Anyone ever had their kids in a large elem. school play?

[cotomom]

Our elementary school is preparing for a large scale (100 kids in grades 1-5) school play. This is strictly extra curricular and voluntary, an after school activity much like AYSO soccer or dance class.

There will be a 'tuition' per child, which will cover costs such as costumes (organization will make and keep after play is over), set, props, royalty fees, etc.

I have 2 groups of questions for those that have participated in something like this before.

1) How were costumes handled? After they are ready or right before dress rehearsal, did the organization hand them out to each parent, with perhaps a lost/damage contract signed? Then it was the kids/parents obligation to keep it together, have the kid come fully dressed and ready to go for performances? To be turned in after the final performance? Or were the costumes kept on site, and signed in and out only before and after each performance? Which do you think is better? The least amount of hassle, time, etc.?

2) Snacks - Since rehearsals are right after school and the kids need some nourishment, did the organization provide the snacks each rehearsal? Or did the parents pack a snack for their own kid? Which do you think is better, least amount of hassle, time, etc.?

Thank you for any input you may have. With such a big production, we're trying to keep this as easy as possible and use our precious volunteers in the best areas!

 

[QT Pooh]

Every year our elementary school puts on a performance with the 5th grade class (about 45 kids). What a great experience for the kids! They learn so much about stage presence and self-confidence (it's a musical too!). The entire community (or so it seems) - even those without kids in that grade - come and see them. It's really a treat! One of the 5th grade teachers has her masters in performing arts and writes, coreographs, trains the actors and directs the play.

I'm sure every school is different as to what they provide, etc. There were many, many rehearsals - some even on the weekends. Each parent provided lunch and snacks for our kids as well as transportation. The costumes were made by the committee with money raised from fundraisers (bake sales, private donations, etc.). A list of items was sent home to see if anyone had these items. This year we did a tribute to the Red Sox (Reverse the Curse) and asked for baseball bats, hats, gloves and so on. Some costumes were brought from home - like if one of the actors just needed street clothes. All costumes were held at the rehearsal site/performance site and were not allowed to be brought home. The props were handled in the same way. Programs were made with sponsorship from local businesses in return for advertising. Refreshments were also sold during the performances to fund the cast party after the final night of the play.

I hope you and your children enjoy it as much as our school does!

 

[mrsmom]

My kids elementary class did beauty and the beast a couple years ago, My dd was chip the cup. They had the parents responsible for their kids costumes and alot of volunteers for props and the sound system
It took 2 months of after school practices and each kid brought their own snack. It was amazing, The kids were great and they even got to have shirts printed up with the whole cast members on the back of it and the kids were aloud to buy them as well as anyone one eles.
Now the school does varity shows.
Have fun!!!
Kim

 

[mrsmom]

Sorry i meant the whole school did this.(Not class)
Kim