5 Tips For Writing Your Own Musical
Author: Erica von Kleist, Guest Contributor
As you look for inspiration to write a musical, you envision lines of people outside of a theater in Times Square waiting to see your production. A dream for many composers and writers, and the grand stage for shows and musicals. Like you, the creators of some of the most successful musicals of all time sat where you are now, developing the framework for their story. They sat imagining ways to genuinely connect with their audiences by captivating them through character emotion, with inspirational music and narrative transportation.
In talking with my friend Erica von Kleist, who last year created a hilarious one-woman show which features her at the helm on piano and voice. Erica first penned the project as a full musical production and debuted as a reading in NYC featuring an all-Broadway cast. She has since pared the show down to a solo version which debuted in Whitefish, Montana in September 2019. I asked Erica if she could provide 5 tips for writing your own musical and she was kind enough to share some thoughts.
CONFIDENCE - If you don't think you can, you can. Just take your time. Your confidence can have a positive influence on your own work as well as that of others,
COLLABORATION - Collaborate with some great people! Other people can help improve efficiency, open up networking opportunities and channels, and contribute ideas while inspiring you creatively.
THE MATERIAL/MESSAGE - Really go for it in your material. Don't worry about offending people. If you have an important message and deliver it with comedy and honesty you'll be onto something. By believing in your message you’ll also set the stage for authenticity, allowing you to connect with your audience.
RESEARCH - Listen to the way different composers organize their songs. Musical theater song forms are not cut and dry and there's no formula. The sky's the limit! It’s also worth taking the time to understand the capabilities and limitations of those around you, as well as your resources.
FOLLOW THROUGH - See it through! It's tough to actually get a show to a stage. Take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help. You’re already a visionary if you’ve put pen to paper, so be patient, persistent and see it through!
Chances are you’ve likely utilized these concepts over the years and know they work. Combine them with your own ideas and start writing your musical. See you at the show!
About The Author
Multi-instrumentalist, teacher and entrepreneur Erica von Kleist began her career as a saxophonist and flautist in the New York jazz scene. A native of Connecticut, Erica moved to the city to study at the renowned Juilliard School and in 2004 earned the first bachelor’s degree in jazz in the school’s history. After graduation, Erica’s next ten years were met with performances, tours and several Grammy-Nominated recordings with various artists including the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Chris Potter, Sean Jones, Seth MacFarlane, Rufus Reid, The Addams Family on Broadway among others. Honored with two ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Awards, several mentions in Downbeat’s annual Readers and Critics Polls, and the Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center, Erica extended her scope as a bandleader with the release of three albums, with a fourth with tap dancer DeWitt Fleming Jr. due out in 2020. One of her most recent endeavors is a hilarious one-woman show with Erica at the helm on piano and voice. A teacher for over 20 years, Erica has always had a passion for education. Her theory text book A Cool Approach to Jazz Theory has been used as a curriculum for several middle and high school jazz programs.
www.ericavonkleist.com