2016 - 2017 Mantua ES Drama Club Handbook
Welcome to drama club!
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the 2016-2017 Drama Club Season!
DramaWorks is thrilled to be back for the fourth year at Mantua ES, and we are very
excited to continue with the growth and development of this terrific program! Based
on the overwhelming success of last year’s program, Drama Club will continue to
feature two full length shows in the upcoming school year!! In this packet, you will
find important information regarding auditions, rehearsals, performances and last but
certainly not least, volunteer positions.
BASICS
- Drama Club is open to all Mantua students in 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th grades.
- Registration is ONLINE and first come, first serve. (PLEASE see below for more
information).
- 6th Grade students will register on Tuesday, September 13th, 2016.
- 3rd - 5th Grade students will register on September 14th, 2016.
- There will be a separate registration for the tech program on September 14th, 2016
** Please read information on our tech program below, as there will be significant
changes for the upcoming school year.
- All students will audition in the Fall. This will insure that everyone receives the best
part for their identified skill set.
- No previous theater experience is necessary!
It is expected that students:
- Can meet the required time commitment. Only two absences are allowed during
the normal rehearsal schedule (see attached). In addition, Tech week (‘crunch week’)
rehearsals and performances are mandatory.
- Stay for the entire rehearsal. Leaving early from rehearsal is extremely discouraged.
Students should be present at the entire rehearsal to make sure they do not miss
important blocking, choreography or information.
- Be willing to work as a part of a larger team. Theater is a collaborative art!
- Accept whatever role they are given; It takes every role to tell a complete story!
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Our Shows
Fall Production (Musical): Broadway Jr: Peter Pan Jr. Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie's enchanting play, Disney's Peter Pan JR. is a
modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn't grow up... with no
flying required! The score includes new arrangements of classic Disney songs and a
story featuring one rousing adventure after another.
Wendy Darling loves to tell stories to her brothers, Michael and John. But when her
father announces she must move out of the nursery, Peter Pan comes to visit the
children and whisks them away to Neverland. Their journey introduces them to the
Lost Boys, Mermaids, Indians and even the infamous pirate, Captain Hook! It’s Peter
to the rescue when Wendy is taken captive by the dreaded captain, who has his own
sinister plans in mind for our hero.
Disney's Peter Pan JR. is a magical story with countless opportunities for clever
staging and design, and large ensemble numbers featuring cliques of classic
characters.
Winter Production: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Who wouldn't want to join Charlie Bucket in his adventurous tour of Willy Wonka's
world-famous Chocolate Factory? Now is your chance! Your audience will see
Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde, Veruca Salt, Grandpa George, Grandma
Georgina, Willy Wonka and Charlie himself come to life, and all involved will discover
the true meaning of teamwork, self-confidence and self-esteem. Each member of
your cast will have a role that promotes a special understanding of other people as,
together, they and your audience experience a chocolate-candy fantasy. The entire
production is smoothly tied together by an energetic and personable Narrator, who
effortlessly bridges time and excites the audience with creative anticipation. The
delicious fun of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory awaits you!
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REGISTRATION
Actors:
To register for drama club (Actors Only) and sign up for an audition, please go to:
www.memberplanet.com/s/mantuaelementaryschoolpta/dramacast2016 Online registration will be completed in 2 stages. 6th Graders will receive priority
registration. Their registration period will take place on Tuesday, September 13th,
2016 at 9:00 AM. 3rd - 5th grade registration will take place on Wednesday,
September 14th, 2016 at 9:00 AM.
We will be registering NO MORE than 60 students. During auditions, these students
will be split up into our two shows. We will have 30 actors for each show.
All registrations MUST be completed by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 14th,
2016. During sign up, you will be able to request a specific audition day or time slot if
necessary. However, please try to be flexible as we need to audition ALL students in
two evenings.
If for some reason your student is not available to participate in both rehearsal
schedules, please indicate this on their registration page. While we recognize that
there are some students who will have prior conflicts, we hope that everyone will
remain flexible as we continue this wonderful system.
Tech Students:
To register for a technical theater position, please go to:
www.memberplanet.com/s/mantuaelementaryschoolpta/dramatech2016 This registration period for Tech students will take place on Wednesday, September
14th, 2016 at 9:00 AM. Tech positions are for 5th and 6th graders ONLY.
