A Tale of Snow White: Where are you?

     Attendance was an issue this week.

     At the very beginning of the production we have a parent meeting. The parents get all the information about the staff, a rehearsal schedule and a chance to make us aware of any conflicts the kids may have. We try to be reasonable, understanding if a child needs to leave early for a different practice or church. However, we rely on knowing what these conflicts our before we make the rehearsal schedule.

      This week, in one rehearsal, we had six unexcused absences. Only 1 of the 6 parents emailed me the day before to let me know that their child had "other plans". It upset me. They signed their child up for this. We have something very useful to teach them; how to communicate, focus, and work together. Not to babysit whenever it's convenient.

      For a show, where one of our prime educational objectives is building an ensemble, absences are a big deal. You can’t rely on somebody else to get you through a tricky spot on stage if they’re not there. As the stage manager, I felt bad because now I have to send out a very pointed email to address the issue.