At the Tabernacle Choir Emeritus Ladies Luncheon last week I got to talk with a former seat mate from the Soprano section. I remembered that we left the choir about the same time. I aged out and she left to take a job in another state.
We struck up a conversation about what we've been doing for the last ten years. She has come back to Utah to teach at UVU in the theater and movie department. She also does voice overs for commercials and reading books and things like that. She asked me what I did. I told her that I have been writing a lot for Children's Theater.
We struck up a conversation about what we've been doing for the last ten years. She has come back to Utah to teach at UVU in the theater and movie department. She also does voice overs for commercials and reading books and things like that. She asked me what I did. I told her that I have been writing a lot for Children's Theater.
Dancers from "Momotaro"
Immediately she asked the million dollar question. "Do you write for adults to perform for an audience of children or write for young actors?" When I told her I write for young actors, she said, "Why didn't I know this about you?" Anyway, our conversation went on about projects and websites and such until the din in the room made it impossible for us to hear each other.
The Ducks exercising from "Chicken Licken"
The genre "Children's Theater" is problematic. So many shows that have become so popular for school productions were not written for young actors to perform at all. They were written for adults to perform for audiences of children. That means that the songs were tailored for triple-threat actors with voices to match --- NOT for elementary school child actors with limited experience and voices with limited ranges.
A Successor to the Throne - Martial Arts dance
Then there are a lot of shows written for young actors that are pretty dumb and the songs are even worse. No wonder the teachers at the elementary schools want to use "name shows" that the kids have seen in movies to draw in the actors and audiences. Those shows are great quality, colorful, and already in the public awareness. They just don't always translate well for a cast of young actors.
The key to success with doing one of the "name shows" is knowing you have exceptionally talented students. Some schools and acting companies may have great pools of talent, but most schools don't. They have regular kids.
The key to success with doing one of the "name shows" is knowing you have exceptionally talented students. Some schools and acting companies may have great pools of talent, but most schools don't. They have regular kids.
Cast of The Frog Prince 2024
So in answer to my friend's question, I write for regular kids hoping that they can rise to the challenge of acting, singing, and dancing to tell a good story. My hope is that they get some experience that they can remember and use as they move on through life. My shows always highlight some character value that I hope will enrich their lives.
Graceful dancers from "Never Cry Wolf"
All it takes is some creativity and determination. Oh, and of course: HONESTY, SINCERITY, BRAVERY, INTEGRITY, COOPERATION, KINDNESS, PLANNING AHEAD, APPRECIATION, RESPONSIBILITY, the importance of FAMILY, keeping PROMISES, some good hard WORK, and not letting FEARS get the best of you!
Here's a fun song from "The Tale of Chicken Licken" that the family of Ducks perform together. "Off to the Races"
Here's a fun song from "The Tale of Chicken Licken" that the family of Ducks perform together. "Off to the Races"
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