With many single-parent families and families in which two parents work, children may not get as much attention as they used to. Being on stage means all eyes are on them for a few moments, and the excitement around the performances makes them stars in their own homes. Then the teachers huddle and decide how to parcel out the parts. All the students have some lines to say, and most also take part in musical numbers. None of the parts is so large that it creates a starring role for any one child.
Rehearsals take place before school and during recess.
This year, one parent played piano for rehearsals, another coached the tap dancers, and another made poodle skirts for all the girls in the show. Others painted scenery, helped backstage, and listened to children learn their lines. After 30 years of putting on plays, Norman feels they're more important than ever. With many single-parent families and families in which two parents work, children may not get as much attention as they used to. Being on stage means all eyes are on them for a few moments, and the excitement around the performances makes them stars in their own homes, he said.