The Really Rad, Totally Awesome 80’s Murder Mystery Prom – Rockwall Acting’s 2026 Fall Play

Cast: Ages 12-18. Some rolls may be double cast.

Director: John Rawley

Performances At Jax Comedy House

Thursday November 5 – Sunday November 8, 2026. Evening shows nightly (Dinner Theater)

Auditions: Video auditions are due September 11, 2026.  More details below…

Callbacks: In person callbacks on 9/20/2026 from 4-6pm (video callback option also if unavailable on 9/20)

Rehearsals: Sunday evenings from 4-8pm ONLY starting 9/27. 

Tickets: Tickets for the show will be on sale in mid-October. Attending the performance will included a two item minimum purchase at Jax ComedyHouse. We anticipate these performances to sell out so early purchasing of tickets is recommended to be sure family and friends can watch the performances and your party can sit close together.

 Frequently Asked Questions about Rockwall Acting Productions:

• What is the cost? Please see the performance fee section above. Upon registration, the full amount is obligated due to the nature of producing licensed shows.
• Why is the full amount non-refundable? Shows are an opportunity to learn and everyone often wants the same parts.  Our directors operate independently of the studio owners in casting the shows. This ensures they provide parts that meet students where they are on the growth pendulum.  Accordingly, if people “quit” because they didn’t get the part they want – it would be difficult to have a show.  You will find your child has an opportunity to grow through how they are cast, in ensemble, supporting roles, and leads. It’s a great life lesson to be a wonderful leader in a starring role, but it’s also a great life lesson to be the most joyful and enthusiastic “tree #4” there has ever been.
• How is my enrollment fee and tuition used? Putting on a production is a big undertaking. It involves a production team including a director, a producer, and others that work with students at every rehearsal from auditions until the final performance.  Additionally we must cover costs associated with licensing the show, renting the space, and more. 
• Will I have to purchase a costume? MAYBE. For this production, actors will be responsible for their own costume…BUT we will have a day where they can “shop” our costume closet to borrow pieces FREE of charge. Alternatively, actors can shop for their costume and purchase APPROVED costumes on their pwn budget. Locations for shopping could include vintage stores, Amazon, Goodwill, or their parent’s attic. 

• Will I have to pay to watch the show? Tickets are required to watch the shows. This production does NOT include “comp” tickets for shows. Families may be offered comp tickets if they help with set building, tech booth, and other show needs. This is show specific and not determined if there is a need until closer to the production date.

• What additional money will I have to spend during the show? Hopefully not much else! We do our best to make our costs VERY transparent. Tuition, costumes, optional T-shirts, show tickets all described above and that’s about it. Finally your actor may be provided microphones, lavaliers, body packs, and other equipment. Should this equipment be damaged from misuse there may be costs associated with replacement.
• What are “callbacks”? About 3 days after the video audition deadline, you will get an email with the possible parts your child could play. There will be some scenes to prepare and read at callbacks. They should practice these at home and try to feel as comfortable as possible. Then, students will meet at the studio and the directors will take it from there. Every director runs callbacks a little differently, but somehow you will read for select parts in different combinations of students. It isn’t meant to be stressful or scary, but rather to see how students perform live, interact with eachother, and prepare for the process.

• When are rehearsals? Rehearsals will be in Rockwall and will follow the schedule listed above.
• What if I have conflicts with rehearsals or performances? We know how busy life gets, so please just list your known conflicts on the audition form and we will do our best to work around them.  Our team knowing in advance is vital for the success of the show and for the commitment of all those that are in it. Many roles can be double cast or given an understudy so that rehearsals can run smoothly for the rest of the cast, so we pride ourselves on finding a way for busy students to participate even with a few conflicts. If conflicts come up over the course of the show, they need to be discussed with the production team and communicated in writing to Rockwall Acting so that we can plan accordingly to have productive rehearsals and a beautiful finished product. Excessive absences or unexpected conflicts with the show itself may result in reblocking fees or removal from the production without refund of tuition, so please do your best to list all known conflicts at the time of submitting your audition materials.

• Do I stay for rehearsal? Rehearsals are closed to parents and outside observers. Your children actually are more relaxed, and rehearsals are more productive without extra people watching. We also want you to be completely in awe of the set, the cast, and YOUR star when you see the performance for the first time.  We do not have a “parent viewing area” in our current location and are frequently using all the available space in the studio for productive and efficient rehearsals so there isn’t a spot that won’t interfere with the actors. Parents should use this time to run errands or relax at home or in their car. Should you have any concerns, please notify us and we can work with you to address the needs of your student.

• Will we receive a script for the show? Yes each student will receive a script. The scripts should be kept in good condition and will need to be returned at the end of the show (usually collected at the final performance). A fee of $25 will be assessed for unreturned scripts or scripts that are not in usable condition.

• How long should I be in classes at the studio before I do a production? There is no better time to start than now on classes and productions. Technique classes are extremely valuable to an actor. We feel acting is something that improves with practice and coaching. It is rare that a high level athlete achieves success without extra work and students who participate in our classes usually audition more confidently and feel better prepared for productions. However, any amount of time is the right time to become part of one of our shows. They are well run, very professional, and a ton of fun. So even if you are new, jump in and see if you were born to be in the spotlight!
• Do I have to volunteer? All actors and a family member will need to participate in strike (organization of costumes, props, and certain set pieces) after the final performance. There may be additional optional volunteer opportunities as ushers or back stage help and we appreciate your involvement when requested.

• What if the show doesn’t meet minimum enrollment? Due to the minimum number of cast members required to effectively cover all the roles, should we not be able to produce the show, your registration fee of $99 will remain in your account as a credit through for the 2026-2027 season that may be applied to any of our other programs or productions. Should you withdraw from the show, no refunds or credits will be given and you are still responsible for the full performance fee.