Wizard of Oz
This page will let you know how to run the Wizard of Oz play for the 2nd grade at SRE.
Schedule
November
Step 1
Establish co-chairs
Step 2
Schedule the performance date and rehearsals in the MPR. (I recommend two performances.) Set rehearsal schedule by scene from there.
Step 3
Send out meeting invite to parents (See Intro Letter button).
December
Step 4
Parent meeting: All participants must commit to dress rehearsals and performance dates. Parents all commit to at least one hour of volunteer time.
Step 5
Send out intent to participate/behavior contract form during meeting. This is a Google Form. See button below for a template but set one up for yourselves so you can see the responses.
Step 6
Send out audition sides/character breakdowns to parents asap after the meeting, ideally a minimum of 3 weeks before the audition (see Audition Slides button).
January
Step 7
Print out audition scoring forms
Step 8
Hold auditions
Step 9
Meet asap afterwards to discuss casting.
Step 10
Send out cast list, script, and rehearsal schedule to parents.
January - May
Rehearsals (see Rehearsal section)
Final Performances (see Showtime section)
Rehearsals: January - May
Step 1
Print Scripts for everyone
Step 2
Share THIS LINK to songs/music for kids to practice.
Step 3
Signupgenius for parent volunteers
Step 4
Be sure to check allergy and dismissal plans for each child which can be found in the Google form contract you sent out.
Step 5
Notify 2nd grade teachers of rehearsal schedule/performances
Step 6
Use props and sets in prop closet as you block each scene.--Please handle with love and care.
Step 7
Start trying on costumes so you have time to order/mend/adjust as necessary.--Please handle with love and care
Step 8
Secure sound technician, lighting, backstage hands, costume helpers, Props/set master, make-up assistants, and videographer
It’s Showtime!
Step 1
Check with custodial services for performances
Step 2
Ushers/programs printed
Step 3
Pizza or dinner offered for long dress rehearsals
Step 4
Invite 2nd grade teachers/principals, etc. and be sure to offer thank yous to them the night of.
Step 5
Optional yellow brick souvenir tradition for each cast member and cast party following performances. You'll need parent help for these as well.
FAQs
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People have different ways of doing this. I *highly recommend* giving parts to those who best earn them--those who are memorized, in character, projecting well, and showing commitment in the audition. Everything else can be worked out, but I think a great audition should land the part. It will also save you rehearsal time and energy to cast those who've prepared the parts. We adjusted our script based on what we saw--to showcase more talent and even out stage time. That is always an option.
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Yes. Do that first and work backwards. If you do the perforamnce ihn the spring, you'll need to work with/around Variety Show, the 5th and 6th grade plays, and possibly Book Fair.
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This is why you have them sign a participation contract. You can decide what that entails, but it should be understood they must come to rehearsals to be prepared to be in the show.
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My advice: Two things:
1. Give them a heads up ahead of time at the parent meeting that there are only so many leads, and it is likely their child will be given a part that may not be their first choice, BUT every child can have a speaking line that wants one, and those that aren't leads often get to play more than one part (which is fun!) (This is also why I highly recommend you give parts to who earns them because you can personally rest assured in the casting process due to the private audition scores you have with your co-chairs to back up your choices.)
2. Live by the creed as you direct that every part is important and special and you are doing this to help *every child shine* and have fun! It is both true and will make a world of difference to everyone. Tell the kids at the first rehearsal that we are a TEAM not COMPETITORS with each other in this play, and we're all here to make a great show and help EVERYONE do their best and that you expect them to treat each other with kindness and encouragement.
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You collect from parents (we requested $35/participant), which went almost exclusively to food and the cast party). There is not a budget outside of that.
