Nativities - how are parts chosen?

152 replies

SteppedOnTheLego · 23/11/2023 13:44

As the title suggests - how do kids nativity parts get chosen? When I was a kid, it was always the kindest, best behaved girl in the class who was rewarded with the coveted part of Mary, whereas the part of Joseph went to the most outgoing boy who didn’t mind having several lines but wasn’t necessarily the nicest boy, kids who were studious were narrators, the ones who’s attendance couldn’t be relied upon were carol singers etc……for reference I was cast as a bell ringer 😂
But can any primary teachers shed any light……how do they choose which kid has which part?! What are the requirements for a Mary, a Joseph, one of the Three Kings etc?!

OP posts:

FlutteryButterfly · 24/11/2023 08:26

MasterBeth · 23/11/2023 13:45

Nepo babies

Sorry didn't actually read the FT but you confirm what I've just posted below 😂

FlutteryButterfly · 24/11/2023 08:31

LolaSmiles · 23/11/2023 14:38

My experience is similar to other posters:

who will be reliable, learn their lines and turn up to rehearsals?
who is good at speaking clearly and confidently (or with some support can gain the confidence)?
who has shown they're not flakey because we don't want a phone call on the day of nativity saying that the child now has a guitar lesson/swim meet/has the sniffles ?
who will be good for funny or serious parts?
who really wants to be involved but is unlikely to manage their lines? Give them a part that has fewer lines.
who can sing in tune? Who can sing well in a group?
which children actually WANT to have certain parts Vs which parents think their children should have a certain part?

But if you ask on Mumsnet in December:

teachers give the best parts to children of teachers
the PTA meet over a caldron to maliciously meddle in the allocation of parts
the chair of the PTA gets to whisper in staff ears to get their children the best parts
singing parts should go to whoever wants to sing
a child who is terrified and won't speak in front of people should be given a large speaking part
auditioning singers is very very mean because you shouldn't expect any musicality for singing parts, especially solos
the nativity should have equal sized parts so all children in a 3 form entry school have the same amount of lines
basically if your child hasn't got the part you think they should it's obviously a conspiracy

My children never ever wanted a lead role or a speaking role so it absolutely didn't bother me or them if they didn't get a 'part'. Without fail, every production Christmas or summer, sporting fixture etc the teachers/school staff always got the parts. It was embarrassing. Their were plenty of other children that were capable and wanted these roles. It certainly did happen in out school!

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