The Riverside School PTA is thrilled to announce the 2026 musical!

 

Descendants: The Musical

   

REGISTRATION OPENS ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

 

 

Get ready to be spellbound! Our talented young performers will bring the magic, mischief, and music of Disney’s Descendants to the stage in a show that’s packed with energy, heart, and a whole lot of attitude. A stage adaptation of the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, this musical combines songs, characters and storylines from many Disney films to tell the story of the teenage children of famous Disney heroes and villains.

Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost – home of the most infamous villains who ever lived – the children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island… until now. When the four troublemakers are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to embrace the good within?  With dazzling costumes, unforgettable songs like “Rotten to the Core” and “If Only,” and a story full of twists, this is one show you won’t want to miss!

 

The winter musical is a live production featuring 5th and 4th graders. 4th graders have the opportunity to lottery for ensemble roles. 5th graders can either sign up to join the stagecrew or audition for a speaking/singing role.

A beloved part of the Riverside School experience, the musical is a great way for students to get public performance experience, bond with classmates, and work on a production as a team.

 

Parents of 4th and 5th graders are invited to join an informational Zoom on Wednesday, September 17 at 9:00am. The Zoom link will be sent in the next few days.

 

Please hold the following dates and read through the FAQs below:

 

2025-26 Key Dates:

 

REGISTRATION:

Opens - Thursday, September 18, 2025

Closes - Friday, September 26, 2025

 

 

AUDITIONS:

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 3:30 to 7/7:30pm

 

CAST & STAGEHAND REHEARSALS:

 

December 3, 10 and 17, 3:15-5:30/45pm

January 5-9, 3:15-7:00pm

January 11 (Sunday), afternoon

January 12-15, 3:15-7:30pm

 

*Times are subject to change and will be finalized by our director later this year. All rehearsals are mandatory due to the short timeline of this show*

  

PERFORMANCES:

January 16, 1:45pm (in-school, not open to public)

January 16, 7:00pm

January 17, 11:00am

 

 

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 want to be featured in some way (speaking or singing line, highlighted dance/gymnastics, supporting or principal role) will need to audition. Any 5th grader who wants to be in the ensemble only (group musical numbers and scenes) does NOT need to audition and will automatically be in the show. 4th graders do NOT need to audition and those chosen by lottery will automatically be in the ensemble.

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 ensemble or 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 Sunday, January 11th rehearsal from 1-5pm (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, Heeyoon Slater & Kelly Vives.