The Production Number… Time to Knock Their Socks Off

One of my very favorite things to judge in high school musicals is the production number.

I’ve seen so many over the top, phenomenal, fantastic,  knock’ em dead production numbers I can’t list them all.

It is also the perfect part of the show for ensemble players to shine, and for show newbie’s to show their directors that they can give all they’ve got and are worthy of considering for future roles.

So here is my take on production numbers and some tips you can keep in mind as you and your fellow actors work to create that “show stopper”. Production numbers not only leave your audiences in awe but they are a wonderful way for leads to work with the ensemble and make your musical the talk of the town. So, while rehearsing your show stopper, consider the following.

Several years ago, I judged a high school production of Les Mis. They ended up winning best musical and I firmly believe their production number One Day More played a great part in that. It was a ten. Why was it a ten?

First, their entire ensemble. Yep, chorus people I’m talking to you. As a group, their voices were phenomenal and loud. I could HEAR them. Every single word. Actually, we should be able to put every high school musical ensemble in Radio City Music Hall and hear them. Sadly, however, I’ve judged many schools where the chorus sounded more like a group of church mice. Choruses you need to work on singing to the rafters. That’s number one.

Second is choreography. Your choreographer is not going to give you moves you can’t do and they know what your limits are, but, don’t be afraid to push the envelope. If you have a special talent, gymnastic flips, ballet on Pointe, or splits, let your choreographer know. They are looking for the wow stuff to place in that production number and you might just be the person to do it. Make sure you note this on your audition sheets, please.

If you want a production number like no other, you as a student have to be able to take a creative risk. Over the past few years, I’ve seen tons of schools attempt a tap dancing number. Impressed? You betcha. I am also willing to bet that nearly half of these kids never put a pair of tap shows on until they joined their show.

Energy, Exuberance and Excitement. The Three E’s. A fantastic production number has all three E’s. The ensemble and characters don’t just shuffle along, singing as if they are just rolling out of bed. At a recent production of 42^nd Street, the chorus girls in “We’re in the Money” had smiles on their faces from the second they started tapping. They showed the audience they were having fun and the audience had fun too.

Excitement. Yes, this is your production number. Watch us audience. We’re going to knock your socks off. Keep that energy from the second your music begins to the very last note, and I can guarantee 100 percent you will have the BEST production number ever.