<![CDATA[Musicals for Change - Blog]]>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:14:19 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Lessons Learned from a frED Talk]]>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:54:43 GMThttps://www.musicalsforchange.com/blog/lessons-learned-from-a-fred-talkFred Rogers Institue with Diane Beckstead
“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!”  Does this phrase make you want to sing? The melody is etched permanently in my mind and probably in the mind of anyone who has ever watched Mister Rogers Neighborhood. I recently attended frED Camp, a Saturday event for educators sponsored by the Fred Rogers Institute in Latrobe, PA, the birthplace of the acclaimed educator and children’s television personality. In a conference room surrounded by hundreds of other Mr. Rogers’ devotees, I heard educators discuss the kinds of values I’ve always felt to be true about teaching, values I credit to Fred Rogers. Here are a few takeaways:
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1.Our job as educators is to create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable being “who they really are.”  The evidence suggests that kids can’t absorb content well unless we create a trusting atmosphere where every child feels valued, questions can be asked and mistakes made.  
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As drama directors, we are always working against the clock and striving to meet the expectations of administrators and parents by producing a great show. However, if we haven’t first created an atmosphere of trust and belonging, our kids won’t excel. They won’t take chances, won’t recover well when they make mistakes, and won’t be as willing to take risks in the future.  As directors, creating trust is one of the most important things we can do.
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2.Curiosity promotes learning.  Do your students understand the characters they are asked to portray? Or even the narrative they are telling? Is there something in the story that is new and inspires curiosity? What will kids ultimately learn from the story they’ve shared?
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Children’s theatre is not the same as theatre for adults, but it should be deeply meaningful and insightful in its own way. Johnny Costa, respected jazz musician and long-time music director of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood said, “Fred doesn’t write simple tunes, and the jazz arrangements I do are very sophisticated, too. Fred always says if it’s for the children, it has to be the best we can give.” Fred also said that "Deep and simple is far more essential than shallow and complex.”
So, if we believe that 1) establishing trust is important and 2) kids should be inspired by the stories we give them, we also need to be intentional and plan activities that accomplish this mission, just as each episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood did.

Some ways to achieve these goals:
  • Meet in a circle for warmups and notes so every cast member can be seen and heard.
  • Play name games and other activities which help students feel known and accepted.
  • If your production includes new students, remind the cast that they are a unique group with an opportunity that will likely never be repeated. This group is special, this time is special. 
  • Do everything possible to “level the playing field” and value every contribution made, no matter how small.
  • Emphasize cooperation and kindness backstage, even when the pressure of performance makes tempers short. Model problem solving strategies and patience.
  • Remind students that the difficult traits they may see in some fellow cast members  (such as being very loud or overly excitable) may be an asset onstage.
  • Take time to discuss the story being told onstage, the characters’ motivations, and the choices made. Relate the story to the students’ lives. “How would you handle the same situation? Why do you think so and so did what they did? 
  • Following a performance, discuss the impact of the story and process what was learned. How might you apply this experience to your own life? How have you changed?
 
Possible activities for developing trust and deeper learning:

Students won’t feel included unless they feel known and accepted. Try the following name games at the beginning of rehearsal.

       Za Cody Cody – good for any age. Vary the tempo. After the show is cast, use character names instead of given names. Besides being practical, this promotes the value of each character.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNzIE-SIRBE&list=PLzRAE3WHiMEd-HKldpQBoIWVx7Af7TGJD&index=7

       Jump In, Jump Out – This takes more time but is more physically active.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNzIE-SIRBE&list=PLzRAE3WHiMEd-HKldpQBoIWVx7Af7TGJD&index=7

      Yes! Name Game – This is a motion game that doesn’t require a steady beat. Names can be changed to topics.  If you do this in a circle, make it a cumulative game by asking the entire group to say each name/motion after the individual. Then follow it with all the previous names/motions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2hTyOJb1CQ&list=PLvEb8AA7B8J_-p-YsARyZUyogz0X9aNyX&index=15

      Conversation - While in rehearsal, take time to talk about the story you are sharing. For ideas, download the Conversation Starters included with the Musicals for Change show Meltdown in Sunnytown, a musical about being neighborly and welcoming. 




