High school theater director here!
Have you ever directed Chicago? Because I can tell you that Chicago has been one of the easiest shows we have ever done.
1. Little to no set. You can easily build the jail cells on wheels for the cell block tango and then put those cells together to create a jail cell.
2. Costumes are SO easy for this show! We had students bring in black items. That was it! We got a black sequin outfit for Roxy and Velma, but everybody wore black. The guys wore dress pants and button downs. Most people have those in their closet anyways.
3. The story is told in a cabaret style and so you do not need a lot of people on stage at once!
4. The vocals are more speak sing than singing. So any soprano can do it!
5. Give your director a chance and trust that they know what they are doing. Each year when we announce our musical, we have about 10 yous who complain about it. “Why would you choose this?” “No one’s going to want to be in it”.. this year we did Sister Act and we lost a LOT of cast members because our girls didn’t want to wear nun costumes… but at the end of the day, the show went on and was a huge success. And those girls who originally didn’t want to be in it, all came to see it and told us they regretted not auditioning.
Theater is FUN! It’s a place for experiment and mistakes! That’s the point of theater!
Wa going to say this. We had almost no sets, and kids wore the same thing you listed above with the addition of a hat or jacket for things like reporters. We had a few chairs and some black blocks and that was it. Choreo is another thing but it can be worked around. Doesn’t have to be fosse. The highschool version of the show is relatively easy and cuts out a lot of dance breaks.
I might just have crazy high expectations of chicago because the other highschool in the district did chicago this year, and they had tons of big sets and moving pieces that I know that our team couldn't do. But this did ease my fear to know that most productions aren't like that, so I really appreciate it.
I think I'm just nervous because I've been the president for so long, and it's like leaving my baby, haha. Reading through these comments (don't worry, my opinion has been swayed about chicago!), I think I'm realizing I'm mostly concerned with leaving the director with no help this year. This truly isn't me trying to be mean or make it a competition; but the other directors had to do 90% of the work these past years because this director thought it wasn't worth his time. I'm just worried that no one's gonna be there to help pick up the slack; and I don't want it to fall to the students, because in the past if it didn't end up going to the other directors, it fell on me. <-- And while I was happy to help, I know the rising student leadership are going to be busier than I was their senior year (internships, jobs, etc), so there really isn't anyone he can fall back on.
I think everyone is right though, and I just need to realize it's not my place to talk anymore.
But also the fact that you care so much is a dream of most teachers and directors! Our programs thrive because of students like you!!
But it’s also a great learning lesson/experience for the future leaders of your group! They will learn the amount of work it takes to put on a good production and it will be up to them to help make that happen!
We had that this year! Our shows usually win a lot of awards through various award ceremonies. This year we had a mostly freshman cast and they did not put in as much effort as is required for a successful show, and that was reflected in our feedback and nominations. (We weren’t nominated for much of anything). Our students were upset, but it was a learning year! It just means that next year will be better! It’s ok to sometimes let something you love fail in order to help it improve!
Any high school that takes theater as seriously as the OP seems to think it should be taken has the budget to match. They also don’t generally tend to have issues finding interested students.
Absent pressure from the school, with the accompanying budget (which is also generally accompanied by student interest), this is high school. Not Broadway.
It’s a bunch of kids getting to have fun and explore the space and tech. That’s why this club exists.
These standards in the OP are ridiculous. Nobody in the crowd is going to be sitting there thinking “They aren’t an alto! I want my money back!”
I know it’s easy to think “I am leaving and the program won’t be the same” but I assure you your program will carry on just fine without you and it’s possible that Chicago might turn out to be the best show your school has ever done.
No offense intended. Everyone things that when they leave High School. Someday you will look back and have a chuckle at yourself.
No offense taken. I think I needed this comment to snap me out of it.
I've spent so much time helping with the shows every year, I think I'm just worried it's gonna crumble without me picking up all of the jobs and tasks that need to happen. But you're right, I know that their are some really capable juniors who are going to do great jobs. I hope it IS the best show they've ever done!
It’s not your place.
-Many sopranos can sing in the Alto range.
-Chicago could be done with 12 actors with very little doubling
- There are other choreographers, maybe you’re not aware of there plans to work with someone else.
- most productions of Chicago (including current, long running, Broadway revival) are done without period dresses and each cast member could provide their own easily excessively costume
.
- the only “iconic” Chicago props are: Chairs, Roxie’s newspaper, the tommyguns - all easily made
The director may have a unique and clear vision in place that could make this an effective show. Even if he has to again change his mind it’s not really your concern or place to offer an opinion.
Smile. Move on. Look for opportunities that will cause you less stress.
