THE 50 THINGS I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT

WRITING AND PRODUCING A NEW

MUSICALBY JYE BRYANT

B.Mus., M. Teach. (Sec.)

WRITING A NEW MUSICAL1. Find a story that ‘sings’2. Write what you want to see

on stage3. Keep in mind logistics and

stage-ability4. Use your writer’s intuition5. Collaborate if you don’t

have the skill set Picture: The Things I Could Never Tell Steven (2015)

COLLABORATING ON A NEW MUSICAL

6. Create job descriptions7. Know your strengths and

limits8. Share a similar level of

experience9. Share a mutual enthusiasm

for the project10.Have compatible writing

practicesPicture: Collaborating on The Velveteen Rabbit

(2016)

WORKSHOPPING A NEW MUSICAL11.Invite supportive yet

skilled participants12.Humbly accept criticism

and avoid making excuses13.Filter the feedback

through the wisdom of your writer’s intuition

14.Establish rules of engagement

15.Provide scripts and musical scores where possible

Picture: Workshopping ‘The Things I Could Never Tell Steven’ (2011)

ORCHESTRATING A NEW MUSICAL16.Invite supportive yet skilled

participants17.Humbly accept criticism

and avoid making excuses18.Filter the feedback through

the wisdom of your writer’s intuition

19.Establish rules of engagement

20.Provide scripts and musical scores where possible

Picture: The sitzprobe of The Velveteen Rabbit (2013)

PRODUCING A NEW MUSICAL

21.Keep a tight budget22.Find a good production team23.Create a production

schedule24.Find funding (if required)25.Be transparent with cast

and production team Picture: The Velveteen Rabbit (2013)

FINDING A PRODUCTION TEAM FOR A NEW MUSICAL

26.Advertise 27.Write a wish list28.Interview29.Provide excerpts from the

show30.Create contracts

Picture: The Production Team of The Velveteen Rabbit (2013)

CASTING FOR A NEW MUSICAL

31.Audition all roles 32.Create contracts33.Set all show and rehearsal

dates before auditions34.Have the cast audition with a

song from the show35.Don’t settle for inferior

playersPicture: Auditions for ALADDIN GOES TO AFRICA

(2006)

FINDING A THEATRE TO STAGE A NEW MUSICAL

36.Must be affordable37.Appropriate size38.Good location39.Well resourced40.Supportive of new work

Picture: Rehearsing RAINBOW TEARS (2007)

REHEARSING A NEW MUSICAL41.Limit the rehearsal period42.Find an appropriate rehearsal

space43.Keep to a strict rehearsal

schedule44.Establish good rehearsal habits45.Invite industry professionals to

offer feedback Picture: Rehearsing The Things I Could Never Tell Steven (2015)

PUBLICISING A NEW MUSICAL

46. Compile a list of media outlets

47. Send personalised invitations48. Utilise the power of social

media49. Create a trailer50. Be visible Picture: Publicity for The Things I Could Never Tell Steven

(2015)

By Jye BryantB.Mus., M.Teach. (Sec.)

Creator of THE THINGS I COULD NEVER TELL STEVEN

www.jyebryant.com www.thethingsicouldnevertellsteven.com