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Diane Beckstead is a composer and founder of Musicals for Change, a publishing company producing quality kid's musicals which partner with nonprofits to teach kids empathy and the power of their own voices. 
​https://www.musicalsforchange.com/
]]><![CDATA[When the news brings you down...]]>Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:47:54 GMThttps://www.musicalsforchange.com/blog/when-the-news-brings-you-down
Yesterday, my family visited a local historic site. As we approached the visitor center, a little girl held the door open for us. She couldn’t have been more than six years old. Her younger sister had already gone inside, and their father stood patiently behind her. I smiled and said, “Thank you, honey. You can follow your sister.” But she insisted on waiting until we had all walked through.

This morning, as I read the news—most of it grim—I found myself thinking about that little girl, and it brightened my day.

There’s little most of us can do to fix all the world’s problems, but teaching children is a powerful antidote. In general, kids want to do good. All we need to do is encourage them and give them the tools to act with compassion.

If you direct children’s musicals, you’re in a unique position. You have the opportunity to teach more than just performance skills—you can teach kindness.

You may already run team-building activities or emphasize that a successful show relies on every cast member, not just the lead. That’s fantastic. But you can go a step further.
Choose productions with well-rounded characters who grow and learn. Talk with your cast about those character arcs and how they reflect real life. Then, give your students simple ways to practice kindness offstage—whether it’s writing thank-you notes, supporting each other behind the scenes, or doing something for the community as a group.

This doesn’t require a lot of extra time, but it transforms your show into something bigger. Your cast won’t just bond over their performance—they’ll bond over the difference they’ve made together.
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Thank goodness for little girls who hold the door open. Children like her remind me that there is still so much good in the world. They give me hope.

Diane Beckstead

Diane Beckstead is a composer and founder of Musicals for Change, a publishing company producing quality kid's musicals which partner with nonprofits to teach kids empathy and the power of their own voices. 
​https://www.musicalsforchange.com/

]]><![CDATA[Something Worth Sharing]]>Tue, 25 Feb 2025 22:15:12 GMThttps://www.musicalsforchange.com/blog/social-mediaughPicture
In a world where all of us are encouraged to share, and share, and share some more, it's hard to sift through the mundane in social media to find the truly meaningful. I've  posted photos of great meals, the flowers in my yard, and proud mama moments, just like everyone else. But ultimately, my hope is that someone, while scrolling through all the usual food photos and cat pics, will see a post about our Musicals for Change shows and feel excited to find, among all that is ordinary, something truly unique.  
​I write kid’s musicals which partner with charities. When I write a new show, I begin by finding a cause 8–14-year-olds will understand and want to support.  I do a fair amount of research to be sure I understand the mission myself and find a nonprofit focused on this cause to partner with. I write a story that incorporates this mission in a fun, kid-friendly way, add some musical ear worms and danceable tunes, and recruit kids to do a test run at summer theatre camp. Not only do we rehearse, play theater games, sing, dance, and paint, but we have visits or Zoom calls with our partner charity to learn what they do and how it relates to the show. Each day we save a few minutes to learn why this cause is important and how we can help.
​After two weeks of camp and an amazing performance (my kids never disappoint!), our team gets down to business and makes edits, final accompaniment recordings, and a clean, accurate script and score.  I write a detailed director’s guide with production notes, information about the charity, conversation starters, and optional devotions for faith-based organizations. After our young actors record professional vocal tracks and dialogue, we release the new product, just for you!
​The kids performing our shows have collected used musical instruments for Hungry for Music, shoes for Soles4Soles, and decorated birthday boxes for children in foster care through Foster Love.  They’ve learned how to welcome refugees, provide fresh food to needy families, and raised money to buy cribs so infants can sleep safely.  In addition, they’ve performed fun stories with messages that inspire audiences to act generously too. This summer, our new cause is (drum roll) pets!  Kids will learn that animals are not only “man’s best friend,” but valuable assistants in maintaining the health and safety of us all.
​I’m not that different from you, and if I posted pictures of my dinner or cat, you’d see that.  But, if I post at all, I’d rather share news about the positive artistic experiences we create for kids. Let’s use the tremendous opportunity we have as directors to shine a light, not on ourselves, but to light a path of generosity for others to follow.  
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Diane Beckstead

