Q: Where are the theatre class rooms/ the Black Box?
A: On the front side of Seven Lakes High School, in the ninth grade parking lot, between the P.A.C. and the Main entrance is a large Black Gate in front of a long driveway. Pass through that gate, through the loading dock area, and into the school entrance. The Design Studio (Room 1134) is the first door to the right. The entrance to Black Box (Room 1130) events is just past the Design Studio on the right. The backstage entrance to the P.A.C. is across from the Black Box in the Theatre Hallway.
Q: What is the P.A.C.?
A: The P.A.C. stands for Performing Arts Center. This is where major Fine Arts productions/events are held. The entrance is on the East end of the School (Ninth Grade Center) in the front (Fry Road side). The gyms and other sports areas are on the West end.
Q: Can my child participate in shows as a freshman?
A: They certainly can. Each production has open auditions for any student interested in trying out for a production. Prior experience is not required but is beneficial. The directing staff will make all casting decisions. If the student does not make the cast, they can still participate in Technical areas such as Set, Lights, Sound, Fly Crew or in areas such as Costume and Make-up, all of which are critical to the success of any production. Younger students also learn the complexity of producing shows and appreciate the work that is put in with their participation as well.
Q: What fees are due if my child participates in Studio VII Theatre Co.?
A: Any student participating in Studio VII Theatre Co. after school activities/productions must pay an annual $65 Student Company Fee.
Additionally, there is an individual production fee due for each student selected/cast to work on a particular production. This amount varies based on size & scope of each production (it usually pays for things like: show costs, show shirt, cast party, dry cleaning, meals, etc.). A production packet is published on the website under the shows tab for all cast/tech members at the beginning of each production with details and due dates.
Q: How do you join the Booster Club?
Parents are encouraged to support the Company by joining the Booster Club, but this is not mandatory for student participation. Volunteers are also not required to join. There are options to pay for a Family Membership (includes both student fee and booster club dues), separate Booster Club dues and/or support via the Patron program available. See ONLINE FORMS packet for details.
Q: Do you do a musical every year?
A: No. Due to the high costs of putting on a musical, Seven Lakes produces a musical every other year (odd years) usually the first weekend in February.
Q: How many productions do you do a year?
A: It can vary, but typically there are two large shows and one smaller show, as well as two class production called "Scenes From" and Student Directed One Acts. In March, Studio VII Theatre Co. competes in the U.I.L., "One Act Play" (O.A.P.) competition against other schools. There are also about 10 ComedySportz HSL Matches a year.
Q: ComedySportz HSL? What's that?
A: ComedySportz HSL (High School League) is competitive Comedy Improvisation! The quickest thinking, wittiest and funnest kids that Seven Lakes has to offer, compete in various Improv games against other schools. There are home and away matches against other Katy ISD, Cy-Fair ISD and Spring Branch ISD area schools and an end of the year fundraiser against the SLHS Teachers and Staff. The season typically runs from October thru April with matches usually on Thursday or Tuesday nights. There are 16-18 students per team, but only 8-10 play per match. Cost to see a Match is only $6. However, seating is limited in the Black Box so come early. See the ComedySportz HSL page for more details.
Q: Do we have a coach for ComedySportz HSL?
A: Yes, and his name is Samir “Mojo” Mojaddedi, who is a professional ComedySportz veteran. Let's show him how great our team is and support us by having all of you, tonight's Loyal Fans - "Whoop, Whoop" by attending. What's that - you don't get it? Well if you don't get it, you're gonna get it, 'cause here we go". That's your teaser to come check it out!
Q: What is a U.I.L. One-Act Play?
A: As described above, it is a U.I.L. competition where each school selects a play of their choosing and cuts it down to 40 minutes or less, with a limitation of no more than 15 performers and 5 technicians. Each school competes in their Zone first. We compete against the other Katy ISD 6A schools. The top three from each Zone move on to the District level competition. This continues through Bi-District, Area, Region and then State where a 6A State Champion is crowned.
Q : What are "Scenes From"?
A: Scenes From are a collection of various "Scenes From" movies or shows which the students in Productions classes direct the students in Theatre classes. The Production students select the "scene" they wish to direct and are responsible for a minimal set design and props, the selection of the actors and the direction of the scene which is typically 10-15 minutes long. Both groups of students are graded on individual and the group performance as this is a class grade.
Q : What is the Annual Studio VII Student Showcase?
A: The showcase is an amazing opportunity for all Studio VII Theatre Co. students and theatre students to show off their own performances and for us to showcase various elements of our year in review to wrap up an amazing season at Studio VII Theatre Co.
Q: What are the Tommy Tune Awards?
A: Tommy Tune is a Tony Award winning performer from Lamar HS here in Houston. Several years ago he initiated the contest bearing his name for 45 of the top High Schools in the Houston area to compete in musical theatre. Each school competes for categories such as Best Musical, Best Set, Best Lighting, Best Male and Female performers etc. Each of the participating schools are judged and the top 8-9 in each of these categories then get nominations. The winners are then announced at a very elegant event at the Hobby Center in mid April. In addition, the Best Musical and Best Performer nominations get to perform on stage in front of 2000+ people. This event is open to the public and is also taped by ABC 13 for broadcasting on TV a few weeks later.
NOTE: In 2009, StudioVII earned 14 nominations (tied for most) and won 4 (tied for most) for "Once Upon a Mattress". In 2011, StudioVII earned 10 nominations and won for Best Supporting Actress for Carly Nunn and Best Scenic Design for "Guys & Dolls". In 2013, StudioVII earned a hard fought 5 nominations for "The Drowsy Chaperone": Best Orchestra, Lighting Design, Costume Design, Best Crew and Technical Execution and Best Actor for Joseph Nicholson (Man-in Chair). In 2023 Cinderella won Best Lighting Design!