Gender In Musical Theatre

arrdad
Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:33:49 +0000

MTguyMom, I can tell from your comments that you are a good person. To be objective enough to recognize the disparity in MT acceptances of boys versus girls is impressive enough, but to be sensitive enough to be concerned about how to communicate your son’s acceptances to a fragile friend speaks volumes about your character.

If you and your son were friends of mine and my daughter, my suggestion would be to respond to our inquiries with honesty, and to tactfully acknowledge that you realize the selection process is absurd for girls. I would probably even appreciate it if you admitted that you didn’t know how to answer the questions without hurting our feelings. And somehow try to navigate that fine line between patronizing and showing genuine concern.

At the end of the day, you should be most concerned and most proud that your son is having success in the audition process. The odds may be better for guys, but you still have to be good to be accepted to most of these programs. Congratulations!