This is one of the most parts of theatre for me by far. Like life, theatre is not always fair. There are so many factors that go into the casting process. I'll take this opportunity to share a few thoughts with you.
OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL: I try harder than any can imagine to provide all students the opportunity to have a speaking role and sing a small solo if they want one. Unfortunately, depending on the show this does not always happen. I will always try to divide up lines and even take solos aways from lead characters to "spread the weatlh" so to speak. I spend a lot of time writing and rewriting shows to make this happen.
2. CHALLENGE YOUR CHILD: Sometimes I see a child who could benefit from a certain role, perhaps to help bring them out of their shell or push them to explore their whacky side. I have seen wonderful things by having a student play a role they never expected but somehow grew to love.
3. SET UP FOR SUCCESS: Sometimes a students wants more than they are really ready for. I have to take these things into concern: How quick are they memorizing lines? Do they come to class prepared? What is their level of singing both rhythmically and pitch wise? Do they come prepared? Are they directable? How focused is the student when distracted by peers? At home you child may give a brilliant reading with you and be 100 % focused. It doesn' always translate the same at school. Maturity progresses differently for each child. Having a leading role is a big responsibility. I demand more from those students in their leadership, skills, and work ethic. Typically older students are granted bigger roles and more responsibility. Some students are better actors than singers. Giving a student a lead singing role before they are ready may give them more pressure than they are ready for. We try to work on solo songs outside of productions to help build their confidence and skills.
4.SOMETIMES IT STINKS: And, yes, sometimes things just don't go their way. I am not always perfect. But once decisions are made, it's hard to go back. One of the best lessons to learn is how to cope when things don't go your way. In the olden days we were taught to make the best of it and move on. Then we learned to talk with the adult and ask how we could improve ourselves to do better next time. Today, our parents talks with the teacher or director, is crushed for their child, and may give the child the opportunity to quit or feel like the victem because they didn't get their hearts desire. What has the child learned from the latter? It's ok to quit. They deserve the part they wanted. They were cheated. And maybe, theatre stinks. Here's a couple of suggestions...take what you like leave the rest.
-Have you child speak with me in person and express their thoughts. IF they are really trying for a part, they can let me know ahead of time in case I can give them some preparation advise. IF they do not get the part after working toward it, they can approach me again and ask if they had shown progress and what more they can do for next time. I will do my best to give as much feedback as possible. Email is an option as well but I prefer in person if possible. If your child is to shy, scared or heart broken to speak with me by themselves, I encourage a waiting period of 24-48 hours to let the emotions settle. Then come with your child as say..."Susie has something she wants to share with you." Encourage your child to do the talking and you be their support.
-Encourage your child to do their personal best and try to put the team before the individual. Every part has value and actors can shine in the smallest parts. Its what they make of it. Also, a director, boss, employer recognizes a person who has the ability to do this. It is invaluable.
-Child has every right to defend why they feel they earned the role. Have the child write down those reasons. I might even agree. It may not change things, but there could be truth in what they feel. Also, there may be things of which the child was not aware. These are all good lessons for all of us to learn:)
