Broadway Licensing Global Partners to Support Educational Theatre
Broadway Licensing Global (BLG), in collaboration with Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender, and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions, has unveiled a suite of comprehensive resources designed to assist educators and administrators in producing the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child School Edition. This initiative includes an Illusions Guide, a Scenic Design Guide, and a Director’s Guide, all tailored to help schools bring this magical production to life.
A Commitment to Educational Theatre
Since the start of our collaboration, BLG and the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child team have been committed to empowering educational theatre programs to bring this remarkable story to the stage,” said Ted Chapin, Interim CEO of BLG. “The introduction of these comprehensive guides underscores our commitment to helping schools deliver a standout theatrical experience, no matter their budget or available resources.
Illusions Guide
Crafted by Illusions and Magic Designer Jamie Harrison, the Illusions Guide addresses the complexities of staging magic. It provides clear guidelines and practical ideas for executing the most intricate illusions in the production, ensuring that even schools with limited technical resources can create spellbinding effects.
Scenic Design Guide
The Scenic Design Guide, developed by Set Designer Christine Jones, takes set design from concept to reality. It offers advice on budget management, scene breakdowns, and a detailed prop list, making complex set designs accessible to schools with diverse resources.
A Comprehensive Companion
Written by Director John Tiffany, the Director’s Guide serves as an essential tool for the production process. It includes Tiffany’s insights, tips, script annotations for character development and staging, and a detailed plan to manage the production within a limited timeframe. This guide ensures that directors can effectively lead their teams and deliver a compelling performance.
Upcoming Resources
In addition to these guides, future resources will include a Costuming Guide, Lighting Guide, and other products designed to further support schools in their production efforts.
Successful Pilot Productions
The newly released School Edition of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has already achieved notable success in pilot productions. Riverside School in London staged a black box performance in their secondary school cafeteria in March, introducing many students to theatre for the first time. In early May, Hoboken High School in New Jersey produced a more elaborate show involving over 100 students, leading to sold-out performances and standing ovations.