I've used 8', 10' and 12'.  These sizes aren't too surprising because they are related to lumber sizes.  Most places create a small frame for the flat out of 1" x4" lumber and stretch canvas over it, glue and staple the canvas in place, then size and paint the canvas.  Some use Luan (thin mahogany plywood stapled to the front of the frame instead of canvas.  Luan is a great painting surface, but is of course heavier and limits you (usually) to 4' x8' flats.

 

8' flats  look a little small, but you can get over that in about 2-3 seconds if the set is well done.  If you don't believe me, try measuring the height of most ceilings--8' right?  So for interiors of houses, 8' is ok.  For Daddy Warbuck's mansion, I'd go bigger.   Remember that with larger flats comes larger cost, and bigger storage area--traded off against the time to make flats.  Consider borrowing flats from other groups and schools--to save costs.

 

Also consider renting drops if the auditorium has fly space, to make the transitions instantaneous.  Flats on wagons or other movement techniques take loads of time to change.

I can address the scripts rental issue. If you want the materials for more than 8 weeks, for a small fee, a couple hundred bucks you can get the scripts and music for an extra month. I usually do that. It just gives me the wiggle room that I need. For a nominal fee you can get a perusal script ahead of time. I don't think you want to buy materials. They are really pricey. The last time I had to replace a libretto (The dog ate it. Really.) it cost $25. In a musical there a lot more things I would like to spend my money on. As far as royalties go the reason you  re not getting an answer is because it depends on the show, the number of performances, the size of your house, and the cost of tickets. It is mathmatical equation I have never understood. We have 125 seat theater and do a 2 week run. We  budget between $2500 to $3500 for materials and rights, but like I said every situation is different.

 

The next thing you need to do is get a music director. A good one. Really and truly they will be able to take care all the musical questions you have. You don't need to use all the instruments that are available for a performance, but the music director will tell you which ones you have to have. You should ask permission if you need to transpose a song. There are wonderful computer programs that can do it very easily these days.

 

Vickifrank is right on with her advice about flats and staging. I would say if this your first musical on this stage see if you can do something with a unit set. It will make your life easier.

 

Good luck.

Linda

And, I frequently will take on projects that are a challenge where the money sure isn't THE motivator.  In these cases, I literally ask them to donate my 'pay' to a charity in my name.  The reason is that reporting some minor income is not worth it, but then on the other hand not getting paid can end up abusive--where people expect work that takes away from well paid jobs.  Usually people recognize this as a relatively 'classy' way to accept an interesting project for a good cause.  And it allows me to donate my real skills--I'm useless at serving soup in a soup kitchen, but I'm a good designer!  I'd rather design a wonderful set for hours of commitment, than serve soup.  Even a small salary is a big donation to a soup kitchen!  And I don't have to pay accountant fees, taxes, etc..

 

I'm going somewhere with this.  Since lots of folks are in similar situations, perhaps you can work a trade with some of your folks.  They help you with this show, and you help them for free with another project that they have.

 

Second idea, since this is a school show maybe you have the students paired up with an advisor.  Ex: The student designs the sets, but your advisor reviews and tells them what won't work and what will.  The advisor's time will be far less.  In a high school you can even run a contest for the best design--and essentially the art teacher recruit the designers.

 

For some it will be a credential, or reference.  And in some cases you might find it leads you to new opportunities, just as your previous direction took you to this opportunity.

 

I love your ideas!  Thank you for your input...your words speak highly of your wisdom...you've got me thinking in new directions:-)

 

Tammy,

 

Thank you for putting my mind at ease...that makes me less freaked out if I get into a similar situation in the future.

 

Best regards,