<p>My D was given a small role in her high school play this year. She had a lead in the past. We are trying to decide if it is best to accept the role or look for a more challenging role in the community. She has a lot of community theater in the past and finds it more challenging. In doing the high school musical she will just be apeasing her teachers. My D is a junior and thinks the small H.S. role may look bad on her resume. Do colleges really care if your experience is at your high school rather than community theater? Should she take this H.S. role?</p>
<p>Our high school only does a musical every other year, so most of my D's experience was in community theater. I don't think a "small" role will look bad on her resume. My D listed major roles first, not in chronological order, so they will not know that she had the lead last year and then only a small role the next. My concern would be the high school politics involved--will she be black-balled by the teacher(s) if she turns down the part? I've seen it happen here.</p>
<p>I personally think that community theater looks great on a resume, in fact I've heard that it's impressing to show that you have been in theater outside your school, however, I also agree that there is school politics, and it can influence letters of recommendation, or possibly the lead next year as a senior, but if you feel this will not be an issue then go for the community theater especially if its a lead.</p>
<p>Thank you for your thoughts. I also feel community theater is a plus. The politics at the H.S. are probably what concerns us the most.</p>
<p>I think that if she auditioned for the school play, and didn't indicate on the audition form that she would only take a specific part, she should do it, and not "shop around" for a better role. If she already has another offer, that slightly changes things, but it is bad form to get cast, then look for meatier roles.</p>
<p>If she really doesn't want to do it, then she should turn it down immediately, and not wait until she sees if she can land something better.</p>
<p>When I was in high school.. back in the dark ages :) ... I was cast in as Bloody Mary in my H.S. musical.. a good role, but as a soprano not one that I felt was going to be adventageous to my vocal development... I turned down the role and was subsequently offered ensemble. I choose to design the lights and stage manage instead. I have to admit, that at the time I chose not to accept the ensemble role because I had just spent the summer doing professional summer stock in the ensemble with professional actors and did not want to be in the ensemble when a girl who was not as talented was Nellie Forbush... man, am I still mad that I never got to play Nellie Forbush ;) ... anyway, the moral of my long winded story is that I told the director and Music Director that I wanted to learn about SMing and Lighting Design, and ultimately grew as an artist. I got my AEA card as an SM and am now a professional director, so perhaps I made the wiser choice in the long run. My not being in the show caused a little scandal at first, but I never regreted that I was not in the show, and was subsequently cast in large roles in my junior and senior years. However, my high school was small and there were not a lot of drama "politics"... field hockey and football politics maybe... </p>
<p>If not doing the show will make it so your D gets no more performance opportunities in H.S. and will not be able to get recommendations from her H.S. drama and/ or music teacher, she may want to consider doing the production.</p>
<p>When I was working professionally as a actor and was offered a contract I was not certain about, I would think about how I would feel if I turned down the job, were not cast in a different show, and was waiting tables when I could have been performing. If I could honestly say I would rather be taking class, auditioning, and waiting tables than performing in that particular show I would turn it down. If not, I would take the job.</p>
<p>In the long run the fact that I turned down a role in my H.S. musical did not impact my college admission, nor my career path. However, only you and your D know the situation at her particular school. GOOD LUCK!!</p>
<p>Listen to Kat, because she obviously knows what she is talking about. But my two cents: I think your daughter auditioned for the role in the hs play/musical and ought to take what the director gave her, regardless of whether she thinks she could get a "better" part elsewhere. There is something to be said for doing the smaller roles/being in the ensemble, and not always being the lead or featured person, I would think. Plus, this gives your D more opportunities to work with the teachers who will be giving her recommendations, and they can then honestly report that she is (and I am sure she is!) humble and hardworking, and willing to perform in a variety of roles, and not just when she is the lead. As an example I offer a lovely young lady who was sort of the "star" of my D's previous hs. From 6th grade on, this girl was often cast as a lead in the school's yearly musicals and plays, but not always. In fact, the fall of her senior year, the director chose to stage a very dance-heavy musical, and though this girl is a competent dancer, there were others who were far more competent. So the "star" was cast in the ensemble and not only did she understand that there are different parts that are best for different people, but she also had a ball and learned a lot. She is now in a very good BFA program in MT.</p>
<p>I am going to agree with NMR....I think if your daughter auditioned and didn't say she would only accept a certain part, then she is saying that she would be willing to accept ANY part. We have always told our daughter she could not back out of anything that she was cast in to play a larger or "better" role somewhere else. We just don't feel that for what we are trying to teach her that it is the right thing to do. I have seen many of her friends do it in school productions and in community productions and they are certainly looked down upon for taking the attitude that they really want something better. </p>
<p>There are things to be learned from lead and ensemble roles. Part of the fun for my daughter has always been just working with the wonderful people and the learning process along the way. I am a big believer in NOT burning bridges....you never know when you may need to get across sometime!</p>
<p>OK - my too long post got lost when the system kicked me out.</p>
<p>So i wil concisely ask my question, </p>
<p>Do college really place a great deal of stock on resume listing for eiter HS or community theatre?
It would seem to me that given all the variables in both of these items, that it is not very helpful information, unless the auditors where familiar with the school and the cmmunity to know what the talent pool migt be.</p>
<p>I know a lot of people are saying to do the show anyways, but something your daughter may want to consiter is...will she be absolutely miserable doing the show? Because at some point, if you are going to go home every night saying "god, i wish i wasn't in this show"...then you shouldn't be in the show. If you are that unhappy you are not only hurting yourself, but also hurting the others around you.</p>
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Because at some point, if you are going to go home every night saying "god, i wish i wasn't in this show"...then you shouldn't be in the show.
