Director’s Information Guide
Support for those interested in directing RMS production in future
Production Team
Ideally your production team will include an executive member (ie. Production Manager, Director, Musical Director and Choreographer) who has experience within the Young RMS or RMS program.
If you need support with suggestions for your production team, please contact any of our current committee members or email us at rms@riverlandmusicalsociety.org
Understanding Show Licensing
Licensing is one of the most important early steps when selecting a musical. Rights holders vary by show and territory, but the core process is similar.
Where to Find Licensing Information
Most popular musicals are licensed through a small number of major agencies. Start by visiting these sites and searching for your show:
Music Theatre International (MTI) – mtishows.com
Hal Leonard / Origin Theatrical – origintheatrical.com.au
Concord Theatricals – concordtheatricals.com
Stage Rights – stagerights.com
Dramatic Publishing – dramaticpublishing.com
You will also need to ensure the rights are available for Community groups
Typically, applicants receive rights for 12 months prior to the show, but if you are able to obtain rights earlier than 12 months to show date, please contact the committee who will consider opening applications earlier.
Where a show states ‘Restrictions may apply’ the licencing is often limited due to Australian productions.
Casting Considerations
We encourage you to check the licensing for your selected show in relation to the casting requirements. You will often find these available under casting notes on show page.
For example:
Little Shop of Horrors the following requirement is included: “in casting your show, an inclusive approach is suggested. While any actor can play any role in the show (i.e., there are no requirements or restrictions other than to perform the book, music and lyrics as written), it is encouraged that the roles of Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon be played by actors of color. There is no such suggestion with regard to any of the other characters, regardless of how those characters have been cast in other productions. The gender of the characters, however, must remain as written in the script.”
Hairspray has the following requirement “At its core, Hairspray is a story about acceptance and inclusion (and rejection and exclusion) during the early days of the civil rights movement. The authors' artistic vision requires that, in order to clearly and appropriately tell that story, the cast members in the show accurately reflect the characters as written. As such, the Production Contract requires that the cast members in your production of Hairspray accurately reflect the character descriptions contained in the script. Note: The use of make-up to portray Black characters in your production (e.g., blackface) is not permitted under this Production Contract. By signing the Production Contract, you agree to inform the director of your production of the casting requirements and that such use of make-up is strictly prohibited.”
Show selection
When selecting a show to direct, think broadly. Reflect on the productions RMS and Young RMS has presented in recent years and look for something that feels fresh while still aligning with our community and audience. Consider the overall tone of the show and the story you want to tell on stage. Think about inclusivity and how the production can provide opportunities for performers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Pay close attention to the number and spread of featured roles, ensuring the show allows as many members as possible to shine while supporting strong ensemble involvement.
Above all, choose a production that excites you, inspires our performers, and brings our community together through theatre.