Open Forum

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

Maybe look at Playscripts, Emma: The Pop Musical.  My class did this a couple of years ago.  It was not difficult for a starter, much less expensive, and because there is pop music from the 60's to the 2000's in the script, it was fun and familiar for both the kids and the audience.  It also comes with recorded music, which makes rehearsal and performance much easier on the beginner--no pit to assemble!  The music takes some music background to teach, but you may also be able to get away with student choreography.  Best of luck in your search!

------------------------------
Kristen Statt
Thunderhawk Theater Director
Lakota East High School
Liberty Twp, OH
Kristen.statt@lakotaonline.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

I completely understand your position! Here are 3 that worked well for us under similar constraints:
Dear Edwina, Leader of the Pack, and Little Women. There are also numerous small musicals which come with pre-recorded accompaniment if a small ensemble is hard for you to come by available from MTI. I did Dear Edwina with just piano with ease.
Good luck!!

------------------------------
Janetta Davis
Theater Program Coordinator
Bexley OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

Original Message------

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

What about Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten?  It's more of a play with music, it's piano accompaniment so easier to get someone to accompany, the choreography is more staged movement than dance, The music is fairly simple so it's no biggie if your singers aren't as strong and it's written for 5 but easily expandable based on the needs.  Plus, its really fun and I think the rights are reasonable.

------------------------------
Laura Steenson
Theatre Director
Reynolds High School
Troutdale OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2017 08:17
From: Melissa Mintzer
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

I don't know how much the licensing costs would be - but The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a relatively small cast - and the set/costumes don't require a lot of specialty items.  Raiding thrift shops or other general items that should be easy to find.

For a non-traditional performance space - you don't need much - chairs/bleachers for the spellers, a few other minor items for the "adults" to sit at a table, etc.  And in most elementary schools, the spelling bee is actually held in the cafeteria or all-purpose room - so your space issue wouldn't even be an issue. 

If you decide to do the show (we did it 2 years ago) - we made banners to hang for "the bee" and some "school spirit" banners that you'd see in a school environment, ie. "Go Piranhas" etc.  For a small rental fee/shipping - we could make arrangements to share them.

With audience members to participate, it would be a great way to pull in community support.  We invited a few key district administrators and teachers to be "celebrity spellers" on certain nights also.  If you want to see photos, send me a separate email.

Whatever you decide - break a leg!

Missy

Original Message------

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

I'm going to jump in and agree with Sarah on All I Need to Know... and then add, How to Eat Like a Child...and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grownup.

How to Eat...is all about being a kid! It has fun songs, with very simple choreography, and the plus is, you might be able to do some school day performances and boost your ticket sales!

Wishing you the best!  

Carolyn

------------------------------
Carolyn Cork Greer
Kentucky Thespians
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2017 15:04
From: Laura Steenson
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

What about Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten?  It's more of a play with music, it's piano accompaniment so easier to get someone to accompany, the choreography is more staged movement than dance, The music is fairly simple so it's no biggie if your singers aren't as strong and it's written for 5 but easily expandable based on the needs.  Plus, its really fun and I think the rights are reasonable.

------------------------------
Laura Steenson
Theatre Director
Reynolds High School
Troutdale OR

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2017 08:17
From: Melissa Mintzer
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

I don't know how much the licensing costs would be - but The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a relatively small cast - and the set/costumes don't require a lot of specialty items.  Raiding thrift shops or other general items that should be easy to find.

For a non-traditional performance space - you don't need much - chairs/bleachers for the spellers, a few other minor items for the "adults" to sit at a table, etc.  And in most elementary schools, the spelling bee is actually held in the cafeteria or all-purpose room - so your space issue wouldn't even be an issue. 

If you decide to do the show (we did it 2 years ago) - we made banners to hang for "the bee" and some "school spirit" banners that you'd see in a school environment, ie. "Go Piranhas" etc.  For a small rental fee/shipping - we could make arrangements to share them.

With audience members to participate, it would be a great way to pull in community support.  We invited a few key district administrators and teachers to be "celebrity spellers" on certain nights also.  If you want to see photos, send me a separate email.

Whatever you decide - break a leg!

Missy

Original Message------

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

I second "How to Eat Like a Child"...

I used it when I taught on exchange in Australia. The school had not done a musical in years and the Drama program was quite small. It was an excellent start for them.  (And for you, perhaps!)

Cheers.

------------------------------
Bill Jacobsen
Drama Teacher / Curriculum Coordinator
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-14-2017 03:27
From: Carolyn Greer
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

I'm going to jump in and agree with Sarah on All I Need to Know... and then add, How to Eat Like a Child...and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grownup.

