Something Worth Sharing

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.  

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​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.  

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/