Casting School Plays

[ccgirl]

My DD is in orchestra and she has an instrument to play in school. If we did not also have an instrument to practice on at home, her teacher would make sure she had access to the school instrument after school to practice.

There are not instruments in my DD's school. They do offer music lessons but you have to pay an extra fee for those as well as pay for the musical instrument (either purchase or rent). It also takes them away from some other classes so I have never looked into it. A lot of students take private/semi-private music lessons as an extra curricular thing.

Something I have learned on the DIS is that schools are so very different not only among regions and states but in towns too.

 

[ccgirl]

Performing arts, like sports are an option to any student that is interested in pursuing them. I do not view them as a right and I do view them as something extra. It has been said by many people over and over again schools do the best they can when fees are involved to try to work with families that can't afford the fee. It's not 100% but they do what they can, when they can.

Schools do what they can to keep a program from being cut and not happening at all. In some areas fundraisers work..in others they don't and they charge a fee...it is not wrong of them to do it, yes is sucks if a kid can't afford to do it but it is an extra in life and extras don't come for free and if we can't afford it we can't do it.

This is how I feel as well. Unless Drama is a class offered on a regular basis, it is an optional activity. Soccer and basketball are not offered on a regular basis during the normal day. Therefore, in my opinion, they are optional. Now, gym, since it is offered regularly is an in school activity. IMHO, in school activities should be available to everyone. Out of school are optional. Not everyone makes the soccer,tennis,basketball etc. team. Again, if they would make it other than a monetary reason, I am there are probably things in place. I know at my DD school there are. But, I realize not all schools are the same.

 

[Coconut36]

This is how I feel as well. Unless Drama is a class offered on a regular basis, it is an optional activity. Soccer and basketball are not offered on a regular basis during the normal day. Therefore, in my opinion, they are optional. Now, gym, since it is offered regularly is an in school activity. IMHO, in school activities should be available to everyone. Out of school are optional. Not everyone makes the soccer,tennis,basketball etc. team. Again, if they would make it other than a monetary reason, I am there are probably things in place. I know at my DD school there are. But, I realize not all schools are the same.

Agree completely!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

OP here. Wow! I had no idea this topic would generate so much controversy. To answer some of the questions in the last few pages:

- The musical is offered as an after school enrichment activity. The school offers several others including chess, science, and creative writing. Outside groups come in and teach the classes. The school only provides the classroom space and advertises to students. Payment is made directly to the outside groups.

- There are other opportunites for the kids in the school to perform. We still have performing arts teachers who spend an hour a week with each class. They put on performances at the end of the year.

- If a child really wants to do the play or some other after school program, our PTO has money available for schlorships. All the parents have to do is ask.

- If there are more kids than roles (which did happen this year), the directors work it out in several ways. Large roles are double-cast. Every chorus kid might not be in every chorus number to keep from over-crowding the stage. I was looking at the cast list today. A group of 19 kids will be in the NYC number. A different group of 20 kids will be in another number. It cuts their stage time a little, but gives everyone a chance to do a big musical number.

- Despite the $120 fee, plenty of kids signed up (65 - some with two or three kids from the same family). The kids get 3 hours of after school activity time each week, and they get to do a large-scale production. Those of us who signed up find real value in that. I think the price is reasonable. The same arts group does a summer show in a much shorter time period (only 4 weeks, but with longer rehearsals). The cost for that is $405. For the experience my son gets, I also find that to be reasonable.

 

[luvsJack]

Performing arts, like sports are an option to any student that is interested in pursuing them. I do not view them as a right and I do view them as something extra. It has been said by many people over and over again schools do the best they can when fees are involved to try to work with families that can't afford the fee. It's not 100% but they do what they can, when they can.

Schools do what they can to keep a program from being cut and not happening at all. In some areas fundraisers work..in others they don't and they charge a fee...it is not wrong of them to do it, yes is sucks if a kid can't afford to do it but it is an extra in life and extras don't come for free and if we can't afford it we can't do it.

I am very thankful that I live in an area where we value that part of our children's education enough to work hard and keep our programs in place.

The fact is that unless you live in an extremely low-income area, fund raisers that are well planned WILL work. Whether its selling, providing a service or asking area businesses for donations, it just takes working for it.

