Director of a High School Musical needs advice

[romgitsean]

Posted: 12/1/09 at 9:41pm

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.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 12/1/09 at 9:52pm

Go for it, honestly, The Wiz is not that challenging vocally. And a cast full of raw, talented singers who haven't found their stage legs yet is what most high school casts are anyway. And tell them it's not a traditional musical, and it's based on the Wizard of Oz.

[Q]

Posted: 12/1/09 at 9:58pm

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

[Jon]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 10:25am

If you only have $500, where are you getting the money to pay the royalties? You have to pay royalties, rental, and deposit in advance in order to get the music, scripts, etc. or were you planning on doing an illegal production?

[violet72]

Posted: 12/3/09 at 8:34am

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

[WOSQ]

Posted: 12/3/09 at 9:57am

The biggest concern is 'Do you have a Dorothy?' or better yet, several possible Dorothys? She is the one in the show who moves the plot and carries it along. She has to be a very good singer-actress who moves well.

You can fudge the vocals on just about all the other principals, but not Dorothy. (Witness Ashanti last summer in NY who almost killed an otherwise enjoyable if not particularly deep production.)

[Q]

Posted: 12/3/09 at 10:01am

"everyone has seen the movie"

Not so sure about that.

[violet72]

Posted: 12/3/09 at 10:40am

really? I guess I assumed they did. When I was in middle school we watched the wizard of oz and the wiz and we had to compare and contrast them

[Jon]

Posted: 12/3/09 at 4:55pm

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

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/3/09 at 5:06pm

Q, that is an excellent suggestion. That was a very good documentary. Also I suggest that you expose them to the Original Broadway Cast recording. Let them hear the music and it might get them interested.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/3/09 at 8:33pm

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!)

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/3/09 at 9:59pm

Going back to an important question: how will you pay for rights and royalties? The RENTAL of the music/scripts alone is going to be 400 bucks....the rights and royalties are much higher...dependant on how many performances you will have.

Additionally, what will you do for an orchestra? That requires even MORE students...and they need to be equally dedicated and talented. MOST shows don't have a karoke version to play.

I'm not trying to sound defeatist....but just trying to make sure you have thought of everything.