Curtain Call the Musical - details

The story begins before the curtain rises.

Overview

Curtain Call the Musical is a heartwarming, family-friendly original production that celebrates the power of theatre, friendship, and community. Set during the final weeks of rehearsal for a youth production, the story follows a group of kids and teens, each with their own struggles, hopes, and quirks, as they come together to create something magical on stage.

But this isn’t just about the show they’re putting on — it’s about everything that happens before the curtain rises. From first auditions to last-minute nerves, from new friendships to surprise heartbreaks, the backstage world becomes a stage of its own, full of laughter, tension, and unexpected triumphs.

Key Themes

  • The courage it takes to put yourself out there
  • The importance of teamwork and trust
  • The highs and lows of being a creative young person
  • The thrill of live performance
  • The personal growth that can happen through the arts

Staging & Sets

Curtain Call the Musical is economically and easily staged. Most scenes take place on or around a theater stage, allowing for minimal set changes. A few creative set pieces or lighting shifts can suggest rehearsal spaces, backstage areas, or performance moments, keeping production costs low and transitions smooth.

Costumes

Costuming can be as simple as characters wearing clothing from home, casual, rehearsal-ready attire that reflects their personalities. The only exception is the final scene, which invites a burst of color and creativity as cast members dress up as famous historical figures. This final visual makes for a powerful, celebratory stage picture and a great opportunity for educational tie-ins.

Cast

Designed for a large, diverse cast ranging in age from 7 to 18 (adult cast members are optional), Curtain Call the Musical offers speaking and singing roles for a wide variety of performers. It’s a celebration of ensemble work.

Production History

Originally co-produced and co-directed by Maggie Gautier, and premiered at the Rogers City Community Theatre and later two productions at Shoreline Theatre, the productions featured a local and talented cast of young actors and was enthusiastically received by an all-ages audience. The show’s structure and themes make it ideal for schools, youth theatres, and community centers looking to stage an uplifting and relatable musical.

Why Professionally Film Curtain Call the Musical?

Theaters consistently express a valid concern: young performers are far more likely to audition for shows they recognize or have seen before. For many community theaters, after-school and summer youth programs are a vital part of their economic stability, and the risk of presenting an unfamiliar title, no matter how original or high-quality, is understandably daunting.

Professionally filming Curtain Call the Musical directly addresses this barrier by providing a vivid, engaging, and fully realized example of the show in action. With a filmed production:

  • Young actors and their families can experience the show visually and emotionally, not just read about it in a synopsis. This ignites interest, builds excitement, and encourages participation.
  • Directors can confidently promote the show to their community, using footage, trailers, and testimonials to show that Curtain Call is not only original but proven to connect with youth audiences and performers alike.
  • Theaters are given a vital marketing tool—a professionally captured performance that showcases the musical’s humor, heart, and multi-generational appeal. This reduces the perceived financial risk and increases the likelihood of a successful production.

Filming Curtain Call is not just about preserving the work—it’s about making it accessible, relatable, and performable for the very communities it was designed to inspire. By bridging the visibility gap, we empower more theaters to say "yes" to new work, without sacrificing their bottom line.

Educational Value: Promote Your Program

A filmed production becomes a valuable tool for marketing and future licensing. Use the footage to promote your drama or arts program, helping you attract new participants, build donor support, and showcase the benefits of arts education.

To see those feelings take shape on stage, watch a video of an amateur cast performing Curtain Call the Musical. To find more, search Maggie Gautier on YouTube.