Start a Drama Program: Afterschool Classes & Theatre Productions for Grades K-12 with Moonlit Wings
- Moonlit Wings Pro
- Jan 3
- 15 min read
Updated: Mar 17
Schools and PTAs can get started by submitting a quick program form so we can learn more about your goals and provide recommendations or a quote.
Before completing the form, you may wish to review the preparation checklist to gather the information needed.
Start a Program:
Afterschool Drama Classes
School Play or Musical Productions
Table of Contents
ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
DRAMA CLASSES
SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS
PROGRAM LOGISTICS & SCHOOL COORDINATION (Classes and Productions)
GETTING STARTED
About Our Programs
Partner with Us
Moonlit Wings Productions partners with schools and PTAs to bring engaging performing arts programs to students through after-school drama classes and school theatre productions.
Our programs are designed for students in grades K–12, with activities and productions tailored to different age groups and experience levels. Experienced Moonlit Wings instructors guide students through the creative process while building confidence, collaboration, and performance skills.
Types of Programs
Schools typically choose between two program formats:
Afterschool Drama Classes – a simple and flexible introduction to acting where students explore storytelling, improvisation, and short scenes. Younger groups (often K–1 or K–2) focus more on imagination and play-based storytelling, while older students (typically grade 2 and up) work more with short scripted scenes. Classes culminate in a casual class sharing for families during the final session.
School Play or Musical Productions – larger stage experiences involving more rehearsals and a final performance. Moonlit Wings directors can run the entire production process from auditions through performance using the resources available at the school, even with minimal technical setup.
Some schools choose to involve PTA volunteers to expand elements such as costumes, props, or simple technical details, but this is completely optional. Many productions are successfully staged with simple lighting, basic sound, and costumes assembled from students’ own closets.
If your school is unsure which option is the best fit, we’re happy to help you explore both.
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Afterschool Drama Classes
Class Overview
Afterschool drama classes are often the easiest way for schools to introduce performing arts programming.
Students explore acting and storytelling through activities such as improvisation games, short scripts, movement exercises, and character work. Younger students tend to focus more on imagination and play-based storytelling, while older groups work more with short scripted scenes.
For schools just getting started, we typically recommend All Star Drama Club, which provides a balanced introduction to acting, improv, scene work, and music.
Schools can choose from several program formats, including:
• All Star Drama Club
• Broadway Bound
• Pop Star Spotlight
Themed favorites inspired by popular titles such as Aladdin, Matilda, Wickedly Wizards & Witches, K’Pop Dreamin’ Stunners, and more are available upon request. We can also customize a class based on your group’s interests.
Many schools run acting classes throughout the entire school year, offering new registration periods each season such as fall, winter, and spring. Each class features new curriculum and activities every season, allowing returning students to continue participating without repeating the same material.
Class Program Structure
Most afterschool drama programs run:
• 6–10 weeks
• 1 class per week
• 60–90 minutes per class
Classes typically culminate in a casual class sharing during the final 20 minutes of the last session, where parents are invited to briefly watch what students worked on during the program.
This is not a full production and does not require licensing, costumes, or technical elements. It is simply an opportunity for families to get a sneak peek at what their child has learned during the class. Classes require an open space large enough for movement activities and short scene work, such as a classroom, multipurpose room, cafeteria stage, gym space, or small auditorium.
The space should ideally allow room for families to watch the final 20 minutes of the last class for the class sharing. If the regular classroom space is too small, schools may choose to move the final class into a larger space such as the cafeteria stage or auditorium for that final session.
Class Enrollment Guidelines
Typical class sizes range from 8 to 20 students per group, depending on the age group and program structure. Programs generally require a minimum of 8 enrolled students to run.
If higher enrollment is expected beyond 20 students, additional groups or instructors can be arranged.
Class Enrollment Deadlines
To ensure instructors can be scheduled and programs prepared properly, enrollment should be confirmed at least two weeks before the program start date.
