Hi Sarah - I'm sure more responses will begin to trickle in and you will get some great ideas, but a quick thought or two. First I really admire your desire to keep growing your program, especially one that tries to get as many kids as possible engaged and involved. And if you had 30-40 students interested in the musical, I'm sure you'll have enough to do something great in the fall.
Overall, a couple of quick thoughts:
- Some of your desire to create a non-star based model (one where different kids get a turn), involved increasing the actual number of productions (ex: a separate cabaret night for different groups, a younger show and an older show). If you personally have time and energy, that is a great idea. However, in my experience, any time you do ANY production the amount of work increases tenfold, no matter how simple it is. so it might seem like a simple 12 person cabaret and then an 8 person scene night is the same work as one larger production, but in my experience it is so much more time and effort on your end. So I'd focus on adding one night/weekend rather than a few.
- Regarding the "star" lead issue: there are so many more wonderful ensemble plays compared to musicals. Musicals are almost always lead and plot driven, but many plays are built around themes and are less realistic, so they offer opportunities for lots of people to shine without a "lead." Current plays like Laramie Project, or Almost Maine, or Metamorphoses pop to mind. And there are several one- act plays that often get paired together for a wonderful evening (Real Inspector Hound with Actor's Nightmare).
- I'd also just say that I think it is OK if your
committed seniors get to have lots of opportunities for stage time. a talented sophomore can learn a lot from a smaller part and it can be motivating to look up to a senior who has big parts in the play and musical. They can say to themselves, "Julie is the lead in both but that makes sense, she has worked so hard for years and paid her dues as a freshman and sophomore. I need to work just as hard to get to her level." Obviously you don't want to create a star system, but working up through the ranks teaches kids a lot. That said, I also never promise leads to anyone. I explicitly say that my job is not to guarantee a lead, but my job is to make sure that each student gets pushed artistically and has more to responsibilities than they did last time. I don't give kids leads who don't deserve them, but I do put a LOT of time into making sure that a student feels they are progressing in stage time, lines, or the kind of character they've never played before. There might be a moment of disappointment with casting, but if I truly gave them something that will challenge them, very quickly they will buy in.
Anyway, sorry for the ramble. Hope that helps and feel free to ask any questions.
Nick
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Nick Hoffa
Drama Director
South Pasadena High School
CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2022 09:35
From: sarah fitzkee
Subject: How to design a season?
Good morning-
I am inspired by James Bailey's thread below and all of the productions you are all planning for next year. How did you get to multiple shows per year?
I have taken over a high school drama program that meets after school only. We currently do ONE spring production a year- totally self funded. We have a pit orchestra and design team contracted for this production only.
I would like to build in additional performance opportunities for the kids, as we had many (30-40) involved in our spring show last year. A fall play would be ideal for me in terms of my interest and ability, but will not utilize many of these kids, and I don't want to create "stars" who are my leads in both. How do you provide the most opportunities for your kids to perform without casting the same students over and over?
Some ideas:
A scene night to feature actors and a cabaret night to feature singers
A grades 9/10 play (or showcase) and a grades 11/12 play (or showcase)
A one act festival, which I see many of you are doing.
Maybe 4-6 week workshop sessions throughout the year where kids sign up and then do a showcase at the end?
Anything else?
Thanks!
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Sarah Fitzkee
Delaware Valley High School
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