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This page is aimed at amateur producers, directors and musical
directors – we have some thoughts for actors
elsewhere.
So, you want to put on an amateur musical? Why? Have you lost your mind?
I'm not trying to talk you out of this project. However, I want you
to consider what you are getting into. Producing an amateur musical
can be very rewarding. It can also be exhausting,
time-consuming, and overwhelming, especially for
first timers. There will be days, even weeks when it may seem as if
your life is no longer your own. And once you get things rolling, it is almost
impossible to back out. So you had better clarify your motivations for launching
this juggernaught.
No Heroes Allowed
If you are doing this to prove what a wonderful person you are, don't. Putting
on a show is not about you – it is about everyone involved. Musicals are
collaborative efforts. Unless you are determined to have a nervous breakdown,
it is vital to have as many people sharing the burden, as well as the sense of
accomplishment. Everyone has to operate as part of a team, including you.
The process of putting on a show can re-energize a school, even an entire
community. There are places where the annual musical is one of the defining events
of the year. How often do people band together to bring a little joy into the
world? So putting on this show is not about polishing your halo -- its about
unveiling the unseen constellation of talents that surround you.
Group Spirit
A musical production can become a defining moment for the community you are working
with. Audiences will remember a good school or amateur production for years to come,
and those memories grow more golden with the passage of time. My college classmates
and I recall darn few lectures from our four years, but we carry detailed, vivid
memories of the musicals we worked on.
Raising Money
With decent planning, an amateur musical can be a major money maker. Set a sensible
budget, stick to it, sell enough tickets, and your group can wind up with a nice
pile of change. If your group does not have the money to produce a show,
there are ways to either raise the funds or make-do without them. We'll discuss
all this in the pages ahead.
Academic Value
Musicals are not just about having a good time. They can be a great
addition to the academic program. Almost every musical has potential
tie-ins to classroom subjects, and the more faculty and students you get
involved in your show, the better off you'll be. Even if your group
is not affiliated with a school, your program and
lobby displays can expand on the historic or cultural background of your
show. These can be prepared by interested volunteers, or you might
consider asking a local authority or educator to lend a hand -- a great
way to add such a person to your team.
Changing Lives
Whether your cast and crew are adults, teens, children or all three, involvement
in an amateur musical production can change their lives. The process of auditioning,
rehearsing and performing builds confidence. After someone has stood on a stage and
taken risks in front of an audience, things like job interviews or business
presentations seem far less intimidating.
Will you discover exciting new talent? It can happen. Many professionals get their
first taste of show business in amateur productions. But your show will
be meaningful for those who may never taste stardom again. The plays
done in school auditoriums and church halls give those involved memories they will cherish for a lifetime.
While working on a musical, the people on your team will accomplish
things they otherwise might never have reached for. The same will be true for you.
So much for the rational arguments. Now let's move on to . . .
The Only Reason That Matters
In the words of Shakespeare,
"Oh reason not the need!" There is only one bona fide reason
to put on an amateur musical production – you do it because your soul demands it. You must
approach this project with passion. Everyone else's commitment will hinge on yours,
so if you don't believe in this project, don't get into it.
Lets look at some of your options. If funds are
tight or almost nonexistent, there are ways for the show to go on.
Next: Low Budget Options
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