I don't think that anyone should be forced to do anything, but I would find it a sad, sad day that a family that wants their child to participate was not given the option to raise the funds to allow that child to do so.

The schools can only do so much and no teacher is going to be able to pay oop for every child not able to afford the fees. Someone will be left out in the cold. Allowing the parents the option of working for those fees would be an easy way to get the child's fees paid.

Simply saying "oh, it doesn't work that way here" and not even offering the parents some way of raising the money just isn't right.

 

[WeCantWait]

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.

What about a child who is looking to further their education in musical theater?

My son is in 7th grade. He has been doing community theater since he was 6. He started with no experience as part of the ensemble and has gained a lot of experience. He has since added voice training and now has had many leads in community theater.

Now he is in 7th grade, the school musical is 7-12 grades. This is his 1st year doing a school musical. He was given a main part (not the lead) and there are many seniors in the ensemble. Honestly, he would have been happy with any part but he also looks at the roles he gets as padding his resume because he plans to go to a competitive Theater Arts University.

Should he have been given a lesser role because he is the youngest person who was cast? He was the only 7th grader to even get into the show.

I think the goal is to put on the best show possible.

 

[Coconut36]

I am very thankful that I live in an area where we value that part of our children's education enough to work hard and keep our programs in place.

The fact is that unless you live in an extremely low-income area, fund raisers that are well planned WILL work. Whether its selling, providing a service or asking area businesses for donations, it just takes working for it.

I don't think that anyone should be forced to do anything, but I would find it a sad, sad day that a family that wants their child to participate was not given the option to raise the funds to allow that child to do so.

The schools can only do so much and no teacher is going to be able to pay oop for every child not able to afford the fees. Someone will be left out in the cold. Allowing the parents the option of working for those fees would be an easy way to get the child's fees paid.

Simply saying "oh, it doesn't work that way here" and not even offering the parents some way of raising the money just isn't right.

No it is not true that fund raisers work everywhere but low income areas..I think you have rose colored glasses on there but that is neither here nor there. Although again..as I have said and many others have said they work very hard to accommodate kids whenever possible if the parents can't pay the fee. However it is a reality of life that if you can't pay for, you can't have it. It happens, it sucks but it happens. Nobody wants that to happen but they also can't put on a fundraiser for a handful of kids either.

I think there is possibly an area where we might not be connecting..I support art and music class while the kids are in school..that is valuable. I support PE for athletics during school, also valuable.

What the OP is speaking of is an AFTER SCHOOL enrichment program..IMO it is great when a school can offer them without fee but it is extremely reasonable to offer an after school activity for a fee. The kids still have arts exposure during school and class plays and anything they choose to do is above and beyond that..like what the OP is talking about.

So I am not sure if you are thinking this is on par with music class or a class play..that is something I value in school but that isn't what we are talking about here. We are talking about a pursuit after school hours..no different IMO than a community theater (charges fees) or league sport (charges fees) or dance class (fees) or music or art lessons (fees). Just because it might be at the school or staffed by teachers doesn't make it the same as a class/activity conducted during school hours. There is a cost involved with after school programs and as such that can translate into a cost to parents sometimes. If the state/district is unwilling to fund it they sometimes have limited options and the onus is on the parent to provide extras for their child..that includes fees for programs/activities they want to participate in...that is the reality of being a parent too.

 

[mjkacmom]

What about a child who is looking to further their education in musical theater?

My son is in 7th grade. He has been doing community theater since he was 6. He started with no experience as part of the ensemble and has gained a lot of experience. He has since added voice training and now has had many leads in community theater.

Now he is in 7th grade, the school musical is 7-12 grades. This is his 1st year doing a school musical. He was given a main part (not the lead) and there are many seniors in the ensemble. Honestly, he would have been happy with any part but he also looks at the roles he gets as padding his resume because he plans to go to a competitive Theater Arts University.

Should he have been given a lesser role because he is the youngest person who was cast? He was the only 7th grader to even get into the show.

I think the goal is to put on the best show possible.

This is a good point. I'm so glad roles are assigned based on talent here (and for choir, solos are assigned that way, as well). Those who are going to take theater more seriously will want to pad their resumes, and they are the ones with natural talent, who will seek outside training (you have to audition in to get a spot with our voice coach). If you are charging admission to a performance, you better try to make it as good as possible.

Having ensembles is a great way to include those who want to participate, who might not have what it takes for a lead or supporting role.

