After School Drama Program
Second Production for the 2015/2016 School Year
Grades 4th – 8th
Adapted from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Information and criteria for joining the January – March Drama Group
For our spring drama production, we are pleased and excited to offer the play: The Secret
Garden, Book by Tim Kelly and Music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur (directed by Theresa Carr).
Rehearsals will start on Tuesday, January 5th, 2016). If you are a student in 4th - 8th grade and
interested in joining the drama program, please complete the enclosed registration and return to
school office by Monday, November 16th. Try-outs are scheduled for WEDNESDAY,
NOVEMBER 18TH after school from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. (see enclosed description of play and
cast of characters).
Practices/rehearsals will be from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or
Thursdays, depending on the demands of the script. Please realize that you will need to make a
commitment to participate in rehearsals and the extra rehearsals before the production,
which is scheduled for March 2nd, 3rd and 4th with an all-day rehearsal scheduled for Saturday,
February 27th. Students who are in other after school activities (sports, scouts, etc.) will need to
be aware that if they choose to join the drama program, and wish to continue with their other
activities, they will only be allowed to miss a total of three drama classes or rehearsals.
Checking with your coach or leaders before signing up for drama is advised.
Not interested in being in the spotlight, but want to participate? Great! We need students to
work “behind the scenes” with sound effects, lights, costumes, makeup, props, sets, etc.
Note: All students registered in the drama program will abide by the Valley School Discipline Plan.
Any student who is a disruption to the program or interferes with the rights of other drama members,
will not be able to continue in the program. Academic criteria also needs to be maintained; please see
student handbook for information.
Please complete the enclosed registration form and cast contract and
return to Theresa in the school office by Tuesday, November 10th. For
questions regarding the drama program, please call Theresa at 9372413.
Registration for the Valley School Drama Program
(Please read before completing and signing)
Student Name: ______________________________________________
Area of interest in program:
on stage
behind stage
Grade _______
(please circle one)
Parent / Guardian Name(s): ___________________________________________________
Mailing Address:____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _______________________ Cell Number: _________________________
Emergency Contacts (for contact from the end of the school day to approximately 5:15 p.m.)
Name:_____________________________________ Phone Number:_________________
Name: _____________________________________ Phone Number:_________________
Yes, I understand the commitment that comes with being in drama and agree to follow all rules and
directions as instructed.
Student Signature:_____________________________________ Today’s Date:___________
My child may participate in the after school drama program starting in January of 2015 at the Valley School.
Parent / Guardian Signature: __________________________________ Date:______________
I would like to volunteer to help with the program:
Yes
Not at this time
(circle one)
If yes, what would you like to help with? (circle any areas below)
Small groups
Props
Sets
Lighting
Costumes
Makeup
Other
Please review and sign the enclosed cast contract and return
with the above registration form.
CAST CONTRACT
As a member of the cast:
1. I agree to attend all rehearsals for which I am scheduled, including the Saturday, February 27 ,
rehearsal from 10:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the extra rehearsals the week before the production.
th
I WILL CHECK MY CALENDAR AND DO MY BEST TO RESCHEDULE ANY
APPOINTMENTS THAT ARE ON MY REHEARSAL DAYS.
2. I will remain at rehearsals until the rehearsal is completed or I am excused.
3. If I must miss a rehearsal for any reason, I will personally contact the Director prior to the beginning of
the rehearsal.
4. If I miss more than three rehearsals for any reason, I understand that I may lose my role.
5. I agree to assist with the production of the show in any capacity.
6. I agree to meet "off book" deadlines by having lines memorized.
7. I understand that I may be personally responsible for parts of my costume.
8. I understand that I am part of a team effort, so I must have a positive attitude, even on days when I
have a million reasons to not be open-minded and willing to work.
9. I understand this show requires collaboration, and I agree to contribute my ideas and energy at
appropriate times.
10. I understand the Director will make final choices pertaining to my role(s).
11. I agree to do all that I can to make rehearsals the best they can be.
12. I understand that during rehearsals I am to remain quiet until my part begins onstage and if I continue
to cause problems, I understand that I may lose my role in the show.
13. I agree to be technology-free during rehearsals and performances by not having any interruptions from
phones nor distractions from IPods, tablets, or video games, etc.
I have read and agree to this:
________________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE
PARENT SIGNATURE
Date:______________________
Adapted from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
By Tim Kelly
Music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur
Everyone will love this charming, upbeat adaptation of a literary classic. Mary Lennox ("Such A
Difficult Child") is sent to live in England after her parents die in India. Misselthwaite Manor
turns out to be a gloomy fortress. Her uncle is rarely home and his young son, Colin, never leaves
his room, convinced he’s an incurable invalid. Mary discovers a strange walled garden that has
been locked up for years. With the gardener’s apprentice, Dickon, a lad who can talk to the
animals, Mary coaxes the garden back to life. The garden seems to have a wonderful, magical
effect on all who come into it, allowing Mary to help restore Colin to health and a reunion with his
father. The score is bright and delightful: "Take a Flower To the Fair," You Can Do It,"
"Something’s Happening With Master Colin." This version also introduces the endearing
Sowerby family ("One Big Happy Family"). .
Cast of Characters
(in order of speaking)
Mrs. Medlock
Martha
Cook
John
Phil
Betty
Jane
Mrs. Crawford
Kanchi
Mary Lennox
Miss Wiggin
Dickon
Dr. Craven
Mrs. Sowerby
Nurse
Archibald Craven
Colin
Lilias
Bellboy/Maid
Flowers/plants in garden
Wilted flowers/plants
Fair goers
housekeeper
young maid (teenage)
household staff
young footman
stable boy
housemaid
housemaid
escorts Mary to England
Mary’s Indian servant
Orphan
governess
young gardener
Archibald’s cousin
kindly wise, motherly, friend and neighbor
for Colin
master of Misselthwaite manor, Colin’s father
invalid, 10
memory from the past, Archibald’s wife
at London hotel
young children
young children
many extra