Building a creative team is a necessity for producing a musical with kids. As much as we all fall into the trap of the “the one man band,” there is more than enough evidence against following that route.  Let me share an example.  I love talking with teachers about Broadway Junior at national conferences.  I see regional differences, understand the many ways a ShowKit can work with different groups of kids, and best of all, listen to crazy and heartwarming stories about Broadway Junior and kids.  It’s my guilty pleasure – watching how the creative process really changes a teacher’s life when it was intended to change a kid’s life.  Now I’m rambling, but here is a case in point.  A teacher in Texas came to our Broadway Junior booth and was giving a blow-by-blow description on the success of her show. As she shared her story, she became so emotional I had her sit down in the booth.  No doubt the show was a powerful positive experience for the kids, but without a team to help her shoulder the burden, the director was completely drained by the end of the process.  At the end of our conversation she admitted that this would not be sustainable for an entire career. Moral of the story?  Team Building (do it always and often).

• Building a strong supporting team around you is fundamental in order for your musical theater program to thrive. Responsibilities are divided allowing individuals to focus on making his or her contribution to the show the best it can be.  A musical is a great deal of work and can be overwhelming for just one or even two people to produce.
• Musicals are the most collaborative art form.  Bringing people together has its challenges but the rewards outweigh them.
• Building the team begins with selecting the show, so be sure to include your team members in this process. Narrow your choices. Remember, 3 is a magic number!  
• Contact Music Theatre International to make sure the show is not restricted and therefore unavailable for licensing.
• Order several “perusal packs” or e-perusals of the show. Distribute these perusal packs to your key team members and ask everyone to read and listen to the recording.
• Now come together with the members of your team and compare your notes. 
• Ask questions like “can we identify existing students who can play primary roles?”  And “what are the technical challenges of the show?”  And “we need how much money?”
• Gatherings like these are best in a setting that is relaxed and comfortable with a bit of food and drink.  Rule of thumb #1!

The strengths and weaknesses of your team are essential to the musical theater process with kids.  Take some positive risks and it can change their lives AND improve the process for kids as well.  The bonus?  FUN!