1. Vocalists and Musicians:
- Musical plays require vocalists and musicians, while straight
plays don't. This means there's a need to hire actors who
can sing, musicians to play instruments, and a music
director to oversee the musical aspects.
2. Costumes:
- Costumes are often more complex and elaborate in
musical plays to complement the musical numbers. This
can require a larger costume crew, including designers,
stitchers, and dresser to handle the creation, maintenance, and
quick changes during the performances.
3. Choreography:
- Musical plays often have intricate choreography to
accompany the songs and dance numbers. Hiring
choreographers and rehearsals with the cast to execute these
movements is essential.
4. Rehearsals:
- Due to the added complexities of music and choreography, musical
plays require more extensive rehearsals. This includes time set
aside for music rehearsals, dance rehearsals, and the integration
of these elements with the dialogue and acting.
5. Orchestra:
- Larger productions may have live orchestras, requiring
staffing of conductors, musicians, and stage managers to
coordinate their performance with the actors on stage.
6. Technical Staff:
- Musical plays often require specialized technical staff, such
as sound engineers, lighting designers, and stage managers,
to ensure a seamless integration of vocals, instruments, and
visual effects during performances.
7. Scenic and Prop Requirements:
- Musicals may have more complex scenic and prop
requirements to support the musical numbers and create
the appropriate ambiance. This calls for additional staff
to manage the creation and arrangement of these elements.
In summary, the combination of vocalists and musicians, choreography, costumes, rehearsals, technical staff, and potentially live orchestras contributes to the increased staffing requirements for musical plays compared to straight plays. All these factors work together to deliver the artistic vision of the musical and ensure a captivating and enjoyable experience for the audience.