FAQ

Please peruse our frequently asked questions.

How old do I have to be to audition for a main stage show?

At least 8 years old. We welcome actors ages 8 - 18. On rare occasion, and always with the permission of our Artistic Director, we will allow a mature 7 year old to audition.

Do I need acting experience to audition?

No way! NCT casts are usually made up of both veterans and newcomers.

Does everyone who auditions get a part?

Even though NCT chooses shows with large casts, there is not always a part in every show for every auditioner. However, NCT does several shows each year – please audition again!

My family will be out of town on the audition dates. Is there another time I can try out?

Due to the number of young people interested in performing, NCT's general policy is that auditions are held only on the given dates. However, you may always reach out to the Artistic Director, Tara Gnolfo to ask permission.

How many rehearsals are there?

Play rehearsals are usually 3 times weekly, for a total of 6-10 hours, for 6-8 weeks. Musicals rehearse for 10-12 weeks, and there are usually more rehearsals each week.

When are the rehearsals?

The rehearsal schedule is decided by the director on a show-by-show basis. Typically, we will advertise the rehearsal days and times before auditions.

Where are rehearsals and performances held?

Rehearsals are typically at our Middletown studio location and performance venues are chosen on a show-by-show basis.

Do I have to come to all rehearsals?

The director will work with you to accommodate conflicts with the rehearsal schedule however, attendance at all production week rehearsals and all performances is mandatory.

Can I be involved if I don't want to be on stage?

Absolutely! NCT always needs “techies” to help backstage.

Is there a fee?

There is no charge to audition. When you are cast there is a production fee of anywhere between 300 - 450, depending on the size of the show and duration of the rehearsal process. There is a discount for siblings and payment plans are always available. Limited Financial Aid is available to those that qualify.

What is the Payment Policy?

Newport Children’s Theatre Payment Policy

At Newport Children’s Theatre, we are committed to providing a high-quality theater experience for all children in our community. We rely on both tuition fees and the generous support of our community to maintain our operations. While tuition fees cover only a portion of our operating costs, every penny counts, and we truly appreciate your support.

To ensure a smooth experience for all participants, please review our payment policy below:

Tuition and Payments

Tuition Payment Requirements
- After auditions, if your child is cast in a production or Teen Rep, you must complete the registration process on our website before the first rehearsal.
- For camps, no audition is required to register. However, your child must be registered before the first day of camp.
Payment Options
You have the following payment options:
- Pay in Full: Pay the entire tuition amount upfront via credit card on our website.
- Payment Plans: You can select from several payment plan options offered on our website. These plans are administered through third-party services (e.g., PayPal or Klarna), and by selecting a payment plan, you agree to the terms and conditions of the third-party provider.
- Teen Rep Only: For Teen Rep, we also offer a subscription-like payment plan directly through our website. This plan provides the option to make installments over a longer period of time compared to third-party plans.
Timely Payments
- It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure that all payments are made on time according to the selected plan.
- If a payment becomes overdue, past due amounts must be brought current prior to registering for any future programs.
- Repeated payment delinquencies may result in removal from the current program or ineligibility to participate in future programs.
Why This Matters
We strive to keep our costs as low as possible for all families while continuing to offer excellent programming. To do so, we need to maintain a strict adherence to this payment policy. Your understanding and cooperation help us ensure that we can continue to provide the best experiences for our students and families.
Tax Information: Tuition payments are not considered tax-deductible charitable contributions. However, under certain circumstances, the IRS may allow families to claim some camp or childcare tuition as a dependent care expense under federal tax law (such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit). Newport Children’s Theatre does not provide tax advice, and it is your responsibility to determine your eligibility. Please consult your tax advisor or accountant for guidance on whether any portion of your payments may qualify. Donations made separately to support our programs are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. If you would like to make a donation please visit the Support Us page of our website.

Financial Assistance

At this time, we are unable to offer financial aid, but we are continually seeking funding to support all families.

Refund Policy

We understand that plans can change. However, because staff hiring, program scheduling, script rentals, and other production-related costs are based on enrollment numbers, we must adhere to the following refund guidelines:

All refunds are subject to a $50 administrative fee.
Cancellations made more than 30 days before the start of a camp or first rehearsal are eligible for a full refund minus the $50 fee.
Cancellations made 14–30 days before the start are eligible for a 50% refund minus the $50 fee.
Cancellations made less than 14 days before the start are not eligible for any refund.

By completing registration and payment, you acknowledge and accept these terms.

Thank you for being part of our theater community! If you have any questions about this policy or payment options, please don't hesitate to contact us at board@newportchildrenstheatre.org.

FAQ