<p>I'd like to make a slight correction to my post #19....that should have said: Rochester Association of Performing Arts or RAPA, not RADA. I decided to go visit the site and they have a teen theater company that puts on productions....ages 13-18....sounds perfect for your daughter. This other girl must have done that as she has played many leads there and is not in a well regarded BFA program.</p>
<p>I'm on a roll here...lol....but did you look into Geva Theater? They seem to put on plays all year, though not musicals. They also have a summer program for teens in drama. Acting is an important component for the MT actress. Our local community theater has not put on a musical in many years (though my D played Annie there when she was 11 and that may have been their last musical) but it puts on plays and when she was turning 15 in tenth grade, she was in The Crucible (that is an example of an adult production that needs some teens for some roles). While she much prefers musicals, there were no musicals anywhere in the region that fall so this was a chance to still do production work, on an adult level, while continuing her training and other activities in voice and dance. It also allowed her to hone her acting skills while not singing and dancing in the show, and since we have no acting classes here, this was of value. </p>
<p>Perhaps Geva Theater might be worth looking into to round out the other offerings your D is participating in.</p>
<p>I just found another possibility. I see that Rochester Children's Theater, this past fall, was calling for teens for the ensemble in Beauty and the Beast. Perhaps in future productions, there may be roles for teens, as well. Worth inquiring.</p>
<p>YIKES....I JUST REREAD MY POST NUMBER 21 AND I HAD A TYPO THAT GIVES AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MEANING AND IT IS TOO LATE TO GO EDIT IT! </p>
<p>I WROTE: "She is not in a well regarded BFA program."</p>
<p>IT SHOULD HAVE SAID: "She is NOW in a well regarded BFA program."</p>
<p>OY....so sorry.</p>
<p>How nice to know that so many of you took the time to look up places that might be viable for my D! Thanks so much. She has been a part of many of them already as they offer "summer only" programs (Nazareth & GEVA) and will be auditioning for the NYSSA summer camp (this one is strictly drama)- believe it or not, she has already completed the audition for the orchestral NYSSA camp, so you can see that her talents spread over many areas! Blackfriars is a great group and will use high school students if they "fit" in the production, so she has been seen and heard there. RAPA is a "fee based" program, and I hope that is the proper term to describe a place where you must pay upfront and then your child gets a part in the play. For some familes this might be the right path to take, but, again, as a single mom, our $$ go right into lessons of one type or another. Suprisingly, "Rochester Children's Theatre" is a company made up of adults! They did have a general call for teens to be "dancing forks" in their recent production of "Beauty and the Beast", but mid-terms, Show Choir rehearsals and the understudying of the school role took priority this time. Some good news is that another local director has requested that she audition for his upcoming piece and there are a number of summer productions that are for "teens only". She is featured with Show Choir solos and will just keep going out to audition until the combinations come along. I guess I have been worried because it is mid-February and I am watching the seniors at her school, many of whom have not yet applied (or auditioned for those choosing the arts) and no one is at all concerned. My D is and always has been very focused and knows how difficult it is to get accepted at the colleges she is aiming for. I can rest a lot easier now since so many of you have told me that you or your kids have been able to succeed without a lot of actual "performance time". I'll keep you posted! Thank you!</p>
<p>While I am not familiar with NYSSA (I live in another state) but I just want to mention that when I saw it on this other girl's resume, it wasn't DRAMA....she had the word "choral" with it and she was leads in various MUSICALS there. </p>
<p>There is more going on in your area than in mine!</p>
<p>PS..I don't know what it costs to participate in productions at RAPA and I understand that dilemma, but if you are saying you want more production experiences, you could choose to pay for that as a form of "training" like or instead of another form of training you do now (ex., a dance class). I am not advocating giving up training/lessons, however as they are very important. I'm basically suggesting that a production experience could be viewed as another learning experience and be a piece of your "training budget" depending which pieces she wants to do the most. Sometimes a teen can get creative and earn money to pay for that...such as give flute lessons to younger kids or babysit, etc. Just a thought, in case you get stuck for any theater opportunities.</p>
