Survey Comment Replies, Part One

As promised, here are some replies to comments from our survey. Today I'll address our children and teen shows.

Comment: Need more (plays) that have more for children.

Out of 12 shows, there are roles for children in four of them. They are Cabaret, Brer Rabbit Stories, Secret Garden, and Miracle on 34th Street.

Comment: More roles for the teens. The future generation of NCTC.

Out of 12 shows, there are roles for teens or a teen in eight of them. They are Cabaret, Psycho Beach Party, Secret Garden, The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Romeo & Juliet, Fuddy Meers, Dog Sees God, and Miracle on 34th Street. Additionally, although there were no roles specifically for teens in What The Butler Saw, there are teens in the cast. Often roles meant for 20s can be filled by teens.

There are no roles for teens or children in two of our 12 shows. They are And Baby Makes Seven and Death of a Salesman. The roles are meant for actors in their 20s, although again, often roles meant for 20s can be filled by older teens.

Comment: I think we should have a play or two set aside to be for teens and children.

We always do. This year we have Brer Rabbit Stories and Secret Garden just for children. For teens there is Dog Sees God and Romeo & Juliet. We feel it's important for children and teens to work with each other and to work with adults. This stretches their abilities and teaches them more than just working with those of their age.

This year children and/or teens will have the ability to work with college-aged actors and adults in Cabaret, Psycho Beach Party, The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Fuddy Meers, and Miracle on 34th Street.


Comment: The theater has made some very poor choices...(including)...getting rid of kids camp.

I'm not sure where you heard that we got rid of KidsCamp, but it's scheduled for all of June, which is when it's usually held.

Comment: More family oriented plays.

I think the criticism that our 2010 is not as "family-friendly" is warranted in some ways and that is definitely something we'll look at. Although three of our 12 shows - Secret Garden, Brer Rabbit Stories, and Miracle on 34th Street are great for families. Last year, there were also only three shows that were considered family-friendly, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Jungle Book, and It's A Wonderful Life.

I will add that "family-friendly" is certainly subject to interpretation. What some parents find perfectly acceptable is not to other parents. Annie, which most people would consider a family-friendly show, disgusted one family who left the theatre in the middle of the performance because a character said "damn." Oliver, another "family-friendly" show, includes stealing, drinking, and a murder. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer includes murder, abuse, and skipping school.

As the parent of a fifteen year old, I don't let my daughter see a lot of shows that most other parents of teenagers have no problem letting their teens watch. I find many PG-13 rated shows not appropriate for my child.

I'll continue to respond to survey comments, so keep them coming. Your responses are very much appreciated.

If you haven't answered the survey yet, please tell us what think!