SPEF Musicals

SPEF has played a vital role in the annual 5th Grade Musical. It began as a grant created by Ms. Anderson, the now-retired principal from SPHS, during her time as an elementary school teacher at MHS. Initially a SPEF grant, the program expanded to include all three elementary schools in the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD). Fifteen years ago, SPUSD determined it could no longer fund the program, prompting our SPEF board to step in and preserve this cherished tradition. The musical has since become a part of SPEF’s Afterschool Program and is now a beloved event that unites students from all three elementary schools.

This year, SPEF is excited to introduce a new addition to the Afterschool Program: the SPMS Spring Musical. This expansion allows students in grades 6-8 to engage in creative and dramatic pursuits, whether onstage, backstage, or through costume design.

The show is not possible without the amazing leadership and creativity of Adrian Cohen, the Artistic Director of Upstage Theatre Schools, and his Team, who help ensure the show can go on! Thank you!

Since 2011, SPEF has hired Upstage Theatre Schools to be the production team for SPEF’s 5th Grade Musical. Upstage Theatre Schools provides performing arts education for young people aged 5-15 in many Southern Californian locations, including South Pasadena. For more information on Upstage, go to https://www.upstageschools.com.

5GM Ticket Sales

Ticket Sales Here

SPMS Musical Information

General Information

Calendar of Rehearsals - TBD

5th Grade Musical

South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF) Presents: Shrek the Musical Jr.!

South Pasadena Educational Foundation and Upstage Theatre Schools present the South Pasadena Unified School District production of Shrek the Musical Jr. Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale characters who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way. Shrek Jr. has abundant opportunities for imaginative sets and costumes, and a host of over-the-top roles, there’s a part for everyone in this dazzling adventure story. Fifth-grade students from all three elementary schools start rehearsing their lines, songs, and dance numbers in October in preparation for Performance weekend in late January.

There are four shows:

Friday, January 24th, 7:30 pm (Blue Cast)
Saturday, January 25th, 4:00 pm (Blue Cast)
Saturday, January 25th, 7:30 pm (Red Cast)
Sunday, January 26th, 2:00 pm (Red Cast)

Tickets start at $10, and a Live Stream Package is available by donation.

The show is not possible without the amazing leadership and creativity of Adrian Cohen, Artistic Director of Upstage Theatre Schools & his Team who help make sure the show can go on! Thank you!

Since 2011, SPEF has hired Upstage Theatre Schools to be the production team for SPEF’s 5th Grade Musical. Upstage Theatre Schools is a provider of performing arts education for young people aged 5-15 years old in many Southern Californian locations, including South Pasadena. For more information on Upstage, go to https://www.upstageschools.com.

SPEF 5GM FAQ’s

Limited Enrollment & Expectations

Due to the program’s overwhelming popularity, enrollment is limited and will take place during an enrollment window this fall. Information, including the calendar of rehearsals, is posted on this page. Students should be available to attend all planned rehearsals.

Parent Volunteers

We value our parent (and sometimes grandparent) volunteers! All forms of support make this musical possible, from supervising rehearsals to helping backstage, distributing posters, or purchasing the volunteer buyout option when registering.

Who Can Register

Registration is open to current SPUSD 5th grade students.

How to Register

How to Register:

Registration is open from Monday, October 14, 9am – Thursday, October 17, 12pm midday or until full if earlier
Registration is online at https://spef4kids.campbrainregistration.com
If new to SPEF programs, you can create an account now and add household information
On Monday, October 14 log in to your account. At 9am, a 5th Grade Musical 2024-25 ‘Start Application’ button will appear. Refresh your browser if you logged in before 9am
Select/Add the student you want to register & update their grade
Add SPEF’s 5th Grade Musical to your cart
Select your student’s T-Shirt size (included in tuition)
Add any other options you would like:

- Add extra t-shirts ($20 each)
- Buy an Early-bird ‘Congratulations’ program advertisement ($50)
- Donate to SPEF

Select at least one committee you’ll help volunteer with. Select Volunteer Buyout if you are unable to volunteer due to work or family commitments. These are the options:

- Costumes Lead(s) & Costume Fittings & Pre-show Dressing Help
- Photos & Publicity
- Pre-show Hair & Makeup special looks
- Props/Backstage Lead(s)
- Props & Backstage Help
- Set Painting & Backstage Help
- Rehearsal Supervision Lead(s) & Rehearsal Supervision Help
- Show Support – Put up Posters, Box Office, Snacks, Wrap Party
- Volunteer Buyout ($350)

Complete Household/Publicity Waiver, Medical & School Forms
Tuition is $575. Select a Payment method:

- Credit card in full
- Credit card by installment – $75 Deposit, Installments 11/4, 11/25, 12/16, 1/6
- Cash/Check at the SPEF office by October 17, 12pm
- Tuition Assistance is available – Email SPEF before registration with questions

Your registration is not complete until you press submit
You will receive a confirmation email once you press submit. Check your spam
By Registering, you agree to SPEF’s Refund, Attendance & Publicity Policies

The registration portal will close on Thursday, October 17 at 12pm

Parent Information Meeting

We will hold a Parent Information Meeting by Zoom on Thursday, October 10 from 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM. Join members of SPEF & Upstage to get answers to any questions not covered in this handout. For privacy we are not making the link public but have sent it to 5th grade parents in the handout.