<p>The nice thing with school shows (in my view) is that they are FREE and don't require additional DRIVING to far places! If she really puts a lot of herself into the production this year, it may bode well for her in upper grades when it comes to casting. While there are aspects to your school's theater dept. that bother you, your D might have to suck it up and have her participate with a longer range goal in mind, if it turns out that this is the only "game" in town during the school year to be involved in theater. While my D sometimes got frustrated with the school theater or director at times, after having done theater (including youth theater) where they worked at a more "professional" pace and level, she still enjoyed being a part of her school productions...being with older kids who loved theater too and the productions themselves were quite good in the end. They just rehearse WAY longer than she is used to and some kids are not as focused as she is used to. But nothing is perfect and these experiences, in the end, were really good for many reasons. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>I would encourage you to look for local performing and training opportunities at your daughter's age. My son did local training every year and every summer up until summer after junior year when he went to OCU's summer program. He has also been able to participate in local theatres over the years in both big and small parts. I think if one looks, you can find local training that may not cost as much as going away. Also, perhaps when she is older, you could consider a summer camp away. OCU's camp is less expensive than some of the others, but I realize you would have travel costs.</p>
<p>It sounds like you have some good advice from others above who are more familiar with your area. Good luck!</p>
<p>I understand your discouragement regarding the high school shows. However, you must remember that there are 3 grades ahead of you and those kids deserve to be performing while they are there, just as your daughter will deserve that, ahead of the freshmen, when she is a junior or a senior. The upperclassmen only have a short time left to gain experience and perform, they deserve that time. Your d will enjoy and deserve that time when she gets there. Don't worry, if she has the talent you've described, that opportunity will be there for her. It's very early for you to panic over performing experience. A lot can be added to a resume in 3 years. I have also found that you have to "earn" your spot in these local community groups. My d is an extremely talented actress (like most of the kids here) and yet the group will cast someone not nearly as good in the lead, simply because they've been with them 2 or 3 years and they know her and they feel that she's earned that reward by putting in her time in the ensemble. That's kind of hard to take sometimes and it's not fair and it's not the best for the show, but it's real life. Just know that your time will come. And as everyone has said, I don't think the resumes are the focus of auditions. They are looking at what your kids can do while they're standing in front of them. Best to you.</p>
<p>Just to clarify things, Susan, yes, NYSSA does hold many different types of "summer schools of the arts" but the only one really dealing with theatre IS strictly drama. The choral one focuses almost exclusively on choral music(how's that for an intelligent sentence?!) although they do some MT pieces or scenes in their small group lessons. My D's vocal teacher as well as Show Choir instructor really think that this isn't the "right" placement for her, although many of her friends do attend and really love it.
Please understand that I DO NOT want to cause an arguement or controvery here, but I don't agree with the opinion that just because a student is "older" or an "upperclassman", they should be accorded the lead roles. It certainly doesn't work like that on the playing field or in the gym. If you can score the goals, make the baskets, whatever, then you make the team. Her school has freshman as starters on the varsity teams so why should it be any different for the theatrical productions? For that matter, D has been first chair flute since she was quite young,often with kids that were several grades ahead sitting "behind" her.) Schools place so much importance on athletics, making the parents and athletes sign letters declaring their commitment to attendance at practices and games, but yet leads in the musical show up for rehearsal when and if they feel like it, don't know their lines or dance combinations-you get the picture.
I'm sure there were many "older" actresses who felt that they should have had the role of Glinda in "Wicked", but we very much enjoyed having the opportunity to see young newcomer Megan Hilty(CMU) put her stamp on the role so defined by Kristen Chenoweth.The same holds true for Ashley Brown performing as "Belle", fresh out of CCM.
