If you have ever been involved in a major school production, then you will be aware of the many benefits it brings with it. Nothing beats the buzz it creates – students get excited for the announcement, the auditions and of course, show week. But also, the school, staff and parents look forward to their annual outing to watch the finished product. I see members of the local community coming to watch our shows every year, some of whom don't have any links to the school. If you haven't put on a musical before then I urge you to go for it. The why is simple – it will create an energy in your department that will then re-ignite every year. This then has the knock-on effect of students wanting to sing, dance, act and perform more regularly. It might also highlight some new talent and raise funds for the performing arts in your school.
Getting it right
Choosing a musical is something I take very seriously. I always consider how the show will work with the students – I want to select a production that will showcase their talent, take them on an incredible journey and bring joy. First and foremost, you need to choose something that you can actually get the rights for. I am always slightly concerned when I read of schools putting on a production of a show where they haven't obtained the rights. It is important to do things legally and work directly with the rights holder – as musicians we should want to ensure that other artists are fairly compensated for their work. Every year students ask me if we can do Wicked or Hamilton and I have to explain to them that we can't just do any show we like. I, for one, would love to stage Chitty Chitty Bang Bang but sadly the rights are not available to schools.
When I begin thinking about a show, I start by visiting mtishows.co.uk to peruse their catalogue. Some of them are school editions and they might work well for you, especially if you work with younger students, however, I like to look for the full stage versions as I am working with students up to Year 13. There is so much information on the site and you will be able to find out what shows are available to you. You can then get in touch with MTI and secure the rights.
Student talent
Secondly you need to choose something that you know you can pull off. One year we put on Sweeney Todd because we knew we had the talent to take on the lead roles. We have also staged shows with lots of opportunities for dancers, since we had a high number available to us that particular year, such as Kiss Me Kate and Singin' In the Rain. One of my students was a great tap dancer and therefore made for a wonderful Cosmo. You need to look at the students and see what they can do. Obviously, there is an audition process, but it is important to know that you can pull off a show before you announce it.
In November, I am staging Les Misérables, again. A lot of people are asking me, ‘why would you want to do that?’ My answer is – the students. They all want to perform it, so we are doing it again. It has also been six years since I last tackled Les Mis, so I think the time is right. If you have the students on side, then the show will work, and it will be an enjoyable process.
If you are thinking about putting on a musical, then go for it – the benefits will quickly become evident. Choose the right show for your students and make sure it is one all the staff will enjoy working on too!
If you have any questions relating to school musicals, you can contact James via his website: manwaringmusic.blog For more information on licensing for musicals, read the article on page 36, alternatively you can visit: musicscopeuk.comrnh.com themusicalcompany.commtishows.co.uk
