Mini-Musicals: Behind The Scenes

Every semester, students participate in mini-musicals that blow expectations away. Many people are eager to watch these musicals and this year was no different. When it comes to making these mini-musicals, there’s a lot of work that goes into it. Mini- Musicals is a creative writing class that meets up on Tuesdays from 5-7 pm, and every class, the instructor, Mr Blaylock, gives the layout of what they’re going to do for the day. 

At the beginning of the school year, students start to learn about the fundamentals of writing a musical, such as music theory, and play structure. They are paired up depending on their similarities of ideas, and occasionally, there are instances in which a whole class will participate in a vote on what ideas they should do. Around September and October, students are expected to finish a rough draft of their musical. In December though, students will work on their musicals until it’s rehearsed. When it comes to auditions, anyone from any conservatory can try out. 

The selection process for these musicals are conducted by the directors. Directors decide which person would be best for the role. In the application process, students have to sing about at least 16 measures, and also act for a bit. Although writers aren’t in charge of picking students for the roles, they can still offer very useful input for these roles. 

 Senior Ren Carr has shared their thoughts on being a part of Mini-Musicals. “I think my biggest takeaways from minis were the importance of collaboration and taking criticism. Though I’m not naturally great with working in groups, being placed with people who you may or may not know well and being asked to write an entire musical with them will definitely force you to adapt to group work.” Even though Ren claims Mini-Musicals haven’t changed much over the past few years, there has been one change.. Last year, there were two classes but this year there’s only one. As a result, students have to work faster in less time, and manage to make a musical in half the time.

Mini musicals are a chance for people to collaborate with one another, and participate in a great experience.