Script Posted!

Hi All,

Thank you for your patience as I casted the fifth grade play. I have to say this was the most respectful, patient, group of fifth graders I have ever cast. I did not have one child come up to me in school to ask when the cast list was going to be posted. I appreciate the extra time and am happy to be able to post the Cast Information and Script before leaving for my maternity leave.

Please take a moment to view the cast list under the cast list tab. I know that there will be mixed emotions as students receive the news of their cast assignments. Please know that whether your child was cast in a principal, supporting or ensemble role that I take time to ensure that all members of the cast feel valued and involved. Students will have various opportunities to show their stuff on the stage and by the end all students feel that they play an important role.

Rehearsals will start early March, but the sooner your child begins to memorize their lines the better. I have added a link to the script on the side bar. Please have your child print the script and begin working their lines mid January or sooner. A full calendar of rehearsals will be posted in February.

If there are any questions about casting or the script feel free to contact me. It may be a while till you hear from me, but I promise to get back to you when I can. Thanks again and I look forward to my return in March when we can start working on the show!

Sincerely,
Ms. Moores

Reminder...

Auditions will be held after school this Wednesday and Thursday. Your child should have already gotten a confirmation of their audition day. All children will be done at 3:30. Pick up is in the back driveway in the pick up line. Please follow typical pick up procedures.

Do not pass vehicles loading. 

Pull all the way up to the cone.

I will tell your child to go to your car when I see that all vehicles have come to a complete stop.

Please remember to fill out the audition form before the audition. This is an additional form. Your child should be prepared having memorized one of the scenes I provided them.

If you have any questions please email me.

Audition requirements

Dear Parents and Students,

         

          Thank you for signing up for our Fifth Grade Play! I know we are all excited for the upcoming weeks, but first things first: The Audition, on Friday you will receive an audition confirmation in your classroom mailbox. The audition will be held in the Library at 2:30 on the day you are scheduled. You will need to memorize one part from one scene of the show. Click Audition Scenes  to get a copy of the scenes. You may not use the script during the audition process as memorization is an important skill when performing. There is a list of roles at the bottom of this email if your child is unfamiliar with the show.

There will be at least 4 judges at the audition. The judges will be listening for each child's ability to memorize their lines, and speak clearly, loudly and with emotion.  The judges will all use a standard scoring rubric to rate the child on each of these qualities. These scores will be used to assign speaking roles. Every child will get either a speaking role or an ensemble role. 

Before attending your audition each child/parent must fill out an audition form. This form will give me an idea of your child's experience as well as their interest in the play. I am also looking for two or three parents to coordinate volunteers for the “behind the scenes” elements of the production. Parent coordinators will be responsible for organizing parent volunteers. I rely on parent volunteers to help with the backstage elements, such as programs and props, so that I can concentrate on working with the students.   It is very important that the parent coordinator job is filled to ensure the children have the best experience possible. We have performed this show before so much of the work will be replenishing and enhancing materials we already have. Please complete the volunteer section on the audition form.  

Thank you,    

Ms Moores

Principal Roles

Narrators (6)

Dorothy (will be double cast)

Toto (Non-speaking, but barks with inflection J)

Glinda the Good Witch

Scarecrow (will be double cast)

Tin Man

Lion

Gatekeeper

Wizard of Oz

Wicked Witch of the West

Supporting Roles

Munchkins (3)

Trees

Flying Monkeys (3)

Auntie Em

Uncle Henry

                                                     

Dear Parents and Students,

        I am pleased to announce that this year we will be putting on our ninth annual 5th grade play. We will be doing The Wizard of Oz, adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller. Auditions will be on November 9th and 10th this year in order to accommodate for my maternity leave this Winter. Rehearsals, however will not start until March. Students will rehearse after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Parents will need to be able to transport their children home promptly at 3:30 pm. The number of participants will be limited to 50 students. Children are not cut based on ability, I will take the first 50 students who fill out their form. Anyone who auditions will get a role.

If your child is interested in participating in this production fill out the online permission form located there.  I will accept the first 50 responses. If your child plans to participate I must receive the form no later than Wednesday October 26th.