 

[ccgirl]

OP here. Wow! I had no idea this topic would generate so much controversy. To answer some of the questions in the last few pages:

- The musical is offered as an after school enrichment activity. The school offers several others including chess, science, and creative writing. Outside groups come in and teach the classes. The school only provides the classroom space and advertises to students. Payment is made directly to the outside groups.

- There are other opportunites for the kids in the school to perform. We still have performing arts teachers who spend an hour a week with each class. They put on performances at the end of the year.

- If a child really wants to do the play or some other after school program, our PTO has money available for schlorships. All the parents have to do is ask.

- If there are more kids than roles (which did happen this year), the directors work it out in several ways. Large roles are double-cast. Every chorus kid might not be in every chorus number to keep from over-crowding the stage. I was looking at the cast list today. A group of 19 kids will be in the NYC number. A different group of 20 kids will be in another number. It cuts their stage time a little, but gives everyone a chance to do a big musical number.

- Despite the $120 fee, plenty of kids signed up (65 - some with two or three kids from the same family). The kids get 3 hours of after school activity time each week, and they get to do a large-scale production. Those of us who signed up find real value in that. I think the price is reasonable. The same arts group does a summer show in a much shorter time period (only 4 weeks, but with longer rehearsals). The cost for that is $405. For the experience my son gets, I also find that to be reasonable.

Thanks for the clarification. That is exactly what I thought.

I am very thankful that I live in an area where we value that part of our children's education enough to work hard and keep our programs in place.

The fact is that unless you live in an extremely low-income area, fund raisers that are well planned WILL work. Whether its selling, providing a service or asking area businesses for donations, it just takes working for it.

I don't think that anyone should be forced to do anything, but I would find it a sad, sad day that a family that wants their child to participate was not given the option to raise the funds to allow that child to do so.

The schools can only do so much and no teacher is going to be able to pay oop for every child not able to afford the fees. Someone will be left out in the cold. Allowing the parents the option of working for those fees would be an easy way to get the child's fees paid.

Simply saying "oh, it doesn't work that way here" and not even offering the parents some way of raising the money just isn't right.

Nobody said we didn't value our children's education. Please read above. It is an after school activity not sponsored by the school. Similar to dance, gymnastics etc. They have an in school drama program as well. This is separate from that and requires an extra fee. The PTO has scholarships in place for those that can't afford it. What happens if a parent can't afford dance, voice, gymnastics classes for their child? They don't have them. This is the same thing. It is not a school sponsored event.

 

[WeCantWait]

Thanks for the clarification. That is exactly what I thought.



Nobody said we didn't value our children's education. Please read above. It is an after school activity not sponsored by the school. Similar to dance, gymnastics etc. They have an in school drama program as well. This is separate from that and requires an extra fee. The PTO has scholarships in place for those that can't afford it. What happens if a parent can't afford dance, voice, gymnastics classes for their child? They don't have them. This is the same thing. It is not a school sponsored event.

It's actually quite a bargain for an after school activity. I wish my sons grade school would have had something like this. Instead, I enrolled him at the nearest Community Theater. This involved driving him 20 miles each way, 2 times a week for 3 hours a day. The cost was $700 per show.

 

[marcyinPA]

I am very thankful that I live in an area where we value that part of our children's education enough to work hard and keep our programs in place.

The fact is that unless you live in an extremely low-income area, fund raisers that are well planned WILL work. Whether its selling, providing a service or asking area businesses for donations, it just takes working for it.

I don't think that anyone should be forced to do anything, but I would find it a sad, sad day that a family that wants their child to participate was not given the option to raise the funds to allow that child to do so.

The schools can only do so much and no teacher is going to be able to pay oop for every child not able to afford the fees. Someone will be left out in the cold. Allowing the parents the option of working for those fees would be an easy way to get the child's fees paid.

Simply saying "oh, it doesn't work that way here" and not even offering the parents some way of raising the money just isn't right.

I agree with you, and that is how it is done in my large school district. We are very, very fortunate that the taxpayers in our community value the arts. The district has a very long history of having an excellent performing arts program, and there would be a mutiny if it were axed. In fact, band in our schools is as big, if not even a little bigger, than football.

