ACTOR’S SKILL LEVEL
Another important consideration is the age and skill level of your potential cast. Are they young and inexperienced, or are they older teens with acting and singing experience? Broadway shows require a number of kids with exceptional voices and the ability to learn a lot of lines. Non-Broadway shows (such as Spotlight Musicals) have songs that are easily singable for kids, and they would also have more speaking roles, meaning a lot of kids have lines rather than one or two kids having large numbers of lines to learn.
REHEARSAL AND SHOW SPACE
Rehearsal space and the times that space is available are also a consideration. If you have a small stage, you might need a smaller cast. If you have a large rehearsal and performing area, then you might consider a large cast, giving every kid who auditions a role in the show. However, if you have a large cast, make sure you have plenty of adult help!
Rehearsal space and the times that space is available are also a consideration. If you have a small stage, you might need a smaller cast. If you have a large rehearsal and performing area, then you might consider a large cast, giving every kid who auditions a role in the show. However, if you have a large cast, make sure you have plenty of adult help!
ACTOR AND AUDIENCE APPEAL
There will always be the temptation to do a popular Broadway show such as “Annie.” If you have lots of money for sets, costumes and licensing rights, and five or six kids who have spectacular voices, and you don’t need a big chorus for the kids who just want to participate, then go ahead and choose a Broadway show. But, if you need a show with more roles and more than one “star,” then you should choose a show that meets your needs and has a great title. You might attract more male-identifying actors if you do a show like “Robin Hood” or “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.” Kids also like shows with eye-catching titles, such as “Invaders from the Purple Planet” or “Rock and Roll Heroes." Your audience will be made up primarily of the actor’s families and friends, but a catchy title will also draw in other families from your community.
There will always be the temptation to do a popular Broadway show such as “Annie.” If you have lots of money for sets, costumes and licensing rights, and five or six kids who have spectacular voices, and you don’t need a big chorus for the kids who just want to participate, then go ahead and choose a Broadway show. But, if you need a show with more roles and more than one “star,” then you should choose a show that meets your needs and has a great title. You might attract more male-identifying actors if you do a show like “Robin Hood” or “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.” Kids also like shows with eye-catching titles, such as “Invaders from the Purple Planet” or “Rock and Roll Heroes." Your audience will be made up primarily of the actor’s families and friends, but a catchy title will also draw in other families from your community.
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| Invaders from the Purple Planet |