Re: the comment how real 13 year olds had input during workshops -- kids at that age SELDOM have a realistic view on their lives and those around them. they are too egocentric to be able to be objective. What you see with the show is the PERCEPTION of teens that are affected by negative social issues. If the "cool" kids were asked/contributed, you'd see entirely different stereotypes.
I DO think it would be near impossible to have ANY show of all young teens to ever seem totally 'professional'. When you have a few younger people around seasoned professionals, MOST will rise to the occasion. Here, you have more of a school setting: sure the adults are being professional...but they are like the teacher and there is a clear division. I don't doubt that the kids worked hard, nor do I doubt there must have been talent on stage. Just having good ingredients, doesn't make for a gourmet meal.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.