Musicals are a core part of modern theater, allowing audience members from all around the globe to immerse themselves in an entirely new world. As this industry continues to become fiercely competitive, it is vital that producers do everything in their might to put on a show-stopping performance. To discuss this further, this article will display a plethora of effective tips and tricks on how to produce a musical.
1. Inspect Your Venue
Whether it’s a quaint hall or a striking regal theater, when you are learning how to produce a musical, it is vital that your venue is in the best shape it can be. For producers working with older buildings, ensure that all of these essential components are in working order such as the roofing. This can help guests feel safe and comfortable as they enjoy your show but also ensures that they are not put off by any nasty cracks in the ceilings. A suitable roofing structure can also help to trap heat inside the building, which is ideal for performances that are taking place during the winter months. Some venues are unfortunately left to rot and suffer the elements, making them vulnerable to a wealth of unwanted visitors. If this is the case for you, it is good practice to contact a pest extermination service to help your performance run smoothly and without any unsightly interruptions.
2. Build Your Set
Musicals do not rely on special effects in the same way that traditional movies do, so it is important that the set catches the viewers’ attention. You may need to conduct a large amount of research when working out how to produce a musical, especially if the story is set in an obscure or fantasy-like location. As such, you may need to collate a variety of high-quality fence supplies to help your vision come to life. It is also paramount that your set is in good working order as this can help promote seamless transitions, which can make your actors’ lives a lot easier when performing under pressure. Thus, it is a good idea to look into some construction dumpster rental companies so that any debris can be cleared away quickly and safely.
3. Negotiate Contracts
Even the smallest productions need to ensure that all of their actors have a good understanding of their working conditions. This includes rate of pay, scheduling, and any available healthcare benefits for workers. This gives each cast member a firm idea of what is expected of them and helps them perform professionally at all times. Once a contract has been negotiated and agreed on, make sure that the respective parties have their own copy that they can refer to if needed. A good contract will help your musical avoid any legal issues and maintain your reputation within the industry as a fair and just employer.
4. Purchase Costumes
Costuming can make or break a performance, so it is very important that you select the correct materials and motifs when researching how to produce a musical. If your budget allows, consider hiring a designer who can help you draw all of your ideas together and create some pieces that really express a feel for the musical. It is also important that these costumes fit the cast members in a flattering way so regular dress rehearsals and fittings must be conducted. Some musicals will rely on a smaller budget, but that does not mean that they have to tone down their ideas for costumes. Instead, try purchasing smaller items such as wedding rings and appliances from secondhand stores. This will help you adhere to your budget, without having to skip out on key pieces that will really help to make the performance pop.
5. Offer Discounts for Seniors
If you have decided to replicate a much-loved musical for a local audience, it can help to offer a discount for older citizens. It may be beneficial to create a selection of attractive flyers and send them out to the senior care facilities throughout your local area. By inviting older people to your musical, you not only have the chance to sell more tickets, but you also have the opportunity to do something kind for the people in your community. Offering discounts can also help you to become more competitive against more mainstream shows, as tickets for these performances can be extremely expensive, which can put some people off going to see them. Thus, you have the prime opportunity to produce a musical that captures the hearts and minds of senior citizens but also offers a much more affordable option for musical theater lovers.
6. Design the Lighting
Lighting can capture the atmosphere of any musical, showcasing the characters’ emotions without having to say a word. That is why it is so vital that experts use this technique effectively when learning how to produce a musical. As this process is incredibly complex, producers are advised to rely on the work of electrical contractors to ensure that the lighting fixtures are implemented safely and securely. Though lighting seems like a deeply scientific process, producers can still have fun. Experiment with a range of colors as well as the balance between light and dark to see if you can change the overall feel of your performance and relay this back to the audience.
7. Create Merchandise
Everyone loves to show off their interests, and this often includes wearing and using merchandise from their favorite, popular musicals. By producing your own merchandise, you’re giving the fans what they want, while also increasing sales and making a healthy profit from your performance. Merchandise is a very versatile asset and can be presented in a number of different ways such as tee shirts, mugs, pens, sweaters, and notebooks. Thus, producers are encouraged to reach out to some local tee shirt printing companies to help them produce a series of attractive products at scale. Be sure to also research the cost of producing these items as this can help you to set an appropriate selling price for your line of merchandise. Though a lot of these products will be sold before the show, it is also a good idea to sell them online. This means that even customers who could not see the show in person can still sport a variety of merchandise.
