Putting Together Performance Packages
Judy Pozsgay
HCNW 2017
PUTTING TOGETHER PERFORMANCE PACKAGES
Elements of an Effective Performance Package:
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High level of musicality resulting in an entertaining and enjoyable musical
performance.
Choreography and staging is planned and executed to enhance the
communication of the music and story.
A unified presentation from top to bottom.
A well-developed and engaging script.
Dynamic emcee(s) who capture the imagination of the audience.
Inclusion of props if appropriate.
Costumes, make up and hair all contribute to the unity of message.
Lighting chosen to enhance atmosphere if appropriate.
Venue considered in advance (have risers? Is there a curtain? How many
microphones?).
Every aspect of the package is prepared and rehearsed.
Creativity on display.
Every choice made with audience in mind!
Music Selection Considerations
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What drives the song selection for the package?
– Theme/script?
– Or existing repertoire?
– Or?
Are there limitations on music selections? For ex: contest music
requirements.
Include a variety of music that will showcase the personality and vocal
abilities of the ensemble.
What is the audience demographic?
Determine the number of songs needed. Be sure to time the music!
Theme Considerations
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An effective theme is one that engages the audience.
Theme should be evident to the audience.
Ideally, theme is simple enough for the audience to follow, but not so simple
that it’s predictable.
Goal of theme is to be cohesive and tie the package together.
What is the desired tone for the package?
Putting Together Performance Packages
Judy Pozsgay
HCNW 2017
Script Considerations
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More singing/music and less talking.
Effective script has a clear beginning, middle and end.
Consider the demographic of the audience.
Ideally, script is intelligently simple – easy to follow and at same time not too
complicated.
Avoids telling the audience “the next song is”.
Flows seamlessly and easily.
– Generally, a musical show should start with music & not talking.
– Start with something BIG, lots of action, upbeat tempo, big sound.
– Close with something that will leave best impact.
Use humor if appropriate. Humor can be a powerful tool for engaging an
audience’s emotions.
A consideration for the scriptwriter is the talent – who will be delivering the
lines and can they pull it off? Always ask - What do you want to do? And can
you pull it off?
For a 15-minute package, you can typically include 3-4 songs, some talking
and account for the audience response time.
Estimate 15-30 seconds for applause after a song and a transition.
Include pitch cues in script.
Is a technical script needed for the performance?
Tips for Using Comedy
• Don’t “try” to be funny.
• Be over the top in what you do. Exaggeration.
• Think in terms of set up and punch line. The set up gives the information and
the punch line is the surprise, twist, exaggeration, or sudden change of
direction.
• Audiences laugh at things they can relate to, or something that catches them
off guard.
• Timing is everything. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
• Test material out on audience.
• What seems funny to you might not have mass appeal.
• Parodies:
• Parody lyrics are lyrics that replace the original lyrics of a vocal work or
are added to an instrumental work.
• In general, any parody lyric or the revision of a lyric that changes the
integrity (character) of the work requires authorization from the
copyright owner.
• You can change a few lyrics within the songs (not be parody) to fit theme
better or to highlight it. This way the theme can impact the mood of the
song and the presentation of the songs. Be creative!
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