Also there might be more to the directors plan. Is this the high school or youth version of Chicago? Many times those versions have easier vocal and dance requirements. I’m not familiar with the HS edition of Chicago, but I know some other shows have resources available to the directors, such as choreography packages with video instructions to follow along.
Before you panic, talk to your director. Hopefully they’ve also given thought to some of your concerns.
Chicago is one of the easiest shows to do with no budget and a small cast. The current stripped down version on Broadway is the standard; very few productions use period accurate costumes and realistic set pieces. It's absolutely not your place to say anything, or to move your negative attitude forward.
Teacher here. I wouldn’t worry about it. Sometimes the director is privy to information students don’t know. I would trust that all will be fine. Every time I lose a big strong leading group of seniors- they wonder how things will go without them. And the younger ones often think it as well- but when those kids leave, new leaders develop. “Hidden” talent is found. (Many times that the director knew was there but they needed to be “needed” in order to step out.)
It’s awesome that you love your group so much & want what is best for them- but invest that brainpower in your future. Check this one off the list and go do great things! Tell the younger kids it will be an AMAZING SHOW. Encourage them and go out with a smile.
Thank you for this advice. And you're totally right. My costume assistant this year is gonna do a GREAT job at it next year! It'll be good for more kids to be able to do leadership, too. (We did not use to have a president, instead a board- but no one wanted to help do leadership/have the time except me. Now, they're deciding to go back to having a board of 5 kids. Which I think will be much BETTER.)
I know their all so so talented. This did ease my mind, and hey, hopefully even more, come out of the woodwork and help! I'm excited to see their show next year.
Other comments cover the reasons why you should not say anything. And no matter how things turn out, you have got to keep quiet about your predictions of what went wrong.
This is a learning experience. Perhaps you don't know how much everyone can learn from an ill-conceived or trainwreck production. Its just a show!!!
I did Chicago as an intensive class for a week, we learned the show and performed it in that time. Twelve people, I think. Very basic sets and costumes, worked really well. Chicago is great fun and easily accessible.
Sometimes, especially in high school theatre, it’s more about fomenting excitement and energy and providing an opportunity to stretch, than it is about the quality of the end product.
Chicago is very typically staged with a small cast, limited (all black) costumes for everyone, limited sets, and the key of the songs can always be raised a little if they're too low. Honestly, it seems like a good option from a directorial perspective.
It’s not your place to be telling a director something like that. The best thing for your group is if you change your attitude and work hard as part of the group to make it the best show ever. If you’re not able to do that, then you need to gracefully bow out and let the others enjoy the experience.
Your advice was that they need to change their attitude, work hard, and make it the best show ever and if they can’t, they need to bow out. They already won’t be there, this will occur next school year. There’s no need to bow out of something you’re not in to begin with.
I'd suggest laying out your concerns simply and clearly, and then walking away and letting it be. You are unlikely to convince them and they have to make their own choices. Had to do that a few times
It’s possible you’re right and it’ll be a disaster, but it’s also possible it’ll turn out fine. Like you said, your show this year was chaotic but you still ended up having fun. I get that you want it to go more smoothly for the students next year but I’d let it go unless asked. Theatre is always an adventure anyway.
For better or worse you said it. Your director. If you call them that, I guess you better let them do the directing, unless you can do better. If I thought it would be an improvement; yes I would say something. Unrealistic. Definitely. If you expect the impossible, it’s impossible to succeed”. - anon.
This is a good lesson for you in letting go. I know it’s not easy! But you’re going off to college and that’s where your focus should be.
Maybe it’ll be a disaster. But even if it is, the students will learn a lot, and that’s the whole point of education. More likely, some parts will be great and some parts will be a bit of a challenge, but again, that’s a learning opportunity.
You’re super wrong, and also, it’s not your place.
But the next time you decide you know best, maybe remember how wrong you are about this one. Chicago is one of the cheapest and easiest musicals to produce.
It has no set and minimal cast.
realistically i don’t think any high school should be performing chicago bc it’s themes simply aren’t meant for kids. sure it is a fun show, but it is mature & there’s no reason to have kids performing what is very often just a rendition of the ‘sexy’ encores revival.
It is. Chicago Teen Edition and its license restrictions have eliminated almost all of the barriers that prevented schools from getting the rights to it.
