Lara in Colo Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I am having some issues with the play my children's HS enrichment school has chosen. Here is a link to the majority of the play (all but the last scene) They have blacked out the part where the boy is picked on about his voice (and the "tests") This is for Middle School children and they will perform it for the 4-5 graders. I don't like it, but I don't know that I want to make waves and I want my child to do something that will help her be more outgoing. This play is stupid. I think it tries to be witty and hip, but just falls flat. I think it is TOTALLY inappropriate for younger children to watch. I also think it is inappropriate for my 12yo to put on. I think...... well..... Let me know what you think http://www.playscrip...s/aftermath.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 :001_huh: :blink: It's stupid. I don't know how this could help a child be more "outgoing." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Yeah. It's really really stupid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Dumb, dumb, dumb. There is so much better material out there-why did they pick this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted March 1, 2013 Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 Not only stupid, but It supposed to be "deep" and about bullying---or possibly about suicide. It makes me squirm in my seat and wish I wasn't reading it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misty.warden Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Just skimmed the play, my gut reaction is no mostly because I can't really put my finger on what it's supposed to be about (aliens? bullying about being a "thespian"?) and it sounds like it was written by some beatnicks who put Rage and a Greek poem in a blender. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I would not. I also forbid stupid Sunday school plays. If my children are going to bother to memorize something, it should be worth remembering. (I confess I only read half of it. The oodly doodles, rum tum tuggers, and yummy scrumbugglies were more than I could stand.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1bassoon Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 "The beautiful Iwana Somoora will shake her bootay. . . " :glare: Oh, yeah, 'Cuz that's SUCH good dialog. I'd pull my kids out, or offer to help find an alternative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 :ack2: :ack2: :ack2: I think that pretty much covers it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted March 1, 2013 Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 :001_huh: :blink: It's stupid. I don't know how this could help a child be more "outgoing." Not the actual play to make her outgoing, but this is my artist child who is happy to skip social time to hang with her teachers and do more work. I need her to be tossed into something where she is forced to interact with others. And she is EXCITED about doing it. She just has trouble knowing what to say when around peers-- this gives her a chance to have a reason to be with others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 If she's excited about doing it, let her go for it. So what if most of us (myself included,) think it's stupid? If she thinks it will be fun, let her give it a try. That said, I don't think there's any reason why she needs to be "tossed into something where she is forced to interact with others," if she seems to be happy as she is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted March 1, 2013 Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 If she's excited about doing it, let her go for it. So what if most of us (myself included,) think it's stupid? If she thinks it will be fun, let her give it a try. That said, I don't think there's any reason why she needs to be "tossed into something where she is forced to interact with others," if she seems to be happy as she is. Well, she is content, but sort of lonely. Last year she had a friend that went to this school, but he didn't come back this year and now she just avoids being around her peers. She does fine when she is doing something and has a topic for conversation, but is having trouble just being social and I was hoping doing a play would help her to get to know her peers and take the edge off of getting to know them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I didn't read the whole thing, but it says it was originally put on by a high school. Are the content and themes otherwise appropriate for 4-5th graders? That would be my question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Please, please read it through to the end. It gets. so. much. worse. than the 'rum tum tuggers.' I tried to tell Lara & dh yesterday that the worst thing about it was how stupid it is, but neither of them believed me until they were subjected to it. These brain cells we're building in our kids don't come free, ya know. Think of all the hours of math & phonics we've sweated over by the time they get to this age, & to have them flushed by a single mind-melting, coma-inducing play? (Our kids are in the same class.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I didn't read the whole thing, but it says it was originally put on by a high school. Are the content and themes otherwise appropriate for 4-5th graders? That would be my question. But it would be stupid for people of any age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 They paid something like $200 for this play, wanting it to be for a "wide audience." Now it's just going to be for parents, & 4th-5th graders "with permission." Dh felt it was inappropriate for *his* age (due to stupidity) last night when I insisted he read it. Each new scene sinks to a new low. It was SO gratifying to watch his jaw drop more and more. What can I say? I have a cruel streak, & sometimes it's fun to inflict bad writing on the people I love most. ;) (Maybe that's what the teacher who chose the play was thinking?