Because we are an educational theater company, we want to be able to offer constructive feedback from the audition experience so that students can continue to grow in their skills. Auditioning for a show is a vulnerable process; students often spend lots of time preparing and planning for the opportunity to showcase their best in their “Minute to Shine”. When casting goes a different direction than students hoped, there often is disappointment and a desire to improve.
With these things in mind, here are a few guidelines and reminders for requesting feedback from the artistic team:
1.) Students, not parents, should send an email request to the Show Director through the Show Coordinator (h.bode@journeytheater.org). Parents are welcome to help supervise students in their request, but it is important for the request to be initiated by the performer so the Director can address them directly.
2.) Requests for feedback should be made before Act 1 Run Thru. Requests made after Act 1 Run Thru challenge the Director’s immediate memory recall.
3.) Requests should be made via EMAIL ONLY. Face to face inquiries are inappropriate. They are stressful for the student and cause the Director to feel “on the spot”. Giving feedback via email allows Directors to consult with their team and compile notes in order to give a well thought out critique.
4.) Students should expect to only receive feedback about their individual performance. Students will not be told why they did not receive a particular role. They will simply be given a critique of the audition they presented.
5.) Students and parents are reminded that sometimes there are no specific improvements a student could make. They performed to an exemplary level and could not have done anything different to prepare more efficiently. Casting a show is a difficult process and theatrical story telling often relies on physical ability to convey the story. We encourage students to know and understand their “type” and embrace the opportunity for roles that suit their strengths.
The Artistic Team is committed to pursuing the Lord’s design and vision for the show. They “pray without ceasing,” sometimes for months before casting. Casting a show is an act of faith on their part and we trust that the Lord will help them to place kids where they can shine, be a blessing, be blessed, and bring glory to His name!