Choral Caffeine: The High School Musical

Choral conductors are always thinking ahead – we don’t have a choice.  While, yes, the holidays are upon us, many a choral colleague is already investing energy in the pending spring musical.  Jacob Narverud, in his article “Preparing High School Musicals – A Beginning,” has a few thought to share in this regard.

 

“Directing a musical in high school can be rewarding, challenging, and frustrating all at the same time. Navigating students’ schedules, varsity sports, academic classes, etc., can be highly stressful. If it’s your first musical, you may feel overwhelmed; however, if you begin thinking about the show many months ahead of time, do your research, plan carefully, consult the other people involved in the production, and stay organized, you can successfully direct a high school musical. The finished product is worth the enormous energy and work required. Your students will benefit and grow from their participation in all phases of the production.”

 

Jacob breaks the remainder of his discussion into the following outline, a veritable “How-To Checklist” for a musical production.

 

<> Choosing the Show

<> Research

<> Budget

<>Staff Needs

<> Collaboration

<> Rehearsal Space

<> Rehearsals

<> Auditions

<> Performance Space

<> Designing and Building Sets

<> Pit Orchestra

<> Studying the Score

<> Orchestrations and Arrangements

<> Costumes

<> First read-through with Cast

<> Rehearsal process

<> Advertising

<> Programs

<> Ticket Sales

<> Tech-Rehearsals

<> Dress Rehearsals/Full Run-throughs

<> Opening Night

<> Strike

<> Suggested Readings

 

All that’s left to do is shout, “Action!”

 

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