“Consider choosing shows that represent diverse stories and backgrounds, ensuring that students from all cultural and social backgrounds feel included.”
10 Tips on How to Choose Your Next School Show
Deciding on a school show can be a fun but complex task for teachers, as it involves considering various factors to ensure the show is suitable and enjoyable for students, staff, and the school community. A school show is a rite of passage for so many young people and can propel them into a love of the arts that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Deciding on the next school musical or theatrical performative may seem like a daunting task and you may need to adopt some good negotiating skills to see your vision come to life, but before you decide on your next show, here are some things to consider to help you with the project:
1. Know Your Audience
Student Demographics: Consider the age, interests, and abilities of the students. Choose a show that is appropriate in terms of content and challenge level.
Community and Parents: Think about what will resonate with the school community and parents. A show with themes that align with school values or local culture can create a strong connection.
2. Student Talent and Involvement
Assess Available Talent: Choose a show that aligns with the skills of your student body. If you have strong singers, dancers, or actors, select a show that highlights their strengths.
Inclusivity: Aim for a production that allows for broad participation. Larger ensemble shows or plays with multiple roles give more students the chance to participate.
Development Potential: Consider shows that challenge students and help them grow in performance, collaboration, and creativity.
3. Budget and Resources
Cost of Production: Take into account the budget for sets, costumes, royalties, and technical needs. Some shows are expensive to license or have elaborate production requirements.
Available Resources: Consider the school’s resources, such as lighting, sound equipment, and set-building capacity. Choose a show that fits within these constraints.
Sponsorship and Fundraising: If budget is a concern, explore whether sponsorship or fundraising can help offset costs for a more ambitious production.
4. School Values and Educational Goals
Alignment with Curriculum: Some schools prefer shows that tie into educational themes, such as literature, history, or social issues. A play or musical that supports learning goals can add value to the performance.
Positive Messages: Select shows that promote positive messages, especially if the performance is for younger students. Avoid content that may be too mature or controversial.
5. Logistics and Time Constraints
Time Available for Rehearsals: Some shows require extensive rehearsal, particularly for musicals with intricate choreography or shows with complex blocking. Make sure you have enough time to prepare.
Rehearsal Space: Ensure the show is feasible given the available rehearsal spaces. For example, large-scale musicals may need more room for choreography.
Performance Venue: Check if your school’s venue can accommodate the technical and staging needs of the show.
6. License Availability and Legal Considerations
Royalty Fees: Ensure the show you choose is available for licensing and that the costs fit within your budget. Musicals generally have higher fees than plays.
Adaptation Flexibility: Some shows offer flexibility for adaptation, while others have strict guidelines. Choose one that allows for any necessary adjustments, like cutting scenes for time or adapting roles for a larger cast.
7. Historical Success and Student Interest
Previous Shows: Reflect on past productions that were well-received or generated excitement among students and the audience.
Student Input: Survey students or ask for input from drama club members. If students are excited about the show, they are more likely to be engaged during rehearsals and performances.
8. Cultural and Social Sensitivity
Appropriateness of Themes: Avoid shows that contain potentially offensive or divisive content, especially if there are concerns about cultural sensitivity or inclusivity.
Representation: Consider choosing shows that represent diverse stories and backgrounds, ensuring that students from all cultural and social backgrounds feel included.
9. Balance Between Challenge and Fun
Student Growth: Choose a show that will challenge students artistically and academically, but also ensure that it’s something they’ll enjoy doing. A fun, engaging show keeps enthusiasm high.
10. Adaptability
Plan B: Have an alternative show in mind in case the first choice becomes logistically or financially unfeasible.
By balancing student talent, community expectations, budget, and practical considerations, teachers can select a school show that will both entertain and educate, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
