Tisha,
Congrats on this exciting time. Lots to do.
First, definatly communicate your standards and expectations. I took over a shamble of a program three years ago. Seniors got leads, auditions were a joke, etc. They only did plays, and even the past Drama Club members were totally bashing my idea of doing a musical. They said it would never happen.
I proved them all wrong.
I cast people based on their auditions. I even had a senior parent call me and say there really isn't any talent in our school, students only did it for fun, so her daughter should have gotten a large role (this was my ITS president that year too - oy vey!).
But, here's the thing, being transparent, holding true to your values and standards year in and year out will build our program. For my sixth production, we did the school's first musical since 1961. In a school of 348 kids, I had 56 total kids involved with the show. Pretty freaking awesome.
So, what did I do for my first show, having only been in musicals and had helped in limited manners on shows? I chose "Back to the 80's" from MTI. While the plot is a little lame, but the recognition of all the music was incredible. The kids got really creative with their costumes, the dance team captain and another dancer choreographed all of our dances, and I had a great volunteer vocal director. But, the kids knew the music, so it was pretty easy.
I had the largest numbers of any show I've ever produced. We even cranked up the mood by showing YouTube music videos of 80's music not in the show before curtain. Each person with paid admission of a neon glow necklace for the show. When the lights went down, it was such a cool effect! People were singing along each night, which pumped my kids up even more.
We did this show in 8 weeks, with lots of snow days. The kids can't wait for the next musical.
Also, if you've not made an account with MTI, that's the first step. It's pretty easy. I had to start an account since we didn't have one.
Good luck, and if you want any info about the show, feel free to message me. I'll get back to you.
Break a leg!!
Best,
Jared
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Jared Grigsby
English and Journalism Teacher / Drama Director
MSD of Boone Township
Hebron, IN
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-18-2014 09:38
From: Joshua Brady
Subject: First musical
Tisha-
Coming off my first year after taking over our school's theatre program, I would just add that another important question is what you have in resources, not just whom you have in terms of performers. For example, at my school, we have more body mikes on paper than we have that work. Knowing your actual equipment can be a big deal.
Another resource question that I would have is what type of support you will have from your school's faculty--band, choir, and dance instructors. They might be more eager to help you with some shows more than others, might want to test out your relationship before committing to do a musical, or might not be able help. I formed a team with a social science teacher who has an interest and talent in technical theatre that has served our students really well and gives me a needed dose of sanity at times.
I had a lot of success with a straight play that had a small flexible cast like Schoolhouse Rock Live. I walked in knowing that I only needed a small number to pull it off but was able to augment the cast with additional performers.
Break a leg this year!
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Joshua Brady
Menifee CA
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Sent via Higher Logic Mobile
Original Message:
Sent: 7/15/2014 3:26:18 PM
From: tisha.donnelly@gmail.com
Subject: First musical
I will be starting a new job with a larger drama program than I've had to date and am thrilled. Finally I have a chance to do a musical, something I know the administration would like.
Can you recommend a relevant musical that would be good for my first foray into high school musical direction? I've been in many musicals and directed adults twice, but want to be realistic when approaching high school musical direction.
Any tips or advice you'd like to offer would be welcome as well.
Thank you.
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Tisha Donnelly
Vallejo CA
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