Q: Can my child participate in shows as a freshman?
A: They certainly can. Each production has open auditions for any student interested in trying out for a production. Prior experience is not required but is beneficial in a large school like Seven Lakes now. The staff will make all casting decisions. If the student does not make the cast they can still participate in Technical areas such as Lights, Sound, and Fly Crew or support in areas such as Costume and Make-up, all of which are critical to the success of any production. Younger students also learn the complexity of producing shows and appreciate the work that is put on with their participation as well.
Q: Do you do a musical every year ?
A: No. Due to the high costs of putting on a musical, Seven Lakes is in a rotation where they will perform a musical every other year (odd years).
Q: How many productions do you do a year?
A: It can vary but typically there are two large shows and one smaller show, as well as two class production called "Scenes From" and Student Directed One Acts. In March, Studio VII competes in the UIL, "One Act Play" (OAP) competition against other schools. Each school performs a Director chosen One Act Play (about 40 minutes long) and each school performance is judged by league officials and the best move on to the next round, Kind of like football playoffs for the Theatre Group. There are also about 12 Comedy Sportz Matches a year.
Q: Comedy Sportz? What's that?
A: Comedy Sportz is competitive Comedy Improvisation! The quickest thinking, wittiest and funnest kids that Seven Lakes has to offer, compete in various Improv games against other schools. There are home and away matches against other Katy area schools and an end of the year fundraiser against the Teachers. In May '10, the Seven Lakes team won the Houston City Wide Tournament and thus will host the City Wide Tournament in May '11. The season typically runs from January thru April with Matches usually on Thursday or Friday nights. There are 16-18 students per team, but only 8-10 play per match. Cost is only $5. However, seating is limited in the Black Box so come early. See the Comedy Sportz page for more details.
Q: Do we have a coach for Comedy Sportz ?
A: Yes, and her name is May "the force be with you" Vera. Lets show her how great our team and support is by having all of you, tonight's Loyal Fans - "Whoop, Whoop" by attending. What's that - you don't get it? Well if you don't get it, you're gonna get it, cause here we go". That's your teaser to come check it out!
Q: What is a One Act Play ?
A: As described above, it is a UIL competition where each school selects a 40 minute production of their choosing with a limitation of 15 performers. Each school competes in their Zone first. We compete against the 5 other KISD schools, three per zone. The top two in each move on District. This continues through Area, Region and then State where a State Champion is crowned.
Q : What are "Scenes From"?
A: Scenes From are a collection of various "Scenes From" movies or shows which the students in Productions classes direct the students in Theatre classes. The Production students select the "scene" they wish to direct and are responsible for a minimal set design and props, the selection of the actors and the direction of the scene which is typically 10-15 minutes long. Both groups of students are graded on individual and the group performance as this is a class grade.
Q : What are "Student Directed One Acts"?
A: These are very similar to "Scenes From" where the students select and direct their own One Acts for grades. Both are free to the public to enjoy. No refreshments are served at either event. Both provide the experienced performer as well as the casual student completing an elective requirement, a chance to have an on stage experience.
Q: What are the Tommy Tune Awards?
A: Tommy Tune is a Tony Award winning performer from Lamar HS here in Houston. Several years ago he initiated the contest bearing his name for 45 of the top High Schools in the Houston area to compete in musical theatre. Each school competes for categories such as Best Musical, Best Set, Best Male and Female performers. Each of the participating schools are judged and the top 8-9 in each of these categories then get nominations. The winners are then announced at a very elegant event at the Hobby Center about April 19. In addition, the Best Musical and Best Singer nominations get to perform on stage in front of 2000+ people. This event is open to the public and is also taped by ABC 13 for broadcasting on TV a few weeks later. In 2009, StudioVII earned 14 nominations (tied for most) and won 4 (tied for most) for their production of "Once Upon a Mattress".