I feel your pain. I own a dance studio in addition to teaching high school theatre. I have 2 kids, both very talented. My son doesn't get the flak that my daughter gets, though. Boys that dance are in high demand, so he is respected for his talents. However, my daughter has had a very similar experience to yours. We have outside people come in for auditions, I make a big deal of sitting with the other parents in the waiting area during the auditions, etc. Still we have the same little whispers here and there, and we have lost some students because of it. There have been several times where she has NOT gotten a role that she truly deserved so that we could keep the piece, but I decided about 2 years ago that being fair meant being fair to her, too.
SO - we have a meeting BEFORE auditions with the parents, and explain what we are looking for (breakdown) for each role, what level of dance the student needs to attain to be considered for each role, and then we talk about fair casting. I have gone so far as to ask outright if my kid should not be cast at all, or should she be treated fairly, as well. Generally, the parents feel that she should be treated fairly, and then it comes down to the fact that everyone wants their kid in a lead role. We can all understand that, but how do we decide who gets it fairly, and what if that happens to be my kid? We have a decent conversation, and they leave hopefully getting it.
On a separate note, I took a workshop this fall at the National Conference, and the fellow who led it does something I definitely want to start doing this year. He has a few parent nights throughout the year, where theatre parents come in and experience some of the theatre stuff, learn how they can help, and more. ONE of the things he does is have a "Learn about auditions" night. He talks about how auditions are run, what we look for from a show persepctive, maybe a little about our vision for the show, and then he shows 3 videos of different actors playing the same role - like, for example, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone all doing Rose's Turn from Gypsy. Then he asks what if all three of them came in for the audition, who would they cast? He lets them talk about it for a bit, asks them questions like which meets the needs of the show best, which was the one that suited the image of Rose you were looking for, etc. He lets them kind of vote, and then asks what they do with the other 2. :-) All 3 are great, but you can only cast one. That is the same thing we deal with at school.....and it comes down to picking one that best meets the directors vision. He then has 2 kids with prepared songs come in to audition for the musical in front of the parents, does a mock audition, and then asks the parents how they would cast those 2. I think this is an incredibly valuable tool!!!! Hope this helps!!!
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Tracy Friswell-Jacobs
Theatre Teacher
Middletown DE
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2019 10:36
From: Crit Fisher
Subject: Family Affair
Hello all,
I have a situation that has gotten increasingly worse and hope that you can help by sharing any similar experiences.
Here is the set up. I have been in theatre since I was young. I have produced, performed, directed and designed many productions throughout my career. My children were bit at an early age. At age seven, my daughter could run any standard lighting board and was quite a help during focus days.
They both are older now, 11th and 8th grade respectively. They have invested in their craft through workshops, seminars and years of vocal and dance training.
Six years ago I got the dream job as designer for a storied high school theatre in the community. As a kid growing up I attended many shows, and though at a neighboring high school, always wanted to be a part of their magic, and I got my chance.
My daughter now attends this high school, and has been for the last three years. My son is going to a different highs school.
Anyway, it started her freshman year and has continued through her junior year, the whispers that she get her roles because I work at the theatre. I am not a part of the audition process and make sure that I am not in the building during the auditions. It puts me in a very precarious position and her even more. She has earned a few leading roles but has also been in the ensemble or as dance captain. The director, I assure you, casts the best people based on the auditions and does not play favorites.
I, in my mind think and know, this happens in any sport, club and even in the workplace.
My daughter takes 3.5 hours of dance and an hour of vocal coaching every week to refine her talents.
Anyone else been in a similar situation? Would love for you to share.
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Crit Fisher
Lighting/Sound Designer
New Albany High School
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