[TPIN] Adults playing in student productions

[Ken Buck]

Subject: Re: [TPIN] Adults playing in student productions

The point, of course, is whether it's a "High School musical",
or some other kind of production.  If it's a community group
or some kind of independent organization that puts on the
production, use whoever you want, however you want.

But if it's truly a school-produced "musical", stick with
the students as much as possible, in all the roles.
The purpose of the project is not solely the end product; if
that's all you care about, hire pros for the whole thing,
on stage and off.  School productions are as much about the
experience as the results, and are a means to let the
students create what they can with the talents
they can muster (which are often quite good).  A few
imperfections will be overlooked.

The pit musicians are definitely in a supportive role,
but "it" is not JUST about the people on stage. If you
really believe that, stage it without the orchestra
and see if the result seems as good.
A production in a learning context (e.g., school) is
about everyone working together, learning to appreciate
the high points and learning to deal with deficiencies,
acquiring and honing the skills needed for various roles.
Sure, it's easier for the young actors/singers to work
with professional musicians.  Maybe on their side, they'd
like the equivalent of "Music Minus One for Theatre Productions".
It's also easier for the student musicians to work with
professional actors/singers.  There needs to be give and take
on both sides. If someone wants to break free of the limitations
of a school environment and they have the skills, by all
means, join independent musical/theatre companies where the
goals are not the same.

At the same time, I agree that reality must be considered.
Nobody wants to attend, or contribute to, a complete disaster.
(Or even a partial disaster...)
Not all school systems have equally developed programs, 
whether they be in drama or voice or instrumental.  I don't 
advocate using everyone from 6th period band class regardless
of skill or interest.  Same goes for the drama club.
Take the cream of the crop, and fill in the holes as needed.
Big schools may have the luxury of depth, but smaller ones
won't be able to fill all the chairs.  Our school would
borrow talented people from nearby schools to fill in spots,
and in a few cases, pulled in some skilled adults since we
didn't have a local string program.  Borrowing other skilled
students  -when possible- seems like a good solution that is
in keeping with the overall philosophy.  You can work with
a reduced orchestra, you can substitute as needed, whatever
you need to do to meet the needs of the hall, the people, etc.
There are many ways to skin a cat.

--

Obligatory trumpet content before Michael shuts it all down...

I played (trumpet) as a student in a couple of high school
musical productions.  We had a very live hall and the trumpets
were always too loud, even when we weren't playing.
Trying to match the music to the stage actions was a
challenge; actually, everything was a challenge, but I think
we did well. Nobody would have mistaken us for Broadway, but
we gave the audience a good time, everybody worked very hard,
and it was a fantastic experience for all. I didn't mind
the presence of a few fill-ins to make up the numbers in the
orchestra, but I would have minded very much if I had missed
out on the experience.