Staff Says: Trends We Think Will Happen in 2027
From the ever-present debut of Abracadabra in 2026 to a glut of lighthouse shows in 2025, there always seems to be a trademark trend or two in every show choir season. While it’s impossible to know what the next trend will be before every show hits the stage, here’s what our staff thinks will take over the show choir scene in 2027.
William Soquet, Editor-in-Chief: I think there will be more groups floating in the 45-55 member range than groups that are much larger than that. Certainly, there will be a subset of groups that go 60+ (or even 70+) members, but anecdotally, it seems like some directors have stopped trying to cram performers on every square inch of the stage and are focusing on a more refined choir. Having a bit of a smaller ensemble, even if it still fills out most of the stage, allows for more creativity with visual patterns (such as different blocking formations) and encourages finer harmonies to stand out, such as a smaller soprano descant in a chorus. The clash of “extra-extra-large group” and “large group” should be an interesting storyline to follow throughout the 2027 season.
Sutton Schweitzer, Nebraska contributor: I think onstage band features and solos will continue to become more common. Off the top of my head, Millard West, Millard North, Papillion-La Vista South, Omaha Westside, and Lincoln East all had an onstage band feature or solo in one of their groups at some point last season, and that’s just in Nebraska. Groups around the country have been featuring their show bands onstage more commonly for several years now, and it seems to bring caption success. Last season, several of the groups listed earlier won Best Band at least once, with Lincoln East, Omaha Westside, Millard North, and Millard West each winning several times. In my experience, audiences love seeing the band tear it up onstage. The hype and success it brings to groups who incorporate their band onstage lead me to believe it will become even more common this coming season.
Will Stonecipher, Indiana contributor: With the incessant use of KPop Demon Hunters (KPDH) in 2026, I think there will be a new, more modern source that choirs around the nation will pull from. KPDH proved to be versatile source material, as it served choirs with vastly different themes. Sometimes, the same song served different purposes in several unique sets. My money is on something from the most recent Broadway season. From new shows such as The Lost Boys and Schmigadoon!, to revivals such as Ragtime, Mamma Mia!, and even Cats: The Jellicle Ball, the options seem endless. Musical theatre songs fit extremely well in the world of show choir, and I would be shocked if none of these shows were represented at least once.
Tonya Browning, West Virginia contributor: In previous years, especially among Midwest schools, large screens have become the sole backdrop behind performers. I predict that just as shows have become mini-musicals, if choirs use screens, they will be a part of a musical theater-style set. In addition, I believe costumes and show hair will become more individualized as opposed to the uniform look of previous years. Doing both of these things will bring about what I call “the immersive show” that pulls the audience into the story with the performers.
Dusty Hoffman, South Dakota contributor: Rewind the show choir clock a couple of decades, and most shows had three standard elements: singing, dancing, and a show band. But in recent years, many groups have added new elements to elevate their shows. Lighting effects, sound effects, props, and elaborate sets are now commonplace at many competitions. In 2027, will we see the debut of new types of special elements no one has yet put on a show choir stage? If so, we have a solid precedent in another youth music activity that has many parallels to the show choir world: Drum Corps International (DCI). In recent years, DCI has seen the addition of countless special elements once banned from the activity. Trombones, woodwinds, pre-recorded music and voiceovers, and sound amplification are now near-standards in the DCI activity. If in 2027 directors choose to go down an Alice-in-Wonderland-like rabbit hole of creativity, what might be seen on stages? Fire? Live animals? New theatrical effects? Performers repelling from ceilings? An immersive show? A stage filled with water? A 360-degree performance where the audience surrounds the choir? Time will tell, but it's a safe bet that new, highly creative elements will be seen in 2027 and beyond.
Stella Garey, Ohio contributor: Costumes have always been a big part of show choir, but just how big can they be? In past years, it's been standard to see groups start off their show in one costume and by the end debut a second, but in recent seasons we’ve seen an influx of groups changing costumes more than once. Granted, some of these additional changes are more on the simple side of losing or gaining a head piece or a skirt, but they add to the story nonetheless. This also provides an opportunity to showcase more soloists or small dance ensembles in unexpected parts of the show. With many of the top groups in the country adding on more and more costume changes, I’m predicting that even more show choirs will follow suit to have two or more costume changes in the 2027 season.
Beatrix Pauli, Wisconsin contributor: Last season, there seemed to be a rise in shows centered around or based upon pieces of media, especially musicals (particularly in the Midwest). Although I’m certain media-based shows will remain a staple, I believe the appeal of this type of show is less in the popularity and familiarity of the musical or movie, and more in the story itself and the way it’s told through artistic elements like costumes, lighting, and set design. Because of this, I think we’ll see an influx in original shows that follow a narrative and portray a more strongly-developed and unified theme, as opposed to simply tying together songs that fit the same concept. This would allow for more creative freedom and room to introduce new elements and themes that haven’t been used by multiple other groups over the years, all while still utilizing the effective “story show” format. While story shows have been "normal" in some regions for several years, they have a big opportunity this year in the traditional "theme show" states around the upper Midwest, like Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Blake Chamberlin, Nebraska contributor: I think more groups next season will have their ballad be their fourth song instead of their third. A good number of shows in 2026 had their ballad in place of their fourth song instead of their third and I don’t expect that number to go down. This type of show format comes with their own upsides and downsides. Performers will have much more energy to dedicate to their closer after resting in the ballad versus having to split energy between a fourth song and a closer. A larger downside of this format is energy conservation. Groups who haven’t used this type of format may have to condition to splitting energy between three/four songs that would’ve been the normal amount for the standard opener into the second song. Once a group learns how to manage their energy, however, this format performs no different from the standard one. It is a good challenge for performers and a breath of fresh air for those watching.
Liz Fontenot, Iowa contributor: I think this year we will see an increase in show choirs embracing 1990s and early 2000s nostalgia in their themes, song selections, costumes, and overall production choices. Pop culture is currently filled with references to these decades, with remakes, reboots, and reunions being especially prevalent. Because of this renewed interest, I think both students and audiences would be especially excited to see these elements brought to the show choir stage. There are so many possibilities for creative themes, from celebrating iconic movies and television shows of this time to highlighting the music and fashion that defined the era. Show choirs could also recreate stories or concepts inspired by this period that have not previously been explored on the show choir stage, giving directors and students an opportunity to create something both nostalgic and fresh.
Ava Howard, Texas contributor: It is my opinion that the 2027 season will bring an increase in historical retellings of prominent figures and events. In recent years there has been a rise in retellings of historical events and “darker” show themes in Texas, and I think this trend isn't over yet. Whether it be story shows, memorial shows, or shows inspired by media, there's been a theme of tragedy with deep emotional moments meant to pull at the audience's heartstrings. Personally, this is my favorite kind of show because audiences are able to see real emotions from the performers therefore creating real emotion in the audience and the entire auditorium is connected in these moments. Should there be more retellings this upcoming season, expect the auditoriums to be packed and ready to watch.
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