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.

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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