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 As I said earlier, I absolutely agree that the play is stupid. But I don't think the content of the play is the issue in this case. Lara's dd wants to do the play, and it will be a way for her to connect with her fellow castmates, which isn't easy for her under everyday circumstances. I guess it's just one of those "socialization things," but I think the play is a non-issue and it's all about Lara's dd possibly making some new friends and getting a chance to interact with people in a situation where there is a built-in common interest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted March 1, 2013 Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 Well, we are going to try and convince the people in charge to get a play designed for this age group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Please, please read it through to the end. It gets. so. much. worse. than the 'rum tum tuggers.' I tried to tell Lara & dh yesterday that the worst thing about it was how stupid it is, but neither of them believed me until they were subjected to it. These brain cells we're building in our kids don't come free, ya know. Think of all the hours of math & phonics we've sweated over by the time they get to this age, & to have them flushed by a single mind-melting, coma-inducing play? (Our kids are in the same class.) Well, we are going to try and convince the people in charge to get a play designed for this age group. Perfect. There are two of you. That's practically a quorum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Well, we are going to try and convince the people in charge to get a play designed for this age group. I think that's a good idea. This particular play is a real dud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SorrelZG Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I couldn't make it past the second scene. Not even skimming. I am in awe of those who did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 It says it's designed for middle teenagers- and I don't think the younger kids are going to have any idea what's going on. Which may be a good thing because it's not an engaging story. I cannot get past the idea that someone wrote this crud and other people are paying $200 to rent the rights to perform it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I cannot believe this was chosen as the best option for 12yr olds- anyone, really! Is the author a relative, because that's the only explanation I can think of? I would not let my kids be a part of it. I'm pretty liberal when it comes to theater and performing but this is horrible. I'd be afraid it would turn my child off from theater or trying out in the future and wouldn't want him or her exposed to ridicule. Do you have a community theater anywhere near you? I would call them and ask about upcoming auditions or classes if your daughter wants to participate. Has your child read the script? I think my kids would not want to do it if they read it. If this stuff is selling, I think I need to start writing school plays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 A million years ago, when I was a grade-schooler during the Dark Ages, a group of teens from a high school came and did a play for us. It started off being the story of Goldilocks nad the 3 Bears, but then ended up involving police and detectives and philosophers and psychiatrists. After the first 5 minutes, none of the kids in the audience had a clue what was going on. When it was over, we all clapped loudly (because we had been told to be polite!) and the principal thanked them for coming to visit our school. It was totally stupid - and alot like reading this play. But I am sure the performers enjoyed themselves and had a good experience putting on a "show" for the kiddies. My vote - if your daughter enjoys being in the play, let her. I didn't see anything worse than "stupid" in it and none of the kids watching are going to get all those references to late 80's pop stars anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 Yeah, but that IS how some people talk. So it's acting...and a play...The fun and challenge for the actors is to take on personalities they don't necessarily have. Seems kinda fun to me. Yep, that was my first reaction: That's why they call it "acting." My kids have done all kinds of plays, some good and some bad. They've memorized and acted some great scripts and some . . . not so great. We've never said no to a show because the script was "stupid." In fact, I can't remember ever saying no to a show based on the script. Some of the most questionable scripts have turned out, during rehearsal and performance, to have generated wonderful experiences. And every now and then one of my kids will sign on for a production based on being excited about the script, only to have the rehearsal and performance aspect be a total disaster. If your kid is excited about doing the show, and there is nothing in the script or about the production that directly contradicts your family's values, why on earth would you say no? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 (Double post. Sorry!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 I think the sexual innuendo was inappropriate for a 12yr old. That was the deal breaker for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 That was dreadful. I just didn't get it at all. Unless this is a group of serious actor children, kids are horrible at putting on plays. Bad kid acting coupled with that horrible play (which made no sense at all) would have me running for the door. Yuck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 Lara and Aubrey, this is the company that our big homeschool co-op has always gotten our plays and musicals (middle school and high school) from: http://www.pioneerdrama.com/Plays-All.asp The high school musicals our director picked were always set in a time period and just a bit campy, but that may have been because she tended to pick that kind of musicals so it would be fun for the students. : ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 It sounds like someone spent the money and, rather than own up to it being a dud, wants to force the whole thing through. Yuck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhschool Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 :ack2: :ack2: :ack2: I think that pretty much covers it. :iagree: They could put on something cool like "The Miracle Worker" or "The Hobbit" or something. Or "Antigone" if you want suffering. I just re-read the title. No, I would NOT let my child do this play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 :iagree: They could put on something cool like "The Miracle Worker" or "The Hobbit" or something. Or "Antigone" if you want suffering. I just re-read the title. No, I would NOT let my child do this play. Rights to perform The Miracle Worker require a minimum payment of $100 per performance, and one must apply for a license before performing. The Hobbit is a minimum of $75 per performance, for K-12 schools. Other groups must negotiate for a license. Most agencies also require groups to purchase an authorized script from them for each performer, the director and stage