Drama Dragons
The Green Lake Drama Dragons program brings students, families, and staff together each year to create a magnificent theatrical production. Green Lake Elementary prides itself on offering meaningful multi-arts experiences for students, and our after-school drama program is truly one of a kind.
Led by longtime parent volunteers Molly Kerr Goldman and Merissa Goldstein (GoldKerr Productions), the program gives students the chance to explore acting, movement, storytelling, and stagecraft - all while working together to bring a beloved story to life.
Each year’s production is a huge community effort. Students rehearse for months to create a show complete with beautiful sets, elaborate costumes, lighting, “special effects”, music, choreography, and - of course - concessions.
The result is a joyful, high-energy performance that brings the entire school community together. For many families, it’s a highlight of the year.
Who It Serves
The entire Green Lake Elementary community.
Specific roles and grade ranges vary by production, but there are opportunities for:
- Older grades to audition for acting roles
- Younger grades to participate in the ensemble or chorus
- Students of all experience levels to be part of the show in non-acting roles
How It Works
The Drama Dragons produce one play each school year. Students rehearse after school for several months, learning lines, staging, choreography, and performance skills. Younger students often join the full cast closer to performance week.
Registration, audition details, rehearsal schedules, and performance dates are announced each fall through the PTA, newsletter, and other school communications.
Performances are free and open to everyone. A small, optional donation is suggested at the door, and concessions are available for purchase. These contributions help cover the costs of producing and running the play — the program is designed to cover its costs, not to be a fundraiser.
A Note from Molly and Merissa
We view every one of our productions as a community event and want as many people as possible to get involved and have fun. I started directing this program years before I had a kid in the play and have continued to do it even after my kids left GLES. The same is true for many other parents who love theater and want to be part of something creative.
How Students Participate
The Drama Dragons welcome students with all levels of experience. Each year’s production includes a mix of acting roles, ensemble parts, and behind‑the‑scenes opportunities so every student can find a place that feels right for them.
- Acting Roles (Upper Grades): Students in the older grades are invited to audition for speaking and featured roles. Auditions are low‑pressure and designed to help students try something new, build confidence, and have fun.
- Ensemble & Chorus (Younger Grades): Younger students often join the ensemble or chorus, learning simple choreography, group songs, and movement pieces. These roles help build stage comfort and give students a fun and meaningful way to be part of the show.
- Non‑Acting Roles (All Grades): Students who prefer to participate offstage can help with elements like props, set pieces, or simple backstage tasks during performance week. These opportunities vary by production and give students a chance to explore stagecraft.
Every student who wants to participate is welcomed. The goal is to create a supportive, creative environment where kids can try new things, work together, and experience the magic of putting on a show.
Volunteer Opportunities
Drama Dragons is much bigger than acting. Families and community members help with:
- Set building and painting - look out for info about our Set and Prop Workshop, usually held in November/December
- Costume sewing and crafting
- Hair and makeup
- Lighting and sound support
- Backstage supervision
- Providing concessions to sell at performances (feel free to keep it simple or get creative with themed snacks - it’s a beloved tradition!)
- Special projects at home (painting, crafting, sewing, etc.)
- Coming to the show and cheering on all of our Drama Dragons
There are countless ways to get involved - whether you love theater, love making things, or just want to be part of something joyful and creative.
Contact
For questions about the Drama Program or to get involved: goldkerrproductions@gmail.com