If the program does not reach the 8-student minimum enrollment by that time, the class may be cancelled or postponed. If Moonlit Wings is managing registration, families who registered will receive a full refund.
Typical Class Pricing
Below are basic starting tuition rates per student for standard afterschool class programs.
These rates represent general starting prices and are not an official quote, since final pricing may vary depending on scheduling logistics, staffing needs, or school-specific requirements. Schools should still complete the class setup form so we can confirm program details and complete any required school paperwork.
The chart below shows typical tuition ranges per student based on program length and class duration.
Weeks | 60 Min | 75 Min | 90 Min |
6 | $165 | $206 | $248 |
7 | $189 | $236 | $284 |
8 | $219 | $274 | $329 |
9 | $249 | $311 | $374 |
10 | $279 | $349 | $419 |
11 | $299 | $374 | $449 |
12 | $329 | $411 | $494 |
When Moonlit Wings manages registration, a $15 administrative/registration fee per student is added to help cover payment processing, enrollment management, and customer support for families.
For certain school-based programs, where required by the hosting PTA, an additional PTA contribution fee (typically $10–$30 per student) may also be included within the registration price.
Class Registration Options
Schools can choose one of two registration models depending on how they prefer to manage enrollment.
Option A — Moonlit Wings Handles Registration
Families register directly through the Moonlit Wings website, and our team manages enrollment, payment processing, parent communication related to registration, and administrative oversight for the program.
During checkout, parents review and agree to Moonlit Wings program policies, including refund timelines and attendance expectations.
If the PTA or school collects a small program contribution or supply fee for their own costs, Moonlit Wings can include that amount within the registration price and remit those funds back to the PTA. In that case, the PTA will need to provide a W-9 form and preferred payment method so the funds can be issued properly.
Option B — School or PTA Handles Registration
The school or PTA collects registrations and payments from families directly and then pays Moonlit Wings the agreed program fee.
This option works well for schools that already manage their own afterschool registration system or prefer to handle enrollment internally. The PTA may also choose to include its own program fee or fundraising amount within the registration price to help cover school-related expenses such as supplies, facility use, or other program costs.
Class Cancellations
The following cancellation policies apply to afterschool classes.
• Full refund of tuition if cancelled 14 or more days before the first class.
• If cancelled within 14 days of the first class, 20% of tuition is retained as a late cancellation fee.
• No refunds or credits once the program has begun, including for absences or withdrawals.
• The $15 administrative registration fee is non-refundable.
• Any PTA contribution fee included in registration is also non-refundable once funds have been issued to the PTA.
If Moonlit Wings is managing registration, refunds are issued to the original payment method and may take 5–10 business days to process.
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School Play or Musical Productions
Production Overview
For schools looking to offer a larger theatre experience, Moonlit Wings can produce a full student play or musical production.
These programs allow students to experience the full process of rehearsing and performing a stage production. Productions require more rehearsal time than classes and involve additional planning leading up to the final performance.
Rehearsal & Performance Spaces
Productions can take place in many types of school spaces, including cafeterias, gym stages, multipurpose rooms, or auditoriums. Rehearsals require a dedicated space that is not shared with other groups during rehearsal time so students can focus without distractions.
When possible, having two rehearsal spaces available allows the directing team to split the cast and rehearse different scenes or choreography simultaneously, which helps rehearsals run more efficiently.
During the final weeks of rehearsal, it is important that rehearsals move into the performance space so students can practice staging, entrances, and technical elements. The final week must take place in the performance space for dress rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and the performance.
What the Production Program Includes
Moonlit Wings provides the directing team that guides the entire production process, including:
• directing and staging
• choreography (when applicable)
• rehearsal planning
• production coordination
• coordinating auditions and casting
• preparing rehearsal schedules and materials
• weekly email communication updates to families
The program culminates in a fully staged performance typically running 30–60 minutes.
What the Production Fee Covers
The production program fee covers the Moonlit Wings directing team and the rehearsal process leading to the final performance.
