What do you want from a show?
Something young people will love being part of.
A show that your audiences will enjoy.
A show that will promote a positive profile for your school or group in the wider community.
A show that includes great music, strong leads, lots of small roles, terrific storyline and lots of humour.
A show that will allow your school or group to develop excellence in the performing arts.
It’s best for the director, producer and choreographer to choose a show. They have a more overall idea of the cast, crew and resources available. Remember too that it’s better to do a simpler show really well than to stage a mediocre version of a show that’s too challenging. Children sometimes have limited experience of musical theatre and will often select something they know or that they’re familiar with. Staging a show is an opportunity to involve them in styles of music outside their usual experience and to broaden their repertoire. One of the director’s roles is to motivate and sell the show. No matter what the style of show, the cast will ‘come along with you’ if you are enthusiastic and excited.
Tips for Choosing a Show
Choose a show you’ll enjoy performing! Staging a show is a big undertaking. Don’t take on a project you aren’t enthusiastic about and can’t feel committed to.
Consider your cast. Particular groups of children have different interests and abilities. The cast will vary from year to year. Sometimes you will have terrific dancers, singers or actors. Sometimes you will have a cast with limited theatrical skills but tons of enthusiasm and good humour. Try to choose a show that will highlight the particular talents of your cast.
Consider other shows you’ve already staged so as not to repeat themes or storylines. For example, don’t do two sea faring shows in a row.
Think about the resources you have available. Issues like budget, venue, time available for rehearsal are critical. How much support do you have for your production to help you with costumes, props, sets, front of house etc.? A contemporary show sometimes has fewer costume needs than a fantasy or an historical play for example.
What Others Have Thought About Some of Our Shows
“Circus Splendida” was a great success. The students have learnt many skills including juggling, hula hooping, balancing and gymnastics. Auckland, New Zealand
Thank you for your creativity and professionalism. The play, “A Swinging Summertime” was a huge success. The script was easy to follow and tips for costumes, props, etc an enormous help. Swansea, New South Wales.
We have just staged a very successful production of “Hundred Year Rock”. Everyone though it was great and thank you. Invercargill, New Zealand.
“Show Time at Sea” was wonderful! I’d like you to know the show was a great success. Kootingal, New South Wales.
“Blue Ribbon Belle” was an outstanding success and really appreciated by our small community. Gippsland, Victoria.
Wow! Another great year using your wonderful plays. “Brand New Me” was awesome! The children loved it. The parents are still raving about it! Paparoa, New Zealand
The production of “Show Time at Sea” was a fabulous success and everyone just raved about it! Seymour, Victoria.