Critics Room Materials

Hosting a Cappies Show?

Getting ready for your school’s Cappies show? Check out this handy guide! For more information, reference the Cappies Binders which can be accessed through CIS.

Prior to Your Cappies Show

  • Set a time for your Cappies show that will allow final bows to take place no later than 10:30pm

  • Reserve seats for the Critics and Mentors listed on your attendance list (sent via an automated email 2 weeks prior and 48 hours prior)

  • Designate an usher for the Critics and Mentors. This person will usher Critics and Mentors to and from the theater for pre- and post-show discussions. They will also provide communication between the Show Director and Critics, should there be any questions.

  • Designate a Cappies room, where Cappies will have their pre-, intermission, and post-show discussions. Confirm that this roomm will be available at least 45 minutes before curtain and 45 minutes after bows.

  • Organize dinner or refreshments for the Critics and Mentors assigned to your production.

  • If necessary, send any maps or notes to the Program Director to be sent to the Critics reviewing your show.

  • Complete the Awards Category Eligibility Form. See the Cappies Binders for information regarding eligibility.

Day of Cappies Show

  • Post signs from parking lots to the desginated Cappies room.

  • Section off the Cappies seating area and ask an usher to prevent non-Cappies persons from sitting there.

  • Remind parents, student, and others from your school that they may not enter the Cappies Room during intermission or after the show.

  • Provide printed programs, blank Critics Choice forms, and the Award Category Eligibility packet for Critics and Mentors.

  • Five minutes before curtain, ask the usher to seat the Critics and Mentors.

  • Ensure intermission lasts at least 15 minutes.

  • During intermission and after the show make yourself available to answer any questions from the Critics room.

  • If any post-show on-stage recognitions are planned, preced them with an announcement inviting Mentors and Critics to exit the theater first.

  • Remind your cast and crew not to greet any Critics after the show.

After the Show

  • Watch your email for reviews. After reading through them to screen for anything you may not want shared, share them with your cast and crew.

  • Notify the Program Director immediately if there are any mistakes in your Critics Choice selections. This information is used for trophy engraving at the end of the season and the only way to ensure edits are implemented in time for the Gala is to send them immediately upon recieving your show’s Critics Choices.

The processes outlined above and the linked forms are the property of Cappies NCA, a subsidiary of Cappies Inc. Use without proper approval is prohibited.