Diane Beckstead is a composer and founder of Musicals for Change, a publishing company producing quality kid's musicals which partner with nonprofits to teach kids empathy and the power of their own voices. 
​https://www.musicalsforchange.com/

]]><![CDATA[Church or School?]]>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 03:28:38 GMThttps://www.musicalsforchange.com/blog/church-or-schoolWoman holding church and school
​I’m going to be honest with you.  The music industry doesn’t know what to do with me and my company.  They want to know “Where do you fit? Are your shows sacred or secular?”  My goal is to be both. Wouldn’t it be nice if our secular life had a few more of those sacred moments?  And wouldn’t it also be nice if we opened our church doors a little wider?  Do we always need to divide life into “sacred” or “secular”?  In my opinion, no.  It’s going to take all of us working together to make this world a kinder, more generous place.
​I’ll give you a little background so you know where I’m coming from.  I grew up playing the piano in church. I have two music education degrees and have taught for many years in a variety of settings from public middle school to private K-8 Christian schools of various denominations. I’ve directed community theater productions, summer theatre camp performances, adult church choirs, children’s church choirs, and public high school musicals. I’m a musical mutt, but it’s given me a broad perspective and a desire to seize every musical opportunity for good.  
​No, Musicals for Change doesn’t fit into any one category, but I don’t think we need to. Read our scripts, listen to the songs, check out the comprehensive Director's Guide with optional Dig Deeper Devotions and Conversation Starters,  and consider the suggested Big Impact Activities to plan a shoe drive, an ice cream fundraiser, a musical instrument donation or a mind-blowing new mission project, all while experiencing the fun of a kid’s musical.  Without the confines of categories, we're free to forge a better path!
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Diane Beckstead

Diane Beckstead is a composer and founder of Musicals for Change, a publishing company producing quality kid's musicals which partner with nonprofits to teach kids empathy and the power of their own voices. 
​https://www.musicalsforchange.com/
]]><![CDATA[Are You Feeling What I'm Feeling?]]>Thu, 23 Jan 2025 01:09:03 GMThttps://www.musicalsforchange.com/blog/are-you-feeling-what-im-feelingThree kids smiling
I’m feeling a real sense of urgency.  We need more kindness!  We need love! We need understanding!  Right now, there simply aren't enough of these essential human qualities and with every day that passes, it feels as if there are even less. But when despair sets in, I have to remind myself of the tremendous opportunity I have – I work with KIDS! Kids are not just our future, they’re our hope. The reason I do what I do is because I know that theater makes better people.  It can give us the capacity to develop kindness, love, and understanding. And I get to instill that message in the students I work with.  What a tremendous gift! If it wasn’t for the young actors I teach, the events happening around me would certainly leave me in a dark place.  
Kids having fun backstage
​​So, there’s not a moment to waste! Forego the 'fluffy' shows and give your kids something more challenging. Choose a musical that's a ton of fun  but also meaningful. Dig into the message, relate it to your students, use it to build community and empathy, give them the tools to be generous and kind, then do some good.  Give them an opportunity to demonstrate the life lessons they’ve learned and then send them out with this directive – make the world better! It’s our only hope

Diane Beckstead is a composer and founder of Musicals for Change, a publishing company producing quality kid's musicals which partner with nonprofits to teach kids empathy and the power of their own voices. 
​https://www.musicalsforchange.com/
Better stories, better songs, for a better world
]]><![CDATA[CHOOSING YOUR NEXT SHOW]]>Sat, 11 Jan 2025 14:30:54 GMThttps://www.musicalsforchange.com/blog/choosing-your-next-show
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A NEW YEAR'S REFLECTION FOR DIRECTORS

Happy New Year, fellow directors!

