Selecting Shows for Kids Theater

How the Performing Arts Academy (PAA) picks shows

The process starts with Dr. Jim (PAA’s Executive Director and Founder). Dr. Jim posts show titles on his office wall, closes his eyes, and throws a dart to see which musical PAA will feature next. 🙃

Although entertaining, this is far from how PAA selects a show for its youth theater audience. In fact, PAA determines shows TWO YEARS in advance and involves artistic/production input, integrity, and theater student intrigue.

Where Planning Starts  

PAA’s show selection process combines professional theatre acumen with deciding which productions theater students will enjoy. 

The artistic and production teams start by determining these factors:

1. Productions that will showcase PAA’s talent well
2. Specific technical requirements of a show
3. Available titles (see “licensing” below)
4. Shows that students will enjoy

Although PAA prepares well in advance, they leave wiggle room for new, exciting shows that may pop up last minute and fit PAA’s needs. For example, Beetlejuice Jr. became available for the spring and summer of 2025. PAA pivoted and quickly acquired rights to this wildly popular show.

Licensing, Royalties, & Why it all Matters

Did we lose you? Acquiring licenses and securing royalties may lack the glitz and glamor of the stage, but they’re a crucial part of the behind-the-scenes process in the performing arts—both legally and, in the minds of PAA, ethically.

 Legally, performing arts organizations are required to license every show and pay royalties. It is no different than paying royalties for the use of a song (Did you know Happy Birthday by the Hills Sisters earned an estimated $50 million in royalties!!!). 

PAA licenses EVERY show it performs EVERY time it is performed. Morally, it’s PAA’s duty to honor all artists for their creative contributions to the performing arts. 

Most musical performances come with strict guidelines set by licensing agencies—like Music Theatre International, one of the largest in the industry—and PAA follows every single one to the letter.

Each show requires different policies, such as: 

-When and where to announce the show

-Which colors can be used for costumes

-Which logos to use for certain media

-How to feature show information in a playbill

-Specifics on choreography…and much more. 

Most agencies will spell out these guidelines for organizations to follow. Licensing usually costs between $1500-$3000 (for most PAA shows). 

With PAA, you can rest assured that all legal and moral guidelines are being met, along with deep consideration about what theater students will enjoy most! 

What Show do you Want Next? 

Do you have a show suggestion or request? We are all ears!! Please send your requests to marketing@paacolorado.org! 

Current theater programs: Check out PAA’s 50+ Summer Theatre Camps and enroll today! 

Performing Arts Academy (PAA) is a nonprofit performing arts organization committed to creating a safe space for learning and fostering transformative experiences/opportunities through acting, singing, and dancing. Through the PAA Way (Preparation, Attitude, and Accountability), PAA helps students discover their self-worth, understand the importance of community, and value individual differences.