What the Production Fee Does Not Include
The production fee does not include:
• script licensing fees
• costumes
• props or sets
• lighting or technical equipment
• theater rental or venue costs
However, productions can still be successfully staged using simple performance spaces, basic sound systems, and costumes assembled from students’ closets if desired. Many schools begin this way and expand production elements over time.
Rehearsal & Production Schedule
Typical Production Structure
Most school productions follow a structure similar to the outline below:
• 2 rehearsals per week
• 60–75 minute rehearsals after school
• 8–12 weeks of rehearsals
Programs usually culminate in one or two performances, although many schools choose two or three performances so more families can attend and to generate additional ticket revenue.
Productions can serve as a strong fundraising opportunity for PTA's.
Auditions
Moonlit Wings coordinates and manages the audition process for the production.
We provide the school with an audition flyer and instructions to share with families so students can submit their auditions.
Most productions use a virtual audition process, which has proven to be simple and successful at many schools.
Students receive a short script and song cut if applicable. With the help of a parent or guardian, they record a straightforward audition video on a phone and upload it to a shared production Dropbox folder.
This process typically includes:
• a 2–3 week audition window
• flexibility for families to record at their convenience
• simplified logistics that help keep program costs lower
Once auditions close, the Moonlit Wings directing team reviews submissions and prepares the cast list. The proposed cast list is first shared with the PTA representative and school principal for review, and once approved, the cast and crew are announced to families.
Schools may also request in-person auditions hosted by Moonlit Wings directors for an additional fee, although most schools prefer the virtual audition process because it is easier for families and helps keep program costs lower.
First Rehearsal
All students attend the first rehearsal, which typically includes:
• a full cast read-through of the script
• distribution of scripts and rehearsal schedules
• introduction to the production process
After the first rehearsal, not every student is called to every rehearsal right away. Early rehearsals often focus on smaller groups based on the scenes or songs being rehearsed that day.
As the production approaches, particularly during the final month, more rehearsals involve the full cast as the show is assembled from start to finish.
Additional Rehearsals
Occasionally schools may wish to add extra rehearsals beyond the originally scheduled program dates, such as additional run-throughs or extended rehearsal time closer to the performance.
Any additional rehearsals must be approved in advance through Moonlit Wings administration, rather than arranged directly with instructors or directors. This allows our team to confirm instructor availability, scheduling, and compensation.
If approved, additional rehearsal fees may apply depending on instructor staffing and time requirements, and Moonlit Wings will coordinate the logistics and cost details with the school before the rehearsal is scheduled.
Example Final Week Production Schedule
During the final week, rehearsals typically become more frequent as the show moves into full run-throughs and technical preparation.
Dress rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performance days are often longer than regular rehearsals (typically 2–3 hours). Because these rehearsals extend beyond normal afterschool hours, families usually arrange direct pick-up rather than school bus transportation.
A common final week schedule may look like this:
Monday or Tuesday — Dress rehearsal with costumes and props
Wednesday or Thursday — Technical rehearsal (lighting, sound, scene transitions)
Friday — Opening night performance
Some schools also choose to add additional performances on Saturday afternoon and evening, allowing more families to attend and increasing fundraising opportunities through ticket sales.
Some schools also choose to host a cast party to celebrate the students’ work. This can take place after the final rehearsal before opening night or between performances during a multi-show weekend.
For example, a school performing Friday and Saturday might hold the final rehearsal Friday afternoon, host a cast party afterward, and then present the evening performance. If performances take place on Saturday or Sunday as well, some schools choose to hold the cast celebration between shows — for example, a Saturday schedule might include a 12:00 PM arrival, 2:00 PM matinee performance, 3:30 PM cast party, and 6:00 PM evening performance.
Cast party food such as pizza, snacks, or desserts is not included in the Moonlit Wings program fee. These celebrations are typically organized and donated by the PTA, school, or participating families. Some PTAs also choose to plan for this in advance by including a small additional amount in their PTA program contribution fee collected during registration.
Production Student Participation
Productions can be scaled to fit the size of the school community and are designed so that every student has meaningful stage time, even if they are not assigned a speaking role.
