2008 Grant Proposal Details

Honk! The Musical   McCornack Elementary

Total: $2000

Description:  Our project is to produce a Broadway-style production of "Honk!," the musical. This musical is based upon the beloved Hans Christian Andersen story, "The Ugly Duckling." We would like to have three evening performances on May 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2009. The show will include a large cast, choir and crew of approximately 100 children. Students from grades 4 and 5 will be participating. The 5th graders will be cast in the major roles. 4th graders will be in the show choir and will appear in smaller roles. 5th graders will also be given added responsibilites involving sets, sound, lights and other stage needs. They will be assisted by several current and former McCornack staff members, current and former parents, former McCornack students and community volunteers. This will be a major team effort!

Why is this important?  "Honk!" will be our 27th annual musical at McCornack. What is very special about this particular show is its core theme - acceptance of all and The Golden Rule. We have a Human Dignity Creed at McCornack. The story of "The Ugly Duckling" fits it perfectly. Throughout this musical, the challenge of others willingness to accept someone who is "different" is dealt with over and over. Many life lessons will be taught to our McCornack students and community both as actors and audience members. In addition to the theme of acceptance, participating students will gain much knowledge in the areas of public speaking, musical and dramatic skills, learning choreography and most importantly, gaining a stronger self-confidence through an "I can do it!" spirit. Students and are always thrilled and amazed at their new found abilities that they never knew they possessed. For many students, participating in this musical will be the most memorable experience of their elementary school years. I have heard that from so many children many times over every year.

Who will be served?  At least 100 children will be served in the 4th and 5th grades. Unfortunately McCornack's music teacher position has been drastically cut at our building and so we are having to reduce the size of our choir. Auditions for Honk! will be in December. Everyone who shows up for the auditions will be in the show. No one is ever turned away.

How will this be evaluated?  One obvious way of evaluating an undertaking such as this one is to view the success of our final performances. Personally, as the director, I am continually evaluating the success of this project every day as children show me their commitment and improvement as they master challenging songs, dances, scenes, attend long rehearsals, build personal pride in their accomplishments, understand the importance of teamwork, etc. It is also very easy to evaluate the success of this project when I watch the tear-stained faces of parents as they observe their children during rehearsals and performances. I have had so many parents come up to me expressing shocked disbelief and state they never knew their child could sing, or act, or dance or all of the above. It is a shared, joyful experience for all concerned. Another successful evaluation is to realize that many students participating in this musical will come from Ell, SED, SpED and a myriad of other behavioral/academic situations. Some students really struggle academically in the classroom, but find they can meet success on the stage. Deep, lasting friendships are also an important added bonus for children, parents and community members that put in many hours of togetherness time over several months of production preparation.

Does this build on existing programs?  If we are able to fund this musical, it will be our 27th annual musical at McCornack. Building upon that tradition is very special at our school. Our music program has been cut dramatically this year, so being able to produce this musical will help to at least provide additional quality musical experiences for our students. Not only does this musical build upon our musical theatre legacy at McCornack, but the theme builds upon our PBS/IPBS positive behavior program. State benchmarks in the areas of language arts, public speaking and the arts are also achieved.

Budget:  Music Theatre International Production Contract Fee for "Honk!" including royalty, security, rental, shipping and performance rates: $1,085.00 Approximate Set Construction Costs including paint, plywood, and miscellaneous items: $400.00 Approximate Costume Budget: $750.00 (We are always over budget when it comes to costumes. I have included this stated amount and am hoping to receive some assistance from a local theatre by borrowing some costumes to offset some additional costume costs.) Approximate Sound Equipment Rental Fees: $300.00 - Total Cost For This Production: $2535.00

Proposal #:  68