One of the great American traditions, the high school musical is where many young people unlock a lifelong love of theater. Most high schools across the US provide musical theater programs that give students the opportunity to audition, rehearse, and perform for an audience of their peers and families. Students can also get involved in backstage roles, including stage management, set and costume design, lighting, and more. Some view high school theater as a fun extracurricular activity, while others will go on to pursue a career in theater.
Each year, teachers have the task of selecting and licensing the musicals their high school students will perform. They need to consider criteria such as budget, cast size, and suitable subject matter. Teen editions (also called school editions) of musicals are incredibly useful, since they are shorter in length, edited for inappropriate content, have simplified technical requirements, and are adjusted for teen voices. Typically, teachers look for shows with a large ensemble cast to allow as many students as possible to participate in performing roles.
We’ve compiled a list of the most popular musicals for high schools, taking into account the latest information from the Educational Theatre Association on the musicals most frequently licensed by school theater programs. Shows based on popular films are a clear trend, and Disney musicals (known for their large ensemble casts) are a strong presence on the list. Note that many of the shows have options for full-length or teen/junior editions, so be sure to choose the version that best fits your school’s needs. For more information on licensing and frequently asked questions, read to the end!