If you have any questions regarding auditioning, rehearsal requirements, or the online permission slip please feel free to contact me, Ms. Moores, at jmoores@westfordk12.us.

Additionally, please review the list below before committing to this experience. If your child is not available to attend during the dates below please do not sign up for the play.

November 9th and 10th: Auditions after school 2:30 – 3:30pm

March 8th - May 25th: Rehearsals Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:30 – 3:30pm

May 30th - June 1st: Tech week (rehearsals go till 4:30pm)

June 2nd: School Performance for students (During the school day)

June 3rd: Saturday performances for parents

Sincerely,

Ms. Moores

Friday October 21st

Permission slips for the 5th grade play will go home on Friday October 21st. Permission slips are due by Wednesday October 26th. Auditions will be held on Wednesday November 9th and Thursday November 10th. Rehearsals will begin in March.

Check back in October!

Information regarding the fifth grade play will be handed out in school towards the end of October. Auditions this year are going to be held in November, but rehearsals will not start until March.

One final reminder...

Hi Parents,

I have one final reminder for your child as they head off to their first performance tomorrow morning... Have fun and enjoy their moment on the stage!

You would have been so impressed with their dress rehearsal today. They have all been working so hard and the show is really coming together.

I can't wait to watch their expressions when they step out on to the stage with a real audience for the first time. There is something magical about a 5th grade play. Not all students will go on with theater, but each one of them will take away a memory of being part of something. They each bring their unique attributes and talents and so much of their personalities shine through in their performance you can't help but smile.

Please remind them of this as they leave for the bus or jump out of the car. I just want to see them up there, enjoying themselves, and remembering to feel confident in what they have created!

Thank you all and see you Saturday!

Ms. Moores

Tech Week

Tech Week Has Arrived!

We have only 2 more rehearsals before our performances. ALL students need to work on their lines at home as MANY are still needing  significant prompting. I have included some other important reminders for this week below.

Costumes:

1. Students may choose to wear a light blush and or lipstick if they would like, though it is not required. Please do not over do it. Do not send makeup to school, have your child apply all make up at home.
2. All long hair must be pulled back out of your child's face. This is VERY important!
3. Students should come to school wearing their costume on Friday if possible. Please send a change of clothes to school if needed for after the performance. Students will bring their costume home so they can arrive wearing it on Saturday.

Rehearsal Schedule for the week:

• Wednesday June 1st till 4:30
• Thursday June 2nd till 4:30
• No rehearsal after school Friday (Don’t forget we have performances Friday morning)

Performances:

1. Friday June 3rd: Please arrive at school promptly, in costume if possible. Students can bring a change of clothes
2. Saturday June 4th cast call is 4pm
3. Doors open for parents at 5pm. Tickets will be on sale at the show or you can pre-order by sending in the order form your child brought home, the form is also online on the play website.
4. Show times Saturday are 5:15pm and 7pm
5. Students will have a pizza cast party in between shows. If you have not done so already please make sure to send in your $10 donation to cover costs of pizza and dessert.

Reminders

Thank you to all of the parents that sent costumes in on Wednesday. I got a good feel for many of the costumes.
A reminder to Ensemble and villagers that they need SOLID colored t-shirts and shorts, please try to use bright primary colors only. I highly recommend short sleeves.
Grody Gobsters should be wearing a combination of black and white, remember no symbols on either.

If your child has not yet filled out their online Bio please have them do that this weekend. The link is on the side of the blog.

Rehearsals this week are as follows: (These rehearsals are long so please feel free to send an extra snack for them to eat before rehearsal. I also suggest an extra water bottle as it gets very hot in the cafeteria.)

Tuesday: 2:30 - 4:00
Wednesday 2:30 - 4:30
Thursday 2:30 - 4:30

I will send out information at the beginning of next week about when costumes should be brought in and how performances will be handled.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Reminders

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

The next 2 ½ weeks are going to go by VERY quickly and there are several important pieces of information you all must have.

• LINES, Lines, lines: All students need to review lines. Cast members are no longer allowed to hold scripts on stage. Please help them review their lines EVERY night so that they feel confident on stage.
• Cast is asked to bring their costumes to rehearsal on Wednesday May 25th.
• The remainder of the rehearsals next week and the week after are FULL Cast. I need all cast members at rehearsals. Please contact me if there is a conflict.

