About DD not getting a part - again

Yes I think that's a good idea. Your wording is non confrontational and her reply will hopefully help throw some light on the situation. It could be an oversight but your poor daughter must feel upset understandably.

Just to clarify, OP, your daughter has in fact been in the chorus for all of the recent shows, she just hasn't had a named/speaking part?

I would speak with the director if you feel she's being unfairly treated, but (going against the grain here, I can see) I wouldn't ask how your daughter can improve her auditions - this seems disingenuous. I'd just say honestly that you expected there to be a roughly equal distribution of the bigger parts across the various shows that are done, and can she clarify if there is a reason your daughter is being overlooked? It's possible she's not the most organised and it's a genuine oversight...

Stage schools are very competitive. My GD attended one. She failed lots of auditions. But, she improved her technique, eventually got into Italia Conti, and now works on a cruise line. 🙂

My kids do a regular drama class and they're very good at splitting parts between them. Last year they all did separate 2 person sketches so everyone got a chance to perform and those who wanted to, also did monologues.
I would definitely talk to them about it. Part of what you're paying for is the experience of acting on stage and having a part.

School plays are completely different and are auditioned for, but I would expect a drama club to be able to manage this better and be aware of who hadn't had parts recently.

It's a kids club so surely it's about encouraging them to perform and get better?

Also if that were true why would the leader have the rule that if you get a part in one show you won't get one in the next? She can't have that rule and tell the kids that but then suddenly decide actually she's going to repeatedly give roles to the same kids and leave others with no role.

Definitely ask, it is a failing on the teachers part if she attends regularly and not be trained well enough to achieve a small part.

Stage school is much more competitive, it's not about sharing out parts so everyone gets a turn. It's much more like auditions are.

I think what you suggest about asking how she could improve is spot on, but complaining that she hasn't got a part, isn't.

YANBU at all. It’s a paid hobby not a professional show.

All kids should get parts with reasonable regularity as that’s what’s being paid for - a chance to perform, not just watch others do it.

I would go and speak to the person who runs it, but don’t get angry

Yes this is lovely and the right approach. It’s a kids club, it’s not the west end. The kids are meant to be trying things out and getting new experiences. Their desire to want to do it is the most important thing. If too many want to do it for one show then they take in turns. I would talk to the person in charge and maybe find another group if this group didn’t match those values.

Exactly. Surely the show is for the kids benefit in helping them develop confidence and therefore they should be actively encouraging most of the children to have a role.

It’s a kids’ stage school not RADA. All kids who want to participate should be able to.

I think that's a shame! When I was teaching I used to put on shows and anyone who wanted a speaking, singing or dancing part could have one. I've added characters, added words and added songs & dances to accommodate the children because they are who the show was for!

Being honest I would of asked the question a few shows ago rather than waiting it out 5-6 shows with no part.

You aren’t being unreasonable and you are well within your right - you’re paying for this and the policy is there so why isn’t the leader following? You just need to call her and ask, “My DD x hasn’t had a part now for 5 shows and I’m confused as to why”

Do you think it could be part of a larger equalization of parts?

I do think you’re overreacting a bit and need to dial it way back. By all means have a chat with the leaders but more in a “hmm… dd was a little disappointed she didn’t get a speaking part this time, is there something she should be practicing or working on” vs. going all stage mum on the leader and pulling the girls from an activity they enjoy.

I would absolute say something. Someone should not have '2' parts when your isn't even being given 1 in spite of their own assurances.

Well, this suggests you’re massively emotionally over-invested, if you don’t think you can speak civilly to the teacher in question! Breathe and practise being polite and assertive. Can her dad, if involved, talk to the teacher if you’re likely to lose your temper and withdraw your child from a hobby she loves?

That clarification helps but didn’t answer the question…. You said your daughter has had parts before. I’m assuming speaking parts for those shows. In those shows have there been kids who haven’t had speaking parts.

Disregard… cross posted

Were there other kids that didn’t have parts when yours did?

Wow and you’re paying for this?? My ds school do a big musical every year, it’s performed at our town theatre. Any child in the school can be in it! Obviously the big parts have to be auditioned for, but everyone who is interested can be in the show.