How are you feeling about the year ahead? Excited, ready to jump in, or maybe a little undecided about what comes next? If you haven’t yet chosen your next project, you're definitely not alone. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m rarely ahead of my students when it comes to planning. As soon as we finish one musical, they’re already asking, “What’s next?” And while their excitement is appreciated, sometimes we just need a breather!

But once you catch your breath and recharge, it’s time to get back to work. Whether you’re a first-time director or a veteran theater educator, I hope the reminders and suggestions below will get you thinking more deeply about your choice of shows for 2025.
1. Remember Who You’re Doing This For
Your students aren’t professionals—they’re kids who are still learning and growing. Think about it: will this show teach them more than just lines and blocking? Make sure your choice of show gives them the chance to grow in ways beyond the stage. Whether the theme of the show is about courage, generosity, or friendship, the message should resonate and make them think. Entertain, but teach as well. 

2. Will Your Students Get the Message?
Can your students connect with the show’s themes? Are they going to understand the message behind the story, or will it go over their heads? It's important that the material feels relevant to them. A romantic relationship, for example, is not relatable to young kids, but a friendship would be.

3. Is the Show Worth the Investment?
Producing a show isn’t cheap. So, is this show worth the money? Even if you have the budget for it, could you use that money in better ways? Take a look at all the costs involved—licensing, sets, costumes—and make sure the show is a smart financial choice. Sometimes, a more affordable option can still have a huge impact without draining your resources.

4. How Often Has This Show Been Done Nearby?
Take a minute to check if other youth theaters in your area have done this show recently. If it’s a really popular title, maybe it’s time to explore something new. You want your students to experience fresh material. Don’t be influenced by little voices telling you they’ve “never heard of that show.” Also, keep your audiences involved with something they haven’t seen a hundred times.

5. Are There Any Spoilers?
Do your students already know every plot twist and song lyric before rehearsals begin? If they already know the story inside and out, it might be harder to keep them engaged. The focus will not be on the show but on backstage drama (i.e. who got what part, who has more lines, etc.) Think about whether the show will be new enough to keep your cast focused on the story and how best to tell it.

6. Do You Always Choose Shows from the Same Publishers?
If you tend to pick shows from the same publishers or writers every year, it might be time to shake things up. Buying from the same company can make every show sound formulaic and predictable. They may have great material, but trying a new writer or publisher can bring in a fresh sound and style.

7. After the Last Curtain Call, What Will Your Students Take with Them? 
We know theater builds new skills and confidence, but what other life lessons will your students walk away with? For example, if your show features a character who is an outcast, will you lead your students in a discussion about how it feels to be unwelcome? To recognize unfairness and to practice ways to reach out? The right show can make a huge difference in your students’ perspectives and attitudes. 

Raising the Bar in Kids’ Theater
As directors, we have a chance to do more than just put on a good show. Don’t settle for something that’s easy or familiar—aim to raise the bar. A 30-minute kids’ musical can be incredibly meaningful—or it can be, well, kind of forgettable. Like a good children’s book, a short, well-written show with carefully constructed song lyrics, vocally appropriate music, and a worthwhile message can inspire students and clearly demonstrate to an audience that your students have had a valuable artistic experience.

Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New
So, as you plan your 2025 season, think outside the box. Look at new shows, new styles, new voices. Keep your standards high, explore new options, and give your students something that will not only challenge them as performers but also as people.
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Here’s to a year full of fresh ideas, new creative endeavors, and most importantly, making life-changing moments through theater.
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Diane Beckstead is a composer and founder of Musicals for Change, a publishing company producing quality kid's musicals which partner with nonprofits to teach kids empathy and the power of their own voices. 
​https://www.musicalsforchange.com/

