Parent Resources

MTC IS ABOUT THE PROCESS NOT THE PRODUCT.

You'll hear it from MTC staff and you’ll see it on our website, but, particularly for new and younger students and their parents, you may be asking: "What exactly does that mean - process"?

"Process", as it relates to the MTC philosophy, means the integral development of a systematic set of performing skills including character development, role preparation, script analysis, rehearsal procedure, theatre terminology, and musical theatre technique - in short, the way a professional actor works. The teaching and assimilation of these skills in a safe, nurturing environment is the primary focus of the MTC teaching philosophy. We train our students to develop a specific way to work - a proven methodology that helps transform them into creative, independent, self-sufficient actors who know how to prepare for any role in any production.

Most schools fall into either "process-driven" or "product-driven" categories. Schools with "product-driven" programs focus on their productions, subscribing more to a "learning by doing" philosophy. That approach is somewhat akin to cramming for a final - you (the actor) may remember the information for the test (or production), but it's gone the minute you walk out of the classroom (or the curtain comes down). There has been no lasting process developed.

Can an 8-year-old have a "process"? Absolutely, although we don't call it that with them, the foundations of the process are already in play through MTC teaching techniques including improvisation, writing and developing student monologues, basic character development, and our "day in the life" exercises. Westport and Norwalk public school teachers on both the middle school and high school levels have commented on how much they respect MTC training and how well trained our students are when they arrive into their programs.

So how does the "product relate to the "process"? MTC has gained a stellar reputation for its "product" - the 3 productions/year. However, MTC is a "process-driven training program", and we view those productions as a result of the process - a practical implementation of the training. The production becomes a showcase for the training, in which the actors’ craft is enhanced by all the production elements - the script, music, lighting, set, costumes, etc.

It is MTC's "process-first" philosophy that allows us to mount shows with such a consolidated rehearsal period (in only 12 rehearsals plus tech week) and why students must be in MTC classes for two full terms before auditioning for a production.

This is probably a lot more philosophical information than you ever thought you'd get and you may be saying, "All I know is the show was great!" or "I just want my kid to have a good time!". We share those goals as well. But the craft of theatre is a tricky business and, because the goal of theatre is to make the product look effortless, don't make the mistake of thinking that it IS effortless. Good training and a good foundation in any skill usually result in a formidable product, and that is and remains our goal at MTC.