NOT ENOUGH KIDS?

​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!

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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).