Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Dd11 at call back audition for school play...

Just being in ensemble can be amazing, and she WILL build up to that earned by paying dues role. What's great about theatre is you get the casting out of the way and then it's all about teamwork and everyone (audience including) hoping for everyone's success. I think it can be VERY good for gifted girls (I was a perfectionistic gifted girl and theatre saved my life). There's heartache over roles but the whole thing is so fun anyway, hopefully she'll be ok. And if they don't do enough plays, look for community theatre etc....

Try to remain a little zen-- let her feel her disappointment, but don't participate any more than you have to...

Being in a play is a great way to find a warm peer group. I hope she has a blast.

DeeDee

Thanks, she was very sad last night, and needed lots of hugs.

Yes, I think all of this is so true. I have heard many people say the same thing about theatre--actually I think those were one actor's exact words in her Tony acceptance speech this year. Thanks for the encouragement!

I think this is great advice. And I really do think she will have a blast! What could be more fun?

My 14-year-old son had to do ensemble for years before he got lead roles in a children's community theater, but he made some really good friends and learned so much. When he finally got lead roles, he learned how much more work it really was.

He got to feel what it was like to have all the lights shining on him as he performed on a stage in front of strangers. He gained so much confidence when he found that he could remember all of his lines and sing and dance well in front of other people--and he could even work through some pain if he had to because he knew the show must go on. I think that was one of the most valuable lessons for him.

With lead roles there was less time for just enjoying himself with the other kids, but he did enjoy it. It was something he had worked hard for.

He could have had a lead role in Pirates of Penzance this last summer--if he hadn't been in a brace. Even ensemble is impossible now. He can only sit and watch. He only talks to friends online now. His theatre friends regularly post on Facebook about all the fun things they are doing, things he can't do.

Your daughter is a very lucky girl.