With the start of the new school year, many of you are anxiously looking forward to auditioning for your school play or musical.
Hopefully, the opportunities presented to you will be a perfect fit for your talents. Hopefully, you go to a school with a great drama department that brings out the best in its students and provides ample performance opportunities. Hopefully, your drama teacher will cast shows based purely on talent. Hopefully. You should always keep in mind the five ‘Ps’ when navigating the school drama world.
PRACTICE – Showing up to class and doing your homework is only the first step. Most school stars continue their theatrical studies outside of the classroom. Private lessons, non-school classes & theatre camps are all potentially wonderful places to develop your skills. Also, don’t forget to read and familiarize yourself with shows that have parts for you. For example, the StageAgent PartFinder™ tool is a great way to learn about shows that you should know about.
PUSH – Often drama teachers give students the chance to have input on the choice of show your school will put on. Speak up and make sure to advocate shows that have good roles for you.
POPULARITY – Casting decisions are often not decided purely on talent. When in doubt, the popular kid usually wins out. Putting on a show is an intense social experience. It’s easier for the
director and the cast if the performers playing the lead roles are well liked. Be social. Make friends. Don’t be catty. You want as many of your peers to root for you as possible.
POLITICS – Related to popularity is politics. Politics can rear its ugly head in many ways. For example, if you had the lead role in a previous school show, the director might want to give someone else the opportunity to be the lead role in future shows. Further, you want people to respect you. If you are viewed as a person with questionable morals or you are suffering academically, the director will be forced to think twice before casting you.
PARENTS – Unfortunately, you can’t control your parents. However, you will be given a huge advantage if you are lucky enough to have parents who volunteer to help with productions. Directors are often overworked and overstressed. If the director can cast a student with helpful parents, the director is essentially getting two for the price of one.