My first year teaching, I found myself with a small amount of funds in the theatre account and unpaid bills in my school mailbox that needed to be paid. I chose a season that would put butts in seats. The fall play was a simple court room drama set,
Night of January 16th by Ayan Rand. The jury for the trial is picked from the audience. As a fundraiser, audience members could buy a chance to sit on the jury. This jury decided the guilt or innocence of the accused, so the play ending was dependent on the vote of the jury. Some parents put $10 in the raffle to make sure that they got a seat on the jury and could watch their child in front row on the stage. Also since there were two endings, audience members saw multiple shows hoping to see the alternative ending.
The spring musical was
Grease, a show that many theatre people either love or hate. However, bottom line is that students love it and the audience was packed every night. Let me say that this is not a simple show to do as there is a lot of dance and scenes that take place in numerous locations. However, the pit is small, the music relatively easy and the costume changes minimal (50s stuff is easy to rent or borrow). I am glad that I did it once, got the budget back in the black, but would never do it again.
My favorite play to direct is
Almost, Maine. That show will challenge your students and teach them a lot about timing and delivery. It's sort of a comedy. My students loved the show too.
Good luck with your first year! You should reply to this thread in a year and let us know what you chose and if it was successful with your students and your audience.
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Marla Blasko
Theatre Arts Director
Columbia MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-26-2017 15:46
From: Joseph Ellison
Subject: Musical/Play Suggestions
Greetings everyone! I'm starting my first full year of teaching and need some advice.
I need some suggestions for some easy starter musicals (high school level). This school hasn't done a musical in many years and we're adding it back into circulation. but I need some nice simple ones to start out.
And I also need some just straight play suggestions. They've done some easy plays in the past and I'm looking to add some more advance work into the rotation, so any suggestions would be nice! Especially in the comedy sector.
Thanks everyone!
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Joseph Ellison
Theatre Director
Rio Rico AZ
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