AFTER SCHOOL DRAMA PROGRAM
 
 
THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SUPERSTAN
Live Theater at Rosa Parks
 January - March 2024
 
 
 PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
 
 
We are thrilled to announce our much-anticipated school play, brought to you by Rosa Parks PTSA in partnership with Studio East, "The Amazing Adventures of SuperStan".
 
"Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's Superstan - a caped crusader fighting for truth, freedom, and justice with his superpowers, super tights, and the strength to open a really tricky jar of pickles! Can Superstan and his friends stop the baddies threatening the peaceful Megaville? Find out in this fun-tastic adventure! This marvelous musical packs a powerful punch with its witty script, crazy characters, and spectacular songs; giving your cast and audience an unforgettable show that's quite simply... SUPER!"
 
 
About the Program:

Studio East’s ArtReach program is a 6-week show-in-a-box designed to accommodate a maximum of 50 students that results in a school musical. Everyone who auditions will be cast, as this program is designed as a taste of theater, and it is important to give every student a positive experience. This full 6-week program will be directed by Studio East Professionals and performed by our students, allowing us to combine resources to bring the most complete theater experience to our school. This is open to all 4th and 5th Graders. If there are spots available, we will open it for 3rd Graders. PTSA membership is required for registration. Studio East provides the directors, script, music, set and costumes while Rosa Parks provides parent volunteers and kids who want to have an awesome theater experience! 
 
What You Need to Know...Parents please read carefully until the end prior to signing up:

 

  • We have 50 spots available on first-come first-serve basis. Registrations will open first for 4th and 5th Graders. If spots are available, we will open it to 3rd Graders.
  • To have your child participate, all parents must chaperone at least one rehearsal or volunteer in some capacity.
  • All rehearsals will be chaperoned by 2 parent volunteers. Parent volunteers must be LWSD-approved volunteers. Please submit your volunteer application as soon as possible if you are not yet an approved volunteer. Rehearsals where there are no chaperones will be cancelled!
  • Please refer to this calendar for the full schedule.
  • While we understand that your child may have conflicts, we expect them to participate in most of the rehearsals and both of the final performances. You will be asked to fill out a sign-up form with Studio East after registering on our PTSA website. Please be sure to clearly mention all conflicts while filling out this form. The performances on March 14 and March 15 are MUST ATTEND events.
  • Parent Information Meeting on 1/22 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.
  • Registration Fee: $165 per 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. Each student registered will receive 1 complimentary ticket to each performance. The registration fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.
  • Limited funding is available for scholarships through PTSA for those that qualify. Contact Ms. Euki Hirano at ehirano@lwsd.org.
  • PTSA After School Program Policies apply

 


Important Dates (see also the School Play Calendar):
 
  • 1/11 at 9am - Registration opens to 4th and 5th Graders
  • 1/16 at 12pm - Registration opens to 3rd Graders if spots are available
  • 1/21 - Registration closes for everyone
  • 1/22 at 7pm - Parent Information Meeting via Zoom (mandatory for all parents)
  • 1/29 and 1/30 - Auditions
  • 1/31 - Callbacks
  • 2/2 - Casting and Read Through
  • 2/5 - 3/6 - Rehearsals on School Days - Mon, Tue, Wed and Friday (M/T/F 3:15-5:15pm; W 1:45-3:45pm) (no class 2/14 and 2/20 as an extension of mid-winter break)
  • 3/11 - 3/13 - Tech Rehearsal - Rehearsals run 30 minutes longer
  • 3/14 and 3/15 - Final Performances at Rosa Parks

Auditions:
  • ​Everyone gets a part, so relax! Auditions are for showing off how expressive and impressive you are. Have fun!
  • Auditions are scheduled on January 29 and 30
  • Actors should prepare a short monologue (30 seconds max). Some monologue options can be found here.
  • 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, January 31.
  • 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 must be PTSA members and LWSD-approved volunteers! Chaperones may not bring other children (not enrolled in the program) for their volunteer sessions as per LWSD guidelines.
 
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.
Tickets for Final Performances:
 
Performances will be held at Rosa Parks. Tickets are available now. Purchase tickets here. Mark your calendars and get ready for a night of enchantment! Let's come together to support our talented performers and make this year's school play an unforgettable success.
 
 
Have questions or concerns? Email programs@rosaparksptsa.org.
 
 
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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.
 
 

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.
 

 

Corporate Matching!

Many local companies match donations to non-profit organizations so you can get your donations matched. Please check with your employer to find out if the money you donate to the Rosa Parks Elementary PTSA can be matched.

Microsoft employees to donate via the Microsoft Give program to get their donations matched. https://microsoft.benevity.org/

For information on other companies, go here