My mom is directing the play Aladdin Jr. at my school. So naturally when i try out everyone is all like you willl probally get Jasmine because your mom is the director. But the thing is My mom doesn't get to grade me only the other judges So i do get the Part fair and square. But they seem to not be able to realize that. So far this week people have been flipping me off and calling me cuss words and i hate it. During rehearshal they are all mean to me! I don't get it what did I do. Everyone says that Marissa should have gotten the part cause she is a better actress and singer. Her best friend is trying to start a petition to get me out of the part.What should i do I just feel like Quitting and letting her have the part. What should i do? Should i give up or try to keep the part.
2007-03-14 12:56:09 · 15 answers · asked by Naomi L 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
Don't Quit.
I wish I could say that talking to your mom is the right thing to do - have her say something - but I bet it would do more harm than good with that group of kids. (I'm guessing you are in middle school? if you're older than that - gosh, are the kids in your drama club immature.)
Jealousy is one of the big things you have to deal with as an actor, and they were going to be jealous of you no matter what.
You know... your mom being the director may have influenced you getting the part, but in a way that's good, not unfair; first of all, if your mom is a director you probably have been raised with a certain level of respect, professionalism and a good work approach to theatre. (Obviously Marissa and her buddies are lacking in this.) Either the "judges" who cast it knew this, or something about the way you came in to the audition made them realize you had that extra maturity.
Talent doesn't have everything to do with who gets what. I highly doubt marissa is a better actress and singer than you (although I'm sure in her eyes she is.) But even if she is, that kind of awful diva attitude would make her a nightmare to work with (as you've found out, since she and her friends are in the ensemble.) and that counts for a lot. Plenty of amazing actors, including big celebrities, lose jobs all the time because people know they are "difficult." Is she older than you? because maybe the people in the dept have already had a taste of her immaturities, and don't want her dragging other people down. An actor with a terrible attitude can wreck a show. Look at you; you're already a wreck, and you're letting her get to you. I'm so sorry.
You've got to find a way to be yourself and stay in the part, and rise above them. Gosh, I know it's so hard; it's hard at any age, but especially at yours because your friends and the group of people you are in are so important. I wish I could tell you it has an easy solution but it doesn't. For instance, I'm the girl who let it get to me. 9th grade, I showed up at the auditions for the 1st play and out of nowhere became the only freshman who got a callback (for the lead.) I walk into the callbacks and the room gets silent, a junior turns her head, nastiliy looks at me, smiles, and says :" oh. You're the girl who got called back for GWEN's Part." gwen being your marissa - the popular, talented queen of the drama scene. I let it rattle me, and didn't do my best read at the callback and didn't get the part.
Stay focused on yourself as much as you can. Try to make friends with the guys (they probably don't even know or care really about the Marissa drama) and be incredibly nice to everyone in the cast, especially those that don't seem to be in the Marissa clique. If kids are also doing crew work, bust your bottom being that girl that shows up and helps with everything and is incredibly nice and sweet . Don't give them one single reason to feel justified other than their own jealousy and nastiness. Learn your blocking and lines down pat, offer to help anyone who wants to work on their scene - everything. In other words, be the anti-diva. And get some confidence in yourself - you got the part because you were the best. Period.
If the teachers notice, they are probably going to sit you all down and have a "talk" which may or may not help; I wouldn't fuss. Try not to respond. Pretend you don't notice the cuss words, or you think it's directed at someone else. Bring a book or homework so you look busy during rehearsal. Try to take a break before rehearsal (if it's right after school) go for a run, drink some juice, something to be by yourself and clear your head and get away from the gossip and the meanness.
This is just so awful, I'm really sorry.
2007-03-14 13:59:40 · answer #1 · answered by lalabee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this is an issue for an adult authority figure to deal with. It is really NOT ok for the other cast members to treat you like that, and it's going to affect your rehearsals and performances if it continues. You won the part fair and square and you need not feel guilty about it. The first rule of theatre is that the show comes first and personal gripes don't interfere. However, as the other kids' peer, you don't have the power to stop the behavior.
Ideally, the director should talk to your cast about this, but since they're accusing your mom of nepotism, she's probably not the best person for the job. Talk to her about it first, and ask if there's another adult (the choreographer? musical director? one of those other judges?) who can have a chat with everyone. Be persistent and keep asking for help if the problem continues.
You are not at fault here, so do make sure that you don't compound the problem by rubbing it in with the others. Now is the time for you to be humble and grateful for your great part, and to let your teachers fix the bullying.
2007-03-14 13:35:58 · answer #2 · answered by waldy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look, this is a common phenomenon among anything competitive in school! But this is especially true in theater. It is understandable that people are suspicious because your mom if directing the show, but I promise, for the most part the jealousy and cattiness will pass. When people see that you actually deserve the part (once practices begin) they will forget about their animosities toward you. Try to just be very polite and professional. Don't give up! This Marissa girl would never make it in the real acting world, she is acting terribly unethically. I know it doesn't seem like it now, but this is one play, a couple months out of your life, it will pass. Break a leg, and keep a positive attitude!
2007-03-14 15:56:57 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa Y 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NEVER EVER GIVE UP TO SATISFY SOMEONE ELSE. Follow your dreams, if this is a dream for you follow thru with it. If u r suppose to b somewhere else then thats where u will be, but right know u are wanted and needed there for that part/role . Play the role to the best of your ability and make sure u do it with a smile. The business has a lot of jealous people in it, therefore, you cannot worry about what other people think of you or how u got the part, the point is u got it. The judges needed u so u got it, step up and take it!!!
2007-03-14 13:51:08 · answer #4 · answered by busybodie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep the part, its the same everywhere, its called drama, if your going to be an actress you gotta learn to deal with it, let them be upset, over time and through the course of the play they will get over it, they shouldnt hold anything against you especially if you earned the part, i say stick with it and do a wonderful job.
2007-03-14 13:01:36 · answer #5 · answered by tripp j 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, don't quit. It sounds as though you EARNED your part and should enjoy yourself. If their parents cared as much as yours, they would definitely have a better attitude. Tell your mom what is going on, those troublemakers should be replaced.
I would recommend you learn the first lead parts as well, you never know what will happen.
2007-03-14 13:01:04 · answer #6 · answered by ©2009 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep the part, let them be jealous. They are just mad cause your got the part. And if they don't believe you get the judges sheet and give it to those kids.
2007-03-14 12:59:26 · answer #7 · answered by ☮ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
don't give up! if you got the part, then you did. if the people are mean to you, try to ignore it. you can't control what others do, but i'm sure you'll do great. and when people flip you off, smile, wave, or give them the peace sign back. break a leg! (not literally) ;) sylvia
2007-03-14 13:01:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell them what you said here. Say my mom did not judge me so shut up and i got the part fairly :)
2007-03-14 12:59:01 · answer #9 · answered by l∑†s p@®†¥ msg me :)=] 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't give up! If they want to be a sore loser, let them. Just ignore them being mean to you. If you need to, bring up what is being said/done to you with the principal.
2007-03-14 13:09:02 · answer #10 · answered by Banana Slug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