The joy of Christmas (plays)

[ParkerTheThief]

Ahhh, that happy moment. Casting the Christmas play.

I have obviously allowed the rush of power go to my head

So far I have been accused of

Choosing a play that a pupil didn't want to do on purpose aren't I lucky to be able to read minds.

Allowing a pupil to audition for a part but not giving it to her (epic fail on the understanding of audition)

Saying that if a pupil refused to sing a solo during the audition process that it was fine, but obviously as the part required him to sing a solo he wouldn't be able to do it and would need to take on a different role.

As I'm typing I've just realised the son of a member of the Gov Body has been given a good part! The ultimate teacher sin

Good job I love doing the whole Christmas thing

[Sparklingbrook]

Give all the moaners really difficult costumes to make and give them 24 hour's notice.

[ParkerTheThief]

Ahhh, we provide all the costumes from school. If we don't have them we make them or buy them.

[ParkerTheThief]

It's quite sad really, i love organising and rehearsing with my class but reactions like this suck the joy out of the whole process.

[Sparklingbrook]

Really Parker that is most unusual and very parent friendly.

I remember being given 24 hours to dress DS2 as a mince pie.

I really can't imagine what sort of parent you would have to be to question the teacher about the casting for a Primary school play.

[ParkerTheThief]

We always have done - I remember the year I sat and sewed cracker costumes.
If we have parents who want to help that's great, but it is purely voluntary and we give loads of notice.

Mine obviously don't know how lucky they are

[Sparklingbrook]

The next moaner in-you tell them that Parker.

[NewNameforNewTerm]

We also provide almost all the costumes. Things we ask for are "dark trousers", "pale teeshirt, shirt or jumper", so really basic items to go under the costumes I've made over the years.

Every year I get parents moaning that their child can't keep the costume. Err, no, it is mine (not school's) and it is part of a set (e.g. 10 matching angels, a set of Russian Babushka dancers). I can't remake every year as it would cost me a fortune and huge amount of time.

I agree Parker, I love the Christmas play, but I'm sick of the parent moans already. Child A doesn't want lines, doesn't want to dance, but must have a big part. Child B wants to dance, but only with her friend, who is actually a wise man, so not in the angels' dance. Child C has already got the X costume so has to have the part.

I keep reminding myself of why I'm doing it and the fact that I can't keep everyone happy (unless I have 15 Marys).

[Sparklingbrook]

I am really shocked. My two are 11 and 14 so it's been a while but I had no idea. If I had known I would have been in the school having a moan.

What is wrong with some parents?

[givemeaclue]

Omg no moaning at our school, we take what we get and are eternally grateful not to have to provide costumes!

[ParkerTheThief]

Glad it's not just my school.

I have to admit that as a hardened long time teacher I do actually laugh about it, but years ago when I was young and naive it used to really upset me.

I even pointed out to the class precasting that obviously some of them were going to be disappointed but everyone would have a role. The pupils were fine and understood ...just not the parents.

I am still waiting for someone to realise one of my lead characters has a GB mum.
Shame that he can sing, act and learn his lines. I'll still be showing favouritism by casting him.

[Periwinkle007]

my daughter has just had a right strop because she thinks her role is meaningless. I tried to explain that there are a lot of kids in the play so there are a limited number of roles (secretly thinking 'great I only have to help her learn 10 words') but because she doesn't have a named part she thinks she is unimportant and has informed me she 'will do it very badly' so that she doesn't have to do it next year.

oh I pity her poor teacher...

[thegreylady]

My dgs is complaining because he can't be a giraffe [there is no giraffe in the play].He is a 'child in pyjamas' which he feels is a bit odd because ,'that isn't a play that's just me at bedtime.'

[ParkerTheThief]

At least child in pyjamas means a nice easy costume!

[Periwinkle007]

yes see the children don't think how happy the parents are to realise they have no lines/easy outfit/no stress etc.

[Galena]

I don't know if DD is doing anything and if so, what... Maybe I should ask.

[beanandspud]

When I've got a few minutes to spare I am going to write a primary school Christmas play:

It will have:

6 Marys
6 Josephs
2 Innkeepers (one male, one female)
4 Sheep (all with a solo to sing)
4 Donkeys (major speaking parts)
4 Disney princesses
4 Buzz Lightyears (or similar superheroes)

Everyone happy. Job done.

[Galena]

And market it with a complete set of costumes, beanandspud ?

[Periwinkle007]

you forgot the giraffe for thegreylady's dgs beanandspud

[Fuzzymum1]

My son stands no chance of a good part - I'm a TA and a Governor at school, and shock horror I volunteer there too.

[Fuzzymum1]

(that was tongue in cheek by the way - I'm not bothered who gets what part just happy I don't have to make a costume as school provide them!)

[thegreylady]

Thanks Periwinkle aslong as it has a giraffe I'll sell tickets :)

[ParkerTheThief]

Sell tickets... that's contentious

[beanandspud]

Ok, I've made a few amendments...

6 Marys
6 Josephs
2 Innkeepers (one male, one female)
4 Sheep (all with a solo to sing)
4 Donkeys (major speaking parts)
4 Disney princesses
4 Buzz Lightyears (or similar superheroes)
1 giraffe

All costumes provided unless parents particularly want to provide an outfit.

All parts carefully measured to ensure that they have exactly the same number of lines and time on stage.

Separate (sound-proofed) areas for different members of the audience - those with younger children, those without, working parents wishing to make phonecalls/take messages...)

All seats however to be in the centre of the front row.

[simpson]

DD does not know what role she has yet (yr1) I am waiting to be told the night before and that I have to come up with some obscure costume.

They have been practising the songs though so the build up is beginning.

She had quite a big role last year so she will not be happy if it is not the same this year (another one who pities her teacher!)

[simpson]

Forgot to say, DD really wants to be a pig

(Disclaimer: she went to a petting farm recently and her granny bought her some pink fluffy pig ears and she wants to wear them, either that or a leopard for some reason!)