 

[mjkacmom]

I agree with you, and that is how it is done in my large school district. We are very, very fortunate that the taxpayers in our community value the arts. The district has a very long history of having an excellent performing arts program, and there would be a mutiny if it were axed. In fact, band in our schools is as big, if not even a little bigger, than football.

But it sounds like this really isn't a school sponsored activity, even though it's held in the school. Our community theater program is similar - practices are in the schools, it's offered up to the students (ie - you can't participate if you don't live here), but it's not the same as choir, band, orchestra, or the HS play. Our taxpayers value the arts, and pay a huge amount! We have an excellent award winning music program. However, the community theater program doesn't get funded through the school.

 

[luvsJack]

No it is not true that fund raisers work everywhere but low income areas..I think you have rose colored glasses on there but that is neither here nor there. Although again..as I have said and many others have said they work very hard to accommodate kids whenever possible if the parents can't pay the fee. However it is a reality of life that if you can't pay for, you can't have it. It happens, it sucks but it happens. Nobody wants that to happen but they also can't put on a fundraiser for a handful of kids either.

I think there is possibly an area where we might not be connecting..I support art and music class while the kids are in school..that is valuable. I support PE for athletics during school, also valuable.

What the OP is speaking of is an AFTER SCHOOL enrichment program..IMO it is great when a school can offer them without fee but it is extremely reasonable to offer an after school activity for a fee. The kids still have arts exposure during school and class plays and anything they choose to do is above and beyond that..like what the OP is talking about.

So I am not sure if you are thinking this is on par with music class or a class play..that is something I value in school but that isn't what we are talking about here. We are talking about a pursuit after school hours..no different IMO than a community theater (charges fees) or league sport (charges fees) or dance class (fees) or music or art lessons (fees). Just because it might be at the school or staffed by teachers doesn't make it the same as a class/activity conducted during school hours. There is a cost involved with after school programs and as such that can translate into a cost to parents sometimes. If the state/district is unwilling to fund it they sometimes have limited options and the onus is on the parent to provide extras for their child..that includes fees for programs/activities they want to participate in...that is the reality of being a parent too.

I did see the OP come back and update and do see that it is an after school enrichment program and so agree that is different than a school sanctioned activity.

But, here is the thing in your arguement, what you are saying now is different than earlier. IF it WAS a school sanctioned activity, you were still saying that the fee was completely fair as the schools have no funds.

Our schools have been without these funds for a very long time. There are very few funds for the school band, choirs, drama dept., art classes etc. We have been working on funding it all ourselves for many years. Maybe that is why it works here, because that is the way it has always been.

Seems to me that with education getting cut more and more; then someone somewhere in the end will have to come up with creative ways to get the funds to fund the programs that you said earlier had been cut.

Thanks for the clarification. That is exactly what I thought.



Nobody said we didn't value our children's education. Please read above. It is an after school activity not sponsored by the school. Similar to dance, gymnastics etc. They have an in school drama program as well. This is separate from that and requires an extra fee. The PTO has scholarships in place for those that can't afford it. What happens if a parent can't afford dance, voice, gymnastics classes for their child? They don't have them. This is the same thing. It is not a school sponsored event.

Again, yes, reading her update makes it a horse of a different color. And I didn't say that you don't value your child's education. I said I am glad that everyone in our area values it enough to work and provide these programs for our students.

If nothing works but saying "oh, well, too bad for those that cannot pay"--speaking of a school sanctioned activity-- then while you may value your child's full education quite a bit; someone is dropping the ball somewhere.

 

[marcyinPA]

But it sounds like this really isn't a school sponsored activity, even though it's held in the school. Our community theater program is similar - practices are in the schools, it's offered up to the students (ie - you can't participate if you don't live here), but it's not the same as choir, band, orchestra, or the HS play. Our taxpayers value the arts, and pay a huge amount! We have an excellent award winning music program. However, the community theater program doesn't get funded through the school.

No, I know. I was just responding to the argument of fundraising for school activities over paying a fee- or whatever that was that I read!

We do have youth community theater here too(but they don't use our schools to practice), and I know that my friend pays a bundle for her daughter to participate. That's the choice she makes. We can't afford that, so my kids just stick with school activities, which are "free", but we have to fund raise for.

I think if someone were flat out destitute, and their child had a real gift for theater, there must be some kind of endowment with these outside theater groups to help families who want to participate. Usually all it takes is asking!