The local community theatre productions are definitely driven by who shows up to audition. One here last week ended up having to cast the male lead (Sky Masterson) with the only man that had voice enough to carry the part and he was in his 50's! Obviously all other parts were then set around him, even driving up the age of the "Hot Box Girls". This is not my home town and this was not the norm where I was from so now that I see the direction things are taking, we can be better prepared. There are more opportunities coming up and as a result of some of your great suggestions, I have uncovered even more and D is already signed up for her audition times!</p>
<p>Lulu's mom....glad you have found some other resources and opportunities and I am sure in time, your D will find some shows to do. If she can take ensemble in an adult show, that may be all a teen can get in certain adult productions but also it is a chance to be seen, show them your talent and often that can bode well on the next show they are doing. </p>
<p>As I said, I am not familiar at all with NYSSA but from this other girl's resume, she had listed lead roles in musicals there and then noted it was the NYSSA Choral summer program. That's all I know but figured I'd pass it on to you. </p>
<p>I happen to agree with you about casting shows based on the audition and not which grade you are in, as is the case in sports (I have kids who do both so I know). Many schools do cast by seniority. If it were up to me, seniority would only be used in the case of if all things were equal on the talent front, give it to the upperclassman. I can also see upper classmen being cast who have proven themselves on stage. Once you do a show or two with a director, your casting then is based somewhat on your prior work and not simply the few minutes in the audition....this makes perfect sense to me. But other than that, I think it should be based on who is best for the part and not which grade they are in. I am thankful that our school does NOT go by seniority. My daughter was not the only one where this happened, but I'll just mention her....she was cast in one of the main roles i the HS drama in seventh grade, she was the lead in the HS musical and drama as an eighth grader, was a significant role in the HS musical as a ninth grader (Little Red in Into the Woods...which the Witch was a tenth grader), the lead in the musical in tenth, and one of the leads in the musical in eleventh. This year, she is not at the school (skipped senior year and went to college after graduating early) but the two female leads in the musical are...one is in ninth and one is in eleventh. I actually think the way they do casting here is like you say, what casting is normally like....based on who is best for which roles, not age. I don't quite agree with your analogy with Wicked and B and B on Bdway.....but I do agree with the fact that in the theater world, it is by talent. However, even in the big theater world, if someone has worked with you before, you have a better chance of being cast than someone never seen. And in this manner, it makes sense for your D to do the school and community theater shows, no matter how small the part....you can work your way up based on the talent you portray on stage AND how you are to work with in rehearsals and such.</p>
<p>I would like to weigh in on the issue of casting in educational settings as this thread now seems to have expanded outside the arena of community theater and into the middle school and high school realms.</p>
<p>I feel differently than both Lulu'sMom and Soozievt who, from their posts, seem to favor the viewpoint that the "most talented" student should get the part, regardless of their age or year in school. Both appear to find the concept of seniority to be unfair and detrimental to the overall quality of the productions offered in schools. To quote:</p>
<p>Soozie: "If it were up to me, seniority would only be used in the case of if all things were equal on the talent front, give it to the upperclassman. I can also see upper classmen being cast who have proven themselves on stage. Once you do a show or two with a director, your casting then is based somewhat on your prior work and not simply the few minutes in the audition....this makes perfect sense to me. But other than that, I think it should be based on who is best for the part and not which grade they are in."</p>
<p>Lulu'sMom: " I don't agree with the opinion that just because a student is "older" or an "upperclassman", they should be accorded the lead roles. It certainly doesn't work like that on the playing field or in the gym. If you can score the goals, make the baskets, whatever, then you make the team. Her school has freshman as starters on the varsity teams so why should it be any different for the theatrical productions?"</p>
<p>I think the point that both of you are missing is that these productions are taking place within EDUCATIONAL settings. Correct me if I'm wrong, but along with entertaining the audience, shouldn't the goal of these productions be to provide at least somewhat of an educational experience for those students who, while perhaps less experienced or not so highly trained outside of school, are interested in exploring possibilities in the arts? I think there are many instances in which students have taken the drama classes that are offered in their schools or worked their butts off in the Drama Club and the high school teachers or directors who are often criticized for giving a large part to someone who may not be the MOST talented person available are actually doing the RIGHT thing. School is where you learn! School is where you are given the opportunity to stretch and grow and try on "clothes" that may not fit in the beginning of a rehearsal process but as a result of the process, you grow into them. If the same, albeit very talented child is given the leads in every show based on their precocious talent, what is gained and for whom? what larger educational purpose is served? I believe that the best educators - teachers, directors, choreographers, etc., etc., understand the importance of this process and see the education of their students as a path along a continuum. Of course I understand that very talented younger performers want to display their talents on stage but their opportunities will come aplenty and in good time. There is much to be learned from smaller parts and from sharing with and helping others who aspire to the gifts these "more talented" students already display.</p>