Please note the different ending times:

• Monday May 23rd till 4:00
• Wednesday May 25th till 4:00
• Tuesday May 31st till 4:00
• Wednesday June 1st till 4:30
• Thursday June 2nd till 4:30
• School performances are Friday morning June 3rd. Please make sure your children arrive at school on time. There will be no after school rehearsal that day.
• Parent performances are Saturday June 4th. Cast is asked to arrive at 4pm. The doors will open at 5pm for parents. Show times are 5:15 and 7pm.

The cast will have a pizza dinner in between shows.

Cast Party

The cast party will be held in between performances on Saturday night. This is a highlight of all 5th grade play participants. Please send back the form your child is bringing home today or click on the link  to submit online via SignUp Genius

Bio Form

Hi Parents!

Yesterday students had a very productive full cast rehearsal. We worked on several scenes, a lot of music, and the students had their head shots taken for display opening night. All students have been asked to go online to fill out their "Bio-Form". Click the link to access the form. Please fill out one form per student. I have also included the link in the sidebar for easy reference. All bio forms are due by Tuesday May 17th.

There has been a small addition to our rehearsal schedule. Students are asked to attend a full cast rehearsal this Friday, May 13th, in the "fishbowl" at 7:30am.  This will be the first opportunity for students to work with our accompanist and it is important that as many students as possible attend.

Please continue to check the rehearsal schedule and website for updates daily. There will be lots of updates as we get closer to show day.

Thanks!
Ms. Moores

Costume notes now posted

Hi Parents,

             I am sure that you are all wondering what your child will be wearing for the 5th grade play. The biggest thing for me is that the kids should be comfortable on stage, both physically and self-confidence wise. I want this to be an enjoyable experience for all. I do not expect, or want, big elaborate costumes. The stage is very hot and performing in front of their peers can be nerve-wracking. I want them to wear a costume that they feel "good" in. You will find a list of characters and the suggested attire on the Costumes tab. Please note that no character should be wearing jeans and that I encourage all characters to wear shorts and T-shirts. Find your child's part and then the suggested attire. Please contact me if you have questions or need clarification.

Calling All Artists!!!

It is time to design the cover for our production of

The Reluctant Dragon!

·     The cover must be on regular white copy paper and drawn in black and white.

·     Please hold draw the picture with the paper held vertically (up and down)

·     Please include:

a.  Title: The Reluctant Dragon

b.  Written by: Kenneth Grahame

c.  Adaptation by: Kathryn Schultz Miller

d.  Performed by: Crisafulli Fifth Grade

e.  June 4th, 2016

f. Please put your name and homeroom

on the back of the cover.

The rest is up to you.

Be as creative as you want!

This is open to ALL 5th graders regardless of if you are in the production.

Please have covers turned in to Ms. Moores by Friday May 13th

THANKS!!!

Music and Lines...

Hi Folks!

As we head off into vacation now is the time to start encouraging your children to "get off script". This means that their lines are memorized and they no longer need to hold their script during rehearsals. The first few weeks "off script" is always a little nerve wracking for the kids, but it is always ok to forget a line and I will work with them on what to do if a line is dropped during the show. The sooner they start to feel confident the better they will feel come show time.

A great way to learn lines is to do the scene with your child. You can hold the script and read the "other" lines while your child says their own lines. Don't over correct your child. If they forget a word that's ok. If they get completely lost then go back and start again. Remind them if they don't know what to say next they can simply say "line" and you will give them the first two words of their next line.

I have also added a new tab at the top. If you click on it you will find links to music word sheets and youtube videos of the songs. All students will participate in the musical part of the show. It helps to play the music so that they get familiar with the melody. Mrs. Oliver will be working on the music during the rehearsal time as well.

Thanks for all you do! After vacation the play starts to ramp up into full gear. I will send out information on costuming and parent volunteers when we return from break.

Ms. Moores

NO PLAY REHEARSAL TODAY MONDAY APRIL 4TH.

5th grade play rehearsal is cancelled today April 4th

Pick up...

Dear parents!

