So, you've decided to put on a show! Or perhaps your school or community group
has decided to put on a show, and you're the one who has to pull it all together?
Either way, these pages are designed for you. They offers some basic guidance, and
point you towards books and other resources that can help you to make sense of this
challenge.
Putting on a musical is not easy, but it can be a life altering event for everyone involved.
The information offered here comes from my own experiences. I have directed at the elementary
and high school level, and been involved as both performer and production staff with numerous
colleges and community theatres. The content of these pages has also been inspired by hundreds
of e-mail questions Musicals101 has received. If you have a question of your own,
contact me.
A key point: Always keep it legal! No matter how
good your cause or your intentions, you are obligated to pay
for the rights to any material you present for public performance. Believe me,
you can find ways to afford the rights to something you and your audiences will
enjoy. There are many options inexpensive projects, easy fundraising,
etc. Read on.
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Examples: To illustrate the ideas presented
here, we will follow a fictional amateur production from conception to closing.
Two teachers at Henry Higgins High School in suburban New Jersey want to put
on a musical Mr. Pickering is head of the music department, and
Ms. Doolittle teaches Junior year English. These dedicated people want to
improve school spirit and raise enough money to fund future school productions. Neither
teacher has ever put a show together before. (Gulp!)
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