]]><![CDATA[OVERWHELMED?]]>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:04:12 GMThttps://www.musicalsforchange.com/blog/overwhelmed
'Tis the season of giving, and many of us are doing our best to be generous with our time and resources. However, the need is great, and countless worthy causes are asking for our support. The truth is, we all have limits.
You’ve probably heard this quote from Mother Teresa: “Don’t look for big things. Just do small things with great love.” Small changes in our lives can have far-reaching consequences. The key is to identify our habitual decisions and reframe our choices.
As a children’s musical director, you have the unique opportunity to make a relatively small decision that could have broad implications—for your kids, your audience, and your community. By choosing a musical that inspires generosity and kindness, you can encourage those around you to become better, more compassionate people and provide support to a worthy cause.
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Recently, I was asked to write a mini Christmas musical for a dozen children. This was a chance not only to create a fun show, but also to expand its impact. On Sunday, these kids—along with the help of two adult actors—will perform The Blessing Tree, a story that highlights the importance of Christmas ornaments and the blessings they represent.
During the four weeks of rehearsal, the cast sold ornaments to benefit Ornaments for Orphans, a nonprofit that sells fair trade Christmas decorations to support children in need. The church raised over $600, with more donations expected during Sunday’s performance. This decision—to perform for a cause—has taught these kids that even at a young age, their voices can make a real difference.

Every Musical for Change production offers two things: 1) a chance for kids to have a blast performing, and 2) an opportunity for directors to share a high-quality, meaningful musical. But each show also carries a third primary goal. As a director, you know you’ll be spending weeks—or even months—rehearsing a production that builds confidence, promotes teamwork, and provides valuable life lessons. By choosing a musical with a greater purpose, you can weave in lessons of compassion and put those lessons into action.
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Your thoughtful choice as a director isn’t just about producing a great show. It’s an opportunity to do a small thing with great love  at Christmastime and throughout the year.
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Diane Beckstead

Diane Beckstead is a composer and founder of Musicals for Change, a publishing company producing quality kid's musicals which partner with nonprofits to teach kids empathy and the power of their own voices. 
​https://www.musicalsforchange.com/
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]]><![CDATA[Teach Goodness]]>Mon, 28 Oct 2024 01:21:41 GMThttps://www.musicalsforchange.com/blog/who-are-your-musicals-for“Try your best to make goodness attractive. That's one of the toughest assignments you'll ever be given.” 
 
Fred Rogers
 
Goodness.  It’s a difficult word to define but we know it’s a quality we should strive for. Being “good” is a daily challenge.  As adults, we generally insist that our children “be good,” but we sometimes send the opposite message – that goodness isn’t fun. 
 
Mr. Roger’s quote seems to acknowledge that our natural inclination is NOT goodness.  None of us is truly good unless we make the effort to do good things.  And inspiring others to do the same is not an easy task.  In fact, Fred Rogers says it is “one of the toughest assignments you’ll ever be given.” But don’t we all want to live in a world that is good?  Where people are kind to each other and treat each other fairly?  
 
“Try your best…..” As music teachers and directors of children’s theater, we have a tremendous opportunity to promote kindness in our casts and empathy in the audiences who attend our shows. In your rehearsals, are cooperation and caring valued and encouraged in actionable ways? When you have completed a performance, does your audience leave feeling inspired to take positive action on a personal level or communally?
 
“Good” is contagious.  We continue to return to the example of Mr. Rogers because we know, deep down, that “good” is good for us!  And the best way to promote that message is not to lecture, but to entertain.  Why settle for mediocre stories, stereotypical characters, and “fluffy” music when you could make people laugh, cry, and come out on the other side feeling hopeful and inspired?  Goodness can be both meaningful and fun.
 
Try your best to make goodness attractive.  Our kids deserve it!

Diane Beckstead is a composer and founder of Musicals for Change, a publishing company producing quality kid's musicals which partner with nonprofits to teach kids empathy and the power of their own voices. 
​https://www.musicalsforchange.com/