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AUDITIONS
Thursday & Friday, September 15th & 16th - 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Students will audition for both the Fall and Winter productions on these dates. Both
shows will be cast at the same time. Students cast in the fall production will begin
rehearsals immediately. Students cast in the winter production will receive their
scripts in October, but will not begin rehearsals until January.
Audition Schedule
As a reminder, auditions are only required for students wishing to participate in the
acting portion of the drama club program. If your child would rather participate as a
member of our technical crew, they do not need to audition.
The official audition schedule will be emailed on Wednesday, September 14th by
8:00 PM.
Each night of auditions will be split into 3 groups (10 students per group). Your
audition will last approximately 1 hour. During the first 30 minutes, each student will
have an individual audition for their monologue and vocal audition. They will then join
the group for a 30 minute choreography audition.
What to Bring / Preparing for Auditions
Students auditioning will need to come prepared to read a 1-minute ‘monologue’. Do
not let this word scare you! A monologue can be as simple as a few lines from your
child’s favorite play, novel, or movie. The monologue does not have to be memorized,
however memorization is encouraged. We will have copies of a monologue on hand
at the audition if your student is not able to prepare in advance.
Your student will also need to prepare a short song for their audition. Please review
the list of songs and lyrics attached at the bottom of this packet. Each student will
sing 30 - 45 seconds of their selected song.
Immediately following the monologue and song portion of the audition, each
audition group will work with Ms. Rebecca on a short sequence of choreography
(dance). This will help determine the student’s specific experience in dance and
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movement. Please Note: We are auditioning all students together to ensure no talent is
overlooked. Rather than using a lottery system to cast each production, we wanted to
see every student’s full potential at the same time and fit them in where they are most
successful. While this potentially sets some students up for disappointment if they do
not receive a part in their first choice play; we encourage parents and families to
discuss keeping an open mind and staying positive about the play in which they are
cast. Both productions will be extremely special and will create many life long
memories for the students.
On Audition Night
Please enter the school through the front door, and head to the lower pod on
audition night. Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your audition block, so your
student can be prepared when we call his/her name. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER
THROUGH THE GYM.
Auditions are closed (i.e., no parents, siblings or friends allowed). When your
student’s name is called, he/she will enter the stage/music room from the lower pod.
Once your student has finished their audition, they will exit through the same door
and let the next person in line know that it is their turn.
After their individual audition, they will wait for the choreography portion of the
audition.
** Note to parents. All auditions will be videotaped. This is to ensure that Ms.
Rebecca does not miss a single detail while leading and helping students with their
auditions.
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CASTING
“There are no small parts, only small actors.”
Casting will be completed and emailed out to all participants after 3:00 pm on
Saturday, September 17th.
Rehearsals for the fall production begin on Monday, September 19th, 2015.
Rehearsals for the winter production will begin Monday, January 11th, 2016.
As a reminder, by auditioning, your student agrees to accept any role that he/she are
given and commits to playing that role to the best of their ability! Please remember
that there are only so many lead roles in a play, but it takes every role to tell a
complete story. Every part is important and no one should feel discouraged if they do
not receive the part that they were hoping for.
REHEARSALS
When arriving at rehearsals all students should check into their arrival zone with a
parent volunteer. All students will receive an arrival/departure zone number before
the first rehearsal. This is the zone where they will check in and be checked out at
every rehearsal. Students should not leave their departure zone during pick up time
without being signed out by a parent.
During each rehearsal, students will have many tasks and responsibilities. After
checking into their zone, students should check the list of rehearsal activities for
completion. These activities will vary but could include anything from character work,
choreography or set and prop design. Our goal is that no student is ever sitting with
idle hands, but instead is accomplishing or learning something at every rehearsal,
even when they are not directly involved in the direction on stage.
PICK UP
All Students are expected to be picked up and signed out of their zone ON TIME. You
will be responsible for paying a late fee if your child is not picked up within 10
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minutes of the time rehearsal ends without notification. The fee is at the discretion of
the director and PTA Administrative Staff. ** The Rehearsal Volunteers will be responsible for staying with any students being
picked up late.**
TECH PROGRAM
The Drama Club technical theater program is a wonderful opportunity for students
not interested in standing in the spotlight. In order to best meet the needs of our
talented students, the tech program is regularly evolving and changing to best meet
the skills and talents of our students.
