Standard Issue
a new musical
Set in a modern-era, three-year Army tour, Standard Issue is a locally written, produced, and orchestrated musical performed by Southern Illinois Veterans, and other local artists. Created specifically to support, employ, and encourage Veterans in the arts, this production highlights the distinctive bond shared by American Veterans.
Audiences will laugh, learn, and be moved as Veterans relive shared experiences through an abstract set design, dynamic lighting, and 16 original songs, all performed by a 15-piece live orchestra. Don’t miss the world premiere of this unique Broadway-style musical, right here in Southern Illinois! Hooah?!
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Standard Issue Synopsis:
Charles Vanderwall, an avid note-taker, finds himself unexpectedly enlisted in the Army to fulfill the conditions of his late father’s will. Boot camp introduces him to a cast of colorful characters, providing plenty of material for his writing, yet he remains convinced that he’s better off alone in the real world. As boot camp and deployment push him beyond his physical limits, Vanderwall faces an even greater challenge, choosing to risk heartbreak for the chance at true friendship and love.
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How long does it take to write a musical?
While we can't speak to all musicals, we can tell you how long the full production of Standard Issue has taken!
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March 2020 - First words on the page for Standard Issue
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April 2021 - Received first individual artist grant to fund the show. This funding sparked the grant writing process which would fund 90% of the entire process.
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July 2021 – The 501(c(3) Vets in the Arts was founded. Standard Issue sparked a larger purpose, and is the first of many Veteran arts projects to be funded in the future by Vets in the Arts.
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August 2021 – First external reviews of the script. Trusted local theater performers and production team members were asked to read the script, listen to computer-rendered songs, and give feedback. It was brutal. Many, many rewrites happened because of this feedback.
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May 2023 – First private table read. Actors and a handful of Veterans were invited to listen to the script being read and the songs being sung and give their feedback. Many rewrites were made.
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June 2023 – Second private table read. Rewrites continued.
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July 2023 – Third private table read. More rewrites.
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August 2023 – First public staged read of the script and music. The music was accompanied by a piano and all actors had scripts in hand, acting as much as possible after only a few rehearsals. No costumes or sets were used, and there were minimal props. The actors had a public audience. Rewrites continued.
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June 2024 – Second public read of the script with all music orchestrated by a 15-piece live orchestra. All actors had scripts in hand with no costumes, props, or sets. There was minimal movement in the reading as the focus was on the music. The public was invited to attend.
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Nov 2024 to Jan 2025 – Standard Issue workshop - Auditions were held and nine actors/singers were hired for specific rewrites of scenes and music to refine the show before full production.
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Feb -March 2025 – Auditions and callbacks were held for the full production of Standard Issue
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March 2025 – Rehearsals began for Standard Issue and will continue until June 5.
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June 6-8 2025 – Standard Issue full production!
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June 13-15 2025 – Studio Recording of Standard Issue orchestra score and songs.