Casting School Plays

[smitch425]

A school play doesn't compete against other school plays and therefore doesn't require the very best participants in order to "win." A school show choir or band does compete, so a select group would be needed. A school play could add showings in order to give more children the chance to participate while a soccer game is played once.

I "get" that I am in the minority in my viewpoint on this topic. That's OK with me.

Some schools DO compete. Our junior/high school often went to the International Thespian Festival. It's not like that in every school, but theater was serious business where I grew up. I tried to drop my theater class my senior year to take a study hall. When the director found out, I was sent to his office by the principal to find my dance teacher on speakerphone! Needless to say, about 20 minutes later, I was signed up for theater my senior year. Looking back now, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Some of the best days of my life were in the theater. Seems like a lifetime ago...

 

[mrsv98]

DD is in a musical theater group that we LOVE. It is run by three wonderful women and is not affiliated with a school or community theater. The age range is large, K-9th so you get kids with all sorts of acting experience. They do a fabulous job of rotating kids in roles. Though not every kid does every show, there is a large group of regulars. Here is a letter they send out to short circuit any drama:

Every role is important to our show! The children understand that without a strong ensemble (foundation) we cannot build a strong production. Please join us in encouraging your child to be proud of their part and the work they are doing.

STS believes in rewarding hard work and good attitudes. If you prepare and work hard, it is duly noted. We have been teaching and casting child actors for over 17 years. We are very adept at noticing when that child is ready to take on a larger part in a production. Please remember the shining star you see at home is sometimes different than what we observe at the theater.

All students are taught to audition during class time so that we can cast the roles appropriately. All roles in all shows are carefully and thoughtfully divided into categories. Typically young/new students, being beginners, have the ensemble roles available to them as they are introduced to the world of theatre. As they are trained and reach the next level, they are cast in supporting roles, and as they continue training they are then skilled and responsible for the lead roles. By then, they are finessed actors and ready to succeed with the amount of responsibility there is when leading a show!

The directors assess the actors, and we proudly cast them accordingly. Please keep in mind, actors also take turns in playing principal roles, supporting roles & ensemble roles.

STS is a special place, we do not tolerate unkindness or bullying. Behavioral problems are uncommon because we are busy every moment. We use all of our 90 minutes to rehearse. The only time your child will be sitting is when they are being an audience for a small scene or performance.

It has come to my attention lately that there are many small groups of friends performing together. Situations that occur in school or in the neighborhood typically do not invade our theater space. Please understand that we do not know who the best friends are and we do not cast our shows with that in mind. There will be times when “Susie” will get a lead and bff “Cindy” will get an ensemble part. This is part of life and it is a great teachable moment. Be the best that you can be! There is only one “YOU”!

Now DD has been everything from Wendy in Peter Pan (a huge role with lots of dialogue) to "Narrator 5" in Aladdin. The ladies who run the program do a great job in making every actor feel part of the "whole" and DD has never felt marginalized.

This year she is in Middle School and is thinking about trying out for the Spring Musical. I am so afraid it will be drama filled that I almost don't want her to do it, but I have to let her try and cross my fingers.

 

[Coconut36]

Some schools DO compete. Our junior/high school often went to the International Thespian Festival. It's not like that in every school, but theater was serious business where I grew up. I tried to drop my theater class my senior year to take a study hall. When the director found out, I was sent to his office by the principal to find my dance teacher on speakerphone! Needless to say, about 20 minutes later, I was signed up for theater my senior year. Looking back now, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Some of the best days of my life were in the theater. Seems like a lifetime ago...

And I would presume that in a school where parents pay $120 for kids to participate and where they hire choreographers and directors that it is NOT your average school production but a competitive environment. Schools don't generally shell out that kind of money or charge high prices for admission for run of the mill non competitive productions. They may be looking for write ups in the paper or other recognition to draw students/parents to the school as well.

 

[Ppufi]

There are no small parts, only small actors.

 

[DumboPrincess]

. Don't take out a contract on us because our son gets to be a candlestick!

Oh Tag Fairy! Lol

 

[Luv Bunnies]

And I would presume that in a school where parents pay $120 for kids to participate and where they hire choreographers and directors that it is NOT your average school production but a competitive environment. Schools don't generally shell out that kind of money or charge high prices for admission for run of the mill non competitive productions. They may be looking for write ups in the paper or other recognition to draw students/parents to the school as well.

OP here. Actually, we do not put on a competitive production, nor does the school look for any kind of publicity or recognition for doing it. It's purely for the sake of giving the kids a quality theater experience. It has a lot to do with our school principal. Her son was very active in our city's children's musical theater. He's currently in his 2nd year in a highly-regarded university theater program. She was very receptive when the childrens' arts group approached her about running the school's productions. In years past, parents paid $75 and the PTO put in $75 per child. This year, funds are low and they had to charge $120, while the school pays $30 per child. We thought enrollment would be lower, but it's actually higher than it was last year. Parents recognize the value of the program and younger kids can't wait to be in 3rd grade so they can sign up.

