The Thurston Play is a great way to have fun, build community, and raise money for our neighborhood schools. You can get involved now in our March 14-16, 2025 production.
We have opportunities for many different talents: actors, organizers, prop makers, stage builders, choreographers, musicians, lighting, costumes, and more! A typical production includes 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 2 from 6-7 in the Thurston Library.
If you or your student would like to volunteer (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 for each individual (student or adult) who would like to participate in the play on the Member Login webpage. If you already have an account, you can skip this step.
- Step 2: Register on the Thurston Players website for this year’s production. Log into your account on the Thurston Players website and then complete a registration form for each individual (student or adult) who would like to participate in the play.
- Step 3: If you or your student would like to act, sign up for an audition slot. Auditions will be held Wednesday, October 16 from 6-8 and Thursday, October 17 from 6-9.at the Clague Auditorium. Auditions are fun and low pressure. Everyone gets a role! At the auditions:
- Young 5 – 4th grade students will be asked to say their names and sing a simple song.
- 5th 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.
- 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. Musical rehearsals will begin in December. 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 Clauge 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 49th production.
Who can participate in the production?
Thurston (Young 5 and up), middle-school, and high school students, staff, alumni, parents and guardians, and neighbors are welcome to participate. Young 5s – 4th grade actors will be in one song and dance scene, with non-speaking roles. Fifth graders through adult actors will have at least one line and one scene, with the potential for multiple scenes and dances depending on casting. We also need students and adults to help with other aspects of the production, including set building, prop construction, costumes, backstage, 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. There are many different volunteer roles that fit many different skill sets, schedules, and availability. Examples include selling concessions, distribution posters, making costumes, and supervising student actors.
Parents or guardians of Young 5-5th 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 Monday, 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 – 4th grade students will usually have rehearsals one night a week that begin at 6 or 6:30 and last 30 minutes to an hour. Fifth 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.
What are auditions like?
Auditions are fun and non-competitive! All students who audition will get a part in the play. At the auditions:
- Young 5 – 4th grade students will be asked to say their names and sing a simple song.
- 5th 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.