One of the biggest questions we get from parents is “How do you go about casting?” The answer is both simple and complicated – we consider the needs of every individual child. There are “talented kids” abound which are so fun to watch! But what we look for is more about attitude, courage to put themselves “out there” and their own individual need – will this be a life-changing moment for a particular child even though they can’t sing on pitch or get the dance moves right away? After much thought and many conversations, our team finalizes the casting.
On casting day the students (and teachers if we are being honest here) come in full of nerves, anticipation and the highest expectations (everyone young girl dreams of being Belle). For obvious reasons there will be some disappointment, but if we are doing our jobs correctly your young people can gain some of the most valuable life skills in just this one day. We want them to celebrate their personal successes, but not at the expense of others’ feelings. It can also be challenging for some who don’t get the news they want, and it is more than okay to feel those feelings. We encourage them, through our own personal stories, to feel, accept and move forward with joy in the role that our staff has carefully chosen for them.
Our job is to find that just right part for each cast member that is going to both challenge them and set them up for success. Their job is to embrace their role and give it their 110 percent effort. Your job is to support us both as we create an ensemble performance that will not disappoint and a process that could very well be life changing.
“Success is just focusing all of your attention on the thing that you do and love without having a claim or attachment to an outcome.”
