In 1983, the authors provided, “in spunky detail” (Booklist), a step-by-step guide to producing musicals with middle school students that was “infused with common sense and high energy” (VOYA). Then in 1998 they brought their increased experience and knowledge to a completely revised and fully updated version of their “highly recommended” (Library Journal) work. The present book is a reprint of that edition.
Voice, music, choreography, costumes, make-up, scenery, lighting, props, sound effects, backstage management—all phases of producing a major musical play with children as actors and stage crew are covered here, as well as the program, souvenirs, and photographs, not to mention handling pre-show jitters and throwing the after-the-show party. The techniques are tailored to children’s abilities and needs (e.g., what to do with the “love scene”).

The late Beverly B. Ross, taught fifth grade in Vienna, Virginia.
Artist and editor Jean P. Durgin lives in Vienna, Virginia.

Beverly B. Ross and Jean P. Durgin
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 223
Bibliographic Info: 57 photos, index
Copyright Date: 2012 [1998]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-6704-4
Imprint: McFarland

Preface to the Second Edition      1

1. A Broadway Musical: Why, Who and How?      3
Hidden Benefits      6
The Classroom Teacher’s Advantage      7
Co-directing with Another Teacher      8
Parent and Community Helpers      10
The Show Goes On      11

2. Choosing and Adapting a Script      15
What Makes a Script Suitable?      15
Script Sources      18
The Importance of Minor Roles      19

3. Finances and Organization      22
Where Does the Money Come From?      22
The Parents’ Meeting      25
Presenting the Script      30
Seeing a Professional Show      32
Audition Announcement      32

4. Auditions and Casting      41
Audition Judges      42
Audition Day      43
Casting the Play      44
Announcing the Cast      48

5. Rehearsals      51
Rehearsal Location      52
Staging      53
The Prompter      54
Keeping the Fun in Rehearsal      55
Dress Rehearsal      59

6. Directing      62
Blocking Out the Action      62
“Slow and Loud”      63
Eye Contact      64
Directing for Success      64
The Love Scene      67
Technical Help      70
Creative Problem Solving      71

7. Music      73
Musical Director      74
Tips for the Accompanist      75
Voice Coach      76
Tips for the Voice Coach      76
Lesson 1: Getting Acquainted      76
Lesson 2: Diction and Breathing      79
Lesson 3: Volume and Range      81
Voice Lesson Tape      82
Gestures and Staging      84
Musical Ups and Downs      85
No Voice Coach      86

8. Dance, Finale and Encore      89
Choreographing the Dance      89
Dance Patterns      92
Teaching Children to Dance      93
Sample Dance      101
Finale and Encore      103

9. Costumes and Makeup      106
Costume Coordinator      107
Keeping Costs Down      108
Hats      113
Specialty Accessories      115
Hoop Skirts and Petticoats      117
Color Can Do Wonders      117
The Quick Change      120
Costume Committee      122
Non-English Speaking Parents      123
Makeup      124
Specialty Makeup      126
Makeup Stations      127

10. Scenery      130
Scenery for Kids      131
Designing the Scenery      132
Backdrop      134
Drawing the Backdrop      136
The Flat      140
Choosing Colors      143
Scenery Painting Day      145
Feet-in-Concrete Trick      150
Mini?ats      150
Trains      151

11. Backstage Dynamics      155
Stage Manager      155
Tips for the Stage Manager      158
Stage Crew      159
Props      161
Sound Effects      167
Lights      168

12. Programs and Photographs      171
Programs      171
Photographs of the Show      175
Videotapes      178

13. The Performance      179
Preshow Jitters      180
The Pep Talk      183
Adjusting to a Larger Stage      183
Reserved Seats      186
Crazy Cue Cards      186
“Break a Leg”      187
Cast Party      190
Some Good Things Never End      191

14 On Tour      195
Advance Party      195
Kids on the Road      197
Community Encores      198
The International Children’s Festival      198

15 Checklist and Re?ections      203
Countdown Checklist      203
What Have the Children Gained?      208
What Have You Gained?      209

Index      210

“offers practical hints…. There is enough general information here to warrant use by any group producing a musical. Highly recommended”—The Book Report.