<p>Whiile we are not a religious family, we do have strong moral values and try to impart them to our kids. That being said, I have always felt that an actor’s ability to take on a role that is completely contrary to their normal character is such an amazing ability to possess. I don’t think it would be appropriate for a high school or middle school to take on a play that has obvious sexual or inappropriate content. I know that a lot of high schools and youth theater do Grease- pretty inappropriate when you listen to the content- but I like to think that these kids are thinking human beings and have developed their own sense of right and wrong by then. My D was a prostitute in a Regional production of J&H her senior year- she gave up her senior musical at her high school for that opportunity. A couple of people did comment that it seemed to be an awfully mature role for her (the next youngest cast member was 22) but my D was a very mature high schooler and has very strong moral values. We felt she could easily handle it. </p>
<p>One lesson we did learn- both she and her younger brother were in a Regional production of Ragtime when they were 14 and 8; her as immigrant ensemble and he as the little boy US and ensemble. Of course this show contains the very offensive “N” word, and his teacher called me to say that he was singing at school and saying that word. While we had sat down with him to explain the show and the history behind it, I guess we never specifically told him NOT to sing certain songs. Anyway, fortunately the school knew about the show and also knew we would never condone such language or ideas, and after we all explained why he should limit his singing, it was OK (although VERY embarassing!)</p>
<p>I think every actor has to define his/her own limits. I guess it is always a bit startling to parents the first time you see your child in a role with shock value, but I put it in perspective by recognizing that my D is a very strong and mature person with good values, and that if she chooses to take on a role, she does so on a professional basis.</p>