Paper Moon Drama is first and foremost a children’s theatre troupe. We are indeed Fun & Fantastical but Make no mistake we are a true training ground for young actors and kids who are excited to get involved in theatre. Our educational focus on actor training while workshopping popular works and performing original material and literary classics is designed to light the spark for the next generation of quality actors! Our players also have more opportunities than most to develop their talents. We like to keep things exciting and provide as many opportunities for our players as possible with 5 school year shows and 1 summer show each year!
Although we happen to be conveniently timed after school, we are not child care and very much want the distinction to be made. If a student has a genuine desire to be on stage with us and is excited to be in a theatre program, and it happens to work well with their parent’s schedule as a place for them to be each day after school, that’s great! But above all else we want kids who are genuinely excited to be part of our troupe & can make the commitment that a theatre troupe requires to be at rehearsals, exhibit respectful behavior, to practice their lines, and be a team player on one of the best teams around!
Paper Moon Drama follows the Monona Grove School District Calendar. If there is school, then there is Paper Moon! Similarly if there is no school for any reason then there is no rehearsal for Paper Moon. Paper Moon also abides by all MGSD weather related calls including days off school, early release, and the cancellation of after school activities. Please pay attention to school district emails and news outlets for weather related closings.
For our Core Cast school year shows 1st - 5th grades & our school year Full Cast 1st - 8th grade shows We meet M-F directly after school until 5:30pm.
Winnequah students can be picked up by the director in front of the school at 2:40pm and we walk together as a group to rehearsals.
Actual Rehearsal Time runs from 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
Students coming from home or other schools should arrive by or before 3:30pm. Our GDS Students should arrive by 3:40 & try to eat a snack on the way over to rehearsal.
Pick up time is from 5:30-5:45pm with the exception of dress rehearsal weeks where pick up may be a little later.
After School & Before Rehearsal:
Directly after school is our Snack & Relax time from 2:40-3:30pm. Sometimes we play at the playground a bit, sometimes we have spotlight time where kids can jump on stage, sing a song, tell a joke, perform a skit or whatever they think of, sometimes we have a dance party, & sometimes we just hang out as friends while we eat our after school snacks.
Rehearsal Locations:
The Monona Public Library located at 1000 Nichols Rd Monona & The Monona United Methodist Church located at 606 Nichols Rd Monona
Rehearsal Rehearsal Rehearsal:
Rehearsals include plenty of super fun warm up theatre games, improv, comedy sports & laughter. Having fun is MAJOR priority for us, but don’t let that fool you, Paper Moon delivers real deal quality actor training & technique as good acting is also a MAJOR priority for us. We will learn stage directions, theatre lingo, and of course fun accents. We will create props, sets, & amazing friendships. Did I mention we will have a TON of FUN? We absolutely will!
Onto rehearsing for our shows!
As we rehearse for our shows we will be working on blocking, stage directions, memorization, and acting technique focused on becoming our characters to create believable, authentic, & amazing actors!
Our goal is for all of our cast members to feel comfortable, confident, have fun, build friendships, grow in talent, and fall in love with the theatre!
How do I get in Paper Moon?
Our biggest requirement to join Paper Moon isn’t talent for our core cast, WE TRAIN TALENT, it is a desire to part of the theatre and part of Paper Moon. Entrance into Paper Moon is granted as long as you REGISTER and there is room. We will totally give you your chance to shine!
Don’t I need to audition?
Our auditions are held in the first & second week of each session when everyone is comfortable & we begin to see everyone’s personalities & skill sets. It is my strong belief that when you know your cast and they’re relaxed, you discover so much more about your cast and have the insight to bring out and showcase their talents therefore casting a much better show! Everyone is cast, everyone plays a role!
Any Other Requirements?
All of our cast members need to be able to follow directions and to participate with a positive attitude and an enthusiastic spirit to make sure it’s a wonderful experience for us all!
Memorizing lines is ultimately the responsibility of each young actor, while we will be running lines with our scene partners & on stage during rehearsal time, we do expect all cast members to run their lines at home as well, so that everyone feels confident and is ready! You might surprise yourself by what you’re capable of!
Am I right for theatre?
The theatre takes all kinds of personalities from the shyest of the shy to Hammiest of the hams. The theatre reflects life and therefore needs all kinds of people to portray all kinds of characters. If you’re just beginning or have been in 1000 plays & are a young pro, we’re going to grow your talent from where you’re at. We want you just as you are!
Gotta be said…
Students do need to be able to listen, take direction, and show respect to their cast mates and Director. Physical harm, bullying, or excessively disruptive behaviors that can not be rectified will sadly result in dismissal from Paper Moon. Reminding everyone that we’re a theatre program, not child care, and everyone needs to feel safe, happy, and be able to learn and have fun!
Paper Moon Rules:
1. No running or screaming, unless directed 2. No physical contact, unless directed 3. No touching therefore no taking things that are not yours. That includes food, toys, props and costumes, and anything else that’s not yours. 4. Participate with a positive attitude. 5. Be kind and respectful to all. 6. Listen and follow directions 7. Commit to practicing and learning your lines. 8. Stay with the group. 9. Attend all rehearsals, unless excused. 10. Treat all rehearsal facilities with care and respect 11. Simple You gotta wanna be part of a theatrical troupe & and part of Paper Moon Drama 🌝
