Season Planning Process

Previous experience with Theatre@First is not required.

Previous directing experience is not required. The Season Planning Committee will consider whether new directors have enough other relevant experience to qualify at this point. We may encourage an applicant with less experience to become an Assistant Director this season, or to try directing with one of our other programs before tackling a mainstage show.

This is an opportunity for directors to propose shows they are excited to direct. Theatre@First does not choose scripts without attached directors, nor do we consider directors without a script to propose, or playwrights proposing to direct their own work. Directors are permitted to propose up to two scripts. If two directors both propose the same script, we will consider each proposal on its other merits. Previous Theatre@First mainstage productions are listed here. Scripts that have been performed at Theatre@First within the past ten years will not be considered.

Mainstage shows with Theatre@First generally have eight or more roles. Shows with fewer roles that have significant name recognition or another strong hook for publicity can be considered, at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

We do not generally perform musicals for a variety of reasons (high royalties, difficulty securing volunteer musicians, budget limitations on spectacle, etc.) which must be addressed before a musical production will be selected, but we are not categorically opposed to doing that kind of show.

The application requires all directors to address the question of how this production will contribute to Theatre@First's goals to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion of marginalized communities within our organization. We are especially interested in shows that will feature the talent and stories of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities.

Somerville statutes do not permit onstage nudity.

Theatre@First is an all-volunteer organization. No one at any level of our staff, production teams, crew, or cast receives monetary compensation for our work. Participants who live more than five miles from our rehearsal/performance space may apply for a travel stipend of $25 per production. If you are interested in understanding more about how Theatre@First finances are managed, you are welcome to attend our monthly Steering Committee meeting, or to email our Treasurer.

Theatre@First is committed to free and open auditions for mainstage productions. If a director wishes to pre-cast a role, they must include that information in their show proposal and discuss that choice with the Season Selection Committee.

Theatre@First will recruit production teams (Producer, Technical Director, Stage Manager) for each show, in consultation and cooperation with each Director.