1. family and parenting
2. children

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MELBOURNE MONTESSORI PLAYERS 2015
CYCLE 2 and 3 2015 Production: The Lion, the
Witch and Wardrobe
Dear Cycle 2 & 3 Parents and wonderful thespians
BACKGROUND:
A child’s mind sparked an idea. “Let’s do a play!” and from a thought, the “Melbourne
Montessori Players: was unleashed in 2001.
A school production is a dynamic world– it uncovers a myriad of emotions from fear, nervous energy,
and boundless excitement to bubbling entertainment. A group of 6 Cycle 3 Montessori children
begged for an opportunity to put on a play in 2001. Of course it didn’t take much persuasion as I have
a difficult time suppressing enthusiasm of the dramatic kind (particularly from children). It was a
dream of theirs that the $200 raised would be enough to create a tradition. It has been an exciting
adventure as we have realised their dream and their legacy continues…
The Excitement is in the air. It’s PRODUCTION TIME again!!! In the tradition of tackling new
performance challenges and noticing the myriad skills our children possess…. It gives me great
pleasure to present to you the 2015 journey into a world beyond the cupboard and into the Land of
Narnia.
We are proud to have secured the rights to go from page to stage with
The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe
Based on C.S Lewis novel
PLOT SYNOPSIS
Step inside a spectacular world of mythical creatures, sparkling spells and an epic battle between
good and evil as C S Lewis’ classic story is brought to life on the Rose Theatre stage in an
exhilarating new production.
The Pevensie children, Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter, are evacuated from their London home to
the grand old Professor’s house deep in the English countryside. Among its many rooms is one that is
quite empty - except for a dusty old wardrobe.
When Lucy steps inside, little does she know that her life will change forever. Beyond the fur coats
and mothballs, under the glow of a lamp post, lies the mysterious, magical land of Narnia, a land
where it is always winter but never Christmas, a land enslaved by the power of the White Witch.
Lucy takes her brothers and sister on a thrilling adventure to meet the majestic Aslan, the loveable Mr
Tumnus and his fantastical friends - and to free Narnia from the White Witch.
If you listen carefully, you will surely hear the whisper, ‘Aslan is on the move’
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All children wanting to be involved on or off stage should come along and let us know of their desire
to be involved. The production this year will take place on 29 and 30 May 2015. The commitment to
the play is considered a contract and a promise to be at all rehearsals and play a role in all aspects of
play production. Students are encouraged to take ownership and responsibility from learning lines,
character development to marketing and make up designs.
PLEASE CHECK THAT YOUR CHILD IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL REHEARSALS!!
NO EXCEPTIONS!! PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
PLEASE NOTE: As this year's production is early, I have had to add a few rehearsals on Sundays.
If your child is unable to attend these they may have to settle for a smaller role. There will be some
rehearsals where some students will not be required in order to polish other scenes. You will be
notified via email or sms. This is an intense schedule, but children, with support, can work through it
with amazing results. Please let me know if your child is struggling and I am happy to support and talk
to them.
Payment Details:
Please make cheques payable to D.Weisz or cash in an envelope with commitment form
Direct deposit:
NAB 68 9992686
BSB 083 187
(Please put your child’s name and lion)
As in previous years we will need to collect a production levy from each child of $250.
This money is used to be able to enhance the students experience and covers lights, costumes,
props, set design and other theatrical costs.
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Characters are:
Air raid warden, Railway porter, Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, Ivy, Margaret, Betty, Mrs Macready (
housekeeper), Professor Kirk, Mr Tumnus, Grumpskin, The white witch, Sightseers, Beaver, Mrs.
beaver, Maugrim, squirrels, satyr, old fox, Aslan, the lion, Dryads, Naiads, Centaurs, Unicorn, Eagle,
Leopards, Deer, Witches creatures, Statues, Giant Rumblebuffin, King Peter, Queen Susan, King
Edmund, Queen Lucy
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Attached you will find a commitment form that must be understood and signed by both parent and
child before they can audition. Please read it carefully and discuss it with your child.
WE EXPECT ALL CHILDREN TO BE AT ALL REHEARSALS.
Over the years I have gained valuable experience, which highlights the importance of understanding
the commitment and attendance required from you and your child for a successful production.
Please ensure that your child brings this signed form to the first rehearsal
As in previous years we will need to collect a production levy from each child of $250. This money is
used to be able to enhance the students experience and covers lights, costumes, props, set design
and other theatrical costs.
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Please remember that this is not about showcasing talent and no previous experience is
needed. This is about giving each child the chance to be a member of a team, growing
together through the creative process.
Delyse Weisz: mobile 0419 313 978 email: [email protected]
PARENTAL HELP REQUIRED:
It takes a team to put on a play and each year I have had incredible support from parents. The
opportunity to be a part of going “from page to stage” with your child is exhilarating. It is a
special way to share in this unique experience with your child. If you have a skill to offer, I
would be thrilled to have you play a role in our production family. A time and date to be
announced to get together.
LIST OF SKILLS…………….We so love you to be involved – and we really honour your time
and dedication to the arts as you support this terrific process
 Advertising/design of tickets, programmers and posters
 Costume design and making (coordinator)
 Prop design and building
 Lighting
 Sound
 Transporting of props to theatre
 Setting up rehearsal space
 Front of house ( needed on the day) to sell and check tickets
 Ushers
 Bump in ( needed for dress rehearsal)
 Bump out ( needed after final performance)
 Pizza night – (EXCEPTIONALLY NB JOB. I have it on good authority that this is the only
reason children do the play?) organizing, picking up pizzas on dress rehearsal day and
delivering with a smile, napkins and plenty)
 Host for cast party (VERY IMPORTANT MUST HAVE LOTS OF WINE FOR
DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS)
 Working bee liaison officer/ gopher - to run errands (not really a big job but well appreciated)
 Video
 Photographer
 Choreographer assistant
 Musical director
 Rehearsal duty roster
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MELBOURNE MONTESSORI PLAYERS
CYCLE 2/3 PLAY 2015
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
COMMITMENT: Because of limited time and wanting to promote confidence within a quality
performance I ask you to check the dates now and be sure that you and your child are committed
and available for all rehearsals as well as the performance date.
The rehearsal process is vital to the success of any production and missing a rehearsal means you are letting
down the team and that the child feels ‘left out’ the following rehearsal.
Please sign and return this form before or on the date of audition to ensure a place for your child!
Emergency contact person_______________________________________
Mobile number_____________________________Email address_________________
We________________________________(name of parent/s/guardian)
and________________________________(name of child) age________
Understand and agree:
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To come to every rehearsal with brain food and water and to learn the lines as requested by
directors.
To pay the $250 Production levy by first rehearsal (12 February)
To be present at all rehearsals.
To be punctual at drop off and pick up.
To learn our lines promptly by 28 March.
To attend all rehearsals ready to focus, concentrate, listen and be respectful to all fellow
performers at all times!
To bring my script, a pencil and water bottle to every rehearsal
To speak out if there is any concern.
To have fun!
Signed by :
Parent
Student
__________________________
_____________________
Date______________________
Date_________________
Looking forward to being creative and having fun!