<p>I also find the sports analogy a bit disturbing. Since when did the performing arts become a competitive program at the high school level? Yes, I know that I will now hear all about the Thespian competitions and the award ceremonies for group and individual excellence in high school productions, and while I accept that they exist and serve a purpose, those who participate do so by choice. I have never been excited or inspired by the concept of declaring a "winner" in an arts endeavor. What is the point? Anyone who knows me will know that my feelings about this are not as a result of being a non-competitive person. I'm a sports fanatic and my mother has always accused me of playing "killer cards." But even on the professional level, I always have problems with declaring a WINNER at the Tony's or the Oscar's. I think the nomination process is great, recognizing and celebrating excellence is fabulous and I would be very happy to see it stop there. I salute the way in which the NFAA awards are adjudicated because the entrants are not judged AGAINST one another but are evaluated against a standard of achievement which in turn provides some understanding of where they are in their development as young artists. There is and should be no END to learning in the artistic process, no final declaration of ultimate victory, of a winner and a loser as in sports. The players are all on the same team.</p>
<p>Lastly, this discussion has serious implications for those of you who are in the process of looking at college programs. The question of how a department chooses to cast their productions is not one that I have seen frequently mentioned here and is a question you will want to ask of the schools in which you are interested if this is of importance to you and/or your child. I can tell you that at the University of Michigan the casting policy is clearly an extention of their educational mission. While there are rare occasions when an underclassman is given a large role in a departmental production, it is much more common that upperclassmen are cast in these parts. Even when an underclassman is called back for a lead and the supposition is that if they make it to final cuts for a lead then surely they will be cast in some smaller role in recognition, this is not the case. I'm not sure I can describe this any better than to say that my understanding of educational casting, in its best sense, is when these decisions are made in the best LONG TERM interests of ALL the students in the program at that time, not just a select few. Does that make for some disappointments at times? Of course. But I also believe that the students accept this policy because they have enormous trust in their faculty that has been well earned over time. The faculty is always available to discuss audition decisions and provide feedback to the students about their auditions, thus creating a feedback loop that is an invaluable component in the educational process.</p>
<p>Sorry this was so long and I apologize in advance to my fellow grammar Nazi's. I know there are some "lulu's" (no offense intended her Lulu's Mom ;) ) in the above but I just wanted to get my thoughts out. Can you tell I'm a bit passionate about this?.......Any and all reactions welcome!!</p>
<p>idk, at my school way less talented people who are older always get the roles</p>
<p>theatermom, well put. And even in sports, there is a jv team and a varsity team. In our school district, freshmen don't play with the varsity. That's because, as you say, this isn't an open competition and there's more being taught than the sport itself. They are learning maturity, character and many other things. I was frustrated when my d was a freshman and I thought she was more talented than a senior. But, when she was a senior, it would have been very disturbing for her hard work and dedication to the program, along with her talent, to be overlooked because a younger student with many performing opportunities ahead of them, might look better for a role. It's an interesting discussion and there is validity on both sides. But, there's much more to consider in a high school environment than just talent. I could cite many examples where my d auditioned for something and went through the disappointment and frustration of thinking she was better than those chosen. But, as we look back on that from a later viewpoint, we can see excellent reasons why waiting for these opportunities benefitted her immensely.</p>
<p>Just felt compelled to chime in here to side with theatermom vis a vis casting in school settings. I don't see anything wrong with drama teachers in high schools giving reasonable preferential treatment in casting a show to a junior or senior who is serious about theater, reasonably talented and who has put time in on other productions, over even a more talented freshmen or sophomore who still has two or three years to go to be in productions. We are, after all, talking about an <em>educational</em> setting, and not a setting whose sole purpose is to do the absolutely best/top musical or play possible. In school, kids are supposed to be learning and being given opportunities that they might not otherwise have. In my opinion, that's what school is about. At one school I know, they operated on the opposite principle usually: only the best possible person for the part was cast. The shows were terrific. However, this meant that, several times, seniors who had been in every musical and play (and sometimes, in leading roles) found themselves unable to participate in the final show of their high school careers, simply because the roles were filled with underclassmen. (And no, they couldn't work tech. At this school, the director hand picks his tech, costume, etc. people and refuses to allow any well meaning, hard working student who wants to to be on those crews. It is <em>his</em> decision.) That meant, as I said, that several really nice, hardworking and talented kids got NO role at all -- not on stage, not backstage -- in the plays and musicals senior year. It was very hurtful to these kids, who had been in the shows since they were freshmen. One could say that that's the "real world," and they would be right. But school is not the "real world:" it's preparation for the real world.
