Junior Broadway: How to Produce Musicals with Children 9 to 13

by Beverly B. Ross, Jean P. Durgin

Overview

In 1983, the authors provided, "in spunky detail" (Booklist), a step-by-step guide to producing musicals with middle school students that was "infused with common sense and high energy" (VOYA). Then in 1998 they brought their increased experience and knowledge to a completely revised and fully updated version of their "highly recommended" (Library Journal) work. The present book is a reprint of that edition.

Voice, music, choreography, costumes, make-up, scenery, lighting, props, sound effects, backstage management—all phases of producing a major musical play with children as actors and stage crew are covered here, as well as the program, souvenirs, and photographs, not to mention handling pre-show jitters and throwing the after-the-show party. The techniques are tailored to children's abilities and needs (e.g., what to do with the "love scene").

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786467044
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	11/11/2011
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	223
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

The late Beverly B. Ross, taught fifth grade in Vienna, Virginia. Artist and editor Jean P. Durgin lives in Vienna, Virginia.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition     

1. A Broadway Musical: Why, Who and How?     
Hidden Benefits     
The Classroom Teacher’s Advantage     
Co-directing with Another Teacher     
Parent and Community Helpers     
The Show Goes On     

2. Choosing and Adapting a Script     
What Makes a Script Suitable?     
Script Sources     
The Importance of Minor Roles     

3. Finances and Organization     
Where Does the Money Come From?     
The Parents' Meeting     
Presenting the Script     
Seeing a Professional Show     
Audition Announcement     

4. Auditions and Casting     
Audition Judges     
Audition Day     
Casting the Play     
Announcing the Cast     

5. Rehearsals     
Rehearsal Location     
Staging     
The Prompter     
Keeping the Fun in Rehearsal     
Dress Rehearsal     

6. Directing     
Blocking Out the Action     
“Slow and Loud”     
Eye Contact     
Directing for Success     
The Love Scene     
Technical Help     
Creative Problem Solving     

7. Music     
Musical Director     
Tips for the Accompanist     
Voice Coach     
Tips for the Voice Coach     
Lesson 1: Getting Acquainted     
Lesson 2: Diction and Breathing     
Lesson 3: Volume and Range     
Voice Lesson Tape     
Gestures and Staging     
Musical Ups and Downs     
No Voice Coach     

8. Dance, Finale and Encore     
Choreographing the Dance     
Dance Patterns     
Teaching Children to Dance     
Sample Dance     
Finale and Encore     

9. Costumes and Makeup     
Costume Coordinator     
Keeping Costs Down     
Hats     
Specialty Accessories     
Hoop Skirts and Petticoats     
Color Can Do Wonders     
The Quick Change     
Costume Committee     
Non-English Speaking Parents     
Makeup     
Specialty Makeup     
Makeup Stations     

10. Scenery     
Scenery for Kids     
Designing the Scenery     
Backdrop     
Drawing the Backdrop     
The Flat     
Choosing Colors     
Scenery Painting Day     
Feet-in-Concrete Trick     
Miniflats     
Trains     

11. Backstage Dynamics     
Stage Manager     
Tips for the Stage Manager     
Stage Crew     
Props     
Sound Effects     
Lights     

12. Programs and Photographs     
Programs     
Photographs of the Show     
Videotapes     

13. The Performance     
Preshow Jitters     
The Pep Talk     
Adjusting to a Larger Stage     
Reserved Seats     
Crazy Cue Cards     
“Break a Leg”     
Cast Party     
Some Good Things Never End     

14 On Tour     
Advance Party     
Kids on the Road     
Community Encores     
The International Children's Festival     

15 Checklist and Reflections     
Countdown Checklist     
What Have the Children Gained?     
What Have You Gained?     

Index     

Editorial Reviews

offers practical hints.... There is enough general information here to warrant use by any group producing a musical. Highly recommended”—The Book Report.

From the Publisher

A spirited guide to doing musicals with children as cast and stage crew, covering voice, music, choreography, costumes, scenery, backstage management, and other aspects of producing a musical play. Emphasis is on tailoring techniques to children's abilities and needs, with tips on love scenes and pre-show jitters. Gives practical suggestions for making scenery, costumes, and make-up, with b&w illustrations and encouraging anecdotes. Includes dance diagrams, a schedule for a rehearsal and performance period covering most of the school year, and b&w photos. This second edition reflects experience gained by the authors since 1983. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

offers practical hints.... There is enough general information here to warrant use by any group producing a musical. Highly recommended

The Book Report