LDS Roadshow Ideas

Discuss the Purpose

Before producing a roadshow, consider the purpose.Does a roadshow bring families together or bond youth? Are there talented ward members who are given a showcase for dancing, composing or singing? Are you attempting to build unity or self esteem? If the purpose is building unity, find an old script, make the songs simple by writing new lyrics to hymns or songs -- even pop songs -- and focus on involving as many people as possible. If the purpose is to provide a creative outlet for talented ward members, bring them onboard early so they have plenty of time to create songs, dances or scripts with which they're pleased. Whatever the purpose, the ward council should unite behind the idea.

You don't need many actors on stage. Some successful Broadway musicals had only two or four cast members! But a successful roadshow takes many more people in backstage support than on-stage talent. Ask early for help with costumes, script, music, scenery, make--up, directing and orchestra. Don't forget the practical staging aspects like setting up chairs, moving scenery off an on stage, lighting, music amplification, microphones and transporting shows between buildings, if that is part of your event. If you have few musicians but a talented digital music mixer in the ward, record your soundtrack. Since there are no competitions or strict rules for roadshows today (unless your ward or stake sets them for a special event) make the show work for your ward or branch. Creativity and fun are hallmarks of many roadshow productions, so involve people with a love of life and a sense of humor.

Another idea for inserting roadshows into the current program is to produce mini roadshows as a part of a youth conference or weekend YM/YW activity. Give each team a theme, such as scripture heroes, modern examples, For the Strength of Youth or specific standards. Teams have a prop box each, which can either be identical a different mix of items. The stage is set with standard backgrounds that each team can use. Set a time limit -- such as 2 hours -- to prepare the skit, and set a time limit for the finished production. Youth are creative, and come up with fun ideas in a short time. This eliminates much of the preparation, planning and stress of roadshow productions, but retains all the fun and learning.

Another idea for creating a great roadshow is to choose a theme first, then write the script from the theme. Use brainstorming sessions to come up with a wide variety of scriptural or moral themes. Then come up with items that relate to the theme. You can delegate different groups to come up with parodies of songs or brief bits of dialogue for different scenes. Blend these scenes under the common theme, and you have a fun roadshow with lots of different groups heavily invested into the outcome.