The School of Drama is giving its students an in-depth look at what it takes to produce a musical.

The 2010 Young Producers production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” takes students behind-the-scenes while they act in the play.

Set in New York City in the ’20s, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life. Discovering 1920s-era New York to be a city of intrigue and jazz, Millie’s story swings into dance numbers and a full score of songs.

“‘Young Producers’ gives our older students an opportunity to sing, dance, act and become much more involved in the other areas of putting the show together,” executive director Jennifer Baker said. “They also get involved in marketing, set design, costumes and other behind-the-scenes aspects of the theater. We want them to have a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to put on a theater production.”

The students do background research and character development by delving into historical accounts, said Brandon Adams, stage manager for “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” In order to develop their characters, students researched prohibition laws to understand how their characters would react when going to a speakeasy.

In addition to the daily classes, which focus on performance, students also stay after-hours to work on set design, props, costumes and other technical aspects of the production. There are three committees. The marketing committee works on marketing and public relations, while the technical committee is responsible for the production’s lighting and sound. The prop and costume committee acquires the necessary props and assembles the costumes.

“I think it helps develop teamwork and sense of camaraderie between cast mates.” Adams said. “It gives the students a vested interest in the entire process.”

Jennifer Pearson, an incoming freshman from Purcell High School, said she is obsessed with vintage 1920s glamor and will be in the ensemble as a singing and dancing “flapper.” Initially drawn to acting, Pearson discovered that she enjoyed set design. She will enter OU’s School of Drama this fall to study scenic design.

“We all work really hard at this,” Pearson said. “We all get up early in the morning to work on this and put on a great show. We are all excited about it and we love doing this.”

Pearson said she thinks it’s important that the community get involved in helping young children interested in the arts, and theatre in particular, so they have the opportunity to grow their creativity.

[Editor's Note: The OU School of Drama is not affiliated with the production.]