Director of a High School Musical needs advice

Hey guys,

So, just a bit of background: I'm directing my school's musical this year. I am literally the head of the drama department, but I'm a junior in High School. I've directed one other musical before and about five other plays (one of which was at the school), and my school is really underprivileged and we only have really about $500 in our drama club department (!) We actually have to rent out other places for a stage, although, our music room, which is more than big enough, we're working on making a stage.

...Anyway.

So this year, since my school is mostly black, I want to direct "The Wiz" (not to sound racist. But my school is also very much into Gospel, which is the type of music also used in "The Wiz") but the thing is, I'm not sure if they're experienced enough, or if I'll get enough to try out. Most of these kids have never been in any type of play or musical. And by most, I mean 90%. Some of them sing in their church's chorus...that's about it.

Do I go through with "The Wiz"? Or do I direct a Broadway revue? I've put my forms in already, but I haven't paid yet, so I can cancel.

Thoughts? Ideas? Anything's welcome.

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You should see if you can get a copy of this to show people - "Drama High" . . .
ABC link.

Hi, I am also a director of a high school musical (we don't have a huge budget although I am older then you). I think The Wiz is a good idea. Costumes are easy, set can be minimalistic and I think you will get a draw for auditions because everyone has seen the movie. Before auditions have an information meeting( see how many you get to come to this meeting, that usually shows you how many will audition). Give them some information about the show. Make up audition packets that have some dialogue and have them sing a song from the show accepella(you pick, I suggest Ease on Down the Road for the guys and Home for the girls).

Think about fundraising as well. When we did our show last year we sold flowers, snacks, specialty items, and pictures in the lobby. Many of the stuff we got donated because we promised to plug the businesses in the lobby and in the program.Selling Ad space in your programs is a great idea and you can start selling ASAP

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"everyone has seen the movie"

Not so sure about that.

You had to watch Wizard of Oz and The Wiz as a school assignment? Was the teacher a musical theatre queen?

I directed a high school production of THE WIZ. It never got performed because on the day we were supposed to open, our Dorothy was arrested for shoplifting at the local mall and our Wicked Witch went into labor. (I had no idea she was pregnant!)

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