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Hi all... I hope you remember my son with the long blond hair who's drama teacher won't let him even try out for any plays because of his long hair...
Update:I have spoken with the teacher and surprise surprise... what the kids had reported was right on. In fact he told me that the only part he would ever even consider him for would be for a female impersonator... what a jerk!
This morning I had a long meeting with the School district Superintendant and he is supporting my son. He said No matter what happened they would not change the school's district's dress code and that my son would not be told to cut his hair. He apologised for my problems. They were going to take the teacher to task about this today but my son with the hair wants them to wait because his sister got a part in the play and he dosent want the drama teacher to take it out on her and make her miserable. They are going to wait until the play is over and then we will get this fixed...
So all that is good news and I will keep you all updated as things progress.
Esme
Esme,
I am so glad you took the actions you did. Going to the teacher first was the right thing to do. Unfortunately, and I say this as a teacher, far too many in our profession are not kid-friendly. Fortunately, you have a superintendent who sounds like a very good person and educator.
Part of me says--hell no, take action now, and just let him try and take it out on your daughter. Your son's order of things, though, is very admirable, and the teacher, it sounds like, will be dealt with.
Thank you for doing this for your son--and for all the other men who have long hair in places where they suffer for it.
Robert
Robert,
Actually once it was reported to me I went to the principal and then waited until I was feeling better (I have been pretty ill) and then went to the Teacher and then Today to the Superintendant... He is going to meet with the principal again too and then they will wait until after the play.
Esme
Right on!
You did the right thing. I myself audition for a part where the character is not supposed to have longhair, and I got a callback for Wednesday. I still feel in the back of my mind that the hair may be an issue.
I've been asked if I would cut it twice before, both times with a strong no, and surprisingly, didn't get asked this time when I actually auditioned.
Brian good luck on the call back!!! What is it for? Our school is doing As you like it... Daughter/Sister is Audry in the play.
E
Glad to hear it. And that's nice to wait for his sister to get off the battlefield before revenge is taken. Wait.. I meant disciplinary action.
Thanks Palehunter, I think he is a very supportive brother and thoughtful too.
E
Good to read the update, and glad you are getting support.
It amazes me that people will refuse a longhaired actor a part. Actors often wear wigs for a part, and that option is open to those wearing a wig to make their hair look shorter just as much as to those who wear one to make their hair look longer.
Good luck!
Thats great news Esmerelda!
Its good to finally hear about a School District supporting kids with longhair.
This Drama teacher needs a kick in the ass! Well, good luck again and definitely keep us informed.
---
Splat
Two cents from someone in the biz...
First off, I FULLY support your sons (or anyone's) right to do what he darned well pleases with his hair. It's nobody's business but his own. He has GREAT looking hair - if only my hair looked that good.
Second, I'm a long hair too. Well, not as long as your son's, but I'm working on it. I'm also in "the theatre." I'm primarily a musical director but have also trod the boards and done some direction.
That said, there's no reason your son should be barred for auditioning for any role he chooses. However, he must understand that he will be "typed out" of many roles because of his looks. It's not discriminatory, it's just the way thing work. Theatre is about creating a "willing suspension of disbelief" and let's face it, there are precious few roles for long haired high school boys in the types of shows they're producing in high school theatres.
The drama teacher doesn't have to cast students who don't "look the part" any more than your son should have to cut his hair to audition. There are far too many students already who are willing to do anything to their hair to get parts at the high school and college level. And once one gets to college and beyond, it's expected that one will adapt one's hair to the part. It's part of the professionalism that goes with the job.
Now, it's very possible to make a decent living in a theatrical vein without ever cutting one's hair. If he's talented with stage combat, your son could make a living traveling the Renaissance Fair circuit. If he's interested in technical theatre, there are all kinds of backstage jobs where hair is not an issue. But if he's got his heart set on being on the stage, he's going to have to deal with his hair sooner or later.
I know this isn't what you want to hear, and it wil be unpopular with the rest of the board, but it's the truth of the business.
I really appreciate your 2 cents... but the thing is he is a freshman in High school... Not planing on making Theatre his lifes work (I think he will be in computers). But he wants to be able to try out for plays... if he gets in fine if not that is fine too....
E