Attendance, Behavior & Supervision Policy

The Attendance Policy requires that students are available to attend all hours of planned rehearsals, unless ill. Rehearsals are most Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from October through January, and Saturday afternoon(s) in January. Please review the Rehearsal Calendar at www.SPEF4kids.org to confirm your student is available all planned hours.
At times, students will be required to watch others rehearse. The Behavior Policy requires that students be quiet and observant at this time, and show respect to fellow students, staff, and volunteers. Do not register your student if you think this might be a challenge for your student.
Supervision & Sign in/out policies also apply – Students must be supervised between school dismissal and the start of rehearsal, and Signed In & Out each rehearsal.

Wait List Policy

Registration is final once the portal closes or the program is full. If you would like to be put on the wait-list, please email bcox@spef4kids.org. Moving from the wait-list into the program is dependent on a student dropping from the program. There are no guarantees that being on the wait-list will result in your student getting into the program.
Email bcox@spef4kids.org if you need to drop your student from the musical. SPEF will offer Refund less $75 Admin fee until November 20.

Volunteer Committees

Volunteering is a great way to meet fellow parents, and see the show as it develops. We couldn’t do the show without your help! We expect all families to supervise at least one rehearsal and will share a sign up calendar in preparation for the start of rehearsals – In addition, when registering your student, you’ll be also asked to select a specific volunteer commitment. Help during dress rehearsal week & Performance weekend can easily fulfil your commitment, though we do need help from Rehearsal day 1 in Supervision. These are the options:

- Costumes Lead(s) & Costume Fittings & Pre-show Dressing Help
- Photos & Publicity
- Pre-show Hair & Makeup special looks
- Props/Backstage Lead(s)
- Props & Backstage Help
- Set Painting & Backstage Help
- Rehearsal Supervision Lead(s) & Rehearsal Supervision Help
- Show Support – Put up Posters, Box Office, Snacks, Wrap Party
- Volunteer Buyout ($350)

SPMS Spring Musical

Seize the Day with Disney’s rousing musical that has thrilled and inspired young people for generations.

South Pasadena Educational Foundation and Upstage Theatre Schools present the South Pasadena Unified School District production of Disney’s Newsies Jr. This adaptation of the Broadway musical is based on the 1992 film and inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.

When influential newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn they are stronger when united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

Three Ways You Can Participate

Acting

All students will be in the ensemble and can audition for specific roles. Auditions begin informally from day 1 – More information will be shared at the Parent Meeting in Spring.

Starts Wednesday, Feb-19, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Wed/Fri)
From Mar-14 rehearsals end 6 PM & Mondays added starting Apr-14
This is a 70-hour commitment (approx). Cost is $575

Costumes

Led by Upstage’s Costume Designer, Faith Kawakami, this is a great opportunity for students to learn the processes of creating and managing costumes for a theater show.

Monday, Apr-21 – Friday, Apr-25, 3:00 – 6:00 PM (Mon/Wed/Fri)
Dress Rehearsals & Show Weekend Thursday, May-01 – Sunday, May-04
This is a 30-hour commitment (approx) & includes two 2-hour workshops on Wed in March (date, TBD). Optional sessions to practice taking Measurements in Feb (date TBD). $260

Stage Crew

Led by Mr. Bachemin from SPMS, students will learn and run the technical aspects of the production, such as sets, props, light, sound, and video production (TBD).

Wednesday, Apr-23 – Sunday, May-04 (no Tuesday).
May include some set work on Thu Apr-24 &/or Sat Apr-26 (TBD).
This is a 36-hour commitment (approx). $295

Attendance

We expect students to be on time & not leave early for eg appointments
Attendance is Compulsory Tech Week & Performance Weekend
If your student is in the Period 8 band, they can join after class

Tech & Performance Dates

Tech week is Monday, Apr-28 – Friday, May 2 (No Tues)
Blue Cast Performs Friday, May 2, at 7 pm & Saturday, May 3, at 4 pm
Red Cast Performs Saturday, May 3, at 7 pm & Sunday, May 4, at 1 pm