]]><![CDATA[The More, the Merrier!]]>Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:13:51 GMThttps://www.musicalsforchange.com/blog/the-more-the-merrierPicture
,Church is one of the rare places where people of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to form strong relationships.  However, many pews are filled with older adults and few young families, despite our best efforts to build kid’s ministry. Instead of trying to create new children’s programs, why not offer opportunities for intergenerational activity, such as a musical?
Multi-age drama intentionally gathers adults and children together to benefit both groups.* Christmas is a great time for an all-church production! Not only does this solve the problem of too few children, it also provides positive outcomes for everyone involved. 
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Benefits for kids:
  • Build nurturing relationships with seniors, particularly for kids whose relatives live far away
  • Gain empathy for adults and understanding of their needs
  • Learn new skills and receive positive feedback
And for adults:
  • Enjoyment of a creative endeavor
  • Social involvement with children and other adults
  • Opportunity for skill development and cognitive challenge

A Christmas Musical for All Generations

Merry Birthday?, a 25-minute Christmas musical from Musicals for Change, could easily be performed by a multigenerational cast.  The story is set in an unlikely place: a bus station on Christmas Eve. Eleven-year-old Elijah and his family are snowed in, jeopardizing their holiday AND Elijah's birthday, a celebration he shares with Jesus every December 25th. While he grumpily relates the many disadvantages of a Christmas birthday to Abby, a foster child on her way to a new home, fellow travelers quietly prepare a memorable surprise! 
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To perform the show intergenerationally:
  • Ask church choir members (adults and/or children) to fill the role of carolers.
  • Cast two kids, ages 10-14, to play the leads.
  • Recruit adults (who probably know a thing or two about frustrating travel) to play fellow travelers.

Make It An All-Church Mission

Merry Birthday? is partnered with Foster Love, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting kids in foster care (10% of the cost of each musical is donated to Foster Love).  Additionally, “big impact” activities found in the Director’s Guide can rally your entire congregation to serve disadvantaged kids whose birthdays may be overlooked.
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Relationships between different generations don’t just happen – they have to be nurtured.  This Christmas, build your church community AND share Christ’s love with a performance for everyone.
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Diane Beckstead

Diane Beckstead is a composer and founder of Musicals for Change, a publishing company producing quality kid's musicals which partner with nonprofits to teach kids empathy and the power of their own voices. 
​https://www.musicalsforchange.com/

*Translating Knowledge: Promoting Health Through Intergenerational Community Arts Programming
Sharon Anderson, MSc, MEd sdanders@ualberta.ca, Janet Fast, PhD, […], and David Barnet, BAHons, March 1, 2016
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1524839915625037
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]]><![CDATA[NOT ENOUGH KIDS?]]>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 13:49:42 GMThttps://www.musicalsforchange.com/blog/not-enough-kidsspilling coffee cup

​Want to produce a children’s musical but don’t have enough kids? Why not pull in a few adults and create an intergenerational production? 
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​THEATER CAMP FOR ELEMENTARY THROUGH COLLEGE

 This past July, I had the opportunity to attend a production of our newest show, Shhh! at the Sugar Cube Café, performed by the New Wilmington Theater Project, a summer collaboration between Westminster College and the New Wilmington School District. Being a new program, the numbers were small, but the college students stepped in to help these kids put on a heartwarming production.  The campers (and one high schooler) played the parts of child characters and street musicians. College students took on the role of grumpy business owners, joined in the ensemble songs, changed sets, and generally guided their young cast.  The result of this multi-age partnership was a sweet outdoor performance on a beautiful summer evening. 
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVS0dWLEVwI&t=403s) 

Said Tara Hackwelder, their director, “It was such a fun, delightful, and entertaining show, and our audience loved it! Most importantly, our cast members loved it!” 

It would have been difficult for these young actors to perform a 60-minute show had it not been for their college assistants.  Likewise, the college students gained valuable experience and directorial skill.   

Adult actors of any age can bring a new dimension to your production. Benefits of multi-age musical collaborations for kids:
  • Build nurturing relationships 
  • Gain empathy and understanding 
  • Learn skills and receive positive feedback

The takeaway:  Don’t rule out a children’s production because you don’t have many children.   Create a positive experience for kids with a few willing adults and everybody wins!

Diane Beckstead

Diane Beckstead is a composer and founder of Musicals for Change, a publishing company producing  quality kid's musicals which partner with nonprofits to teach kids empathy and the power of their own voices (https://www.musicalsforchange.com).

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