Monopolization of Student Theatre
Monopolization of Student Theatre
IfOnlyIDefiedGravity
Swing Joined: 3/18/08
#1Monopolization of Student Theatre
Posted: 4/5/08 at 6:55pm
Anyone else feel that theatre is generally monopolized, student theater, I mean?
(French class has screwed up my English grammar, sorry. LOL)
I went for hte Peter Pan auditions (as everyone knows) and everyone got a callback. And everyone read, etc.
And the same list of people that has been on the summer musical cast for the past 4 years has gotten in.
I understand doing osmething you love, I really do....But I'd also like to see a rule where, if you get a part, you can't audition the following year.
Brilliant Laundry Cartist
#2re: Monopolization of Student Theatre
Posted: 4/5/08 at 9:19pmwell, then its unfair to the people who got in the show, them not being able to participate. Yeah, school theater is monopolized, it happens far and wide across this nation, its a travesty to those not on "the list"
Fear no more the heat o' the sun,
Nor the furious winter's rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone and ta'en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
~Cymbeline
#2re: Monopolization of Student Theatre
Posted: 4/6/08 at 12:32am
Well, I understand that schools are supposed to be a learning environment, but what kind of lesson would that teach you when transitioning into the real world of theatre. I worked my ass off in my high school to get where I am. I've been training in musical theatre since I was 5 or 6, so credit is due where it's owed. It's not fair to those who have worked for the role to have to give it up because someone doesn't get cast as often. Normally the people who get the roles get them for good reasons. The director can trust them, they do their work and they do it well.
You can't just be like...
Oh Shoshana was in a lot of shows this year, they should make a rule so she can't work this year.
Makes no sense. School is supposed to prepare you for the real world and unfortunately theatre is 99.9% rejection. If you get upset over not getting 1 role, you're probably not tough enough for the business. You take it in, learn from it and work harder. No complaining no excuses.
Little-Lotte
Leading Actor Joined: 4/27/06
#3re: Monopolization of Student Theatre
Posted: 4/6/08 at 1:24am
I can understand the originally poster's gripe though I don't agree that people should be forbidden to do shows a season after they had a role.
There are those people who get roles and CLEARLY are not good enough for them but in the politics of high school theatre, talent doesn't matter 99% of the time. I went to a Catholic high school and I always found it interesting how not only did the assistant director's daughter get lead roles all the time but those who donated lots of money to the school did as well. It's a sad truth and it also happens in communitiy theatres as well. If you're not on the "favorites" list...then you're pretty screwed.
#4re: Monopolization of Student Theatre
Posted: 4/6/08 at 1:46am
WELL,
I agree with both sides. I'd never had a lead until this year, and (allow me to have a huge ego for a moment) I'm one of the best singers in our high school. but as for the guys, our best guy is graduating this year, and we won't miss him.
but we've always had the same people in the leads until this year, so it was a lot of fun.
"Makes no sense. School is supposed to prepare you for the real world and unfortunately theatre is 99.9% rejection. If you get upset over not getting 1 role, you're probably not tough enough for the business. You take it in, learn from it and work harder. No complaining no excuses."
how true. I didn't make it into Starlight Theater this year (the best summer theater program around) but I wasn't that upset. I was just like "wow. i REALLY need to learn how to tap dance".
also, i've found that helping with anything helps. Set Crew, costumes, runner, helping with concessions, ANYTHING to get you involved shows the director that even though you may not have gotten the role you wanted or any role at all shows that you are mature enough to handle disappointment and also shows dedication to the program. Hence me doing stage crew this summer at starlight.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I?
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
#5re: Monopolization of Student Theatre
Posted: 4/6/08 at 11:05am
Doing crew is also a great idea. I was in my once a semester theatre production class a few days ago and our teacher was telling us that when you move to New York, one of the best things to do is to (in addition to looking for auditions) also look for casting companies who need production assistants for the day. This will get you known to some of the best casting agencies, and while you're there you can tell them you're an actor and ask if at the end of the day, if you would be able to audition.
Getting coffee for a casting agent or sorting screws for the technical director might get you a great audition!
#6re: Monopolization of Student Theatre
Posted: 4/6/08 at 3:09pmExactly. You don't need to preform of show off to make connections. People will remember a kind thing longer then you think.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I?
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
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