Don't forget to sign the ELW Orchestra Handbook Contract
13th Annual Renaissance Madrigal Dinner
Saturday, November 8, 2025
3:00 pm Matinee *no meal*
6:00 pm Evening Feast
🎫Tickets Required, on sale in October!!!
FAQ BELOW👇
FAQ?
What exactly is a Madrigal Dinner?
A: A Madrigal is a Dinner Theater, guests eat a meal while we perform! Your ticket cost goes to cover your meal, and to support the ELW Orchestra Program! Yes, you must purchase a ticket even if you aren't eating - it's a fundraiser! Additional Donations are happily accepted and very very much appreciated!!! This event is our #1 fundraiser for the year!
How long is the show?
A: Typically the show lasts an hour and a half, with a brief intermission.
Where is the Madrigal Dinner?
A: This event is held in the ELW Cafeteria
Are there multiple shows?
A: YES! We have 2 show times, a 3:00pm matinee without a meal, and a 6:00pm evening dinner! This is a once a year performance!
How do I attend the show?!
A: Buy a ticket and we'll see you in November!
Do I have to have a ticket to attend?
A: Yes, every person must purchase a ticket to attend. Tickets are limited for this once a year event so get yours early- they sell out fast!
Can't I just get a ticket when I get there?
A: NO! Tickets are NOT sold at the door, if you arrive at the event without a ticket you will be turned away.
When is the latest I can purchase a ticket?
A: Tickets are on sale until midnight on November 7. We have to have a few days between our final sale and the event to send final numbers to the caterer.
How many tickets are available?
A: We will sell out at 300 tickets. Once we are sold out, we are at capacity and you will not be able to attend the show. And we typically sell out or get pretty close!
Where and when can I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets go on sale Mid-October through the Sunday before the event. As of 2023 ticket sales are exclusively run through HomeTownTicketing our R2 district ticketing partners boxoffice website. You can purchase tickets and reserve your seat online HERE!
Can I pay in person with cash or check?
A: Yes, but it is more difficult. If you absolutely can not pay via an electronic payment method online, you will have to meet with Mrs. Gibbs at ELW in person to complete a cash or check payment through the ticketing system.
Can I pay for tickets through ParentPortal?
No. All tickets must go through the HomeTownTicketing system.
My child is performing, do I need to get a ticket for them too?
A: No. All performers will eat before the show at the cast and crew pizza party! However, student performers may not eat the catered meal without a purchaed ticket.
What is for Dinner?
A: Dinner is a delicious 3-course meal catered by Little Pigs BBQ. The meal includes tea or lemonade, a garden salad & rolls, roasted chicken on the bone, macaroni and cheese, roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cobbler! There are also an assortment of fruits and candies that serve as "edible" decorations for our guests!
Why do tickets cost $18-25, it seems steep for a middle school play?
A: Your ticket cost covers the per-head cost of a catered 3-course meal, which due to rising costs of good (particularly groceries), has gone up exponentially over the last few years. Ticket cost also includes a small margin markup to serve as a fundraiser for our orchestra program. This fundraiser is how our orchestra program is able to take trips, buy music, and helps make all the fun things we do throughout the year possible!
What if I don't want to eat, is there a discounted no-meal ticket option or can I attend without buying a ticket?
A: No, ticket prices are firm. If you do not want to take part in the dinner, you can attend the matinee show at a lower cost without a food option!
Regardless of which show you attend, every person must purchase a ticket in advance to attend the event- remember, it's a fundraiser!
Do I have to buy a ticket for my younger children?
A: It depends. Children 5 years old and younger who do NOT need their own seat or meal are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. If your child needs their own seat, then you will need to purchase a ticket for them. You are welcome to bring your own high chair or stroller for young children. Young children who can watch responsibly are more than welcome to sit on the floor and watch from the front of the tables!
Can I get a refund if I can't attend the show?
A: No, there are no refunds or exchanges.
More questions? Email Mrs. Gibbs @ egibbs@richland2.org!
Madrigal Orchestra Members:
Rehearsal Schedule:
***Auxiliary such as Jester, Jousters, Storytellers, and Dancers, will have extended rehearsal times once roles have been assigned.
Thursday, September 4: Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30pm
Thursday, September 11: Rehearsal, 3;30-5:30pm
Thursday, September 18: Rehearsal, 3;30-5:30pm
Thursday, September 25: Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30 pm
Thursday, October 2: Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30 pm
Wednesday, October 8, Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30pm
Thursday, October 16: Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30 pm
Wednesday, October 22, Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30pm
THURSDAY, October 23: ELW Music Dept. Costume Concert Performance @ 6pm (no rehearsal)
Wednesday, October 29: Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30 pm
Thursday, October 30, Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30pm
Tech Week Schedule:
THURSDAY November 5: DRESS Rehearsal, Cafeteria 3:30-7pm
THURSDAY November 6: DRESS Rehearsal, Cafeteria 3:30-7pm
FRIDAY November 7: DRESS Rehearsal, Cafeteria 3:30-7pm
SATURDAY November 8: RENAISSANCE MADRIGAL, ELW Cafeteria 3pm Matinee (no food), 6pm Evening Feast
***1:00pm call time for all performers & Cast and Crew pizza dinner at 4:30pm
Madrigal Orchestra Member Expectations:
There is no cost to participate, but all guests attending the final show must purchase a ticket
Do not exceed 1 unexcused absence; Make sure to check the rehearsal schedule in the parent letter above.
Come to each rehearsal prepared and having practiced
Performer Costumes
Mrs. Gibbs provides all the costumes for the event. Costumes remain at school at all times, and are not to be worn home.
Costumes are full outfits, but If you child wants to wear something underneath their costume, those clothing items should be form fitting, solid neutral colors only with no visible writing or design, and should not be able to be seen underneath the costume.
Shoes: black, brown grey, white- NO crocs, slides, or multi bright colored sneakers.
Clothing items that work well are: leggings, spaghetti strap tank tops, spandex/under armour type athletic wear. Most gentlemen need their own pair of black or brown pants for their costume.
Want to join the 2025 Madrigal Orchestra?!
All Madrigal Orchestra Members must turn in a signed permission form before auditioning (Permission form and audition music are linked above)
2025 auditions will be held on or before 8/27 by appointment. A final ensemble roster will be posted 8/30!
2024 Madrigal Orchestra members in good standing do not need to re-audition! Simply turn in your permission form to reserve your spot in the ensemble!
Late auditions are not accepted. If you do not audition by 8/30, you forfeit your audition
Parent Letter
Audition Music