Building a Musical Theatre Program for Kids: The Essential Handbook

Introducing Building a Musical Theatre Program for Kids, the ultimate handbook crafted to empower educators like you with the tools you need to create a successful and rewarding theatre program. This comprehensive 188-page guide is your backstage pass to orchestrating unforgettable theatrical experiences for children aged 7-14. This resource was created by the same award-winning publisher of Teaching Drama: The Essential Handbook, a #1 best-seller on Amazon which has sold over 75,000 copies and has been translated into 5 languages. Why this Book? In our ever changing world, the arts are more important than ever. Theatre fosters creativity in children, away from screens, and has the power to transform so many lives. Building a Musical Theatre Program for Kids is not just a book; it’s a blueprint for building a lasting community of enthusiastic performers, supportive parents, and inspired educators. What’s Inside? In book you’ll learn everything you need to feel confident in developing a theatre program. Here are some of the topics covered: Structuring Your Program: Learn the art of setting up a program that works for your specific goals, in your specific community. Selecting a Sponsor and a Venue: Navigate the logistics of finding the right support and the best location. Establishing a Budget & Raising Funds: Learn how to prioritize your budget, and then how to fund those budget priorities. Staffing Your Program: From paid staff to volunteers and interns, assemble a dream team of staff who share your vision and passion. Selecting a Musical: Choose the right show that resonates with your troupe and audience. Enrollment and Maintenance: Keep your program running smoothly with tips on managing enrollment and ongoing program health. Designing a Rehearsal Plan & Teaching Technique: Craft a rehearsal schedule that optimizes learning and fun, while instilling essential theatrical techniques. Planning the Performance: From sets and scenery, lighting and sound, costumes and props, to house management and box office, cover all your bases to set the show up for success. Creating a Special Experience & Fostering Enthusiastic Performers: Make your program a special experience for all types of children with memories they will cherish for a lifetime. A Note from the Author “I started writing this book after I retired from 44 years of directing kids and teens in several hundred musical productions. After years of focusing solely on my students, I realized it was time to encourage our future caretakers of performing arts. Writing down my experiences seemed to be the best means to reach a broad base. I always said after an unexpected “aha moment” that I wish I had a manual on how to build a musical theatre program for kids. Now here it is, even if I had to be the one to write it! There is no greater gift than sharing your talents with others, especially young performers. When introduced to theater, elementary and middle school students demonstrate creativity, eagerness, and flexibility because their imaginations have not been stifled by the fear of criticism. So start spreading a bit of your passion and gather a group of kids to learn a show. I hope to see you on stage creating your own legacy.” – Joyce Click