[TPIN] Adults playing in student productions

[vglockwood at comcast.net]

     Generally, the director of the musical, whether it's the choral director, band director, or English teacher, is primarily concerned with the logistics of the on stage environment, not the music.  Do we have enough talent in our school to pull off the leads?  Is it a large or small production?  Do I have to worry about casting children (South Pacific, King and I, etc.).  What are the set requirements and do we have time/talent to create something that will work?
     The difficulty of the music is secondary if not unknown unless that person has been playing in pits.  Even then, and rightly so, you can't pick a musical for your school based on the music difficulty.  I can see rewriting parts, however, that is a gargantuan task even for a skilled composer and I can't imagine any music director wanting to do that.  It can be done somewhat "on the fly" during rehearsals (i.e., take that part down an octave, play the downbeat note on each of those runs if you can't do the run, etc.) and I think that coupled with some adult "ringers" is appropriate and makes it fun for all parties.  (And who doesn't like fun????)  - gin



-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Jerry Cerchia" <trptdr at prodigy.net> 

> I have a more basic question.... 
> Assuming that you are of the beliefs stated below, and want it to a "student 
> only' led production, AND assuming that you KNOW the performance level 
> abilities of your students, Why would you even think of bringing in a score 
> that is over their heads and NOT bring in stronger players ?( seriously, how 
> many high school players could easily navigate West Side Story?) While I 
> understand the need to challenge the students, aren't we setting them up to 
> fail, unless you supplement the pit with more seasoned players?( Or don't 
> choose an aggressively difficult show) My belief, is this is why there are 
> "compromises" when these shows are staged. More is bitten off than they can 
> chew, and to pull the thing off, they usually need stronger players. My two 
> cents and from all the pits I've sat in over the years. Jerry 
>