Hey there, stage parents, educators, and aspiring young performers! Are you on the hunt for the best musicals for kids to perform? Whether your little one dreams of belting out show tunes, developing their stage presence, or simply finding a fun way to express themselves, musical theatre offers an incredible outlet. It’s not just about singing; it’s about storytelling, character development, and building confidence – all wrapped up in a super fun package!
Choosing the right material can be a bit daunting with so many options out there. That’s why we’ve put together a list of fantastic resources designed to help children shine on stage. These collections are perfect for school plays, youth productions, talent shows, or just for fun at home. Let’s dive into some of the best musical theatre resources that will get your kids ready to wow an audience!
1. Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection | Volumes 1 and 2
This fantastic bundle is a treasure trove for any young performer looking to expand their repertoire. Combining two volumes, it offers an extensive selection of age-appropriate songs from beloved Broadway and film musicals. It’s perfect for kids who are serious about their musical theatre journey, providing both challenging and fun pieces that help develop vocal technique and stage presence. With a wide array of styles and moods, young singers will find plenty of material suitable for auditions, performance practice, or just enjoying their favorite tunes.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive collection spanning two volumes.
- Features songs from popular Broadway shows and movies.
- Age-appropriate selections for young voices.
- Great for building a diverse musical theatre repertoire.
- Ideal for vocal practice and performance preparation.
Pros:
- Excellent value with two volumes included.
- Wide variety of songs keeps things interesting.
- Helps kids explore different character types and vocal styles.
- Suitable for a range of skill levels.
Cons:
- Might be overwhelming for absolute beginners without guidance.
- Specific instrumentation details aren’t listed, so piano accompaniment might need to be sourced separately if not included.
User Impressions: Parents and music teachers consistently praise this collection for its breadth and quality. Users love that it introduces children to classic and contemporary musical theatre, making it a staple for any budding star’s library. Many highlight how engaging the songs are for kids.
2. Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection – Volume 1 Book/Online Audio
If you’re looking to start with a solid foundation, Volume 1 of the Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection is an excellent choice. This standalone book comes with online audio access, making it incredibly convenient for young singers to learn and practice. The focus here is on giving children the tools to really understand and perform the songs, not just sing them. It’s a brilliant resource for developing vocal skills, learning to interpret lyrics, and getting comfortable with piano accompaniment, which is vital for any young performer.
Key Features:
- Volume 1 standalone edition.
- Includes 122 pages of sheet music.
- Features online audio access for practice.
- Instrumentation: Voice and Piano Accompaniment.
- Perfect for vocal development and performance.
Pros:
- Online audio is a huge plus for home practice.
- Clear piano accompaniment helps with pitch and rhythm.
- Focused content for easier navigation for beginners.
- Good quality print and binding for durability.
Cons:
- Only Volume 1, so less variety than the combined set.
- Some might prefer a physical CD over online audio access.
User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the convenience of the online audio, noting how much it helps their children practice independently. Teachers appreciate the clear notation and age-appropriate song choices, making it a go-to for early vocal training. It’s frequently cited as a great starting point for children interested in musical theatre.
3. Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology | Children’s Edition
For serious young vocalists and those preparing for auditions, the Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology is a gold standard. This Children’s Edition is meticulously curated to provide a wide range of songs specifically tailored for young voices. It’s a comprehensive resource that allows kids to explore different musical styles and characters, helping them find pieces that truly showcase their talent. With 188 pages, it offers a substantial collection for building a robust performance repertoire. This is definitely one of the best musicals for kids to perform selections for more focused training.
Key Features:
- Book-only format.
- Contains 188 pages of vocal sheet music.
- Instrumentation: Vocal and Piano Accompaniment.
- Curated for children’s voices and performance.
- Ideal for auditions, recitals, and serious study.
Pros:
- Highly respected anthology in the musical theatre world.
- Excellent for developing a professional-level repertoire.
- Offers a diverse selection of challenging yet appropriate songs.
- Clear and accurate musical notation.
Cons:
- No accompanying audio, requiring a pianist for practice.
- May be more suitable for children with some prior musical experience.
User Impressions: This anthology consistently receives high praise from vocal coaches and students alike for its quality and comprehensive selection. Users often mention its usefulness for audition preparation and finding pieces that truly resonate with young performers. It’s considered a must-have for those committed to children’s theatre.
4. Broadway Presents! Kids’ Musical Theatre Anthology |
If you’re looking for a collection that brings the magic of Broadway directly to young performers, the Broadway Presents! Kids’ Musical Theatre Anthology is a fantastic choice. This book and CD set is perfect for kids who love the excitement and energy of live theatre. Curated by Ed. Lisa DeSpain, it features songs specifically selected to be engaging and performable for children. The included CD is a huge asset, providing professional accompaniment tracks that make practicing at home feel like performing with a live orchestra! This makes it one of the best musicals for kids to perform at home or in casual settings.