The school also has a performing arts program during the school day. Kids in 1st - 5th have an hour with a performing arts teacher each week. Each grade level puts on a show at the end of the year. For some kids, that's all the performing they want to do. For those who want a more intense theater experience, they can sign up for the musical.

Having a K-8 school does present some challenges. It's true that the younger kids usually can't compete with the middle schoolers. However, some younger kids do get large roles. Both Annies this year are 4th graders. My son was Captain Shang in Mulan when he was in 4th grade. The directors said he sang on key better than the older boys, and "I'll Make a Man Out of You" is not an easy song. This year, as a 7th grader, he was cast as Rooster for all four shows. Only two middle school boys auditioned. An 8th grader will be Daddy Warbucks. The directors felt that Warbucks and Rooster should be tall boys with deep voices, if possible. They had these two boys who could handle the roles, so they didn't feel the need to double cast them with girls or much younger boys. Some parents don't think it's fair. I think we have to trust the directors to put on a quality production. By the way, my son hasn't always gotten large roles. A couple of years ago he was a squirrel. That's where he best fit into that particular show.

 

[Coconut36]

You might have already said but is this public or private school? That is an unusual amount of theater for a K-8 school in my experience..a public one anyway. A private one I could see having a different emphasis as that is the ability a private school has.

I still feel competitive or not, seeking publicity or not for something parents are paying extra for, something the kids (or parents) have to seek separately (as you said there are other productions aside form this that are the entire class) the roles should be given based on ability/skill not rotated.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

You might have already said but is this public or private school? That is an unusual amount of theater for a K-8 school in my experience..a public one anyway. A private one I could see having a different emphasis as that is the ability a private school has.

I still feel competitive or not, seeking publicity or not for something parents are paying extra for, something the kids (or parents) have to seek separately (as you said there are other productions aside form this that are the entire class) the roles should be given based on ability/skill not rotated.

We're a public school. Yes, $120 seems like a lot for an afterschool program in a public school. But plenty of kids sign up - my son said it was around 45 last year and over 60 this year, despite the price increase.

I agree with you. Casting should be based on ability. Our directors see it the same way, and the shows have been really good in past years.

 

[Coconut36]

We're a public school. Yes, $120 seems like a lot for an afterschool program in a public school. But plenty of kids sign up - my son said it was around 45 last year and over 60 this year, despite the price increase.

I agree with you. Casting should be based on ability. Our directors see it the same way, and the shows have been really good in past years.

I am amazed with the way schools are going a public school has the ability to spend that much time on performing arts..most are cutting art, music, recess, woodshop and every other "extra" these days.

They sometimes charge for sports participating as well (or consider it when funding is tight) so it's not so much the amount as the fact that for someone to participate they have to seek it out and pay for it..making it a bit "more" to me than the run of the mill school play and thus for lack of a better term a competitive environment vs a learning experience like a grade level product (where everyone has a role..big or small) might be.

Hopefully the drama settles down and the parents get over their issues!

 

[Pigeon]

I think it's freaking elementary school and not Broadway. I am baffled as to why this needs to be a high level production at this age. There is plenty of time for this later on, and I can't think of a single good reason why this should be pushed down. I do think the leads should be rotated around.

My dd is in 6th grade and they are doing a play. While they aren't hiring an outside professional organization to run it, the teacher in charge obviously has delusions of winning a Tony or twelve.

The pressure on the kids is ridiculous and her expectations of parents are obnoxious. The roles are all type cast, with no racial diversity for the lead roles, and the popular kids getting all the major parts.

 

[DeaverTex]

Pigeon, that sounds just like the productions my high school used to do, and that was back in the late 1960's. I guess things don't really change.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I am amazed with the way schools are going a public school has the ability to spend that much time on performing arts..most are cutting art, music, recess, woodshop and every other "extra" these days.

They sometimes charge for sports participating as well (or consider it when funding is tight) so it's not so much the amount as the fact that for someone to participate they have to seek it out and pay for it..making it a bit "more" to me than the run of the mill school play and thus for lack of a better term a competitive environment vs a learning experience like a grade level product (where everyone has a role..big or small) might be.

Hopefully the drama settles down and the parents get over their issues!

We're actually very lucky to be able to keep these programs. Our district has its own foundation that helps fund arts, sports, and even the school libraries. The musical is paid for mostly through the enrollment fees ($120). The other $30 comes from PTO funds raised by a walk-a-thon, silent auction, candy sales, etc. They did cut the amount of PTO support for the musical this year, and increased the enrollment costs paid by the parents. I don't know what the after school sports fees are in our district since my son spends his time on musical theater (he's in two other productions besides the one at the school). I do know that the foundation contributes quite a bit to hold costs down for the families.

 

[goofy4tink]

Because having the opportunity to actually act in a roll (and not just play a boulder) can give the kids an insight to whether they want to do more of this type of thing in the future.

I don't see it the same as trying out for a sports team or being (first or second string). YMMV.

