06/23/2026
One of the biggest mistakes I see performers and parents make?
They put all their hope into one role.
They wait for the lead.
They wait for the supporting lead.
They wait for the casting decision that they believe will prove their child is “good enough.”
But Theatre was never meant to be just about the role you book.
Theatre is about community.
It’s about collaboration.
It’s about showing up for a team and working toward a common goal.
And sometimes the most valuable lessons a young performer learns happen when they’re not the person standing center stage.
They learn how to support others.
They learn professionalism.
They learn commitment.
They learn how to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Here’s something parents need to understand:
Many times, the person directing, choreographing, or running a high school or junior high production is not a Broadway professional or someone actively working in the performing arts industry.
They might be a math teacher.
An English teacher.
A passionate educator who loves Theatre and is giving students an incredible opportunity.
And that is amazing.
But their casting decisions are not a crystal ball for your child’s future.
A child who books ensemble year after year is not automatically “not talented enough.”
You cannot look at a youth production and decide:
“Well, you were never the lead, so maybe this isn’t for you.”
And yes, if a young person wants to pursue Theatre professionally, they need training, experience, mentorship, and opportunities.
Because the people who succeed in this industry are not just the ones who got the biggest roles when they were young…
They’re the ones who learned how to work with others, support a team, and keep growing.
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