Here are some answers to questions about how Cap & Bells works, Elections, the show proposal process, and other matters! If you have any other questions, check out the "Join" page for contact information and a question form.

 

Q: Does Cap & Bells have a constitution?
A: Yes we do! And it's right here, accessible if you have a Williams email address.

Q: How do I join Cap & Bells?
A: The great thing about Cap & Bells is that there's no formal process for "joining"; if you've ever been in a Cap & Bells show, or attended one, or liked a photo of ours on Instagram, then you're part of the student theater community, so you're part of Cap & Bells! The question then is how to get involved if you don't feel like you're as involved as you want to be or could be; that question is answered in various ways below.

Q: How do I find out about anything and everything going on with Cap & Bells, from auditions to performances to elections?
A: Two main ways: One, join our Google Group! That's where we'll send all announcements about all Cap & Bells goings-on. You need a Williams email to do so and information on how to join can be found on our "Join" page. Two, follow us on instagram where you'll be able to easy follow the events we create and get updates on what we're up to.

Q: Can I be involved in Cap & Bells even if I have no theater experience?
A: Yes!  We love to share what we know with people who’ve never done any sort of theater. Cap & Bells is very much about learning about how to make a great production; many people who are now on the Cap & Bells board got their start having no experience and no clue what they were doing.

Q: How can I get involved with acting in shows?
A: Sign up for our Google Group and follow us on Instagram, and you'll be up to date on all of our auditions. Audition timelines really vary by production, which is why it's important for you to be on our email list so you can always know when they are, but in general there will tend to be auditions for a mid-semester show at the beginning of the semester, and auditions for an end-of-semester show in the middle of the semester; Winter Study shows will often audition at the end of the fall semester, and shows at the end of spring semester will often audition before Spring Break. But, these are very much generalizations; every show has a different timeline!

Q: What if I want to be involved in student theater but don't want to act?
A: We have so, so many opportunities for you, too! There's a whole host of behind-the-scenes roles to take on, and you can try out any and all of them, without experience necessary. There's stage managing, set designing, lighting, sound, props, costumes...and if you don't know what any of those things entail, you're still welcome to try it out, because there are many people involved with Cap & Bells who would be excited to teach you the ropes.

Q: How does Cap & Bells choose what plays it puts on?
A: Cap & Bells' season is entirely decided by what you, the student body, want to put on. At the end of every semester we open up show proposals to our membership (again, announced via Google Group email blast and posted on Instagram). Any student is welcome to propose a show that they'd like to see Cap & Bells put on, and the only requirement is that the student proposing it has to be interested in participating in the show in some significant way, whether as a director or a designer.

Q: What can I propose?
A: Really, anything. We're always thrilled when someone submits self-written work, or work that doesn't fit traditional definitions of "theater"--and we're equally thrilled if you want to put on a traditional show, because we love those, too!

Q: What does the Board do?
A: The Cap & Bells board ensures the successful production of all Cap & Bells shows, keeps the organization running as a registered student organization, works to make student theater more accessible and valuable to the student body, and shapes the overall trajectory of Cap & Bells as a group. The board considers all proposals submitted for the Cap & Bells season, and is responsible for selecting a valuable, balanced season of student theater. During the season, the board is involved in all production aspects of the shows, as well as striving to make all productions enjoyable and equitable for everyone involved. You do not have to be on the board to be a Cap & Bells member, and, in fact, many board members reflect that being on the board can result in less time for acting in or designing the shows. Nevertheless, if you're interested in a more general view of how student theater is produced, and if you want to shape what student theater is on the Williams campus, then we'd highly encourage you to consider joining the board!