I think the first thing you need to do is just calm down and take it a step at a time. Musicals are more complicated, yes, but the basic structure of rehearsing is the same. (Everyone has their own idea of what that is, so I’ll give you mine.)
I only rehearse 2 hours after school, 4 days a week until about a month out. I typically start rehearsing after Martin Luther King Day for performances mid-April. That gives me about 10-11 weeks of rehearsal and enough extra time to make up for any snow days that occur (I make each Friday a “catch up day” if needed).
The actors learn all music and dance in the first 2-3 weeks, alternating days. Starting in February I block all scenes that are strictly dialogue in addition to any songs that are just blocking. I’ll mix in at least one dance review and music review in each week in February as well. I usually spend one week blocking each act of the show. That usually takes me to close to the end of February where I begin stumbling through, reviewing blocking, interrupting to fix, and layering in the dance numbers. Finally, March rehearsals are 3 hours and are for running (off book). I’ll start spending a day running each act and then finally put the show together when the time is right. I’m lucky and get to be in my space three weeks before show, so I can start teching and working with my set the last week of March.
With the set, plan time to respace as necessary (particularly for dances) and focus lights, so you can have dress rehearsals the last 3 rehearsals before your opening night. Some teachers do a traditional long Sunday tech- I do not. I try to adjust lights as much as possible outside of rehearsal so I only need to fix problems I notice while actors are there and don’t waste rehearsal time. If you have an orchestra, you’ll want to schedule a rehearsal during tech week to just run through musical numbers and dances to make sure timing is right and the actors know what conductor cues to look for. You should plan mics for that rehearsal (and all following) so the actors don’t blow out their voices trying to outsing the orchestra. If you’re using a track or just an accompanist, they’ll already be good to go and you can ignore all that.
Sorry I rambled on, but I think you probably saw similarities to your play rehearsals- particularly once you start blocking and running, it’s the same basic process. Rates for music directors vary based on your area, but mine receives about $2000 in a stipend from the school. It’s the expectation at many high schools that the choral teacher is responsible for this obligation as part of their position, but maybe that isn’t the case for you. Duties are accompanying and giving input at auditions, teaching/reviewing the music at all planned rehearsals, and accompanying during dance rehearsals (this is important as many recordings do not match the score for dance breaks) and runs. If you are using tracks, then the music director does not necessarily need to accompany but they should still be involved throughout to fix any singing issues/forgotten harmonies. I also recommend finding a knowledgeable choreographer to take care of your dances. Many use student choreographers, and while this is great to give them leadership, they can be ambitious for the average student actor’s dance ability. An adult choreographer can help rein them in and guide them. It’s more important to go simple and really clean, than it is to try something that will never get in sync.
One last tip- I really try to do a detailed scene breakdown and organize my rehearsals in the beginning so I’m utilizing each student’s time most effectively. I’ll group scenes/songs together each day based on common actors needed and give unneeded actors a day off as much as possible. The kids appreciate it and it saves me the headaches that come from idle hands. If your rehearsals are during a class, you unfortunately won’t have that option.
Anyway, I hope that helps! Break a leg!
Mr. Benjamin Cossitor
Instructor of English/Drama
Altoona Area High School
1415 6th Ave
Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 327-9076
bencossitor@altoonasd.com
Original Message------
Many of you know I am a relatively new high school theater teacher, and now I'm about to direct my first musical: Big Fish. The music teacher at my school and I have been collaborating on this since last year in terms of choosing the musical, rehearsing with interested students, and holding auditions. But just before the winter break he told me he can't be the music director bc he's teaching another class! I am totally thrown for a loop. We start rehearsals Jan 7 and I have no idea what to do.
I realize now that I had been counting on him not only to direct the music but also to coach me through the whole process of directing a musical - because I have No Idea what to do!
So I have a few questions! How do I find a music director? how much do I pay? does the music director also play the piano in the performances or do I hire all separate musicians? what else do I need to know about this relationship?
And ... now that this is tumbling down around me I realize I've been fooling myself into thinking I know what I'm doing. How do I learn how to direct a musical (in only 2 weeks)??
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Arden Thomas
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
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