Our latest drama teacher, Mr. D, (37M) doesn’t do auditions. Instead, he prefers to overview a student’s past stage experience. Mind you, this is the dinkiest little Canadian high school you could think of; no strict theatre regulations or anything and barely anyone even cares.
Enter me and my friend who we’ll call Rita (both 16F and same grade).
Rita has been doing drama since Grade 7.
I’ve been doing piano recitals and participated in two talent shows at the time.
When Grade 9 came along for us, Mr. D moved to town and let us fill out brief forms. He assigned me as the lead and Rita to a supporting role.
In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have exaggerated my past experiences as much in the form, but needless to say, I was hella committed when given the part- attending every single rehearsal and rereading my lines every chance I could. Rita did pretty well too. She was only absent in some rehearsals and only one of her lines were simplified.
Fast forward to Grade 11 and Mr. D was brainstorming an Addams Family inspired play. It was similar in the way where we just type in a few characters we’d be like to act as. Every girl signed up for Wednesday including me. But then the next day, Rita called me in tears saying I got Wednesday. Apparently when she asked Mr. D why she didn’t get Wednesday, he replied “because you don’t deserve it.”
I admittedly wasn’t comforting her very well, but she then goes on about how she’s been doing this since Grade 7 and never got a lead. Meanwhile I got handed the lead on a silver platter both in Grade 9 and now here too. Rita did tell me NOT to switch roles with her out of pity, but she and her mom did complain to the vice principal about Mr. D’s favouritism.
A few more days later, a brief new drama meeting was made and Mr. D broke the news to us that due to “rumours” that he doesn’t go on to specify, he’s stepping out of the drama program completely. This leaves the program open for another staff to manage it but of course, all of the staff too busy and who tf gives a shit? Needless to say, drama became inherently cancelled due to Rita’s report.
I feel very guilty and sad about all this. I do think Mr. D’s actions are something to question, but he’s also chill as hell! My friend has a tendency to exaggerate things and him saying “you don’t deserve the role” didn’t sound like him. However, she was still absolutely crushed. Even though it’s not my business, I could’ve very easily compromised and said to Mr. D “hey, I don’t want this role anymore. Rita would be better for it.”
Unfair or not, I was ineffably upset when drama was cancelled for me and also everyone else who wasn’t aware of what happened. And yet, it also feels like I’ve caused this cancellation indirectly. Thus, I appreciate any thoughts on this so I can potentially learn to make better decisions.
Honestly it sounds more like she was jealous of the attention you got. You worked hard on the role and put in the effort. It seemed like she expected to get given the role just because she had history. That is not realistic especially in theater. Do not take others wipes and hit onto yourself when you did nothing but exist and work hard. Not all friends are for life but some are stepping stones for experience and challenges that build you into the person you will become.
School isn’t same as theatre, expecially school like op describes rather than in US. People are meant to be given changes
ESH
Mr. D sucks for not having auditions to find the best fit, and you suck for lying about your experience. Rita sucks for killing the theatric arts at your school, so she definitely won’t get anymore roles now
NTA It sounds like the drama teacher stepped down rather than not be allowed the authority to run it as he saw fit. Your friend was jealous but you had a proven track record and were chosen because he felt you were the right one for the role. Was she a brat for crying to the principal about not getting the role? Yes, but ultimately it was the school leadership that killed the program for you
NTA. But your friend and her mother is. Hold crap. Does she honestly think the real world is going to be nicer to her? That is the acting industry. Its a cuthroat business who takes no prisoners. The drama teacher was merely honest about it. She’s probably not that good an actress. Who knows, your both in high school and I remember high school plays were not always that great. Don’t feel guilty. You’re friend should, Mr. D probably loved what he did and she ruined it by being an entitled little brat.