Licensing and Contract Correction

The forms mentioned in the previous post did not have the most up to date fees listed. I've uploaded the more current forms now to the sidebar.

Don't worry. You'll like it better than the one that was there before! :-)

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Be sure to download all of the free "preview" files that are located in the sidebar of the main page of this blog, and start with the file, "1MadStarthere.pdf." If you have any additional questions, please feel free to drop me a line at: johnnyleckie [at] gmail.com

Licensing & Performing the Dramatic Musical

I'm happy to report that the "preview song score" files are back in the sidebar! I fixed the weird font troubles they were experiencing, and they should work fine, now. However, if you download them and the fonts still look strange, drop me a line at johnny [at] compasswired.com.

You'll also notice that we've updated a few of the other preview files also, and have added two new files, "Licensing and Performing One Mad Christmas" and "Performance License and Production Contract." You'll want to check them out in that order. These files answer a number of questions about how to do this dramatic musical with your church or organization.

Before we determined the fee structure, Leona and I did a little research. Here's an example we discovered recently for a similar type of dramatic musical from a choral music publishing company:

For 30 choral books, a Director's Guide, a Production Manual, a Demonstration Video and an Accompaniment CD the cost came to $438.35. Replace the Accompaniment CD with Orchestration, and the cost jumps to $698.35 Add another $7.95 for every additional book you'll need. This is all before you begin to consider set construction costs, possible lighting rentals, any promotional expenses, ticket and media royalties, etc. There's also all of the $15.00 "preview packs" that you need to purchase before you decide on the musical that works for you. (Although in fairness, many companies do provide audio clips of many of their musicals on their websites.)

Bleah. Here's what's different about doing "One Mad Christmas:"

It's fully downloadable. There's one reasonable license fee structure. Print all of the books you need. Charge for admission. Make Videos. Post clips on the web. Perform the musical as many times as you want in a calendar year. Our video demonstration is pretty bad, but you can see it for free if you ask really nicely. The production manual is included. All of the preparation "production materials" you need to perform the musical are included. The "preview pack," such as it is, is free.

I get all "Web 2.0-ish" just thinking about it. :)

Check it out. Download the file, "Licensing and Performing One Mad Christmas" now, and see if this is the musical for you this year. We'd love to hear from you!
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Be sure to download all of the free "preview" files that are located in the sidebar of the main page of this blog, and start with the file, "1MadStarthere.pdf." If you have any additional questions, please feel free to drop me a line at: johnnyleckie [at] gmail.com

Shiny Aluminum Christmas Tree

One of the fun elements of "One Mad Christmas" was adding an "Aluminum Christmas Tree" to the set of "J.J.'s."

"A Charlie Brown Christmas," which was first broadcast in December of 1965, is considered by some to be the beginning of the downward spiral of the aluminum tree's popularity in American homes. In the setting of our musical (1960), however, the trees were still in vogue.

My Grandmother had one when I was little and I remember being fascinated with the "color wheel" and the way the silver branches changed colors as the wheel turned. I still think they're kind of cool. :)

The "Aluminum Christmas Tree" is not absolutely essential for performing the musical, but it is a fun, nostalgic addition whose appearance on set immediately suggests another era.


We had a family in our church who happened to have one that we were able to use for the production. The color wheel required a few modifications, but it worked great. There are many places to find one of these trees and color wheels, but your own congregation is the best starting point.

If you are interested in purchasing one, try looking in Thrift shops or dig a little deeper and buy one from Amazon.

Since they were popular midway through the last century, there will definitely be a few people in your group who have never heard of them, much less seen one before. Adding this kind of element to your Christmas production can create an atmosphere among your cast, chorus and production team that what you are doing is unique and special.

...Ok, and I guess also a little "quirky." :)

Check out these sites for more Aluminum Christmas Tree Fun:

Aluminumtree.com

Cool Things - Aluminum Trees

AluminumChristmastrees.net

Listen to stories at NPR:

Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum

Aluminum Trees Make A Comeback ( * Highly recommended! Definitely worth the 3 minutes. Also includes video of color spinning wheel on a tree from 1962.)
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Be sure to download all of the free "preview" files that are located in the sidebar of the main page of this blog, and start with the file, "1MadStarthere.pdf." If you have any additional questions, please feel free to drop me a line at: johnnyleckie [at] gmail.com