I would also add that it is natural for us, as parents, to think our kids are talented, terrific, and sometimes, more talented than other people's kids. That's the nature of being parents. :) We're not unbiased. We are very biased, in favor of our kids, of course. Be that as it may, I think we would all be well advised to be very careful about expressing the proverbial "sour grapes" around our kids. In other words (and I am sorry I am not saying this more eloquently!), we should not, imo, be saying "Can you believe <em>that</em> girl got the part? YOU can sing rings around her" or "SHE only got the part because she's a senior. YOU are so much better." It teaches our kids bad sportsmanship, for one thing, and is just mean spirited, for another. It's also supremely tacky, in my opinion. I am well aware the the road my D has chosen is bound to be filled with some rejection. I want her to learn to face that rejection with class and manners. I think many of you no doubt feel the same way. Let's remember that the kids who <em>got</em> the part are equally loved by their own parents, who think <em>their</em> kids are wonderful, talented and worthy.
LDE</p>
<p>Although I agree that school is a learning experience, I feel that parts should be awarded to the student that best fits the part, whether that be due to type casting, talent, etc. To give a student a better part because they are an upperclassman is like giving A's to all of the oldest kids in a class.
Perhaps I live in an area where schools strive to put on the "best show possible", because all of the area schools cast the best, regardless of grade level. At my daughter's school, students get equal opportunity to perform in district thespian competition and Solo/Ensemble competition. However, Seniors are given preference over underclassman to go to state competitions if their scores qualify them to do so. This is the only instance where grade level is a deciding factor.</p>
<p>We are all talking of our own experiences or schools. I do not feel exactly the same as Lulumom at all in the sense that I think her D should be content with ensemble as a freshman and if her school goes by seniority, so be it. </p>
<p>The tie into sports, for ME, was not along the lines of what theatermom is saying. Theater is not a competition like sports, so I agree with that point of Theatermoms. The only reference to sports that I was agreeing with in an earlier post was the selection TO the team. That is also about talent, like theater arts. Kids are selected and hopefully the school opts for the most participation as possible. In fact, our school musical has NO CUTS. My other child was on some sports teams that had no cuts, the ski and tennis team for example, BUT the JV and V soccer team indeed had cuts. At our school a talented freshman can make the varsity team. </p>
<p>Our school also has no drama department...nobody has put time into classes, etc. There are also no thespian competitions and stuff of that sort. As well, our dance studio (which is outside of school) doesnt believe in competitive dance teams, and has a repertory dance troupe but that is by audition. You must be in high school to audition but it is also not by seniority. My D got in as a freshman. </p>
<p>My earlier point about our HS shows, is that seniority plays a role (sorry for the pun) in that if there are several kids suitable for a part, it would likely go to someone who had proven themselves over time, or is their last year at school, etc. But they do not cast a senior for the sake of casting a senior. You do prove yourself in a program, as I mentioned in my prior posts. It makes sense to cast someone who has worked well in a production one (or more) years, is reliable, has shined on stage, etc. But they let everyone have a chance. They dont just say, all seniors get a lead. Casting is very fair. If you have a good work ethic, can handle the role, etc., they cast accordingly. Nobody is cut. Everyone participates who wants to. Often the most dedicated kids in this field get a significant part. Very few participate in theater here outside of school. But if someone puts the time in to take voice, or dedicates themselves to the music department in chorus, etc, it is all a factor. I have not heard complaining about the casting here. The kids who want to participate can. They dont put someone in a lead who cant carry a tune but happens to be a senior. If that senior has put a lot of time into the school shows each year, they are used in the best possible way in the cast. Work ethic, dedication, and talent all play a factor in the casting. I can think of a boy who had the best voice in the school and had played a lead two years in a row. His senior year, he got a bit part, and from what I have heard, that was due to the better attitude and desire that some underclassmen put into their audition and so they were cast over him. While I dont have a kid in the school this year, I think the casting of the two lead females (one in ninth and one in 11th) made sense. I cant think of a current senior girl capable of the roles. I know the director has said that if they find someone in 8th or 9th who they want for a role, they have an equal chance at it. They may want to bring that person into the school productions. They reward hard work, dedication and putting a lot into this. If you hone your skills, you may get a more significant part. Everyone has a chance and everyone can participate. I have not noticed politics or hard feelings there. I am all for if a kid puts in a lot of work and has proven him/herself, the kid should be rewarded the next time a show is cast, as I have written before. When they cast shows at school, they take into account, who will be reliable and focused, who can be counted on, who can handle it. Someone who has dedicated themselves to the shows over a few years, who is equally capable of a role, surely would be cast over a younger kid. But they dont just cast seniors because they are seniors, but who do not have the skills to play a significant role. </p>
