Peruse Cathy’s FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) regarding Children’s and Preschool Christmas musicals.
Can I preview a children’s/preschool Christmas musical on your web site?
Yes!
Click here to read preschool Christmas program script excerpts.
Click here to read children’s Christmas program script excerpts.
Click here to read a script excerpt for a senior citizen Christmas program.
Listen to Christmas song excerpts. When you click on the title of a musical you want to know more about, you can click on and listen to short sample of each song in that musical.
If you are working with a committee or your pastor needs to read through the entire script and listen to me singing the full version of each song, a preview package is available. NOTE: The preview package does not include permission to perform the play or any of the songs in the musical – it is a read-through copy only!
Do I get a discount on the purchase of a Christmas program if I ordered the preview package?
No discount, sorry.
How do you make a 40-minute Christmas musical into a 20-minute musical?
I remove songs OR sing fewer verses in the songs. All of my musicals include a 10-12-minute script and the rest is music.
How do you decide which children get the speaking parts in your plays?
I pass around a piece of paper and ask the children to sign up if they want a speaking part. We have a tradition of giving speaking parts to the older children, but all of my scripts are kid-friendly so your younger children (grades 2-4) would certainly be able to handle the speaking parts.
OR
You can hold auditions and have the children read for you and for each other.
OR
You can invite children to put their name in a hat if they are interested in a speaking part. You then announce that the first name you draw out of the hat will play the part of Mary, an angel, etc.
What are the non-speaking parts in your scripts?
Non-speaking parts are for children who can’t or don’t want to memorize lines but want to do something special in the Christmas program. Examples of non-speaking parts include: dress up in a costume, carry a prop, play a rhythm instrument or do the sign language for a song.
Does the recording on your Christmas listening CDs and vocal MP3s include children’s voices?
My voice and the voice of Mattie Albrecht are the only voices on the listening CDs.
Can I duplicate the vocal CDs and send them home with the children in my children’s choir?
Yes, once you purchase the musical package, you are granted permission to make as many copies of the CD as you need at no additional charge. Children learn music very quickly when they have their own CD to play over and over! Please include the Cathy’s Music copyright information on your CD labels. You also have the option of receiving your entire musical in digital format – PDFs and MP3s. With MP3s you can create and post a play list.
What is a keyboard accompaniment CD?
A keyboard accompaniment CD is a recording of me playing the full version of each song on a keyboard. This CD may be used for your rehearsals or your performance – it’s like hiring a piano player who plays the music the same way every time!
Do you have PDFs & MP3s available so I can get my Christmas musical in digital format?
Yes! I can e-mail everything (no shipping charge!). Print your PDF copy of the sheet music & script for the musical and create an MP3 playlist. MP3s include 2 separate tracks – one vocal track and one track of the keyboard only with no vocals.
Do I have permission to livestream, record or make DVDs of the children’s / preschool Christmas program?
Yes, once you purchase the full musical package or performance rights for the script, there is no charge for livestreaming, recording the musical and distributing it to families and friends at your location or posting it on YouTube. Please include the Cathy’s Music copyright information on your DVD labels and YouTube clips.
Am I allowed to make copies of the sheet music and script in the Christmas musical?
Yes, once you purchase the musical or performance rights for the script, you have permission to make as many copies of the sheet music and play as you need at your location. Please do not give my music or scripts away to local churches or family members in other churches.
Is there an electronic version of the Christmas play available so I can make changes or add names without re-typing the entire script?
Yes, I will e-mail you an MSWord document of your Christmas script. Just ask!
How many rehearsals does it take to put a Christmas music program together?
You should be able to put a musical together with 5 hours of rehearsal. The following pieces really help musicals to come together quickly:
. . . A team of adults who are in charge of costumes, props, speaking parts, crowd control and snacks.
. . . Fit characters in costumes, rehearse soloists and run through speaking parts in small groups before or after the large group rehearsals.
. . . Distribute speaking parts 2 weeks before your first large group rehearsal. If children have a chance to practice their parts at home, they will do better in front of the other children at rehearsal.
. . . Duplicate the vocal CD – one CD for every family or every child. Children will learn the words and melodies to the songs while listening to their CDs at home. Then when you get them all together for rehearsal, all you have to do is show them where to clap, how to do the motions and teach the sign language.
How do I make a Christmas play with speaking parts work for a small group of kids?
You can combine parts. If the script is written with 3 lines for 4 different angels, you can combine the parts and give 6 lines to 2 angels.
OR
Have your kids change hats or costumes and return for a second speaking part. The first time a child enters as Joseph and then after a costume change, that same child could return as a wiseman.
What are my options if the children at my church don’t like to sing?
Pick a Christmas musical that includes familiar Christmas carols. Have your children do the speaking parts and let the congregation do the singing!
How do I include the preschool children in the Christmas musical?
Preschoolers can usually handle the refrain in a Christmas song OR you can feature preschool children singing before the program starts OR include them at the beginning of the musical and then invite them to sit in the front row and watch the middle of the Christmas program before they return to sing the last song.
Can I use my high school kids in the Christmas program?
Yes, older kids are great cheerleaders, helpers and leaders. They can help direct the speaking parts, be in charge of the props, sit up front and help with singing the songs, play the rhythm instruments or be featured as readers and actors.
How do I order a children’s / preschool Christmas musical?
All orders must be prepaid. There are 3 ways to order:
1) Mail Cathy’s printable order form with a check to: Cathy’s Music LLC, 1923 Noble Road, Arden Hills, MN 55112
2) Use your PayPal account. E-mail your order & mailing address and Cathy will send you a PayPal invoice. As soon as your invoice is paid, she will put your order in priority mail or e-mail a digital copy.
3) Pay with a credit/debit card over the phone. E-mail your phone number and Cathy will call to take your order.
How many days does it take for me to get the Christmas musical?
If you purchase a digital copy, I e-mail it the day I receive payment – PDFs of the script & sheet music and MP3s of the songs.
If you purchase a paper copy and CD, orders are shipped via priority mail and U.S. customers receive their musical in 3-4 days. Priority mail is not guaranteed, but overnight express is guaranteed to be delivered in 24-48 hours (anywhere in the U.S.).
Can I return the Christmas program if I don’t like it?
Sorry, there are no returns or exchanges.
Why should we do a Children’s Christmas program?
. . . Children learn the Christmas story . . . the best way to know the story is to tell the story!
. . . It gives children a chance to share their talent or try something new in a safe and affirming environment.
. . . It’s a friendly and forgiving “audience” . . . sometimes the mistakes the children make during a Christmas musical are the most memorable parts of the program.
God’s blessings as you equip your children & preschoolers to tell the stories of God’s people and the promises of God in a refreshing way!