Catch the guitar-shredding, live music sensation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway smash, based on the hit movie. Does a group of straight-A students at prestigious Horace Green Prep School have what it takes to earn a spot in the Battle of the Bands competition? If they do, can they make it all the way without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out? Get ready to rock as these kids swap their books for a bass and discover the transformative power of music along the way.

Themes: Self acceptance, love of music, overcoming insecurities, teamwork

1. In School of Rock, the main character Dewey has dreams of being a Rockstar. What are your biggest dreams?
2. Can you think of a situation where you had to work in a team? How did you contribute to the team?

  CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.(3-5).2:: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

Pick three words from the list and use them in an original sentence or paragraph. You can also draw a picture, illustrating the definitions.

• Trashed - left a huge mess
• Mooching - borrowing things or asking for things from people without returning the item or paying for it
• Green Room - a room backstage where the performers and crew spend their time before the show
• Solemn - serious, formal
• Convene - meet up
• Disperse - go in different directions or different destinations
• Unauthorized - not having permission
• Prestigious - having high status, inspiring respect
• Fusion - joining two or more things to create something new
• Amp - short for amplifier. Makes electric instruments louder

  CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.(K-5).4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases.

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Class Playlist
Have students brainstorm songs that make them feel confident. Clarify that these songs should be school appropriate. After brainstorming, invite students to share their songs with the class and add them to the class playlist. When you are done, you will have a whole list of songs designed by your class to pump them up when they need it.

  NCES.MUSIC-2.CR.1.2:: Understand the relationships between music and concepts from other areas.

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Common Thread
Divide your class into small groups (around 4-5 members). Give them five minutes to chat amongst themselves and find a common interest. Check in with the groups after the five minutes is up to see if they need more time. After each group has their common interest identified, have them create a flag using paper and markers (or whatever additional materials you want) that represents their group and common interest.

  NCES.HEALTH.(K-2).ICR.1: Understand healthy and effective interpersonal communication and relationships. NCES.VisArts.2.V.3: Create art using a variety of tools, media, and processes, safely and appropriately.

Andrew Lloyd Webber is a critically acclaimed composer and producer whose professional career spans almost five decades. He is known for his epic musical theatre scores which can be experienced in his shows Phantom of the Opera, CaTS, and Sunset Boulevard.

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Webber is a member of a small group of people who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award, also known as being an EGOT. He has also won many awards in England, his home, including seven Olivier Awards. In 1992, Webber was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, making his full title Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. He is passionate about arts education and diversity in the arts and runs a foundation in his name which provides scholarships to talented students who are seeking a career in the arts. 

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You can learn more about Andrew Lloyd Webber and his work on his website.

1. The kids in School of Rock all have their own strengths that contribute to the band. What is something you are really good at? How does it make you feel?
2. Principal Mullins is an example of a team leader. As the Principal, she is in charge of leading her team of teachers. If you were leading a team, how would you motivate your teammates to work together effectively?
3. Dewey spends the show fighting against being a failed musician. What is one time you felt like you failed at something? How did it make you feel? What did you learn from that experience?

  CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.(K-5).2: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media. NCES-TheaArts.2.TA.A.1.2: Analyze the relationships between events, characters, and settings. NCES-TheaArts.4.TA.A.1.2: Critique choices made about characters, settings, and events as seen, or portrayed in, formal and informal productions.

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Costume Design
What would you wear if you were a rockstar playing in Battle of the Bands? You can use paper and pencil or you can print off our costume design worksheet to help you.

  NCES-TheaArts.K-5.AE.1: Understand how to design technical theatre components, such as costumes, sets, props, makeup, lighting, and sound. NCES.VisArts.2.V.3: Create art using a variety of tools, media, and processes, safely and appropriately.

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Journal
The students in School of Rock deal with insecurity when they think they aren’t cool enough to be in the band. What is one time you didn’t think you could do something but you surprised yourself and were successful?

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.(K-2).8: With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

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Teamwork Game: Caterpillar race
All you need for a caterpillar race is a starting line and a finish line. Split your classrooms into teams that have four to ten students. Each team will form a straight line. Then, everyone places their hands on the shoulders of the student in front of them. On the count of three, everyone crouches down like a caterpillar, being careful not to let go of their friend’s shoulders. Then, go! The first team to completely make it through the finish line wins.

NCES-PE.K-9.MS.1: Apply competent motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities.

Every play Children’s Theatre of Charlotte produces is created by a talented team of designers, technicians, actors, and a director. As a class, discuss what you experienced when you saw the performance.

1. Name three things you noticed about the scenery. Did the scenery help tell the story? What sort of scenery would you design?
2. What did you like about the costumes? Did the costumes help tell the story? What sort of costumes would you design?
3. What role did lighting play in telling the story? How did the lights enhance what you were seeing?
4. Talk about the actors. Were there moments you were so caught up in the story you forgot you were watching a play?
5. Were there any actors who played more than one character? What are some ways you can show you are a different character?

  NCES-TheaArts.(3-5).TA.A.1: Analyze literary texts and performances. NCES-TheaArts.(3-5).TA.AE.1.2: Understand how costumes [and technical elements] enhance dramatic play.

• Cast & Creative Team Spotify playlist
• School of Rock on Broadway: Set & Costume Designer Anna Louizos' Youtube Video

If you enjoyed the show, travel to ImaginOn or your local Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch and check out these books. Check availability at cmlibrary.org.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde by Jeff Kinney
• Punk Rock Unicorn by Dana Simspon
• Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll! by Tonya Bolden
• The First Rule of Punk by Celia C Pérez
• What is Rock and Roll? by Jim O'Conner
• What was Woodstock? by Joan Holub