stand up for themselves and set appropriate boundaries.
Repeated or severe issues will be communicated with the parents or guardians, and we will work together to resolve the issue.
Rarely, we may have to require parental supervision during rehearsals and shows. This is the final attempt to resolve the issue before expulsion. We haven't yet had to expel any student from the program.
Do I drop my student off, or do I stay?
Show Time
Check out our Show Week page:
How do you handle costumes and props?
At HMAA, we believe students should be as involved in their character development as possible. Costumes and props are generally the responsibility of the student. Of course, there are certain iconic characters that need to look a certain way, but other characters are welcome to create their own costume. Occasionally, for continuity, we will provide costume pieces or specific instructions. This varies by production.
Props are usually the responsibility of the first charater to touch it.
We do not want costumes or props to be a financial burden. We can usually crowd source anything you need! Please reach out to us if you need help.
Where do I drop off and pick up?
As Theatreworks has officially taken over the Warehouse Theater, and is no longer affiliated with the dance studio, we are no longer allowed to enter the dance studio at all.
This means we must enter and exit through the back door. (This does not apply to our guests when they are attending the shows)
If you are not familiar with the back entrance, please reference the image below.
There will be a sign outside that says "Theatreworks Live"
How do I get tickets?
Tickets are released about 6-8 weeks before the show dates. The theater has 112 seats, and most shows sell out. We email families first, and give at least 2 weeks before marketing tickets to the public.
To ensure tickets are available, we recommend purchasing them early! We are not able to open additional seats to sold out shows.
If you need financial assistance, please check out our Open Door Seating program!
What can I expect during Show Week?
General Information
How do I make sure I am getting the emails?
Sometimes our emails go to your spam folder. Please make sure to add info@harfordmusicandarts.com to your safe sender list!
Gmail users: our emails may go to your promotions folder.
You can add additional contacts to specific productions by completing this form:
Why do you have refund dates?
To produce a show, we have to purchase the license to use the show, scripts, pay fees per performance, and in the case of musicals, music tracks.
This comes to an average of about $2,000 per production, and must be paid a few weeks in advance in order to receive scripts in time.
We cannot provide refunds after the refund date because this can impact our casting, and therefore our ability to produce the show, as there a minimums we must meet financially.
How do you handle behavioral issues?
First and foremost, we advise our students to advocate for themselves. If they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, they are encouraged to find Mr Jim, Ms Cara, or another of our trusted adults.
Depending on the severity of the issue, we strive to first encourage students to resolve the issue. We want to empower the kids to stand up for themselves and set appropriate boundaries.
Repeated or severe issues will be communicated with the parents or guardians, and we will work together to resolve the issue.
Rarely, we may have to require parental supervision during rehearsals and shows. This is the final attempt to resolve the issue before expulsion. We haven't yet had to expel any student from the program.
What is your Winter Weather policy?
Check out our winter weather policy here: