Get ready for a magical mash-up where the classic story of The Wizard of Oz meets the soul, sparkle, rhythm, and high-energy spirit of The Wiz!

 

 

When a tornado sweeps Dorothy from Kansas to the magical land of Oz, she sets off on a journey to find her way home. Along the way, she meets a Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, and discovers that facing the unknown is a lot less scary with friends by your side. With unforgettable songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Ease on Down the Road,” and “Home,” this joyful adventure will be filled with magic, laughter, courage, heart, and plenty of surprises! Because sometimes, the journey isn't just about finding your way home—it’s about the friends you meet along the way and the memories you'll never forget. 

 

The Winter Musical is primarily a 5th grade event. There are some opportunities for interested 4th graders to be part of the production, and their participation will be determined by lottery.

 

Performances will take place on January 15 and 16 (Martin Luther King Jr. weekend), and registration will happen later this month. 

 

 

Important upcoming dates:

• Wednesday, September 16 at 9am - Informational Zoom for families of 4th and 5th graders interested in participating
• Thursday, September 17 at 9am - Registration opens
• Friday, September 25 - Registration closes

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

 

What is the winter musical?
The Winter Musical is a PTA-sponsored program where registered students learn about theater and performing arts, ultimately putting on a show for classmates, teachers and parents. 4th and 5th graders can register.

 

Registration

 

When is registration?

Registration will be open in late September. All 4th and 5th grade parents will receive emails providing the timing and details of registration closer to that time.

Who can register?
4th and 5th grade students can register to be in the cast. All 5th graders who register will be in the cast automatically, while 4th graders will be subject to a lottery. 5th grade students can also register to be stagehands, which may be subjected to a lottery depending on how many students sign up.

How does the 4th grade lottery work?
After registration is closed, the director will determine how many additional ensemble slots are available for 4th graders. If more 4th graders have signed up than slots available, we will hold a lottery and all 4th grade registrants will be notified.

What does the stagehand position entail?
Stagehands assist in creating props and set design, and during the shows do a variety of backstage roles including set moves, spotlights, costume support, lineup calls, etc.

 

Auditions

 

Do I need to audition?

All 5th graders who would like to participate onstage, whether they are interested in a speaking or singing role, featured dance role, other featured character role, or the ensemble, must attend auditions on Wednesday, November 11th, from 3:15–7:30 PM.

 

Auditions will help our musical director get to know each student and determine casting and placement. As the creative process unfolds, lines and featured moments may also be assigned to ensemble members.

 

Students interested in backstage/stage crew only, including helping with props, set changes, scenery, and other backstage production responsibilities, do not need to audition.

 

 

How do I sign up for the audition?
During registration, you will check off any and all types of parts you would be interested in doing. If you check off anything other than stagehand, you will need to attend the audition. We will confirm by email as well.

 

What will the audition be like?
During the audition, you will sing a short song and participate in a short excerpt from the show. You DO NOT need to have experience in these things to audition.

• SINGING: You should prepare to sing 30 seconds of any song you are comfortable singing. You will be singing this song a cappella (without music). The musical director may ask for additional singing, but nothing further needs to be prepared.
• ACTING: The director will provide a short excerpt from the show that you will perform. You will have some time to read it and review before performing, and you do not need to memorize it. You may be asked to read additional dialogue from the show.

There will be down time during the audition, so you should bring homework or a book with you.

 

What if I am nervous?
That is ok! We are here to support you! Our director and musical director are warm, fun and friendly people. Try your best and have fun!

 

Do I have to have theater experience to audition?

NO! You do not need to have theater experience to audition for this show.

 

How does casting work?

We have a professional director and musical director who will determine the cast for the show.

 

Fees

 

What is the financial commitment?
Putting on a show of this magnitude is expensive. In order to fund the show and pay for the set, props, costumes, lighting, sound, director and musical director, the 2025 price per cast member was $275 and per stagehand was $200. These expenses go directly back into the production of the show, benefitting the students involved. They also cover a t-shirt for all cast and crew members. Anyone seeking financial assistance for the Winter Musical registration fees may contact Mr. Martin. He will help to ensure all may participate.

 

When is payment due?

Payment will be due for all 5th graders at the time of registration. 4th graders will be billed through Membership Toolkit if they are chosen via lottery.

 

Are there any other financial commitments?

Students cast in the show may have to provide shoes and other small base layers for their costume.

 

Schedule

 

What is the time commitment?
See the rehearsals times and dates above. All rehearsals are mandatory. You are expected to attend all rehearsals you are scheduled for. Rehearsals will be held right after school, and there will be time for a snack before jumping in.

 

What if I have a conflict?
The Winter Musical needs to be a priority and we cannot put on a show with students missing rehearsals during a very condensed time frame. You may only miss a rehearsal if you are out sick that day at school. Missed rehearsals may result in loss of your role in the show, at the discretion of the director.

 

What about other outside activities?
Students with larger commitments such as traveling sports teams, competitive sports with standing conflicts throughout the winter, or extended vacation plans are STRONGLY encouraged to think about their participation in the show prior to registering.

 

Is the Sunday January rehearsal mandatory?
Yes. You must attend the full January 10th from 12:30-4:30 (times are tentative).

 

How long do the performances last?
Each show will last approximately one hour.

 

Volunteering

 

What are the volunteering options for parents?
We have multiple committees that require parental help, including props, set design, costumes, lobby and gym decoration, photography, videography, ticketing, makeup and hair.
In addition to our committee work, we will need lots of extra backstage hands for shows and rehearsals.

 

How do I volunteer?
If you’re interested in volunteering for specific committee work, please email us at riversidewintermusical@gmail.com.

We will also send out lots of signups for various projects and rehearsal/performance help later this fall.

 

 

 

For additional information, please contact Lacey Campinell, Kerry Cox, Dannielle DiAngelo, Pete Bothwell at riversidewintermusical@gmail.com.