Excuse me, folks, while I let out some frustration here.

We're a dozen rehearsals out from opening night and I'm having some problems with my bunch (that's 27 kids, aged 5-16, btw).  We're doing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!, a play selected not only because it's a great story, but also because of the ease of costuming (present day clothing).  The kids were to put together their own "kid" costume, and I'm doing the costumes for the "pageant".  Costume deadline is Oct. 30.  I'm concerned because I now have kids coming up to me saying they don't have anything to wear ... even one of the kids playing a Herdman!

Some of my older kids are just now telling me they might miss tech week because of sports conflicts.  (I'm working with the parents to work on the coach about this one.)  The missed rehearsals because of sports are one thing, but when they simply forget or a parent calls and tells me her 1st grader has too much homework to do to make it to rehearsal it really gets my goat. 

I have actors who don't know their lines (or line, in some cases) and others who are too busy exploring the air in front of them to realize everyone else in the scene has left the stage.  Others can't sit still even if you've glued them to the chair.

I know what some of you are thinking:  "You took it on yourself taking on 27 kids", "Been there; done that", "You still have 12 rehearsals and you're already that far?!  Wow", or "I'll be right over with the vodka and a dry shoulder."

I'm not a novice at this ... I've worked with kids in plays for 20 years, I taught for 10 years ... and, for the most part, this play has been a great experience for everyone.  Even the community has been wonderful about pitching in.  A secondhand store the next town over has been very generous in donating anything I need (Just give us a call and we'll put it aside for you) and a community member played props mistress for me.  Everyone for 50 miles around is hyped about the show and we may have to schedule an extra performace. 

I don't want it to come off looking like the little "reader's theatre" plays that they do here in 4th grade or the holiday concerts where the little ones are waving to Mommy and Daddy in the audience.  A community play has not been done in this town in over 20 years, and no one has ever mentioned if a children's play has ever been attempted.  A lot of these kids really have talent, but they've never had the opportunity to show it.  (Even I'm afraid of Imogene and Gladys ~ they're that good!)

Okay ... I'm done.  Anyone care to comment?!  I'd welcome other horror stories or some sage advice. 

I would say that missing rehearsal during tech week is an absolute "no-no"; however, that probably had to have been said at the beginning.  At this point, I think you're stuck and can only do what you can do.  This experience ought to give you a wonderful list you can pass out next year (particularly to parents) of the responsibilities and expectations for the show and emphasize that your aren't just filling the air.  We are living at a time when parents expect that their children should be allowed to do everything that strikes their fancy whether the kids have the time or inclination.  These same parents schedule their kids entire summer and every spare minute at other times of the year.  Having said that, I know that parents have to be involved and actively supporting the show right from the beginning if the show is to be a success in terms of your goals.  As for the first grader with too much homework, I would be inclined to try to find out if this is true and, if it is, call out the dogs on that teacher or that principal or that school system.  No wonder kids hate school.

We (my wife and I) are cuurently directing Pageant due to open the day after Thanksgiving.  At auditions we made it very clear that "we own you during tech week".  My exact words.  I don't know yet if we'll have problems when we get closer, but so far, so good. I know this is also closing the barn door after the horse, but something to keep in mind. 

By the way, Juror #3 makes a good point re:homework.  The rule of thumb is usually concidered 10 minutes per subject per grade.  First grade times two subjects should be no more than 20 minutes of homework.


P.S   I bet our Imogene and Gladys are better than yours LOL 

Thanks everyone!  I'm feeling better now.

I did inform everyone up front about attendence during tech week.  Out here in the boonies 4H, FFA, and sports are the important things.  No one has ever considered any of the arts important.  I like the idea of a contract and next time, though, a contract WILL be issued and signed by all parties. 

I also like the idea of the parents being there ... in another room, of course.  Sometimes I'll only need a little one for a quick run-though of their scene and it would help to be able to get them out from under foot.  Thankfully most of them live within 100' of the church/theatre so I can send them out the door and watch them walk home.  If they live any farther, I have a friend's 16-yr-old drive them.  (I'll buy her a car as a thank you .... Hot Wheels, of course!)

suzecue ... Where's the child welfare?

castMe ... I'll take that bet!

As far as taking on the little ones;  it's what I do.  I now know, though, who I can count on for the next show and who I don't even bother to photograph for my files at the next audition.  ROFLOL  I think I'll send them home from the next rehearsal all sugared up.  What do you think?!

POB  you didn't audition for me.  I guarantee you would have been cast.  We had only 6 adults try-out for ten roles.  No problem, though.  Went to Plan "B".  Triple cast a young adult male as two men and a women, and tracked down another fireman.  Used most of the boys, but the girls were tougher.  Had 15 or 20 real possibles for 4 or 5 fairly large parts. Strong girl audition, really.

Nanette...........about the bet...........my sincerest wish is we feel the same way about our casting the day after we close. 


Have fun.