Auditions on Xmas Day

[elimeyer]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 11:31pm

I was very distressed to get my Backstage Audition notices today and see that there are Auditions being help on Tuesday and Wednesday, this coming week. On these two days, Jews the world over observe Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish New Year.

Is there NO respect? Even Public Schools give these days as Teachers work days out of deference to the Jewish teaching staff.

I am wondering what the outcry would be if there were EPA Auditions or a Casting Call on Christmas Day!

I am not asking the whole world to be Jewish, but to show some sign of respect to people who would not be able to attend because of religious beliefs on a MAJOR Holiday.

If I am not mistaken, a MAJOR show - still playing - held their final callbacks two years ago on Yom Kippur, the Holiest day of the Jewish year, which DID draw fire from all three Newspapers in NY.

As an observant Jew, I am saddened by this lack of sensitivity. Or, did someone just not have the sense to look at a Calendar?

[meagan9848]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 12:08am

...you can't succeed on Broadway if you don't have any Jews...

[elimeyer]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 12:12am

See, even the infamous Monty Python agrees!!!

2 Points meagan9848

[Fosse76]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 12:38am

Fiddler will just do anything to keep Jews out of that show!!! Harvey was a fluke! :o)

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 1:30am

Not to put down the Jews, but I honestly know nothing about any of their holidays as I'm not Jewish, so maybe they don't either. Maybe they just picked whatever days work for them, and unless its brought to their attention, then they won't think anything of it. I don't think schools down here get out for it, at least not colleges.

[Popular]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 1:43am

I can understand your frustration and I'm sorry that you feel disrespected. As a fellow Jew I have a question... if you are cast in a role ... as an observant Jew, how do you manage the inner conflict of having to perform on the Sabbath?

[Tom1071]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 10:12am

Do you think Shoshana calls out of Wicked?

[JustABernieFan]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 11:25am

I'm saddened that the same thing is happening on Christian holidays and see no one complaining about that.

Updated On: 9/30/05 at 11:25 AM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 11:42am

I mean its the same thing with people working on Christmas Day or on Jewish Holidays. I mean people have to work at Walmart on Christmas day or Disney world, etc. They don't even get to share that day w/ their families, same with thanksgiving. Also, we don't really get Easter off from school either.

[JustABernieFan]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 11:46am

Rentboy, thank you. This is exactly what I mean.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 11:50am

Since when is Christmas a religious holiday?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 12:05pm

Well, I mean, Christmas is just sorta religious...

[AndiV]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 12:38pm

well, as for schools being closed...that isn't true across the board. where i grew up schools were never closed for Jewish holidays, due to a smaller Jewish population, i am certain.

but i do agree wtih whoever pointed out that not everyone is off work for Christmas, Easter, etc...

i am curious, too, about the question Popular asked about working on the Sabbath, too...??

[elimeyer]

Posted: 10/6/05 at 5:51pm

Sorry, I took so long to post, was busy with the holidays.

Yes, perhaps when some of you were younger schools were not closed, but since at least the late 90's they have been giving a Teachers Work Day on ROsh HaShanah and Yom Kippur in MOST major metropolotin cities in the U.S.

Regarding Shoshana, I don't even know if she IS Jewish, and if she is, if she is at all Observant. Maybe she will post and tell us!

As for me personally, I am an Observant Jew, meaning that I DO NOT perform Friday nights and Saturdays and all of the Jewish Holidays.

So far this had not been an issue, yes, I have turned down some parts in TV, Film and Stage that were not able to accomodate me, but for the most part, arrangements have been made. I would like to attribute this to the quality of the auditions I give for a particular part and that they are willing to accomodate my special needs in order to have me perform.

I have always believed that "if you are good - nothing else matters". I hold that to be true in all ways of life and living. So go out there, try out for that part and leave it to your talent. Everything else will work itself out.

P.S. I am in the process of forming a Shomer Shabbos Improv Troupe (meaning as a company we observe Jewish custom about performing) and already have about 4 people. Email me if you are interested as well.