HOW TO PRODUCE A MUSICAL IN 4 WEEKS!

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Childrens Christmas Programs

Musical Dramas for Kids

HOW TO PRODUCE A MUSICAL IN 4 WEEKS

"OH NO. . .
Christmas is coming and I only have 4 weeks to rehearse the
Kids Christmas musical!"
NO PROBLEM. . .

It's October 27 and your principal Ms. Snodmejer has just said, "I think we should do something special for our Christmas Program, a Musical Drama. It would give our kids the 'spotlight' to show their parents how talented they really are!" Then Ms. Snodmejer looks at you squarely in the eye ... you get that sinking feeling because you know what she's about to say! "Lillian," she says firmly, "I know you sing tenor in your church choir and can play the Fluteophone! I am putting you in charge! Let's have a great production!'

"But, but..." I stammered.

"But, but you'll do it. Great! By the time we select the Musical and get the parts assigned we'll only have 4 weeks to rehearse!" she said.

Was I ever glad that I kept all the information from Amalgamated Talents on their "Funterrific" Children's Christmas Musicals for kids of all ages! Read on!

How To Produce A Musical In 4 Weeks!
(Practically Pressure-Free)

1. Selecting Your Musical Drama

Contents should have a story with qualities you would like delivered. Of oourse you can always change, add or delete songs or sections to custom-fit the program to meet your needs.
The pace of the Musical needs to be up-beat at least 75% of the time with quiet, lovely, introspective moments at other times.
Dialogue and Songs should be fun and inspiring for the kids. This makes rehearsals an event, not drudgery!

2. Purchase the Product and Start the Rehearsals

At the 1st rehearsal, play the entire cassette! This will create excitement, generate enthusiasm, and set the tone for all subsequent rehearsals.
Have enough Student/Singers Edition Books to go around the class, choir or student body. And believe me, if your key people and preferably all the children have a cassette to take home, they will have the dialogue and music memorized in No Time At All!
Note: Amalgamated Talents has a group rate for Singers Books and Listening Cassettes if you contact us direct. - That makes this opportunity affordable for everyone. Just Call, Write, Fax or Email us.

3. Assign the Roles

After the 1st rehearsal at which you played the ENTIRE CASSETTE, children will begin to identify with various characters they want to portray.
Have one friendly get together (audition) where anyone can "read" some of the lines and you can become familiar with all of the students. You will be surprised at how well some of the shy ones respond.
Next, have a serious audition where in your mind you have already narrowed your selections to 2 or 3 people per part. Remember, some of the roles need singing ability or the ability to speak the lines in rhythm.
Make your final selections. Nobody likes to lose or come in second. Find ways to praise everyone who tried out and try to give other key spots to those who don't get "parts." Have alternates for a 2nd production or if someone gets ill.

4. Choosing the Soloists

Select vocal soloists on ability, spirit, and attitude! If you have many talented students, you may wish to have several or more soloists on several of the songs.
You may also replace parts of the group songs with soloists. REMEMBER! The more solos you can assign, the less time you'll need to rehearse the entire group!

5. Production and Rehearsals Schedules

Amalgamated Talents provides all of the information you need in a straightforward way. There are plenty of tips for the performance of each song, as well as set and costume suggestions at the beginning of each of the Director/Accompanist Books.
Be sure to get help from other parents and teachers for every phase of your production.
During the first two weeks, rehearse the units separately, i.e., solos, speaking parts, group songs, production crew, etc.
While you rehearse, visualize blocking (when and where people stand and move).
During the 3rd week begin rehearsing sections, i.e., blocking songs with choreogaphy (planned movement for some of you!) and dialogue complete with gestures.
The 4th week... It will all come together!
In the last rehearsal (the dress rehearsal) go all the way through without stopping. Then fix, give suggestions, etc.

6. Recap

Head up a team of 24 people who can assist you with specific responsibilities.
Select a Musical with content that is fun for the kids. Make it your own Musical which will fit YOUR needs.
Purchase Product and Plunge into Rehearsals.
Choose characters and soloists. Give as many leads and solos as possible.
Be focused, but relax and enjoy! Remember, this should also be fun for those in charge!
IMPORTANT!!! Make sure everyone involved is acknowledged and applauded at the end of the show in an efficient way. This part must be rehearsed also.

7. Let's Perform

NOW...Strike up the Band! On with the show. Lights, Action, Cameras... Go For It!!!

And Ms. Snodmeier said, "Lillian, the play was magnificent, the music magic, the kids terrific, the audience delightful, and what excellent executive dispatch I had in assigning YOU to be the Director!"

**MUSICAL/DRAMAS from AMALGAMATED TALENTS**
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS CHRISTMAS?	CHRISTMAS IN HAWAII	THE LITTLE TREE'S CHRISTMAS GIFT	6TH GRADE SCROOGE	365 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS EACH YEAR	SINGIN' THE RED, WHITE & BLUE!

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