Sorry but it's exactly the same thing. I've been on both sides of the 'casting table'..it's a hard thing. But, in all reality, you aren't doing anyone any favors by letting them take lead roles if they aren't ready to do so. It's not so much an issue of 'paying your dues in the chorus'...I love being in the chorus, dd hates it. Those in the chorus perform a valuable thing..they are, or at least should be, a cohesive group that sets the tone. They can make or break a production.
There are those who should get leading roles, and those who shouldn't. It's awful to watch a youngster struggle with a role that is just too much for them. They learn nothing other than acting isn't for me.
For such a young group to be doing a full blown show/musical such as "Annie'' is hard. We don't do that stuff until junior high grades...6-8.

But truly, it is the same thing as sports..not everyone is cut out to be a pitcher or quarterback. It's a team....on the field or on the stage.

 

[Carl]

My co-worker does community theater and says the same thing. She went into an audition and it was clear that the lead roles had already been cast, even though some really good new people came in. Everyone thought one girl was a shoo-in for the lead, but the director had already promised it to the daughter of the theater director. They had even shot the cover for the program with the leads before they even had the auditions. Then they stuck the girl with the really good voice as a silent palace guard, so she wouldn't show up the lead. People were allowed to audition for the leads, even though they had no chance of getting them. If they were going to do that, they could have just put out a list of available roles so people would know what they had a chance of getting.

I'm active in community theater and I don't believe in precasting, but it happens in almost every theater.

 

[Magic Mom]

But truly, it is the same thing as sports..not everyone is cut out to be a pitcher or quarterback. It's a team....on the field or on the stage.

I guess we have differing opinions about that.

 

[sam_gordon]

I think it's freaking elementary school and not Broadway. I am baffled as to why this needs to be a high level production at this age. There is plenty of time for this later on, and I can't think of a single good reason why this should be pushed down. I do think the leads should be rotated around.

Actually, it's not elementary school. To me, adding in the 6th-8th graders (middle school here) is what changes the dynamic. Around middle school is when kids need to start learning to work for what they want AND that some of them just aren't cut out to do what they want.

 

[tiggger1]

I have done theatre for since Middle school and have worked at a bunch of theatre summer camps plus worked with both high school, middle school elementry school theatre departments. I am all for getting more kids involved in the arts there comes a point when the kids need to be picked by talent. while seeing 1st grader "Suzie" run around the stage might be cute to her family, its not so much to the rest of the cast who worked hard. I think its ok to have the younger kids in smaller roles and the older kids in the leads unless the younger kid is good for that role...I am also not a fan of double casting ( unless it is 1 or 2 hard roles or 2 completely different casts) because its too much work for everyone. I worked a high school show that had 2 different sets of speaking roles. while A was the leads B was in the chorus and then while B was the lead A was in the chorus.. It was torture. people were fighting about what night there kids were preforming on because grandma could only come on this night and Joey was in the chorus that night....plus the first night the mics stopped working so the director got new ones.. so the parents of the first night were mad that the other kids got better mics. there was fights because one of the leads in B got a better costume than the same lead A because B was a size 4 and A was a size 16... ( btw they were the same costumes but different colors because it was what we had)

Thankfully my high school had a awesome theatre dept. we had a huge budget, got rented costumes, full orchestra and full lights and sound equipment plus awesome sets! While I love supporting the local arts in my area. I absolutely hate bad theatre....I recently went to a high school production of Cinderella for a girl scout field trip. while my daughter had fun, I thought it was torture. The leads were ok but some kids didnt know their lines, most of them could not sing or dance and it felt like it was thrown together in a week. It wouldnt have been too bad if I didnt pay $18 for a ticket. If I am paying that much for a high school show ticket I want to see a decent production.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm active in community theater and I don't believe in precasting, but it happens in almost every theater.

Don't you hate it when precasting happens, but no one other than the casting committee knows it? I have no issue with precasting...as long as everyone knows it's happening going in. For instance....the group is doing 'Sweeny Todd'....the audition info needs to be worded so as to note that the parts of Sweeny and Mrs Lovett are not available. Easy that way. But to put in the time and effort to audition only to find that you never had a change to begin with??? Nasty.

I guess we have differing opinions about that.

Please explain to me how it is different. With theater, as in sports, there are kids who have a natural gift. There are kids that are going to be support, backup players. There are kids that will be super stars in their 'game', be it football or musical theater. There will be kids who if they practice their 'craft' will get better and be able to take on positions of greater 'importance'..and I use that word very hesitantly.
With theater, as well as sports, it takes a 'team' to do anything. I really don't see any difference. Just because it's not a kid playing first base, but a kid in the chorus of a musical..what's the difference. But, again, there has always been the bias that sports are more 'important' than the arts. But both are teams, with no 'I' in 'em. Both teach pretty much the same things.

 

[MrsDuck]

I'm an ex- theater kid and I was involved from 3rd grade thru 12th grade-- attended a performing arts high school and middle school.

IMO: whoever is best for the role gets it. Period.

 

[tiggger1]

I'm active in community theater and I don't believe in precasting, but it happens in almost every theater.

As much I hate it as an actor, sometimes as a director you need to precast or at least have someone who you know you can play the role especially on harder roles. Nothing is worse than trying to casting a entire show only to realize that you have no one to play a certain role. you either have to re-audition or having to recast a bunch of people so you dont have someone who cant act/sing/dance in a lead role...