Directing advice?

Question:Hi folks! I'm just graduating high school and me and a bunch of friends have been toying around with the notion of putting a musical production on at a local theatre. Now we know we can get all the performers and stage hands for free by casting a high school cast but we are stuck finding a show to do and we are looking for any tips anyone might have as to directing and putting together a play?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hi folks! I'm just graduating high school and me and a bunch of friends have been toying around with the notion of putting a musical production on at a local theatre. Now we know we can get all the performers and stage hands for free by casting a high school cast but we are stuck finding a show to do and we are looking for any tips anyone might have as to directing and putting together a play?

What you're asking are producing questions, actually. Not directing questions.

First thing to do is to order catalogues from the companies that agent the rights for the authors and composers of the shows - then you'll have all the musicals at your fingertips. The big four companies are - Tams Witmark Music Library, Samuel French Inc, Music Theatre International, and Rodgers & Hammerstein Theatricals. Just check out their websites and call to order a catalogue.

The you apply for the rights to perform the show(s) you have chosen, and request a contract. They will ask you questions about capacity of the theatre, ticket prices, dates of performances, location, etc. Answer honestly. It is easy to get caught lying, and all of these companies are surely familiar with the theatre you are performing in from their previous shows. There has to be a producing organization names. That is, you cannot apply for rights in your name. You have to be a company. (And you will need to pay them by check or money order.)

(Be aware that it is illegal - infringement of copyright - to perform a show without paying for it.) If they approve your request, a contract will be mailed to you.

In most cases, scripts and scores are rented. Besides that, they will charge you a royalty fee (which goes to the authors). You can expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of about $1000 (plus a deposit for safe return of their materials) for a few nights of a middling or name-brand musical. That's a guesstimate. No-name crappy shows could be less, big-name popular shows could be much more.

Be aware - Just because a show exists doesn't mean it is available for production. It is entirely possible for you to request a contract for a show and get turned down, depending on the authors' wishes. (For instance, I got turned down for the musical "Peter Pan" three years running until the tour closed.)

that is a great idea to make a play! most people are interested in plays that are funny, sad, live, and real life. you should try to make one that isn't crazy like a wizard, only if the theme is magical or fairy tale. (by the way i love wicked) i have seen only 2 musicals, but i do know that what makes a play a hit is if it has a reason or lesson, or everyday struggle. i have seen mama mia and basically they love it cause its funny and they love abba. good luck