manager. That requirement is part of the license agreement. Not following the rules in the contract can mean getting your license to perform yanked. Choosing and obtaining plays for kids, especially for groups working on a limited budget, is not as easy as some here are making it sound. Would the script being discussed here be my first choice for kids this age? No. But I'd want to have a direct discussion with the folks putting on the show about their motivations for choosing it before assuming I could do a better job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 It's also not THAT hard--I found a handful of free & cheap plays after just an hour of googling & reading samples online. My favorite was $25 to perform, & they email you a PDF of the script as part of that fee. You get to print as many as you need. The lady doing this play is an English teacher, so she has no experience looking for a play--but neither do I, & I'd still...not do THIS play. In her position? I would have asked one of the theater teachers in the district for some suggestions, not just paid a lot of money for something I hadn't read--only to find out it COULD be read free online. How did she even manage to order it without seeing the button to click for a free sample??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 It's also not THAT hard--I found a handful of free & cheap plays after just an hour of googling & reading samples online. My favorite was $25 to perform, & they email you a PDF of the script as part of that fee. You get to print as many as you need. The lady doing this play is an English teacher, so she has no experience looking for a play--but neither do I, & I'd still...not do THIS play. In her position? I would have asked one of the theater teachers in the district for some suggestions, not just paid a lot of money for something I hadn't read--only to find out it COULD be read free online. How did she even manage to order it without seeing the button to click for a free sample??? She said she didn't read it before buying? :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted March 3, 2013 Author Share Posted March 3, 2013 She said she didn't read it before buying? :blink: No, she said she COULDN'T read it before buying, only preview one or two scenes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 Well her paying money for it is sunk money. That doens't mena she has to perform it, when there are other options. (Not telling you anything new.) Just think of the wonderful things they could be doing together, and she wants her name associated with this drivel? I wouldn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted March 6, 2013 Author Share Posted March 6, 2013 Guess what???? I talked to the principal of the school yesterday and presented my case to him. He is a really level headed man and I admire him a lot; even though he is a public school principal, his job is to be the district home school support principal. In the past I have had him listen and respond in a calm and thoughtful manner. I spoke with him and he said the play was done all over the district in the public school middle schools (we are a county run HS enrichment), this made me sweat a little. Anyway, I was honest and said I really couldn't pinpoint WHY I didn't want my daughter in the play, it was poorly written, dealt with a serious subject matter in a confusing and unclear manner. We discussed how much we wanted the students do a play, to have the experience of doing a play and all that comes with it. The clincher: I said that the play was completely wrong for their targeted audience (the rest of the school). You see, this is a small enrichment program, the entire middle school will perform the play, leaving only 1-5th graders to watch it. I told him that I would NEVER allow my others to see the play, and most likely the other parents would feel the same, and what about the parents that don't have a middle schooler and haven't read the play, will they be blindsided??? There aren't very many ways this can turn out: Very few people come to see them. People come but are angry their child saw this play. Everyone is confused about the what they just saw (most likely). How does this help the students get a rewarding experience?? I spoke with him yesterday morning, We got the announcement about the NEW play today at 3. Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is the new play (basically for high school/middle school students to perform for an elem audience). http://www.pioneerdr...l.asp?pc=BIGBAD If you have seen it and hate it, please don't let me know--- I want to be happy for the next 15 minutes!!!!! No really, you can tell me..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laundrycrisis Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 I just read through sections of the first play, - wow, I'm glad you complained - that first play is just WHAAAAAHHH ! terribly, gah - distasteful, inappropriate, pointless and totally confusing. If I saw it on TV, it would inspire me to yell, "Turn that garbage off, and do not let me catch you watching low fluff like that again ! " There is no way I would want a kid of mine either acting in or seeing that play. (And our kids have seen and enjoyed a play that involved a teen boy gyrating and singing, "I'm Sexy and I Know It" repeatedly....and I didn't mind...I'm not overly sensitive. That first play was just wrong in every way.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted March 6, 2013 Author Share Posted March 6, 2013 I just read through sections of the first play, - wow, I'm glad you complained - that first play is just WHAAAAAHHH ! terribly, gah - distasteful, inappropriate, pointless and totally confusing. If I saw it on TV, it would inspire me to yell, "Turn that garbage off, and do not let me catch you watching low fluff like that again ! " There is no way I would want a kid of mine either acting in or seeing that play. (And our kids have seen an enjoyed a play that involved a teen boy gyrating and singing, "I'm Sexy and I Know It" repeatedly....and I didn't mind...I'm not overly sensitive. That first play was just wrong in every way.) Yes, we squeaky wheels agreed!! I am so glad that our Public school/home school principal is such a level headed, man!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 Fantastic! What a great outcome. You obviously handled the situation very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 Awesome! That script looks MUCH more fun to put together and perform. YAY! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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