I really can't do this... I'm in way over my head. I tried memorizing the lines, but I can barely remember 1/4 of them.
I have so much going on right now with a few of my AP classes, and I have a lot of social and family issues right now.
What can I do?
What's the best way to back out here?
2007-04-15 10:42:23 · 18 answers · asked by Punk_Angel 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
...and they'll probably have to cancel it if they don't have a lead....
2007-04-15 10:42:57 · update #1
Be honest and upfront. Is there anyone who has understudied or can fill in? If push comes to shove they can always move the date.
After all, as a professional Stage Manager, I would rather have the show go on late, rather then have to cancel it all together because you don't know your part. You owe it you yourself and your cast.
2007-04-15 11:51:43 · answer #1 · answered by Rose 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be very honest and do this soon. If you are going to back out, don't expect anyone to understand for a while, or to take your side. Also don't expect to get another role in anything again at your school. Even if your teacher understands why you have to do this (and be sure that you do HAVE to do this, otherwise it is incredibly unfair), they will probably not trust you with this responsibility again and with good reason.
Think it over very carefully and quickly. Honestly, putting on a show, especially a musical is VERY expensive. Usually several thousand dollars that the school can't afford to just throw away because you decide not to be there. Everyone else will have to work harder and under a lot more stress if you decide to quit. It really isn't fair for anyone for you do quit, as you made a promise when you agreed to do the show. If you feel that you really can't handle it, do what you must.
2007-04-15 11:18:14 · answer #2 · answered by average_american_superhero 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you've gotten yourself in pretty deep. don't know how you'll get out. if i were you, there is no way in heck i could turn down the lead. Have you tried say, recording your lines, and listening to them while you study? Or how about... writing down all your lines, until you can write them without looking at the script? I know your busy, but youve commited. If you stop saying that you can't, and decide that yes, you can do it, I bet you can. You wanted to do this show, right? So why give it up now. And to get the lead... The director must have a great amount of faith in you, and your ability. that means something. So I'd say keep going. I might be able to help you memorize your lines. Just send me an e-mail of the name of the show, and the part, and I'll try my hardest to help you out. Do you really want the show to go down the toobs because of you? You're not the only one working on it. Others have put in time effort, and money. not just you. think how disappointed they would be in you. Oh, and you can't plan on getting another lead ever, if you drop out now. Just plan out your time. don't waste any of it.
dramaqueen_033@yahoo.com
2007-04-15 10:56:38 · answer #3 · answered by three4three 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You put yourself in this by auditioning. If you didn't think that you could do it, then why did you even go out? I'm sorry if I sound rude and accusing but that's the way it is.
I highly doubt that you can get out of it now. What you need to do now is prioritize all of your activities and decide what you can get rid of, either completly or until the show's over. Talk with the director and see if you can work out a schedule (like on MWF you go to play practice and on Tues & Thurs you go to any other things you have). Deal with the social problems later, most likely it will all blow over and it will be back to normal. If your family problems are getting too much for you, you HAVE to talk with the director. They'll probably understand and try to help out if they can.
Make sure that your homework gets done and you get plenty of sleep and "you time". If you can, do it at lunch and whenever you have a few minutes in class. As for your lines, TAKE YOUR SCRIPT WITH YOU EVERYWHERE. Seriously. Ask some of your friends to help you go through the script during lunch, study hall, whenever you have spare time (after your homework is done).
2007-04-15 11:21:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Whatever you do, don't try to lie or cheat your way out of it. These things ALWAYS get around and you ALWAYS get found out, and it ALWAYS has a way of coming back and biting you in the a** when you aren't looking!
So ignore all the advice from people urging you to try to fake a medical condition, or just disappear. No good.
Beyond that, only you can decide if this commitment is important enough to you to be worth salvaging. My guess is that it ISN'T, because otherwise why did you ask us?
2007-04-16 15:28:36 · answer #5 · answered by Sawbuck 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why can't you just get someone that did the play's lead before. I'm sure they could remember the line's again after a little coaxing. This can't be this hard to figure out if your a director. I 've seen directors do the main role in drag if they have to. Just do it.
2007-04-15 14:12:45 · answer #6 · answered by K(old man) 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Truth is always my favorite pollicy- tell them how you feel and if they give you crap about it so what. Pull out and take care of number 1. People will be upset no matter what so just tell them ... hay I have too much on my plate right now and you are the weakest link(the play not the person who asked this question). Sounds like your drowning just come forward TODAY so they have time to find a new lead.
2007-04-15 10:48:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There really is no way to back out unless you know someone who wants, or would take the lead role.
You really should try to complete the play, because it is very bad form to back out after taking such a big role.
I would suggest continuing, and getting some help on learning thise lines. Try reading them before you go to sleep.
2007-04-15 11:24:03 · answer #8 · answered by bodhran42 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on when the show is scheduled to open. There might be someone in the cast who can serve as a stand-in.
Happened on a show I was in at college (I was an English/Theatre major). We found someone in the cast whose part could be absorbed by other roles, and he served as the stand in.
If that's how you feel, do it soon, to give your director and the cast time to possibly save the show.
By the way: good luck. Don't be so hard on yourself, OK? It happens.
2007-04-15 10:48:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
well it depends on how far into the production of it you are, if it's just beginning, just tell the director that you have way too many things going on, and continuing with the show would not be helping you. if it's towards the middle, it's going to be a lot harder to get out of it. still, just be honest with the director.
hope this helps
2007-04-15 11:42:27 · answer #10 · answered by Jeff 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