To the undervalued,
It's the first day of the new drama club show. Auditions were last night and everyone is buzzing; texting, talking, posting about the part they got. Maybe you nailed your audition and you will be able to display your acting prowess to the whole town in your solo. Maybe the name of your character is also the name of the show. Maybe you have the most lines. But what if you don’t? What if the name of your part is “Townsperson #6” or “Woman with Hat”? Does it make you any less talented or any less vital to the show? Of course not.
First of all, know that you are talented. When you all left auditions last night, probably still shaking from nerves, swearing you messed up your auditions, we went though every audition again, aloud. As the stage manager, I sat with the directors while we argued about whom to place where and we got frustrated with the lack of roles for everyone. Casting the show is the hardest part because none of you, in fact, messed up your audition. You were all great. Just because you were placed in a role shared by many, does not mean you are somehow less talented than other members of the club. Or, that you are any less important to the show
Second of all, know that you are important. The ensemble is like the foundation of a monument. It is typically not regarded as an architectural marvel, yet it is. If it were not for a strong foundation it could not exist. The beauty of a monument comes from its entire being, not merely the highest point. Without a strong ensemble, high school drama club shows could not exist because the ensemble is the foundation of the show. We cannot build a production with out a solid support system. The support system has, luckily, been found in you, the ensemble.
I have heard many say you are “just a member of ensemble,” when asked about your role. You are not just anything. Just implies a lack of significance. When you lose a pencil it is okay because it is just a pencil. When you get a paper cut it is okay because it is just a little cut. It would be foolish to describe a group of people critical to the show by using the word just.
Third of all, know that you are appreciated. I know that sometimes you spend the whole rehearsal working on one dance number. Sometimes it can be tiring, especially when rehearsal runs late. Sometimes you sit in the audience for the whole rehearsal because we swear we are working on the group scenes later, but never seem to get to them. But, thank you for being so cooperative, no matter how unpredictable the show is. Thank you for maintaining your positivity no matter how stressful it may become. Thank you for making the show more fun to work on and more enjoyable for the audience to watch.
So before you undervalue yourself, or allow anyone to undervalue you, know that you are talented. Know that you are vital. Know that you are appreciated. And most importantly, know that you are loved.
With love,
The girl on the other side of the desk at auditions
