How to Choose Primary School Musicals for KS2
So, you’ve decided to stage a primary school musical for KS2 students! This is an exciting time as you prepare to embark on a new adventure with Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Possibilities abound, not least around the theme of the show itself.
As fun as every KS2 play script seems, though, some will suit your circumstances better than others. Factors including cost, time and cast size will influence your choice. In this article, we list everything you should consider when planning primary school productions.
What to Consider When Planning KS2 Productions
There are many benefits of performing arts in school — including encouraging creativity, improving teamwork skills and building self-esteem — and everyone involved in the show is sure to take away some wonderful memories.
To make sure you choose a primary school production that gets the final sign-off and really engages your KS2 students, we recommend thinking through the following details before you start researching.
1. Age range
Given your interest in school plays for KS2 specifically, you know you will be choosing something appropriate for children aged 7–11. Having now thoroughly settled into primary school, these students are likely ready for shows with a few different themes and characters who change over the course of the performance. Still, so you can’t go wrong, many school musicals will clearly state their age suitability.
2. Cast size
While many KS2 play scripts come with cast size suggestions and guidance on tailoring a particular musical to a smaller or larger cast, you should choose one that aligns broadly with the number of singers and dancers you expect to have. In primary school musical performances, aim for a good number of lead roles as well as smaller parts with one or two lines and, of course, the ensemble. This provides an opportunity for more reserved children to get involved without stepping fully into the spotlight.
3. Talent pool
You will need to choose a musical based on the talent available to you — for example, with singing and dancing, costume design and set building, and supporting behind the scenes. And even if you understand your students’ abilities, they may be unwilling to come forward or want to apply themselves to school musical productions in an unexpected way. With this in mind, consider how many students you expect to audition and which song and dance numbers might suit their skill level.
4. Performance space
What sort of space will you be rehearsing and performing in? The size and shape of your theatre or auditorium will also factor into your research when selecting plays for schools to perform. Try to envisage the final performance with room for the audience and for students to deliver the show they will have worked so hard on. On a related note, will you have access to technical equipment such as lights and speakers? These are great resources if they are already set up in your space, or there is room to bring some in!
5. Audience
Primary school musicals for KS2 should be just as fun to watch as they are to perform! Be mindful of your audience and their expectations — will you put on a show for the entire school community, including younger year groups, or just the families of those involved?
6. Learning topics
Aligning KS2 production scripts to students’ current interests or learning topics is an ingenious way to extend their education beyond the curriculum and get them even more excited about participating. Students may be more likely to audition for a familiar show, where they can help bring beloved characters to life. There are plenty of school musical productions adapted from classic literary works, from The Jungle Book to Treasure Island.
7. Timescales
In our experience, primary school plays typically take 8–12 weeks to complete, from the first audition to the final curtain. So that you have ample time to select, cast and rehearse your show, allow one full school term. Keep in mind, too, that the energy will ebb and flow throughout, as young students engage more with different parts of the process and may feel increasingly antsy as the performance date draws near!
8. Budget
Cost is another consideration when putting on primary school musical performances. Depending on how much money you have been allocated and whether your school has existing resources, you could opt for a bigger production with lots of spectacle (such as The Wizard Of Oz) or a smaller musical that does without elaborate costumes and set pieces (such as Mission Implausible). To procure school play props on a budget, for example, you may have to get creative with crafting, reusing and repurposing items for your show.
9. Decision-makers
It would be heartbreaking to find the perfect primary school play script only to learn down the line that the senior leadership team will veto the idea. So you don’t waste time gearing up to stage a show that ultimately never sees the light of day, always keep school leaders and other authority figures in mind when planning primary school musical performances. Consider which subjects are likely to be approved or rejected, perhaps even drawing up a shortlist of popular school musicals that allows them to have the final say.
10. What has worked well in the past
Depending on the geographic location and cultural make-up of your school, some primary school plays may land better than others. However, if your school has staged KS2 productions before, past successes are a great place to start when planning another! Think back to whether students welcomed innovative takes on classic shows (such as Oliver With A Twist) or preferred entirely original ideas (such as Luna And The Skyrocket). Either way, you can definitely use previous hits as helpful guides.
Browse Our KS2 Play Scripts
Hopefully, you’re now much more confident in selecting amazing primary school musicals for KS2. It’s not easy with so many gems to choose from, but these are some things you can consider to narrow down your options. For inspiration, browse our own KS2 musicals, and please get in touch with any questions.