<p>At my Ds theater camp, they also do not go by age. They cast by talent. However, they try to spread opportunities around. If you are a lead one session, you usually are not the next session, or vice versa. So, while my child played leads there many times, she also played ensemble, small parts, and supporting roles. They tried to give as many kids a chance at the bigger parts. By the same token, there ARE kids who have never played leads. This is not that different than in other EC activities. Kids who have work ethic and put in the effort are rewarded but it is also a balance as to being able to fit the job you are given. So, if there are two kids capable of pitching on the softball team, and one has put in more during practices or proven herself in games, she may play more and the other girl may go in if they need to take the first girl out of the game. However, some other girl who doesnt pitch well at all, is given another position to do on the team. The pitcher may be a freshman. A senior doesnt go in just because of her age. A hardworking senior will be used in another capacity.</p>
<p>Just like with NFAA Arts Awards, things like All States and other regional music festivals are adjudicated by a standard, not as a competition with others. My kids have never competed in the arts, though have won awards/achievements. </p>
<p>The casting at our school, in my view, is a good way. Talent and work ethic are the big factors but seniority may come into play as well because you prove yourself over time. So, if there are two girls capable of a big role and one they know well or has worked on the shows a few years, Id think that person would be cast. But they do not go by seniority as the main factor. They do not cast seniors just because they are seniors. But I have tried to say all along in my messages to Lulusmom that with community theater and school theater, one must prove themselves and it makes sense when casting is done, that if they already know a kid is capable from past experience with that kid in rehearsals and on stage in performances, and some other kid has only been seen in an audition (ie., a freshman), that the person they already are confident can do the role would logically get it and that someone like her freshman D ought to go in, not expect a big part as a freshman, be totally content to be ensemble and go make the most of it, enjoy being part of the production/cast, prove herself during rehearsals and on stage and work toward her goals. That is key. You cant just show up for the first time and expect to be cast as the lead. Also, if the school goes by seniority and has enough talent to have seniors who would be good in the roles, so be it. Deal with that system. If you want to do theater, then the primary concern should be finding ways to keep doing it. </p>
<p>I was simply saying that I am not into casting someone who is not that skilled or capable of handling a role just by the fact of their age alone. I think talent does play a factor. In that respect, I was agreeing that it is similar to the school selecting who will play Varsity. Grade level and interest alone does not necessarily get you on the team. It is a mix of work ethic, effort, and skill. However, I am VERY into finding some level of PARTICIPATION for all kids who are interested and I dont really like cuts where kids who would like to do an activity cannot. Our theater program is not cutting kids but some of the sports teams do. And IN THAT RESPECT, I thoroughly agree with Theatermom....it is about an education and so I like seeing opportunities be available for as many kids to participate at ANY level. That doesnt mean each kid gets a lead in a musical, is the starting player on the team, or is editor of the newspaper, but I do prefer to let everyone participate at some level who wants to and puts in the work. And sometimes, it is the older students who work their way up to key positions because of proving themselves over time. But their selection to those is not automatic due to their age or simply being there. I would hope that because it is INDEED an educational setting, that as many kids could participate who wanted to and that all were given a chance to rise to key positions in the activity. But not every single kid in school is going to be the leader, president, captain, or lead in the school production. But hopefully all will participate who want to and be given learning opportunities at whatever level. </p>
<p>By the way, I was a teacher for many years. My class put on plays. I also directed three elementary school musicals. Every kid who wanted to was cast. But the leads went to who I felt was capable of doing the parts. These kids were not necessarily the oldest kids. However, in subsequent years, of course I knew more about a kid who had worked with me before and so it helped in casting who was capable. Therefore, sometimes older kids get parts because of proving themselves over time. But it was not automatic by grade level. They still had to be capable enough to do it. I never ever got a complaint about casting. </p>
<p>Susan