Typical productions include 15–50 students on stage, with additional opportunities for student crew members.
Participation may include:
• speaking roles
• ensemble roles for group scenes or musical numbers
• student tech crew roles assisting backstage
Because most scripts contain a limited number of speaking roles, some students will appear in ensemble roles rather than lead or principal roles.
Schools with particularly high interest sometimes choose to run two casts (Cast A and Cast B). Each cast performs on different performance dates, allowing more students to participate.
Production Licensing and Script Options
Licensing companies require the school or PTA to obtain permission directly before a show can be performed. Script licensing is separate from the Moonlit Wings production fee and is paid directly to the licensing company.
Moonlit Wings is happy to guide the school or PTA through the process and point you in the right direction to complete the licensing request. If preferred, Moonlit Wings can also assist with coordinating the licensing for an additional $100 administrative fee.
Different types of productions have different licensing costs and levels of complexity.
Disney / MTI JR Musicals
Typical licensing: $875–$1,000+
These musicals typically run 45–60 minutes and include performance tracks, rehearsal materials, and script packages.
Popular first-time production choices include:
• Aladdin Jr.
• Annie Jr.
• Frozen Jr.
These titles are popular because they allow large casts and are relatively flexible to stage.
Other Youth Theatre Scripts
Typical licensing: $100–$500
These scripts are often easier to stage and may have fewer technical requirements.
They are often good choices for schools producing their first play.
Moonlit Wings Original Scripts
Typical licensing: around $200
Moonlit Wings also offers original youth productions written specifically for school casts. These shows are designed to be flexible with casting and staging.
Examples include:
• The Lion Queen
• Despicable You!
• Mulan’s Greatest Adventure
• The Jungle Bunch
• Moonlit Musical
These shows typically run 30–45 minutes and are designed to work well with large student ensembles and simple staging.
Production Program Costs and Fundraising
Production Payments
Because productions involve advance staffing and rehearsal planning, the program fee is typically divided into two payments.
• 50% due upon signing the agreement to reserve rehearsal and performance dates and allow Moonlit Wings to begin staffing and planning.
• 50% due on the first day of rehearsals.
Production Costs
School productions are typically structured as a flat program fee paid by the PTA or school to Moonlit Wings.
Many schools divide this fee among participating students through registration so the cost is shared across the group.
Example:
If the program fee is $6,000 and 40 students participate, the registration price would be $150 per student. (These numbers are just an example.)
If more students participate, the cost per student decreases. If fewer students participate, the cost per student increases depending on how the PTA structures registration.
PTAs may also choose to add a small additional amount to registration to help cover production-related expenses such as costumes, props, set pieces, or other materials.
Fundraising Opportunities
Many schools find that registration alone covers the production cost.
Additional revenue can often be generated through:
• ticket sales
• program advertisements
• concessions
• merchandise
• flower or carnation sales
Moonlit Wings receives a complimentary program credit (typically 1/2 page or equivalent) in any printed or digital show program, where applicable.
Moonlit Wings receives 10% of ticket and sponsorship revenue generated by the production, payable within 14 days after the final performance. The school/PTA retains the remaining proceeds.
Production Cancellations
Schools often open registration before fully committing to a production. If the program needs to be cancelled:
• Cancellation two or more weeks before auditions — no cancellation fee
• Cancellation within two weeks of auditions — 20% cancellation fee may apply
• If the production is cancelled after rehearsals begin, payments already made are not refundable
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Program Logistics & School Coordination (Classes and Productions)
Check-In, Snack, and Dismissal
Each school has its own afterschool procedures, so Moonlit Wings works with the school or PTA in advance to confirm the check-in, snack, restroom, and dismissal process.
Some schools prefer that students have a quick snack and restroom break before class or rehearsal begins, while others send students directly to the program space.
Students are typically picked up from the rehearsal or classroom location unless the school requires dismissal through the main office or another designated area.
