Parent Participation Teams

At River City Theatre Company (RCTC), we believe that bringing live musical theater to youth is a community effort. Our success is built on the shared dedication of our RCTC families, and parent participation is a cornerstone of this collaborative spirit.

We require one adult from each participating family to join one of our parent teams for each production. This involvement not only strengthens our community but also provides an enriching experience for everyone involved.

Our Approach to Parent Participation

We understand that families have varying schedules and skills, and we strive to make parent participation as accessible as possible.

Key Requirements:

  • Mandatory Participation: All parents are required to participate on a parent team.

  • "A" Cast Parents: First-time parents of our youngest cast members (Grades 1-3, "A" Cast) are required to be part of the Backstage Dressing Room Monitor Team.

How to Join a Team

During show registration, parents will have the opportunity to sign up for their top three team choices. Our workforce coordinator will then assign parents to teams, considering factors such as individual expertise, prior involvement with a team, and the staffing needs of each team.

We try to match parents up with their top 3 team choices, but we cannot guarantee placement on those teams.

Parent Team Descriptions

Below are the descriptions of the various parent teams, outlining the responsibilities and general timeframes for involvement.

  • Light and Set Load-In: TIME: 1-2 days - 1 month before show opens.
    The tasks include: installation of lights, cables and scaffolding work, rewiring and focusing lights, lens cleaning, gel cutting, hanging video equipment

  • Blackout/Focusing:  TIME - 1-2 days - 1 Month before show opens

  • Spotlights: TIME - Tech Week & Performances
    Run the spot lights during tech rehearsals and performances.

  • Light Board Operators:  TIME - Tech Week & Performances
    Assist with light board operations, programming the board during cue to cue and run the board during rehearsals and shows

  • Set Movers: TIME - Tech Week & Performances
    Work back stage to prepare sets at opening of show and intermission and move sets as needed

  • Props: TIME - Tech Week & Performances

    Pre-Set all props and needed equipment before each show, assist other staff with sets or quick changes when needed; fix any props that break.

  • Sound: TIME - Two Weeks before Tech Week & Performances

    Work with microphones at rehearsals and shows.  Place microphones on the performers, monitor the batteries and properly clean and pack up the microphones after every use.

  • Rehearsal Monitor Duties:  TIME - Afternoon Rehearsals at Studio prior to moving to Theatre
    Assist lead parents with cast members at rehearsals.

  • Backstage Dressing Room Monitor: TIME - Tech Week & Performances
    Assist Backstage Coordinator with cast member preparations, and assist cast members with costume maintenance and quick changes during performances.

  • Concession Sales and Set-Up Coordinator/Team: TIME - Performances + Shopping time

    Procure concession food and drink.  Coordinate and set-up concession area at each show. Work with team to set-up and sell during the shows.

  • Publicity/Advertising/Promotions: TIME - Starting at Auditions to 2 Weeks Before Show Opens

    Show Program Sales. Sell ads for the program. Solicit show sponsorships, donations, raffle prizes, etc.

  • Public Relations Team
    Create press release information and send to local media. Create fliers and specials for promotions. Target senior groups, school group, students, music classes, etc. Distribute fliers and posters to cast members, local businesses, etc. Post show information to key calendars.

  • Scenic Design: TIME - Starting at Orientation Up Until Show Opens - Sunday Mornings
    Set Dressing will be completed at the warehouse and on stage at the theatre. Props will be completed at the warehouse, at the theatre, and at home. Duties will include but not be limited to: Painting, decorating, designing, hot gluing, bedazzling, etc.

  • Costumes: TIME - Starting at Orientation Through Show Run
    Overall skills include measuring, sewing, gluing, online shopping, thrift modifications, documenting, (excel, word), emailing and organizing.

  • Set Construction: TIME - Starting at Orientation Through Tech Week - Sunday Mornings
    Assist with the design, construction, modification, and/or repair of set pieces for the show. 

  • Set Load In: TIME - 2-3 Weeks Before Opening Night - Saturday or Sunday Mornings
    Load sets into trucks/trailers at the RCTC Warehouse to the  Theater (located at 3301 Fong Ranch Road, Sacramento, CA 95834).  We ask that volunteers plan to be available for a four hour block to allow for multiple trips back and forth to the theater as necessary.

  • Set Strike : Time - Closing Show - Sunday Afternoon 
    Assist with transporting sets, props, and/or costumes using your own vehicle, truck, and/or trailer from the Theater