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</p>
<p>True enough - but a lot of that has to do with attitude of the student, and sometimes of the parent. If you go into it thinking of a positive learning experience, and a chance to be with school friends, it can be a good experience. If you spend your time thinking of how YOU should have been this, or had that, you're doing yourself and the show a disservice.</p>
<p>But, having auditioned and been cast, the question shouldn't be this show, or find something better, it should be this show, or not doing a show.</p>
<p>Also, in answer to KeepingCalm - I think the resume matters little at an audition, if you can deliver the goods. I think this is true both in the number of shows listed, and the quality of the roles. The training and preparation will count much more than an astounding number of shows, be they leads or ensembles.</p>
<p>My D is very driven and focused on gaining all the experience and training she can. There are only so many hours in a day and we felt the role would not be a growth opportunity for her. By the way she did not audition for the role that she was offered.
We talked late into the night regarding all the same points of view you have all offered. The "politics" is a big deal and because of that she will be doing the musical. She will also have to find a positive such as "being with friends" to help her get through it. Perhaps it is not her time to follow her favorite actress's quote, Idina Menzel ""At first you take the work you can get, but now I feel like I have the choice, it shouldn't be taken lightly." No choices today, but hopefully she will have some in her future.</p>
<p>Chelle, I think you will be surprised (or maybe your D will be surprised) at how much fun a show can be even when you are not the star! :) I cannot recall my D ever coming home and saying (about any show, no matter what the part or the show, or how good it was) "Gosh, I wish I wasn't in that show!" If your D loves MT and acting as much as she seems to, she will enjoy the experience despite her first impressions, because there is something to be learned at each step along the way. It's all about attitude. Would that every one of our kids can end up as successful as Idina Menzel, and have those choices. Most actors don't.</p>
<p>I think ensemble roles can be a great opportunity to both learn and lead if approached with the right attitude. If you go into it thinking, what more can I bring to this role that someone with less experience might not think of instead of how come I am not in that other role, it can make a big difference. Some of my D's best roles have been supporting or ensemble parts. I know that the intensity and life she has breathed into these "lesser" roles made the whole show better. Her energy and professionalism made everyone's energy level rise; that happens to be her greatest gift and it was recognised by those who wrote her recommendations. Rather than thinking of it as a political decision, I would encourage her to enjoy the time with her high school friends, and to learn from everyone around her. Even if she is convinced that she is "better" than those cast in the other roles, she can learn from what they do too...hmmm, I wouldn't have approached that in that way, and this is why kind of thing. My D is very glad she had time to do her high school shows and spend precious time with those friends.</p>
<p>Anothermom, We will post your reply on our fridge. It was beautifully written and inspiring.</p>
<p>This is such a good topic because many of us have found ourselves in your shoes, Chelle. I see this situation in two lights, one as a parent and the other as a director. I will sing the praises of being in an ensemble until I die. It can be a blast, a learning experience and make a student part of the team. That being said...
As a director: I always encourage kids to accept or decline their parts w/o penalty. I also encourage kids to come and talk to me if they have other opportunities, committments, etc. and need guidance. One bad apple etc. Directors give parts for many reasons and they don't always have everything to do with who is the best actor/singer/dancer. </p>
<p>As a parent: I almost always tell my D to take whatever part she's given. Most HS directors look poorly on students who decline ensemble. Big shows need good singers etc. in the ensemble. You can't have a big show with 8 talented kids. Tell your D to have a blast and to be a scene stealer! I always tell my ensemble to own the scenes and to make the leads work for the spotlight. Some kids in the ensemble are so good you can't take your eyes off them!</p>
<p>Ah thanks, Chelle...you made my night. :) Let us know how it ges for her.</p>
<p>I know this is late - but I just want to seriously backup what most people have said. It is so very important that your D take the ensemble part in the HS show and learn from that experience. I do not think people place tons of emphasis on one's resume credits - it is mostly your audition and references that count. A resume that shows a little diversity is good - but not because of the reasons described in this case. Of course, looking at the resume - nobody would know the reasons - but the far better life lesson to be learned here is a healthy respect for the director/teachers judgement and, more importantly, how to be a good citizen in the ensemble (even after having had a lead).</p>
<p>I just read this thread....so I am late as well.</p>
<p>Absolutely don't be afraid to take the smaller role....quite often those "small" roles are the ones that shine and are remembered by the audience for a long time...by no means am I promoting any kind of upstaging. ;)</p>
<p>I have twin sons...one year in high school they did "Godspell" and cast 'N' as Jesus and 'A' as John the Baptist/Judas. The following year the school did "Grease" with a different director. This particular director was afraid of their identical looks getting in the way/being confusing for the audience....so this time 'A' was cast as Danny and 'N' was cast as Eugene. As everyone knows Eugene is a far cry from playing Jesus....BUT how fun!! Eugene was the character that everyone couldn't get enough of...pure comedic relief!! It also got to show 'N's' diversity.</p>
<p>Over the years we have come to understand that not all but a lot of casting decisions are based on pure physicality...BUT it isn't the last show to be in. Goodness sakes there are plenty more opportunities ahead and one must keep trying to stretch one's self to keep improving and learning.</p>
<p>Best wishes!</p>
<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>
<p>Well said, 5Pants! I bet that production of Grease was pure fun for both of your sons, and Eugene is a fabulously fun role (I am told) to play and for audiences to watch. Your guys have probably learned a ton just being in productions with each other, as they have had to figure out how to play their roles/characters so that the audience forgets that they look identical.</p>