My 12 year old son has been given a solo singing part in a play but wants to say 'no' to it. Not sure if I should let him.

[tigermoth]

My son goes to a youth theatre group. He enjoys it and has happily taken part in 2 plays.

For the next play, my son has been given a small solo singing part - 2 verses from 'The Snowman' the classic 'I'm Walking Through the Air'. He was pleased at first but has now told me he really doesn't want to sing alone in front of an audience (play is on for 1 night, audience made up of family and friends).

I am happy to phone up the youth theatre organiser and tell him that ds1 is too shy to sing alone and could he sing it with other people or not sing it at all.

I am hesitating though, becuase ds1 has a good singing voice, loves singing in front of people at school (in class, not on stage) and has got told off about it consistently since he was tiny. He is pretty extrovert, too.

I think it wouild be a really good experience for him to break the barrier and sing 'properly' for once. In rehearsal apparently he sung it very well. If he says 'no' I think the leader will simply offer the solo to someone else.

Since he joined the drama group, I have never pushed him to volunteer for any big or solo parts - the group ask for volunteers before handing out parts - but as a result of this, ds complains about being bored as he is always in the chorus, and has the least to do on stage compared to the other actors.

The song is not my favourite by a long way, but ds1 seems fine about the choice so I not letting my views influence him. In the play, other children will be singing various solos, so ds will not be the only one.

I have asked my son to think about it again - I have told him I realise he is nervous and I can fully understand this.

Do you think I should push him a bit harder to accept?

Do you know anyone who has ever performed on stage? At any level? Is it worth letting them have a chat with your ds (if it becomes an issue again)? I am thinking of a chat that explains how it's quite scary the first time and he can expect to feel a bit nervous and tingly, that's normal, and he might feel his voice wobble a bit before he goes out but that's normal too and will soon stop once he gets going.... etc etc? Also to say that even though he might feel a little bit nervous beforehand he will feel totally brilliant afterwards as though he is floating? Also of course that he wouldn't have been chosen if they didn't think he'd do an excellent job!

Just wondered - my piano teacher gave me a pep talk a bit like that before a school concert once and he was absolutely right. I was terrified but he convinced me to do it and it was brilliant.

Hope it all goes ok!

tigermoth, he can msn my ds1 (same age) who is a seasoned performer!!

well, he did the matinee and in a couple of hours time will do the evening performace. He was nervous - as per ususal, when faced with exams or challenges, he was ill beforehand (sore throat, bad cold, two days off school) but recovered enough to give a lovely rendition of the song this afternoon (two verses). Got a big
clap from the audience and afterwards, had lots of nice things said to him by people in the foyer.

And yes he was floating afterwards, on a real high! Got to go back to the theartre now to see him again. Beetroot, thanks so much for the MSN offer - life overtook me and I didn't check this thread till just now. Will tell my son.

awwwwwww!

I saw this thread when you first posted and really hoped he'd do it. And he has! Well done Mothboy

That's wonderful!

Thanks!

He sung it again and I was so proud of him for overcoming his nerves. He hit all the notes. Someone in the audience was heard to say 'surely he must be miming it'.

He said he really had to push himself to his limits to do it but was SO excited afterwards - went to his first ever after play party, too. Full of teenagers and (shock horror) barcadi breezers and lager- he was the youngest.

Someone from the theatre taped the play it so we will have a dvd to keep. I think that will be lovely for my son, as after his voice breaks, he will have a permanent reminder of how he sung on a special evening.

tigermoth, I am so pleased to hear that he did it and enjoyed

Oh, that's fantastic, well done to your ds!

DEFFO BRILL

Well done to your DS