Riverdale High School Theater

08/28/2026

Casting a musical is a little like putting together a giant puzzle. We aren't simply choosing the "best" person and then the next-best person after that. We're trying to figure out how dozens of complex different pieces fit together to create the strongest show possible. Voices, acting, dancing, chemistry, character, schedules, special skills, and about a thousand other little things all become part of the tapestry.

And after putting that puzzle together, we are VERY excited about this cast.

Congratulations, everyone!

We're not quite finished yet! There are still a lot of featured assignments to make within our Bikini Bottom ensemble, including Sardine Devotees, Mob Fish, Cowboy Fish, Sea Anemones, hip-hop dancers, pirates, and more. We'll begin sorting out those roles and specialty moments once rehearsals get underway.

This show is going to be colorful. It's going to be ridiculous. It's going to be energetic. It's going to be weird.

And it's going to be an absolute BLAST.

Welcome to Bikini Bottom, everybody.

08/15/2026

Nervous about auditions? Come practice with us!

Thinking about auditioning for Riverdale High School's fall musical, but not quite sure what to expect? Wondering how to pick an audition song? What you're supposed to do while you sing it? What happens when someone hands you a script and says, "Read this"? Or maybe you've auditioned before but would just feel better getting a little practice first?

We're trying something NEW this year!

Riverdale Theatre Audition Workshop
Friday, August 21
3:30–5:00 PM
Middle School Auditorium

Mr. Manasco and Mrs. Hepner, and possibly Mrs. Seevers will spend the afternoon taking some of the mystery out of musical auditions. We'll talk about how this year's auditions will work, demonstrate how to perform an audition song instead of simply singing it, practice a few basic dance steps, look at how to approach a script reading, and introduce the characters we'll be casting in The SpongeBob Musical.

Need an audition song? We'll have a small library of piano sheet music available to help you find something. Already have a song but want to practice it in front of somebody first? If time allows, we'll do that too. And we'll leave plenty of time for questions.

Most importantly: THIS WORKSHOP IS COMPLETELY OPTIONAL.

There are no bonus points for attending. There are no disadvantages if you can't make it. This is simply an opportunity to learn, practice, ask questions, and hopefully walk into auditions feeling a whole lot more comfortable.

Whether this will be your first audition or your fiftieth, you're welcome.

Come learn how auditions work before you actually have to audition. We promise they're considerably less scary once you know what's coming!!

08/10/2026

All the rights have finally been secured, so we can "officially" announce that this year's fall musical will be Nickelodeon's The SpongeBob Musical.

Don't miss it! Mark your calendar!:
- Optional Audition Workshop: After school on August 21
- Audition Dates: August 24-25 (and possibly 27)
- Show Dates: November 19-22

Dive into Bikini Bottom for a wildly colorful, laugh-out-loud musical adventure! When Mount Humongous threatens to erupt and destroy their undersea home, SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, and the rest of Bikini Bottom must come together to save the day. Packed with hilarious characters, spectacular music, and high-energy shenanigans, The SpongeBob Musical is a joyful celebration of friendship, optimism, and the power of believing in yourself... and each other. Fun for the whole family!

07/31/2026

Come check out the show!!!

07/18/2026

Hey, gang! I know this is last-minute, but I've gotten a grand total of one person committed to come help move on Sunday (tomorrow).

Don't make me beg.

OK, I'll beg.

PUH-LEASE!!!

Please please please please please, let Bob know if you're coming so he stops freaking out. 2 people are not going to be anywhere near enough to move these large scenic pieces that we're being lent FOR FREE.

Saving all the money on lumber, paint, etc. for these few set pieces will allow so many other cool things (like theatrical special effects!) for the show that you're all really going to love.

07/17/2026

Help needed!

We may be able to borrow some set pieces from the current Quad City Music Guild production of The SpongeBob Musical. If so, we'll need many hands to help move them from Music Guild in Moline to the Riverdale Middle School auditorium Sunday evening (probably around 5:30 or 6:00 pm).

If you're available, please respond here or contact Bob directly. We'll need muscle to load and unload (although none of the pieces should be particularly heavy) and would love more trucks/trailers (especially enclosed trailers).

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Current (or prospective) Riverdale Theatre Students! If you commit to helping with loading and unloading, Bob will pay for your ticket to this Sunday's matinee performance, if you'd like to see the show!

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Thanks very much!

05/13/2026

Sign up early to volunteer for the Warren Sutton Golf tournament Sunday August 16th while there are lots of open spots to choose! Volunteering allows our entire theatre department to be a Booster Sponsored Activity! Our Booster money helps cover many extras that help out the finishing touches on our productions, backstage snacks, and end of year awards. Thanks for supporting Riverdale theatre and our students!!

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you! Please list ALL activities/sports/programs your child/children will participate in for school year 2026-2027. Indicate if it's High School or Middle School when necessary.

04/15/2026

Tryouts are on April 23rd