Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Changing orchestrations

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slicksister
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Topic: Changing orchestrations
Posted: 7/05/07 at 10:24pm

I'm not sure if this is a directing question or not but I couldn't decide where else to post it. My question is how much can you "change" the orchestrations of any given musical. In other words if the score calls for certain instruments and you don't have them available can you eliminate them or use a synthesizer to imitate tham? Can you change keys to suit actors voices? Can you do more repeats than are indicated or leave out dance sequences?

The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

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B-M-D
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Posted: 7/08/07 at 2:09am

Not a bad question. I believe that you're not required to use all of the orchestrations as long as the music itself isn't altered. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to change a key for an actor although that might constitute changing the music just like if you substituted lines in the script.

I would not leave out the dance sequences. It's usually an organic part of the script, almost like changing the story line.

When in doubt though ask the publisher that authorized the performance rights what you can and can't do. They're usually more than happy to help. And if you need to change something, just ask. You'd be surprised how accomodating they might be given whatever your circumstances are.

Good luck!

"Dying is easy, comedy is hard."

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Gaafa
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Posted: 7/08/07 at 11:39am

A regional country amdram group was fined $AU 2000 + all costs&Taxed damages about 10 years ago.

Because the MD changed & adapted the Overture for 'Oliver'. The performance was in Geraldton about 500KMs north of here in the bush, which would have to be less than a zit on the backside of the world.

Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

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pdavis69
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Posted: 7/13/07 at 2:39pm

As with most things in life, it's only a problem if you get caught. If you change it and get away with it good for you. If you change things and get caught, don't cry about the consequences.

Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

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jaytee060
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Posted: 7/14/07 at 5:22pm

I have directed many musicals and more often then not there is an actor who's voice simply does not fit the music as written. I have been fortunate in many cases to have a Music Director who was talented enought to transpose. This apparently is not considered changing the score. Where one can get into trouble is rewritting music or deleting music from the original score. The good news is that many times you can write to the publisher and be granted exceptions providing you have a legitimate reason to do so. My advise is, if you need to change the music, or delete something, ALWAYS get permission first. Its just a smart thing to do.

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POB14
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Posted: 7/16/07 at 12:22pm

R & H says you can't change the orchestrations without permission.

http://www.rnh.com/theatricals/index.php?page=faqs

Originally posted by R&H Theatricals

Changing the show, by making alterations in the music, lyrics, book, gender of a character, orchestrations or vocal arrangements, is a violation of the author’s rights. Whenever you feel the need to make a change, it is important that you contact R&H Theatricals and receive permission to make the change.

MTI doesn't exactly come out and say it, but they seem to be suggesting the same thing.

I'm not musically savvy enough to guess at whether transpositons would count or not. Frankly I'm surprised that changing the instruments would count, but I guess they don't want the "sound" of the show changed.

POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard

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Directing
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Directing

Topic: Changing orchestrations( Topic Closed)