The School Play is back with Madagascar! 

We heard you! Based on your feedback from last year, we are excited to announce that we have a NEW PLAY VENDOR, Sandbox Theaters. Their director, Jason Summers, is kind, passionate, and deeply committed to bringing the arts to Heathcote. 

Missed the zoom with Sandbox? We got you! Check this recorded session.

What’s Different This Year: Two casts!!

Cast A: Grades 2–3, supported by 1st grade as chorus

Cast B: Grades 4–5

 

Register

  • Register your child for the play using the play registration form. The form must be completed in full, including allergy/special-needs information, gender-role selection, and confirmation that you have reviewed the school play policies.
  • Registration will open on November 30th.

Register for School Play

 

Auditions

  • Cast A: Thursday, January 8 (Grades 2–3 only); Grade 1 chorus does not audition
  • Cast B: Friday, January 9 (Grades 4–5)
  • If your child would like to participate but cannot attend the audition, please let us know.

 

Part Distribution and Script Distribution

  • Parts announced and physical scripts distributed: Mid-January
  • Online rehearsal resources: Available once parts are assigned 

Performance Dates


February 28 (March 1 snow date)

Cast A: 11:00 am Cast B: 2:00 pm

 

Registration Fees (per Student)

  • Cast A: 1st grade chorus: $175, Grades 2–3: $200
  • Cast B: Grades 4–5: $200

Sandbox Theatre, our new vendor, will cast and direct the show. They currently work with 3 other Scarsdale Elementary Schools.

 

Rehearsal Schedule

Chorus rehearsals (Grade 1) run one hour per day, and we’ve designed them to be age-appropriate and manageable for 1st graders. Only the final two days have extended time for full-cast and dress rehearsals.

 

The PTA will be assigning parent volunteers to each cast to help with transitions, keep kids engaged, and ensure smooth rehearsals. Please volunteer!

 

SCHOOL 

PLAY

REHEARSAL
SCHEDULE

Fri, Feb 6

Mon, Feb 9 to Thu, Feb 12

Mon, Feb 23 and Tue, Feb 24

 Wed, Feb 25 and Thu, Feb 26

Fri, Feb 27

(Dress Rehearsals)
Cast A 1st Grade 3:15 - 4:15 pm 3:15 -5:15 pm 3:15 - 5:30 pm
Cast A 2nd & 3rd Grade 3:15 - 5:30 pm 3:15 - 5:15 pm 3:15 - 5:30 pm
Cast B 4th & 5th Grade 3:15 - 5:30 pm 5:30 - 7:30 pm 5:30 - 7:30 pm

 

*Note: Winter break from Feb 16 to 20

 

Please note : There are NO REFUNDS, so please be sure before registering.

 

Fees/Payment Information

 

The cost for the program is $200 per cast member and $175 for children’s chorus (Grade 1). You must be a fully paid member of the Heathcote PTA to participate.

Financial Aid

 

Financial aid is available if the cost of the program would represent an economic hardship. Please email the school psychologist, Ms. Turetzky at jturetzky@scarsdaleschools.org. All inquiries will be kept in the strictest confidence.

 

Children’s Casting

 

Children may not be assigned the role they audition for. Roles assigned could be the opposite gender of the child auditioning. We will provide the song choices and scripts for audition to you shortly after registration. Children’s choir (Grade 1) do not need audition!


Role assignments are determined solely by Sandbox. The PTA plays NO PART in assigning roles. Sandbox Theater and it's staff will not accept emails or phone calls from parents regarding auditions or casting.

 

Attendance

 

Attendance for every rehearsal and performance is expected. However, if you absolutely must miss a rehearsal, we will have online resources available to help your child stay on track. If you know of a conflict in advance, please contact the School Play Chairs.

 

Because our rehearsal period is short and intensive, the director may adjust or reassign roles if a student misses rehearsals, is unprepared, or has not memorized their lines. To help the show run smoothly, please avoid early pickups or absences during these two critical weeks whenever possible.

 

Illness

 

If your child has called in sick to school or has left school early for any illness, they should not attend the theater program that day. Please let us know and we will coordinate to make sure your child can catch up when they return. If your child misses 2 days of rehearsals their part will be reassigned. If your child is unable to attend rehearsal due to illness, please send an email to the school play chairs so we know your child will be absent that day.

 

Parent Volunteering

 

The success of our theater program depends upon you, the Parents! If you register your child in the theater program, we ask that one parent be available to volunteer; to assist at the rehearsals and/or at the performances. You will be able to sign-up to volunteer online after casting.

 

Rehearsals

 

Each child will receive a script, and there will be labels on the script to identify your child’s part/s and all of the scenes that your child participates in.

  • Please carefully review your child’s role and scenes listed on the front of the script.
  • Please do not rely on your child to interpret which role they may have.
  • Students should take the time to review the scripts and work on memorizing their lines before the program begins.

Things your child should bring to every rehearsal:

  • SCRIPT: Required daily, so please make sure they are taken care of (it would be a good idea to provide a folder for their safe-keeping).
  • SNACK/WATER: Nut free snacks ONLY! 
  • HOMEWORK/BOOK TO READ: Please make sure your child has a book, homework, or another activity in his/her backpack for down time. 

Rehearsal Dismissal

 

Children will be dismissed from Front Circle Door according to their rehearsal schedule (see above). 

 

Costume Requirements


Costumes will be supplied by Sandbox theater. Students will be required to wear a t-shirt, shorts, and/or a sleeved leotard under all costumes.

 

Discipline and Phone Policy

 

The Heathcote PTA offers this theater program for your child’s enrichment and enjoyment. If your child’s behavior is disruptive to the program, the Heathcote Play Chairs, Sandbox employees, and parent volunteers will adhere to the following protocol:

  1. After the first incident, the child will receive a warning and a note will be sent home. A copy will also be sent to the PTA chair.
  2. After the second incident, the child will be removed from that day’s rehearsal and the parent will be notified in person or by telephone.
  3. After the third incident, the child will be required to withdraw from the play. Fees are not refunded after casting.

 

PHONE POLICY: The Heathcote play is a PTA program and therefore, After School Club policies apply. Phones and smart watches must stay in backpacks or they will be collected for the duration of the rehearsal.  

 

Sandbox puts on shows at many schools throughout our area, so they request that parents not call or send emails directly to Sandbox Productions. Heathcote Performing Arts Chairs are happy to answer any questions you may have! Please write to us at schoolplay@heathcotepta.org and indicate which Cast you are inquiring about in the subject line.

 

Thank you!


Performing Arts Committee Chairs

Cast A: Allison Rosenzweig, Francine Handwerker and Kamini Mirchandani
Cast B:  Jessica Kaplitt, Andrea Alonso and Nicolle Rubin 

 

Register for School Play