The tech theater program is for 5th and 6th grades ONLY. Unlike previous years, our
students will only attend the final two weeks of rehearsals. During their 1st rehearsal,
students will be assigned a position in our running crew. These positions include
lighting, sound, set managers etc. They will work on these positions during their
entire two weeks of rehearsals and performances. This program is a great opportunity
for students to have a hands on experience backstage in the theater!
The fee for the tech program will be $30.00 per student. This will include their
participation, script, t-shirt and DVD of the performance.
Fall Production Tech Dates: - Monday, November 7th and Thursday November 10th - 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Monday, November 14th - Thursday November 17th - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Friday, November 18th - Show - 5:30 PM
- Saturday, November 19th - Show - 12:30 PM
- Monday, November 21st - School Shows - Time TBA
Winter Production Tech Dates:
- Monday, March 20th and Thursday, March 23rd - 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- Monday, March 27th - Thursday March 30th - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Friday, March 31st - Show - 5:30 PM
- Saturday, April 1st - Show - 12:30 PM
- Monday, April 3rd - School Shows - Time TBA
**Students do not need to audition for this program. ***Maximum Number of Students in Tech Program: 5 Per Production (Total: 10).
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PARENT VOLUNTEERS
We need your help too!! As with any school program, our success relies on the
support of our parent volunteers. Parents will be asked to either help supervise
rehearsals or take on larger commitments, such as props, costumes, and tickets. Each
of these roles is vitally important to a successful production. Unlike previous years,
parents will not sign up until their students have been cast.
If you are volunteering for a rehearsal or performance volunteer position, please note
that you will be asked to commit to a minimum of 2 rehearsals/performances. You can
sign up for these positions on a first come/first serve basis at your student’s first
rehearsal.
We will need the assistance of 4 parent volunteers for our audition process, or 2 for
each night of auditions (These volunteers will help with check in and manage the
audition waiting area). A full list of all other volunteer opportunities is provided later
in this handbook. Fall Rehearsal Schedule (All Rehearsals - 4:05 PM - 5:30 PM)
Monday Rehearsal (No Tech)
√
Thursday Rehearsal (With Tech)
Monday, September 19th
Thursday September 22nd
Monday, September 26th
Thursday, September 29th
Monday October 3rd
Thursday, October 6th
Monday, October 10th (NO REHEARSAL)
X
Thursday, October 13th
Monday, October 17th
Thursday, October 20th
Monday, October 24th
Thursday, October 27th
Monday, October 31st
Thursday, November 3rd
Monday, November 7th (NO REHEARSAL)
X
Thursday, November 10th
** We may add a Saturday rehearsal based on rehearsal progression.
Drama Club Fall Crunch Week Schedule
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Crunch Week Rehearsal
√
Monday, November 14th - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, November 15th - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, November 16th - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, November 17th - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Drama Club Fall Performance Schedule
√
Friday, November 18th - 7:00 PM (Call Time - 5:30 PM)
Saturday, November 19th - 2:00 PM (Call Time - 12:30 PM)
Monday, November 21st - School Shows (Call Time - TBA)
Winter Rehearsal Schedule (All Rehearsals - 4:05 PM - 5:20 PM)
Monday Rehearsal (No Tech)
√
Monday, January 9th
Monday, January 16th (NO REHEARSAL)
Thursday Rehearsal (With Tech)
Thursday, January 12th
X
Thursday, January 19th
Monday, January 23rd
Thursday, January 26th
Monday, January 30th
Thursday, February 2nd
Monday, February 6th (NO REHEARSAL)
X
Monday, February 13th
Monday, February 20th (NO REHEARSAL)
√
Thursday, February 9th
Thursday, February 16th
X
Thursday, February 23rd
Monday, February 27th
Thursday, March 2nd
Monday, March 6th
Thursday, March 9th
Monday March 13th
Thursday March 16th
Monday, March 20th
Thursday, March 23rd
** We may add a Saturday rehearsal based on rehearsal progression or make up rehearsal due to snow
days.
