
Information and Expectations
The Weston Friendly Society of the Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Weston Recreation Department and Weston Public Schools, provides a unique opportunity for Weston fourth and fifth graders to learn what it takes to prepare and participate in a musical show from theater educators. We are dedicated to offering all our students a fun, supportive, and enriching experience.
What our Friendly Kids program offers:
Each student will learn theater basics from experienced theater educators. Our emphasis is on the process of creating theater in a supportive and joyful environment. Theater teaches not only about acting on stage, but also creative problem solving, teamwork, trust, personal responsibility, resiliency, self-confidence, empathy, imaginative brain development and so much more!
What our Friendly Kids program includes:
Our theater programs include a guaranteed role in the production, show hoodie or t-shirt, official script, and rehearsal and performance time devoted to the process of creating a theatrical show.
While we may touch upon important aspects of technical theater (such as sets, props, costumes, sound and lighting), our main focus will be on developing the elements of song, dance, spoken dialogue and acting to tell a story.
Rehearsal and Performance Schedule:
Rehearsals typically run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 pm from late November/early December through mid March at Weston Community Center. In general, we follow the Weston Public School calendar - no classes when Weston Public School is on break.
Daily rehearsals with greater daily time commitment are required during tech week.
Three performances are held over the weekend at the end of tech week.
Tech week and our show weekend are typically held mid to late March at Weston Town Hall.
A detailed schedule will be updated before registration starts.
Attendance Requirements:
Theater is a team effort - each person in each role is important to create a successful rehearsal process and show. We understand that an occasional conflict might arise, and we appreciate you communicating these to us well in advance, but in general…
Regular rehearsal attendance - for all scheduled days and for the entire scheduled time - is expected.
Full attendance during tech week and performances is MANDATORY.
If you have any questions regarding your ability to commit to the full rehearsal and performance schedule, or if there may be other issues which may impact your child’s full participation in the program, email Friendly Kids of Weston before registering.
Auditions:
‘Auditions’ will take place early in the rehearsal process for all students who are enrolled in the program. Auditions allow our directors to get to know each child and their comfort level with performing as well as to gain insight into which role might be best suited for each child. The roles that are offered will vary according to the licensed script. Role assignments are at the discretion of the directors.
Although ‘auditions’ may sound a bit intimidating, they are done in a fully supportive and fun atmosphere. Our goal with this program is for our students to learn more about theater, to challenge themselves, and to have a positive experience putting the show together as a bonded cast!
Enrollment in the program is NOT audition based.
Expectations of our students and our families:
Acting experience: No prior theatrical experience is expected - we welcome those who are new to theater as well as those who are experienced.
Full Attendance: Full commitment is expected. Please see “Attendance Requirements” above.
Communication: Our main communication will be through the email parents provide at registration. Parents are expected to routinely check emails for updates and notices. Parents should contact us at friendlykidsofweston@gmail.com.
Photos & Videos: As this is a theatrical show, photos and videos are often taken during rehearsals and performances and may be shared publicly. We expect all parents to contact us before registering if they have any questions about the use of photos/videos. We also expect that all parents will follow photo & video show licensing restrictions.
Student Needs: Having every child feel successful in this endeavor is important to us. Parents are expected to communicate potential issues, concerns or other special circumstances that may impact their child’s participation in the program.
Homework: Participants will be expected to memorize their lines and songs at home so they get the most out of rehearsals and can be “off-book” at the appointed date well before the show. Adults or older siblings are encouraged to help them with this. We also expect the children to practice their scenes, dances, and songs in between rehearsals at home.
Costumes: Families are expected to provide or contribute toward costumes as determined by the directors. Additional costume elements may be provided by the Friendly Kids program.
Pickup/Drop Off: Students should be on time for rehearsal and picked up promptly. Parents must arrange for their children to have appropriate supervision before and after rehearsal. The program is not able to accommodate early drop offs, late pick ups or provide transportation.
Illness: Students should stay home from rehearsal if ill, OR if absent or sent home from school due to illness. Parents are expected to email Friendly Kids of Weston regarding their child’s unexpected absence from rehearsal as soon as possible.
Parental Support: Parents are expected to fully support and encourage their children in this endeavor, regardless of role assignment, and make attending rehearsals & being at the theater for call times a priority.
Student Behavior: All students must be willing to participate fully, be attentive, follow rules and instruction, and be respectful of staff, property & each other. With this in mind, the program will be fun for everyone!
Refund Policy:
A full refund minus a nonrefundable $50 service fee will be issued if notified by email to Friendly Kids of Weston no later than 30 days prior to the start of the program.
No transfers at any time. No refunds if notification is received less than 30 days before the start of the program. No refunds if a student is registered before the official appropriate registration date and time (see “registration” below).
Frequent and recurring absences, frequent and recurrent early departures and late arrivals, or failure to timely notify Friendly Kids of Weston of absences or early departures/late arrivals, as well as not meeting the other expectations noted above, may be grounds for dismissal from the program or other action at any time without refund at the discretion of the production team.
Our program is contingent upon sufficient enrollment. Tuition will be returned if the class must be canceled prior to its start.
Financial Assistance:
Financial hardship should not prevent children from being part of our program. If you require financial assistance, please email Friendly Kids of Weston before registration starts.
Registration:
All participants of Friendly Kids of Weston must be a fourth or fifth grader enrolled at the Weston Field School or be a fourth or fifth grade resident of Weston, MA.
PLEASE NOTE: Starting in the 2025-26 season, the first week of registration will be exclusively for 5th Graders. After the first week of registrations, both fourth and fifth graders are welcome to register.
Registration will start in September. Exact dates and times for registration will be found on the Friendly Kids class registration page and on the Friendly Kids webpage at www.westonfriendly.org.
In order to provide the best experience possible, ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED.
The program has become very popular and tends to fill quickly. If the program fills before the start of class, please join the waitlist found on the registration link.
More Questions:
Please email any concerns or questions to FriendlyKidsofWeston@gmail.com. We are happy to hear from you!
Thank you for your interest in Friendly Kids of Weston!
