What is EMD?
Early Morning Drama (EMD) is a before-school theatre program for 3rd - 5th graders where students work toward performing a full theater production, complete with costumes, lights, sound and sets under the direction of Mr. Boston. A play is selected in the fall and a musical in the spring.
How early is early?
Rehearsals start at 7:40 a.m. It's early and a lot of fun! Being on time is important, so make sure you have a plan for arriving on time for your rehearsal days.
How do I participate?
Signups will be announced at school in the beginning of August (for the Fall play) and January (for the Spring musical). Space is limited. Parents must enroll students online for the Fall/Spring shows. Fall and Spring are two separate classes; enroll for each program separately.
What is the commitment?
A Contract of Responsibility (Spanish) is required upon enrollment for EMD.
Students commit to attending all rehearsals before school, in addition to their performance date. Rehearsals are generally Monday-Thursday for the first 2 weeks, then each cast is notified of the remaining rehearsal schedule. Each cast performs one morning and one evening show. Tardies and absences are taken very seriously. Mr. Boston must be notified if your child will be absent or late. If your child needs to drop the program please notify Mr. Boston immediately as there is a waiting list of students who wish to participate.
What are auditions like?
There is no need to prepare anything before the first day of rehearsals. Students will be given materials to work on and practice at home for the audition to see who is best for each part. Scripts are distributed after casting. Most shows have either a double or triple cast.
Does it cost anything?
We ask that every student contribute a $50 donation. This donation covers some of the costs incurred in producing our shows such as costumes, sets, rights and royalties, scripts and so on. Donations are collected through the Trace VPA Boosters, a 501c3 non-profit organization run by parent volunteers. All donations are tax deductible and are used entirely to support this program. Please email the Trace VPA Boosters if you are interested in a scholarship or have any questions about the fees.
Auditions, Casting and Rehearsals
Early Morning Drama (EMD) is a before-school theatre program for 3rd - 5th graders where students work toward performing a full theater production, complete with costumes, lights, sound and sets under the direction of Mr. Boston. A play is selected in the fall and a musical in the spring.
How early is early?
Rehearsals start at 7:40 a.m. It's early and a lot of fun! Being on time is important, so make sure you have a plan for arriving on time for your rehearsal days.
How do I participate?
Signups will be announced at school in the beginning of August (for the Fall play) and January (for the Spring musical). Space is limited. Parents must enroll students online for the Fall/Spring shows. Fall and Spring are two separate classes; enroll for each program separately.
What is the commitment?
A Contract of Responsibility (Spanish) is required upon enrollment for EMD.
Students commit to attending all rehearsals before school, in addition to their performance date. Rehearsals are generally Monday-Thursday for the first 2 weeks, then each cast is notified of the remaining rehearsal schedule. Each cast performs one morning and one evening show. Tardies and absences are taken very seriously. Mr. Boston must be notified if your child will be absent or late. If your child needs to drop the program please notify Mr. Boston immediately as there is a waiting list of students who wish to participate.
What are auditions like?
There is no need to prepare anything before the first day of rehearsals. Students will be given materials to work on and practice at home for the audition to see who is best for each part. Scripts are distributed after casting. Most shows have either a double or triple cast.
Does it cost anything?
We ask that every student contribute a $50 donation. This donation covers some of the costs incurred in producing our shows such as costumes, sets, rights and royalties, scripts and so on. Donations are collected through the Trace VPA Boosters, a 501c3 non-profit organization run by parent volunteers. All donations are tax deductible and are used entirely to support this program. Please email the Trace VPA Boosters if you are interested in a scholarship or have any questions about the fees.
Auditions, Casting and Rehearsals
- On the first day of EMD, students line up in front of the main gate. Please be early.
- Rehearsals are held in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR). If the MPR is in use, we rehearse in Room C6.
- For the first 2 weeks, ALL students attend rehearsals Monday-Thursday. During this time, students will be auditioning and cast in their role. They do not need to prepare anything in advance of these rehearsals.
- After the first 2 weeks, Mr. Boston will notify students of the casting and weekly rehearsals will be split between the casts going forward. The last week of rehearsals includes a tech run and full dress rehearsal.