Drama Club Winter Crunch Week Schedule
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Crunch Week Rehearsal
√
Monday, March 27th 2017 - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, March 28th 2017 - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, March 29th 2017 - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, March 30th 2017 - 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Drama Club Winter Performance Schedule
√
Friday, March 31st 2017 - 7:00 PM (Call Time - 5:30 PM)
Saturday, April 1st 2017 - 2:00 PM (Call Time - 12:30 PM)
Monday, April 3rd 2017 - School Performances - TBA
Volunteer Positions
Position
Description
Parent Coordinator (1) (Filled: Rebecca Kiessling)
Manages parent volunteers./Sends emails on
behalf of director and other coordinators./
Manages Auditions./Develops and compiles
information for “Drama Club Weekly Update”
Email./Manage Drama Club Email Group./Help
to Manage budget for Drama Club
Piano Accompaniment (Peter Pan Only)
We are seeking a parent or parents that have the
ability to help us with piano accompaniment
during several of our rehearsals. We can work to
accommodate your schedule.
Props Manager (1)
Helps to manage costume/prop/set closet./Sends
out emails to parent coordinator for Parents./
Search for, organize and label props in and out of
rehearsal times./Communicates with the Director
to meet all props needs and requirements.
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Position
Description
Costume Coordinator (1) (Filled: Mia Brennan)
Manages Costume Closet./Sends out emails to
parent coordinator for Parents./Labels and
organizes costumes within the rehearsal times./
Communicates with Director to meet all costume
needs and requirements.
Costume Assistant (1)
Helps Manage Costume Closet./Labels and
organizes costumes within the rehearsal times./
Communicates with Director and Costume
coordinator to meet all costume needs and
requirements.
Set Manager (1)
Helps to manage costume/prop/set closet./Sends
out emails to parent coordinator for Parents./
Search for, organize and label set pieces in and
out of rehearsal times./Communicates with
Director and Technical Director to meet all set
piece requirements. Cast Party Coordinator (1)
Plans and runs Cast Party after final
performance./Send emails to Parent Coordinator
for Parents./ Organize food, beverages, and cake
for cast party.
Ticket Sales Coordinator (1)
Designs Tickets./Manages Ticket Sales during
Tech Week./Helps structure Ticket Sales
Playbill/T-Shirt Coordinator
(1)
Designs and Manages the Playbill/Cast T Shirt./
Orders all play bills and T Shirts./Emails Parent
Coordinator to communicate with Parents.
Concessions Coordinator (2) Organizes concession stands./Seeks out
donations for concession stands./Communicates
with Parent Coordinator to communicate with
parents.
Concessions Helpers (4 - 2
per performance)
Manages concessions stand during
performances/communicates with concessions
coordinator to determine schedule and
additional responsibilities.
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Position
Description
Strike Volunteers (4)
Helps to take down the set after final
performance/ Helps distribute props back to
families after final performance. Rehearsal & Performance
Volunteers (2 Per Rehearsal/
Performance)
** Minimum of 2 rehearsals/
auditions required.
Help sign in and out students at each rehearsal./
Keep students on task with in-rehearsal
assignments./Keep students focused and in
control while director runs rehearsal and
performances./Stays at rehearsals until ALL
students have left rehearsal.
Audition Night Volunteers (4 Helps to sign in students during each night of
or 2 per audition night)
auditions./Helps to manage waiting students
during audition time./ Stays for full audition
period.
Audition Songs
Unlike a typical theater audition, we request that you sing one of the songs
below from Peter Pan Jr. for your audition. Because we are not having call
backs, this will help to determine your student’s exact range and vocal style.
The students should be familiar with the section of the song marked “solo”
below. All links are part of a larger music file on youtube, but will pick up where
the “solo” starts off. Please encourage your student to learn more than one
song below. During the audition, they may be asked to sing a second song to
help familiarize us with their vocal range.
**We may or may not ask students to match notes on the piano to better
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Song Options:
The Second Star to the Right - Part 2 (Girls - Middle to High Range)
https://youtu.be/DQvYyMe3EyI?t=4m14s
(Solo - 4:14 - 4:54)
Fly To Your Heart - Part 2 (Girls - Middle/High Range)
https://youtu.be/DQvYyMe3EyI?t=6m30s
(Solo - 6:30 - 7:07)
Never Smile at a Crocodile (Boys)
https://youtu.be/DQvYyMe3EyI?t=9m30s
(Solo - 9:30 - 10:05)
What Makes a Brave Man Brave (Boys)
https://youtu.be/DQvYyMe3EyI?t=15m35s
(Solo: 15:35 - 16:18)
What Makes a Brave Man Brave (Girls - Low Range)
https://youtu.be/DQvYyMe3EyI?t=16m53s
(Solo: 16:53 - 17:53)
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