Large Group Musical is one of the Individual Event categories at District and State Thespian Festivals. Despite technically being an Individual Event (IE) and contributed to each student’s limit of three IE’s, we treat Large Group differently than other event categories here at PHUHS.
To start, unlike any other IE, Large Group is selected, casted, and directed by Mrs. Timberlake and Mr. Hudson. In order to participate, you must audition specifically to be a part of Large Group. Keep an eye on the troupe Remind and Instagram for audition notices. Historically, auditions have consisted of singing a cut of the vocal-based selection in your voice’s part and dancing a short segment of the choreography from the dance-based song.
PHU brings two large groups to the festival. One places a stronger emphasis on singing and acting, and the second is focused on dance. To get an idea of the type of songs that fit in each category, here is a list of songs we have performed in recent years.
| Year | Singing/Acting Song | Dancing Song |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | “On My Way” from Violet | “Joy of the Lord” from Hands on a Hardbody |
| 2020-2021 | “Prologue” from Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 | “Burning Love” from All Shook Up |
| 2019-2020 | “Song of Purple Summer” from Spring Awakening | “Land of Yesterday” from Anastasia |
| 2018-2019 | “Welcome to the Rock” from Come From Away | “Side by Side” from Company |
After auditions, a cast list for both numbers is released over the Remind and Instagram and the rehearsals begin. Rehearsals for Large Group have historically been 2:00-3:00 one day a week, although this is subject to increase in the weeks leading up to competition. The rehearsal schedule is often communicated to the group by the group’s student leader, who is selected by Mrs. Timberlake to help with organization, leadership, and teaching music/choreography.
As our Large Groups almost always receive a Superior rating and give a performance opportunity to the largest group of students, both large groups are selected to progress to State Festival most years. For this reason, if you’re interested in competing at State Festival, participation in Large Group is a great way to secure that chance.