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we moved through our pick-up line yesterday. As we go through this process it will get smoother and quicker. Be mindful as you look at the rehearsal schedule how many "scenes" are being called. Full Cast rehearsals always take the longest at pickup.
A reminder of the pickup rules:

• Please pull up to the farthest cone if you are the first person in line.
• Please do not wave to your children to come to your car. I do not allow them to move until all cars between the cones have come to a stop. Safety is my biggest concern.
• Once your child is seated please wait for the car in front of you to start moving, do not move around another vehicle unless instructed to do so.
• As the weather warms after school children WILL be outside playing. Please maintain the 10mph speed limit until you have turned onto Robinson road. 

I appreciate your efforts in keeping all of the children safe during pickup. I know that we all have places to be and things to do, but the most important thing is the safety of the children not 5 minutes here or there. 

Thank you! The kids sounded great yesterday. It is really a fabulous, funny, and heart-warming script. I hope you are all as excited as I am!

- Ms. Moores

Script Posted

          I have now posted the official script link on the right hand side of this page. I am so excited about this script! I think you will all enjoy reading through it. Please preview and print the script with your child. If possible print the whole script rather than just your child's scenes as it is important the students are familiar with the whole story. You can print double sided to save paper. If you make a "copy" of the script in google you can also edit and highlight your child's part to make it easier for them to follow along. Either staple the script together, or three whole punch it and put it into a binder. Students should bring their script and a pencil to every rehearsal.

Rehearsal Schedule Posted

I have posted the complete rehearsal schedule on the rehearsal tab. The first full cast rehearsal is this Wednesday immediately after school till 3:30.

I am hoping to post the full script by Sunday evening for students to print at home.

Cast List...

Dear Parents and Students,

            Below you will find the cast list to this year’s 5^th grade Play, The Reluctant Dragon. Thank you for your patience. I understand that waiting is the hardest part and I apologize for any anxious children who had to constantly check the website. That being said I was amazed and thrilled to have so many wonderful students auditioning this year. As always it was truly difficult to cast parts, as there were so many talented kids who auditioned. I know that there will be some disappointment as there always is when dealing with a casting situation. I am also confident that as soon as we get into the rehearsing the children will find the joy and excitement in their given role. Over the next week I will finalize changes in the script and put together a full rehearsal schedule. I am also putting together a parent email list. Please watch for parent updates through email as well as the website.  When you receive the schedule please read it carefully as your child WILL NOT be attending every rehearsal. If you have any questions regarding casting or rehearsals please contact me at jmoores@westfordk12.us

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                                Ms. Moores

Widget	Makena T.
Widget #2	Sanah C.
Widget # 3	Samantha H.
Widget #4	Eliana T.
Widget #5	Courtney D.

Hairytoes	Anna W.
Hairytoes #2	Alli G.
Hairytoes #3	Mayha A.

Saint George

Josh F.

Mortimer	Inara O.
Mortimer #2	Saumya S.
Mortimer #3	Ella P.

Shepherds:
Angus	Pranav R.
Angus #2	Shriyans S.
Gilroy	Dhruv I.
Ludwig	Vincent I.
Dubert	TJ B.

                                                                      

Narrators:
Seasoned Sally	Niharika C.
Esteemed Ellie	Olivia D.
High Falutin Helen	Merry K.
Lordly Lori	Samantha B.
Magnificent Maggie	Reily T.
Venerable Val	Emily F.

Villagers:
Town Crier	Fin S.
Milkmaid	Elena G.
Blacksmith	Daniel S.
Cobbler	Nitish N.
Farmer	Cole J.
Baker	Adam H.
Woodsman	Colby M.

Grody Gobsters:
Brillopad	Mazen H.
Dingleberry	Kirish R.
Fester	Evan S.
Ratsbeak	Sachh L.
Yellsalot	Colin J.

Queen Fancy Pants	Meghna K.
Prince Scumworth	Josh B.

Mother

Chrissy R.

Master Guru	Audrey M.
Mantra Molly	Aileen L.
Transcendental Tami	Bridget N.
Peaceful Penny	Caroline N.
Serene Sally	Kyla F.

Ensemble:
Anna S.	Krish C.
Jillian S.	Henry S.
Mia B.	Ethan S.
Sarina R.	Justin F.