One reader asked if upperclassmen at the high school will be cast in the lead roles. The short answer is "possibly."
In the thirty-some shows I have been involved in at APHS we have never cast a person based on their grade in school. Factors that figure into the casting equation are talent, physical ability, responsibility, experience, ability to work in a group, and how well the person fits the role. Of course a musical complicates the mix by adding singing and dancing to the list. A freshman who has the skills is every bit as likely to be cast as a senior. An upperclassman might have an advantage are in some areas since they have had more time to practice, but that depends on the person.
One thing that everyone needs to keep in mind (and I think this probably applies in many areas of life) is that there are only so many parts in a show. No matter how many of you out there have dreamed of being Dorothy, we can only cast one. This can lead to bad feelings and sour grapes if you are one of the runners-up. Folks who are successful in the long run always give it their best shot at auditions, but also pick themselves up and try again if casting doesn't go the way they hoped.
Another important factor is to stay involved! If you don't get a part you want, join in and help in another way. A person who shows their flexibility by working behind the scenes when they're not cast in a stage role has a leg up in the areas of responsibility, experience, ability to work in a group when the next show comes along. Contrast that with a person who doesn't get a lead and refuses to play a small part or participate in another way. Can you say "Diva?" The person who turns into a great performer works hard and learns about all aspects of theatre life; dealing with disappointment is a big one.
Another reader asked how the production will affect the Algonquin musical.
From the time we first decided on WOz, we conceived it as a district-wide production. We hope as many folks as possible will get involved. Algonquin will still be doing its own show next season as is the tradition. We are currently thinking about ways to integrate middle schoolers into the mix, so if you have a good idea, we would love to hear it!
That's all for today! Keep those comments coming!
will the middle schoolers actually be on stage in the production or will they be helping out like the rest of the district?
ReplyDeleteI hope we can put some middle schoolers on stage. That said, we will inevitably have some scheduling conflicts between the rehearsal schedules of Oz and the MS musical, so on-stage presence of middle schoolers may be limited by that factor.
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