8. Make Sure the Venue Is Accessible
If you are eager to learn how to produce a musical that is open to all, it is important that you research accessible venues in your area. Though accessibility can mean a lot of different things to different people, it is good practice to add ADA compliant signage throughout your respective venue. As such, this can help disabled guests better navigate their way around the theater without having to rely on the assistance of staff members. These signs can also help disabled actors who may not be familiar with the venue, ensuring that every member of the show can put on their best performance without any limitations.
9. Work With a Diverse Cast
Musicals often require performance to be a triple threat, meaning that they can act, sing, and dance. This gives producers the chance to work with a stellar selection of performers and ensures that their shows will be filled with vitality and joy. Due to their many years of training experience, musical theater actors do not require much additional training, meaning that they can usually take on the nuances of the role pretty quickly. In addition, musicals also allow performers to express themselves in a number of different ways, meaning that your musical can rely on dance and lyrics to captivate the audience, rather than excessive amounts of dialogue.
10. More Entertaining for Audiences
When showcasing a traditional play, it can be hard to get the audience’s full attention, especially if a majority of the story is being displayed through subtle movements and speech. Musicals allow producers to step away from convention and draw the viewer in with catchy show tunes and non-stop dance numbers. As such, the audience benefits not only from a spellbinding story but also from an array of compelling music that stays with them forever. Though musical theater is best known for its vivacious and extraordinary nature, these performances do not shy away from serious topics. In turn, audiences can also appreciate an array of compelling themes, whilst still being entertained by music and dance.
11. Can Be Re-imagined for Modern Audiences
Musicals have undoubtedly stood the test of time, but that does not mean that they cannot be transformed for different audiences. Whether it’s a more contemporary costume change or a more diverse cast, these small changes can truly alter how a story is perceived, potentially making it more appropriate for the next generation. These changes also help marginalized communities earn better acting roles, making the industry more diverse as a whole. Producers do not have to modernize a performance either, with the right style choices they can also transport a new show back in time and make it more attractive to older generations.
12. Applicable to Audiences All Around the World
Jukebox musicals have become a prominent part of the 21st century, with shows like Mama Mia and We Will Rock You seeing exponential levels of success. The songs used in these shows are known all around the world, making them a key asset to international viewers. In turn, musical producers are able to showcase their work in a number of nations, ensuring that they can receive worldwide acclaim for their talent.
13. Create a Lasting Impact
Music has a monumental impact on many people, giving producers the chance to connect with audiences from all around the world. As such, musical theater has the potential to create an ever-lasting legacy and infiltrate every aspect of popular culture. Thus, producers can capture the souls of their fans, making them icons within their respective industries. As such, if you are looking to make your name in the entertainment industry, you may benefit from learning how to produce a musical that defines a generation.
14. Brings Communities Together
Amateur productions of musicals can be a great way to bring some life to your local communities and bring people together. These productions can be seasonal such as Christmas pantomimes or fan-favorites, making them a very versatile show for any time of year. If your local area is home to a children’s theater cohort, they may also benefit from performing in a musical. Children have the chance to learn a new skill and build confidence, whilst the adults join together to support the younger members of the cast.
15. Promotes a Sense of Play
Theater is often stereotyped as being very serious, but musicals can give both cast members and audiences the space to let loose and have fun. Sing-along performances are a great way to get audiences involved and can also encourage them to get all dressed up and feel a part of the show themselves. Since musicals are also composed of multiple parts including music, lyrics, choreography, and costuming, fans are able to immerse themselves in each individual aspect, giving them the chance to really appreciate this art form. Thus, musical producers have an opportunity to detach from life stressors and create a safe space where audiences can slip away and revel in the bustling nature of the show.
When taking the steps to learn how to produce a musical, you may become overwhelmed by the amount of complex steps involved in this process. Yet, these steps can also be incredibly freeing, offering professionals the space to express themselves and create shows that have a long-term impact on their audiences’ lives. Musical theatre has the opportunity to do more than just entertain. It can also communicate meaningful messages that touch the hearts and minds of everyone who attends. Remembering this mission can help motivate you whenever you face challenges. If you are eager to produce an effective musical, regardless of your budget and circumstances, be sure to follow the advice and audience described in this article.
