Who may participate in the musicals?

Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 are invited to participate in one musical per year.

What is the time commitment?

The Fall Musical and Spring Musical courses run longer than regular enrichment classes. Regular rehearsals are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 4:45pm. These rehearsals follow the regular, 8-week enrichment schedule. Additionally students will need to attend one morning or afternoon audition session, AND the full cast is required to attend rehearsal Monday-Thursday afternoon in our 9th week, the week of the show. A full schedule will be posted prior to registration.

What if my child needs to miss rehearsals?

You will be asked to complete a conflict schedule prior to casting. When possible, I will attempt to work our schedule around your child's commitments, or to excuse your child from certain rehearsals. Both you and your child should be aware that a very busy schedule may make it impossible for me to cast you child in a principal role. It is important for actors playing roles large and small to attend rehearsal so that they can perform confidently. Drama is a collaborative art - it is very difficult to rehearse with a "Swiss cheese" cast. Students who miss more than 3 rehearsals from which they have not been excused may see their roles in the show reduced.

When is the play?

The Fall Cast performs on a Friday in early December; the Spring Cast performs on a Friday in late May. Both casts perform for their peers during the school day. Family and friends are invited to attend a second performance at 6pm.

How do we sign up?

During the first week of school, you will need to complete the online enrollment survey for your child. This form will be used to assign each interested student to either the Fall Cast or the Spring Cast. We will attempt to place all interested students in a cast. In cases of overwhelming enrollment, a lottery will be used to select participants.

Just prior to auditions, you will receive an audition packet that needs to be returned to me. This packet will provide instructions for auditioning, and for registering in the afterschool enrichment course and submitting payment.

What if my child missed the enrollment deadline?

Acceptance of late registrants is based on the total number of children enrolled. If both casts are already "full," your child's name will be placed on a waiting list. If auditions have already passed, your child may be assigned a chorus role.

What does it cost to participate?

The fee for participation is $150 and covers your child's script, rehearsal CD, costumes and props, as well as our license to perform the show, audio equipment rental, and the salaries of my teacher assistants. We do not sell tickets to the show - admission is free to you and your guests. Pingry is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to fully participate in Pingry life - financial aid applies to enrichment programs in the same way that it is applied to tuition. If you have questions about the registration fee, please speak to Leslie Miller (enrichment coordinator) or Ted Corvino.

What if my child is nervous/anxious/frightened/petrified about auditioning?

First, this is completely normal, even for actors who have been through the process before and for professional actors who audition all the time. Remind your child that everyone gets a role, no matter what. Encourage your child to have fun practicing for the audition instead of worrying about how he or she will do. If your child is auditioning for the first time, I would be happy to talk to her or him about the process, or to assign an experienced actor as a mentor for your child.

If your child has a specific concerns, or if stress about auditions is interfering with other activities, please contact me about additional options.

Who is the student assistant director?

One 5th grade student per show is selected to serve as assistant director. The assistant director is responsible for planning and executing the direction of at least one scene or song, coaching the other actors through their roles, serving as a role model and mentor to the cast, and additional assistance as needed. This student meets with me once per week during conference period, and should plan to miss no more than three rehearsals. The assistant director does not audition for a role, but does perform in the show as a member of the ensemble in a capacity that varies based on the needs of the show.

How can my child become an assistant director?

Assistant directors will be selected by me, based on an application. Applicants are asked to prepare a simple resume and cover letter. Instruction sheets for applying are available to any interested 5th grade student through me or a homeroom teacher. The student director must have performed in at least one play, though not necessarily at Pingry. A good candidate will display leadership, patience, organization, and an understanding of the actor's process. The assistant director must also be wiling to forfeit the possibility of performing a lead role in the play. Assistant Director selections will be announced after enrolllment has closed in the fall, and before fall auditions.