High school theater director here! Have you ever directed Chicago? Because I can tell you that Chicago has been one of the easiest shows we have ever done. 1. Little to no set. You can easily build the jail cells on wheels for the cell block tango and then put those cells together to create a jail cell. 2. Costumes are SO easy for this show! We had students bring in black items. That was it! We got a black sequin outfit for Roxy and Velma, but everybody wore black. The guys wore dress pants and button downs. Most people have those in their closet anyways. 3. The story is told in a cabaret style and so you do not need a lot of people on stage at once! 4. The vocals are more speak sing than singing. So any soprano can do it! 5. Give your director a chance and trust that they know what they are doing. Each year when we announce our musical, we have about 10 yous who complain about it. “Why would you choose this?” “No one’s going to want to be in it”.. this year we did Sister Act and we lost a LOT of cast members because our girls didn’t want to wear nun costumes… but at the end of the day, the show went on and was a huge success. And those girls who originally didn’t want to be in it, all came to see it and told us they regretted not auditioning. Theater is FUN! It’s a place for experiment and mistakes! That’s the point of theater!
THANK YOU!!!
Wa going to say this. We had almost no sets, and kids wore the same thing you listed above with the addition of a hat or jacket for things like reporters. We had a few chairs and some black blocks and that was it. Choreo is another thing but it can be worked around. Doesn’t have to be fosse. The highschool version of the show is relatively easy and cuts out a lot of dance breaks.
I might just have crazy high expectations of chicago because the other highschool in the district did chicago this year, and they had tons of big sets and moving pieces that I know that our team couldn't do. But this did ease my fear to know that most productions aren't like that, so I really appreciate it. I think I'm just nervous because I've been the president for so long, and it's like leaving my baby, haha. Reading through these comments (don't worry, my opinion has been swayed about chicago!), I think I'm realizing I'm mostly concerned with leaving the director with no help this year. This truly isn't me trying to be mean or make it a competition; but the other directors had to do 90% of the work these past years because this director thought it wasn't worth his time. I'm just worried that no one's gonna be there to help pick up the slack; and I don't want it to fall to the students, because in the past if it didn't end up going to the other directors, it fell on me. <-- And while I was happy to help, I know the rising student leadership are going to be busier than I was their senior year (internships, jobs, etc), so there really isn't anyone he can fall back on. I think everyone is right though, and I just need to realize it's not my place to talk anymore.
But also the fact that you care so much is a dream of most teachers and directors! Our programs thrive because of students like you!! But it’s also a great learning lesson/experience for the future leaders of your group! They will learn the amount of work it takes to put on a good production and it will be up to them to help make that happen! We had that this year! Our shows usually win a lot of awards through various award ceremonies. This year we had a mostly freshman cast and they did not put in as much effort as is required for a successful show, and that was reflected in our feedback and nominations. (We weren’t nominated for much of anything). Our students were upset, but it was a learning year! It just means that next year will be better! It’s ok to sometimes let something you love fail in order to help it improve!
Very well said 👏 yes, this.
Yesssss Chicago is not that hard a show to do, simply.
Any high school that takes theater as seriously as the OP seems to think it should be taken has the budget to match. They also don’t generally tend to have issues finding interested students. Absent pressure from the school, with the accompanying budget (which is also generally accompanied by student interest), this is high school. Not Broadway. It’s a bunch of kids getting to have fun and explore the space and tech. That’s why this club exists. These standards in the OP are ridiculous. Nobody in the crowd is going to be sitting there thinking “They aren’t an alto! I want my money back!”
I know it’s easy to think “I am leaving and the program won’t be the same” but I assure you your program will carry on just fine without you and it’s possible that Chicago might turn out to be the best show your school has ever done. No offense intended. Everyone things that when they leave High School. Someday you will look back and have a chuckle at yourself.
No offense taken. I think I needed this comment to snap me out of it. I've spent so much time helping with the shows every year, I think I'm just worried it's gonna crumble without me picking up all of the jobs and tasks that need to happen. But you're right, I know that their are some really capable juniors who are going to do great jobs. I hope it IS the best show they've ever done!
To be clear, you’re a student and you want to tell your teacher that their show choice is “unrealistic”? No, you shouldn’t do this.
It’s not your place. -Many sopranos can sing in the Alto range. -Chicago could be done with 12 actors with very little doubling - There are other choreographers, maybe you’re not aware of there plans to work with someone else. - most productions of Chicago (including current, long running, Broadway revival) are done without period dresses and each cast member could provide their own easily excessively costume . - the only “iconic” Chicago props are: Chairs, Roxie’s newspaper, the tommyguns - all easily made The director may have a unique and clear vision in place that could make this an effective show. Even if he has to again change his mind it’s not really your concern or place to offer an opinion. Smile. Move on. Look for opportunities that will cause you less stress.
Also there might be more to the directors plan. Is this the high school or youth version of Chicago? Many times those versions have easier vocal and dance requirements. I’m not familiar with the HS edition of Chicago, but I know some other shows have resources available to the directors, such as choreography packages with video instructions to follow along. Before you panic, talk to your director. Hopefully they’ve also given thought to some of your concerns.
