My son just got the lead in his school play!

[supportivemom]

Posted: 11/28/07 at 11:36pm

The good news is, my son just got the lead in his school play. He is playing the old man in "The Chairs". It's pretty much only a two person cast. This is quite an accomplishment because he goes to a very competitive performing arts school and he's only a sophomore. The bad news is- he has to shave his head for the part- the director wants him to be bald! He's handling it very well and was making jokes that if he shaves his eye brows, he could get a lot of sympathy as a cancer patient (before you all start getting on to me- you have to know my son's dark sense of humor, also, I am a cancer survivor so his comments are just a sick joke to deal with the fact that he has to lose his hair- luckily, his hair grows fast because). As yo can tell, I am very proud and nervous for him. There is a lot of dialog to memorize (which I will be helping him with) and this on top of all his honors classes. This weekend, my daughter competes at thespians and the following weekend, my son does. Now you know why I call myself supportivemom!

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 11/28/07 at 11:43pm

Congrats to your whole family!

[DG]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:00am

"Memories - like the corners of my mind . . ."

Good for him and you and yours, SupMom!

I could go into a whole rant about how I didn't have the support, but that's not the issue here.

Except to recognize that you DO give the support - and that is a truly wonderful thing

[blueroses]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:07am

Congratulations to your son!

[supportivemom]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:10am

DG- I'm sad to learn that you didn't get the support. I know there are many on this board that did not get the support of their parents and that's why I try to be so supportive to everyone. When I was in school, I was a cheerleader and I asked my mom to come watch me at the game. Her reply- "I don't like football". I used to ride to the games with other parents and my mom or dad really didn't do much at my school. I vowed that when I became a parent, I would support my kids in whatever way possible. My husband thinks I spoil them and perhaps I do but both of my kids are very grounded, don't ask for expensive things, don't throw fits if they don't get what they want, and make straight-A's in school. They would hate to know that I'm bragging about them right now- especially my son- but I can't help it- I'm very proud. DG- if it means anything, I'm there for you. mom

[nitsua]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:10am

WOO HOO!

[Liverpool]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:17am

I got cast as buddah in my last play in College and the director wanted me to shave my head. I wasn't thrilled. But it was ok.

[supportivemom]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:20am

Yeah, I'm not thrilled with the shaved head either but my son is okay with it. He hates attention (can you believe a theatre major not liking attention) as he is more of an observer. He's already prepared for the kids to tease him. He's going to cut his hair in baby steps so he can get used to the shortness. Luckily, we live in Fl so he won't get cold. My daughter's Bat Mitzvah is in March- hopefully, his hair will look okay for the family pictures (okay- I know that's shallow but I AM human). mom

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:24am

He always has the option not to shave his head and let somebody else have the part.

[DG]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:24am

Okay, I admit it - this thread has made me cry.

I KNOW that's not THAT unusual, but . . . well, whatever!






And SupMom - some people think bald boys are hot.

WHAT?!?!? I'm just sayin'

[supportivemom]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:31am

Namo- he wants to do the part. I'm the one having the problem with the shaved head! He's only 15. When I was in high school, I lost half of my hair due to radiation treatments- so I know how kids can be. Luckily, he's in a school where the kids understand what you have to do for roles. This is a phenomenal opportunity for him. What's funny is that he is always the class clown- he's extremely funny- well beyond his years- yet he always gets cast in the highly dramatic parts. Again- very proud of him! P.S. DG, I loved Yul Brenner and Telly Savalas. I also love Patrick Stewart- Jean Luc Picard- sexy! mom

[StageManager2]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:33am

Why doesn't he just wear this?

[supportivemom]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:36am

I don't think the director will allow him to wear a bald cap. I guess he's a method actor. The character in the show is 97 years old. He's taking the actors to nursing homes to observe. When my father in law died at 92, he had a full head of grey hair. My son said he will follow the vision of the director. What a great kid! mom

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:44am

That acceptance of collaboration is key to the art of theater! He's well on his way to being a serious artist, not just some star.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:47am

Congratlations Mom. Ionesco in high school!And that script is a bitch. He will need all your support just to learn the lines. Must be a very bright kid.

However, the director sounds a bit frightening. What adult teacher would make a 15 year old kid shave his head to play an old man in a school play? Like shaving his head is going to make him any more believable as a 97 year old?
If he WANTS to that is one thing.
But I really question the stability of a teacher that would expect or even ask a child to do that.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:49am

Oh poo. It's Method. And it will certainly look way more awesome than baby powder in his hair. This is obviously one very serious performing arts school, not the kind of frowsy place where Hot Lunch Jam breaks out in the cafeteria.

[DG]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:50am

"I really question the stability of a teacher that would expect or even ask a child to do that."

I have to agree with this - it IS just a school production.

But your son's willingness says a lot - and you seem to be listening.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:52am

I would expect nothing less from a student who wants to be an actor but is so serious he doesn't like attention.

[DG]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:57am

But I still would have LOVED a 'Hot Lunch Jam' in my school cafeteria - if I had stayed on campus for lunch, that is

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:58am

The last drama teacher that I knew that made kids do **** like that was also sleeping with them. I am serious.

It was a control thing. Make them committed to the "art", PROVE what sacrifices you are willing to make for your "art".You are the ONLY boy who could play this role.. Come over for a "special one on one rehearsal", "We need to go to the city to see this show that I KNOW will change your life,and we will just spend the night there and drive back in the morning since the show will get out late and I will be too tired to dive..."

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:59am

Then again you're a demonstrated flibbertygibbit and not a serious artiste like me and mom's son.

[DG]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 1:01am

Namo - flibbertygibbits can also be serious artists - look at Meryl!

And Sueleen - that was an . . . 'interesting' note to add to the procedings. I'm sure there is precedence, but honestly . . .

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 1:03am

And as DG said, bald can be very hot.


Red Flags...

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 1:04am

Even if he is only 15.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 1:10am

I had sex with my drama teacher in high school and he said none of those things to me. In fact, when casting for Midsummer Night's Dream senior year he only gave me Thisby when clearly I should have been Bottom.