The Creative Team

Before you meet with your creative team you should read the play – at least twice. The creative team should consist of a set and prop designer, a costume designer and a production stage manager (a music director and a choreographer are needed for musicals). Ideally, your creative team will also include a lighting designer and a sound designer.

Are you thinking ... "You mean me, myself and I"? If your creative team is just you don't worry. It is possible to produce and direct a play with kids by yourself, but it is not recommended. If you find yourself in this situation start recruiting help. You don't need specialized help; you can share the information in this guide with willing volunteers and achieve great success! Look for someone who's handy to help with sets, someone who can sew to help with costumes, and so on, to fill out your team.

Meetings with your creative team are called "production meetings." At your first production meeting, pass out scripts and read the show aloud, including all stage directions. This is not only a great way for everyone to get a fresh, firsthand sense of the show, but it can also be a lot of fun! Next, share your artistic vision for the production and have the rest of the creative team share their thoughts and identify any potential challenges. End this meeting by creating a rough production calendar and setting some deadlines for the creative team members. And don't forget to set your next production meeting!

FIRST PRODUCTION MEETING

Putting on a show is hard work. One of your jobs as director is to make sure your creative team members feel appreciated and enjoy themselves. Below are some suggestions for planning a first production meeting that will set the right tone for the rest of your production process.

• Hold the meeting someplace comfortable, like a restaurant, park or home.

• Make sure you have plenty of food and beverages on hand. Consider themed snacks and drinks that match the show for added fun!

• Take time for everyone to introduce themselves, their roles in your organization, and what they hope to contribute to your production.

• Play a theater game! Remind your creative team members what it's like to be a kid in the show. Theater games are a great way to break the ice, get people comfortable and build morale.

• Provide your team with scripts, binders, sharpened pencils and good erasers. Include a production calendar, contact sheet and copies of the pages from this guide that apply to them. If you don't yet have enough help for your production, you may use this first meeting to recruit a creative team!

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