Tickets on Sale Now! 
​Purchase tickets here to see 4th and 5th grade McAuliffe students perform "What a Knight!" at Eastlake High School Theater on May 23 & 24th at 7pm!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

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We are excited to kick off this year’s McAuliffe school production brought to you by PTSA in partnership with Studio East. This fun theater experience is open to 4th and 5th grade students.

Studio East’s ArtReach program is a 6-week show-in-a-box. Auditions will happen April 3-6, followed by M-Th rehearsals April through May, culminating in performances the week of May 21st. Studio East provides the directors, script, music, set and costumes while McAuliffe provides parent volunteers and kids who want to have an awesome theater experience! 
 
What You Need to Know:

• We have 50 spots available on a first-come-first-served basis. If more than 50 students register, we will create a waitlist.
• All parents are expected to chaperone 1-2 rehearsals. 
• The March 28th Parent Meeting is mandatory for parents of registered students. At this meeting, we will meet the directors, discuss the schedule of auditions and rehearsals, sign-up for volunteer positions, review the parent packet and answer any of your questions. 
• While it will be best for students to attend most of the rehearsals, we can work around student conflicts. Please be sure to clearly mention all conflicts when you fill out the sign-up form.
• Registration Fee: $100/student. The funds paid to Studio East for this production are raised through the registration fee and ticket sales. The registration fee goes to cover the costs of the program, both for the Studio East Directing Team and production materials as well as printing and facility costs. The registration fee is non-refundable unless your child decides not to participate prior to auditions.
• Scholarships are available through PTSA. Contact Lisa Daniel (ldaniel@lwsd.org) for information. 

Important Dates (see also the School Play Calendar):

• March 28th, 7pm: mandatory Parent Meeting (there is a parent commitment for this program) If you missed the meeting, or would like to review it again, you can find a recording here.
• March 31st: Registration Closed
• April 3rd - 6th: Auditions and Casting (times vary based on student sign up)
• April 17th - May 18th: Rehearsals run Mondays-Thursdays (M/T/Th 4-6pm; W 2:30-4:30pm)
• May 23rd & May 24th: Performances at Eastlake High School Performing Arts Center

Auditions:

• ​Everyone gets a part, so relax! Auditions are for showing off how expressive and impressive you are. Have fun!
• Auditions are scheduled on April 2nd and 3rd based on the slot you picked using the signup form 
• Actors should prepare a short monologue (30 seconds max); they can prepare one from these options, or another of their choosing
• Students will be taught a short piece of music or be asked to sing a simple melody (e.g. Happy Birthday) at the audition so the Directors can ascertain the strength of their singing voice.
• Callbacks are held with the entire cast on the third day of the process.
• At Callbacks, all students will be asked to read scenes and sing songs from the play so the Directors can better place them into roles.
• Students may also be asked to learn and perform a short dance routine at Callbacks so Directors can ascertain any particular dance strengths of the cast. 
• Parents are expected to be at the campus during their student's  audition, callback and casting

Chaperones:
All parents will rotate to take on chaperone duty.  We need 2 chaperones per rehearsal. Chaperones will:

• Help directors keep actors focused and on-task.
• Make sure each actor called to rehearsal arrives on time and call actors who have not arrived.
• Notify directors of excused/unexcused actors.
• Assist directors with any behavior problems during rehearsal.
• Ensure that the rehearsal space is clean and returned to original condition before excusing any actors for the evening. 
  
  

Have questions or concerns? Email our School Play Chair, Harpreet Prajapati, at schoolplay@mcauliffeptsa.org

We strive to have our events accessible to everyone in our community. Anyone who anticipates needing accommodations or who has questions about access may email SpecialNeeds@McAuliffePTSA.org in advance of the parent meeting.

Studio East Training for the Performing Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit providing theater arts education and opportunities for children in Kirkland and surrounding communities. Starting with one theater program for teens in 1992, Studio East has become one of the largest children’s theater training programs in the Seattle Metro area. Today, between the Studio’s camps and classes and its professional, adult touring arm, StoryBook Theater, Studio East serves over 70,000 people annually. Read more on the Mission and Philosophy of Studio East here or click the logo above to visit their website.

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Benefits of Participating in Drama Programs

​​There is a lot of established research about the positive influences of drama, theatre and the performing arts, especially on young people. The benefits are physical, emotional, social, and they help to develop a healthy appreciation of culture and the arts. Here are 11 important benefits that can help your child blossom:

Imagination
Immersing yourself in the imaginary world of theatre, being creative in a role, and learning to make creative choices helps students think of new ideas, allowing them to view the world around them in new ways. Einstein said,“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

Empathy
Understanding characters, roles and the subtext of plays and musicals allows students to relate better to different situations, backgrounds, and cultures. It encourages them to show compassion and tolerance for others.

Cooperation
Theatre is a collaboration of different players. In many cases the quality of any performance relies on an ensemble performance. Combining the creative ideas and the abilities of all participants is required for the best outcomes. This requires all those taking part to engage in discussions, feedback, rehearsing, and performing together.

Concentration
Playing, practicing, and performing will develop the ability and skills to be able to focus the mind, the body, and the voice.

Self-Confidence
Aspects of performing arts, especially improvisation, helps young people to understand how to appraise situations, think outside the box and be more confident going into unfamiliar situations. Students learn to  trust their ideas and abilities. Confidence gained from learning performing arts skills applies to school, career, and life.

Communication Skills
It seems obvious to say that drama, theatre and the performing arts improves verbal and nonverbal communication, but it is worth stating that this benefits young people through their life. It improves vocal projection, articulation, tone of speech and expression. It also develops listening and observation skills.

Fun
Drama brings elements of play, humour, and laughter to those taking part and viewing the performance. Drama improves motivation and reduces stress.

Emotional Outlet
Acting and drama games allow students to express a range of emotions and encourage them to understand and deal with similar feelings they may be experiencing. Aggression and tension are released in a safe, controlled environment – often allowing for a period of reflection afterwards.

Physical Fitness
Performing, even the most passive performances, requires physical exertion from cardiovascular to calming nerves. Many performing arts exercises improve flexibility, coordination, balance, and control.

Memory
Rehearsing and performing lines and movements will improve memory. Your memory requires exercise, just like  a muscle.

Appreciation for Arts and Culture!
...a benefit that transcends cultures and time.

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