How to Eat...is all about being a kid! It has fun songs, with very simple choreography, and the plus is, you might be able to do some school day performances and boost your ticket sales!

Wishing you the best!

Carolyn

------------------------------
Carolyn Cork Greer
Kentucky Thespians

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2017 15:04
From: Laura Steenson
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

What about Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten?  It's more of a play with music, it's piano accompaniment so easier to get someone to accompany, the choreography is more staged movement than dance, The music is fairly simple so it's no biggie if your singers aren't as strong and it's written for 5 but easily expandable based on the needs.  Plus, its really fun and I think the rights are reasonable.

------------------------------
Laura Steenson
Theatre Director
Reynolds High School
Troutdale OR

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2017 08:17
From: Melissa Mintzer
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

I don't know how much the licensing costs would be - but The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a relatively small cast - and the set/costumes don't require a lot of specialty items.  Raiding thrift shops or other general items that should be easy to find.

For a non-traditional performance space - you don't need much - chairs/bleachers for the spellers, a few other minor items for the "adults" to sit at a table, etc.  And in most elementary schools, the spelling bee is actually held in the cafeteria or all-purpose room - so your space issue wouldn't even be an issue. 

If you decide to do the show (we did it 2 years ago) - we made banners to hang for "the bee" and some "school spirit" banners that you'd see in a school environment, ie. "Go Piranhas" etc.  For a small rental fee/shipping - we could make arrangements to share them.

With audience members to participate, it would be a great way to pull in community support.  We invited a few key district administrators and teachers to be "celebrity spellers" on certain nights also.  If you want to see photos, send me a separate email.

Whatever you decide - break a leg!

Missy

Original Message------

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

Try MTI Broadway Jr shows.  Several of which can be done at high school.  They come with a complete package including performance and rehearsal tracks.  

Also, a great company is TRW (theatrical rights worldwide) and they have several smaller musicals and do the complete package with performance and rehearsal tracks.  

Both of which are very reasonable.  MTI is more expensive but they have more recognizable titles in their junior series.
TRW is more user friendly and much cheaper. 

Another place to look is beat by beat press.  They have some musicals but they are geared for smaller children.  So if you want  TYA shows they are super great to work with.  

Break a Leg and may all your theatre seats be filled. 


------------------------------
Kelly Thomas
Mesquite TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

Have you looked at Runaways?

------------------------------
Bryce Cahn
Theatre Arts Teache
Tompkins Square Middle School
New York, NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

I have an established program that got a bit decimated after COVID lockdowns. I was able to pull of a production of Starkid's Trail To Oregon (the PG-13 version) with a cast of 16 (but you can do it with less). As long as you have a solid family of five, it's a fun show - it was extremely well-received by our audiences of teens.

------------------------------
Tara Filowitz
Teacher (Drama & ELA)
Valencia High School
CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

I suggest you do a Junior Musical first. They are far less expensive and have everything you need to do your first musical.

------------------------------
Hollie Martinez
Theatre Director
ACP College Prep
TXAntonian College Preparatory High School
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-19-2024 16:55
From: Tara Filowitz
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

I have an established program that got a bit decimated after COVID lockdowns. I was able to pull of a production of Starkid's Trail To Oregon (the PG-13 version) with a cast of 16 (but you can do it with less). As long as you have a solid family of five, it's a fun show - it was extremely well-received by our audiences of teens.

------------------------------
Tara Filowitz
Teacher (Drama & ELA)
Valencia High School
CA

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

HI I have 2 musical revue shows along with a couple of musicals which will fit your cast requirements. All music is digital and licensed for use. Economical to stage, family fun entertainment. Here is link to musical revue page musicals can be found on musical page. You can read full scripts and listen to all songs on website. https://www.asjustonelife.com/musical-revues

------------------------------
Steve Pinkerman
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

I would recommend if you can manage to do a musical, do it. In my experience, musicals always bring in a bigger audience base and oftentimes a bigger actor base. I've been directing high school theatre for over twenty years. We currently do two plays, a set of student directed one acts and a musical every year. Our musical is always the biggest draw for actors, nearly doubling the number of auditioners compared to our plays and it is a way to get singers and dancers more involved in productions that wouldn't normally audition for a straight play (and once they get the acting bug they typically audition for other plays as well). People love musicals and, here to, our audience is always double (or more) what our plays bring in. I firmly believe musicals are a great way to grow your program in so many ways.