Key Features:
- Format: Book & CD.
- Genre: Broadway.
- Category: General Music and Classroom Publications.
- Contributors: Ed. Lisa DeSpain.
- Publication Date: November 2008.
Pros:
- Included CD with accompaniment tracks is invaluable for practice.
- Features popular Broadway hits adapted for kids.
- Excellent for classroom use or solo performance.
- Great for developing a sense of rhythm and musicality with full backing.
Cons:
- Being an older publication (2008), it might not include the very newest Broadway hits.
- CD format might be less convenient for some than online audio.
User Impressions: Many parents and teachers rave about the included CD, noting how it transforms practice sessions into mini-performances. Children particularly enjoy singing along to the professional backing tracks, which greatly boosts their confidence. It’s frequently recommended for its ability to make learning show tunes fun and accessible.
5. Kids Musical Instruments, 33Pcs 18 Types Wooden Percussion
While not a songbook for best musicals for kids to perform, this comprehensive set of Kids Musical Instruments is an amazing foundational tool for any child interested in music! Before kids can belt out a showstopper, developing a fundamental understanding of rhythm, sound, and musical expression is key. This 33-piece wooden percussion set introduces preschoolers and young children to the joy of making music through hands-on exploration. It’s a wonderful way to foster creativity, improve coordination, and build a love for music that can eventually lead to singing and performing.
Key Features:
- Complete set with 33 pieces and 18 types of shaking, tapping, beating, and blowing instruments.
- Ideal for preschoolers and young children to start their musical journey.
- Made from high-quality, non-toxic, and lead-free materials (CPC Certified / ASTM Certified).
- Educational benefits: helps experiment with sounds, beat, and rhythm.
- Comes with a clear, compact backpack for easy cleaning and storage.
Pros:
- Excellent for early childhood music education and sensory development.
- Safe and durable materials ensure long-lasting play.
- Encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and an understanding of rhythm.
- Portable storage makes it great for playdates or music classes.
- Fantastic value with a wide variety of instruments.
Cons:
- Not directly a resource for vocal musical theatre performance.
- May require adult supervision for very young children to ensure proper use.
User Impressions: Parents absolutely adore this instrument set, often calling it a fantastic gift for toddlers and preschoolers. They frequently comment on the high quality of the wooden instruments and how much joy it brings their children. Many appreciate how it fosters an early love for music and helps with developmental milestones.
FAQ Section: Your Questions About Kids’ Musicals Answered!
Q1: What age is suitable for children to start performing musicals?
A: Children can start enjoying and performing parts of musicals as early as 3-4 years old with simple songs and movements. Formal vocal training and complex roles typically begin around 7-8 years old, depending on the child’s development and interest.
Q2: How do I choose the right musical or song collection for my child’s group or school play?
A: Consider the age range, vocal abilities, and interests of the children. Look for age-appropriate themes, engaging stories, and songs that match their vocal ranges. Also, check for licensing requirements if it’s a full-scale production. For individual songs, pick pieces that showcase their strengths and resonate with them.
Q3: Are these collections suitable for school productions or just solo performances?
A: Most of these collections are anthologies of individual songs, making them perfect for solo auditions, recitals, or classroom activities. While they don’t contain full scripts for entire musicals, the songs are often from popular productions and can certainly be incorporated into school talent shows or variety acts.
Q4: What are the main benefits of kids performing musicals?
A: Performing musicals helps children develop a wide range of skills including vocal technique, acting, stage presence, memory, teamwork, discipline, and confidence. It also fosters creativity, emotional expression, and an appreciation for the arts.
Q5: How important is piano accompaniment for practicing musical theatre songs?
A: Piano accompaniment is crucial! It provides the harmonic and rhythmic foundation for the song, helping the singer stay in tune, understand the musicality, and develop their timing. Many collections come with sheet music for piano, and some even include online audio or CDs with accompaniment tracks for home practice.
Q6: Can these songbooks be used for musical theatre auditions?
A: Absolutely! These anthologies are specifically curated to provide excellent audition material for young performers. They offer a variety of songs from beloved musicals, allowing kids to choose pieces that best demonstrate their vocal range, acting abilities, and personality.
Q7: Do these collections include sheet music for all instruments, or just vocals and piano?
A: Generally, musical theatre anthologies for vocalists focus on vocal lines and piano accompaniment. The piano part often encompasses the orchestral reduction, providing a full musical backdrop. Full orchestral scores or parts for other instruments are typically only available when licensing a complete musical production.
We hope this guide helps you find the best musicals for kids to perform and the perfect resources to spark their musical theatre journey! Whether they’re just starting out or honing their skills, these collections are sure to bring joy and learning to young stars everywhere. Break a leg!