Forest Dale Elementary School’s production of “Oz” is a true group effort.

Longtime director Glenda Pilcher gives every child that auditions a spot in the play at the Carmel school.

“As the cast grew in size, it was obvious we were going to need more parental help,” said Pilcher, a Carmel resident.

There are 84 cast members, from kindergarten through fifth grade, in “Oz,” which will be performed at 6:30 p.m. today and Friday at the school. Forest Dale Principal Kathy Olssen and Pilcher require each parent to sign up for two volunteer opportunities.

“It takes a lot of people to get it going and make it successful,” Pilcher said.

The areas include makeup, theater shirts, choreography, sound, set construction, concessions, tech crew, props, costumes, biographical sketches of each child, student control, publicity, snacks, music drill and cast party.

Vicki Duncan Gardner, whose daughter is in the chorus, said the parents don’t mind the rule.

“It’s a very active PTO and the principal instills that whole atmosphere of volunteerism and involvement with parents,” Gardner said.

Gardner said she appreciates the time Pilcher puts in, too.

“She doesn’t have to do this but she does because it’s important to the kids,” Gardner said. “It’s going to be great for them.”

Pilcher, 71, worked for Carmel Clay Schools as an assistant to the librarian and then technology coordinator and drama coach for 25 years, five at Woodbrook Elementary and 20 at Forest Dale, before retiring in 2000.

Pilcher, who is paid a small stipend for her role, has been doing the play, always a musical, for Forest Dale since 1995. There was no play the past two school years for a variety of reasons.

“I don’t do it for the money because there’s not that much money involved,” Pilcher said. “I’ve always enjoyed theater and drama. It’s still fun or I wouldn’t do it.”

Pilcher said she puts in many hours because she is so detailed-oriented.

“I want the kids to be proud of what they’re doing, and I want them to remember it,” Pilcher said. “I want them to have a good memory of it forever.”