Moonlit Wings instructors typically remain onsite 10–15 minutes after the scheduled end time to assist with dismissal.
Students who have not been picked up after that time are generally transferred to the school’s designated administrator or office according to school policy.
If the school expects Moonlit Wings instructors to remain the sole supervising contact beyond the standard dismissal window, that arrangement should be discussed in advance.
Weather & Schedule Adjustments
If a class or rehearsal must be cancelled due to inclement weather, school closure, or unforeseen instructor circumstances, Moonlit Wings will work with the school to schedule a make-up session whenever possible.
In some cases, make-up time may be added to a future rehearsal, dress rehearsal, or technical rehearsal to ensure students still receive the full instructional time.
If the school itself closes due to weather or an emergency, any Moonlit Wings program scheduled that day will also be cancelled. View our Weather Alerts page for helpful information regarding weather related closures.
Program Staffing
Afterschool classes are typically led by one Moonlit Wings instructor. For larger groups, a second instructor may be added to help maintain program quality.
School productions typically include:
• Production Director
• Production Manager / Choreographer
This structure allows rehearsals to run efficiently and ensures students receive proper instruction and support during the production process.
Program Setup and Scheduling
Once a school decides to move forward with a program, the process typically follows this structure:
The school completes the program inquiry form.
Moonlit Wings reviews the information and provides a quote or recommended program structure.
If the school approves the quote, the program agreement is signed to reserve the dates and begin planning.
The school reserves the program space.
For Fairfax County Public Schools, this typically includes completing the ADM form and reserving the space through the school. Moonlit Wings may then submit the confirmed dates through FCPS Direct for the space reservation request.
Next Steps After Approving the Program
Once the agreement is signed, the next steps depend on the type of program.
For Afterschool Classes
Moonlit Wings will provide a class registration flyer that the school or PTA can share with families to promote the program.
At the same time:
• the school reserves the program space
• registration opens for students
Once enrollment is confirmed, Moonlit Wings finalizes instructor scheduling and prepares the class materials.
For School Productions
Moonlit Wings will provide an audition announcement flyer for the school to distribute to families.
At the same time:
• the school reserves rehearsal and performance spaces
• auditions are opened for students
If the production requires a licensed script, the PTA or school typically completes the licensing request directly with the licensing company.
Moonlit Wings is happy to guide schools through the licensing process.
If the school prefers Moonlit Wings to handle the licensing coordination, a $100 licensing administration fee may be added to the program cost, along with the licensing fee charged by the licensing company.
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School Vendor Requirements
Moonlit Wings regularly works with school systems and is familiar with district requirements and approval processes.
Our team has previously partnered with:
• Fairfax County Public Schools
• Arlington Public Schools
• Prince William County Public Schools
• Prince George’s County Public Schools
as well as many private schools throughout the region.
Because of this experience, we are already familiar with common district requirements such as:
• vendor registration
• liability insurance certificates
• instructor background checks or fingerprinting
• school badges
• facility use applications
Moonlit Wings is happy to provide any required documentation and work with the school’s administrative process to ensure the program is approved and scheduled smoothly.
Why Schools Choose Moonlit Wings
Schools and PTAs choose Moonlit Wings because our programs combine professional theatre training with school-friendly logistics.
Our programs are designed to:
• build student confidence and creativity
• make performing arts accessible to beginners and experienced students
• work smoothly within real school schedules
• keep programs manageable for PTA's and administrators
We have successfully partnered with many schools across the region and understand how to coordinate with school policies, facilities, and afterschool procedures.
Start a Program
If your school or PTA is interested in launching a program, please complete one or both of the forms below.
These short forms help us gather the information needed to recommend the best program structure and provide accurate pricing.
Start a Program:
Afterschool Drama Classes
School Play or Musical Productions
Once we review your submission, we will follow up with recommendations, estimated pricing, and next steps.
If you have questions or would prefer to discuss your school’s goals first, feel free to contact us anytime.
We look forward to helping your students shine on stage!
© Moonlit Wings Productions. All rights reserved.
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