This time of year is an extremely busy one for schools all across Beijing. Between preparing for exams, organizing Christmas fairs and bazaars, and mounting plays and musicals, students and teachers alike are pushed to the absolute limit of their capabilities. It has been no different at the British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi), where within the span of a few weeks, students prepared a wildly successful musical adapted from the popular 80s movie, Little Shop of Horrors, a show performed over two days with matinee and evening performances.
The ensemble cast of BSB Shunyi perform Little Shop of Horrors the Musical
Even with a talented and diverse cast as that of the BSB Shunyi theater group, it still takes dedication, commitment, and an experienced hand to guide the production from inception to its successful completion. This responsibility falls on Ms. Haley Clark, Director of Performing Arts at BSB Shunyi, and the genius behind the musical numbers so flawlessly executed by the ensemble cast for the Little Shop of Horrors musical.
We spoke with Ms. Clark about what it takes to put on a show of this scale, and what inspires her to keep the tradition of performance art alive.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
HC: I have dual citizenship – I’m from both Brazil and the US. I studied Music Education in the US and Ethnomusicology in Brazil for my Masters. I’m primarily a pianist, but also play several instruments and sing.
What inspired you to go into the world of teaching?
HC: I have always enjoyed teaching. I tutored other students at a young age and just couldn’t stop.
How long have you been at BSB Shunyi?
HC: This is my fifth academic year, so 4.5 years.
Ms. Clark leading the school orchestra
What was the reason behind the selection of Little Shop of Horrors as this year’s musical?
HC: Choosing a show takes months of planning – I look at what students we have, their singing and acting abilities, what shows are currently being licensed in China, what shows the school has done in the past, etc. We try to give the students a good variety as well as a challenge. Last year we did Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which was a family friendly comedy, so Little Shop of Horrors required completely different skills with the acting, singing and dancing. It was the right time and the right group of kids to do this show.
How did you go about preparing your students for their roles and the performance as a whole?
HC: As the Musical Director, I spend a lot of rehearsal time with the singers – learning and then memorizing correct notes and then putting some soul or emotion into the singing. Students feel so exposed when singing on stage, so often they come to me to request more time going through their songs so they can feel more confident. We set the bar very high and share expectations of professional shows with the students. They are always eager to rise to this challenge.
What were some of the challenges that you faced in the making of the musical?
HC: All the 60s backup harmonies were very difficult to rehearse – one voice at a time and then all three voices together – and then memorizing all of it. It is easiest just to sing the melody, especially when the person next to you is singing something else. We all had to work very hard to get it right.
Another challenge is having to adapt some things after the set is built. We had to redo some dances or change some scenes after we saw how big some of the set pieces were. But this is standard for any show, and we are always prepared to make some adaptations in the final weeks.
Do you have the next production lined up? Care to give us a hint?
HC: Not yet. We’re still not finished with Little Shop – the cast party will be held in the last week of school! But anything is possible in the future, unless we’ve already done it!
What is your plan for the students of BSB Shunyi and what sort of impact would you like to have on your students?
HC: Every year the actors take on more and more responsibilities for the production. We had students who participated in their fifth production this year, and they made their own acting choices and much of the choreography. As a Music teacher, I always tell my instrumental ensembles and choirs that the way I know they’re doing well is if I don’t have to play along with them, if they can do it by themselves. It is the same with the students in the show.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? What are your teaching or personal plans for the future?
HC: I am happy being the Director of Performing Arts at BSB Shunyi, and truly enjoy working with all ages of children on bringing music to life both on stage and in the classroom. I see myself doing this for a long time.
Photos : Courtesy of BSB Shunyi