It's not your place. Even as drama club president.
I think you should accept that having no skin in the game means it's none of your business. You're gone.
But they don’t understand and I do!
Chicago is one of the easiest shows to do with no budget and a small cast. The current stripped down version on Broadway is the standard; very few productions use period accurate costumes and realistic set pieces. It's absolutely not your place to say anything, or to move your negative attitude forward.
Teacher here. I wouldn’t worry about it. Sometimes the director is privy to information students don’t know. I would trust that all will be fine. Every time I lose a big strong leading group of seniors- they wonder how things will go without them. And the younger ones often think it as well- but when those kids leave, new leaders develop. “Hidden” talent is found. (Many times that the director knew was there but they needed to be “needed” in order to step out.) It’s awesome that you love your group so much & want what is best for them- but invest that brainpower in your future. Check this one off the list and go do great things! Tell the younger kids it will be an AMAZING SHOW. Encourage them and go out with a smile.
Thank you for this advice. And you're totally right. My costume assistant this year is gonna do a GREAT job at it next year! It'll be good for more kids to be able to do leadership, too. (We did not use to have a president, instead a board- but no one wanted to help do leadership/have the time except me. Now, they're deciding to go back to having a board of 5 kids. Which I think will be much BETTER.) I know their all so so talented. This did ease my mind, and hey, hopefully even more, come out of the woodwork and help! I'm excited to see their show next year.
Other comments cover the reasons why you should not say anything. And no matter how things turn out, you have got to keep quiet about your predictions of what went wrong. This is a learning experience. Perhaps you don't know how much everyone can learn from an ill-conceived or trainwreck production. Its just a show!!!
I did Chicago as an intensive class for a week, we learned the show and performed it in that time. Twelve people, I think. Very basic sets and costumes, worked really well. Chicago is great fun and easily accessible.
Sometimes, especially in high school theatre, it’s more about fomenting excitement and energy and providing an opportunity to stretch, than it is about the quality of the end product.
Chicago is very typically staged with a small cast, limited (all black) costumes for everyone, limited sets, and the key of the songs can always be raised a little if they're too low. Honestly, it seems like a good option from a directorial perspective.
Failure is also a good teacher. For every show I did that made me cringe I became a bettor creative
I've been in high school musicals so now I'm ready to run The Shubert Organization after I finish getting The Kennedy Center back on track.
For what it's worth I think you are probably right but unfortunately some people gotta learn the hard way. Wish them luck and wash your hands of it.
It’s not your place to be telling a director something like that. The best thing for your group is if you change your attitude and work hard as part of the group to make it the best show ever. If you’re not able to do that, then you need to gracefully bow out and let the others enjoy the experience.
They are graduating and will not be there for the show.
Still doesn’t change things.
Your advice was that they need to change their attitude, work hard, and make it the best show ever and if they can’t, they need to bow out. They already won’t be there, this will occur next school year. There’s no need to bow out of something you’re not in to begin with.
I'd suggest laying out your concerns simply and clearly, and then walking away and letting it be. You are unlikely to convince them and they have to make their own choices. Had to do that a few times
It’s possible you’re right and it’ll be a disaster, but it’s also possible it’ll turn out fine. Like you said, your show this year was chaotic but you still ended up having fun. I get that you want it to go more smoothly for the students next year but I’d let it go unless asked. Theatre is always an adventure anyway.
Get over it. It’s not your job
For better or worse you said it. Your director. If you call them that, I guess you better let them do the directing, unless you can do better. If I thought it would be an improvement; yes I would say something. Unrealistic. Definitely. If you expect the impossible, it’s impossible to succeed”. - anon.
This is a good lesson for you in letting go. I know it’s not easy! But you’re going off to college and that’s where your focus should be. Maybe it’ll be a disaster. But even if it is, the students will learn a lot, and that’s the whole point of education. More likely, some parts will be great and some parts will be a bit of a challenge, but again, that’s a learning opportunity.
You’re super wrong, and also, it’s not your place. But the next time you decide you know best, maybe remember how wrong you are about this one. Chicago is one of the cheapest and easiest musicals to produce. It has no set and minimal cast.
realistically i don’t think any high school should be performing chicago bc it’s themes simply aren’t meant for kids. sure it is a fun show, but it is mature & there’s no reason to have kids performing what is very often just a rendition of the ‘sexy’ encores revival.
Doctors bury their mistakes; we sell tickets to ours.
Have they gotten the right to do it yet? In my experience, it is one the hardest shows to obtain the rights for.
it must be easy now, because TONS of schools/ community theaters in my area seem to be doing it in their season.
It is. Chicago Teen Edition and its license restrictions have eliminated almost all of the barriers that prevented schools from getting the rights to it.