JR versus Regular version

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Submitted by Rhonda Martin on Mon, 09/22/2014 - 00:00
By Rhonda Martin
September 22, 2014
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I am the director of a theatre youth group. Our group start in Sept and has a production in June. The ages range from 11-16. All have had theatre experience. I understand that the JR shows make a lot of sense for a school setting due to limited time to put together the show and also limited experience of some cast members so shorter is better. But for us, the JR version is quite short. The JR version generally seems to have options for a larger cast which I like because we have 30 youth and in some cases the content is more appropriate. So I am torn as to whether we should be going with JR versions or full versions. Are there any other differences that will help me decide which suits us better? Your guidance is much appreciated Rhonda Martin
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Submitted by Rhonda Martin on Tue, 09/23/2014 - 00:00
By Rhonda Martin
September 23, 2014
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Thank you Andrew! That is very helpful!

Submitted by Cindy Ripley on Tue, 09/23/2014 - 00:00
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By Cindy Ripley
September 23, 2014
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Hi Rhonda! I love the way Andrew explained the differences JR and Kids versions. Here are a few other points that may help with your decision:The key difference is that JR versions are 60-70 minutes in length and KIDS versions are 30-40. Many middle schools begin with the KIDS versions because of rehearsal time and length. We have a rule of thumb that each page of script equals approximately one hour of rehearsal time.Lengths of musical numbers are usually not shortened for KIDS versions. There are less numbers, not to hurt the integrity of the show.The license includes the materials, student scripts, director's guide, choreography DVD, media disc, rehearsal and acc CDs, costume suggestions, prop suggestions, design suggestions, curriculum guides and show background material. Extra resources available with all kits are audio perusals, production slides, Logo paks, t shirts and video licenses for certain shows.There are definitely shows that are better for certain ages. For example, you probably would not select FAME JR for a k-3 production or Dalmations Kids for a 6-8 show. Some are more difficult musically and some have the challenges with the acting. If you have a title you love, check out the e-perusal and see how the fit for your resources will work. I love to help directors pick shows for their casts. It is 90% of a successful show. Many of our showspace readers, like Andrew, are superb at helping you customize to your kids!Ask us anytime..it is a fun process!

Submitted by Rhonda Martin on Tue, 09/23/2014 - 00:00
By Rhonda Martin
September 23, 2014
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Hi Cindy,Actually I am examining the differences between the JR shows and the regular versions. I feel the KIDS shows are definitely not a good fit for us. I love everything the JR show offers but just wish it was longer.Are there particular JR shows that are longer than others? We did Alice in Wonderland JR last year and loved it but feedback from the audience was the it was too short compared to our usual productions. We are thinking about Xanadu, Fame, Into the Woods JR and/or Camp Rock this year but open to other suggestions.Thanks soo much!

Submitted by Andrew Williams on Mon, 09/22/2014 - 00:00
By Andrew Williams
September 22, 2014
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This is all my opinion...I typically view it as 1) One act vs two, 2) music geared toward the vocal ranges of young voices, and 3) come with performance music track.The "director's guides" are suited for first timers, and seasoned Directors' may get less out of them than others. That being said you almost always find *something* you may not have thought of, buried in there.To my ear (I'm not the vocal director), the music is more challenging than the "Kids" series. The cuts to keep the show within the one act, however, can leave some wonderful tunes out of the line-up.For our local crew here, (similar demographics to yours), the JR shows have proven to be steady reliable resource. We rehearse once a week, from January through start of June, and then do a three performance run over two days. We have had fantastic success with Disney Titles (Mermaid, B&B, Mulan), as well as Honk Jr!, and the often overlooked "Dear Edwina Jr". That one was one of my favorites, as it provided a lot of opportunities for individuals to have "a moment" on stage.Slides shows from some of these are posted here:  mtishowspace.com/pg/video/161423 Enjoy! Oh... *AND*.. the kids get to keep their scripts!! That's a big bonus souvenir for each participant. If you go to TYS (Theatre Young Audiences) or Full productions, you have to pull out the eraser, clean-up the scripts, and then ship them back. I'd rather sit back and watch the post-production slide show.