Young People
Tue, 7 Aug 2001, 01:31 pmmelissa21 posts in thread
Young People
Tue, 7 Aug 2001, 01:31 pmWith the large numbers of young people now using this site, I felt none should miss out on a post which is now some way down the board (buried by Mr Gambles incessant ramblings, I'm kidding, the boy has now seen the error of his ways). After a lengthy debate about audiences and their leaving in interval, a debate which should remain buried, the following emerged:
'As a rule, we avoid employing the services of anyone younger than 18, simply because people of that age, while enthusiastic, are not usually able to be committed to one project for several months at a time, due to studies, personal relations and the general "finding themselves" issues. We do, however, have an average age of between 25 and 35. An ideal age as such people have well and truly found themselves, and are in theatre for the sake of theatre, and not just for the sake of something to do.
I'm not saying all younger people are unreliable, but I have to say this rule was introduced because there had not been a past production where at least one person of that age didn't decide to quit a show midway because of a relationship breakup! No joke! '
Thought I'd get some other opinions on this.
Melissa
'As a rule, we avoid employing the services of anyone younger than 18, simply because people of that age, while enthusiastic, are not usually able to be committed to one project for several months at a time, due to studies, personal relations and the general "finding themselves" issues. We do, however, have an average age of between 25 and 35. An ideal age as such people have well and truly found themselves, and are in theatre for the sake of theatre, and not just for the sake of something to do.
I'm not saying all younger people are unreliable, but I have to say this rule was introduced because there had not been a past production where at least one person of that age didn't decide to quit a show midway because of a relationship breakup! No joke! '
Thought I'd get some other opinions on this.
Melissa
RE: Young People
Tue, 7 Aug 2001, 01:58 pmI've directed 3 full length plays and 4 one acts, and in that time I've only had to replace 2 actors. Unfortunately, both of them were under the age of 20. In both cases, it was due to unreliability. I don't believe there was anything else involved other than having different priorities.
However, having said that, I have still cast young people in all of my shows and probably still will. I've worked with many teenagers (I teach them, too), and find the majority of them dedicated and talented, with heaps of potential.
I try to judge each person on their own merits, not on a generalisation because of their age.
However, having said that, I have still cast young people in all of my shows and probably still will. I've worked with many teenagers (I teach them, too), and find the majority of them dedicated and talented, with heaps of potential.
I try to judge each person on their own merits, not on a generalisation because of their age.