Open Forum

I'm preparing to send out our cast list tomorrow. I want to include some language for parents to share with kids if they're disappointed in the role they got. I just wasn't sure how lengthy to make it. I don't want that to overshadow the rest of the email. I'll also be including a scene by scene breakdown so they can see when their child will be on stage. The rehearsal schedule will also be included. Does anyone have language they use that they'd be wililng to share that's gone over well with parents? And am I missing anything to include?

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Carla
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We always keep it short and simple.

"While we understand that not everyone will receive the part they hoped for, we are excited to invite you to be a part of this production.  We want you to know that it is okay to be disappointed but we also want to encourage you to take this opportunity to grow and strengthen your craft."

If you want to add a little more you could let parents know to support the students and let them be upset but encourage them to work their hardest to make the most of the opportunity.  I've had students write our their feelings before and discuss it with me if they wanted to.  Ultimately, I always tell my students that people who kill it in the ensemble are forever on my radar when I'm casting in the future.


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Joel King
Atlanta GA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-20-2018 15:10
From: Carla Molina
Subject: Wording for cast list email for school musical

I'm preparing to send out our cast list tomorrow. I want to include some language for parents to share with kids if they're disappointed in the role they got. I just wasn't sure how lengthy to make it. I don't want that to overshadow the rest of the email. I'll also be including a scene by scene breakdown so they can see when their child will be on stage. The rehearsal schedule will also be included. Does anyone have language they use that they'd be wililng to share that's gone over well with parents? And am I missing anything to include?

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Carla
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This is all super helpful. Thank you, all!

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Carla
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-20-2018 21:24
From: Joel King
Subject: Wording for cast list email for school musical

We always keep it short and simple.

"While we understand that not everyone will receive the part they hoped for, we are excited to invite you to be a part of this production.  We want you to know that it is okay to be disappointed but we also want to encourage you to take this opportunity to grow and strengthen your craft."

If you want to add a little more you could let parents know to support the students and let them be upset but encourage them to work their hardest to make the most of the opportunity.  I've had students write our their feelings before and discuss it with me if they wanted to.  Ultimately, I always tell my students that people who kill it in the ensemble are forever on my radar when I'm casting in the future.


------------------------------
Joel King
Atlanta GA

Original Message:
Sent: 12-20-2018 15:10
From: Carla Molina
Subject: Wording for cast list email for school musical

I'm preparing to send out our cast list tomorrow. I want to include some language for parents to share with kids if they're disappointed in the role they got. I just wasn't sure how lengthy to make it. I don't want that to overshadow the rest of the email. I'll also be including a scene by scene breakdown so they can see when their child will be on stage. The rehearsal schedule will also be included. Does anyone have language they use that they'd be wililng to share that's gone over well with parents? And am I missing anything to include?

------------------------------
Carla
------------------------------

I usually say things like "we had a very difficult task of choosing these roles based on the large number of talented people who auditioned."  But the way I always explain our choices is worded: "Our committee chose the performers we felt were best suited for each role".  "If you were not chosen for a lead we encourage you to be a part of the supporting cast in the ensemble."  

We always have the people mad or disappointed because they didn't get what they wanted.  We always have the parents second guessing us.  But on opening night we always hear "oh, that was cast perfectly".  

There's always the initial emotions that students and parents can either control, or lash out with.  I've found there's nothing that will stop that.  That's why I use the words "best suited for the role".  

Good Luck! 

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Chuck Yarmey
Advisor/Technical Director
Wyoming Area Drama Club
Thespian Troupe 4795
Exeter PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-20-2018 15:10
From: Carla Molina
Subject: Wording for cast list email for school musical

I'm preparing to send out our cast list tomorrow. I want to include some language for parents to share with kids if they're disappointed in the role they got. I just wasn't sure how lengthy to make it. I don't want that to overshadow the rest of the email. I'll also be including a scene by scene breakdown so they can see when their child will be on stage. The rehearsal schedule will also be included. Does anyone have language they use that they'd be wililng to share that's gone over well with parents? And am I missing anything to include?

------------------------------
Carla
------------------------------

Original Message------

I'm preparing to send out our cast list tomorrow. I want to include some language for parents to share with kids if they're disappointed in the role they got. I just wasn't sure how lengthy to make it. I don't want that to overshadow the rest of the email. I'll also be including a scene by scene breakdown so they can see when their child will be on stage. The rehearsal schedule will also be included. Does anyone have language they use that they'd be wililng to share that's gone over well with parents? And am I missing anything to include?

------------------------------
Carla
------------------------------

I agree with what is said about posting separately and I usually attach the list.  Also like the idea of disappointed students writing out their feelings. Here is what I just sent out to my students on a closed group ( I used Edmodo).



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Marla Blasko
Director/Teacher Theatre Arts
Long Reach High School
Columbia, Maryland
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-20-2018 15:10
From: Carla Molina
Subject: Wording for cast list email for school musical

I'm preparing to send out our cast list tomorrow. I want to include some language for parents to share with kids if they're disappointed in the role they got. I just wasn't sure how lengthy to make it. I don't want that to overshadow the rest of the email. I'll also be including a scene by scene breakdown so they can see when their child will be on stage. The rehearsal schedule will also be included. Does anyone have language they use that they'd be wililng to share that's gone over well with parents? And am I missing anything to include?

------------------------------
Carla
------------------------------

I send one "Welcome to the cast" email, including information about the first read-through.  I attach the cast/crew list.  I give out copies of the rehearsal schedule at the read-through.  Since I ask for a list of conflicts on the audition form, I don't need to give it to them earlier.

I send a separate "I'm sorry I was not able to cast you" email to students I wasn't able to cast.  I invite them to participate in the production and include ways they can do that: scheduled Saturday work days, run crew, makeup and hair, any tech positions not already filled, and ushers for performances.  And I attach the cast/crew list.

I teach high school, so I don't send anything to parents.  My email is listed on our school website, which allows parents who have concerns to reach out to me.  On the rare occasion that a parent emails about a student not being cast, I try to give the parent something the student can work on for future auditions, or reassure them that the student will be cast in the future if they stick with the program.    


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C. J. Breland
Asheville High School
Asheville NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-22-2018 13:08
From: Marla Blasko
Subject: Wording for cast list email for school musical

I agree with what is said about posting separately and I usually attach the list.  Also like the idea of disappointed students writing out their feelings. Here is what I just sent out to my students on a closed group ( I used Edmodo).

"Thank you for auditioning for Fiddler on the Roof. Please read the attached cast list with grace and maturity. DO NOT REPOST or vent on social media. Also attached is a CAST INFORMATION sheet. Please share with your parent, read, sign the PERMISSION SLIP and return with the $10 cast fee at the FIRST CAST MEETING November 27. I look forward to working with each and every one of you. Please reply 'yes' below that will join the cast."

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Marla Blasko
Director/Teacher Theatre Arts
Long Reach High School
Columbia, Maryland

Original Message:
Sent: 12-20-2018 15:10
From: Carla Molina
Subject: Wording for cast list email for school musical

I'm preparing to send out our cast list tomorrow. I want to include some language for parents to share with kids if they're disappointed in the role they got. I just wasn't sure how lengthy to make it. I don't want that to overshadow the rest of the email. I'll also be including a scene by scene breakdown so they can see when their child will be on stage. The rehearsal schedule will also be included. Does anyone have language they use that they'd be wililng to share that's gone over well with parents? And am I missing anything to include?

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Carla
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