Get Involved

The Thurston Play is a great way to have fun, build community, and raise money for our neighborhood schools. Now is the time to get involved for our March 2026 production.

We have opportunities for many different talents: actors, organizers, prop makers, stage builders, choreographers, musicians, lighting, costumes, and more! A typical production includes 100+ volunteers from ages 5-75+ and includes Thurston students, family members, teachers, and community members. To learn more, join us for an information session, Wednesday, October 1 from 6-7 in the Thurston Multipurpose Room.

If you or your student would like to join (as actors or in another role) for this year’s play, please take the following steps:

• Step 1: Create a Thurston Players website account. Create an account on the registration webpage. If you already have an account, you can log in using your existing credentials.
• Step 2: Register on the Thurston Players website for this year’s production. Once logged into your account on the Thurston Players website and you can complete a registration form. You must start by registering yourself (the parent) and indicating how you will volunteer. (Putting on an entire original production each year takes many, many volunteers!). Once you have registered at least one adult, you can then register students and/or other adults who would like to participate in the play. A new registration form must be completed every year for returning players.
• Step 3: Any students or adults who would like to act (i.e., be in the play) should attend auditions. Auditions will be held Tuesday, October 14 and Wednesday October 15 from 6-8:30 at the Clague Auditorium (see schedule below). Auditions are fun and low pressure. Everyone gets a role! At the auditions:
  • Young 5s – 5th grade students will be asked to say their names and then sing a simple song as a group and copy a few dance moves. If your student can’t make their assigned audition time, they are welcome to come to a nearby grade’s slot instead.
  • 6th grade students – adults will be asked to read a few lines, sing a few lines, and dance a few steps as instructed by the choreographer in attendance. Please sign-up for an audition slot.

Contact ip.thurstonplayers@gmail.com if you are interested in auditioning and not available these days.

• Step 4: Stay tuned! The internal producer or volunteer coordinator will reach out after you have signed up or auditioned to let you know about next steps. Orientation night will be held on Wednesday, November 19th at 6pm. Rehearsals will begin in December (see weekly schedule at the bottom of this page). In the meantime, you can follow the Thurston Community Players on Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thurston Play?

The Thurston Play is an original musical production that is written, produced and performed by Thurston parents, students, staff, alumni, alumni-parents, and neighbors. Proceeds from the play are donated to the Thurston and Clague PTOs. It is run by the volunteer board of the Thurston Community Players, which is a sub-entity of the Thurston Parent Teacher Organization. This will be our 50th production!

Who can participate in the production?

Thurston (Young 5s and up), middle-school, and high school students, staff, alumni, parents and guardians, and neighbors are welcome to participate. Young 5s – 5th grade actors will be in one song and dance scene, with non-speaking roles. Sixth graders through adult actors will have at least one song and dance scene, with the potential for multiple scenes and dances as well as lines depending on casting. We also need students and adults to help with other aspects of the production, including set building and painting, prop construction, costumes, backstage, music, and more.

Is there a fee?

Yes. We ask that you contribute $60 for each actor and $20 for all other participants. This contribution covers your costume, makeup, and snacks and meals during the production. We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone’s participation. Please email ip.thurstonplayers@gmail.com to request a fee waiver or reduction.

What are my obligations if my student is in the play?

You must volunteer to help with the production in some way. There are many different volunteer roles that fit many different skill sets, schedules, and availability. Examples include selling concessions, distributing posters, making costumes, and supervising student actors.

Parents or guardians of Young 5s-5th grade actors must be present at their child’s rehearsals or arrange for the close supervision of your child by another adult. The play is not a drop-off activity. There will be downtime during some rehearsals. Students are not allowed to run or play in the school halls or classrooms. You will need to send homework, books, and other quiet activities for students to do during these times.

Where and when are rehearsals?

Rehearsals will take place at Clague’s Auditorium and will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. Rehearsals will begin in December and continue after winter break. At the beginning of the season, you will receive a schedule with the rehearsal dates and times for your or your student. Young 5s – 5th grade students will have rehearsals one night a week at a consistent time from December until mid-February (see schedule below). Sixth graders-adults will have more frequent rehearsals, depending on their role. In the last few weeks before the productions, rehearsals will be more frequent and last longer.

Weekly Rehearsal Schedule for 25/26:

• Young 5s, Kindergarteners, and 1st graders: Wednesdays 6-6:30
• 2nd graders: Tuesdays 6-6:30
• 3rd graders: Wednesdays 6:30-7
• 4th graders: Tuesdays 6:30-7
• 5th graders: Tuesdays 7-7:30/7:45
• 6th graders-adults: You will receive a rehearsal schedule in November that outlines which rehearsals you need to be at. Rehearsals will take place Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 6-9.