If you decide to do a full musical you may want to check out You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and Godspell. I did both of these shows back when we still had a very small budget, small actor base and still performed in the cafeteria. I did utilize volunteers for some of the added production staff positions in the early years too. Both shows have flexible casts so are perfect for a smaller actor base. And both can be done on a minimal budget and neither needs a lot of choreo.  You also may want to check out Little Women. I've never done this musical but I've heard it too is a great small cast show and doesn't take a lot of tech to pull it off.  Another thought might be trying out the Junior versions of some musicals (MTI has many). They are typically geared more towards middle school. However, I've known some smaller high school theatre programs to use these junior versions to introduce musicals to their students/community until they build up a bigger actor base. Junior shows are only and hour long and a lot simpler to produce and the demands are not as great as a full scale musical.

Good luck!

------------------------------
Jillian Lietzau
Lutheran High School
CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2024 16:07
From: Steve Pinkerman
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

HI I have 2 musical revue shows along with a couple of musicals which will fit your cast requirements. All music is digital and licensed for use. Economical to stage, family fun entertainment. Here is link to musical revue page musicals can be found on musical page. You can read full scripts and listen to all songs on website. https://www.asjustonelife.com/musical-revues

------------------------------
Steve Pinkerman

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

I would recommend looking at the Beat by Beat press shows.

Although they are geared for Elementary and Middle School, They have several shows that are over and hour and they just published at 70 minutes show geared for older theater. They also have monologues and scenes books that I use our teen camp. We divide them up and put together a whole presentation. They also sell musical songs individually that can be put together as a review.  If you want ideas for your classroom here is a book of ideas  that  can help you for any level. Today's Best Musical Plays for Kids

Building a Musical Theatre Program for Kids: The Essential Handbook

Amazon		remove preview
Building a Musical Theatre Program for Kids: The Essential Handbook Building a Musical Theatre Program for Kids: The Essential Handbook [Click, Joyce] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Building a Musical Theatre Program for Kids: The Essential Handbook View this on Amazon >

Beat by Beat Press		remove preview
Today's Best Musical Plays for Kids Your #1 resource for contemporary new musical plays for kids to perform! Affordable, large cast sizes, and always free perusal scripts! View this on Beat by Beat Press >

https://a.co/d/0hW0aK9

------------------------------
Joyce Click
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2024 16:07
From: Steve Pinkerman
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

HI I have 2 musical revue shows along with a couple of musicals which will fit your cast requirements. All music is digital and licensed for use. Economical to stage, family fun entertainment. Here is link to musical revue page musicals can be found on musical page. You can read full scripts and listen to all songs on website. https://www.asjustonelife.com/musical-revues

------------------------------
Steve Pinkerman

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

We had a lot of success with How To Eat Like A Child And Other Lessons In Not Being A Grown Up (from Concord Theatricals, based on Delia Ephron's book.)  Music is great, scenes are fun and it is a true ensemble piece (which is important to our arts program.)   We also did the updated version of Free To Be, You And Me (also from Concord)  but we had a specific goal with that production of bringing in younger students (we are a Pre K-12th grade school) and their families.  We enjoyed working on that show as well.

------------------------------
Joanna Lewton
Arts Director
Capital City Public Charter School
Washington DC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

It sounds like you are building a dynamic theatre program! Kudos to you! You've chosen three strong shows to start with and I hope you stick with a yearly Shakespeare play. Putnam County Spelling Bee would be a musical to consider-small cast, simple choreography, unit set. Consider using the gym. Great music, fantastic characters, and poignant message. Keep up the good work.

------------------------------
Kent Burnham
Director of Theatre Arts
Frederick Gunn School
Washington, CT 06793
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-29-2024 08:46
From: Joanna Lewton
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

We had a lot of success with How To Eat Like A Child And Other Lessons In Not Being A Grown Up (from Concord Theatricals, based on Delia Ephron's book.)  Music is great, scenes are fun and it is a true ensemble piece (which is important to our arts program.)   We also did the updated version of Free To Be, You And Me (also from Concord)  but we had a specific goal with that production of bringing in younger students (we are a Pre K-12th grade school) and their families.  We enjoyed working on that show as well.

------------------------------
Joanna Lewton
Arts Director
Capital City Public Charter School
Washington DC

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

Greetings Arden and Congrats on embarking on this incredible journey. To quote Stephen Sondheim's "Sunday in the Park with George" - "A blank page or canvas, his favorite - so many possibilities."

I have had success with shows that have been mentioned such as "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" as well as "The Edges" and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". 

Break a leg!