PS...I wrote this on a computer on which apostrophe key does not work, sorry!</p>
<p>haha ok...so regardless...i think we can all say that seniority...doesn't affect college auditions!</p>
<p>k...im trying to relieve some possible tension here...</p>
<p>chris</p>
<p>Chrisnoo, and everyone else,</p>
<p>I think this discussion has been a really good one, and I, for one, don't sense tension. It is very interesting to me to hear how other kids' schools view casting, and how the parents view the schools' methods of casting! It sounds to me as if Soozievt's daughters' school casted kids in much the same way my D's previous school did (seniority was <em>one</em> factor taken into consideration, but not the only one.) I am guessing that this thread has been equally interesting to the rest of us on the list. Thanks, everyone, for chiming in. It's a discussion worth having, I think. </p>
<p>LDE</p>
<p>Well, like I said before. there is validity on both sides of the issue. Both are credible schools of thought. I think in the high schools a good teacher will take both things into account. I think if an underclassman really stood out and her upperclassmen were mediocre or had not really produced, she might go with the younger student. But, all things being fairly equal, I think that senior deserves the opportunity. I remember when my d was up for a lead as a sophomore and a senior got it. I was a bit frustrated with the system. The senior was definitely not the singer my d was, but a very good actress. And now, that I have been the one with the senior d, I truly understand the director's decision. It's rarely all or nothing. There are usually many varying factors. And I do truly understand the frustration of someone with a younger performer. My d starting performing all over the state when she was 12. She competed in many talent contests against adults. Often she won, but many times, not. We get so anxious for them to have that success. But, just know that it will come in its own time. Others are having their time now and your time is just beginning. What I can encourage you to do is thoroughly enjoy this time because it goes by all too quickly. Just relish each event and file it in your memory.</p>
<p>Well said, razorback1. You hit the nail on the head. And, let's face it, during our kids' careers, there are undoubtedly going to be numerous times when someone else who seems to have less on the ball (someone who is not as good a singer, or actor, or dancer, or all three) gets a part that our child was up for and which we (and our child) think she/he deserved. From what I can gather, casting directors (at all levels) make decisions for all kinds of reasons (a less talented person may look the part more than a talented one, for instance) and that's part of the business these kids are getting into. When a person auditions for a musical or play, that person is putting themselves (to some extent) at the mercy of the director's judgement. Some are very fair and know what they are doing, and others may be less so. Theater producted in different settings has different purposes. (Some community theater groups never cut anyone ..... they consider themselves "community theater in the truest sense ...." whereas others strive for excellence and for being as professional as possible.)
L</p>
<p>I agree with you, Razorback and NotMamaRose...this is all part of this field. It is what it is, and if you are gonna be a player in it, you have to go with this flow. Some you get, some you don't...just keep participating and going for it. In school settings, there is a need to also give many a chance and spread opportunities around. As I said, earlier, I think in our school, if talent and all things were equal, I would think an older student would get the part over a younger one. But if a younger one was more suitable for lots of reasons for a part, then that person would be given a chance as well and age would not be the deciding factor. </p>
<p>It is a very hard thing to do casting and people will question the decisions that are made in many instances. But if there is a sense of fairness to the casting, then I think you have to go in, do your best and take whatever role you were given. If you want to be in theater, then this is all part of it. If you are gonna feel that the part is not worth it to you, then maybe you don't want to do a show that badly. There is much to be learned in any role. Naturally, one may want a more significant part, sure. But I know my D has really enjoyed several ensemble parts she has had in theater. I can think of a few instances where she WANTED to be ensemble just to get into a higher level production...she even ASKED to be in an older show rather than put in a younger one where she would be the lead...she preferred the challenge of being in the older show and would rather play ensemble in that show than lead in the younger one. I am glad that my D has experienced each part of theater.....she knows what it is like to be a lead, a supporting role, a member of ensemble, on crew, a director, a musical director, a choreographer, an accompanist, etc. She has seen theater from each angle. In fact, she has commented that being ensemble allows her to appreciate what that is like so that when she has played a lead, she is very keen on being just one of the group and bonding with ensemble, as she knows that end of things as well. As I also mentioned, we saw value in doing adult productions, often in small roles and value in youth productions, often in a bigger role. Each was very worthwhile experiences for different reasons. </p>
<p>Susan</p>