parent trouble

ok. ive been making a living for quite a few years being an ensemble member in a touring company living out of a suitcase not paid all that much never in the same town for more than a week situation... and i absolutely love it, every once in a while i take a break and do some local stuff, plus a few very minor roles in commercials. My parents think that this sort of living is "low". they think that i should turn down job offers unless the part is big and will get me noticed. well, unlike the other millions of people in the musical theatre buisiness, i dont like being noticed. i find it very nerve racking and stressful to know that sometimes hundreds of people are watching me if i mess up. I hate singing solo unless its only in front of a few people... auditions for example. I love being an ensemble member because i still get to do what i love im just not front and center for everyone to see, but my parents really dont approve and refuse to see a performence until i have 'a role worth their 2 hours' or am on Broadway, and havent seen me perform since i was in highschool... i guess im just sort of hurt that they can be so selfish when i am happy with my career at this point in time... has anyone else ever been in this situation before? any ideas how i can get them to be just a little more supportive?

I'm really sorry that your parents aren't supportive of your career, but you have to do what is right for you. If you love being in the ensemble, do it. The ensemble is essential to any show, and I'm sorry your parents can't see that. I don't know what you can do except try to explain that you have what you want and that living like that is not failing at all.

Updated On: 8/10/04 at 07:43 PM

As a parent all I can say is, "Wow." To have a kid who is healthy, happy, and employed doing something that makes him happy. Really, what more could someone want.

This kind of thing breaks my heart. Hell, I'll come see your show.

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I'm with DGrant, I was ANGRY when I read that. It certainly sounds like it is more about them and their egos than you and your happiness. (MY child is STARRING in......) You should be proud you have achieved what you have, and surely you know that there are many who would be THRILLED to have accomplished what you have.

It is a simple fact of life that some of us just don't get what we need or want from our parents. Guess it's just one of our personal trials in this life.

I'm also with Iflitifloat. *I'll* come see your show. There's many of us who live in the hinterlands, let us know where you'll be and maybe you'll find a fan waiting at the stagedoor some night!

Which show are you in? I want to say I know who someone is in the playbill! I would like to see you.

NoDay, how sad for your parents. You are on your own and doing what you love to do, no parent could ever ask for anything more. Heck I'll go and cheer you on! PM me with a scheduel and I'll see what I can do!
Barbara

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awwwwww thanks everyone this thread made my day at this moment i dont have a secure job in anything, i have a call back soon for a small role in a touring company of jesus christ superstar but also was offered the role of an ensemble member/eponine's understudy in les miserabes... all i can say about that is YIKES! i'll be like hyperventilating backstage if i ever had to do that understudying... hmmmm i am such a head case i really should get over this stage fright thing im in the theatre buisiness for goodness sake.. anyone have any tips? which role would you chose... ensemble in les mis or jesus christ superstar?

thanks again for all your support

Ensemble in Les Mis w/ Eponine understudy. That way you can be in the ensemble, and give a try at a bigger role when they need you.


As for being in an ensemble, it is very important. Without them, who would dance with Millie in the speakeasy? Who would help Bobby in the gospel chorus in "Run Freedom Run"? Who would help welcome Tracy and her mother to the 60s? Who would tap dance with Peggy on 42nd Street? It might as well be you, someone who enjoys what she is doing. Go for it...not a lot of people can say they actually enjoy their job.

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Updated On: 8/10/04 at 09:47 PM

HAHAHA! You brought back hysterical memories, Kitkat! What a good show.

Updated On: 8/10/04 at 09:50 PM

The ensemble is way more fun to watch, they get to do all the dancing. Go for the Les Miz role, you can try something big but still be in the emsemble.

That makes two of us chrous girls!! Yay, go us!

NoDayButToday2, you sound like you have a good head on your shoulders. (I can't say much more that's already been said.)

As for Les Miz, the two Eponine understudy tracks are pretty interesting in and of themselves -- one is the crazy rag woman in "Look Down," ("I know what you give, give 'em all the pox...") and the other does generally do AS much, but I saw a woman make so much out of her one line in "Turning" that suddenly I wanted to see a musical written all about her.

As much as I hate the cultish following Eponine has, it's a great role to watch a performer really sink her teeth into it.

And if you join the tour, you get to be part of Les Miz's Fayetteville, Arkansas debut!

As a parent myself, I can vouch for how difficult it is to "let go". Especially, when your offspring head down what you perceive to be an insecure path. I can understand, too, the parental "need" for wanting your child to be "all that they can be". It comes with the territory; parents think they know what is best for their kids and sincerely (usually) want them to be happy. That being said, though, parents are just people, too, with their own baggage, unattained dreams, and frustrations. At some point you need to smile, thank them for their advice and their love, and plot your own course. It's time for your own dreams and ambitions and no one knows what makes you tick better than you do. Challenge yourself, though, within your own dreams and ambitions. Sounds like you have God-given talents so grow in how you share them! Good luck!!