{"id":764,"date":"2021-04-16T15:49:54","date_gmt":"2021-04-16T21:49:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.erickrichards.com\/?p=764"},"modified":"2021-04-16T16:02:19","modified_gmt":"2021-04-16T22:02:19","slug":"frozen-jr-music-director","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.erickrichards.com\/?p=764","title":{"rendered":"Frozen Jr. – Music Director"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Back at the beginning of 2020, we had started working on the Frozen Jr. musical theater production and then COVID-19 hit just prior to performance dates and this was so disappointing for our cast of 55 youth. A year later and by following a strict protocol, we were able to pick back up with 35 of the original cast members and do a modified version in a safe way for 2021 without sets relying on storytelling, costumes, and lighting to create the magic. My directing partner, Stephanie Jessup, and I collaborated to create the same compelling production in a more reader’s theater \/ concert style format. This was a growing opportunity for everyone. What I personally learned is that the use of mask coverings required the cast to practice articulation at a heightened level. The result! When they took their masks off to perform, the diction and quality of musical tone were outstanding. I would use this technique again with another musical theater cast as it taught me that by creating a little disruption at the mouth, it required them to me more articulate resulting in clean, crisp diction so the audience could understand the musical story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n