PICKING A SHOW
-
The show concept is the creative foundation that gives your production meaning and direction. A strong concept unifies all design elements, engages audiences, and provides a narrative framework that helps students understand their role in the larger artistic vision.
-
Discover how to find shows that match your ensemble's personality and align with your program goals.
Key Learning Points
1. Concept as Unifying Framework
Using the central concept to guide all creative decisions and ensure all elements work together cohesively.
How To:
Start with a clear, simple concept statement. Test every design choice against this concept. Ensure music, visuals, and staging all reinforce the same idea.
Director Insight:
"The best shows have concepts so clear that anyone watching can understand the story being told, even without explanation.”
Watch Out For:
Having vague or overly complex concepts, letting cool ideas override conceptual coherence, or changing concepts mid-design process.
-
Concept Development Worksheet
Coherence Check Tool
2. Audience Connection
Choosing concepts that resonate with your specific audience while maintaining artistic integrity and educational value.
How To:
Research your audience demographics and interests. Consider universal themes that transcend age and background. Balance accessibility with sophistication.
Director Insight:
"Concepts that connect emotionally with audiences create more memorable performances and stronger competitive results.”
Watch Out For:
Choosing concepts too abstract for your audience, or dumbing down concepts unnecessarily.
3. Educational Integration
Ensuring the concept provides rich opportunities for musical and personal growth while achieving curricular objectives.
How To:
Map concept elements to learning objectives. Identify specific skills the concept will develop. Consider cross-curricular connections.
Director Insight:
"The best concepts teach multiple lessons - musical, artistic, and life skills - while students are focused on the performance.”
Watch Out For:
Choosing concepts purely for entertainment value, missing educational opportunities, or forcing artificial connections.
-
Audience Analysis Guide
Concept Testing Methods
-
Educational Mapping Template
Learning Objectives Checklist
Real-World Example
the breakthrough concept
SITUATION
A program had been performing technically proficient but emotionally flat shows. Students and audiences were bored despite strong execution.
SOLUTION
The director chose a concept exploring 'coming of age' - something every student could relate to personally. The concept allowed for both intimate moments and powerful climaxes.
-
Start with simple, clear concepts based on universal themes. Focus on concepts with obvious visual and musical connections. Avoid abstract or complex narratives.
CHALLENGE
Finding a concept that would engage students personally while providing appropriate technical challenges and connecting with audiences.
OUTCOME
Students performed with unprecedented emotional investment. Audiences were visibly moved. The show became legendary in the program's history and inspired increased enrollment.
Adaptations for Different Groups
-
Explore sophisticated concepts that challenge conventional approaches. Consider concepts that push artistic boundaries while maintaining educational value.
Resources
Concept Mood Board Examples
Visual examples of effective mood boards for different show concepts
Group Personality Assessment
Tool for identifying your ensemble's natural performance style
Community Personality Assessment
Questions to help align show selection with local community values
Discussion & Reflection
-
1 - Brainstorm potential concepts that connect with your students
2 - Evaluate concepts against your educational objectives
3 - Test concept clarity with colleagues and students
4 - Develop your chosen concept into a detailed vision statement