I agree with donna -- stage parents ACK!!! I am also in
elementary, so for me, I believe that if a child wants a part,
they should get a part -- no matter how small or "insignificant"
it may seem. And then, it is my job to make that child and
parent feel that their part is the most important of the program. :)
That said, I DO NOT BELIEVE that for high school. Personally, I
would make sure th explanation for auditions is in writing --
and then make sure you stick to it. Explain how many parts you
need -- and what you will expect from each part -- and if you
can, set up a rubric of what you want and set up a point value.
Then, get about three or four other teachers to help you judge
-- make sure they understand that point system.
Think about how they decide things on project runway -- they
"score the designs" -- as Heidi says.
This way, parents do not think that the "scoring" is so
subjective. Then when they call -- you say "the maximum score
for this audition is ...... and your child earned a ....." --
and explain that there were other people who earned higher scores.
OH! And if you really don't want to "deal" with them -- take
yourself out of the judging. Work with the talent -- but have
other teachers actually judge the auditions. :) Be the "Tim
Gunn" rather than the "Michael Cors" :)
And, then, as Donna says -- develop a "thick" skin. Also, and
again, this is just my opinion -- make sure you can have a
"behind the scenes" staff. I know from working in TV -- the
most important people are sometimes the ones behind the scenes.
After all, if no one worked the camera, how would you see that
replay? Those stage and audio people can be very valuable --
and they can learn a new skill at the same time. :)
Good luck!
kitmusic/OK
1996 - 2008. All Rights Reserved. Please review our