CALLING ALL LEARNERS…
“Some performances are not watched, they are truly felt.”
- Larona MASUNGA
WELCOME
A very warm welcome to our amazing Calling Us Home - In Concert experience for High Schools and other educational institutions.
Our Vision
We passionately believe that every learner should have the chance to acquire a love and appreciation of the Arts as part of their essential education and personal growth.
OUR PURPOSE
To tour the Calling Us Home - In Concert school’s experience to as many schools and related educational institutions as possible across South Africa and beyond.
To provide each learner with a rare and unforgettable chance to experience our very own ‘born in Africa’ international musical Calling Us Home, in a specially adapted format that is accessible and practical for schools and that will deeply engage, excite and move them.
Whenever possible to facilitate wider community engagement and participation in order to share the experience and the learnings and make beautiful theatre and music a rich part of everyone’s lives.
An exciting, deeply emotional and thought-provoking concert version of the ‘born in Africa’musical Calling Us Home, performed by professional young singers with costumes and lights in the school's own venue.
The show is preceded by a short interactive discussion lead by the singers themselves on the key themes of the musical. At the end, there is a further short interactive Q&A for learners to connect with our young artists, crew and creatives.
Optional additional paid masterclasses for drama or music students can be provided.
Access to our Schools Webpage where students can learn more about what’s happening in our world, cool content, special invitations and offerings and even opportunities to come and join us on stage!
What will Teachers and Learners get
Watch the Video above to see some moments from our Show!
And now watch Schools Audience Response to one of our recent shows!
The Themes, the Talking Points, the Conversations
Our Story…
Grace, an African Princess - fleeing a devastating war in her homeland, arrives penniless, in the freezing, grimy docklands of an American city.
The underworld of this city is ruled ruthlessly by the evil gang lord Ivan who, after an unexpected encounter, has set his sights on Grace - her spectacular beauty has dazzled him!
But another has already captured her heart...
The street smart Rafael, a young construction worker with bold ambitions, is determined to win her love. But will his dreams lead only to tragedy…
Forced to adapt to a very different world, Grace becomes friends with Rafael’s feisty and reckless twin sister Isabella. Together they must survive and keep their dreams alive until Grace can find a way to return to her beloved homeland…
Be swept away by a trail of stars…
*One of our recent Posters
Calling Us Home In Concert strips away the usual full sets and choreography to spotlight what truly matters: the music, the story, and the soul.
Our singers make sure that every note pounds like a heartbeat! Every word carries a story! This isn’t just a concert, it’s a unique soul-stirring experience you will never forget…
Unapologetically provocative - Calling Us Home is a story that leans into some of the most controversial conversations of our time. In a big full orchestral kind of way!
We believe in community! We believe in unity! We believe in hope! As shocking as that is these days… And so we walk onto the stage together with voices from every city that we visit. From schools to young professionals: so that together we can raise the roof!
You’ve got Questions?!
below, please find answers to the most common questions about hosting or participating in the concert.
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION
How many learners and staff can attend?
Attendance depends on your space. We’ll help you determine the ideal number for a comfortable and engaging experience.
Can parents attend?
That’s up to you. The concert can be limited to learners or opened to families and community members.
Is there an age restriction?
The concert is best suited for learners aged 12 and older, though younger groups can be included if appropriate for your school.
Can the concert fit into our timetable or assembly schedule?
Yes. We’ll adapt setup and performance times to suit your school’s daily structure.
Can we sell tickets with proceeds towards our school?
Yes you can, but then there will be a small rights payment to the show’s publishers.
Can we invite neighbouring schools?
Yes. Joint hosting is welcome if your space and schedule allow it.
VENUE, SETUP & SEATING
What kind of space is suitable?
An assembly hall, auditorium, or covered outdoor area is ideal. We’ll assess your venue and design the best layout for sound, safety, and visibility.
Do we need a stage or a raised platform?
A stage is helpful for visibility, but not essential. The show can be performed effectively on a flat surface as long as there’s sufficient space.
Will the setup damage our floor or facilities?
No. Our equipment is compact and floor-safe. We take care to protect all surfaces.
Can the concert take place outdoors?
Yes, as long as the area is covered, stable, and has access to power. Indoor venues are preferred for sound and lighting control, but outdoor setups are possible if conditions are suitable.
Do we need to provide instruments or a piano?
No. The production is self-contained. If you’d like your music teacher or a learner to accompany a section, we’ll coordinate that in advance.
What if our school is small or has limited facilities?
That’s not a problem. The production is completely portable and adaptable to schools of all sizes and layouts.
What’s the full event timeline?
Setup: 1 to 2 hours
Performance: 90 to 120 minutes
Breakdown: 45 minutes to 1 hour
We’ll coordinate exact times with your school to minimize disruption to the timetable.
