CHOOSING YOUR NEXT SHOW

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.

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/