------------------------------
William J. Eyerly, Ph. D, Ed. D
Performing Arts Director St. Andrew's Sewanee School
Thespian Director Troupe #11474
Executive Director
Gainesville Association for the Creative Arts
Sewanee, TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-30-2024 07:19
From: Kent Burnham
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

It sounds like you are building a dynamic theatre program! Kudos to you! You've chosen three strong shows to start with and I hope you stick with a yearly Shakespeare play. Putnam County Spelling Bee would be a musical to consider-small cast, simple choreography, unit set. Consider using the gym. Great music, fantastic characters, and poignant message. Keep up the good work.

------------------------------
Kent Burnham
Director of Theatre Arts
Frederick Gunn School
Washington, CT 06793

Original Message:
Sent: 03-29-2024 08:46
From: Joanna Lewton
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

We had a lot of success with How To Eat Like A Child And Other Lessons In Not Being A Grown Up (from Concord Theatricals, based on Delia Ephron's book.)  Music is great, scenes are fun and it is a true ensemble piece (which is important to our arts program.)   We also did the updated version of Free To Be, You And Me (also from Concord)  but we had a specific goal with that production of bringing in younger students (we are a Pre K-12th grade school) and their families.  We enjoyed working on that show as well.

------------------------------
Joanna Lewton
Arts Director
Capital City Public Charter School
Washington DC

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------

Hi,

First, CONGRATS on setting up your program.   I agree with many of the folks here about musicals.  "Just do it" - is a great phrase, get your feet wet.  It will get easier and easier.  But I feel your pain about just starting.

Next, you have some great ideas for small shows - all are great, none will sell tickets, but the students will have a blast.  

I think you want to avoid ending with a deficit.  So, my advice is to not pay huge royalties  and start with a show that is inexpensive.  The goal being - to break even.  As it is your first musical, the only ticket sales will really be from the families of your students - so cast everyone - and have a ball.

I also like Beat to Beat - they are inexpensive and they give you everything.  But, also consider CPA Theatricals.  They offer lots of choices, flexible casting, music tracks, easy costumes and sets.   57th NATIONAL MATHLETE SUM-IT is like "Spelling Bee" but with math and 5 female leading roles. LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS is a great Holiday show and again has great leading roles for females - and you can have as many as you want in the show including children, parents, teachers, etc. JUNGLE JIM is fun and very cheap ($250) and if you want something more with adult themes - There is THE MOMENT.  WWW.cpatheatricals.org

Break a leg!

------------------------------
Larry Little
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 22:34
From: Arden Thomas
Subject: musical for very small high school on very small budget

Hi! I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

We are a new high school - only 2 years old, with only 90 9th-11th graders. Next year we'll have about 120 9th-12th graders. Last year we did two amazing productions of Twelfth Night and AntigoneX (by USC playwriting professor Paula Cizmar - highly recommended!). This winter we're doing Almost, Maine.

Here's the question/problem: My students have been begging me to do a musical. I have been hesitating. None of them have ever done a musical besides a handful who did Lion King in 8th grade. But they are desperate! Every day a group of girls come into the open courtyard singing songs from Annie (Black Annie, actually), West Side Story, Grease, etc - even Teen Beach Movie! I decided to scaffold our way into a musical next year by doing a revue or a small chamber musical this Spring.

My problems:
- Though I have been directing professionally for 15 years, I have never ever directed a musical!
- I have a budget of only $3500 for two productions!
- I have no theater space and have been renting black box theaters or performing in the "multi use room" of our lower school campus
- Since I have no budget, I guess I will have to find parent volunteers to be the choreographer and musical directors
- And the aforementioned lack of experience in the students

Pluses:
- A passionate group of about 12-15 students who desperately want to do a musical!

Thoughts:
- If I have about 7-8 hard core musical actors, I could do a chamber or low tech musical like Showtune, Triumph of Love, or Songs for A New World
- If I have only 3-5 strong musical actors, I could do a really small musical like [title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen; Tick, Tick ... Boom by Jonathan Larson and David Auburn; or A Class Act
- or if I have about 15 students with limited experience who desperately want to do a musical, I could do that revue idea

Questions:
- What musical revues are out there? I don't even know where to start! Everything seems so over the place online in terms of revues
- Is it fun to do a revue? Isn't it more satisfying to have a narrative throughline?
- What about next year? What would be a fun musical I could do with about 10-12 actors, low budget, low tech, parent volunteer choreographer and musical director?

Sorry for the long post. But I think you can see what I'm up against (including my own complete lack of musical experience!). Thanks millions!!
- Arden

------------------------------
Arden Thomas
theater director
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena CA
------------------------------