The play's the thing for McKenzie Elementary School staff and parents
The School McKenzie Elementary School in Wilmette, Illinois
The Project Annual Variety Show. Audiences filled the house five times last year (at $6 a head) to watch parents and school staff perform themed music and dance numbers.
The Payoff $13,000 toward PTA-sponsored enrichment activities.

Now in its 28th year, this playful tradition is all about entertaining a very demanding audience: children. "The adults think it's fun too," notes volunteer Mande Mischler (the one with the taped mouth, above). "I mean, you get to see your neighbors make fools of themselves! But it's really for the kids."

Last January, after figuring out such basics as who would direct the show and what its secret theme would be -- they settled on "Ready, Set, Game!" -- the 70-plus member cast got to work writing and rehearsing the 15 or so songs for the hour-long production. When it opened in March, a rap number about Quidditch, a football spoof called "Referee" (set to Aretha Franklin's "Respect"), and a loser version of "We Are the Champions" (parents wore hockey jerseys and blacked out their teeth) were favorites, as was an all-mom tap number. Including the volunteers who sold tickets, ushered, and worked on sets and costumes, more than a third of the school's families played a role in the event.

"For weeks after the show, my kids sing the songs and reminisce about seeing their gym teacher dance," Mande says. "Honestly, it's as much a community builder as a money maker."

Mande's tips Keep rehearsals to one night a week by splitting up the skits over five nights and asking adults to sign up accordingly. And don't get too hung up on perfection: less talent means more laughs!