TECHNICAL & LOGISTICAL DETAILS
Can our technical or arts students assist your crew?
Yes and we highly encourage it. Learners can shadow or assist with lighting, sound, or backstage operations under professional supervision. It’s an excellent learning opportunity in real-world theatre.
when will the Shy Music team arrive?
Our team usually arrives 1-2 hours before showtime to set up and conduct sound checks.
Do teachers or learners need to rehearse in advance?
Only if your learners are performing as part of the concert. We’ll share rehearsal materials and coordinate any short run-throughs on the day.
Do we need to provide lighting or sound equipment?
Sound: Shy Music always uses its own professional sound system and sound engineer. This ensures consistent quality, safety, and volume control at every venue.
Lighting: We’ll use your school’s existing lighting setup where possible. Our stage manager will assess your system and operate or adjust it as needed.
Who from Shy Music will be there?
A Stage Manager, Event Coordinator, and Technical Crew - all experienced professionals who manage every aspect of the production.
What if there’s a technical issue or power problem?
Our crew is trained for live troubleshooting.
What about supervision and safety?
Your school’s normal supervision policy applies. Teachers must remain with learners throughout the event, while our team manages technical and performance elements.
Can our technical or arts students assist your crew?
Yes and we highly encourage it. Learners can shadow or assist with lighting, sound, or backstage operations under professional supervision. It’s an excellent learning opportunity in real-world theatre.
Do we need security or extra staff?
No additional staff are required beyond your normal supervision team. We handle all technical and performance logistics.
Will the show disrupt other classes or cause noise complaints?
No. We manage sound carefully and work with you to schedule the event at a suitable time.
PROMOTION & MATERIALs
Do you provide posters and banners?
Yes - both digital and physical. We’ll send you everything you need to advertise the concert in your school.
Can we post about the event on social media or in newsletters?
Definitely! We will provide you with all tags and hashtags to include.
LEARNING & FOLLOW-Ups
Do learners receive any materials afterwards?
Yes. Each school receives:
A creative reflection worksheet for classroom discussion.
Access to a private online learning hub with behind-the-scenes videos and activities.
Optional social media features (with parental consent).
Can technical or arts learners get recognition?
Yes. We provide participation certificates or letters confirming their involvement - perfect for portfolios or academic records.
How can our school stay involved after the concert?
You’ll receive updates about future workshops, training sessions, and upcoming Shy Music productions linked to Calling Us Home and other educational programmes.
Can we host the concert again next year?
Absolutely. Many schools include it in their annual arts and cultural calendar.
Is there a cost to host the concert?
Yes, each booking is tailored to your location, date, and participation level. We’ll provide a clear, transparent quote upfront.
How do we confirm our participation?
Simply contact our coordination team. We’ll handle all logistics, schedules, and technical details from there.
When should we book?
As soon as possible. Dates fill up quickly, and early booking ensures your preferred slot.
“Is this just another school event I’ll end up running?”
No. Calling Us Home - In Concert is a self-contained, professional touring production. You don’t need to direct, stage, or coordinate, our team handles everything.
FOR THE DRAMA, MUSIC, OR ARTS TEACHER WHO’S WONDERING…
“Will my learners actually learn something from this?”
Yes! They’ll experience professional performance, teamwork, discipline, and stagecraft, all in a live environment that reinforces arts and life skills.
“Will I have to stay late or arrive early?”
No. Setup and breakdown are managed entirely by our crew. You only need to provide venue access and learner supervision.
“What if my learners aren’t confident or familiar with theatre?”
That’s exactly why we do this, to introduce live performance in an accessible, inspiring way. No experience is required.
“Do I have to provide costumes, props, or tech equipment?”
No. The production is fully equipped.
“What if management asks about educational value?”
We can provide a short educational outline showing how the concert links to Creative Arts, Dramatic Arts, and Life Orientation outcomes.
“Can we take photos or record the show?”
Yes, but please check with our stage manager first. Certain moments may be restricted for performer privacy and copyright.
“What if we’ve had bad experiences with outside groups?”
We understand. Shy Music is a professional production company with a proven track record in schools and theatres across South Africa and abroad. Our events are structured and respectful.
Calling Us Home - In Concert makes professional musical theatre accessible, educational, and effortless for schools.
Your learners experience the magic of live performance, your staff stay relaxed, and your school becomes part of an inspiring national arts initiative.
Your school provides the space, the seating and the audience, we bring everything else.
In Summary
Contact us
Contact us
And now a word from our learners…
“What an absolutely brilliant performance! Thank you”
“The show was mesmerizing!!”
“Some performances are not watched, they are truly felt. ”
“It was epic.”
“The show was captivating!”
“You guys inspired me so much to do my own thing. Thank you so much!!”
“Had the best time at school today. Was not even feeling the day but as soon as I saw the lights, the cameras and stunning characters. My mind was changed completely.”
