The Bishop Play is returning this year and celebrating its 25th Anniversary with Matilda Jr! We are welcoming back the talented children’s theatre director Sarah Morrison Zeitman and choreographer Lucy Morrison to direct this year’s production. The play is a huge undertaking and requires a lot of coordination between our directorial staff, the parent community and PTO, Bishop staff and administration, and Bright Start. This year, the play will again be open to Bishop students in grades 1 through 5. .

Details on ways to participate and costs are below. If you have any questions, please email thebishopplay@gmail.com.

Registration will start on Monday, November 3rd at 9:00am and end on Friday, November 7th at 9:00pm. The registration form will be available here, on the PTO website, under My Account > My Forms/Paperwork.

Ways to Participate:

  • Students in grades 1, 2, and 3 can register to participate in an ensemble role
  • Students in grades 4-5 can register to:
    • Audition for a leading/larger role
    • Participate in an ensemble role (no audition required)
    • Participate in Tech Ensemble (new! and different from past years)
    • Please see notes from the directors at the bottom of this message for more information about these options!

Cost:

  • $75 for grades 4-5
  • $60 for grade 3
  • $50 for grade 2
  • $40 for grade 1 
  • Scholarships are available for any families in need; please contact Ms. Liner. 

Key Dates:

  • Registration: November 3-7. The form will open at 9:00am on November 3 and close on Friday, November 7th at 9:00pm. It can be accessed here, on the PTO website, under My Account > My Forms/Paperwork.
  • Mandatory Parent/Caregiver Meeting (virtual): Thursday, November 20th at 7:00pm 
  • Auditions for Grades 4-5: Wednesday, November 12th from 1:15-3:15
  • Call Backs for Grades 4-5: Friday, November 14th from 2:45-5:45
  • Rehearsals: Wednesdays 1:15-3:30 (Cast A) or Fridays 2:45-5:00 (Cast B) 
    • Grades 4-5 will start rehearsing in December 
    • Grade 3 will start rehearsing in January 
    • Grades 1 and 2 will start rehearsing in February
  • Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, March 14th, 12:00-2:30 (Cast A), 2:30-5:00 (Cast B)
  • Performance Weekend March 20th-22nd
    • Cast A Performances are Friday, March 20th at 7:00pm and Saturday, March 21st at 2:00pm
    • Cast B Performances are Saturday, March 21st at 6:00pm and Sunday, March 22nd at 2:00pm

Notes from the Directors about Options for 4th and 5th Graders:

Audition: Students will come to one of two audition slots in November where they will learn part of a dance from the show and sing some songs from the show. Some students will be invited to callbacks where they will dance, sing and act out a scene with a script in hand. The directors will guide students through the process and are looking for enthusiasm and expression! Students who audition are eligible for a leading role, a smaller speaking role or a solo. They should be prepared to attend most rehearsals, including all December rehearsals.

 

Ensemble: Students who choose to be in the Ensemble do not need to audition. They will be cast in group numbers where they will sing and dance as part of the larger cast. Ensemble members typically do not have their own lines or solos but are essential to the musical’s energy and storytelling. The ensemble should expect to attend rehearsal regularly, including the Read-Through and several December rehearsals. 

 

Tech-Ensemble: This year, we are excited to offer a new Tech-Ensemble option for 4th and 5th graders. Students in Tech-Ensemble will not audition but will be present at rehearsals throughout the process where they will learn the songs and dances so they are familiar with the show, just like the other cast members. 

 

In addition, at some rehearsals, Tech-Ensemble will help build and paint set pieces, create props and assist with other backstage roles. During the performances, Tech-Ensemble students will have the option to appear on stage in the ensemble and/or be assigned to a backstage role.

Students should understand that technical roles (such as running the spotlight or pulling the curtain) are not guaranteed and will be assigned to those who demonstrate strong responsibility and focus during rehearsals. Tech-Ensemble members will attend the December Read Through and should be available for rehearsals beginning in December (they will be called for some rehearsals much earlier than in recent productions).



Questions? Please email thebishopplay@gmail.com