Children's Theater has one troublesome and peculiar stigma --- it usually appeals to more young girls than boys. It is such a shame because the greater majority of stories have male leads. That means that the more important characters that move the stories along are written for boys!
So what does the director do with the 14 little girls (ages 7-11) and the 3 little boys (under age 9)?
Another problem in Children's Theater is that it is best to avoid doing a play that has an obvious Love Story or situations that even hint of romance.
Finding stories that suit a large contingent of girls, a few boys and have no love story is quite a challenge! And finding a show that has significant roles for girls is harder yet! Unfortunately, the girls end up being a corps de ballet who dance and sing and act as a unit or have to individually (and awkwardly) fill male roles.
Fortunately, as a composer/director, I have been able to find some great stories to turn into Musicals that fit those particular parameters. They have important lead roles for girls and have no love stories! One particular favorite is the Aesop fable about the Country Mouse and the City Mouse. This was written for two equally strong female Leads, and there are strong secondary supporting roles for girls, too. (Also some great parts for boys!)
Many Children's Theater groups attract some boys and they are usually quite talented. There are just usually fewer of them. So, I have particularly written shows for ages 5-8 or 9-14 (and some for 5-14) that feature strong female leads along with the regular male leads.
Enjoy this song from "The Country Mouse and the City Mouse" where the Country Mouse dreams of visiting the big city and her Country Siblings and Cousins try to dissuade her.
So what does the director do with the 14 little girls (ages 7-11) and the 3 little boys (under age 9)?
Another problem in Children's Theater is that it is best to avoid doing a play that has an obvious Love Story or situations that even hint of romance.
Finding stories that suit a large contingent of girls, a few boys and have no love story is quite a challenge! And finding a show that has significant roles for girls is harder yet! Unfortunately, the girls end up being a corps de ballet who dance and sing and act as a unit or have to individually (and awkwardly) fill male roles.
Fortunately, as a composer/director, I have been able to find some great stories to turn into Musicals that fit those particular parameters. They have important lead roles for girls and have no love stories! One particular favorite is the Aesop fable about the Country Mouse and the City Mouse. This was written for two equally strong female Leads, and there are strong secondary supporting roles for girls, too. (Also some great parts for boys!)
Many Children's Theater groups attract some boys and they are usually quite talented. There are just usually fewer of them. So, I have particularly written shows for ages 5-8 or 9-14 (and some for 5-14) that feature strong female leads along with the regular male leads.
Enjoy this song from "The Country Mouse and the City Mouse" where the Country Mouse dreams of visiting the big city and her Country Siblings and Cousins try to dissuade her.
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