If you are the type of school teacher that likes a set routine and a quiet life then organising a school play or musical is not for you. To be successful will require a great deal of time and attention to detail, sleepless nights and the odd argument along the way. Having said that the feeling of achievement both you and the students will experience is tremendous. The production will create a real buzz around the school. There is no doubt about it, it is a challenging task but a very rewarding one.
Fancy Dress Costumes
After all that, if you are still interested, then here are a few pieces of advice and guidance regarding the main points you should consider when organising school dramas. This is not intended as a one stop shop more a “starter for 10″. Each point will need to be researched in more detail. At this point I will assume that you have selected a play / show.
1. Set The Standards
Beacuse you are dealing with school children there can be a tendancy to underestimate their abilities. Make no mistake once the production gets into full swing they will surprise you on a daily basis with their enthusiasm, innovation and ability. Don’t set the bar at a low level. Let it be known that high standrads are expected and you will not be disappointed.
2. Copyright Fees
Unless the copyright has expired on the work you have selected you will have to pay copyright fees. Permission from the rights holders must be obtained before rehearsals start. Schools are not exempt from having to pay a fee but if you explain that it is a school production that is to be performed in front of limited audiences then a discount maybe be offered. For more information about copright click through to ” Copyright – The Esentials”
3. Budgets
With copyright fees, costumes expenses and props to buy where is the money going to come from. You will need to draw up a budget, talk to the School Head and get a “float” organised. For more on pulling together a budget click here.
4. Licences
You will need to ensure that the venue in which you are holding the production has a public entertainment licence from the local authority. This may already be in place but it must be confirmed.
5. Pre Production
This is very much up to you. During this phase you will need to develop a clear direction for the production. This will centre on how the piece will be interpreted. This pre production work is essential. Without it casting and rehearsals will be a waste of time and the end result uninspiring.
6. Casting
Before you start the process of choosing people for various roles remember this is not a professional production. You are not “pitting” one student against another. You are trying to build a team that is focused on putting on a quality performance in a friendly and collegiate atmosphere. Try introducing team building expecises and slowly introduce the idea of scripts and movemment on the stage. By observing pupils over a period of a few weeks you will soon be able to access their strengths and get the right person in the right role.