What is the best way to show a teacher he's wrong...nicely of course?

Question

To explain, I have a Theatrical Arts teacher at my high school, he is one of my favorite in the entire school, a truly amazing educator. But up until now, I thought maybe he was a little more fair, and just than he really is.
He chooses favorites, now he would never admit to it, but he does. So when he is casting a play, it's the same people every time, and it's for all of the wrong reasons. I don't consider myself a seasoned critic, but the last play he cast had a terrible lead who was constantly falling into his old acts. There were so many other hopefuls with much better skills, but for some reason, he didn't pick them.
A rule in theatre is that if you have to coach your character out of one of their past roles, you shouldn't be wasting your time on them.
My teacher is a great guy, but how do I show him that there are better people out there, how do the actors and actresses as a group make him realize that he can't pick favorites if they aren't any good?

Answer 1

In all honesty, you can slip him your statement, but I doubt it will do anything but make him angry and defensive. Depending on his true character he could punish the whole class (if he knows for certain that someone in your class wrote it) or cast the same people just to spite everyone who may have criticized... there are many possibilities. He also could refrain from doing a show at all until the 'culprit' who wrote the note comes forth. In which case your school will be without a production at all.

I say to weigh your choices seriously before doing anything and if you do give him the note, act alone and tell no one. Then be sure to go out into the community and audition. Also, realize that your teacher may very well have chosen his favorites, but he may also have seen something in the auditions that you didn't. Perhaps those with promise did not deliver in the audition? Obviously none of us were there, but there are so many things that we don't know because of that fact. They may very well have been wonderful and overlooked but we weren't there. In school, seniority can also have a lot to do with who gets a role (unfortunately).

Perhaps you can volunteer to do a community service benefit to raise money for a good cause thus being able to showcase the talents of the people that you know are capable of playing such leads. Let them sing songs and / or perform scenes showing off the best of their abilitites and ask your teacher to be the guest of honor at the event but leave the planning up to you. Maybe the proceeds go to the theatre program or a local children's group that he has a hand in? Make sure you take the lead so you can hand pick the talent. The bonus? Think of all the community service hours to add to your college apps!

best of luck!!!

Answer 2

AS a former director who always cast my favorites in my shows, I know that your director thinks he is doing the right thing for the good of the show. However, he does not sound like the great teacher you say he is. He sounds lazy and without high standards and discipline. So I agree with those who say, just slip a copy of your question on to his desk. Do not get caught criticizing him, he will most likely just defend what he is doing and put you on the trouble maker list.

Answer 3

I think Marianne D is on the money.
I choose my "favorites" in casting based mostly on who does the best job in my opinion--and who works well, supports others in the show, etc.
Now I can certainly be wrong. But if I were told "you made terrible choices, you're wasting your time," I don't think I would look on that too kindly. And, not to "pull rank," but if a high school student were the one telling me this, I think I would have to avoid laughing at her.

Answer 4

Unfortunately it's part of the politics of the field. Maybe some of you who are never picked could go out and get roles in community theater productions, then maybe the teacher would realize he's overlooked some good talent in the past.

Answer 5

i've got had this communique before with professors and directors, and faculties are exempt out of this reproduction magnificent restrict. Camps are not allowed to tutor video clips, and faculties can not purely tutor video clips for leisure- yet they're allowed to apply them for academic coaching. maximum faculties, i might think of, do no longer harm this rule- yet there are possibly a pair that could push it to a boundary... working example, is a substitute instructor allowed to pop interior the maximum up-to-date Disney action picture to assuage the youngsters interior the lecturers absences? perhaps no longer. yet common use is authorized.

Answer 6

I think the way you put it right now is perfect for an explaination. Just tell him exactly how you feel-- come up to him in a group or by yourself and just get it off your chest. It's better to tell him and have nothing come of it; than to blame him for something that he probably doesn't know he's doing.

If he's a pretty cool guy like you said, then I'm sure he'll understand.

Answer 7

what you said right here sounds wonderful? just print this and put it in an envelope with his name on it...and either put it on his desk or in his mailbox...Your really saying he's a great guy,,,so...but never,never,tell correct or tell a teacher in front of kids,or other teachers...if you don't think this will work,then make an appointment with him and tell him exactly what you said here,,but I think letting him read this question would work wonders..and don't sign it...stay anonymous

Answer 8

Make him watch the Phantom of the Opera... Christine was a great talent that was not given a chance until that one wench lost her voice...

Answer 9

I would pull him to the side and talk to him. I would first tell him that he is your favorite teacher and he is an solid educator. Then, I would express my concerns.
Doing things like this takes courage. It will make you and him both better people.
Do it! It will help you grow!
EXPRESS YOURSELF!!!