What's a Theatre Parent?

Theatre Parents are vital to the ongoing success of Hanover Community Players for the Christmas shows.  They are parents or guardians of the actors under 16 who volunteer their time to help in supervisory roles during rehearsals and productions.  (some even become costumers, props suppliers etc. if they wish)  Most importantly, they are showing support for their child in theatrical endeavours.  

Identified by their lanyard to everyone in the theatre , they attend rehearsals and shows to act as extra sets of eyes as the Director and Stage Manager need to concentrate on what is happening on the stage. 

Each fall, parents and guardians, using the rehearsal and production schedule, sign up for dates they are available to act in this role, a minimum of 10 hours.  (each rehearsal runs at least 2 hours)  The calendar can be modified if something comes up that prevents attendance at a rehearsal but it is always hoped they will get an acceptable parent to fill in.  Each parent signs in and picks up their identifying lanyard and returns it at the end of the rehearsal.  

All personnel connected with the show must remain in the theatre or community hall in a group.

We applaud our parents and guardians as we could not offer this theatrical opportunity to their children without the support.  

Most of all, as a theatre parent, take time during the well-intentioned chaos and multiple bouts of boredom waiting for something to get fixed, spiked, stabbed, set, or found, to soak in the magic of a group of strangers coming together to do things they normally do not do in order for children to discover, nurture and share a love of performing and theatre that will be appreciated by each audience every show. That is the best part of being a “Theatre Parent”.