PLAYBILLDER Spotlight: This Production of The Wiz Featured 100 Students and a Full Orchestra

Welcome to PLAYBILLDER Spotlight, where Playbill highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used Playbill's program-building service). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing Playbill along for life's big moments.

How to Broadway-size Your Next Party or Event with PLAYBILLDER

This week's Spotlight is Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and their production of The Wiz. This musical blends L. Frank Baum's magical Land of Oz with the rock, gospel, and soul music. With music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and a book by William F. Brown, the Best Musical Tony winner has been delighting audiences since 1975.

Instrumental Music teacher Kim Kelter Neu shared with Playbill the most rewarding part of watching students go "from munchkins to leads."

Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching? 
Kim Kelter Neu: I've been teaching for 28 years.

What is your proudest moment as an educator?
I have a new proudest moment every year on closing night of the musical. I am always holding back tears as I conduct the bow music. Being that we are a 5th through 12th grade school, I get to watch the students grow up in the musical from munchkins to leads.

What is the most challenging aspect of teaching the performing arts to today's students?
This years biggest challenge was snow! Snow days plagued our rehearsals culminating in taking out three nights of tech week. We only ran the show from beginning to end with everyone one time prior to opening night. But the students all pulled together and made it happen, as they always do. It is magical how this happens!

How does your school's performing arts program impact your community?
Our school's performing arts program is so important to us as it is truly needed to balance the academic rigor and expectations of a nationally ranked school. The arts provide a safe, caring space for students.

What made you pick the show? How do you choose shows for your students?
With the popularity of Wicked, it made sense to take a visit to Oz this year. The Wiz has a huge cast and afforded us the opportunity to find spaces for our over 100 middle school cast members in addition to our already large high school cast. It uses full orchestra and guitar, allowing us to include all of our talented instrumentalists as well.

What are the kids loving about the show?
Kids are loving the music! Especially the orchestra who love to play the disco music in the tornado scene.

How did the students participate in the design or production of this Playbill?
The Playbill design was made by our stage crew's artistic director, Tova, 12th grade. We like to have our Playbill match with the overall design of the show.

What reactions do you expect to see in students when they see their name printed in this Playbill for the first time?
I always keep the Playbill a secret until opening night. Kids are delighted when they see it. It makes them feel professional and very special!

To design Broadway-quality programs for your next show or special event, head to PLAYBILLDER.com. Who knows, you might just be featured in our next PLAYBILLDER Spotlight! And if you are looking for a beautiful way to display your Playbills, click here to purchase Playbill frames.