Open Forum

We are producing Little Shop of Horrors in the spring. Despite working with the potential vocal director who helped select the show, the same vocal director has decided not to work on the show because of the potential of casting non-black students in the roles of the street urchins.

Our school's population is predominantly white (60%), hispanic (28%) with a minority of Asian/Pacific islanders and multiracial students.

Earlier, a white student challenged me on how I would choose to cast the roles of the urchins. I spoke honestly and stated that I would consider students of color first. The student angrily shot back that the roles had to be black students. As noted, we have a diverse population, but very few students who identify as black. 

I understand that the roles have traditionally been played by black women. I also understand that white students who may be cast in these roles should not sing in a way that reflects or imitates black singers. 

Despite this, I'm expecting challenges from both the student, the vocal director, and the activities director. 

I'm curious to know how other high schools have navigated this. Your ideas, suggestions, and thoughts are welcomed. Thank you.

We are producing Little Shop of Horrors in the spring. Despite working with the potential vocal director who helped select the show, the same vocal director has decided not to work on the show because of the potential of casting non-black students in the roles of the street urchins.

Our school's population is predominantly white (60%), hispanic (28%) with a minority of Asian/Pacific islanders and multiracial students.

Earlier, a white student challenged me on how I would choose to cast the roles of the urchins. I spoke honestly and stated that I would consider students of color first. The student angrily shot back that the roles had to be black students. As noted, we have a diverse population, but very few students who identify as black. 

I understand that the roles have traditionally been played by black women. I also understand that white students who may be cast in these roles should not sing in a way that reflects or imitates black singers. 

Despite this, I'm expecting challenges from both the student, the vocal director, and the activities director. 

I'm curious to know how other high schools have navigated this. Your ideas, suggestions, and thoughts are welcomed. Thank you.

We are producing Little Shop of Horrors in the spring. Despite working with the potential vocal director who helped select the show, the same vocal director has decided not to work on the show because of the potential of casting non-black students in the roles of the street urchins.

Our school's population is predominantly white (60%), hispanic (28%) with a minority of Asian/Pacific islanders and multiracial students.

Earlier, a white student challenged me on how I would choose to cast the roles of the urchins. I spoke honestly and stated that I would consider students of color first. The student angrily shot back that the roles had to be black students. As noted, we have a diverse population, but very few students who identify as black. 

I understand that the roles have traditionally been played by black women. I also understand that white students who may be cast in these roles should not sing in a way that reflects or imitates black singers. 

Despite this, I'm expecting challenges from both the student, the vocal director, and the activities director. 

I'm curious to know how other high schools have navigated this. Your ideas, suggestions, and thoughts are welcomed. Thank you.

We are producing Little Shop of Horrors in the spring. Despite working with the potential vocal director who helped select the show, the same vocal director has decided not to work on the show because of the potential of casting non-black students in the roles of the street urchins.

Our school's population is predominantly white (60%), hispanic (28%) with a minority of Asian/Pacific islanders and multiracial students.

Earlier, a white student challenged me on how I would choose to cast the roles of the urchins. I spoke honestly and stated that I would consider students of color first. The student angrily shot back that the roles had to be black students. As noted, we have a diverse population, but very few students who identify as black. 

I understand that the roles have traditionally been played by black women. I also understand that white students who may be cast in these roles should not sing in a way that reflects or imitates black singers. 

Despite this, I'm expecting challenges from both the student, the vocal director, and the activities director. 

I'm curious to know how other high schools have navigated this. Your ideas, suggestions, and thoughts are welcomed. Thank you.

We are producing Little Shop of Horrors in the spring. Despite working with the potential vocal director who helped select the show, the same vocal director has decided not to work on the show because of the potential of casting non-black students in the roles of the street urchins.

Our school's population is predominantly white (60%), hispanic (28%) with a minority of Asian/Pacific islanders and multiracial students.

Earlier, a white student challenged me on how I would choose to cast the roles of the urchins. I spoke honestly and stated that I would consider students of color first. The student angrily shot back that the roles had to be black students. As noted, we have a diverse population, but very few students who identify as black. 

I understand that the roles have traditionally been played by black women. I also understand that white students who may be cast in these roles should not sing in a way that reflects or imitates black singers. 

Despite this, I'm expecting challenges from both the student, the vocal director, and the activities director. 

I'm curious to know how other high schools have navigated this. Your ideas, suggestions, and thoughts are welcomed. Thank you.