Company or Jane Eyre

I'd first of all say that there are MUCH better choices that would be far more practical for an upstart theatre company. Both musicals are extremely difficult to do and could end being quite expensive or not doing justice to the piece. I'd say keep looking at other options.

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If you go to MTI's website, on the show page link, you'll find a page to submit for a licensing request. Here, you write in the information, and they'll mail you a contract that'll tell you how much the royalties and rental materials will be.

Having said this, though, are you sure Jane Eyre and Company are the best shows for your situation? Aside from being minimal in production value (for some productions) they are quite difficult shows. Company is a monster to direct (IMO) and Jane Eyre needs very specific voices to pull off the score.


Maybe a show such as Godspell would be good? It's an ensemble show that's minimal in production requirements. If you'd prefer something more contemporary, Zombie Prom. It's got a fun, contemporary score and a quirky story. Depending on the people, I've seen a group of students do quite well on a low budget with City Of Angels. Also, keeping in mind the student aspect, maybe FAME. If you want info on any of these shows, let me know.

I think your bigger question may be the band. Do you have adult musicians, or students? Does your space allow for a small-to-mid size orchestra, or only a few instruments? As a musical theatre director myself, I know the approach you may have. If you're set on doing more, how should I word this, non-teen-ish shows, maybe I can think of something. Let me know if you have any questions. Maybe someone on this board will have some more ideas, in addition to mine.

Charlie
magicpiane@kc.rr.com

CATS, you can tell the licensing company you want the materials a month earlier. It'll cost a bit more, but depending on the show it is probably just a tad bit more expensive than photo-copying the director's script. Not to mention it keeps you in accordance with the license.

I would strongly suggest staying away from Sondheim shows, witha few excepions as they are notoriously difficult both vocally and in their characters. That's not intended to sound like I say stick with the "easy" teen musicals.


Charlie
magicpiane@kc.rr.com

Updated On: 5/8/05 at 09:57 PM

I fully agree with MP, while doing a show like Sweeney Todd sounds great, and doing a show like Company would be marvelous, finding a Sweeney or finding a Bobby that can perform these shows is extremely difficult. Difficult to learn, to teach, to act, especially to sing. Have you considered a concert version of a musical? MTI has several available.

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Thanks, Sum. I do have to say, though, that I think Songs For A New World is probably not the best idea - for two reasons. One, very few teens have the life experience to sing things like Stars And The Moon. Two, the harmonies are REALLY hard. I've had to sing the opening of the show before. It's not impossible for people that age, it's just an uphill battle, you know?

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown (with the new arrangements/additions by Andrew Lippa) would be fun. SNOOPY, is a funny show too.

If you're preferring more contemporary stuff, do tell though.

Charlie
magicpiane@kc.rr.com

West Side Story or RAGTIME?!?! We think Songs for A New World is hard... I would not reccomend starting a production troupe run by teens with a show like Ragtime.

Just think simple. You dont want to have to worry about too much (sets, costumes, lighting...) The royalties and finding a cast will be hard enough (working w/ eveyone's schedule, etc.)

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
Snoopy (I almost like this show more than ...Charlie Brown)
Maybe even Grease would be your BEST bets.

Deffinatly think things you can relate to. Especially if there is not an adult director involved. Trust me from experience.
If you REALLY have the talent, maybe Little Shop (then you have to rent the plant too)

Visit these sites:
www.mtishows.com
www.tamswitmark.com
www.samuelfrench.com
www.dramaticpublishing.com
www.rnhtheaticals.com

Write to them if you have questions - they'll respond

Maybe even explain to them your situation and see what they reccomend. Then take all the reccomendations and narrow them down. I hope this stuff helps. I was in your shoes before trying to do something very similar in my community. Most importantly, know your limitations. Hope this help! Good luck to you guys!

Do "Batboy"

Both Company and Jane Eyre (i'd pick JE out of the two) would be really awkward with young actors tackling such adult roles (not that you wouldn't be fabulous and good...it just might be slightly inapropriate...you want to make every one look their best!)

and being between the ages of 14 and 17, I would choose something more age appropriate. Company is about a bunch of married couples, and there are some roles in Jane Eyre that need to be played by older actors (namely, a 17 year old boy as Rochester would just be weird.) There are tons of shows that are just as good as Jane Eyre and Company, that would be more fun.

However, I completely applaud you for starting a theatre group. Have fun.

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I think these are all valid comments. You guys are young, love theater, and are excited to get into it on your own terms. You want to do shows you love and that will push the envelope a little. Great. But right now you're 15 and have no money....

I started a productions company when I was 21. We wanted to do daring things that no one else in our community could or would. But we had most of the same problems you're having. My best friend and I scrapped together about $1000, then cast ourselves and our close friends in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. We directed ourselves, built our own sets, threw together our own costumes, etc. It was a blast, and the 8 performances in a little space we rented at a local school netted us about $2000. So we made back our investment, even doubled it.

Next we did Zombie Prom. It was a harder sell ticket-wise, but word of mouth spread quickly and sold out most of the short run. That was when we hit the "good stuff." We did Violet and Blood Brothers. Neither were big sellers but we did get reviewed in the bigger papers and a lot of really talented college students came out to perform for us. They were great productions that nobody else would have ever done.

Our little company's basically back to that $1000 mark now. I don't regret losing money on the later shows, nor do I regret "selling out" with the earlier ones. You do what you have to to get on stage and do your thing.

Start realistic and build up from there.