defying gravity
In this month of January, Caitlin Gioe, NJ Junior Thespian State Board Social Media Coordinator, gives helpful tips for making your dream musical a reality.
A vision. That is what you need. Close your eyes and picture it.
What do you see?
Often I see Broadway! I have had people say, “What do you think this is Broadway?” and in my head I say, “Yes!” but there is nothing wrong with that.. There is nothing wrong with dreaming big but know that changes will occur. We need to be realists and not let the reality crush our dream and spirit.
Have a plan/timeline
Begin planning a year out. Plan what your goals are for each
month, week and day.
Know your dates and make sure everyone else does! One of the biggest problems is that everyone wants to use ‘our” stage. The best way to deal with these scheduling issues is block those dates with secretaries, administrators and custodians. Find out the procedures in your building to avoid last minute chaos and aggravation.
month, week and day.
Know your dates and make sure everyone else does! One of the biggest problems is that everyone wants to use ‘our” stage. The best way to deal with these scheduling issues is block those dates with secretaries, administrators and custodians. Find out the procedures in your building to avoid last minute chaos and aggravation.
Have a team and delegate!
You can not do it all yourself.
What is your role? Are you the director? Director and Production Manager? Director, Production Manager, Costumer, Set, Props, Lighting….the list goes on and on but you need people you can rely on. Sometimes it seems easier to do it yourself but you have enough to do.
If you plan properly you have time to fix mistakes which are going to happen and may turn out to be better than you imagined.
-Students can be reliable but don’t put too much pressure on them.
They are kids.
-There are always volunteers to be found BUT make sure they know who is in
charge. Give out “those” jobs with specific directions so as not to
change your vision.
You won’t be disappointed!
What is your role? Are you the director? Director and Production Manager? Director, Production Manager, Costumer, Set, Props, Lighting….the list goes on and on but you need people you can rely on. Sometimes it seems easier to do it yourself but you have enough to do.
If you plan properly you have time to fix mistakes which are going to happen and may turn out to be better than you imagined.
-Students can be reliable but don’t put too much pressure on them.
They are kids.
-There are always volunteers to be found BUT make sure they know who is in
charge. Give out “those” jobs with specific directions so as not to
change your vision.
You won’t be disappointed!
Don’t know how to do it, ask. Find someone who does know how!
This brings us back to YOU CAN’T DO IT ALL and even if you can why would
you want to? What is your focus? What is your job?. Sometimes having job descriptions ahead of time for each person will help alleviate the problems that can occur.
you want to? What is your focus? What is your job?. Sometimes having job descriptions ahead of time for each person will help alleviate the problems that can occur.
Keep it legal
John Kenrick wrote in 2003 How to Put on a Musical: Keep it Legal (https://www.musicals101.com/putonlegal.htm)
“Even if you have convinced yourself that there is no way for your group to pay for the rights to a well-known musical, there are plenty of inexpensive options. These options are not only legal, but offer solid, entertaining possibilities for performers of any age group or level of experience.”
“Even if you have convinced yourself that there is no way for your group to pay for the rights to a well-known musical, there are plenty of inexpensive options. These options are not only legal, but offer solid, entertaining possibilities for performers of any age group or level of experience.”
Stay focused.
Each day will bring new challenges. What hat are you wearing now? Set a goal for the day, the week the month and stick to it.
Over the past 14 years I have taken on all the roles and more with various musicals with fourth, fifth and sixth graders. You never know from year to year, the interest and ability level, the commitment on the part of all including the adult volunteers. Even though the show changes, the students change, the volunteers change-the formula shouldn’t Know your time frame and your goals, depend on your team and don’t be afraid to ask for help but make sure all know who is in charge.Is it easy! No, but it can be easier than you think. My theory was show them what you can do, not EVERYTHING you can do. The experience big or small can impact the life of a child in ways you never dreamed.
AUTHOR
Caitlin Gioe
Social Media Coordinator
Social Media Coordinator
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