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It was brought to my attention a few days ago that part of my expertise lies in finding a place for everyone. This seems to be an interesting aspect of children's theatre these days. There are programs out there that are competitive and believe in only having the best, doing the best, and great for them to do so. There are also those programs that do what they can with what they have and sometimes it "is a mystery" (Shakespeare in Love) how well things really come out.

I like to think of myself in the middle. This leads to our topic of "But what if?..." But what if I have a kid that has to be involved but hates to act? or what if I have a group of girls that are ganging up on one other girl? There are lots of scenarios that we as teachers handle on a daily basis and we hope that by dealing with these situations we are making that child or group of children better. That we are allowing for them to see the greatness that we see. Fine arts in general are about acquiring lifeskills. Team building, trust, public speaking, orgranization, and the list could go on for pages.

So I provide for you a few ways to include kids that need to be included or that you are just trying to make an impact on. Also, don't just stick with "artsy" kids. I attended a small high school in rural Michigan. Theatre was something (thankfully) that anyone could participate in. From all ranges of the adolescent social spectrum. It is not just about the amount of kids that go on to the professional world of theatre, but the amount of kids that understand how important preservation of theatre is as well.

Please note: These are general ideas and yes, stereotypes. You know your kids. Just be aware that "Children will listen." (Into the Woods)

Scenario 1: The dreamer. This child is often in its own world. Not really a singer, not really an actor, not really anything to the untrained eye. Often likes to read. Take this child and place into an ASM position. An ASM position? What? Yes, friends. An ASM position. The assistant stage manager position will gently force this child into the social world of theatre without too much pressure. I often have my ASMs run lines while my stage manager is calling cues during rehearsals.

Scenario 2: The loudmouth. They have a comment for everyone or love to contradict the director. They often are bitter about what part they get. This child is the child to double, triple, quadruple the amount that child should be on stage. Make that child SO busy they can't see straight. Even consider making them a dresser for one of the leads so not only are they busy on stage, but busy off stage.

Scenario 3: The kid with so much natural talent it hurts your teeth because they just don't care. This one is a tough one. You often need this child. Mostly, they are ridiculously charming. However, if you base your program around this chid, it will break your heart. It's a tough lesson but often these children are over extended and can't say no. The only way to deal with this is: Be aware of your kids. Be aware of what you are asking of them. Excellence is a wonderful expectation, however, it can end in heartbreak for you as well as them.

Scenario 4: The junior director. Often, the brains of the kids. Like the loudmouth, can have critiques for other students but more often, has critiques for you and other adults on staff. The "But what if we added 4 stair cases?" or "But what if we krunked to "Circle of Life?" or my favorite so far "But what if Romeo came back to life?" This child doesn't always realize that they are simply thinking out loud. A favorite way of mine to reign in this creativity is by giving that child an idea book and encouraging them to write their ideas down every chance they get. Then at the end of rehearsal I read their book. I also end up finding one out of the 1000 ideas that I can use.

Scenario 5: But what I really want to do is art. We often get consumed with "Oh, Mark is a great painter. He will paint and design all of my sets for me. He did it last year/show." Well, that's not always the case. A great way to get art kids involved is set dressing. The hunt for odd items and placing it "just so" is often a great way to use those artists.

Most of all, encourage your kids to use their talents in a way that allows THEM to be successful. If that is done, then you as a director will be successful no matter the outcome.